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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS
ANNEX I CONTENTS
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2014.
Registration No. 333-199096
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
AMENDMENT NO. 1
to
FORM F-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
The Securities Act of 1933
GEORGIA WORLDWIDE PLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation of registrant name into English)
England and Wales (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
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7999 (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) 11 Old Jewry, 6th Floor London EC2R 8DU United Kingdom +44 (0) 203 131 0300 |
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98-1193882 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)
CSC Services Of Nevada, Inc.
2215-B Renaissance Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89119
+1 (800) 927-9800
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies of all communications to: | ||||||
Andrew R. Brownstein, Esq. Benjamin M. Roth, Esq. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz 51 West 52nd Street New York, New York 10019 Facsimile: (212) 403-1000 |
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Pierfrancesco Boccia GTECH S.p.A. Viale del Campo Boario 56/D 00154 RomaItaly Facsimile: 0039 06 51 894741 |
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Paul C. Gracey, Jr. General Counsel and Secretary International Game Technology 6355 South Buffalo Drive Las Vegas, Nevada 89113 Facsimile: (702) 669-7904 |
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Thomas A. Cole Gary D. Gerstman Sidley Austin LLP One South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60603 Facsimile: (312) 853-7036 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: As promptly as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction: Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer) o
Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer) o
THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT HEREBY IS AMENDED ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
The information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This proxy statement/prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of such securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to appropriate registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.
PRELIMINARYSUBJECT TO COMPLETIONDATED NOVEMBER 21, 2014
Dear Shareholders:
You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of the shareholders of International Game Technology ("IGT") to be held on [ ], 2015 at [ ] local time, at [ ].
As previously announced, on July 15, 2014, GTECH S.p.A. ("GTECH") entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with IGT to acquire IGT through the formation of a new holding company, Georgia Worldwide PLC, incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, which is referred to as "Holdco." The acquisition of IGT will be effected by (i) the merger of GTECH with and into Holdco (the "Holdco Merger"), pursuant to which each issued and outstanding ordinary share of GTECH, par value €1.00 (the "GTECH ordinary shares"), will be converted into the right to receive one ordinary share of Holdco, nominal value $0.10 ("Holdco ordinary shares"), and immediately thereafter, (ii) the merger of Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a Nevada corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco, with and into IGT (the "IGT Merger" and, together with the Holdco Merger, the "Mergers"), with IGT surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco, in each case subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement. As consideration for the acquisition, IGT shareholders will receive a combination of $13.69 in cash, plus a number of Holdco ordinary shares equal to $4.56 divided by a the dollar value of GTECH ordinary shares prior to the closing, subject to adjustments and limitations described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, for each share of common stock, par value $0.00015625 per share, of IGT ("IGT common stock").
We urge all IGT shareholders to read the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, including the Annexes and the documents incorporated by reference in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, carefully and in their entirety. In particular, we urge you to read carefully "Risk Factors" beginning on page [ ] of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.
IGT is holding a special meeting of shareholders to seek your approval of the Merger Agreement. The proposal to approve the Merger Agreement will be approved if holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of IGT common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting approve such proposal. IGT shareholders also are being asked to vote on a proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement and on a non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger. The proposal to adjourn the meeting and the advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of such proposal exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to such proposal, assuming that a quorum is present.
Separately, holders of GTECH ordinary shares have already voted to approve the merger plan regarding the Holdco Merger at an extraordinary meeting of holders of GTECH ordinary shares held on November 4, 2014. The resolution to approve the merger plan received the vote of 96.8% of the ordinary share capital of GTECH participating in the vote on the resolution and 69% of the ordinary share capital of GTECH outstanding, including those shares voted by De Agostini S.p.A. and DeA Partecipazioni S.p.A., which as of November 4, 2014, owned collectively approximately 59% of the authorized and issued GTECH ordinary shares and had agreed to vote in favor of the merger plan regarding the Holdco Merger.
Your proxy is being solicited by the board of directors of IGT. After careful consideration, the IGT board of directors has unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and determined that the entry into the Merger Agreement and the IGT Merger is fair and in the best interests of IGT. The IGT board of directors recommends unanimously that you vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, "FOR" the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit
additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement and "FOR" the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger. In considering the recommendation of the IGT board of directors, you should be aware that directors and executive officers of IGT have interests in the proposed transaction that are in addition to, or different from, any interests they might have as shareholders. See "The MergersInterests of Certain Persons in the Mergers" beginning on page [ ].
Your vote is very important. Please vote as soon as possible whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting by following the instructions in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. A failure to vote, failure to instruct a bank, broker or nominee or abstention from voting will have the same effect as a vote " AGAINST " the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement.
On behalf of the IGT board of directors, thank you for your consideration and continued support.
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Very truly yours, |
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Philip G. Satre |
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Chairman |
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International Game Technology |
None of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa ("CONSOB") nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved any of the transactions described in this proxy statement/prospectus or the securities to be issued under this document or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this document. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. This proxy statement/prospectus does not constitute an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any securities, or a solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction to or from any person to whom it is unlawful to make any such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. For the avoidance of doubt, this proxy statement/prospectus does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities in Italy or in the U.K. or any other state in the European Economic Area or a solicitation of a proxy under the laws of Italy or England and Wales, and it is not intended to be, and is not, a prospectus or an offer document for the purposes of the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority's Prospectus Rules or Listing Rules or within the meaning of Italian law and the rules of CONSOB.
This proxy statement/prospectus is dated [ ] and is first being mailed to IGT shareholders on or about [ ].
INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY
6355 South Buffalo Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89113
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held On [ ], 2015
A special meeting of shareholders of International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation ("IGT"), will be held on [ ], 2015 at [ ] local time at [ ], for the following purposes:
IGT will transact no other business at the special meeting except such business as may properly be brought before the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. Please refer to the proxy statement/prospectus of which this notice forms a part for further information with respect to the business to be transacted at the special meeting.
The IGT board of directors unanimously determined that the Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, the "Merger Agreement") and the other transactions contemplated thereby are in the best interests of IGT and approved the Merger Agreement. The IGT board of directors unanimously recommends that IGT shareholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, "FOR" the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement and "FOR" the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger (as defined herein).
The IGT board of directors has fixed the close of business on [ ], 2014 as the record date for determination of IGT shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. Only holders of record of common stock, par value $0.00015625 per share, of IGT ("IGT common stock") at the close of business on the record date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting. Approval of the Merger Agreement requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of IGT common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting.
Your vote is very important. A failure to vote in person, grant a proxy for your shares, or instruct a bank, broker or nominee how to vote at the special meeting will have the same effect as a vote " AGAINST " the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement. Whether or not you expect to attend the special meeting in person, we urge you to submit a proxy to vote your shares as promptly as possible by either: (1) logging onto www. [ ].com and following the instructions on your proxy card; (2) dialing [ ] and listening for further directions; or (3) signing and returning the enclosed
proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided, so that your shares may be represented and voted at the special meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished by the plan administrator, or record holder, as appropriate.
The enclosed proxy statement/prospectus provides a detailed description of the Mergers and the Merger Agreement. We urge you to read this proxy statement/prospectus, including any documents incorporated by reference, and the Annexes carefully and in their entirety. If you have any questions concerning the Mergers or this proxy statement/prospectus, would like additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus or need help voting your shares of IGT common stock, please contact IGT's proxy solicitor using the contact instructions on the enclosed proxy card.
By Order of the Board of Directors of International Game Technology, | ||
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Paul C. Gracey, Jr. General Counsel and Secretary |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
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[ ], 2014 |
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about International Game Technology ("IGT") from documents that IGT has filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), but that have not been included in this proxy statement/prospectus. Please see "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" on pages [ ] and [ ], respectively, for more details.
You can obtain any of the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by IGT at no cost from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. You may also request copies of these documents, including documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, at no cost by contacting IGT.
IGT will provide you with copies of the documents it has filed with the SEC relating to IGT, without charge, upon written request to:
International Game Technology
Attn: Investor Relations
6355 South Buffalo Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89113
In addition, if you have questions about the Mergers or the special meeting, need additional copies of this document or need to obtain proxy cards or other information related to the proxy solicitations, you may contact MacKenzie Partners, Inc. ("MacKenzie"), at the following address and telephone number:
MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
105 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10016
proxy@mackenziepartners.com
Call Collect: (212) 929-5500
or
Toll-Free (800) 322-2885
In order for IGT shareholders to receive timely delivery of the documents in advance of the special meeting, IGT shareholders must request the documents no later than [ ], 2014.
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ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
This document constitutes a prospectus of Holdco under Section 5 of the Securities Act with respect to the Holdco ordinary shares to be issued to IGT shareholders in the IGT Merger pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, the "Merger Agreement" among IGT, GTECH S.p.A., a joint stock company organized under the laws of Italy ("GTECH"), GTECH Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Gold US Sub") Georgia Worldwide PLC, a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Holdco") and Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a Nevada corporation ("Sub") and to GTECH shareholders in the Holdco Merger. This document is also a notice of meeting and a proxy statement under Nevada law with respect to the special meeting at which IGT shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement (as defined in this proxy statement/prospectus) and certain related proposals.
No person has been authorized to provide you with information that is different from what is contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus, and, if given or made by any person, such information must not be relied upon as having been authorized. This proxy statement/prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The distribution or possession of the proxy statement/prospectus in or from certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. You should inform yourself about and observe any such restrictions, and none of either IGT, GTECH nor Holdco accepts any liability in relation to any such restrictions.
Neither the distribution of this proxy statement/prospectus nor the issuance by Holdco of Holdco ordinary shares in connection with the Mergers shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of IGT, GTECH or Holdco since the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or that the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is correct as of any time subsequent to its date.
Information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus regarding IGT has been provided by IGT and information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus regarding GTECH, Holdco, GTECH Corporation and Sub has been provided by GTECH.
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The following questions and answers are intended to address briefly some commonly asked questions regarding the Mergers and the special meeting. These questions and answers only highlight some of the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should read carefully this entire proxy statement/prospectus, including the Annexes and the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, to understand fully the proposed Mergers and the voting procedures for the special meeting. See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [ ].
In the course of reaching their decisions to adopt the Merger Agreement, each of the board of directors of IGT (the "IGT Board") and the board of directors of GTECH (the "GTECH Board") considered a number of important factors in their separate deliberations. For more details on these factors, see "The MergersReasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the IGT Board" and "The MergersGTECH Reasons for the Mergers."
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Holdco Merger and IGT common stock in the IGT Merger, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement. This document contains important information about the Mergers and the special meeting, and you should read it carefully.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the IGT Merger (the "IGT Merger Effective Time"), each issued and outstanding share of IGT common stock, other than shares owned by IGT, Holdco, Sub, GTECH, GTECH US or any of their respective subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive a combination of (i) $13.69 in cash (together with any additional cash described in clause (iii) below, the "Per Share Cash Amount"), (ii) a number of Holdco ordinary shares determined by dividing $4.56 by the average of the volume-weighted average prices of GTECH ordinary shares on the Borsa Italiana (the "Italian Stock Exchange" or "ISE") (converted to the U.S. dollar equivalent) on ten randomly selected days within the period of 20 consecutive trading days ending on the second full trading day prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time (such average, the "GTECH Share Trading Price"), subject to a minimum of 0.1582 Holdco ordinary shares and a maximum of 0.1819 Holdco ordinary shares (the "Exchange Ratio"), provided that (iii) if the Exchange Ratio would, but for the cap described in clause (ii), exceed 0.1819, the Per Share Cash Amount will be increased by an additional amount in cash equal to the product of such excess number of shares (up to a maximum of 0.0321) and the GTECH Share Trading Price.
Moreover, as is described in more detail below and in "The Holdco Shares, Articles of Association and Terms and Conditions of the Special Voting SharesLoyalty Plan," Holdco shareholders who maintain their ownership of Holdco ordinary shares for a continuous period of three years will be entitled, upon election, to direct the exercise of voting rights in an equal number of special voting shares ("special voting shares"), subject to the conditions and restrictions described in the Articles of Association of Holdco to be adopted at Closing (the "Holdco Articles"). Each special voting share carries the right to 0.9995 votes. At the closing of the Mergers (the "Closing"), Holdco will issue a number of special voting shares equal to the number of Holdco ordinary shares issued and outstanding immediately following the Closing to a nominee to be appointed by Holdco (the "Nominee"), which Nominee will hold the special voting shares in accordance with the Holdco Articles.
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difference between the GTECH Share Trading Price and the value of the Holdco ordinary shares received.
Holdco has established the special voting share structure (the "loyalty voting structure") to reward long-term ownership of Holdco ordinary shares and promote stability of the Holdco shareholder base by granting eligible long-term Holdco shareholders the equivalent of 1.9995 votes for each Holdco ordinary share that they hold. The special voting shares do not have any material economic entitlements. Investors should view the special voting shares as a mere additional voting attribute of the qualifying ordinary shares.
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The IGT Board was aware of these potentially differing interests of IGT executive officers and directors and considered them, among other matters, in reaching its decision to approve the Merger Agreement and to recommend that IGT shareholders vote in favor of the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement.
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For further information with respect to arrangements between IGT and its named executive officers, see the information included under "Proposal 3Advisory Vote on Merger-Related Compensation for IGT's Named Executive OfficersGolden Parachute Compensation" beginning on page [ ] and under "The MergersInterests of Certain Persons in the Mergers" beginning on page [ ].
U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors in respect of the receipt, ownership and loss of the entitlement to instruct the Nominee on how to vote in respect of special voting shares.
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In addition, the parties have agreed that receipt of gaming approvals from 22 jurisdictions is a condition to closing of the Mergers. As of November 21, 2014, applications for approval have been filed in all 22 jurisdictions and seven approvals already have been granted. In addition, the required approvals from the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli have been obtained. In addition to the jurisdictions identified by the parties as conditions to the Mergers, either IGT or GTECH may make further filings with gaming regulators in various jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law, but the expiration of any waiting periods, or receipt of any required approvals, in connection with such filings will not be conditions to the completion of the Mergers. GTECH may under certain circumstances waive the condition relating to any such required gaming approval on behalf of both GTECH and IGT if completion of the Mergers in the absence of such required gaming approvals would not constitute a violation of applicable law on the written advice of outside counsel reasonably satisfactory to IGT and GTECH.
For further details on regulatory approvals see "The Merger AgreementRegulatory Approvals" beginning at page [ ].
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Agreement and performance by each party of their respective obligations under the Merger Agreement, (vii) the receipt of a merger order relating to the Holdco Merger from the High Court of England and Wales (the "Holdco Merger Order"), (viii) the formal approval by the relevant competent authority in respect of any prospectus or equivalent document that GTECH or Holdco determines is required in connection with the Mergers and (ix) in the case of IGT's obligation to close the IGT Merger, receipt of a tax opinion by IGT. In addition, GTECH and IGT have the right to terminate the Merger Agreement in certain circumstances. The merger plan adopted by GTECH and Holdco will provide that the Holdco Merger will be subject to the Merger Agreement not having been terminated by GTECH or IGT under the terms of the Merger Agreement; and, in particular, GTECH not having terminated the Merger Agreement following the exercise of rescission rights by GTECH shareholders representing more than 20% of the ordinary shares issued by GTECH at the date of signing the Merger Agreement.
For a more complete summary of the conditions that must be satisfied or waived (if permitted) prior to completion of the Mergers, see "The Merger AgreementConditions to the Mergers" beginning on page [ ].
Tax matters can be complicated, and the tax consequences of the Mergers to you will depend on your particular circumstances. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of the Mergers to you.
GTECH shareholders are entitled to cash exit rights ("rescission rights") because Holdco is and will be a holding company and, as a result of the Holdco Merger, the registered office of Holdco will be outside of Italy, GTECH ordinary shares will be delisted from the ISE, and the company resulting from the Holdco Merger, Holdco, will be governed by the laws of a country other than Italy. Rescission rights may be exercised only by GTECH shareholders who do not concur in the approval of the extraordinary general meeting's resolution. The exercise of such rescission rights
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will be effective subject to the Holdco Merger becoming effective. A GTECH shareholder who has voted in favor of the Holdco Merger may not exercise any rescission right in relation to those shares that the relevant shareholder voted in favor of the Holdco Merger. A GTECH shareholder that properly exercises rescission rights will be entitled to receive an amount of cash equal to the average closing price per GTECH ordinary share for the six-month period prior to the publication of the notice of call of the extraordinary general meeting, which is equal to €19.17.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, if GTECH shareholders exercise rescission rights under Italian law in respect of more than 20% of the GTECH ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of the date of the Merger Agreement, GTECH will be entitled to terminate the Merger Agreement upon payment of a termination fee to IGT as described in "The Merger AgreementExpenses and Termination Fees."
In the event of such termination, the Holdco Merger will not be completed and any exercise of rescission rights will not be effective.
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The IGT Board recommends that IGT shareholders vote " FOR " the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement.
The IGT Board recommends that IGT shareholders vote " FOR " the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger.
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If you are the shareholder of record with respect to your shares of IGT common stock, you may vote in person at the special meeting or by proxy.
IGT provides Internet proxy voting to allow you to vote your shares of IGT common stock on-line, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions.
If you are a beneficial owner of shares of IGT common stock registered in the name of your broker, bank, dealer or other similar organization, and you wish to vote in person at the special meeting, you must obtain a valid proxy from the organization that holds your shares of IGT common stock. If you do not wish to vote in person or you will not be attending the special meeting, you should have received a proxy card and voting instructions with this proxy statement/
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prospectus from that organization. Please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank, dealer or other similar organization to ensure that your vote is counted.
then the proxy holders will vote your shares of IGT common stock in the manner recommended by the IGT Board on all matters presented in this proxy statement/prospectus and, therefore, " FOR " the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, " FOR " the proposal to adjourn the special meeting and " FOR " the non-binding proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger.
Beneficial Owner of Shares Held in Street Name: If you are a beneficial owner of shares of IGT common stock held in street name and do not provide the organization that holds your shares of IGT common stock with specific instructions, under the rules of the NYSE, the organization that holds your shares of IGT common stock may generally vote on routine matters but cannot vote on non-routine matters. If the organization that holds your shares of IGT common stock does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares of IGT common stock on a non-routine matter, such as the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, the organization that holds your shares of IGT common stock will inform the inspector of elections for the special meeting that it does not have the authority to vote on this matter with respect to your shares of IGT common stock. This is generally referred to as a "broker non-vote." When the inspector of elections for the special meeting tabulates the votes for any particular matter, broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present, but will not otherwise be counted. In connection with the special meeting, broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote " AGAINST " the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting or the non-binding proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger. You should therefore provide voting instructions to the organization that holds your shares of IGT common stock by carefully following the instructions provided in this proxy statement/prospectus.
Shareholder of Record: If you are an IGT shareholder of record, you may revoke your proxy or change your vote in any one of the following ways:
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The most current proxy card or telephone or Internet proxy the inspector of elections for the special meeting receives is the one that is counted.
Beneficial Owner of Shares Held in Street Name: If you are a beneficial owner of shares of IGT common stock held in street name, you will need to follow the instructions included on the proxy form provided to you by your broker regarding how to change your vote.
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MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
105 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10016
proxy@mackenziepartners.com
Call Collect: (212) 929-5500
or
Toll-Free (800) 322-2885
You also are urged to consult your own legal, tax and/or financial advisors with respect to any aspect of the Mergers, the Merger Agreement or other matters discussed in this proxy statement/prospectus.
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This proxy statement/prospectus includes the consolidated financial statements of GTECH at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IFRS"). These consolidated financial statements are referred to collectively as the "Annual Consolidated Financial Statements."
This proxy statement/prospectus also includes the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of GTECH for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting . These interim consolidated financial statements are referred to as the "Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements." The Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the unaudited interim periods.
The GTECH financial information is presented in Euro.
The financial information of IGT is reported pursuant to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") and is presented in U.S. dollars.
Financial information of IGT included in this proxy statement/prospectus has been derived from the following:
IGT reports the fiscal year on a 52/53-week period that ends on the Saturday nearest to September 30. For simplicity, IGT presents all fiscal years using the calendar month end. Therefore, all year ended information is referred to as September 30, whilst the quarter end information is referred to as December 31, March 31 or June 30 as appropriate.
The actual period ends for the periods presented in the financial statements referred to above are as follows:
Fiscal period
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Presented as | Actual period end | |||||
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Year end 2013 |
September 30, 2013 | September 28, 2013 | |||||
Year end 2012 |
September 30, 2012 | September 29, 2012 | |||||
Year end 2011 |
September 30, 2011 | October 1, 2011 | |||||
Nine months ended June 2014 |
June 30, 2014 | June 28, 2014 | |||||
Nine months ended June 2013 |
June 30, 2013 | June 29, 2013 | |||||
Six months ended March 2014 |
March 31, 2014 | March 29, 2014 |
Certain totals in the tables included in this proxy statement/prospectus may not add up due to rounding.
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The following summary highlights selected information from this proxy statement/prospectus and may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. Accordingly, holders of International Game Technology ("IGT") common shares ("IGT shareholders") and GTECH S.p.A. ("GTECH") ordinary shares ("GTECH shareholders") are encouraged to read carefully this entire proxy statement/prospectus, its Annexes and the documents referred to or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. Each item in this summary includes a page reference directing you to a more complete description of that item. Please see "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [ ].
Information about the Companies (see page [ ])
International Game Technology is a global gaming company specializing in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of casino-style gaming equipment, systems technology, and game content across multiple platformsland-based, online real-money and social gaming. IGT is a leading supplier of gaming entertainment products worldwide and provides a diverse offering of quality products and services at competitive prices, designed to enhance the gaming player experience.
International Game Technology was incorporated in Nevada in December 1980 to facilitate its initial public offering in 1981. Principally serving the U.S. gaming markets when founded, IGT expanded into jurisdictions outside the U.S. beginning in 1986.
The principal executive offices of IGT are located at 6355 South Buffalo Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89113 and its telephone number at that address is (702) 669-7777.
GTECH S.p.A. is a corporation ( società per azioni ) incorporated under the laws of Italy. The predecessor of GTECH was founded in 1990 as a consortium organized under the laws of Italy and later converted into a corporation. GTECH is one of the leading gaming operators in the world based on total wagers and, through its subsidiaries, including GTECH Corporation, is a leading B2B provider of lottery and gaming technology solutions and services worldwide. GTECH's goal is to be the leading commercial operator and provider of technology in the regulated worldwide gaming markets by delivering market leading products and services with a steadfast commitment to integrity, responsibility and growth. GTECH is listed on the ISE under the trading symbol "GTK" and has a Sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt program listed on the United States over the counter market under the trading symbol "GTKYY". GTECH provides business-to-consumer and business-to-business products and services to customers in approximately 100 countries worldwide on six continents and had 8,668 employees at September 30, 2014.
The principal executive offices of GTECH S.p.A. are located at Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00154 Roma, Italy and its telephone number at that address is +39 06 51 899 1.
GTECH Corporation is a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of GTECH S.p.A.
The principal executive offices of GTECH Corporation are located at 10 Memorial Boulevard, Providence, RI 02903 and its telephone number at that address is (401) 392-1000.
Georgia Worldwide PLC ("Holdco") is a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales. Holdco was incorporated on July 11, 2014 for the purpose of effecting the Mergers
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(as defined below) as a private limited liability company under the legal name Georgia Worldwide Limited. On September 16, 2014, Holdco was re-registered as a public limited company under the legal name Georgia Worldwide PLC. Holdco has not conducted any business operations other than that incidental to its formation and in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, Holdco does not beneficially own any shares of IGT common stock. Following the Mergers, it is expected that Holdco ordinary shares will be listed on the NYSE under the symbol "[ ]."
The principal executive offices of Georgia Worldwide PLC are located at 11 Old Jewry, 6th Floor, London, EC2R 8DU, United Kingdom and its telephone number at that address is +44 (0) 203 131 0300. Georgia Worldwide PLC's registered agent is Elian Corporate Services (UK) Limited (formerly Ogier Corporate Services (UK) Ltd.), 11 Old Jewry, 6th Floor, London, EC2R 8DU and its telephone number is +44 207 160 5000.
Georgia Worldwide Corporation ("Sub") a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco, was incorporated on July 11, 2014 under the laws of the State of Nevada. Sub is a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco that was formed solely for the purpose of effecting the IGT Merger (as defined below). Sub has not conducted any business operations other than that incidental to its formation and in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, Sub does not beneficially own any shares of IGT common stock.
The principal executive offices of Sub are located at 10 Memorial Boulevard, Providence, RI 02903 and its telephone number is (401) 392-1000.
The Agreement and Plan of Merger (see page [ ])
A copy of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, the "Merger Agreement") is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus. GTECH and IGT encourage you to read the entire Merger Agreement carefully because it is the principal document governing the Mergers. For more information on the Merger Agreement, see the section entitled "The Merger Agreement" beginning on page [ ].
Structure of the Transaction (see page [ ])
The transaction will take place in two steps. First, GTECH will merge with and into Holdco in a cross-border merger (the "Holdco Merger") pursuant to which, following the effective time of the Holdco Merger (the "Holdco Merger Effective Time"), the independent existence of GTECH will cease, with Holdco surviving as the continuing entity. Immediately following the Holdco Merger Effective Time, Sub will merge with and into IGT in a reverse subsidiary merger, with IGT surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco (the "IGT Merger" and, together with the Holdco Merger, the "Mergers").
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The following diagrams illustrate in simplified terms the current structure of GTECH and IGT and the expected structure of Holdco following the completion of the combination and certain reorganization transactions.
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Merger Consideration (see page [ ])
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the Holdco Merger Effective Time, each GTECH ordinary share, other than GTECH ordinary shares owned by Holdco, Sub, GTECH, GTECH Corporation ("GTECH US"), IGT or any of their respective subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive one Holdco ordinary share.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at effective time of the IGT Merger (the "IGT Merger Effective Time"), each issued and outstanding share of IGT common stock, other than shares owned by Holdco, Sub, GTECH, GTECH US, IGT or any of their respective subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive a combination of (i) the "Per Share Cash Amount," which is $13.69 in cash (together with any additional cash described in clause (iii) below) and (ii) the "Exchange Ratio," which is equal to a number of ordinary shares, nominal value $0.10 per share of Holdco (the "Holdco ordinary shares") determined by dividing $4.56 by the GTECH Share Trading Price, subject to a minimum of 0.1582 Holdco ordinary shares and a maximum of 0.1819 Holdco ordinary shares, provided that (iii) if the Exchange Ratio would, but for the cap described in clause (ii), exceed 0.1819, the Per Share Cash Amount will be increased by an additional amount in cash equal to the product of such excess number of shares (up to a maximum of 0.0321) and the GTECH Share Trading Price. The "GTECH Share Trading Price" is equal to the average of the volume-weighted average prices of ordinary shares, par value €1.00 of GTECH (the "GTECH ordinary shares") on the ISE (converted to the U.S. dollar equivalent) on ten randomly selected days within the period of 20 consecutive trading days ending on the second full trading day prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time.
Based on the number of GTECH ordinary shares and shares of IGT common stock outstanding on [ ], 2014, and assuming that no rescission rights are exercised by GTECH shareholders, it is anticipated that former IGT shareholders will own approximately [ ]% and former GTECH shareholders will own approximately [ ]% of the issued and outstanding Holdco ordinary shares immediately after completion of the Mergers. De Agostini, the largest shareholder of GTECH, is expected to own 47.1% of the issued and outstanding Holdco ordinary shares immediately after completion of the Mergers. It is currently estimated that (i) Holdco will issue or reserve for issuance approximately [ ] million Holdco ordinary shares for the Holdco Merger and approximately [ ] million Holdco ordinary shares for the IGT Merger and (ii) that the aggregate cash portion of the consideration to be paid to IGT shareholders will be approximately $[ ] million.
In lieu of fractional shares, each IGT shareholder otherwise entitled to a fractional Holdco ordinary share will be entitled to receive an amount in cash (without interest), rounded down to the nearest cent, determined by multiplying (i) the GTECH Share Trading Price by (ii) the fractional entitlement.
Treatment of GTECH Equity Awards (see page [ ])
Stock Options. At the Holdco Merger Effective Time, each stock option to acquire GTECH ordinary shares based on the value thereof granted under any GTECH stock plan that is outstanding immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time will be converted into an option, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the GTECH stock option prior to the Holdco Merger based on that number of Holdco ordinary shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the number of GTECH ordinary shares subject to GTECH stock option or stock appreciation right immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time by (ii) the Holdco Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per share equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the per share exercise price specified in the stock option immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time by (B) the Holdco Exchange Ratio.
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Restricted Stock Awards. At the Holdco Merger Effective Time, each GTECH ordinary share subject to vesting or other lapse restrictions pursuant to the GTECH stock plan immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time will be converted into the right to receive a number of Holdco ordinary shares equal to the Holdco Exchange Ratio, subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the GTECH restricted share award prior to the Holdco Merger.
Treatment of IGT Equity Awards (see page [ ])
Stock Options. At the IGT Merger Effective Time, each outstanding unvested IGT stock option will fully vest and each outstanding IGT stock option will be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment equal to the product of (i) the total number of shares subject to such stock option and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Cash Amount over the exercise price per share of such stock option. Any IGT stock option that has a per-share exercise price that is greater than the Cash Amount will be cancelled for no consideration. The "Cash Amount" is equal to the sum of (a) the Per Share Cash Amount and (b) the product of the Exchange Ratio and the GTECH Share Trading Price.
Restricted Stock Units. At the IGT Merger Effective Time, except as noted below, each outstanding award of IGT restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units) will fully vest and be cancelled in exchange for an amount equal to the product of (i) the number of shares subject to such award (which, in the case of performance-based restricted stock units, will be based on performance measures achieved or deemed achieved as of the IGT Merger Effective Time), and (ii) the Cash Amount. IGT restricted stock unit awards granted between July 1, 2013 and July 15, 2014 (other than grants to non-employee directors or to employees who will become retirement-eligible prior to the final year of the award cycle) as well as certain awards granted after July 15, 2014 will be converted into a time vested award with respect to Holdco ordinary shares, based on the Exchange Ratio and the performance measures achieved or deemed achieved as of the IGT Merger Effective Time, and vest on the earlier of (x) the date such award would have otherwise vested pursuant to the original terms of the award agreement and (y) the first anniversary of the Closing, subject to the employee's continued employment through the applicable vesting date (or upon a qualifying termination of employment prior to that date).
GTECH Reasons for the Mergers (see page [ ])
At its meeting on July 13, 2014, the board of directors of GTECH (the "GTECH Board") unanimously authorized GTECH's entry into the Merger Agreement and concluded that, taking into account the then-current circumstances, the Mergers are fair to the shareholders of GTECH from a financial point of view.
The GTECH Board considered many factors in reaching the conclusion that, taking into account the then-current circumstances, the Mergers are fair to the shareholders of GTECH from a financial point of view. In arriving at its conclusion, the GTECH Board consulted with GTECH's management, legal advisors and its financial advisor, reviewed a significant amount of information, considered a number of factors in its deliberations and concluded that the transaction is likely to result in significant strategic and financial benefits to GTECH and its shareholders. For a more complete discussion of these factors, see "The MergersGTECH Reasons for the Mergers," beginning on page [ ].
Opinion of Credit Suisse as Financial Advisor to GTECH (see page [ ])
In connection with the Mergers, Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited ("Credit Suisse"), GTECH's financial advisor, delivered to the GTECH Board on July 13, 2014, its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing on July 15, 2014, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of such opinion, to the holders of GTECH's ordinary shares of the exchange of one Holdco ordinary share per GTECH ordinary share (the "Holdco Exchange Ratio") as provided by
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the Merger Agreement in connection with the Holdco Merger and after giving effect to the aggregate merger consideration to be delivered to IGT shareholders in connection with the IGT Merger.
The full text of Credit Suisse's written opinion dated July 15, 2014, which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and limits on the review undertaken, is attached as Annex G to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The shareholders of GTECH are urged to read the opinion in its entirety. Credit Suisse's written opinion is addressed to the GTECH Board, is directed only to the Holdco Exchange Ratio and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of GTECH as to how such shareholder should vote or act with respect to the Mergers or any other matter.
On October 1, 2014, in accordance with Italian market practice and to assist the GTECH board of directors with its approval of the merger plan regarding the Holdco Merger, Credit Suisse delivered to the GTECH board of directors a "bring-down" written opinion stating that, on the basis of the same criteria upon which the initial written opinion, dated July 15, 2014, was given, and on the basis of the same premises, qualifications and assumptions set out therein, as of October 1, 2014, nothing had come to Credit Suisse's attention which would cause it to alter its opinion that the Holdco Exchange Ratio, after giving effect to the aggregate merger consideration to be paid to IGT shareholders in the IGT Merger, was fair, from a financial point of view, to GTECH shareholders. A copy of Credit Suisse's "bring-down" opinion is attached hereto as Annex H.
For a description of the opinions that GTECH received from Credit Suisse, see "The MergersOpinion of Credit Suisse as Financial Advisor to GTECH" beginning on page [ ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.
Reasons for the Mergers and Recommendation of the IGT Board (see page [ ])
At its meeting held on July 15, 2014, the board of directors of IGT (the "IGT Board") unanimously (i) approved the Merger Agreement, (ii) determined that the Merger Agreement, the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are in the best interests of IGT, (iii) directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to the IGT shareholders for approval at the special meeting, and (iv) determined to recommend that the IGT shareholders vote in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement.
In adopting the Merger Agreement, the IGT Board considered a variety of factors in favor of the Mergers, which are discussed in further detail in "The MergersReasons for the Mergers and Recommendation of the IGT Board" on page [ ].
The IGT Board unanimously recommends that IGT shareholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, "FOR" the proposal to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if it is necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement and "FOR" the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger.
Opinion of Morgan Stanley as Financial Advisor to IGT (see page [ ])
At a meeting of the IGT Board on July 15, 2014, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC ("Morgan Stanley"), rendered to the IGT Board its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing on the same date, to the effect that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the various assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the scope of review undertaken by Morgan Stanley as set forth in its written opinion, the merger consideration to be received by the holders of shares of IGT common stock, taken in the aggregate, pursuant to the Merger Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such holders. On September 15, 2014, at a meeting of the IGT Board, Morgan Stanley delivered an oral confirmation to the IGT Board
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confirming that, based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions described, had Morgan Stanley issued its written opinion referred to above on July 15, 2014 on the basis of the transactions contemplated by the current Merger Agreement, as amended by the Amendment, the conclusion set forth in its opinion would not have changed, which oral confirmation was subsequently confirmed in writing. The confirmatory letter did not address any circumstances, developments or events occurring after July 15, 2014, other than the execution of the Amendment, and Morgan Stanley's opinion is provided only as of such date.
The full text of Morgan Stanley's written fairness opinion to the IGT Board, dated as of July 15, 2014, and the confirmatory letter of Morgan Stanley, dated as of September 15, 2014, are attached hereto as Annex E and Annex F, respectively, and are incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference. The foregoing summary of Morgan Stanley's opinion and confirmatory letter is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion and confirmatory letter. The opinion and confirmatory letter set forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the scope of review undertaken by Morgan Stanley in rendering such opinion and such confirmatory letter. You are urged to, and should, read Morgan Stanley's opinion and confirmatory letter and the summary of Morgan Stanley's opinion contained in this proxy statement/prospectus carefully and in their entirety. Morgan Stanley's opinion and confirmatory letter were for the benefit of the IGT Board, in its capacity as such, in connection with the IGT Board's consideration of the Mergers. Morgan Stanley's opinion addressed only the fairness from a financial point of view of the merger consideration, taken in the aggregate, to be received by the holders of shares of IGT common stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement, as of the date of the opinion and did not address any other aspects or implications of the Mergers. Morgan Stanley's opinion and confirmatory letter express no opinion or recommendation as to the underlying decision of IGT to engage in the proposed Mergers and were not intended to, and do not, constitute advice or a recommendation as to how any shareholder of IGT or GTECH should vote at any shareholders' meeting held in connection with the proposed Mergers or take any other action with respect to the Mergers. Morgan Stanley's opinion and confirmatory letter do not in any manner address the prices at which the Holdco ordinary shares will trade following completion of the Mergers or any time in the future.
For a description of the opinion and confirmatory letter that IGT received from Morgan Stanley, see "The MergersOpinion of Morgan Stanley as Financial Advisor to IGT" beginning page [ ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.
Comparative Per Share Market Price and Dividend Information (see page [ ])
The following table sets forth the closing market price per share of IGT common stock and GTECH ordinary shares in U.S. dollar or Euro, as the case may be, as reported on the NYSE for IGT shares or the ISE for GTECH ordinary shares. The table also sets forth the implied value of the merger consideration of Holdco ordinary shares per share of IGT common stock on each of the following dates, including the effect of the collar. In each case, the prices are given:
You are urged to obtain current market quotations for GTECH ordinary shares and IGT shares before making your decision with respect to the approval of the Merger Agreement. GTECH shares are listed on the Borsa Italiana (the "Italian Stock Exchange" or "ISE") under the symbol "GTK." IGT shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "IGT."
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The market price per share of GTECH ordinary shares and IGT shares could change significantly and may not be indicative of the value of Holdco ordinary shares once they start trading.
|
GTECH
ISE Trading |
IGT
NYSE Trading |
Equivalent
Value for Holdco Ordinary Shares |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
June 16, 2014 |
€ | 19.18 | $ | 15.64 | $ | 18.25 | ||||
July 15, 2014 |
€ | 18.44 | $ | 15.50 | $ | 18.25 | ||||
November 19, 2014 |
€ | 18.52 | $ | 17.09 | $ | 18.25 |
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sale prices of GTECH ordinary shares and IGT shares.
|
GTECH ISE
Trading |
IGT NYSE
Trading |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reference Date
|
High | Low | High | Low | |||||||||
Year |
|||||||||||||
2013 |
€ | 23.23 | € | 17.59 | $ | 21.11 | $ | 14.60 | |||||
2012 |
€ | 17.94 | € | 11.28 | $ | 17.78 | $ | 11.10 | |||||
2011 |
€ | 15.14 | € | 8.75 | $ | 18.95 | $ | 13.54 | |||||
2010 |
€ | 14.50 | € | 8.99 | $ | 21.72 | $ | 13.82 | |||||
2009 |
€ | 17.64 | € | 11.59 | $ | 23.05 | $ | 7.12 |
|
GTECH ISE
Trading |
IGT NYSE
Trading |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reference Date
|
High | Low | High | Low | |||||||||
Quarter |
|||||||||||||
Third Quarter 2014 |
€ | 19.21 | € | 15.43 | $ | 17.37 | $ | 15.11 | |||||
Second Quarter 2014 |
€ | 22.46 | € | 17.85 | $ | 16.13 | $ | 12.22 | |||||
First Quarter 2014 |
€ | 23.98 | € | 22.01 | $ | 18.14 | $ | 13.57 | |||||
Fourth Quarter 2013 |
€ | 23.23 | € | 20.74 | $ | 19.81 | $ | 16.43 | |||||
Third Quarter 2013 |
€ | 22.80 | € | 19.00 | $ | 21.11 | $ | 16.57 | |||||
Second Quarter 2013 |
€ | 21.64 | € | 18.09 | $ | 18.81 | $ | 15.83 | |||||
First Quarter 2013 |
€ | 19.24 | € | 17.59 | $ | 17.31 | $ | 14.60 | |||||
Fourth Quarter 2012 |
€ | 17.94 | € | 15.99 | $ | 14.68 | $ | 12.57 | |||||
Third Quarter 2012 |
€ | 17.55 | € | 15.03 | $ | 16.00 | $ | 11.10 |
|
GTECH ISE
Trading |
IGT NYSE
Trading |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reference Date
|
High | Low | High | Low | |||||||||
Month |
|||||||||||||
October 2014 |
€ | 18.65 | € | 18.18 | $ | 17.07 | $ | 16.00 | |||||
September 2014 |
€ | 18.81 | € | 17.89 | $ | 16.97 | $ | 16.27 | |||||
August 2014 |
€ | 18.20 | € | 15.43 | $ | 16.86 | $ | 16.29 | |||||
July 2014 |
€ | 19.21 | € | 18.00 | $ | 17.37 | $ | 15.11 | |||||
June 2014 |
€ | 20.25 | € | 17.85 | $ | 16.13 | $ | 12.46 | |||||
May 2014 |
€ | 21.71 | € | 19.39 | $ | 12.73 | $ | 12.22 | |||||
April 2014 |
€ | 22.46 | € | 20.74 | $ | 14.07 | $ | 12.25 | |||||
March 2014 |
€ | 23.98 | € | 22.01 | $ | 15.85 | $ | 13.57 | |||||
February 2014 |
€ | 23.96 | € | 22.12 | $ | 15.09 | $ | 14.12 | |||||
January 2014 |
€ | 23.26 | € | 22.09 | $ | 18.14 | $ | 14.43 |
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As of November 19, 2014 (the latest practicable trading date prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus), the exchange rate U.S. dollars per Euro was 1.2541. The following table shows for the period from January 1, 2009 through October 31, 2014, the low, high, average and period end exchange rate U.S. dollars per Euro.
Reference Date
|
Low | High | Average | Period End | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year |
|||||||||||||
2013 |
1.2781 | 1.3815 | 1.3281 | 1.3780 | |||||||||
2012 |
1.2085 | 1.3463 | 1.2853 | 1.3184 | |||||||||
2011 |
1.2915 | 1.4892 | 1.3923 | 1.2982 | |||||||||
2010 |
1.1930 | 1.4547 | 1.3260 | 1.3416 | |||||||||
2009 |
1.2531 | 1.5094 | 1.3943 | 1.4348 |
Reference Date
|
Low | High | Average | Period End | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month |
|||||||||||||
October 2014 |
1.2512 | 1.2781 | 1.2674 | 1.2529 | |||||||||
September 2014 |
1.2633 | 1.3138 | 1.2901 | 1.2633 | |||||||||
August 2014 |
1.3172 | 1.3429 | 1.3318 | 1.3172 | |||||||||
July 2014 |
1.3379 | 1.3680 | 1.3535 | 1.3380 | |||||||||
June 2014 |
1.3529 | 1.3692 | 1.3595 | 1.3692 | |||||||||
May 2014 |
1.3598 | 1.3933 | 1.3735 | 1.3646 | |||||||||
April 2014 |
1.3694 | 1.3888 | 1.3809 | 1.3866 | |||||||||
March 2014 |
1.3740 | 1.3928 | 1.3828 | 1.3783 | |||||||||
February 2014 |
1.3511 | 1.3812 | 1.3666 | 1.3812 | |||||||||
January 2014 |
1.3486 | 1.3688 | 1.3616 | 1.3486 |
The rates presented above may differ from the actual rates used in the preparation of Holdco's financial statements and other financial information appearing in this document. Holdco's inclusion of such rates is not meant to suggest that the U.S. dollar amounts actually represent Euro amounts or that such amounts could have been converted to U.S. dollars at any particular rate.
GTECH has been paying regular annual dividends and on May 8, 2014, declared a dividend of €130.5 million, which was paid on May 22, 2014 to the shareholders of record as of May 19, 2014. IGT has been paying regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.11 per share since January 3, 2014. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, during the period before the closing of the Mergers (the "Closing"), IGT is prohibited from paying any dividends other than (i) IGT's ordinary course quarterly dividend to holders of IGT shares in a per share amount no greater than IGT's most recently declared quarterly dividend ($0.11),with record and payment dates in accordance with IGT's customary dividend schedule, (ii) dividends paid by a wholly owned subsidiary of IGT to IGT or another wholly owned subsidiary of IGT and (iii) the special dividend, if any. Similarly, during the period before the closing of the Mergers, GTECH is prohibited from paying any dividends other than (a) GTECH's ordinary course dividends to holders of GTECH ordinary shares in a per share amount no greater than GTECH's most recently declared dividend, with record and payment dates in accordance with GTECH's customary dividend schedule and (b) dividends paid by a wholly owned subsidiary to GTECH or another wholly owned subsidiary.
Certain U.S. Tax Consequences of the Mergers (see page [ ])
The receipt by U.S. holders of Holdco ordinary shares pursuant to the IGT Merger may be tax free for U.S. federal income tax purposes if at the effective time of the IGT Merger the fair market
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value of Holdco is at least equal to the fair market value of IGT. However, the receipt by U.S. holders of cash pursuant to the IGT Merger will be taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Holdco believes that the Holdco Merger constitutes a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, U.S. holders (as defined in "Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations" below) of GTECH will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on the exchange of GTECH ordinary shares for Holdco ordinary shares in the Holdco Merger.
For a further discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the IGT Merger, the Holdco Merger and a discussion of the tax treatment of the ownership and disposition of Holdco ordinary shares, see "Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations" below.
Certain U.K. Tax Consequences of the Mergers (see page [ ])
IGT shareholders who are resident, for tax purposes, in the U.K. and who hold their IGT shares beneficially as investments may, as a result of the receipt of cash pursuant the IGT Merger, be treated as having effected a part disposal of their IGT shares and will be taxed accordingly. Subject to certain anti-avoidance provisions which are referred to in greater detail in the section of this document headed "Material U.K. Tax Considerations," the receipt of Holdco shares by IGT shareholders pursuant to the IGT Merger should be treated as a scheme for reconstruction for U.K. tax purposes and the Holdco ordinary shares should be treated as the same asset, acquired at the same time and for the same consideration as the IGT shares in respect of which they are issued.
GTECH shareholders who are resident, for tax purposes, in the U.K. and who hold their GTECH shares beneficially as investments should not, as a result of the receipt of Holdco ordinary shares pursuant to the Holdco Merger, be treated as disposing of their GTECH shares and should instead be treated as having acquired their Holdco ordinary shares at the same time and for the same consideration as the GTECH ordinary shares in respect of which they are issued. To the extent that U.K. tax resident GTECH shareholders exercise their rescission rights with respect to the Holdco Merger, they will be treated as having disposed of their GTECH ordinary shares and may be required to pay U.K. tax on chargeable gains accordingly.
Further details of the tax position of certain shareholders may be found in the section of this document headed "Material U.K. Tax Considerations."
Certain Italian Tax Consequences of the Mergers (see page [ ])
Italian Shareholders (as defined in "Material Italian Tax Considerations") will not be subject to Italian income tax on the exchange of their GTECH ordinary shares for Holdco ordinary shares in the Holdco Merger.
The receipt by Italian Shareholders of cash pursuant to the exercise of their rescission rights in the Holdco Merger will be taxable for Italian income tax purposes.
For a further discussion of the material Italian tax consequences of the Holdco Merger, the IGT Merger and a discussion of the tax treatment of the ownership and disposition of Holdco ordinary shares, see "Material Italian Tax Considerations" below.
Delisting and Deregistration of IGT Common Stock (see page [ ])
Upon consummation of the IGT Merger, the IGT common stock currently listed on the NYSE will cease to be listed on the NYSE and subsequently will be deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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Interests of Directors, Board Members, and Executive Officers in the Combination (see page [ ])
Shareholders of IGT should be aware that IGT directors and executive officers may have interests in the combination that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of IGT shareholders. These interests may include, but are not limited to, the continued engagement and/or employment, as applicable, of certain board members and executive officers of IGT, the continued positions of certain directors of IGT as directors of Holdco, agreements that provide for enhanced severance upon a qualifying termination of employment in connection with a change in control, and the indemnification of former IGT directors and executive officers by Holdco. These interests also include the treatment in the combination of restricted stock units, stock options and other rights held by these directors and executive officers.
The IGT Board was aware of these potentially differing interests of IGT executive officers and directors and considered them, among other matters, in reaching its decision to approve the Merger Agreement and to recommend that IGT shareholders vote in favor of the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement.
For further information with respect to arrangements between IGT and its named executive officers, see the information included under "Proposal 3Advisory Vote on Merger-Related Compensation for IGT's Named Executive OfficersGolden Parachute Compensation" beginning on page [ ].
Indemnification and Insurance (see page [ ])
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, GTECH's and IGT's directors and executive officers will be entitled to certain ongoing indemnification and coverage under directors' and officers' liability insurance policies from, and the organizational documents of, Holdco and IGT. See "The Merger AgreementCovenantsIndemnification and Insurance."
Board of Directors and Management of Holdco Following the Completion of the Mergers (see page [ ])
Upon completion of the Mergers, the Board of Directors of Holdco (the "Holdco Board") will have 13 members, including, for a period of three years after the effective times of the Mergers: (i) the Chief Executive Officer of GTECH, (ii) five directors designated by IGT, including IGT's chairman and its Chief Executive Officer, (iii) six directors designated by GTECH's principal shareholders and (iv) one director mutually agreed to by IGT and GTECH. The composition of the Holdco Board will comply with the independence and corporate governance standards of the NYSE applicable to non-controlled domestic issuers. GTECH's Chief Executive Officer will be the Chief Executive Officer of Holdco.
In addition, for a period of three years following the transactions, IGT's chairman will be chairman of the Holdco Board, IGT's Chief Executive Officer will be a vice-chairman and one of the directors designated by GTECH's principal shareholders will also be a vice-chairman. See "The Merger AgreementCovenantsCorporate Governance Matters" beginning on page [ ].
No Solicitation of Transactions and Change of Recommendation (see page [ ])
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, IGT agreed to immediately cease any solicitations, discussions or negotiations existing on the date of the Merger Agreement with any persons with respect to any "acquisition proposal" for 20% or more of IGT's assets, consolidated revenue or earnings before interest, taxes depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), or common stock. Notwithstanding these general prohibitions, subject to certain conditions, if at any time prior to the approval of the Merger
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Agreement by the IGT shareholders, IGT receives a bona fide unsolicited written acquisition proposal from a third party and the IGT Board determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside financial advisors and outside counsel) that such acquisition proposal constitutes or would reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal and the third party making such a proposal executes a confidentiality agreement having provisions that are no less favorable in the aggregate to IGT than those contained in the confidentiality agreement entered into between IGT and GTECH, IGT may:
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of the Merger Agreement, prior to the IGT shareholders' approval of the Merger Agreement, the IGT Board (or any committee of the IGT Board) may authorize, approve or recommend any competing acquisition proposal (or publicly propose to do so) or withhold, qualify or withdraw (or modify or amend in a manner adverse to GTECH), its recommendation that IGT shareholders approve the Merger Agreement, and IGT, the IGT Board or a committee of the IGT Board may cause IGT to enter into a competing acquisition proposal made after the date of the Merger Agreement and which was not solicited, initiated, encouraged or facilitated in breach of the non-solicitation obligations described in "The Merger AgreementCovenantsNo Solicitation of TransactionsIGT," and IGT may terminate the Merger Agreement, in response to a competing acquisition proposal made after the date of the Merger Agreement, if:
In addition, the IGT Board may change its recommendation in favor of the Merger Agreement in response to an intervening event which the IGT Board determines in good faith after consultation with its outside counsel, after taking into account any changes to the Merger Agreement proposed by GTECH, that failure to change its recommendation would reasonably be likely to be inconsistent with the Board's fiduciary duties under applicable law. See "The Merger AgreementCovenantsNo Solicitation of TransactionsIGT" beginning on page [ ].
GTECH also agreed to cease any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any persons that may be ongoing with respect to any GTECH acquisition proposal. GTECH further agreed that, until
26
the Holdco Merger Effective Time, it would not: (i) initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage the submission of any GTECH acquisition proposal; (ii) furnish any nonpublic information regarding GTECH or its subsidiaries to any third person in connection with or in response to a GTECH acquisition proposal; or (iii) participate in any discussions or negotiations with respect to any GTECH acquisition proposal.
GTECH further agreed to promptly advise IGT of any GTECH acquisition proposal, provide a reasonably detailed summary of the material terms and conditions of such proposal and keep IGT reasonably informed of any material change to the material terms or conditions of any such proposal (including the identity of any person making such proposal). See "The Merger AgreementCovenantsNo Solicitation of TransactionsGTECH" beginning on page [ ].
Conditions to the Mergers (see page [ ])
Each party's obligation to effect the Mergers is subject to satisfaction, or waiver by such party, where permitted by law, at or prior to the Closing, of the following conditions:
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In addition, IGT's obligation to effect the IGT Merger is subject to satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions:
The obligations of GTECH, Holdco and Sub to effect the Mergers are further subject to the satisfaction or waiver by GTECH of the following additional conditions:
In addition, GTECH and IGT have the right to terminate the Merger Agreement in certain circumstances. The joint merger plan adopted by GTECH and Holdco will provide that the Holdco Merger will be subject to the Merger Agreement not having been terminated by GTECH or IGT under the terms of the Merger Agreement; and, in particular, GTECH not having terminated the Merger Agreement following the exercise of rescission rights by GTECH shareholders representing more than 20% of the ordinary shares issued by GTECH at the date of signing the Merger Agreement.
For more information, see "The Merger AgreementConditions to the Mergers" beginning on page [ ].
The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, whether before or after receipt of the IGT or GTECH shareholder approvals, as follows:
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satisfied. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the right to terminate the Merger Agreement under the provision described in this bullet will not be available to any party if the failure to close by such date is the result of such party having materially breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements under the Merger Agreement;
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For more information, see "The Merger AgreementTermination" beginning on page [ ].
Expenses and Termination Fees (see page [ ])
All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Agreement and the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement generally are to be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses, except that GTECH will be responsible for certain expenses associated with antitrust and gaming approvals, the NYSE listing application and the printing, filing and mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus and the registration statement of which it forms a part and other disclosure documents, provided that IGT must reimburse all such expenses if the Merger Agreement is terminated by GTECH because of an uncured breach of the Merger Agreement by IGT that gives rise to the failure of certain conditions to Closing.
In the event the Merger Agreement is terminated in the following circumstances, IGT must pay GTECH a termination fee of $135,317,000:
In the event the Merger Agreement is terminated in the following circumstances, GTECH must pay IGT a termination fee of $270,634,000:
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termination date or the GTECH extraordinary general meeting, as applicable, a GTECH acquisition proposal became publicly known and was not withdrawn, and (c) within nine (9) months after the termination of the Merger Agreement, GTECH entered into a definitive agreement with respect to or consummated any GTECH acquisition proposal; provided that "GTECH acquisition proposal" in this context will have the meaning described below in "The Merger AgreementCovenantsNo Solicitation of TransactionsGTECH," except that all percentages therein will be changed to 50%;
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In addition, GTECH must pay IGT a termination fee of $135,317,000 if the Merger Agreement is terminated by GTECH because Holdco would, as a result of the adoption, implementation, promulgation, repeal, modification, amendment or change of any applicable law following the date of the Merger Agreement and prior to the Closing, be treated as a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes as of or after the Closing.
Regulatory Matters (see page [ ])
Under the HSR Act, GTECH and IGT cannot complete the Mergers until they have filed certain information and materials with the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (the "Antitrust Division") and the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act has expired or been terminated. IGT and GTECH filed their respective notification and report forms under the HSR Act with the FTC and the Antitrust Division on July 29, 2014, and the antitrust agencies granted early termination of the applicable waiting period on August 8, 2014. Clearances and consents or the expiration or termination of applicable waiting periods under competition laws in Canada and Colombia also are conditions to the Mergers. On September 26, 2014, the applicable waiting period expired under the competition laws of Canada and on October 6, 2014, the Commissioner issued a no-action letter. On September 15, 2014, GTECH and IGT received notification from the competition authorities in Colombia of closing of the review of the transaction.
In addition, the parties have agreed that receipt of gaming approvals from 22 jurisdictions is a condition to completion of the Mergers. As of November 21, 2014, applications for approval have been filed in all 22 jurisdictions and seven approvals already have been granted. In addition, the required approvals from the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli have been obtained. In addition to the jurisdictions identified by the parties as conditions to the completion of the Mergers, either IGT or GTECH may make further filings with gaming regulators in various jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law, but the expiration of any waiting periods, or receipt of any required approvals, in connection with such filings will not be conditions to the completion of the Mergers. GTECH may under certain circumstances waive the condition relating to any such required gaming approval on behalf of both GTECH and IGT if completion of the Mergers in the absence of such required gaming approvals would not constitute a violation of applicable law on the written advice of outside counsel reasonably satisfactory to IGT and GTECH.
For further details on regulatory approvals see "The MergersRegulatory Matters" and "The Merger AgreementRegulatory Approvals" beginning at pages [ ] and [ ], respectively.
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The completion of the Mergers is not subject to GTECH's ability to obtain financing. GTECH anticipates that the funds needed to consummate the Mergers and the transactions contemplated thereby will be derived from a combination of (i) available cash on hand and (ii) third-party debt financing, which such debt financing is referred to herein as the "debt financing".
On July 15, 2014, GTECH obtained a debt commitment letter (the "debt commitment letter"), pursuant to which affiliates of Credit Suisse AG, Barclays PLC and Citigroup Inc. (collectively, the "commitment parties") provided commitments to fund a 364-day senior bridge term loan credit facility (the "bridge facility") in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $10.7 billion. The bridge facility is to consist of four sub-facilities, the proceeds of which are to be used, among other things, to pay the cash portion of the merger consideration, to fund transaction expenses, to redeem and/or refinance existing specified indebtedness of GTECH and IGT, to the extent applicable, and to fund cash payments to GTECH shareholders exercising rescission rights. It is anticipated that the bridge facility will be drawn only to the extent that GTECH is unable to raise debt financing in the form of term loans and/or debt securities at or prior to the closing of the Mergers.
As of November 21, 2014, the aggregate financing commitments under the bridge facility had been reduced to approximately $8.1 billion (assuming an exchange rate of $1.36 / €1.00) as a result of the following events (dollars and euros in millions):
Original Bridge Commitment |
$ | 10,704 | ||
Consent received from holders of IGT's $500 7.50% Notes due 2019 |
(505 | ) | ||
New senior credit facilities (described below) |
||||
Reduction per original commitment terms |
(848 | ) | ||
Reduction for prefunding of redemption of GTECH's €750 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2016 |
(1,114 | ) | ||
Reduction for prefunding or purchase of IGT stock options and restricted stock units |
(131 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Bridge Commitment as of November 21, 2014 |
8,106 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
In addition, as of November 21, 2014, GTECH has received sufficient early votes from the holders of its €500 million 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2018 and its €500 million 3.5% Guaranteed Notes due 2020 in favor of a proposal to approve the Italian Reorganization, the Holdco Merger and certain related transactions and certain other proposals. It is therefore expected that the proposal will be approved at the relevant noteholders' meetings on November 24, 2014, and accordingly GTECH expects that the bridge facility commitment will be further reduced from approximately $8.1 billion to approximately $6.6 billion on November 25, 2014.
The obligation of each commitment party to fund its commitments under the debt commitment letter is subject to a number of conditions, including, without limitation, execution and delivery of definitive documentation consistent with the debt commitment letter. The commitments will expire on the earliest to occur of (i) the Outside Date (as defined in, and as may be extended pursuant to, the Merger Agreement (it being understood that such date will be extended to match the business day immediately following the Outside Date in the Merger Agreement provided such Outside Date is extended to a date not beyond the fifteen-month anniversary of the signing of the Merger Agreement)), (ii) the closing of the Acquisition (as defined in the debt commitment letter), (iii) the date the Merger Agreement is terminated or expires and (iv) receipt by the commitment parties of written notice from GTECH and Holdco of their election to terminate the commitments.
The definitive documentation governing the debt financing has not been finalized and, accordingly, the actual terms of the debt financing may differ from those described in this proxy statement/
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prospectus. Although the debt financing described in this proxy statement/prospectus is not subject to due diligence or a "market out," such financing may not be considered assured. The obligation of the commitment parties to provide debt financing under the debt commitment letter is, as noted above, subject to a number of conditions. There is a risk that these conditions will not be satisfied and the debt financing may not be available to fund all or a portion of the consideration required for the Mergers and/or may not be available when required. If any portion of the debt financing expires or otherwise becomes unavailable on the terms and conditions contemplated in the debt commitment letter, GTECH has the right, and must use reasonable best efforts under the Merger Agreement to seek alternative financing on terms and conditions that are at least as favorable, with respect to enforceability, financing structure and conditionality, to GTECH and IGT in the aggregate as those in the debt commitment letter. See "The MergersFinancing" on page [ ].
In addition to the debt financing for the transaction, on November 5, 2014, GTECH announced that it, along with GTECH Corporation, had entered into a $2.6 billion five-year senior credit facilities agreement with a syndicate of 20 banks led by J.P. Morgan Limited and Mediobanca-Banca di Credito Finanziario S.p.A. The agreement provides for a $1.4 billion revolving credit facility for GTECH Corporation and a €850 million multicurrency revolving credit facility for GTECH. Upon completion of the Mergers, Holdco will be able to borrow under both facilities and IGT will be able to borrow under the U.S. dollar facility, which will be increased to $1.5 billion.
Stock Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers (see page [ ])
At the close of business on the record date, directors and executive officers of IGT and their affiliates were entitled to vote [ ] shares of IGT common stock, or approximately [ ]% of the shares of IGT common stock outstanding and entitled to vote on that date. Each of IGT's directors and officers has indicated his or her present intention to vote their shares of IGT common stock in favor of each of the proposals to be presented at the special meeting, although none of them has entered into any agreement obligating them to do so.
Dissenters', Appraisal, Rescission or Similar Rights (see page [ ])
Pursuant to the Nevada Revised Statutes 92A.390, IGT shareholders are not entitled to exercise dissenters', appraisal, cash exit or similar rights in connection with the Mergers. See "The Special MeetingNo Dissenter's Rights" on page [ ].
GTECH shareholders are entitled to rescission rights because Holdco is and will be an holding company and, as a result of the Holdco Merger, the registered office of Holdco will be located outside of Italy, GTECH ordinary shares will be delisted from the ISE, and the company resulting from the Holdco Merger, Holdco, will be governed by the laws of a country other than Italy. Rescission rights may be exercised by GTECH shareholders who did not concur in the approval of the extraordinary general meeting's resolution. The exercise of such rights will be effective subject to the Holdco Merger becoming effective. A GTECH shareholder who has voted in favor of the Holdco Merger may not exercise any rescission rights in relation to those shares that the relevant shareholder voted in favor of the Holdco Merger. A GTECH shareholder that properly exercises such rights will be entitled to receive an amount of cash equal to the average closing price per GTECH ordinary share for the six-month period prior to the publication of the notice of call of the extraordinary general meeting which is equal to €[ ]. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, if GTECH shareholders exercise rescission rights under Italian law in respect of more than 20% of GTECH ordinary shares outstanding as of the date of the Merger Agreement, GTECH will be entitled to terminate the Merger Agreement upon payment of a termination fee to IGT as described in "The Merger AgreementExpenses and Termination Fees" beginning on page [ ].
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In the event of such termination, the Holdco Merger will not be completed and any exercise of rescission rights will not be effective.
The Support and Voting Agreements (see page [ ])
In connection with the Merger Agreement, on July 15, 2014, IGT entered into a support agreement (the "Support Agreement") and a voting agreement (the "Voting Agreement") with De Agostini, which held approximately 59% of the outstanding ordinary shares of GTECH as of [ ], 2014. Under the Support Agreement, De Agostini agreed to vote its shares in favor of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and against any competing transaction. Under the Voting Agreement, De Agostini has agreed to vote its shares in accordance with the post-closing governance provisions set forth in the Merger Agreement and described below in "The Merger AgreementCovenantsCorporate Governance Matters" for a period of three years after the closing of the Mergers.
Pursuant to the Voting Agreement, De Agostini voted its shares in favor of the transactions at GTECH's extraordinary shareholders' meeting held on November 4, 2014. The resolution to approve the merger plan required the favorable vote of shareholders representing at least two-thirds of the shares represented at the meeting and the resolution received approval from 96.8% of the shares represented.
The foregoing descriptions of the Support Agreement and the Voting Agreement do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by, the full text of such agreements, copies of which are filed herewith as Annexes C and D, respectively, and are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Listing of Holdco Ordinary Shares on Stock Exchange (Page [ ])
Holdco ordinary shares are currently not traded or quoted on a stock exchange or quotation system. However, it is a condition to closing that the Holdco ordinary shares be authorized for listing on the NYSE. Holdco expects that, following the transaction, Holdco ordinary shares will be listed for trading under the symbol "[ ]" on the NYSE.
In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and in particular, with IFRS 3Business Combinations, the combination qualifies as the acquisition of IGT by Holdco. In particular, on the date at which control over IGT is acquired, the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recognized in Holdco's consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The difference between the acquisition consideration and the net fair value at the acquisition date of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net of any non-controlling interest in the IGT group, if positive will be recognized as goodwill, or if negative will be recognized in the consolidated income statement. The acquisition consideration is defined as the sum of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred by Holdco to former owners of IGT and any equity instruments issued. The shares that will be issued by Holdco as part of the IGT acquisition will be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date.
Comparison of Rights of GTECH Shareholders, Holdco Shareholders and IGT Shareholders (see page [ ])
As a result of the Mergers, IGT and GTECH shareholders will become holders of Holdco ordinary shares, and will have different rights as holders of Holdco ordinary shares than they had as holders of shares of IGT and GTECH common stock. The differences between the rights of these respective holders result from the differences among Italian, U.K. and Nevada law and the respective governing
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documents of GTECH, Holdco and IGT. For additional information, please see "Comparison of Rights of Shareholders of GTECH, IGT and Holdco" beginning on page [ ].
Litigation Related to the Mergers (see page [ ])
Since the announcement of the Merger Agreement on July 16, 2014, a number of putative shareholder class action complaints have been filed against IGT, the IGT Board, GTECH, GTECH US, Holdco and Sub in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County, Nevada, by purported IGT shareholders challenging the Mergers and seeking, among other things, damages, attorneys' and experts' fees and injunctive relief concerning the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and to prohibit the defendants from consummating the Mergers. Such complaints have been consolidated into a single action.
The complaints allege, among other things, that the members of the IGT Board breached their fiduciary duties by approving IGT's entry into the Merger Agreement and by failing to take steps to maximize the value of IGT to its shareholders, and that IGT, GTECH, GTECH US, Holdco, and Sub aided and abetted those alleged breaches. In addition, the complaints allege, among other things, that the proposed merger consideration to be received by shareholders of IGT is unfair and inadequate, that the process leading up to the Merger Agreement was flawed, and that certain provisions of the Merger Agreement impede a potential alternative transaction. The complaints seek, among other relief, class certification, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, and damages.
IGT, the IGT Board and GTECH believe these lawsuits are without merit and intend to defend against them vigorously. For additional information, please see "The MergersLitigation Related to the Mergers" beginning on page [ ].
The Special Meeting of IGT Shareholders (see page [ ])
The special meeting is scheduled to be held at [ ] on [ ], 2015 at [ ], local time.
At the special meeting, IGT shareholders will be asked to consider and vote on:
Only holders of record of IGT common stock at the close of business on [ ], 2014, the record date for the special meeting, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. At the close of business on the record date, [ ] shares of IGT common stock were issued and outstanding. Holders of record of IGT common stock on the record date are entitled to one vote per share at the special meeting on each proposal.
You may vote " FOR " or " AGAINST " or you may " ABSTAIN " from voting on each proposal. The proposal to approve the Merger Agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of IGT common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. If a quorum is present at the special meeting, the proposal to adjourn the special meeting will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the proposal exceed the votes cast in opposition of the proposal. If a quorum is not present at the special meeting, the proposal to adjourn the special meeting may be adopted and the special meeting may be adjourned by a majority of the voting power represented at the special meeting in person or by proxy. The non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation
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arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the proposal.
You can vote at the special meeting of IGT shareholders if you owned shares of IGT common stock at the close of business on [ ], 2014 the record date for the special meeting. Only IGT shareholders as of the close of business on the record date will be entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the special meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
No business may be transacted at the special meeting unless a quorum is present. Attendance in person or by proxy at the special meeting of holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of IGT common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting will constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present, the special meeting may be adjourned to allow additional time for obtaining additional proxies by a majority of the voting power represented in person or by proxy at the special meeting.
The approval of the Merger Agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of IGT common stock entitled to vote thereon. Each share of IGT common stock held as of the record date is entitled to one vote at the special meeting. As of the record date for the special meeting, IGT had [ ] shares of common stock outstanding.
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Investing in Holdco ordinary shares involves risks, some of which are related to the Mergers. In considering whether to vote for the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, you should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as the other information included in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, including the risk factors described in IGT's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2013 and IGT's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 28, 2014, March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013. The respective businesses of GTECH and IGT, as well as their respective financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks, as well as other risks and uncertainties not currently known to GTECH or IGT or not currently deemed to be material.
Please see "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" on pages [ ] and [ ], respectively, for information on where you can find the documents IGT has filed with or furnished to the SEC and which are incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference.
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO THE MERGERS
Completion of the Mergers is subject to certain conditions, and if these conditions are not satisfied or waived, the Mergers will not be completed.
The obligations of GTECH and IGT to complete the Mergers are subject to satisfaction or waiver (if permitted) of a number of conditions, including, among other conditions, (i) IGT and GTECH obtaining shareholder approvals, (ii) receipt of certain antitrust approvals, (iii) obtaining certain gaming regulatory approvals, (iv) effectiveness of this registration statement for the Holdco ordinary shares, (v) NYSE listing approval for the Holdco ordinary shares, (vi) the expiration or early termination of a 60-day GTECH creditor opposition period, (viii) the absence of any order prohibiting or restraining the Mergers, (ix) subject to certain materiality exceptions, the accuracy of each party's representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement and performance by each party of their respective obligations under the Merger Agreement, (x) the receipt of the Holdco Merger Order and (xi) in the case of IGT's obligation to close the IGT Merger, IGT's receipt of certain tax opinions.
On November 4, 2014, the extraordinary shareholders' meeting of GTECH approved the merger plan regarding the Holdco Merger.
The satisfaction of all of the required conditions could delay the completion of the Mergers for a significant period of time or prevent them from occurring. Any delay in completing the Mergers could cause the combined company not to realize some or all of the benefits that the combined company expects to achieve if the Mergers are successfully completed within its expected timeframe. Further, there can be no assurance that the conditions to the closing of the Mergers will be satisfied or waived or that the Mergers will be completed.
In addition, if the Mergers are not completed on or before July 15, 2015 (subject to certain extension rights), either GTECH or IGT may choose not to proceed with the Mergers. IGT may also terminate the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, including among others in order to enter into an agreement with respect to a proposal that is determined by the IGT Board to be superior to the Merger Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement (including an opportunity for GTECH to match any such proposal). GTECH may also terminate the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, including among others (i) if GTECH shareholders exercise rescission rights under Italian law in respect of more than 20% of GTECH's ordinary shares outstanding as of the date of the Merger Agreement, (ii) if Holdco would, as a result of a change in applicable law, be treated as a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes as of or after
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the Closing or (iii) if the special voting shares provided for by the Holdco Articles cannot be implemented under certain circumstances.
Failure to complete the Mergers could negatively impact the stock price and the future business and financial results of IGT and GTECH.
If the Mergers are not completed for any reason, including as a result of IGT shareholders failing to approve the Merger Agreement, the ongoing businesses of IGT may be adversely affected and, without realizing any of the benefits of having completed the Mergers, IGT and GTECH would be subject to a number of risks, including the following:
In addition, GTECH and IGT could be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the Mergers or related to any enforcement proceeding commenced against GTECH or IGT to perform its obligations under the Merger Agreement. If the Mergers are not completed, these risks may materialize and may adversely affect GTECH's or IGT's businesses, financial condition, financial results and stock price.
Legal proceedings in connection with the Mergers, the outcomes of which are uncertain, could delay or prevent the completion of the Mergers.
IGT, the members of the IGT Board, GTECH, Holdco and Sub are named as defendants in a consolidated class action lawsuit brought by purported IGT shareholders challenging the proposed Mergers. The action alleges that members of the IGT Board breached their fiduciary duties by agreeing to sell IGT for inadequate consideration and pursuant to an inadequate process, and that GTECH, Holdco and Sub aided and abetted these alleged breaches. Among other remedies, the plaintiffs seek to enjoin the Mergers.
One of the conditions to the closing of the Mergers is that no temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the completion of the Mergers will be in effect. If the
39
plaintiffs are successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting the defendants from consummating the Mergers on the agreed terms, then such injunction may prevent the Mergers from becoming effective, or from becoming effective within the expected timeframe.
The price of GTECH ordinary shares might decline prior to the completion of the Mergers, which could decrease the value of the merger consideration to be received by IGT shareholders in the IGT Merger. Further, when GTECH and IGT shareholders vote on the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement, they will not know the exact value of the Holdco ordinary shares that will be issued in connection with the Mergers.
Upon completion of the Mergers, IGT shareholders will be entitled to receive for each share of IGT common stock that they own consideration in the form of Holdco ordinary shares and cash, subject to certain limitations and adjustments. While the stock portion of the consideration to be delivered to IGT shareholders will be adjusted based on a calculation of the average trading price of GTECH ordinary shares during a period prior to the Closing, no additional adjustment will be made to the extent such average price falls below $21.31 per GTECH ordinary share. Accordingly, the aggregate value of the consideration could be less than $18.25 per share if such average price per GTECH ordinary share were to be less than $21.31. In addition, because the stock portion of the consideration per share will be based on a calculation of the average trading price of GTECH ordinary shares during a period prior to the Closing, the actual value of the consideration delivered to IGT shareholders would decrease to the extent the value of GTECH ordinary shares at Closing is below such average price. Neither party has a right to terminate the Merger Agreement based upon changes in the market price of GTECH's ordinary shares, par value €1.00 (the "GTECH ordinary shares").
In addition, because the date on which the Mergers are completed will be later than the date of the IGT special meeting, IGT shareholders will not know the exact value of the Holdco ordinary shares that will be issued in connection with the Mergers at the time of the IGT special meeting. As a result, if the market price of Holdco ordinary shares upon the completion of the Mergers is lower than the market price of the GTECH ordinary shares on the date of the IGT special meeting, the market value of the merger consideration received by IGT shareholders in the IGT Merger could be lower than the market value of the merger consideration at the time of the vote by the IGT shareholders. Moreover, during this interim period, events, conditions or circumstances could arise that could have a material impact or effect on GTECH, IGT or the industries in which they operate.
Issuances of GTECH ordinary shares prior to the completion of the Mergers could decrease the value of the consideration to be delivered to IGT shareholders, and sales of Holdco ordinary shares after the completion of the Mergers may cause the market price of Holdco ordinary shares to fall.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, GTECH is permitted to issue shares prior to the completion of the Mergers under certain circumstances. Because each outstanding GTECH ordinary share will be converted into one Holdco ordinary share, the issuance of GTECH ordinary shares without an offsetting share repurchase prior to the completion of the Mergers would have the effect of diluting IGT shareholders' ownership of Holdco. In addition, such issuances could decrease the market price of GTECH ordinary shares, which could in turn decrease the value of the merger consideration to be delivered to IGT shareholders, as described above.
Following completion of the Mergers, Holdco shares will be publicly traded on the NYSE, enabling former IGT and GTECH shareholders (including De Agostini, although De Agostini will initially be subject to the share transfer restrictions of the Voting Agreement) to sell the Holdco ordinary shares they receive in the Mergers. Such sales of Holdco ordinary shares may take place promptly following the Mergers and could have the effect of decreasing the market price for Holdco ordinary shares below the market price of GTECH ordinary shares prior to the completion of the Mergers.
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No trading market currently exists for Holdco ordinary shares.
Prior to the Mergers, there has been no market for the Holdco ordinary shares. At the effective time of the Mergers, the Holdco ordinary shares will be listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol "[ ]." However, there can be no assurance that an active market for the Holdco ordinary shares will develop after closing of the Mergers, or that if it develops, the market will be sustained.
The Merger Agreement contains provisions that restrict IGT's ability to pursue alternatives to the Mergers and, in specified circumstances, could require IGT to pay GTECH a termination fee.
Under the Merger Agreement, IGT is restricted, subject to certain exceptions, from soliciting, initiating, knowingly encouraging, discussing or negotiating, or furnishing information with regard to, any inquiry, proposal or offer for a competing acquisition proposal from any person or entity. If IGT receives an unsolicited competing acquisition proposal from a third party and the IGT Board determines (after consultation with IGT's financial advisors and legal counsel) that such proposal is more favorable to the IGT shareholders than the Mergers and the IGT Board recommends such proposal to the IGT shareholders, IGT or GTECH would be entitled to terminate the Merger Agreement. Under such circumstances, IGT would be required to pay GTECH a termination fee equal to $135,317,000. These provisions could discourage a third party that may have an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of IGT from considering or proposing such an acquisition, even if such third party were prepared to enter into a transaction that would be more favorable to IGT and its shareholders than the Mergers. See "The Merger AgreementTermination" and "The Merger AgreementExpenses and Termination Fees" beginning on pages [ ] and [ ], respectively.
After the Mergers, IGT shareholders will have a significantly lower ownership and voting interest in the combined company than they currently have in IGT and will exercise less influence over management.
Based on the number of GTECH ordinary shares and shares of IGT common stock outstanding as of [ ], 2014, and assuming that no rescission rights are exercised by GTECH shareholders, it is anticipated that, immediately after completion of the Mergers, former GTECH shareholders will own approximately [ ]% of the outstanding Holdco ordinary shares and former IGT shareholders will own approximately [ ]% of the outstanding Holdco ordinary shares. Consequently, former IGT shareholders will have less influence over the management and policies of the combined company than they currently have over the management and policies of IGT. Furthermore, approximately 47.1% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Holdco will be owned by De Agostini, and such shareholder will have significant influence over all matters presented to Holdco's shareholders for approval, including election and removal of directors and change in control transactions. The interests of De Agostini may not always coincide with the interests of the other Holdco shareholders. In addition, under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Board of Directors of Holdco (the "Holdco Board") will, for a period of three years after the completion of the Mergers, consist of 13 members, including the Chief Executive Officer of GTECH and other directors to be designated by IGT and by GTECH's principal shareholders prior to the completion of the Mergers. Accordingly, holders of Holdco ordinary shares will have limited ability to influence the composition of the Holdco Board during such three-year period.
Some of the conditions to the Mergers may be waived by GTECH or IGT without resoliciting shareholder approval of the proposals approved by them .
Some of the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement may be waived by GTECH or IGT, subject to certain limitations. If any conditions are waived, IGT and GTECH will evaluate whether amendment of this proxy statement/prospectus and resolicitation of proxies would be warranted. Subject to applicable law, if IGT and GTECH determine that resolicitation of IGT's shareholders is not warranted, the parties will have the discretion to complete the IGT Merger without seeking further
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shareholder approval. No action by the IGT Board or GTECH Board with respect to the Merger Agreement may adversely affect the shareholders of IGT or GTECH, respectively, or affect the consideration to be received by the shareholders of IGT or GTECH in the Mergers unless their respective shareholders approve such action.
GTECH and IGT may have difficulty attracting, motivating and retaining executives and other key employees due to uncertainty associated with the Mergers.
Holdco's success after the Mergers have been completed will depend in part upon the ability of Holdco to retain key employees of GTECH and IGT. Competition for qualified personnel can be intense. Current and prospective employees of GTECH and/or IGT may experience uncertainty about the effect of the Mergers, which may impair GTECH's and IGT's ability to attract, retain and motivate key management, sales, marketing, technical and other personnel prior to and following the Mergers. Employee retention may be particularly challenging during the pendency of the Mergers, as employees of GTECH and IGT may experience uncertainty about their future roles with the combined company.
In addition, pursuant to change-in-control provisions in IGT's employment and transition agreements, certain key employees of IGT are entitled to receive severance payments upon a constructive termination of employment. Certain key IGT employees potentially could terminate their employment following specified circumstances set forth in the applicable employment or transition agreement, including certain changes in such key employees' duties, position, responsibilities or compensation and collect severance. Such circumstances could occur in connection with the Mergers as a result of changes in roles and responsibilities. If key employees of GTECH or IGT depart, the integration of the companies may be more difficult and the combined company's business following the Mergers may be harmed. Furthermore, the combined company may have to incur significant costs in identifying, hiring and retaining replacements for departing employees and may lose significant expertise and talent relating to the businesses of GTECH or IGT, and the combined company's ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Mergers may be adversely affected. In addition, there could be disruptions to or distractions for the workforce and management associated with activities of labor unions or works councils or integrating employees into the combined company. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that Holdco will be able to attract or retain key employees of GTECH and IGT to the same extent that those companies have been able to attract or retain their own employees in the past.
GTECH's and IGT's business relationships may be subject to disruption due to uncertainty associated with the Mergers.
Parties with which GTECH or IGT do business may experience uncertainty associated with the Mergers, including with respect to current or future business relationships with GTECH, IGT or the combined company. GTECH's and IGT's business relationships may be subject to disruption as customers, distributors, suppliers, vendors and others may attempt to negotiate changes in existing business relationships or consider entering into business relationships with parties other than GTECH, IGT or the combined company. These disruptions could have an adverse effect on the businesses, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the combined company, including an adverse effect on the combined company's ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Mergers. The risk and adverse effect of such disruptions could be exacerbated by a delay in completion of the Mergers or termination of the Merger Agreement.
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In order to complete the Mergers, GTECH and IGT must make certain governmental filings and obtain certain governmental authorizations, and if such filings and authorizations are not made or granted or are granted with conditions, completion of the Mergers may be jeopardized or the anticipated benefits of the Mergers could be reduced.
Although GTECH and IGT have agreed in the Merger Agreement to use their reasonable best efforts to make certain governmental filings and obtain the required governmental authorizations or termination of relevant waiting periods, as the case may be, there can be no assurance that the relevant waiting periods will expire or that the relevant authorizations will be obtained. In addition, the governmental authorities from which these authorizations are required have broad discretion in administering the governing regulations. As a condition to authorization of the Mergers, these governmental authorities may impose requirements, limitations or costs or require divestitures or place restrictions on the conduct of Holdco's business after completion of the Mergers. There can be no assurance that regulators will not impose conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions and that such conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not have the effect of delaying completion of the Mergers or imposing additional material costs on or materially limiting the revenues of Holdco following the Mergers, or otherwise adversely affecting, including to a material extent, Holdco's businesses and results of operations after completion of the Mergers. In addition, there can be no assurance that these conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not result in the delay or abandonment of the Mergers.
If GTECH's financing for the Mergers becomes unavailable, the Mergers may not be completed.
GTECH's obligation to complete the Mergers is not subject to any conditions regarding the ability of GTECH to finance, or obtain debt financing for, the Mergers, and GTECH is obligated under the Merger Agreement to have sufficient funds available to satisfy its obligations under the Merger Agreement.
GTECH intends to finance all or a portion of the cash component of the merger consideration with new debt financing. The proceeds from these borrowings or issuances of debt financing will be used by GTECH to pay all or a portion of the cash consideration to be paid in the Mergers, to redeem and/or refinance existing specified indebtedness of GTECH, IGT and their subsidiaries and to pay related fees and expenses.
In the event that the debt financing contemplated by the debt commitment letter is not available, other financing may not be available on acceptable terms, in a timely manner or at all. If other financing becomes necessary and GTECH is unable to obtain such other financing, the Mergers may not be completed.
GTECH may have difficulties in refinancing the bridge facility obtained for the Mergers
GTECH obtained a debt commitment pursuant to which, subject to certain conditions, affiliates of Credit Suisse AG, Barclays PLC and Citigroup Inc. committed to fund a 364-day senior bridge term loan credit facility up to an aggregate principal amount of $10.7 billion, to cover the cash portion of the merger consideration, the transaction expenses, any potential redemption and/or refinancing of the existing indebtedness of GTECH and IGT, and the payments to any GTECH shareholders exercising rescission rights. As of November 21, 2014, the aggregate financing commitments under the bridge facility had been reduced to approximately $8.1 billion (assuming an exchange rate of $1.36 / €1.00) as a result of several events reducing the potential need for such financing.
The bridge facility will be drawn only to the extent that GTECH is unable to raise debt financing in the form of term loans and/or debt securities at or prior to the closing of the Mergers. To the extent that the bridge facility is drawn in part or in full, GTECH will need to seek alternative financing before its 364-day maturity (or its 544-day extended maturity subject to applicable conditions). There is a risk
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that due to market conditions or otherwise, GTECH may not be able to find alternative financing timely, or to find other financing at least as favorable, with respect to cost, enforceability, financing structure and conditionality.
The opinion of GTECH's and IGT's financial advisors will not reflect changes in circumstances between the signing of the Merger Agreement and the completion of the Mergers.
The GTECH Board and IGT Board received opinions from their respective financial advisors in connection with their determinations to approve the Merger Agreement. GTECH and IGT have not obtained updated opinions from their financial advisors as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and do not expect to receive updated opinions prior to the completion of the Mergers. Changes in the operations and prospects of GTECH or IGT, general market and economic conditions and other factors that may be beyond the control of GTECH or IGT and on which the financial advisors' opinions were based may significantly affect the value of IGT and GTECH and the prices of GTECH ordinary shares or IGT common stock by the time the Mergers are completed. The opinions do not speak as of the time the Mergers will be completed or as of any date other than the date of such opinions. Because the financial advisors will not be updating their opinions, the opinions will not address the fairness of the merger consideration to be received by IGT shareholders and GTECH shareholders from a financial point of view at the time the Mergers are completed. For a description of the opinions that GTECH and IGT received from their respective financial advisors, see "The MergersOpinion of Credit Suisse as Financial Advisor to GTECH" and "The MergersOpinion of Morgan Stanley as Financial Advisor to IGT" on pages [ ] and [ ], respectively.
IGT's executive officers and directors have interests in the Mergers that may be different from the interests of IGT shareholders generally.
When considering the recommendation of the IGT Board that IGT shareholders approve the Merger Agreement, IGT shareholders should be aware that directors and executive officers of IGT have certain interests in the Mergers that may be different from or in addition to the interests of IGT shareholders generally. These interests include the treatment of IGT equity compensation awards in the IGT Merger, positions as directors, officers or employees of Holdco following completion of the Mergers, the granting of retention awards, severance benefits, accelerated payout of deferred compensation benefits and other rights held by IGT's directors and executive officers, and the indemnification of former IGT directors and officers by Holdco. The IGT Board was aware of these interests and considered them, among other things, in evaluating and negotiating the Merger Agreement and the Mergers and in recommending that the IGT shareholders adopt the Merger Agreement. See "The MergersInterests of Certain Persons in the Mergers"; "The Merger AgreementCovenantsCorporate Governance Matters"; and "The Merger AgreementCovenantsIndemnification and Insurance" on pages [ ], [ ] and [ ], respectively.
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO THE COMBINED COMPANY
FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE MERGERS
The combined company may not realize the cost savings, synergies and other benefits that the parties expect to achieve from the Mergers.
The combination of two independent companies is a complex, costly and time-consuming process. As a result, the combined company will be required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating the business practices and operations of GTECH and IGT. The integration process may disrupt the business of either or both of the companies and, if implemented ineffectively, could preclude realization of the full benefits expected by GTECH and IGT, including $280 million of potential EBITDA synergies, driven by potential cost savings of $230 million and revenue synergies of $50 million, which we expect to achieve by fiscal year 2018. The failure of the combined company to
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meet the challenges involved in successfully integrating the operations of GTECH and IGT or otherwise to realize the anticipated benefits of the Mergers could cause an interruption of the activities of the combined company and could seriously harm its results of operations. In addition, the overall integration of the two companies may result in material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive responses, loss of client relationships, and diversion of management's attention, and may cause the combined company's stock price to decline. The difficulties of combining the operations of the companies include, among others:
Many of these factors will be outside of the combined company's control and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreased revenues and diversion of management's time and energy, which could materially impact the combined company's businesses, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, even if the operations of GTECH and IGT are integrated successfully, the combined company may not realize the full benefits of the Mergers, including the synergies, cost savings or sales or growth opportunities that the combined company expects. These benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame, or at all. As a result, GTECH and IGT cannot assure their shareholders that the combination of GTECH and IGT will result in the realization of the full benefits anticipated from the Mergers.
GTECH and IGT will incur significant transaction and merger-related costs in connection with the Mergers.
GTECH and IGT expect to incur a number of non-recurring costs associated with the Mergers and combining the operations of the two companies. The substantial majority of non-recurring expenses will be comprised of transaction and regulatory costs related to the Mergers. GTECH and IGT have agreed to use their respective reasonable best efforts to effect all necessary notices, reports and other filings and to obtain all consents, registrations, approvals, permits, expirations of waiting periods and authorizations necessary or advisable to be obtained from any third party and/or any governmental entity in order to consummate the Mergers.
GTECH also will incur transaction fees and costs related to formulating and implementing integration plans, including facilities and systems consolidation costs and employment-related costs. GTECH continues to assess the magnitude of these costs, and additional unanticipated costs may be incurred in the Mergers and the integration of the two companies.
The incurrence of these costs may materially impact the combined company's businesses, financial condition and results of operations until the integration is substantially completed.
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As a result of the indebtedness to be incurred by GTECH in connection with the Mergers, the indebtedness of the combined company following completion of the Mergers will be substantially greater than the combined indebtedness of GTECH and IGT prior to the effective time of the Mergers. This increased indebtedness could adversely affect the combined company, including by decreasing the combined company's business flexibility, and will increase its interest expense.
The total debt of GTECH as of September 30, 2014 was approximately €2.891 billion. GTECH's pro forma total debt as of September 30, 2014, after giving effect to the Mergers, would be approximately €7.998 billion. The combined company would have substantially increased indebtedness following completion of the Mergers in relation to that of GTECH and IGT on a recent historical basis, which could have the effect, among other things, of reducing the combined company's flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and will increase the combined company's interest expense. In addition, the amount of cash required to service the combined company's increased indebtedness following completion of the Mergers and thus the demands on the combined company's cash resources will be greater than the amount of cash required to service the indebtedness of GTECH and IGT prior to the Mergers. The increased levels of indebtedness following completion of the Mergers could also reduce funds available for the combined company's investments in product development as well as capital expenditures, share repurchases, dividend payments and other activities and may create competitive disadvantages for the combined company relative to other companies with lower debt levels. Further, it is not expected that all of Holdco's debt will be guaranteed by all of the entities of the combined company and accordingly, certain cash flows of the combined company may not be available to service company debt.
In connection with executing the combined company's business strategies following the Mergers, GTECH expects to continue to evaluate the possibility of acquiring additional assets and making further strategic investments, and GTECH or the combined company may elect to finance these endeavors by incurring additional indebtedness. Moreover, to respond to competitive challenges, GTECH or the combined company may be required to raise substantial additional capital to finance new product or service offerings. GTECH's or the combined company's ability to arrange additional financing will depend on, among other factors, GTECH's and, following the Mergers, the combined company's financial position and performance, as well as prevailing market conditions and other factors beyond GTECH's or the combined company's control. No assurance can be given that the combined company will be able to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to the combined company or at all. If GTECH or the combined company is able to obtain additional financing, credit ratings of the combined company could be further adversely affected, which could further raise the combined company's borrowing costs and further limit its access to capital and its ability to satisfy its obligations under its indebtedness.
Any downgrades of the combined company's credit ratings will impact the cost and availability of future borrowings.
Following the announcement of the Mergers, S&P lowered its corporate credit rating on GTECH to BBB- from BBB, and also lowered its short-term rating to A-3 from A-2. S&P also lowered its ratings on GTECH's senior unsecured debt to BBB- from BBB, and lowered its ratings on GTECH's subordinated debt to BB from BB+. Any further downgrades of the combined company's credit ratings will impact the cost and availability of future borrowings and, accordingly, the combined company's cost of capital, including any borrowings to refinance the bridge facility (if drawn).
Restrictive covenants in the combined company's debt instruments may restrict its ability to operate its business, and the combined company's failure to comply with these covenants could materially and adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.
Any further ratings downgrades could lead to enhanced covenant restrictions under the combined company's debt instruments, including in respect of dividend payments and share repurchases. In
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addition, future borrowings under circumstances in which the combined company's debt is rated below investment grade may contain further covenant restrictions that impose significant restrictions on the way the combined company operates its business, including restrictions on its ability to:
Certain of the combined company's debt instruments will require it to comply with certain affirmative covenants and certain specified financial covenants and ratios.
These restrictions could affect its ability to operate its business and may limit its ability to react to market conditions or take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. For example, such restrictions could adversely affect the combined company's ability to finance its operations, make strategic acquisitions, investments or alliances, restructure its organization or finance its capital needs. Additionally, the combined company's ability to comply with these covenants and restrictions may be affected by events beyond its control such as prevailing economic, financial, regulatory and industry conditions. If it breaches any of these covenants (including financial covenants or ratios) or restrictions, the company could be in default under one or more of its debt instruments, which, if not cured or waived, could result in acceleration of the indebtedness under such agreements and cross defaults under its other debt instruments. Any such actions could result in the enforcement of its lenders' security interests and/or force the company into bankruptcy or liquidation, which could have a material adverse effect on the combined company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The market price of Holdco ordinary shares after the Mergers may be affected by factors different from those that may currently affect the market price of GTECH ordinary shares and IGT common stock.
Upon completion of the Mergers, holders of GTECH ordinary shares (other than those who exercise rescission rights in connection with the Holdco Merger) and IGT common stock will become holders of Holdco ordinary shares. Holdco's businesses following the Mergers will differ from those of GTECH and IGT prior to completion of the Mergers in important respects and, accordingly, after the Mergers, the market price of Holdco ordinary shares may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the market price of GTECH ordinary shares and shares of IGT common stock.
Holdco ordinary shares to be received by GTECH and IGT shareholders as a result of the Mergers will have rights different from the GTECH ordinary shares and IGT common stock they hold prior to the effective time of the Mergers.
Upon completion of the Mergers, the rights of former GTECH and IGT shareholders who become shareholders of Holdco will be governed by the Holdco Articles and by the laws of England and Wales. The rights associated with GTECH ordinary shares and IGT common stock are different from the rights associated with Holdco ordinary shares. Material differences between the rights of shareholders of IGT and GTECH and the rights of shareholders of Holdco include differences with respect to, among other things, distributions, dividends, repurchases and redemptions, dividends in shares/bonus issues, preemptive rights, the election of directors, the removal of directors, the fiduciary and statutory duties of directors, conflicts of interests of directors, the indemnification of directors and officers,
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limitations on director liability, the convening of annual meetings of shareholders and special shareholder meetings, notice provisions for meetings, the quorum for shareholder meetings, the adjournment of shareholder meetings, the exercise of voting rights, shareholder action by written consent, shareholder suits, shareholder approval of certain transactions, rights of dissenting shareholders, anti-takeover measures and provisions relating to the ability to amend governing documents. See "Comparison of Rights of Shareholders of GTECH, IGT and Holdco" beginning on page [ ].
The combined company's inability to integrate recently acquired businesses or to successfully complete future acquisitions could limit its future growth or otherwise be disruptive to its ongoing business.
From time to time, the combined company expects it will pursue acquisitions in support of its strategic goals. In connection with any such acquisitions, the combined company could face significant challenges in managing and integrating its expanded or combined operations, including acquired assets, operations and personnel. There can be no assurance that acquisition opportunities will be available on acceptable terms or at all or that Holdco will be able to obtain necessary financing or regulatory approvals to complete potential acquisitions. The combined company's ability to succeed in implementing its strategy will depend to some degree upon the ability of its management to identify, complete and successfully integrate commercially viable acquisitions. Acquisition transactions may disrupt the combined company's ongoing business and distract management from other responsibilities.
Changes in consumer preferences and behavior could affect the popularity of the gaming industry .
The popularity and acceptance of gaming is influenced by the prevailing social mores, and changes in social mores could result in reduced acceptance of gaming as a leisure activity. The combined company's future financial success will depend on the appeal of its gaming offerings to its customers and players and the acceptance of gaming generally. If Holdco is not able to anticipate and react to changes in consumer preferences and social mores, its competitive and financial position may be adversely affected. In addition, the combined company's future success will also depend on the success of the gaming industry as a whole in attracting and retaining players in the face of increased competition for players' entertainment dollars. Gaming may lose popularity as new leisure activities arise or as other leisure activities become more popular. If the popularity of gaming declines for any reason, Holdco's business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
The combined company's information technology systems may be vulnerable to hacker intrusion, malicious viruses and other cybercrime attacks, which may harm its business and expose us to liability.
The combined company games and gaming systems depend to a great extent on the reliability and security of Holdco's information technology system, software and network, which are subject to damage and interruption caused by human error, problems relating to the telecommunications network, software failure, natural disasters, sabotage, viruses and similar events. Any interruption in Holdco's systems could have a negative effect on the quality of products and services offered and, as a result, on customer demand and therefore volume of sales. As Holdco will also offer online access to games and betting, such services may be subject to attack by hackers or experience other network interruptions that interfere with the provision of service and thereby subject the combined company to liability for losses by players or to fines from the applicable governmental authorities for failure to provide the required level of service under its concessions.
Future changes to U.S. and foreign tax laws could adversely affect Holdco.
Holdco believes that, under current law, it is, and following the closing will be, treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes. However, changes to the inversion rules in Section 7874 of the Internal Revenue Code or the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (including Treasury Regulations recently announced by the U.S. Treasury Department) or other guidance from the
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U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") could adversely affect Holdco's status as a foreign corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes or otherwise adversely affect Holdco for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and any such changes could have prospective or retroactive application to GTECH, IGT, their respective shareholders, affiliates or the Mergers. In addition, recent legislative proposals have aimed to expand the scope of U.S. corporate tax residence, and such legislation, if passed, could have an adverse effect on Holdco.
Moreover, the U.S. Congress, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and other government agencies in jurisdictions where GTECH, IGT and their affiliates do business are focusing on issues related to the taxation of multinational corporations. One example is in the area of "base erosion and profit shifting," where payments are made between affiliates from a jurisdiction with high tax rates to a jurisdiction with lower tax rates. As a result, the tax laws in the United States and other countries in which GTECH, IGT and their affiliates do business could change on a prospective or retroactive basis, and any such changes could adversely affect Holdco and its affiliates (including IGT and its subsidiaries after the Mergers).
Holdco intends to operate so as to be treated exclusively as a resident of the U.K. for tax purposes, but the relevant tax authorities may treat it as also being a resident of another jurisdiction for tax purposes.
Holdco is a company incorporated in the U.K. Current U.K. law, the decisions of the U.K. courts and the published practice of Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs, or HMRC, suggest that Holdco, a group holding company, is likely to be regarded as being a U.K. resident from incorporation and remaining so if, as Holdco intends that, (i) all major meetings of its Board of Directors and most routine meetings are held in the U.K. with a majority of directors present in the U.K. for those meetings; (ii) at those meetings there are full discussions of, and decisions are made regarding, the key strategic issues affecting Holdco and its subsidiaries; (iii) those meetings are properly minuted; (iv) at least some of the directors of Holdco, together with supporting staff, are based in the U.K.; and (v) Holdco has permanent staffed office premises in the U.K. sufficient to discharge its functions as a holding company.
Even if Holdco is resident of the U.K. for tax purposes, as expected, it would nevertheless not be treated as a resident of the U.K. if (a) it were concurrently resident of another jurisdiction (applying the tax residence rules of that jurisdiction) that has a double tax treaty with the U.K. and (b) there is a tiebreaker provision in that tax treaty which allocates exclusive residence to that other jurisdiction.
Residence of Holdco for Italian tax purposes is largely a question of fact based on all relevant circumstances. A rebuttable presumption of residence in Italy may apply under Article 73(5-bis) of the Italian Consolidated Tax Act, or CTA. However, Holdco intends to set up its management and organizational structure in such a manner that it should be regarded as resident in the U.K. from its incorporation for the purposes of the Italy-U.K. tax treaty. Because this analysis is highly factual and may depend on future changes in Holdco's management and organizational structure, there can be no assurance regarding the final determination of Holdco's tax residence. Should Holdco be treated as an Italian tax resident, it would be subject to taxation in Italy on its worldwide income and may be required to comply with withholding tax and/or reporting obligations provided under Italian tax law, which could result in additional costs and expenses.
Should Italian withholding taxes be imposed on future dividends or distributions with respect to Holdco ordinary shares, whether such withholding taxes are creditable against a tax liability to which a shareholder is otherwise subject depends on the laws of such shareholder's jurisdiction and such shareholder's particular circumstances. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors in respect of the consequences of the potential imposition of Italian withholding taxes.
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As an English public limited company, certain capital structure decisions will require shareholder approval which may limit Holdco's flexibility to manage its capital structure.
English law provides that a board of directors may only allot shares (or rights to subscribe for or convertible into shares) with the prior authorization of shareholders, such authorization being up to the aggregate nominal amount of shares and for a maximum period of five years, each as specified in the articles of association or relevant shareholder resolution. This authorization would need to be renewed by Holdco's shareholders upon its expiration ( i.e., at least every five years). The articles of association that will apply to Holdco after the Mergers become effective will authorize the allotment of additional shares for a period of five years from the date of the relevant shareholder resolution, which authorization will need to be renewed upon expiration ( i.e. , at least every five years) but may be sought more frequently for additional five-year terms (or any shorter period).
English law also generally provides shareholders with preemptive rights when new shares are issued for cash; however, it is possible for the articles of association, or shareholders in general meeting, to exclude preemptive rights. Such an exclusion of preemptive rights may be for a maximum period of up to five years from the date of adoption of the articles of association, if the exclusion is contained in the articles of association, or from the date of the shareholder resolution, if the exclusion is by shareholder resolution; in either case, this exclusion would need to be renewed by Holdco's shareholders upon its expiration ( i.e. , at least every five years). The articles of association that will apply to Holdco after the Mergers will exclude preemptive rights for a period of five years following the date of the relevant shareholder resolution, which exclusion will need to be renewed upon expiration ( i.e. , at least every five years) to remain effective, but may be sought more frequently for additional five-year terms (or any shorter period).
English law also generally prohibits a public company from repurchasing its own shares without the prior approval of shareholders by ordinary resolution, being a resolution passed by a simple majority of votes cast, and other formalities. Such approval may be for a maximum period of up to five years. Holdco anticipates that, prior to the completion of the Mergers, an ordinary resolution will be adopted to permit purchases of Holdco shares. This ordinary resolution will need to be renewed upon expiration ( i.e., at least every five years) but may be sought more frequently for additional five-year terms (or any shorter period).
See "The Holdco Shares, Articles of Association and Terms and Conditions of the Special Voting Shares" beginning on page [ ].
English law will require that Holdco meet certain additional financial requirements before it declares dividends or repurchases shares following the Mergers.
Under English law, Holdco will only be able to declare dividends, make distributions or repurchase shares out of "distributable profits." "Distributable profits" are a company's accumulated, realized profits, so far as not previously utilized by distribution or capitalization, less its accumulated, realized losses, so far as not previously written off in a reduction or reorganization of capital duly made. In addition, Holdco, as a public company, may only make a distribution if the amount of its net assets is not less than the aggregate of its called-up share capital and undistributable reserves and if, and to the extent that, the distribution does not reduce the amount of those assets to less than that aggregate. Immediately after the Mergers, Holdco may not have "distributable profits." Following the effective date for the Mergers, it is expected that Holdco will capitalize the merger reserve created pursuant to the Mergers and implement a parallel court-approved reduction of that capital in order to create a reserve of an equivalent amount of distributable profits to support the payment of possible future dividends or future share repurchases. Neither the capitalization or the reduction will impact shareholders' relative interests in the capital of Holdco. The Holdco articles of association will, from the effective date of the Mergers, permit Holdco by ordinary resolution of the shareholders to declare dividends, provided that the directors have made a recommendation as to its amount. The dividend
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shall not exceed the amount recommended by the directors. The directors may also decide to pay interim dividends if it appears to them that the profits available for distribution justify the payment. When recommending or declaring the payment of a dividend, the directors will be required under English law to comply with their duties, including considering Holdco's future financial requirements.
The enforcement of shareholder judgments against Holdco may be more difficult.
Because Holdco is a public limited company incorporated under English law, after the effective time of the Mergers, shareholders could experience more difficulty enforcing judgments obtained against Holdco in U.S. and Italian courts than would currently be the case for U.S. or Italian judgments obtained against IGT or GTECH. In addition, it may be more difficult (or impossible) to bring some types of claims against Holdco in courts in England than it would be to bring similar claims against a U.S. company in a U.S. court or an Italian company in Italian court.
Transfers of Holdco ordinary shares may be subject to stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax ("SDRT") in the U.K., which would increase the cost of dealing in Holdco ordinary shares as compared to GTECH or IGT shares.
Stamp duty and/or SDRT are imposed in the U.K. on certain transfers of chargeable securities (which include shares in companies incorporated in the U.K.) at a rate of 0.5% of the consideration paid for the transfer. Certain issues or transfers of shares to depositaries or into clearance systems, as discussed below, are charged at a higher rate of 1.5%.
Transfers of shares held in book entry form through the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation ("DTC") should not be subject to stamp duty or SDRT in the U.K. A transfer of title in the shares from within the DTC system out of DTC and any subsequent transfers that occur entirely outside the DTC system, including repurchase by Holdco, will generally be subject to stamp duty or SDRT at a rate of 0.5% of any consideration, which is payable by the transferee of the shares. Any such duty must be paid (and the relevant transfer document stamped by HMRC) before the transfer can be registered in the books of Holdco. If such shares are redeposited into the DTC system, the redeposit will attract stamp duty or SDRT at the higher 1.5% rate.
Following the Mergers, Holdco expects to put in place arrangements to require that shares held in certificated form cannot be transferred into the DTC system until the transferor of the shares has first delivered the shares to a depository specified by Holdco so that stamp duty or SDRT may be collected in connection with the initial delivery to the depository. Any such shares will be evidenced by a receipt issued by the depository. Before the transfer can be registered in the books of Holdco, the transferor will also be required to put in the depository funds to settle the applicable stamp duty or SDRT, which will be charged at a rate of 1.5% of the value of the shares.
If Holdco ordinary shares are not eligible for deposit and clearing within the facilities of DTC, then transactions in its securities may be disrupted.
The facilities of DTC are a widely-used mechanism that allow for rapid electronic transfers of securities between the participants in the DTC system, which include many large banks and brokerage firms. Holdco expects that, upon the completion of the Mergers, Holdco ordinary shares will be eligible for deposit and clearing within the DTC system. However, DTC is not obligated to accept Holdco ordinary shares for deposit and clearing within its facilities at the Closing and, even if DTC does initially accept Holdco ordinary shares, it will generally have discretion to cease to act as a depository and clearing agency for Holdco ordinary shares. If DTC determines at any time that Holdco ordinary shares are not eligible for continued deposit and clearance within its facilities, then Holdco believes that Holdco ordinary shares would not be eligible for continued listing on a U.S. securities exchange and trading in Holdco ordinary shares would be disrupted. While Holdco would pursue alternative
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arrangements to preserve the listing and maintain trading, any such disruption could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of Holdco ordinary shares.
GTECH's and IGT's actual financial positions and results of operations may differ materially from the unaudited pro forma financial data included in this proxy statement/prospectus.
The pro forma financial information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be an accurate indication of the combined company's financial position or results of operations if the Mergers and associated financing transactions are completed on the dates indicated. The pro forma financial information has been derived from the audited and unaudited historical financial statements of GTECH and IGT and certain adjustments and assumptions have been made regarding the combined company after giving effect to the Mergers and associated financing transactions. The assets and liabilities of IGT have been measured at fair value based on various preliminary estimates using assumptions that GTECH management believes are reasonable utilizing information currently available and factually supportable. The process for estimating the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities requires the use of judgment in determining the appropriate assumptions and estimates. These estimates may be revised as additional information becomes available and as additional analyses are performed. Differences between preliminary estimates in the pro forma financial information and the final acquisition accounting will occur and could have a material impact on the pro forma financial information and the combined company's financial position and future results of operations.
In addition, the assumptions used in preparing the pro forma financial information may not prove to be accurate, and other factors may affect the combined company's financial condition or results of operations following the Closing. Any potential decline in Holdco's financial condition or results of operations may cause significant variations in the price of Holdco ordinary shares. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information" beginning on page [ ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.
De Agostini will have significant voting power with respect to corporate matters considered by the shareholders of Holdco.
Following the Mergers, assuming that no rescission rights are exercised by GTECH shareholders, it is expected that De Agostini will beneficially own shares representing approximately 47.1% of the aggregate voting power of Holdco. By virtue of De Agostini's voting power in Holdco, as well as De Agostini's representation on the Holdco Board, De Agostini may have significant influence over the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matters submitted to Holdco shareholders for approval. De Agostini will be able to block any such matter which, under English law, requires approval by special resolution ( i.e. , a resolution approved by the holders of at least 75% of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding Holdco ordinary shares, being entitled to vote, voting on the resolution), such as amendment of the Holdco Articles or the exclusion of preemptive rights.
In connection with the Merger Agreement, De Agostini and IGT entered into a voting agreement pursuant to which, subject to certain conditions, De Agostini agreed to vote the Holdco ordinary shares it will beneficially own in support of the corporate governance and leadership structure for Holdco for three years following the Closing as outlined below in the "The Merger AgreementCovenantsCorporate Governance Matters" beginning on page [ ].
The loyalty voting structure to be implemented in connection with the Mergers may concentrate voting power in a small number of Holdco shareholders and such concentration may increase over time.
Holdco shareholders that maintain their ownership of Holdco ordinary shares continuously for at least three years will be entitled, upon election, to direct the voting rights in respect of one special voting share per ordinary share held for such period, provided that such shareholders meet the conditions described in "The Holdco Shares, Articles of Association and Terms and Conditions of the
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Special Voting Shares" beginning on page [ ]. If Holdco shareholders maintaining ownership of a significant number of Holdco ordinary shares for an uninterrupted period of at least three years elect to receive the right to direct the exercise of the voting rights attaching to special voting shares, it is possible that a relatively large proportion of the voting power of Holdco could be further concentrated in a relatively small number of shareholders who would have significant influence over Holdco.
The loyalty voting structure may prevent or frustrate attempts by Holdco shareholders to change Holdco's management and hinder efforts to acquire a controlling interest in Holdco, and the Holdco ordinary share price may be lower as a result.
The provisions of the Holdco Articles establishing the loyalty voting structure may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or attempt to acquire, control of Holdco, even if a change of control were considered favorably by shareholders holding a majority of Holdco ordinary shares. As a result of the loyalty voting structure, it is possible that a relatively large proportion of the voting power of Holdco could be concentrated in a relatively small number of holders who would have significant influence over Holdco. Such shareholders participating in the loyalty voting structure could reduce the likelihood of change of control transactions that may otherwise benefit holders of Holdco ordinary shares.
The loyalty voting structure may also prevent or discourage shareholders' initiatives aimed at changes in Holdco's management.
Tax consequences of the loyalty voting structure are uncertain.
No statutory, judicial or administrative authority has provided public guidance on how the receipt, ownership, or loss of the entitlement to instruct the Nominee on how to vote in respect of special voting shares and, as a result, the tax consequences are uncertain.
The fair market value of the Holdco special voting shares, which may be relevant to the tax consequences, is a factual determination and is not governed by any guidance that directly addresses such a situation. Because, among other things, (i) the special voting shares are not transferrable (other than in very limited circumstances as provided for in the loyalty voting structure), (ii) on a return of capital of Holdco on a winding up or otherwise, the holders of the special voting shares will only be entitled to receive out of Holdco assets available for distribution to its shareholders, in aggregate, $1, and (iii) loss of the entitlement to instruct the Nominee on how to vote in respect of special voting shares will occur for nil consideration, Holdco believes and intends to take the position that the value of each special voting share is minimal. However, the relevant tax authorities could assert that the value of the special voting shares as determined by Holdco is incorrect. The tax treatment of the loyalty voting structure is unclear and shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences of receipt, ownership and loss of the entitlement to instruct the Nominee on how to vote in respect of special voting shares. See "Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations", "Material U.K. Tax Considerations" and "Material Italian Tax Considerations" for a further discussion.
The combined company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk.
The combined company will transact business in numerous countries around the world and expects that a significant portion of its business will continue to take place in international markets. Holdco will prepare its consolidated financial statements in its functional currency, while the financial statements of each of its subsidiaries will be prepared in the functional currency of that entity. Accordingly, fluctuations in the exchange rate of the functional currencies of the combined company's foreign currency entities against the functional currency of Holdco will impact its results of operations and financial condition. As such, it is expected that the combined company's revenues and earnings will continue to be exposed to the risks that may arise from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, which could have a material adverse effect on Holdco's business, results of operation or financial condition.
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RISK FACTORS RELATING TO GTECH'S BUSINESS
GTECH is exposed to risks associated with the performance of the global economy, the Eurozone debt crisis and the prevailing economic conditions in the markets in which it operates, including Italy.
GTECH is exposed to risks associated with the performance of the global economy and the markets in which it operates. GTECH's income and results of operations have been influenced, and will continue to be influenced, to a certain degree, by the general state and the performance of the global economy. The recent volatility of the financial markets shows that there can be no assurance that any recovery is sustainable or that there will be no recurrence of the global financial and economic crisis or similar adverse market conditions.
GTECH's business is particularly sensitive to reductions in discretionary consumer spending in the markets in which it operates, which may be affected by general economic conditions in these markets. Economic contraction, economic uncertainty and the perception by GTECH's customers of weak or weakening economic conditions may cause a decline in demand for entertainment in the forms of the gaming services that GTECH offers. In addition, changes in discretionary consumer spending or consumer preferences could be driven by factors such as an unstable job market, perceived or actual disposable consumer income and wealth, or fears of war and future acts of terrorism.
In particular, the lack of resolution of the sovereign debt crisis of several countries of the Eurozone, including Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Ireland, Spain and Portugal, together with the risk of contagion to other, more stable, countries, particularly France and Germany, has raised a number of uncertainties regarding the stability and overall standing of the European Monetary Union. Concerns that the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis could worsen may lead to the reintroduction of national currencies in one or more Eurozone countries or, in particularly dire circumstances, the abandonment of the Euro. The departure or risk of departure from the Euro by one or more Eurozone countries and/or the abandonment of the Euro as a currency could have major negative effects on both existing contractual relations and the fulfillment of obligations by GTECH and/or its customers, which could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
A significant portion of GTECH's total consolidated revenues is derived from government concessions in Italy including the Lotto and instant lottery concessions.
A substantial portion of GTECH's revenues, equal to approximately 53.7% of GTECH's total consolidated revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 (52.4% and 54.8% for the years ended December, 31 2013 and 2012, respectively), is derived from exclusive and non-exclusive concessions awarded to GTECH by Agenzia delle Dogane e Dei Monopoli ("ADM"), the governmental authority responsible for regulating and supervising gaming in Italy. In particular, a substantial portion of GTECH's revenues is derived from two exclusive concessions, one for the operation of the Lotto game (the "Lotto Concession") and one for instant tickets (equal to approximately 14.1% and 12.1%, respectively, of GTECH's total consolidated revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, 13.3% and 12.3%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 13.1% and 12.4%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2012). The Lotto Concession and the instant ticket majority-owned concession have been respectively awarded by ADM to GTECH and its subsidiary, Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. GTECH expects that the Lotto Concession will expire on June 8, 2016, while the instant ticket concession will expire on September 30, 2019.
GTECH's management believes that in the future, a significant portion of GTECH's business and profitability will continue to depend upon the concessions awarded to GTECH by ADM and other Italian governmental entities. Therefore, a material reduction in GTECH's revenues from these concessions, including as a result of an early termination or non-renewal of these concessions following
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their expiration, could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
Management believes that the Lotto Concession held by GTECH will expire on June 8, 2016 as was determined by an arbitral ruling in favor of GTECH on August 1, 2005, and confirmed by the Supreme Court of Cassation on February 3, 2014. However, as described further below in the section "Business of GTECH and Certain Information about GTECHLegal ProceedingsLotto Game Concession: Lottomatica/ADM ArbitrationStanley International Betting Limited Appeal," the final expiration date of the Lotto Concession is subject to dispute by ADM, which argues that the Lotto concession should have expired on April 17, 2012, and a related appeal lodged by Stanley International Betting Limited ("Stanley") is still pending. The outcome of this appeal before the State Council related to the ability for the Lotto Concession to be renewed after its first nine year term could result in the earlier termination of GTECH's Lotto Concession prior to June 8, 2016.
Despite several prior arbitral awards and judicial decisions in GTECH's favor, ADM nonetheless may continue to seek monetary or other relief from GTECH in respect of these four disputed years of concession, potentially through additional legal or administrative action. As described herein, although GTECH has strong arguments in defense of these allegations, an adverse finding or settlement could result in significant damages or other payments. It is uncertain what effect, if any, the ongoing dispute regarding the expiration of the Lotto concession will have on GTECH's ability to renew the Lotto concession and, if renewed, the economics of the new concession.
GTECH relies on time-limited government concessions in order to conduct its main business activities. Termination of the Lotto, instant lottery and machine gaming concessions in Italy would have a material adverse effect on GTECH's revenues.
GTECH is required to obtain and maintain licenses from various jurisdictions in order to operate its business. Upon the expiration of GTECH's concessions, new concessions may be awarded to one or more parties through a competitive bidding process open to parties other than GTECH or its subsidiaries. In addition, concessions may be terminated prior to their expiration dates upon the occurrence of certain events of default affecting GTECH or its subsidiaries or if their continuation is determined under applicable principles of law to be against the public interest.
Before the expiration date of the Lotto concession in June 2016, the Italian government will issue a request for proposal ("RFP") to award a new Lotto concession. GTECH's management does not anticipate any constraints to participating in the RFP for the new concession, but GTECH cannot be certain of the results of the tender, including whether GTECH will be awarded the new concession, or what costs will be associated with award of the concession.
The instant ticket concession is, in theory, renewable, but GTECH's management does not believe it is likely. Instead, GTECH's management believes that an RFP will be issued under a different law, with new rules, for a new concession. Under the new rules, the RFP may result in a non-exclusive concession ( i.e. , more than one bidder may be awarded the concession), and award of the concession may entail payment of a lump sum.
As with the above concessions, the non-exclusive concession for the operation of video lottery terminals ("VLTs") and amusement with prize machines ("AWPs") held by Lottomatica Videlot Rete S.p.A., as well as the betting concessions that expire in June 2016 held by Lottomatica Scommesses S.r.l., will be subject to the same concerns. Finally, the conditions for any new concession will be established by law and included in the rules of the new concession.
There can be no assurance that GTECH will be able to renew any of its existing concessions, and the loss, denial, non-renewal or renewal on different terms of any of its concessions could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
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See "Business of GTECH and Certain Information About GTECHBusiness SegmentsItaly" for more information on GTECH's Italian concessions, beginning on page [ ].
GTECH's obligation to transfer assets upon the termination of the Lotto and other concessions could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's financial position and results of operations.
Upon the termination or non-renewal of the Lotto, the instant lottery or machine gaming concessions, GTECH will be required at the request of ADM to transfer to ADM, free of charge, ownership of certain assets that are part of its central system used to operate the Lotto, the instant lottery or machine gaming and equipment such as terminals at the points of sale, facilities, software, data files, and any other related assets that may be necessary for the full functioning, operation, and operability of the system itself. As of September 30, 2014, the value of such assets was €52 million (the value of such assets was €61 million as of December 31, 2013) or approximately 0.7% of GTECH's consolidated total assets and approximately 1.2% without goodwill (the value of such assets was approximately 0.9% of GTECH's consolidated total assets and approximately 1.5% without goodwill as of December 31, 2013). The obligation to transfer the Lotto concession assets may also have detrimental effects on certain other businesses operated by GTECH because GTECH uses terminals, central system hardware and software used in the operation of Lotto in connection with certain of its other businesses.
GTECH is subject to substantial penalties for failure to perform under its concessions and contracts.
GTECH's Italian concessions, lottery contracts in the United States and in other jurisdictions and other service contracts often require substantial performance bonds to secure its performance under such contracts and require GTECH to pay substantial monetary liquidated damages in the event of non-performance by GTECH.
As of December 31, 2013, GTECH had outstanding performance bonds and letters of credit in an aggregate amount of approximately €956.9 million. These instruments present a potential for expense for GTECH and divert financial resources from other uses.
Claims on performance bonds, drawings on letters of credit and payment of liquidated damages could individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
Slow growth or declines in sales of lottery goods and services could lead to lower revenues and cash-flows for GTECH.
In recent years, as the lottery industry has matured in the primary markets where GTECH operates, the rate of lottery sales growth has moderated and some of GTECH's customers have from time-to-time experienced a downward trend in sales. GTECH's dependence on large jackpot games and specifically, the decline in aggregate sales at similar jackpot levels ("jackpot fatigue") has had a negative impact on revenue from this game category. These developments may in part reflect increased competition for consumers' discretionary spending, including from a proliferation of destination gaming venues and an increased availability of internet gaming opportunities. GTECH's future success will depend, in part, on the success of the lottery industry, as a whole, in attracting and retaining new players in the face of such increased competition in the entertainment and gambling markets (which competition may continue to increase), as well as its own success in developing innovative services, products and distribution methods/systems to achieve this goal. In addition, there is a risk that new products and services may replace existing products and services. The replacement of old products and services with new products and services may offset the overall growth of sales of GTECH. A failure by GTECH to achieve these goals could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
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GTECH faces risks related to the extensive and complex governmental regulation applicable to its operations.
GTECH's activities are subject to extensive and complex governmental regulation which varies from time to time and from jurisdiction to jurisdiction where GTECH operates, which includes restrictions on advertising, increases in or differing interpretations by authorities on taxation, limitations on the use of cash and anti-money laundering compliance procedures. GTECH believes that it has developed procedures designed to comply with such regulatory requirements. However, any failure by GTECH to so comply or its inability to obtain required suitability findings could lead regulatory authorities to seek to restrict GTECH's business in their jurisdictions.
In addition, GTECH is subject to extensive background investigations in its lottery and gaming businesses. Authorities generally conduct such investigations prior to and after the award of a lottery contract or issuance of a gaming license. Such investigations frequently include individual suitability standards for officers, directors, major shareholders and key employees. Authorities are generally empowered to disqualify GTECH from receiving a lottery contract or operating a lottery system as a result of any such investigation. GTECH's failure, or the failure of any of its personnel, systems or machines, in obtaining or retaining a required license or approval in one jurisdiction could negatively impact its ability to obtain or retain required licenses and approvals in other jurisdictions. Any such failure would decrease the geographic areas where GTECH may operate and as a result could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
Further, there have been, are currently and may in the future continue to be, investigations of various types conducted by governmental authorities into possible improprieties and wrongdoing in connection with GTECH's efforts to obtain or the awarding of lottery contracts and related matters. Because such investigations frequently are conducted in secret, GTECH may not necessarily know of the existence of an investigation in which it might be involved. Because GTECH's reputation for integrity is an important factor in its business dealings with lottery and other governmental agencies, a governmental allegation or a finding of improper conduct by or attributable to GTECH in any manner or the prolonged investigation of these matters by governmental or regulatory authorities could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects, including its ability to retain existing contracts or to obtain new or renewed contracts, both in the subject jurisdiction and elsewhere. In addition, adverse publicity resulting from any such proceedings could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's reputation, results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
GTECH may be subject to an unfavorable outcome with respect to pending litigation, which could result in substantial monetary damages or other harm to GTECH.
Due to the nature of its business, GTECH is involved in a number of legal, regulatory, tax and arbitration proceedings regarding, among other matters, claims by and against it as well as injunctions by third parties arising out of the ordinary course of its business and is subject to investigations and compliance inquiries related to its on-going operations. The outcome of these proceedings and similar future proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. As of September 30, 2014, GTECH's total provision for litigation risks was €6.6 million. However, it is difficult to accurately estimate the outcome of any proceeding. As such, the amounts of GTECH's provision for litigation risk, accrued also on the basis of assessments made by external counsel, could vary significantly from the amounts GTECH may be asked to pay and from the amounts GTECH would ultimately pay in any such proceeding. In addition, unfavorable resolution of or significant delay in adjudicating such proceedings could require GTECH to pay substantial monetary damages or penalties and/or incur costs which may exceed any provision for litigation risks or, under certain circumstances, cause the termination or revocation of the relevant concession, license or authorization and thereby have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
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GTECH faces risks in connection with its international operations.
GTECH is a global business and derives a substantial portion of its revenues from operations outside of Italy and the United States (15.5% of GTECH's total consolidated revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014; 19.3% and 18.5% for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively). Risks associated with GTECH's international operations include increased governmental regulation of the online lottery industry in the markets where it operates, exchange controls or other currency restrictions and significant political instability.
Other economic risks that GTECH's international activity subjects it to include inflation, currency devaluation, illiquid or restricted foreign exchange markets, high interest rates, debt default, unstable capital markets and foreign direct investment restrictions. Political risks include change of leadership, change of governmental policies, new foreign exchange controls regulating the flow of money into or out of a country, failure of a government to honor existing contracts, changes in tax laws and corruption, as well as global risk aversion driven by political unrest, war and terrorism. Finally, social instability risks include high crime in certain of the countries in which GTECH operates due to poor economic and political conditions, riots, unemployment and poor health conditions. These factors may affect GTECH's work force as well as the general business environment in a country. The materialization of such risks could have a negative impact on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
If GTECH is unable to protect its intellectual property or prevent its use by third parties, its ability to compete in the market may be harmed.
GTECH protects its proprietary technology and intellectual property to ensure that its competitors do not use such technology and intellectual property. However, intellectual property laws in Italy, the United States and in other jurisdictions may afford differing and limited protection, may not permit GTECH to gain or maintain a competitive advantage, and may not prevent GTECH's competitors from duplicating its products, designing around its patented products, or gaining access to its proprietary information and technology.
Although GTECH takes measures intended to prevent disclosure of its trade secrets through non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements and other contractual restrictions, GTECH may not be able to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of its technical knowledge or trade secrets. For example, there can be no assurance that consultants, vendors, former employees or current employees will not breach their obligations regarding non-disclosure and restrictions on use. In addition, anyone could seek to challenge, invalidate, circumvent or render unenforceable any GTECH patent. GTECH cannot provide assurance that any pending or future patent applications it holds will result in an issued patent, or that, if patents are issued, they would necessarily provide meaningful protection against competitors and competitive technologies and/or adequately protect GTECH's then-current products and technologies. GTECH may not be able to detect the unauthorized use of its intellectual property or take appropriate steps to enforce its intellectual property rights effectively, and certain contractual provisions, including restrictions on use, copying, transfer and disclosure of licensed programs, may be unenforceable under the laws of certain jurisdictions.
GTECH licenses intellectual property rights from third parties. If such third parties do not properly maintain or enforce the intellectual property rights underlying such licenses, or if such licenses are terminated or expire without being renewed, GTECH could lose the right to use the licensed intellectual property, which could adversely affect its competitive position or its ability to commercialize certain of its technologies, products or services.
GTECH intends to enforce its intellectual property rights, and from time to time it may initiate claims against third parties that it believes are infringing its intellectual property rights if it is unable to resolve matters satisfactorily through negotiation. Litigation brought to protect and enforce GTECH's
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intellectual property rights could be costly, time-consuming and distracting to management and could fail to obtain the results sought and could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
Third party intellectual property infringement claims against GTECH could limit or affect its ability to compete effectively.
GTECH cannot provide assurance that its products or methods do not infringe the patents or other intellectual property rights of third parties. Infringement and other intellectual property claims and proceedings brought against GTECH, whether successful or not, are costly, time-consuming and distracting to management, and could harm GTECH's reputation. In addition, intellectual property litigation or claims could require GTECH to do one or more of the following: (i) cease selling or using any of its products that allegedly incorporate the infringed intellectual property, (ii) pay substantial damages, (iii) obtain a license from the third party owner, which license may not be available on reasonable terms, if at all, (iv) rebrand or rename its products, and (v) redesign its products to avoid infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties, which may not be possible and, if possible, could be costly, time-consuming or result in a less effective product. The loss of proprietary technology or a successful claim against GTECH could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
GTECH's business prospects and future success rely heavily upon the integrity of its employees, directors and agents and the security of its systems.
The real and perceived integrity and security of a lottery is critical to its ability to attract players. GTECH strives to set exacting standards of personal integrity for its employees and directors, as well as system security for the systems that it provides to its customers, and its reputation in this regard is an important factor in its business dealings with lottery and other governmental agencies. For this reason, an allegation or a finding of improper conduct on GTECH's part, or on the part of one or more of its current or former employees, directors or agents that is attributable to GTECH, or an actual or alleged system security defect or failure attributable to GTECH, could have a material adverse effect upon GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects, including its ability to retain or renew existing contracts or obtain new contracts.
GTECH's systems are subject to network interruption risks which could have a negative impact on the quality of the services offered by GTECH and, as a result, on demand from consumers and consequently volume of sales and revenues.
GTECH's ability to provide goods (such as software and lottery terminals) and services to its customers and to effectively operate its games and services depends to a great extent on the reliability and security of the information technology systems providers and networks it uses. Information technology systems and networks used by GTECH are potentially subject to damage and interruption caused by human error, problems relating to the telecommunications network, natural disasters, sabotage, hacking, viruses and similar events. Interruptions in the system could have a negative impact on the quality of the services offered and, as a result, on demand from consumers and consequently on the volume of sales and revenues. In addition, interruptions in systems or networks could result in the termination of certain of GTECH's concessions or lottery contracts or the imposition of substantial penalties. GTECH has, from time to time, experienced system downtime and problems with telecommunications networks.
59
GTECH may not be able to respond to technological changes or to satisfy future technology demands of its customers, in which case it could fall behind its competitors.
Many of GTECH's software and hardware products are based on proprietary technologies. While management believes that certain of GTECH's technologies, such as the GTECH Enterprise Series open-architecture software platform, provide an industry standard, if GTECH were to fail to enhance its product and service offerings to take advantage of technological developments, it may fall behind its competitors and GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects could suffer.
GTECH's lottery operations are dependent upon its continued ability to retain and extend its existing contracts and win new contracts.
GTECH derives a portion of its revenues and cash flow from its portfolio of long-term lottery contracts in the Americas and International segments (equal to approximately 28.3% of GTECH's total consolidated revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 and 27.9% for the year ended December 31, 2013, respectively), awarded through competitive procurement processes. In addition, GTECH's U.S. lottery contracts typically permit a lottery authority to terminate the contract at any time for failure to perform and for other specified reasons, and many of these contracts in the U.S. permit the lottery authority to terminate the contract at will with limited notice and do not specify the compensation, if any, to which GTECH would be entitled were such termination to occur.
Further, in the event that GTECH is unable or unwilling to perform, some of its lottery contracts permit the lottery authority to acquire title to its system related equipment and software during the term of the contract or upon the expiration or earlier termination of the contract, in some cases without paying GTECH any compensation related to the transfer of that equipment and software to the lottery authority.
The termination of or failure to renew or extend one or more of GTECH's lottery contracts, or the renewal or extension of one or more of GTECH's lottery contracts on materially altered terms or the transfer of its assets without compensation could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
GTECH has a concentrated customer base and the loss of any of its larger customers (or lower sales from any of these customers) could lead to significantly lower revenue.
Revenues from GTECH's top ten customers outside of Italy accounted for approximately 18.1% of GTECH's total consolidated revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 (18.3% and 17.7% for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively). If GTECH were to lose any of these larger customers, or if these larger customers experience slow lottery ticket sales and consequently reduced lottery revenue, there could be a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
GTECH's dependence on certain suppliers creates a risk of implementation delays if the supply contract is terminated or breached, and any delays may result in substantial penalties.
GTECH purchases most of the parts, components and subassemblies necessary for its lottery and machine gaming terminals and other system components from outside sources. GTECH outsources all of the manufacturing and assembly of certain lottery products to a single vendor while other products have portions outsourced to multiple qualified vendors. Although GTECH works closely with its manufacturing outsourcing vendor and GTECH is likely to be able to realign its manufacturing facilities to manufacture its products itself, GTECH's operating results could be adversely affected if one or more of its manufacturing outsourcing vendors failed to meet production schedules. For example, while most of the parts, components and subassemblies can be purchased through more than one supplier, GTECH currently has approximately three material sole source vendors for lottery terminals for its
60
lottery products. GTECH's total purchases from these three vendors during the year ended December 31, 2013 was approximately 57.7% of its total consolidated purchases of parts, components and subassemblies for that product for that year. GTECH's management believes that if a supply contract with one of these vendors were to be terminated or breached, GTECH would be able to replace the vendor. However, it may take time to replace the vendor under some circumstances and any replacement parts, components or subassemblies may be more expensive, which could reduce GTECH's margins. Depending on a number of factors, including the level of the related part, component or subassembly in GTECH's inventory, the time it takes to replace a vendor may result in a delay in its implementation for a customer. Generally, if GTECH fails to meet its delivery schedules under its contracts, it may be subject to substantial penalties or liquidated damages, or even contract termination, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
New arrangements with state lotteries in the U.S. such as lottery manager contracts may increase the risks to GTECH in its dealings with state lotteries, including requiring the guarantee of income, up-front payments or similar arrangements.
In the United States, state lotteries are exploring lottery manager contracts as a means of maximizing lottery profits. Under these contracts (currently in Illinois, Indiana and New Jersey), GTECH is required to guarantee income levels to the state. In addition, in other states, agreements may require upfront payments for concessions. Arrangements such as the guarantee of income when not achieved, large up-front payments or other similar arrangements may have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operation, business, financial condition or prospects.
GTECH's business may be adversely affected by competition.
The gaming business is highly competitive. GTECH faces competition from a number of companies in Italy, the United States and worldwide. Although GTECH is making investments, including the Mergers intended to position it to exploit the opportunities in the machine gaming, interactive gaming and sports betting markets, it expects significant competition in these markets from other companies. Competition could cause GTECH to lose players or customers and could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects. The online lottery industry has faced increased competition from the entertainment and gambling industries in recent years, including from a proliferation of destination gaming venues, and an increased availability of gaming opportunities including gaming opportunities on the internet. In recent years there has been increased competition in the gaming industry and in some instances, GTECH observed extremely aggressive pricing from these competitors in an effort to gain market share. Increased competition and aggressive pricing practices from competitors could adversely affect GTECH's ability to retain business, to win new business and may impact the margin of profitability on contracts that GTECH is successful in retaining or winning. Also, awards of contracts to GTECH are, from time to time, challenged by its competitors. Increased competition also may have a material adverse effect on the profitability of contracts which GTECH does obtain. Over the past several fiscal years, GTECH has experienced and may continue to experience a reduction in the percentage of lottery ticket sales that it receives from certain customers resulting from contract rebids, extensions and renewals due to a number of factors, including the substantial growth of lottery sales, reductions in the cost of technology and telecommunications services and general and competitive dynamics.
GTECH may also be affected by increased competition as a result of consolidation among gaming equipment and technology companies. GTECH expects the trend toward consolidation in its global industry to continue as gaming equipment and technology companies attempt to strengthen or expand their market positions in the gaming industry through mergers and acquisitions. Several acquisitions of slot machine and other gaming equipment makers by gaming technology companies have been
61
announced recently, such as the pending acquisition of Bally Technologies by Scientific Games Corp., announced in August 2014, and the acquisition of Multimedia Games by Global Cash Access Holdings Inc., announced in September 2014 and expected to close next year. GTECH believes that industry consolidation such as these acquisitions may result in stronger competitors that are better able to compete by increasing their scale and operating efficiencies. Consolidation may also result in competitors with greater resources which may be directed toward accelerating innovation and product development, resulting in a broader service and product offering. Such changes in the competitive landscape could potentially reduce GTECH's market share and lead to declining sales volumes and prices for its products and services. If any of these risks are realized, GTECH's competitive position and therefore its business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
The gaming and betting industry is highly regulated.
The gaming and betting industry is heavily regulated. In Italy, this regulation determines, among others, (i) games that may be operated and amounts that may be charged by operators, (ii) the prizes for the players, (iii) the compensation paid to concessionaires, including GTECH, (iv) the kinds of points of sale and (v) the applicable tax regulations. Renewing existing and applying for new licenses, concessions, permits and approvals can be costly and time consuming and there is no assurance of success. Any failure to renew or obtain any such license, concession, permit or approval could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects. Any changes in the legal or regulatory framework or other changes, such as increases in the taxation of gaming or betting, changes in the compensation paid to concessionaires or increases in the number of licenses, authorizations or concessions awarded to competitors of GTECH could materially and adversely affect its profitability. For instance, the profitability of the video lottery terminal ("VLT") sector has declined since 2012, after ADM increased taxation on VLTs from 2% to 4% in January 2012 and then to 5% during 2013.
In the United States and in many international jurisdictions where GTECH currently operates or seeks to do business, lotteries are not permitted unless expressly authorized by law. The successful implementation of GTECH's growth strategy and its business could be materially adversely affected if jurisdictions that do not currently authorize lotteries do not approve new lotteries or if those jurisdictions that currently authorize lotteries do not continue to permit such activities.
Once authorized, the ongoing operations of lotteries and lottery operators are typically subject to extensive and evolving regulation. In the United States, in particular, lottery authorities generally conduct an investigation of the winning vendor and its employees prior to and after the award of a lottery contract. Further, lottery authorities may require the removal of any of the vendor's employees deemed to be unsuitable and are generally empowered to disqualify GTECH from receiving a lottery contract or operating a lottery system as a result of any such investigation. Some jurisdictions also require extensive personal and financial disclosure and background checks from persons and entities beneficially owning a specified percentage (typically 5% or more) of GTECH's securities. The failure of these beneficial owners to submit to such background checks and provide required disclosure could jeopardize the award of a lottery contract to GTECH or provide grounds for termination of an existing lottery contract. Additional restrictions are often imposed by international jurisdictions upon foreign corporations, such as GTECH, seeking to do business there.
Finally, sales generated by lottery games frequently are dependent upon decisions over which GTECH has no control made by lottery authorities with respect to the operation of these games, such as matters relating to the marketing and prize payout features of lottery games. Because GTECH is typically compensated in whole or in part based on a jurisdiction's gross lottery sales, lower than anticipated sales due to these factors could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
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The illegal gaming market could negatively affect GTECH's business.
A significant threat for the entire gaming and betting industry arises from illegal activities. Such illegal activities may drain significant betting volumes away from the regulated industry. In particular, illegal gaming could take away a portion of the present players that are the focus of GTECH's business. The loss of such players could have a material adverse effect on GTECH's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects.
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO IGT'S BUSINESS
You should read and consider risk factors specific to IGT's business that will also affect the combined company after the Mergers. These risks are described in Part I, Item 1A of IGT's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2013, and Part II, Item 1A of its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 28, 2014, March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013 and in other documents that are incorporated by reference into this document. See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page [ ] of this proxy statement/prospectus for the location of information incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.
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SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF GTECH
The following tables set forth summary historical consolidated financial and other data of GTECH for the periods indicated and has been derived from:
Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for a full year or any future interim period. The Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the unaudited interim periods.
The following information is presented in millions of Euro, unless otherwise specified.
The following information should be read in conjunction with "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of GTECH," "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information," the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus. Historical results for any period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period.
Consolidated Income Statement Data
|
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
|
(€ million, except
per share data) |
||||||
Total revenue |
2,260.2 | 2,289.7 | |||||
Operating income |
470.1 | 455.3 | |||||
Income before income tax expense |
323.7 | 329.0 | |||||
Net income (1) |
191.0 | 198.0 | |||||
Attributable to: |
|||||||
Owners of the parent |
176.1 | 174.1 | |||||
Non-controlling interests |
14.9 | 23.9 | |||||
Basic earnings per ordinary share (in Euro) (1) |
1.01 | 1.01 | |||||
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (in Euro) (1) |
1.01 | 1.01 |
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Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Data
|
At September 30,
|
At December 31,
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
|
(€ million, except share
information) |
||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
455.6 | 419.1 | |||||
Total assets |
7,303.4 | 7,123.4 | |||||
Debt (1) |
2,890.6 | 2,856.6 | |||||
Non-current liabilities |
2,957.4 | 2,915.7 | |||||
Total equity |
2,757.4 | 2,603.5 | |||||
Equity attributable to owners of the parent |
2,473.7 | 2,199.9 | |||||
Non-controlling interests |
283.7 | 403.6 |
Consolidated Income Statement Data
|
For the years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||
|
(€ million, except per share data)
|
|||||||||||||||
Total revenue |
3,062.8 | 3,075.7 | 2,973.7 | 2,314.1 | 2,176.9 | |||||||||||
Operating income |
559.0 | 583.1 | 539.3 | 386.0 | 366.4 | |||||||||||
Income before income tax expense |
385.8 | 424.0 | 365.9 | 113.5 | 188.2 | |||||||||||
Net income (1) |
205.0 | 265.2 | 205.7 | 45.4 | 112.3 | |||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||
Owners of the parent |
175.4 | 233.1 | 173.1 | 0.5 | 68.1 | |||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
29.6 | 32.1 | 32.6 | 44.9 | 44.2 | |||||||||||
Basic earnings per ordinary share (in Euro) (1) |
1.01 | 1.35 | 1.01 | | 0.45 | |||||||||||
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (in Euro) (1) |
1.01 | 1.35 | 1.01 | | 0.45 |
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Data
|
At December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||
|
(€ million)
|
|||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
419.1 | 455.8 | 190.7 | 152.4 | 469.3 | |||||||||||
Total assets |
7,123.4 | 7,277.3 | 7,006.9 | 6,962.9 | 6,204.6 | |||||||||||
Debt (1) |
2,856.6 | 2,960.6 | 2,802.4 | 2,951.7 | 2,694.3 | |||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
2,915.7 | 3,056.2 | 2,904.1 | 3,149.7 | 2,976.6 | |||||||||||
Total equity |
2,603.5 | 2,642.3 | 2,609.2 | 2,358.9 | 1,896.8 | |||||||||||
Equity attributable to owners of the parent |
2,199.9 | 2,267.8 | 2,187.1 | 1,914.4 | 1,837.7 | |||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
403.6 | 374.5 | 422.1 | 444.5 | 59.1 |
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SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF IGT
The following tables set forth summary historical consolidated financial and other data of IGT for the periods indicated and have been derived from:
The IGT audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements referred to above have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of U.S. GAAP.
The following information should be read in conjunction with IGT's historical consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, including the related notes as well as the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained in IGT's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporated by reference herein. Historical results for any period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period.
Consolidated Income Statement Data
|
For the nine months
ended June 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
|
(US$ million, except
per share data) |
||||||
Revenues |
1,521.6 | 1,709.2 | |||||
Gross profit |
887.4 | 987.7 | |||||
Operating income |
285.4 | 370.7 | |||||
Income from operations, before tax |
212.1 | 302.7 | |||||
Income from operations, net of tax (1) |
177.1 | 209.2 | |||||
Basic earnings per share (in US$) (1) |
0.71 | 0.79 | |||||
Diluted earnings per share (in US$) (1) |
0.71 | 0.79 | |||||
Cash dividends declared per share (in US$) |
0.33 | 0.24 |
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Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Data
|
At June 30,
|
At September 30,
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
|
(US$ million)
|
||||||
Cash and short-term investment securities equivalents (1) |
299.0 | 809.1 | |||||
Working capital (2) |
691.1 | 267.5 | |||||
Total assets |
4,057.4 | 4,612.8 | |||||
Debt, net (current and non-current) |
1,987.7 | 2,192.9 | |||||
Jackpot liabilities (current and non-current) |
396.0 | 425.0 | |||||
Non-current liabilities |
2,370.5 | 1,850.2 | |||||
Total equity |
1,165.4 | 1,254.1 |
Consolidated Income Statement Data
|
For the years ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||
|
(US$ million, except per share data)
|
|||||||||||||||
Revenues |
2,341.6 | 2,150.7 | 1,957.0 | 1,917.2 | 2,018.8 | |||||||||||
Gross profit |
1,344.4 | 1,237.6 | 1,138.4 | 1,087.3 | 1,113.6 | |||||||||||
Operating income |
494.1 | 421.7 | 504.9 | 424.8 | 332.4 | |||||||||||
Income from continuing operations, before tax |
402.3 | 342.8 | 427.9 | 304.9 | 213.1 | |||||||||||
Income from continuing operations, net of tax |
272.7 | 249.7 | 292.3 | 219.6 | 148.7 | |||||||||||
Discontinued operations, net of tax |
| (3.8 | ) | (8.7 | ) | (33.6 | ) | (21.9 | ) | |||||||
Net income |
272.7 | 245.9 | 283.6 | 186.0 | 126.8 | |||||||||||
Basic earnings per share (in US$) |
||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations |
1.04 | 0.86 | 0.98 | 0.73 | 0.50 | |||||||||||
Discontinued operations |
| (0.01 | ) | (0.03 | ) | (0.11 | ) | (0.07 | ) | |||||||
Net income |
1.04 | 0.85 | 0.95 | 0.62 | 0.43 | |||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share (in US$) |
||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations |
1.03 | 0.86 | 0.97 | 0.73 | 0.50 | |||||||||||
Discontinued operations |
| (0.01 | ) | (0.03 | ) | (0.11 | ) | (0.07 | ) | |||||||
Net income |
1.03 | 0.85 | 0.94 | 0.62 | 0.43 | |||||||||||
Cash dividends declared per share (in US$) |
0.34 | 0.24 | 0.24 | 0.24 | 0.33 |
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
|
At September 30, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||
|
(US$ million)
|
|||||||||||||||
Cash and short-term investment securities (1) |
809.1 | 288.2 | 552.0 | 248.9 | 247.4 | |||||||||||
Working capital (2) |
267.5 | 633.0 | 875.2 | 620.1 | 609.2 | |||||||||||
Total assets |
4,612.8 | 4,285.1 | 4,154.4 | 4,007.0 | 4,328.1 | |||||||||||
Debt, net (current and non-current) |
2,192.9 | 1,846.4 | 1,646.3 | 1,674.3 | 2,020.0 | |||||||||||
Jackpot liabilities (current and non-current) |
425.0 | 481.0 | 508.4 | 570.9 | 588.1 | |||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
1,850.2 | 2,457.0 | 2,174.9 | 2,190.4 | 2,640.0 | |||||||||||
Total equity |
1,254.1 | 1,197.8 | 1,444.8 | 1,234.3 | 1,063.6 |
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SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The selected unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information has been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.
The selected unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information of Georgia Worldwide PLC ("Holdco") has been prepared to represent the pro forma effects of the following transactions (the "Transactions"):
Consent to amend the indenture was obtained from IGT bondholders in relation to the 7.5% bond due 2019 amounting to €397.4 million ($0.5 billion at a $ to € exchange rate of 0.795).
It is anticipated that the Bridge Facility will be drawn only to the extent that GTECH is unable (i) to obtain consent from the GTECH note holders or counterparties of GTECH and IGT derivative financial instruments and (ii) to raise debt financing in the form of term loans and/or
68
debt securities at or prior to the closing of the Mergers. The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable at this time; actual results may materially differ from the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information; and
On July 15, 2014 GTECH, Holdco, Sub and GTECH Corporation, entered into the merger agreement with IGT (the "Merger Agreement") to acquire the entire issued share capital of IGT. The completion of the Mergers is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, including antitrust approval, gaming approvals, the receipt of a merger order from the High Court of England and Wales, IGT and GTECH shareholder approvals and NYSE listing approval for the Holdco ordinary shares.
This information should be read in conjunction with the audited Annual Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements of GTECH as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 included in this proxy statement/prospectus, and the historical audited financial statements of IGT, which are available in IGT's Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2013, and the historical unaudited financial statements of IGT, which are available in IGT's Form 10-Q for the nine months ended June 28, 2014, which are incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of financial position has been prepared assuming that the Transactions had occurred on September 30, 2014. The unaudited pro forma consolidated income statements have been prepared assuming that the Transactions had occurred on January 1, 2013. The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information does not purport to represent what our actual results of operations would have been if the Transactions had actually occurred on the dates assumed, nor is it necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations or financial condition. The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information is presented for illustrative purposes only and based upon available information and certain assumptions that each of GTECH and IGT believe are reasonable, including assumptions pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information is presented in millions of Euro and prepared, unless otherwise specified, on a basis that is consistent with the accounting policies used in the preparation of the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements of GTECH, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. It should be noted that IGT consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and presented in U.S. dollars. The historical IGT amounts reflected in the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information have been derived from IGT's consolidated financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP and reconciled to IFRS, as applicable, and as further discussed below in Note 2 to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information based on a preliminary IFRS analysis. The reconciliation has not been audited.
Furthermore, certain current market based assumptions were used which will be updated upon completion of the Transactions. Management believes the estimated fair values utilized for the assets to be acquired and liabilities to be assumed are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions. Preliminary fair value estimates may change as additional information becomes available and such changes could be material, as certain valuations and other studies have yet to commence or progress to
69
a stage where there is sufficient information for a definitive measurement. In addition, a preliminary analysis of U.S. GAAP to IFRS differences and related accounting policies has been completed based on information made available to date. However, following the consummation of the combination, management will conduct a final analysis. As a result of that analysis, management may identify differences that, when finalized, could have a material impact on this Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information.
Pro forma adjustments relating to the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of financial position have been translated into Euro using the applicable exchange rate of $1 per €0.795 at September 30, 2014. Pro forma adjustments relating to the unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement have been translated into Euro using an average exchange rate of $1 per € 0.753 for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $1 per € 0.738 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is based on estimates and assumptions set forth in the notes to such information. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is being furnished for informational purposes only. Although we believe that the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is presented based on reasonable management assumptions, these should not be interpreted as actual results of operations, or as an indication of future consolidated results, as a calculation of dividends or for any other purposes.
The information presented below should be read in conjunction with "Risk Factors," "Forward-Looking Statements "Selected Historical Financial Data of GTECH," "Selected Historical Financial Data of IGT," the historical financial statements of GTECH and IGT, respectively, including the related notes thereto and the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements, included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Income Statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2014
|
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Unaudited
GTECH IFRS Historical |
Unaudited
IGT Reclassified |
Adjustments |
Unaudited
Holdco IFRS Pro Forma |
|||||||||
|
(€ million, except per share data)
|
||||||||||||
Total revenue |
2,260.2 | 1,112.9 | (1.1 | ) | 3,372.0 | ||||||||
Operating income |
470.2 | 215.1 | (130.7 | ) | 554.6 | ||||||||
Income before income tax expense |
323.8 | 155.0 | (319.5 | ) | 159.3 | ||||||||
Net income (1) |
191.1 | 129.4 | (211.8 | ) | 108.7 | ||||||||
Attributable to: |
|||||||||||||
Owners of the parent |
176.1 | 129.4 | (211.8 | ) | 93.7 | ||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
15.0 | | | 15.0 | |||||||||
Basic earnings per ordinary share (in Euro) (1) |
1.01 | 0.51 | |||||||||||
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (in Euro) (1) |
1.01 | 0.51 | |||||||||||
Dividends paid per ordinary share (in Euro) |
0.75 | 0.71 |
70
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended December 31, 2013
|
For the year ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
GTECH
IFRS Historical |
Unaudited
IGT Reclassified |
Adjustments |
Unaudited
Holdco IFRS Pro Forma |
|||||||||
|
(€ million, except per share data)
|
||||||||||||
Total revenue |
3,062.8 | 1,785.0 | (13.4 | ) | 4,834.4 | ||||||||
Operating income |
559.0 | 389.9 | (218.0 | ) | 730.9 | ||||||||
Income before income tax expense |
385.8 | 306.6 | (482.8 | ) | 209.6 | ||||||||
Net income (1) |
205.0 | 207.8 | (324.2 | ) | 88.6 | ||||||||
Attributable to: |
|||||||||||||
Owners of the parent |
175.4 | 207.8 | (324.2 | ) | 59.0 | ||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
29.6 | | | 29.6 | |||||||||
Basic earnings per ordinary share (in Euro) (1) |
1.01 | 0.32 | |||||||||||
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (in Euro) (1) |
1.01 | 0.32 | |||||||||||
Dividends paid per ordinary share (in Euro) |
0.73 | 0.69 |
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2014
|
As of September 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Unaudited
GTECH IFRS Historical |
Unaudited
IGT Reclassified |
Adjustments |
Unaudited
Holdco IFRS Pro Forma |
|||||||||
|
(€ million)
|
||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
455.6 | 99.7 | | 555.3 | |||||||||
Total assets |
7,303.5 | 2,966.8 | 3,520.0 | 13,790.3 | |||||||||
Debt (1) |
2,890.5 | 1,453.8 | 3,653.9 | 7,998.2 | |||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
2,957.4 | 1,728.2 | 4,558.2 | 9,243.8 | |||||||||
Total equity |
2,757.5 | 855.5 | (826.9 | ) | 2,786.1 | ||||||||
Equity attributable to owners of the parent |
2,473.8 | 855.5 | (826.9 | ) | 2,502.4 | ||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
283.7 | | | 283.7 |
71
Set forth below are earnings, cash dividends and book value per share data for:
The following information should be read in conjunction with "Note on Presentation," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of GTECH," "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information," the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus. Historical results for any period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period.
The unaudited pro forma data below is presented for illustrative purposes only. It does not purport to represent the historical results or what the combined company's financial position would have been if the Merger occurred on the date assumed and it is not necessarily indicative of the combined company's future results or financial position.
|
At and for the nine months
ended September 30, |
At and for the year ended
December 31, |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||||
|
(In €)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share |
1.01 | 1.01 | 1.01 | 1.35 | 1.01 | | 0.45 | |||||||||||||||
Cash dividends per share |
0.75 | 0.73 | 0.73 | 0.71 | 0.00 | 0.74 | 0.68 | |||||||||||||||
Book value per share |
14.14 | n/a | 12.64 | 13.15 | 12.71 | 11.13 | 10.69 |
|
At and for the nine months
ended June 30, |
At and for the year ended
September 30, |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||||
|
(in US$)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share |
0.71 | 0.79 | 1.04 | 0.85 | 0.95 | 0.62 | 0.43 | |||||||||||||||
Cash dividends per share |
0.33 | 0.24 | 0.34 | 0.24 | 0.24 | 0.24 | 0.33 | |||||||||||||||
Book value per share |
4.71 | n/a | 4.90 | 4.50 | 4.86 | 4.14 | 3.59 |
|
At and for the nine months
ended September 30, 2014 |
For the year ended
December 31, 2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(In €)
|
||||||
Basic earnings per share |
0.51 | 0.32 | |||||
Cash dividends per share |
0.71 | 0.69 | |||||
Book value per share |
13.59 | n/a |
72
This proxy statement/prospectus contains forward-looking statements concerning IGT, GTECH, Holdco, the proposed transactions and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of IGT and GTECH as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "could," "would," "should," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "guidance," "intend," "may," "will," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project" or similar words, phrases or expressions. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the parties' control. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on these statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in these statements include:
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that affect the parties' businesses, including those described in this proxy statement/prospectus, as well as IGT's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC. Except as required under applicable law, the parties do not assume any obligation to update these
73
forward-looking statements. Nothing in this proxy statement/prospectus is intended, or is to be construed, as a profit forecast or to be interpreted to mean that earnings per GTECH ordinary share or IGT share for the current or any future financial years or those of the combined company, will necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per GTECH ordinary share or IGT share, as applicable.
74
This proxy statement/prospectus is being provided to the IGT shareholders as part of a solicitation of proxies by the IGT Board for use at the special meeting that has been called to approve the Merger Agreement, approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement, and approve the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger, and at any properly convened meeting following an adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy statement/prospectus provides IGT shareholders with the information they need to know to be able to vote or instruct their vote to be cast at the special meeting.
The special meeting is scheduled to be held at [ ] on [ ], 2015 at [ ], local time.
Purpose of the Special Meeting
At the special meeting, IGT shareholders will be asked to consider and vote on:
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of IGT
The IGT Board unanimously determined that the Merger Agreement, the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated thereby are in the best interests of IGT and approved the Merger Agreement.
The IGT Board unanimously recommends that IGT shareholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement; "FOR" the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the foregoing proposal; and "FOR" the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger.
Record Date; Shareholders Entitled to Vote
Only holders of record of IGT common stock at the close of business on [ ], 2014, the record date for the special meeting, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. At the close of business on the record date, [ ] shares of IGT common stock were issued and outstanding. Holders of record of IGT common stock on the record date are entitled to one vote per share at the special meeting on each proposal.
No business may be transacted at the special meeting unless a quorum is present. Attendance in person or by proxy at the special meeting of holders of record of a majority of the shares of IGT common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting will constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present, or if fewer shares of IGT common stock are voted in favor of the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement than the number required for its approval, the special meeting may be adjourned to allow additional time for obtaining additional proxies or votes. At any subsequent reconvening of the special meeting, all proxies will be voted in the same manner as they would have been voted at the
75
original convening of the special meeting, except for any proxies that have been effectively revoked or withdrawn prior to the subsequent meeting.
Abstentions (shares of IGT common stock for which proxies have been received but for which the holders have abstained from voting) and broker non-votes (as discussed below) will be included in the calculation of the number of shares of IGT common stock represented at the special meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum has been achieved. However, as discussed below under "Required Vote," abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as voting against the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement.
You may vote " FOR " or " AGAINST " or you may " ABSTAIN " from voting on each proposal.
If, on the record date, your shares of IGT common stock were held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares of IGT common stock held in "street name," and the organization holding your account is considered the shareholder of record for purposes of voting at the special meeting. In that case, this proxy statement/prospectus has been forwarded to you by the organization that holds your shares of IGT common stock. If you are a beneficial owner of shares of IGT common stock held in "street name" and do not provide the organization that holds your shares of IGT common stock with specific instructions, under the rules of the NYSE, the organization that holds your shares of IGT common stock may generally vote on routine matters but cannot vote on non-routine matters. If the organization that holds your shares of IGT common stock does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares of IGT common stock on a non-routine matter, such as the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, the organization that holds your shares of IGT common stock will inform the inspector of elections for the special meeting that it does not have the authority to vote on a non-routine matter with respect to your shares of IGT common stock. This is generally referred to as a "broker non-vote."
The proposal to approve the Merger Agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of IGT common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. Because the vote on the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement is based on the total number of shares outstanding, rather than the number of actual votes present or cast, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as voting against the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement.
If a quorum is present at the special meeting, the proposal to adjourn the special meeting will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the proposal exceed the votes cast in opposition of the proposal. In that case, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting. If a quorum is not present at the special meeting, the proposal to adjourn the special meeting may be approved and the special meeting may be adjourned by a majority of the voting power represented at the special meeting in person or by proxy. In that case, broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, although abstentions will have the same effect as votes " AGAINST " the proposal to adjourn the special meeting.
The non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger.
76
Voting by IGT's Directors and Executive Officers
At the close of business on the record date, directors and executive officers of IGT and their affiliates were entitled to vote [ ] shares of IGT common stock, or approximately [ ]% of the shares of IGT common stock outstanding and entitled to vote on that date. Each of IGT's directors and officers has indicated his or her present intention to vote their shares of IGT common stock in favor of each of the proposals to be presented at the special meeting, although none of them has entered into any agreement obligating them to do so.
If, on the record date, your shares of IGT common stock were registered directly in your name with IGT's transfer agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., then you are a shareholder of record with respect to those shares, and you may vote in person at the special meeting or by proxy. If your shares are held in "street name," you must follow the instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee in order to vote.
Voting in Person
If you plan to attend the special meeting and wish to vote in person, you will be given a ballot at the special meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares of IGT common stock are held in "street name," and you wish to vote at the special meeting, you must bring to the special meeting a proxy executed in your favor from the record holder (your broker, bank or other nominee) of the shares authorizing you to vote at the special meeting, along with proper identification.
Voting by Proxy
If you are an IGT shareholder of record, a proxy card is enclosed for your use. IGT requests that you submit a proxy via Internet by logging onto www.[ ].com and following the instructions on your proxy card or by telephone by dialing [ ] and listening for further directions or by signing the accompanying proxy and returning it promptly by mail. You should vote your proxy in advance of the special meeting even if you plan to attend the special meeting. You can always change your vote at the special meeting.
Shareholders of record of IGT may submit their proxies through the mail by completing their proxy card, and signing, dating and returning it. To be valid, a returned proxy card must be signed and dated. If you hold your shares of IGT common stock in "street name", you will receive instructions from the organization that holds your shares of IGT common stock that you must follow in order to vote your shares. If you vote by Internet or telephone, you need not return a proxy card by mail, but your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m., on [ ].
All shares represented by properly executed proxies received in time for the special meeting will be voted at the special meeting in the manner specified by the shareholders giving those proxies. Properly executed proxies that do not contain voting instructions will be voted in the manner recommended by the IGT Board on all matters presented in this proxy statement/prospectus and, therefore, " FOR " the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, " FOR " the proposal to adjourn the special meeting and " FOR " the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes " AGAINST " the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement. If a quorum is present at the special meeting, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting. If a quorum is not
77
present at the special meeting, broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, although abstentions will have the same effect as votes " AGAINST " the proposal to adjourn the special meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation arrangements for IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger.
If you are the record holder of stock, you can change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before your proxy is voted at the special meeting. You can do this in any one of the following ways:
If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in "street name", you will need to follow the instructions included on the proxy form provided to you by your broker regarding how to change your vote.
IGT is soliciting proxies for the special meeting from its shareholders. IGT will pay its own cost of soliciting proxies, including the cost of mailing this proxy statement, from its shareholders. In addition to solicitation by use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by each of IGT's directors and executive officers, each of whom is a participant in this proxy statement/prospectus, in person or by telephone or other means of communication. These persons will not receive additional compensation, but may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this solicitation.
IGT has retained the services of MacKenzie Partners, Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies for an estimated fee of $[ ], plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the services provided. IGT will make arrangements with brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward proxy solicitation materials to beneficial owners of shares held of record by them. IGT will also reimburse these brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding the proxy materials.
Pursuant to the Nevada Revised Statutes 92A.390, IGT shareholders are not entitled to exercise dissenters', appraisal, cash exit or similar rights in connection with the IGT Merger.
Delivery of Documents to Shareholders Sharing an Address
If you are a beneficial owner, but not the record holder, of IGT common stock, your broker, bank or other nominee may only deliver one copy of this proxy statement/prospectus to multiple shareholders who share an address unless that nominee has received contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders. IGT will deliver promptly, upon written or oral request, a separate copy of
78
this proxy statement/prospectus to a shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the document was delivered. A shareholder who wishes to receive a separate copy of this proxy statement/prospectus, now or in the future, should submit their request to IGT by telephone at 866-296-4232 or by submitting a written request to InvestorRelations@IGT.com or IGT Investor Relations, 6355 South Buffalo Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89113. Beneficial owners sharing an address who are receiving multiple copies of proxy materials and annual reports and wish to receive a single copy of such materials in the future will need to contact their broker, bank or other nominee to request that only a single copy of each document be mailed to all shareholders at the shared address in the future.
Any adjournment of the special meeting may be made from time to time by IGT shareholders. If a quorum is present at the special meeting, the special meeting may be adjourned if the votes cast in favor of adjournment exceed the number of votes cast in opposition. If a quorum is not present at the special meeting, the special meeting may be adjourned by a majority of the voting power represented at the special meeting, whether in person or by proxy.
In either case, the adjourned meeting may take place without further notice other than by an announcement made at the special meeting unless a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, in which case a notice of the adjourned meeting will be given to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at the special meeting. If a quorum is not present at the special meeting, or if a quorum is present at the special meeting but there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the Merger Agreement, then IGT may seek to adjourn the special meeting so as to permit the further solicitation of proxies. Under Nevada law, if the meeting is adjourned to a date more than 60 days after the date of the meeting, the board of directors must set a new record date.
It is not expected that any other matter will be presented for action at the special meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the special meeting, the persons named in the proxies will have discretion to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment. The grant of a proxy will also confer discretionary authority on the persons named in the proxy as proxy appointees to vote in accordance with their best judgment on matters incident to the conduct of the special meeting, including (except as stated in the following sentence) postponement or adjournment for the purpose of soliciting votes. However, shares represented by proxies that have been voted " AGAINST " the adoption of the Merger Agreement and the IGT Merger will not be used to vote " FOR " postponement or adjournment of the special meeting to allow additional time to solicit additional votes " FOR " the adoption of the Merger Agreement and the IGT Merger.
79
PROPOSAL 1APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
This section of the document describes material aspects of the Mergers. This summary may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should carefully read this entire document, including the full text of the Merger Agreement, which is attached as Annex A, and the other documents referred to for a more complete understanding of the Mergers.
As discussed throughout this document, IGT is asking its shareholders to approve the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which GTECH will acquire IGT through the formation of Holdco, a new holding company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, which prior to the Closing will be renamed [ ] PLC. The acquisition of IGT will be effected by (i) the merger of GTECH with and into Holdco, pursuant to which each issued and outstanding GTECH ordinary share will be converted into the right to receive one Holdco ordinary share, and immediately thereafter, (ii) the merger of Sub, a Nevada corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco, with and into IGT, with IGT surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco, in each case subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the IGT Merger Effective Time, each issued and outstanding share of IGT common stock, other than shares owned by IGT, Holdco, Sub, GTECH, GTECH US or any of their respective subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive a combination of (i) $13.69 in cash (together with any additional cash described in clause (iii) below, the "Per Share Cash Amount"), (ii) a number of Holdco ordinary shares determined by dividing $4.56 by the average of the volume-weighted average prices of GTECH ordinary shares on the ISE (converted to the U.S. dollar equivalent) on ten randomly selected days within the period of 20 consecutive trading days ending on the second full trading day prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time (such average, the "GTECH Share Trading Price"), subject to a minimum of 0.1582 Holdco ordinary shares and a maximum of 0.1819 Holdco ordinary shares (the "Exchange Ratio"), provided that (iii) if the Exchange Ratio would, but for the cap described in clause (ii), exceed 0.1819, the Per Share Cash Amount will be increased by an additional amount in cash equal to the product of such excess number of shares (up to a maximum of 0.0321) and the GTECH Share Trading Price.
The following tables provide, for illustrative purposes, the implied value of the merger consideration per share of IGT common stock at different assumed trading prices of GTECH ordinary shares and at different assumed USD/EUR exchange rates, respectively. The actual GTECH Share Trading Price and the ultimate value of the merger consideration paid to IGT shareholders may be more than or less than the amounts shown. Please see "Risk FactorsRisk Factors Relating to the MergersThe price of GTECH ordinary shares might decline prior to the completion of the Mergers, which could decrease the value of the merger consideration to be received by IGT shareholders in the IGT Merger. Further, when GTECH and IGT shareholders vote on the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement, they will not know the exact value of the Holdco ordinary shares that will be issued in connection with the Mergers" on page [ ] for more information.
80
Illustrative Values of Merger Consideration to IGT Shareholders
(Value per share of IGT common stock)
Illustrative
GTECH share price (EUR) |
Illustrative
USD / EUR FX Rate |
Illustrative
GTECH Share Trading Price (USD) |
Implied
Exchange Ratio |
Implied Per
Share Cash Amount |
Implied
value of Holdco shares (1) |
Implied value of
merger consideration to IGT shareholders (2) |
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€ | 14.00 | 1.30 | $ | 18.20 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.27 | $ | 3.31 | $ | 17.58 | |||||||||
€ | 14.50 | 1.30 | $ | 18.85 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.30 | $ | 3.43 | $ | 17.72 | |||||||||
€ | 15.00 | 1.30 | $ | 19.50 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.32 | $ | 3.55 | $ | 17.86 | |||||||||
€ | 15.50 | 1.30 | $ | 20.15 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.34 | $ | 3.67 | $ | 18.00 | |||||||||
€ | 16.00 | 1.30 | $ | 20.80 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.36 | $ | 3.78 | $ | 18.14 | |||||||||
€ | 16.50 | 1.30 | $ | 21.45 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.35 | $ | 3.90 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 17.00 | 1.30 | $ | 22.10 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.23 | $ | 4.02 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 17.50 | 1.30 | $ | 22.75 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.11 | $ | 4.14 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 18.00 | 1.30 | $ | 23.40 | 0.1819x | $ | 13.99 | $ | 4.26 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.30 | $ | 24.05 | 0.1819x | $ | 13.88 | $ | 4.37 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 19.00 | 1.30 | $ | 24.70 | 0.1819x | $ | 13.76 | $ | 4.49 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 19.50 | 1.30 | $ | 25.35 | 0.1799x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.56 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 20.00 | 1.30 | $ | 26.00 | 0.1754x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.56 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 20.50 | 1.30 | $ | 26.65 | 0.1711x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.56 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 21.00 | 1.30 | $ | 27.30 | 0.1670x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.56 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 21.50 | 1.30 | $ | 27.95 | 0.1631x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.56 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 22.00 | 1.30 | $ | 28.60 | 0.1594x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.56 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 22.50 | 1.30 | $ | 29.25 | 0.1582x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.63 | $ | 18.32 | |||||||||
€ | 23.00 | 1.30 | $ | 29.90 | 0.1582x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.73 | $ | 18.42 |
Illustrative
GTECH share price (EUR) |
Illustrative
USD / EUR FX Rate |
Illustrative
GTECH Share Trading Price (USD) |
Implied
Exchange Ratio |
Implied Per
Share Cash Amount |
Implied
value of Holdco shares (1) |
Implied value of
merger consideration to IGT shareholders (2) |
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€ | 18.50 | 0.95 | $ | 17.58 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.25 | $ | 3.20 | $ | 17.45 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.00 | $ | 18.50 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.28 | $ | 3.37 | $ | 17.65 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.05 | $ | 19.43 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.31 | $ | 3.53 | $ | 17.85 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.10 | $ | 20.35 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.34 | $ | 3.70 | $ | 18.04 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.15 | $ | 21.28 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.37 | $ | 3.87 | $ | 18.24 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.20 | $ | 22.20 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.21 | $ | 4.04 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.25 | $ | 23.13 | 0.1819x | $ | 14.04 | $ | 4.21 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.30 | $ | 24.05 | 0.1819x | $ | 13.88 | $ | 4.37 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.35 | $ | 24.98 | 0.1819x | $ | 13.71 | $ | 4.54 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.40 | $ | 25.90 | 0.1761x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.56 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.45 | $ | 26.83 | 0.1700x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.56 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.50 | $ | 27.75 | 0.1643x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.56 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.55 | $ | 28.68 | 0.1590x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.56 | $ | 18.25 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.60 | $ | 29.60 | 0.1582x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.68 | $ | 18.37 | |||||||||
€ | 18.50 | 1.65 | $ | 30.53 | 0.1582x | $ | 13.69 | $ | 4.83 | $ | 18.52 |
Notes:
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Information about the Companies
IGT is a global gaming company specializing in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of casino-style gaming equipment, systems technology, and game content across multiple platformsland-based, online real-money and social gaming. IGT is a leading supplier of gaming entertainment products worldwide and provides a diverse offering of quality products and services at competitive prices, designed to enhance the gaming player experience.
IGT was incorporated under the laws of Nevada in December 1980 to facilitate its initial public offering in 1981. Principally serving the U.S. gaming markets when founded, IGT expanded into jurisdictions outside the U.S. beginning in 1986. The principal executive offices of IGT are located at 6355 South Buffalo Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89113 and its telephone number at that address is (702) 669-7777.
GTECH is a corporation ( società per azioni ) incorporated under the laws of Italy. The predecessor of GTECH was founded in 1990 as a consortium organized under the laws of Italy and later converted into a corporation. GTECH is one of the leading gaming operators in the world based on total wagers and, through its subsidiaries, including GTECH Corporation, is a leading B2B provider of lottery and gaming technology solutions and services worldwide. GTECH's goal is to be the leading commercial operator and provider of technology in the regulated worldwide gaming markets by delivering market leading products and services with a steadfast commitment to integrity, responsibility and growth. GTECH is listed on the ISE under the trading symbol "GTK" and has a Sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") program listed on the United States over the counter market under the trading symbol "GTKYY." GTECH provides business to consumer and business to business products and services to customers in approximately 100 countries worldwide on six continents and had 8,668 employees at September 30, 2014.
The principal executive offices of GTECH are located at Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00154 Roma, Italy and its telephone number at that address is +39 06 51 899 1.
GTECH Corporation is a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of GTECH S.p.A.
The principal executive offices of GTECH Corporation are located at 10 Memorial Boulevard, Providence, RI 02903 and its telephone number at that address is (401) 392-1000.
Holdco is a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales. Holdco was incorporated on July 11, 2014, as a private limited liability company under the legal name Georgia Worldwide Limited for the purpose of effecting the Mergers. On September 16, 2014, Holdco was re-registered as a public limited company under the legal name Georgia Worldwide PLC. Holdco has not conducted any business operations other than that incidental to its formation and in connection with the Mergers contemplated by the Merger Agreement. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, Holdco does not beneficially own any shares of IGT common stock. Following the Mergers, it is expected that Holdco ordinary shares will be listed on the NYSE under the symbol "[ ]."
The principal executive offices of Georgia Worldwide PLC are located at 11 Old Jewry, 6th Floor, London, EC2R 8DU, United Kingdom and its telephone number at that address is +44 (0) 203 131 0300. Georgia Worldwide PLC's registered agent is Elian Corporate Services (UK)
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Limited (formerly Ogier Corporate Services (UK) Ltd.), 11 Old Jewry, 6th Floor, London, EC2R 8DU and its telephone number is +44 207 160 5000.
Sub is a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco. It was incorporated on July 11, 2014 and was formed solely for the purpose of affecting the IGT Merger. Sub has not conducted any business operations other than that incidental to its formation and in connection with the Mergers contemplated by the Merger Agreement. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, Sub does not beneficially own any shares of IGT common stock.
The principal executive offices of Sub are located at 10 Memorial Boulevard, Providence, RI 02903 and its telephone number at that address is (401) 392-1000. Sub's registered agent in Nevada is CSC Services Of Nevada, Inc., located at 2215-B Renaissance Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89119.
The IGT board of directors, together with certain members of IGT senior management, periodically reviews and considers various strategic alternatives available to IGT, including whether the continued execution of IGT's strategy as a stand-alone company or the possible sale of IGT to, or a combination of IGT with, a third party would offer the best avenue to maximize stockholder value. In addition, the IGT board of directors, together with certain members of IGT senior management, periodically reviews and assesses IGT's operations and financial performance, competitive position, industry trends and potential strategic initiatives, including potential acquisitions, dispositions, recapitalization transactions, share repurchase and dividend alternatives and business combinations. In 2013, the acquisition of WMS Industries Inc. by Scientific Games Corporation and the acquisition of SHFL entertainment, Inc. by Bally Technologies, Inc. suggested the beginning of a period of consolidation in IGT's industry.
In May 2012, IGT held preliminary discussions with GTECH, with whom it had a pre-existing commercial relationship, regarding the possibility of combining their interactive businesses. The parties entered into a confidentiality agreement, but discussions did not progress beyond the exploratory stage and terminated in July 2012.
On December 3, 2012, Lorenzo Pellicioli, chairman of GTECH, contacted Philip Satre, chairman of IGT and inquired as to whether IGT would be interested in discussing a possible business combination transaction between the companies. Mr. Satre indicated that he would be willing to have a conversation regarding a possible transaction, though no such conversation took place until April 2013.
In April 2013, a representative of Company A, a private equity firm, contacted Patti Hart, chief executive officer of IGT, to arrange a discussion about conditions in IGT's industry. Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart met with representatives of Company A in New York later that month and had a high-level discussion about the gaming industry. Subsequently, in April 2013, Ms. Hart and John Vandemore, chief financial officer of IGT, met with representatives of Company A in New York to discuss the state of the gaming industry. During the meeting, the parties agreed to evaluate a transaction that could leverage each party's gaming industry knowledge and assets. On May 3, 2013, IGT entered into a confidentiality and standstill agreement with Company A to facilitate Company A's review of a possible transaction. Company A conducted a due diligence review of IGT in the summer of 2013, but the parties ultimately determined to terminate discussions regarding a possible transaction in July 2013 when the parties were unable to agree upon a valuation of IGT's business.
On April 14, 2013, Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart had dinner with Mr. Pellicioli and Marco Sala, chief executive officer of GTECH, to discuss a possible business combination between the companies.
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On May 13, 2013, IGT and GTECH entered into a mutual confidentiality and standstill agreement to facilitate the exchange of confidential information regarding a possible transaction between the parties.
Following the execution of the confidentiality agreement, and throughout the summer of 2013 (including an August 4, 2013 meeting among Mr. Satre, Ms. Hart, Mr. Pellicioli and Mr. Sala and an August 21, 2013 meeting among Ms. Hart, Mr. Vandemore, Mr. Sala and other representatives of IGT and GTECH), IGT and GTECH conducted due diligence reviews of each other's businesses and engaged in discussions regarding a possible business combination transaction. The parties contemplated that the transaction would be structured as a "merger of equals" stock-for-stock transaction, with no premium payable to either company's stockholders, and that the combined company would be organized under a non-U.S. holding company. In addition, GTECH proposed that the leadership of the combined company would include Mr. Satre, as chairman, Mr. Pellicioli and Ms. Hart, as vice chairmen, and Mr. Sala, as chief executive officer.
On August 19 and August 22, 2013, the executive committee of the IGT board met to discuss the proposed terms for the possible transaction with GTECH. The committee directed management to update the full board of directors at its next meeting.
On August 27, 2013, the IGT board met telephonically to discuss the status of negotiations with GTECH. A representative of Sidley Austin LLP, legal counsel to IGT, and which we refer to as Sidley, participated and discussed the fiduciary duties of the IGT board and other legal matters. Ms. Hart and other members of IGT senior management reviewed the status of discussions with GTECH, which continued to focus on a no-premium merger of equals transaction, and the remaining unresolved issues. The IGT board directed management to terminate discussions with GTECH based on its determination that the parties would not be able to reach a satisfactory agreement.
Following the termination of discussions with GTECH regarding the possible business combination transaction, representatives of IGT and GTECH met from time to time in late 2013 and early 2014 at industry conferences and telephonically to discuss a possible acquisition by IGT of a subsidiary of GTECH. These discussions did not progress to the point of negotiations.
In December 2013, Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart determined it would be prudent for the IGT board to understand strategic and financial alternatives available to the company in light of trends in the gaming equipment supplier industry, including recent transactions involving a premium. IGT invited Morgan Stanley to meet to discuss these matters, and on January 20, 2014, representatives of Morgan Stanley provided members of IGT senior management with their views of the gaming equipment supplier industry, IGT's competitive position in the industry and strategic and financial alternatives available to IGT to enhance stockholder value, including, but not limited to, potential strategic acquisitions (including a possible acquisition of Company B, a large publicly traded company in the gaming industry), a return of capital through share buybacks, special dividends or other means, strategic alternatives regarding IGT's interactive business and a potential sale of the company. Morgan Stanley also reviewed with IGT the risks faced by and possibilities available to IGT in the current industry environment. IGT's senior management directed Morgan Stanley to continue to analyze the company's strategic and financial alternatives for further consideration by the IGT board.
On February 2, 2014, IGT entered into a confidentiality agreement with Company B to facilitate a meeting between the parties. The next day, representatives of IGT and representatives of Morgan Stanley met with representatives of Company B in London to discuss the possibility of an acquisition of Company B by IGT; however, Company B did not make available to IGT any non-public information.
On February 12, 2014, the IGT board met telephonically to discuss the potential acquisition of Company B. Members of IGT senior management presented an overview of Company B and the strategic rationale for a transaction, and representatives of Morgan Stanley summarized the terms of a
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proposed preliminary indication of interest to be submitted by IGT, as well as certain financial information regarding the proposed transaction. The IGT board discussed the proposed transaction and authorized the submission of the indication of interest and the engagement of Morgan Stanley for the possible acquisition transaction. The IGT board also determined to engage Morgan Stanley in connection with an overall review of strategic and financial alternatives available to IGT. On February 14, 2014, IGT entered into an engagement letter with Morgan Stanley.
Following the February 12 board meeting, IGT submitted the indication of interest to Company B. On February 28, 2014, Company B notified IGT that it was not willing to pursue a transaction on the terms offered by IGT. On March 4, 2014, at the direction of the executive committee of the IGT board, IGT submitted a revised indication of interest to Company B, which was rejected by Company B on March 9, 2014. After consultation with the executive committee of the IGT board, Ms. Hart notified Company B on March 9, 2014 that IGT was terminating discussions with respect to the proposed transaction. Despite the termination of discussions, members of IGT senior management believed there may be a future opportunity to re-engage with Company B regarding a possible transaction.
In early March 2014, during a telephone conversation on another matter between James McCann, a former director of GTECH, and Paget Alves, a director of IGT and a former director of GTECH, Mr. McCann mentioned that Mr. Pellicioli had expressed continued interest in discussing a possible combination with IGT. That contact was reported to the IGT board.
On March 10, 2014, the IGT board met in person at a regularly scheduled meeting. Representatives of Morgan Stanley were present for a portion of the meeting, and delivered a presentation regarding IGT's strategic and financial alternatives, including a possible acquisition of Company B, a strategic combination, strategic alternatives regarding IGT's interactive business, a leveraged buyout, a return of capital through share buybacks, special dividends or other means and maintaining the status quo. With respect to a strategic combination, Morgan Stanley's presentation noted that there were only a limited number of potential counterparties for an acquisition or merger, but identified GTECH as a potential candidate. The IGT board directed management to explore the company's strategic and financial alternatives, including by approaching GTECH regarding a possible business combination transaction and by approaching certain private equity firms regarding a possible leveraged buyout of IGT. Morgan Stanley identified three private equity firms, which we refer to as Company A, Company C and Company D, respectively, as the parties most likely to have an interest in acquiring IGT based on their interest in and knowledge of the gaming equipment supplier industry, their willingness and ability to obtain necessary gaming licenses, the size of their funds and, in the case of Company A, their previous interest in IGT. Approaches to other possible strategic counterparties were considered but not pursued due to various issues, including regulatory and financial issues.
In late March 2014, Mr. Alves contacted Mr. McCann to suggest that Mr. Satre and Mr. Pellicioli meet to discuss a possible business combination transaction between IGT and GTECH. Subsequently, on March 27, 2014, Mr. Satre contacted Mr. Pellicioli to finalize the plans for an in person meeting.
From March 25 to March 27, 2014, representatives of Morgan Stanley contacted Company C and Company D to discuss whether they may be interested in a possible leveraged buyout of IGT. Members of IGT senior management determined that IGT, rather than Morgan Stanley, would contact Company A and GTECH directly, in light of IGT's prior discussions with those parties.
On March 25, 2014, in connection with the announcement of a planned reduction in force requiring the issuance of employee notices under the WARN Act, IGT issued lowered guidance with regard to fiscal 2014 anticipated results. In the first trading day following the public disclosure of such lowered guidance, shares of IGT common stock closed at $13.62 per share on the NYSE, down 8.3% from the previous closing price of $14.85 per share.
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On March 25, 2014, representatives of Company A met with Ms. Hart to discuss a possible acquisition of IGT in a leveraged buyout transaction. The parties subsequently executed a confidentiality agreement on April 4, 2014 to facilitate Company A's review of a possible business combination transaction with IGT. The confidentiality agreement contained a customary standstill covenant (which included a provision that the standstill would terminate if IGT entered into a definitive change of control agreement with another party), which generally prohibited Company A from acquiring IGT securities or otherwise seeking to acquire control of the company, and which by its terms would terminate upon IGT's execution of a definitive agreement with a third party providing for a change of control of IGT.
On April 4, 2014, Mr. Satre and Mr. Pellicioli had a telephone call in anticipation of a meeting scheduled for April 11, 2014 to discuss the agenda for that meeting.
On April 4, 2014, representatives of Company C met with Ms. Hart to discuss a possible acquisition of IGT in a leveraged buyout transaction. Company C negotiated the terms of a confidentiality and standstill agreement with IGT regarding such a transaction, but ultimately did not execute the agreement and notified Morgan Stanley on April 22, 2014 that it had determined not to pursue such a transaction due to concerns over gaming industry regulatory requirements.
On April 8, 2014, members of IGT senior management met with representatives of Company A in Las Vegas to discuss due diligence matters.
On April 8, 2014, Ms. Hart met with the chairman of Company E, a company with operations in the online wagering business, to discuss whether IGT would consider a sale of its interactive business. Other companies in the online wagering business had, from time to time, made similar inquiries. Ms. Hart indicated that IGT would not be interested.
On April 9, 2014, Ms. Hart met with representatives of Company D to discuss the state of IGT's industry and a possible acquisition of IGT in a leveraged buyout transaction. On April 16, 2014, IGT entered into a confidentiality and standstill agreement with Company D to facilitate its review of a possible business combination transaction with IGT.
On April 11, 2014, Mr. Satre and Mr. Alves met with Mr. Pellicioli, Mr. McCann and Paolo Ceretti, a GTECH board member, in New York City to discuss a possible business combination transaction between IGT and GTECH. The specific financial terms of a possible transaction were not discussed, but Mr. Pellicioli indicated that GTECH would be interested in a transaction and had a preference for using equity consideration. During the discussion, it was noted that the prior discussions relating to a no-premium merger of equals had terminated in part because of a disagreement over governance and management, but that in the event of a transaction providing a premium and cash to the IGT shareholders the IGT board might have a different perspective on those issues.
On April 15, 2014, the executive committee of the IGT board met telephonically to review the status of discussions with each of GTECH, Company A, Company B, Company C and Company D. The committee directed management to continue to evaluate the company's strategic and financial alternatives, including a return of capital to IGT stockholders and strategic alternatives regarding its interactive business. After that meeting, IGT retained Sidley to advise it with respect to possible business combination transactions.
On April 23 and April 24, 2014, members of IGT senior management met with Company D in Las Vegas and made presentations regarding IGT's business, with representatives of Morgan Stanley in attendance.
On April 24, 2014, representatives of Morgan Stanley discussed a possible transaction between IGT and GTECH with Credit Suisse, financial advisor to GTECH.
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On May 6, 2014, Company D notified IGT that it had determined not to pursue a possible transaction.
On May 6, 2014, Morgan Stanley received a letter from Company A setting forth its preliminary non-binding indication of interest to acquire 100% of the outstanding equity interests of IGT for consideration in the range of $15.50 - $16.50 per share, in cash.
On May 6, 2014, Ms. Hart met with the chairman and another representative of Company F, a company operating in the gaming industry. The meeting was requested on May 5, 2014 by the chairman of Company F, who indicated Company F's interest in acquiring IGT. At the meeting, the chairman of Company F asked Ms. Hart what price the IGT board would require to agree to a sale. Ms. Hart declined to provide a price in response to this question, and indicated that the IGT board would not be focused solely on the then current share price in considering the sufficiency of any offer. The chairman of Company F then suggested that the IGT board was seeking a price of "at least $18 per share" and added that "you're never going to get $18." Ms. Hart declined to react to the validity of these statements.
On May 7, 2014, each of Company F and GTECH delivered a letter indicating its interest in acquiring IGT. Company F indicated an interest in acquiring IGT in an all-cash transaction, but did not indicate a price. GTECH indicated its expectation that approximately 50% of the consideration payable to IGT stockholders in a possible transaction would consist of shares of a newly organized holding company, which we refer to as Holdco, with the balance payable in cash. GTECH did not indicate a price, but stated that there would be a premium commensurate with the proposed transaction structure.
On May 8 and May 9, 2014, the IGT board met in person at a regularly scheduled board meeting. During the meeting, representatives of IGT senior management presented financial projections for the company comprising scenarios for the company's performance based upon a range of assumptions pertaining to the timing of a recovery in the gaming equipment supplier industry. During the portion of the board meeting held on May 9, a representative of Sidley discussed the fiduciary duties of the IGT board and other legal matters and representatives of Morgan Stanley provided an update regarding the company's strategic and financial alternatives, including a leveraged buyout transaction (including with Company A, Company C and Company D), a business combination with GTECH or Company F, and re-engagement with Company B. The IGT board instructed management to continue its exploration of possible transactions with Company A, GTECH and Company F, and to develop analyses of certain strategic and financial alternatives, including continued operation as a standalone company while undertaking either a transaction to capitalize on the success of IGT's interactive business or a return of capital to IGT stockholders.
On May 12, 2014, the chairman of Company F spoke with a representative of Morgan Stanley regarding IGT's evaluation of its strategic and financial alternatives. During the call, the Morgan Stanley representative indicated that Company F would be required to enter into a confidentiality agreement in order to receive certain confidential information regarding IGT, which would contain a customary standstill provision. On May 13, 2014, the chairman of Company F sent a letter to Morgan Stanley expressing concern that Company F had not previously been invited to submit an offer to acquire IGT. The letter reaffirmed Company F's interest in acquiring IGT in an all-cash transaction, but did not specify a price. The letter also expressed the view that it was not appropriate for Company F to agree to any standstill restrictions. Later that day, Morgan Stanley replied to Company F stating that the IGT board had not made any decision regarding a sale of the company and that the board was committed to running a process that would produce the best transaction if the board ultimately decided to engage in such a transaction. On May 13, 2014, Sidley sent a draft confidentiality agreement to Company F's legal counsel, which included a customary standstill provision (including a provision that the standstill would terminate if IGT entered into a definitive change in control agreement with another party).
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On May 13, 2014, Morgan Stanley sent to Credit Suisse a draft amendment to IGT's and GTECH's pre-existing confidentiality agreement that had been entered into in connection with their consideration of a possible business combination transaction in 2013. The amendment proposed to renew the standstill provision (which had expired) and generally contained terms consistent with those agreed to by other parties. On May 15, 2014, Credit Suisse notified Morgan Stanley that GTECH would consider IGT's request to enter into an amendment to the pre-existing confidentiality agreement. Morgan Stanley indicated that IGT would not share any further confidential information until such an amendment was executed.
On or about May 16, 2014, Mr. Satre spoke by telephone with Mr. Pellicioli to discuss GTECH's participation in a sale process.
On May 16, 2014, Ms. Hart had a conversation with a representative of Company D, which had withdrawn from the process on May 6, 2014. The representative of Company D indicated that Company D was trying to find a creative way to structure an acquisition of IGT. Ms. Hart indicated that the IGT board would be open to receiving any such proposal that Company D might offer.
On May 20, 2014, members of IGT senior management made presentations to Company A regarding IGT's business, with representatives of Morgan Stanley in attendance. Subsequently on May 27, 2014, representatives of IGT and representatives of Morgan Stanley participated on a conference call with representatives of Company A to discuss certain remaining matters in connection with Company A's due diligence review.
On May 20, 2014, IGT entered into a confidentiality agreement with Company F to facilitate Company F's review of a possible business combination transaction with IGT. The confidentiality agreement contained a customary standstill covenant, which generally prohibited Company F from acquiring IGT securities or otherwise seeking to acquire control of the company, and which by its terms would terminate upon IGT's public announcement of its entry into a definitive agreement with a third party providing for a change of control transaction of IGT. Subsequently, on May 21, 2014, members of IGT senior management made presentations to Company F regarding IGT's business, with representatives of Morgan Stanley in attendance.
On May 22, 2014, Mr. Satre, members of IGT senior management and representatives of Morgan Stanley met with representatives of GTECH in order to receive GTECH's presentation regarding its business and the terms of its proposal. During the meeting, GTECH communicated its interest in acquiring IGT at a price in the range of $15.00 - $17.00 per share, with 50% of the consideration payable to IGT stockholders in a possible transaction consisting of shares of Holdco and 50% in cash. GTECH also indicated that Holdco would be organized in the United Kingdom. GTECH requested that IGT enter into negotiations with GTECH on an exclusive basis, which request was rejected by IGT during the meeting. IGT did not make presentations to GTECH regarding IGT's business because GTECH had not yet executed the proposed amendment to the parties' pre-existing confidentiality agreement.
On May 24, 2014, Morgan Stanley distributed a process letter to each of Company A, Company F and GTECH requesting that the parties submit preliminary non-binding proposals for an acquisition of IGT by May 30, 2014. In its letter to GTECH, Morgan Stanley indicated that GTECH's ability to participate in the process would be conditioned on the execution by GTECH of the amendment to IGT and GTECH's pre-existing confidentiality agreement that Morgan Stanley had previously provided.
On May 26, 2014, Credit Suisse reiterated to Morgan Stanley GTECH's request that IGT enter into negotiations with GTECH on an exclusive basis, which request was again rejected.
On May 29, 2014, Morgan Stanley presented its preliminary valuation analysis to Mr. Satre, Ms. Hart and other members of IGT senior management based on various valuation methodologies and assumptions.
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On May 30, 2014, IGT received written proposals from each of Company A, Company F and GTECH. Company A indicated its interest in acquiring IGT at a price in the range of $16.00 - $16.50 per share, in cash; Company F indicated a price of $14.75 per share, in cash; and GTECH indicated a price of $17.00 per share, with 50% of the consideration payable to IGT stockholders consisting of shares of Holdco and 50% in cash. GTECH's proposal also set forth certain related terms, including the composition of the Holdco board of directors, which would consist of 11 members, including Mr. Satre as chairman, Ms. Hart as a vice chairman, and two other members from the existing IGT board, and the intent that Holdco's shares would be listed solely on the NYSE. In its indication of interest, GTECH also requested that IGT enter into negotiations with GTECH on an exclusive basis. GTECH also provided to IGT its version of a draft amendment to the confidentiality and standstill agreement.
In early June 2014, Mr. McCann contacted Mr. Alves to discuss GTECH's proposal, and indicated that GTECH was very interested in a transaction with IGT. Mr. Alves responded that GTECH's offer was low on price and presented numerous governance and other issues that would need to be addressed.
Morgan Stanley notified Company F on May 31, 2014 that its indicated price of $14.75 per share was materially lower than the other proposals and that Company F likely would not be invited to advance in the process if it did not increase its price. On May 31, 2014, Company F notified Morgan Stanley that it was prepared to increase its offer, and submitted a revised proposal on June 1, 2014 indicating a price of $16.00 per share, in cash.
On June 2, 2014, the IGT board met telephonically to review the terms of the proposals. Representatives of Morgan Stanley and Sidley were also present at the meeting. Ms. Hart reviewed the strategic and financial alternatives being considered by the board, and representatives of Morgan Stanley reviewed developments since the May 9 board meeting, the preliminary indications of interest received from Company A, GTECH and Company F, and its preliminary valuation analysis of the company based on various valuation methodologies and assumptions. The board authorized management to grant access to the company's due diligence data room to each of the three bidders (subject, in the case of GTECH, to the execution of an amended confidentiality and standstill agreement), and to continue discussions with each of them regarding the proposed transactions. The board also authorized management to request final bids from the parties by the end of June and directed management to reject GTECH's request for exclusivity.
On June 3, 2014, Morgan Stanley contacted each of Company A, GTECH and Company F to convey the IGT board's determinations.
On June 3, 2014, IGT granted access to the company's online data room to each of Company A and Company F, and certain of their respective representatives. Due to confidentiality concerns, each of the bidders was informed that it would not be given full access to certain confidential information (including, in the case of Company F, certain commercial contracts and intellectual property that IGT deemed to be competitively sensitive) unless the IGT board determined that it would be willing to enter into a definitive agreement with that party after submission of the parties' final proposals.
On June 4, 2014, Ms. Hart spoke telephonically with Mr. Sala to discuss GTECH's refusal to sign an amendment to the parties' pre-existing confidentiality agreement. Ms. Hart indicated that IGT would not grant to GTECH access to the company's online data room until GTECH agreed to confidentiality and standstill terms consistent with those agreed to by other bidders. Mr. Satre had a similar call with Mr. Pellicioli.
Between June 4 and June 6, 2014, Sidley and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, legal counsel for GTECH, and which we refer to as Wachtell, negotiated the terms of an amendment to the confidentiality and standstill agreement between IGT and GTECH.
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On June 6, 2014, IGT and GTECH entered into an amendment to their confidentiality agreement, which, among other things, specified that the standstill obligations applicable to GTECH would terminate upon the public announcement of IGT's entry into a definitive agreement with a third party providing for a change in control transaction or on the six-month anniversary of the termination by IGT of all ongoing discussions relating to a potential business combination. During the week of June 9, 2014, IGT offered to each of Company A and Company F an amendment to their respective confidentiality and standstill agreements to provide each of them the same six-month anniversary provision.
On June 7, 2014, IGT provided GTECH with copies of management presentations and granted access to the company's online data room to GTECH and certain of its representatives.
On June 9, 2014, Reuters reported that IGT had retained Morgan Stanley to explore a sale of the company. Following the report, shares of IGT common stock closed at $14.31 per share on the NYSE, up 14.4% from the previous closing price of $12.51 per share on June 6, 2014.
From June 9 through June 11, 2014, during a series of meetings in New York City, representatives of IGT delivered management presentations to representatives of GTECH, representatives of Company A and its proposed sources of debt financing, and representatives of Company F and its proposed sources of debt financing, with representatives of Morgan Stanley in attendance.
On June 9, 2014, Ms. Hart and Mr. Vandemore had dinner with Mr. Sala and Alberto Fornaro, chief financial officer of GTECH. At that dinner, they discussed the state of the companies' respective industries and businesses, synergies, the process for due diligence on GTECH and transaction structure. There was no discussion of price or management roles.
On June 10, 2014, Ms. Hart and Mr. Vandemore had lunch with the chairman and another representative of Company F. The Company F representatives made inquiry about IGT's interactive strategy. There was no discussion of price, but the chairman of Company F volunteered that Company F would be interested in Ms. Hart's and Mr. Vandemore's continued service if Company F acquired IGT.
On June 11, 2014, Morgan Stanley received a letter from Company E inquiring about IGT's willingness to consider a sale of its interactive business. Morgan Stanley indicated that it would share the letter with IGT.
On June 12 and June 13, 2014, the IGT board met in person at a regularly scheduled board meeting. Representatives of Morgan Stanley and a representative of Sidley also participated in portions of the meeting. Mr. Vandemore reported on the company's recent financial performance and expressed the view that, based on that performance, the delayed recovery case, a set of financial projections that had been previously prepared by IGT and that assumed that the timing of a recovery in the gaming equipment supplier industry would be delayed, was a more likely scenario than the case reflected in the long range plan for the company. During the portion of the board meeting held on June 12, representatives of Morgan Stanley provided an update on activities since the June 2 board meeting, including management presentations and other due diligence activities, and delivered a presentation regarding a possible return of capital and strategic alternatives regarding its interactive business, as alternatives to a sale of the company. During the portion of the board meeting held on June 12, the representative of Sidley reviewed the potential terms of a draft merger agreement, as well as certain antitrust considerations in a possible transaction with each of the three bidders. The IGT board also reviewed with its financial and legal advisors the timeline for receiving and evaluating final proposals from the potential bidders.
On June 13, 2014, Morgan Stanley distributed revised process letters to each of Company A, Company F and GTECH requesting that the parties submit best and final non-binding proposals for an acquisition of IGT by June 30, 2014.
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On June 13, 2014, IGT received an unsolicited joint letter from Company G, a small strategic bidder, and Company H, a private equity firm, setting forth a non-binding preliminary proposal for Company G to acquire IGT for consideration of $15.00 - $20.00 per share, in cash, with equity financing to be provided by Company H to Company G in a transaction that would result in Company H controlling Company G and requiring a Company G shareholder vote.
On June 14, 2014, GTECH informed IGT that, due to GTECH's understanding that there might be a news report forthcoming that would report that IGT was exploring strategic alternatives and that GTECH would be identified as a potential transaction party, GTECH would, in such case, be required to make a public disclosure of its discussions with IGT by the Milan stock exchange where GTECH's shares are listed for trading.
The IGT board met telephonically on June 15, 2014 to review the terms of the letter from Company G and Company H. A representative of Morgan Stanley and a representative of Sidley were also present for the meeting. The IGT board discussed several concerns with the proposal described in the letter, including anticipated difficulties in Company G's obtaining required gaming approvals (due to its lack of prior experience in the gaming industry), Company G's having a market capitalization of approximately 15% of IGT's market capitalization, the very wide range in the price range specified in the proposal and the fact that the proposed transaction would generally constitute a change of control with respect to Company G and therefore be subject to the receipt of significant additional approvals, and the proposed use of a transaction structure which, in the view of IGT's regulatory compliance personnel, would be highly uncertain to pass regulatory review and, at a minimum, would require a lengthy period of time. The IGT board directed the company's advisors to communicate to Company G and Company H that they would not be invited to participate in the process. On June 16, Morgan Stanley informed Company H of the board's decision.
From June 13 through June 30, 2014, IGT participated in additional meetings or calls with representatives of Company A, GTECH and Company F regarding the parties' respective due diligence reviews of IGT. During this period, IGT and its advisors also conducted a due diligence review of GTECH, including discussions between the parties regarding any synergies that might be expected in a possible transaction between the parties.
On June 16, 2014, GTECH issued a press release announcing that it was engaged in preliminary, exploratory discussions as part of a process regarding a potential transaction with IGT.
On June 16, 2014, following the issuance of GTECH's press release, IGT issued a press release announcing that it was exploring a range of strategic alternatives, but that no decision had been made regarding any particular strategic alternative. Following the release, shares of IGT common stock closed at $15.64 per share on the NYSE, up an aggregate of 25.0% from the closing price on June 6, 2014 (the last full trading day prior to the publication of the Reuters report).
On June 16, 2014, IGT and Company A entered into an amendment to their confidentiality agreement, which, among other things, specified that the standstill obligations applicable to Company A would terminate upon the public announcement of IGT's entry into a definitive agreement with a third party providing for a change in control transaction or on the six-month anniversary of the termination by IGT of all ongoing discussions relating to a potential business combination.
On June 16, 2014, Company D informed Morgan Stanley that it was exploring an alternative transaction structure involving a cooperative bid with another company in the gaming industry, but did not convey a specific proposal.
On June 19, 2014, GTECH made available to IGT and its advisors an electronic data room with due diligence materials regarding GTECH.
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On June 19, 2014, IGT's advisors distributed a form of merger agreement to Company A and Company F, which provided for the leveraged buyout transaction structure being considered by such parties.
On June 20, 2014, GTECH requested a waiver of certain provisions of its confidentiality and standstill agreement in order to permit GTECH to enter into exclusive financing arrangements with certain commercial lenders. On June 21, IGT informed GTECH that it would not agree to any such request for financing exclusivity.
On June 22, 2014, Sidley distributed a form of merger agreement to GTECH, which provided for a transaction structure generally consistent with the terms proposed in GTECH's May 30 proposal, along with a draft agreement to be entered into by GTECH's controlling shareholders, whereby such shareholders would agree to vote in favor of the proposed transaction and in accordance with certain post-closing governance provisions set forth in the merger agreement.
Each of the draft merger agreements delivered to Company A, GTECH and Company F specified that (i) IGT would be required to pay a termination fee equal to 2.0% of the aggregate equity value of IGT under certain circumstances, (ii) the acquirer would be required to pay a reverse termination fee equal to 8.0% of the aggregate equity value of IGT under certain circumstances, (iii) the acquirer would generally be obligated to take any necessary actions in order to obtain certain antitrust approvals, and (iv) IGT would generally be entitled to specifically enforce the terms of the agreement. The form of merger agreement distributed to GTECH also specified that the share component of the consideration would be subject to a floating exchange ratio, with a 15% collar. The three draft forms of merger agreement contained identical IGT representations and warranties and interim operating covenants. The form distributed to GTECH proposed largely reciprocal provisions, due to the use of stock as part of the consideration.
On June 23 and 24, 2014, representatives of IGT, including Mr. Vandemore, and representatives of Morgan Stanley conducted on-site due diligence at GTECH facilities in Providence, Rhode Island and in Rome, Italy.
On June 25, 2014, IGT distributed to each bidder a draft of the disclosure schedules relating to the draft merger agreement.
On June 26, 2014, IGT and Morgan Stanley executed an updated engagement letter, which was subsequently amended, which confirmed the agreement of the parties in respect of a change of control transaction.
On June 30, 2014, each of Company A, GTECH and Company F submitted a written proposal to acquire IGT. Company A proposed to acquire the company at a price of $16.00 per share, in cash, and delivered a partial markup of the draft merger agreement. In its markup, Company A indicated that it may be willing to accept the covenant regarding actions to obtain antitrust approvals, and, in certain cases, the reverse termination fee equal to 8.0% of the aggregate equity value of IGT, but conditioned IGT's right to specifically enforce the merger agreement upon the completion of a marketing period and the availability of debt financing for the proposed transaction.
GTECH proposed to acquire the company at a price of $17.00 per share, with 50% of the consideration payable to IGT stockholders consisting of shares of Holdco and 50% payable in cash, and with the share component of the consideration being subject to a floating exchange ratio, with a 12.5% collar. In its markup of the merger agreement, GTECH specified that the mid-point of the collar would be determined based on the trading price of GTECH shares during a period ending on June 9, 2014 (the date of the Reuters report referred to above), which, as a result of a decrease in the trading price of GTECH shares since that date, would reduce the amount of protection the collar would provide to IGT stockholders against further decreases in the trading price of GTECH shares, and reduce the likelihood that IGT stockholders would benefit from an increase in the trading price of GTECH shares.
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In addition, GTECH's markup of the merger agreement (i) increased the size of the termination fee payable by IGT under certain circumstances to 4.0% of the aggregate equity value of IGT from 2.0%, (ii) removed the obligation to pay a reverse termination fee, (iii) specified that the obligation to undertake actions to obtain antitrust approvals would not require GTECH to take certain actions that would have a material adverse effect on Holdco (measured relative to IGT and its subsidiaries), (iv) specified that Holdco's articles of association would include a loyalty share program, under which shareholders that hold Holdco shares continuously for at least three years would be granted the right to receive additional voting shares of Holdco, (v) added closing conditions regarding the exercise of rescission rights by GTECH shareholders under Italian law and the tax treatment of Holdco following the transactions, and (vi) removed IGT's right to terminate the merger agreement in order to accept a superior proposal. GTECH's markup also contained substantial changes to the representations and warranties and interim operating covenants.
Company F proposed to acquire the company at a price of $17.25 per share, in cash, and delivered a markup of the draft merger agreement that (i) increased the size of the termination fee payable by IGT to 2.5% of the aggregate equity value of IGT from 2.0%, (ii) reduced the size of the reverse termination fee payable by Company F to 2.5% of the aggregate equity value of IGT from 8.0%, (iii) specified that the obligation to undertake actions to obtain antitrust approvals would not require Company F to make material divestitures or accept any material operating restrictions, and (iv) conditioned IGT's right to specifically enforce the merger agreement upon the completion of a marketing period and availability of debt financing for the proposed transaction.
On July 1, 2014, a representative of Company D advised Ms. Hart that it would not be submitting a proposal.
On July 1, 2014, representatives of IGT, representatives of Morgan Stanley and representatives of Sidley discussed the proposals and the markups of the draft merger agreements. Members of IGT senior management expressed the view that none of the proposals offered sufficient value to IGT stockholders. At the direction of IGT senior management, Morgan Stanley contacted each of the bidders on July 1 and July 2, 2014 to inform them that management would not be recommending its proposal to the IGT board. Each of the bidders was also invited to interact directly with Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart.
On July 2, 2014, Mr. McCann and Mr. Alves spoke telephonically regarding GTECH's proposal. Mr. Alves indicated that GTECH's bid was not well-positioned relative to the other bids.
On July 2, 2014, Company F submitted a letter to Morgan Stanley indicating that it would increase its offer to $17.75 per share from $17.25 per share, and that it was prepared to address IGT's antitrust concerns, including by significantly increasing the size of its reverse termination fee.
On July 2, 2014, Ms. Hart spoke with Mr. Sala by telephone. She advised Mr. Sala that GTECH was the only bidder that had not increased its bid on June 30 and that its markup of the draft merger agreement had raised many issues. She also reported on the results of due diligence by the IGT team and noted that GTECH had a significantly different compensation philosophy than IGT, and that any significant decrease in employee and management compensation could present a significant hurdle in connection with realizing potential synergies. Mr. Sala responded to Ms. Hart that he understood that GTECH intended to keep employee and management compensation the same as they had been at IGT for a period of twelve months after the completion of the proposed transaction.
On July 3, 2014, the IGT board met telephonically to review the proposals. Representatives of Morgan Stanley and representatives of Sidley also participated in the meeting. While the IGT board was meeting, Company A notified Morgan Stanley that it would be willing to increase its offer to $17.25 per share from $16.00 per share, which increase was communicated to the IGT board. Representatives of Morgan Stanley reviewed the financial terms of the proposals and the
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communications with the parties since the receipt of proposals on June 30. Representatives of Sidley then reviewed the proposed markups of the draft merger agreements, and discussed the fiduciary duties of the IGT board and other legal matters. Ms. Hart then presented management's view with respect to each of the proposals, and indicated that none of the proposals were within a range of value that management would recommend to the IGT board. Ms. Hart did not identify a specific range, but noted that there was potential for bidders to increase the amount of their offers to a range that management would recommend. The IGT board authorized IGT management to offer to principals of each of the three bidders an in-person meeting with Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart during the week of July 7 to review value and other key business terms, and to request best and final offers in advance of the IGT board's July 11 meeting. The IGT board also authorized the company's advisors to continue to engage with advisors of each of the three bidders. Following the meeting, Morgan Stanley invited each of the bidders to participate in the proposed meetings among principals, and Sidley delivered to Wachtell and to counsel for Company F, a list of material issues identified in their respective markups of the draft merger agreements. There were significantly more issues in the GTECH markup in part because of the complexity of the transaction structure.
On July 5, 2014, Sidley discussed the list of material issues identified in the draft merger agreements with counsel for GTECH and with counsel for Company F.
On July 7, 2014, Sidley discussed the draft merger agreement with counsel for Company A.
On July 7, 2014, Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart met with representatives of GTECH; on July 8, 2014, Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart met with representatives of Company A; and on July 9, 2014, Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart met with representatives of Company F. Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart emphasized the need for each of the bidders to maximize the value to be received by IGT stockholders and the importance of certainty of closing. Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart did not make a counteroffer to any of the three bidders, although GTECH was informed that its offer was lower than those of the other bidders with respect to price and that its transaction terms involved greater complexity than terms from other bidders. Each of the three bidders was informed that final markups of the draft merger agreement were to be submitted by 5:00 pm ET on July 10, 2014, and that final financial proposals would be due by 9:00 am ET on July 11, 2014.
On July 8, 2014, Sidley delivered revised drafts of the merger agreements to counsel for Company A, GTECH and Company F, respectively.
On July 9 and 10, 2014, Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart had a call and a meeting, respectively, with Mr. Pellicioli and Mr. Sala to discuss the progress being made in resolving the issues that had been identified by Sidley to Wachtell and that had been discussed in the meeting on July 7, 2014 and repeated the fact that GTECH was behind on price.
In the early hours of July 10, 2014, Wachtell distributed a revised draft of the merger agreement and shareholder support agreement to Sidley, and engaged in further discussions with Sidley regarding the terms of the agreements later that day. Wachtell distributed further revised drafts of the merger and shareholder support agreements later that evening, which (i) revised the terms of the collar provision, (ii) reduced the amount of the termination fee payable by IGT in certain circumstances to 3.0% of the aggregate equity value of IGT from 4.0% proposed in GTECH's prior draft, (iii) provided for the payment of a reverse termination fee payable by GTECH in certain circumstances equal to 6.0% of the aggregate equity value of IGT, (iv) generally obligated GTECH to undertake necessary actions to obtain antitrust approvals, and (v) permitted IGT to terminate the merger agreement in order to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a superior proposal.
On the morning of July 11, 2014, GTECH notified IGT that it would increase the financial terms of its offer to $18.10 per share from $17.00 per share, with 25% of the consideration payable to IGT stockholders in a possible transaction consisting of shares of Holdco, and 75% in cash, and requested
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that IGT enter into exclusive negotiations with GTECH. Company A notified Morgan Stanley that it would continue to offer consideration of $17.25 per share, in cash, and submitted a revised draft of the merger agreement.
In the afternoon of July 11, 2014, the IGT board met in person. Representatives of Morgan Stanley, representatives of Sidley and representatives of Allen & Overy LLP, tax and international counsel to IGT, and which we refer to as Allen & Overy, also participated in the meeting. Ms. Hart reported on events that had transpired since the July 3 board meeting, including the meetings with each of the three bidders and the parties' respective proposals. A representative of Sidley reviewed certain issues identified in GTECH's proposed draft of the merger agreement, and representatives of Allen & Overy reviewed certain tax aspects of the GTECH proposal. While the IGT board was meeting, Company F delivered a letter to Morgan Stanley, which indicated dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the due diligence process and did not modify Company F's prior proposal of $17.75 per share, in cash. Representatives of Morgan Stanley shared the letter from Company F with the IGT board, and discussed its implication that Company F did not intend to submit a revised proposal. Morgan Stanley also reviewed its valuation summary for the company. Mr. Vandemore then reviewed financial projections for the company, and informed the board that management now viewed the delayed recovery case as the base case for the company, rather than the case reflected in the long range plan for the company. The IGT board determined that, since the deadline for final proposals had passed and GTECH's proposal was the most favorable, it would be in IGT's best interest to maximize the value and certainty of GTECH's offer. Accordingly, the IGT board determined to notify GTECH that, while IGT would not grant GTECH's request for exclusivity, if GTECH were willing to increase the value of its offer to a total of $18.25 per share, then IGT would not initiate further contact with other bidders for a period of up to ten days, during which period it would work with GTECH to finalize and enter into a definitive agreement with respect to the proposed transaction. The IGT board directed that this message not be communicated to GTECH until Company F's counsel had been given the opportunity to complete its review of certain antitrust-related materials.
On July 11, 2014, after Company F's counsel had been given access to certain antitrust-related materials, Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart notified GTECH of IGT's proposal. GTECH agreed to increase the value of its offer to $18.25 per share, and the parties engaged in confirmatory due diligence and commenced intensive negotiations to finalize the merger agreement, shareholder support agreements and related documents.
On July 12 through 15, 2014, negotiations proceeded on the merger agreement, shareholder support agreements and related documents.
On July 15, 2014, the IGT board met telephonically. Representatives of Morgan Stanley and representatives of Sidley also participated in the meeting. Ms. Hart reviewed the status of negotiations with GTECH, and reported that no further communication had been received from Company A or Company F following the July 11 board meeting. Representatives of Morgan Stanley reviewed the financial terms of the proposed transaction, and representatives of Sidley reviewed the material legal terms of the proposed transaction, highlighting a discrete number of remaining issues that had not been resolved by the parties. The IGT board recessed pending further negotiation of the merger agreement. During the recess, Mr. Satre spoke to Mr. Pellicioli and Ms. Hart spoke to Mr. Sala. After the IGT board had reconvened, Ms. Hart notified the board that the remaining issues had been resolved in a conversation between her and Mr. Sala, and representatives of Morgan Stanley delivered Morgan Stanley's oral opinion that, as of the date of the opinion, and based upon and subject to the various assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the scope of review undertaken by Morgan Stanley set forth in its written opinion, the merger consideration to be received by IGT's stockholders, taken in the aggregate, pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to the holders of IGT's common stock, which opinion was subsequently confirmed in writing. Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart recommended to the IGT board that
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IGT should accept the proposal from GTECH. In connection with the IGT board's consideration of this recommendation, Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart reminded the board of the roles they would play in a combined company. After discussion and deliberation, and after considering all of the factors that it deemed relevant, including the factors specified under "Reasons for the Mergers and Recommendation of the IGT Board" beginning on page [ ], the IGT board unanimously approved and declared advisable the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the mergers contemplated thereby.
Later that evening, representatives of IGT and GTECH, along with Sidley and Wachtell, finalized the language of the merger agreement and the shareholder support agreements in keeping with the resolution of issues described to the IGT board by Ms. Hart. After execution of the debt commitment letter, a copy of which was provided to IGT, Morgan Stanley and Sidley, each of IGT, GTECH and the other parties to the merger agreement and shareholder support agreements executed and delivered the merger agreement and shareholder support agreements, effective as of July 15, 2014.
At midnight ET on July 16, 2014, IGT and GTECH each issued a press release announcing the transaction. On July 16, 2014, IGT furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC disclosing the execution of the merger agreement and filing the press release as an exhibit. On July 18, 2014, IGT filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC summarizing the material terms of the merger agreement and the shareholder support agreements, and filing the merger agreement and shareholder support agreements as exhibits.
Following the announcement by the parties on July 16, 2014 that they had entered into the merger agreement, certain putative stockholder class action lawsuits were filed by purported stockholders of IGT challenging the transaction. The complaints in the actions name as defendants IGT, the members of the IGT board of directors, GTECH and, in some cases, certain of GTECH's subsidiaries. IGT intends to vigorously defend against the claims asserted in these lawsuits. See "Litigation Related to the Mergers."
Subsequent to the announcement of the transaction, the parties approached the Financial Conduct Authority acting in its capacity as the U.K. Listing Authority, which we refer to as the UKLA, to confirm if the UKLA was of the view that the IGT Merger or the Holdco Merger would require the parties to publish a prospectus approved by the UKLA pursuant to section 85(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, which we refer to as the UK prospectus. While the UKLA expressed the view that the Holdco Merger would not require the publication of a UK prospectus, the UKLA considered that the inclusion of the cash/stock election feature in the IGT Merger meant that the IGT Merger would require the publication of a UK prospectus. The parties agreed that the preparation and approval of the UK prospectus could cause a meaningful delay in the completion of the transactions.
On September 9, 2014, representatives of IGT (including Mr. Satre and Ms. Hart) and GTECH (including Mr. Sala and Mr. Pellicioli) met in Rome, Italy to discuss integration planning, as well as the consequences of being required to publish a UK prospectus. In that meeting, GTECH requested that IGT agree to eliminate the cash/stock election from the merger agreement as a result of the expected delay associated with that requirement. IGT requested that GTECH agree to reflect a reduction in the number of gaming approvals that would be a condition to closing.
On September 12, 2014, Wachtell distributed a proposed amendment to the merger agreement, among other things, to eliminate the cash/stock election from the merger agreement and to confirm a reduction in the number of gaming approvals that would be a condition to closing.
On September 15, 2014, the IGT board met telephonically. Representatives of Morgan Stanley attended the meeting. Representatives of IGT described the proposed amendment, including the benefits and potential detriments of entering into the amendment. Morgan Stanley confirmed orally to the IGT board that, based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions described, had Morgan
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Stanley issued its written opinion referred to above on July 15, 2014 on the basis of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, as amended by the amendment, the conclusion set forth in its opinion would not have changed, which oral confirmation was subsequently confirmed in writing. The confirmatory letter did not address any circumstances, developments or events occurring after the date of Morgan Stanley's written opinion on July 15, 2014 and Morgan Stanley's written opinion is provided only as of such date. After discussion and deliberation, and after considering all of the factors that it deemed relevant, the IGT board unanimously approved and declared advisable the amendment to the merger agreement, subject to satisfactory confirmation from the UKLA that it did not consider that a UK prospectus would be required for the transactions as amended.
Upon receiving confirmation from the UKLA that it did not consider that a UK prospectus would be required for the transactions as amended, each of IGT, GTECH and the other parties to the merger agreement executed and delivered the amendment to the merger agreement, effective as of September 23, 2014.
After the announcement of the transaction, Morgan Stanley discovered that it had omitted a provision for taxes in its calculation of GTECH's projected unlevered free cash flows used in connection with its discounted cash flow valuation for GTECH. Following the calculation of the corrected unlevered free cash flows for GTECH, Morgan Stanley determined that, in the case of the unadjusted GTECH management forecasts, the derived range of implied values per share was €24.85 to €31.63 instead of €29.32 to €36.18, and that, in the case of the adjusted GTECH management forecasts, the derived range of implied values per share was €22.26 to €28.60 instead of €26.47 to €32.88.
Promptly after discovery, Morgan Stanley informed management of IGT on November 5, 2014 of the corrected analysis. The results of the updated analysis relating to GTECH had no impact on the financial analyses performed in respect of IGT. On November 11, 2014, Morgan Stanley orally confirmed to the IGT board of directors, which was subsequently confirmed in writing on November 11, 2014, that, had Morgan Stanley used the corrected unlevered free cash flows projected for GTECH, there would have been no change to the conclusion set forth in its fairness opinion delivered on July 15, 2014.
At its meeting on July 13, 2014, the GTECH Board authorized GTECH's entry into the Merger Agreement and concluded that, taking into account the then-current circumstances, the Mergers are fair to the shareholders of GTECH from a financial point of view.
The GTECH Board considered many factors in reaching the conclusion that, taking into account the then-current circumstances, the Mergers are fair to the shareholders of GTECH from a financial point of view, and that the Mergers will result in enhanced value for GTECH shareholders relative to GTECH continuing as a standalone company. In arriving at its conclusion, the GTECH board of directors consulted with GTECH's management, legal advisors and financial advisor, reviewed a significant amount of information, considered a number of factors in its deliberations and concluded that the Mergers are likely to result in significant strategic and financial benefits to GTECH and its shareholders, including:
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These beliefs are based in part on the following factors that the GTECH board of directors considered:
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The GTECH board of directors weighed these factors against a number of uncertainties, risks and potentially negative factors relevant to the Mergers, including the following:
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The GTECH Board concluded that the uncertainties, risks and potentially negative factors relevant to the Mergers were outweighed by the potential benefits that it expected GTECH and the GTECH shareholders would achieve as a result of the Mergers.
This discussion of the information and factors considered by the GTECH Board includes the principal positive and negative factors considered by the GTECH Board, but is not intended to be exhaustive and may not include all of the factors considered by the GTECH Board. In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the Mergers, and the complexity of these matters, the GTECH Board did not find it useful and did not attempt to quantify or assign any relative or specific weights to the various factors that it considered in reaching its determination to approve the Mergers. Rather, the GTECH Board viewed its decisions as being based on the totality of the information presented to it and the factors it considered. In addition, individual members of the GTECH Board may have given differing weights to different factors.
Opinion of Credit Suisse as Financial Advisor to GTECH
GTECH retained Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited ("Credit Suisse") as its financial advisor in connection with the proposed Mergers. On July 13, 2014, at a meeting of the GTECH Board held to evaluate the proposed Mergers, Credit Suisse delivered to the GTECH Board its oral opinion, confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated July 15, 2014, to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to various assumptions, matters considered and limitations described in such opinion, the Holdco Exchange Ratio, after giving effect to the aggregate merger consideration to be paid to IGT shareholders in the IGT Merger, was fair, from a financial point of view, to GTECH shareholders.
The full text of Credit Suisse's written opinion, dated July 15, 2014, to the GTECH Board, which sets forth, among other things, the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the scope of review undertaken, is attached as Annex G hereto and is incorporated into this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference in its entirety. The description of the opinion set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion. Credit Suisse's opinion was provided to the GTECH Board for its information in connection with its evaluation of the Holdco Exchange Ratio and did not address any other aspect of the proposed Mergers, including the relative merits of the Mergers as compared to alternative transactions or strategies that might be available to GTECH or the underlying business decision of GTECH to proceed with the Mergers. The opinion does not constitute advice or a recommendation to any shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote or act on any matter relating to the proposed Mergers or otherwise.
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In arriving at its opinion, Credit Suisse:
In connection with its review, Credit Suisse did not assume any responsibility to independently verify any of the foregoing information and Credit Suisse assumed and relied on such information being complete and accurate in all material respects. Without limitation to the foregoing, with respect to the financial forecasts for GTECH and IGT referred to above, the management of GTECH advised Credit Suisse, and Credit Suisse assumed, with GTECH's consent, that such forecasts were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of GTECH's management as to the future financial performance of GTECH and IGT, respectively. Credit Suisse expressed no opinion with respect to such forecasts or the assumptions on which they were based. With respect to the estimates provided to Credit Suisse by the management of GTECH with respect to the cost savings and synergies, including revenue synergies and tax benefits, anticipated to result from the Mergers, the management of GTECH advised Credit Suisse, and Credit Suisse assumed, with GTECH's consent, that such forecasts were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of GTECH as to such cost savings and synergies and that the same would be realized in the amounts and the times and at the costs indicated thereby.
Credit Suisse also assumed, with GTECH's consent, that in the course of obtaining necessary regulatory or third-party consents, approvals or agreements in connection with the Mergers, no modification, delay, limitation, restriction or condition would be imposed that would have an adverse effect on GTECH, IGT or the contemplated benefits of the Mergers and that the Mergers would be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, without waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement therein. Representatives of GTECH advised Credit Suisse, and Credit Suisse assumed, with GTECH's consent, that the terms of the Merger Agreement, when signed, would conform in all material respects to the terms reflected in the draft merger agreement reviewed by Credit Suisse. In addition, Credit Suisse was not requested to, and did not, make an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of GTECH or IGT, nor was Credit Suisse furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals.
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Credit Suisse's opinion addressed only the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of its opinion, to GTECH shareholders of the Holdco Exchange Ratio (after giving effect to the aggregate merger consideration to be paid to IGT shareholders in the IGT Merger) and did not address any other aspect or effect of the Mergers or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into in connection with the Mergers or otherwise, including, without limitation, the form or structure of the Mergers or any other aspect relating to any compensation to any officers, directors or employees of any party to the Mergers, or class of such persons, relative to the Holdco Exchange Ratio or otherwise.
Credit Suisse's opinion was necessarily based upon information made available to Credit Suisse as of the date of its opinion and upon financial, economic, regulatory (including tax), market and other conditions as they existed and could be evaluated on that date. It was Credit Suisse's understanding that the Holdco shares would be listed and traded solely on the New York Stock Exchange. Credit Suisse did not express any opinion as to what the value of the Holdco ordinary shares actually would be when issued to GTECH shareholders pursuant to the Mergers or the prices at which such Holdco ordinary shares would trade subsequent to the Mergers, nor did Credit Suisse express any opinion as to the prices at which GTECH shares or IGT shares would trade at any time. Except as described in this summary, the GTECH board of directors imposed no other limitations on Credit Suisse with respect to the investigations made or procedures followed in rendering its opinion.
In preparing its opinion to the GTECH board of directors, Credit Suisse performed a variety of financial and comparative analyses, including those described below. The summary of Credit Suisse's analyses described below is not a complete description of the analyses underlying Credit Suisse's opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, a fairness opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Credit Suisse arrived at its ultimate opinion based on the results of all analyses undertaken by it and assessed as a whole and did not draw, in isolation, conclusions from or with regard to any one factor or method of analysis. Accordingly, Credit Suisse believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and factors or focusing on information presented in tabular format, without considering all analyses and factors or the narrative description of the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the processes underlying its analyses and opinion.
In its analyses, Credit Suisse considered industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond GTECH's control. No company, transaction or business used in Credit Suisse's analyses is identical to GTECH, IGT or the proposed Mergers, and an evaluation of the results of those analyses is not entirely mathematical. Rather, the analyses involve complex considerations and judgments concerning financial and operating characteristics and other factors that could affect the acquisition, public trading or other values of the companies, business segments or transactions analyzed. The estimates contained in Credit Suisse's analyses and the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis are not necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of future results or values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than those suggested by the analyses. In addition, analyses relating to the value of businesses or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold or acquired. Accordingly, the estimates used in, and the results derived from, Credit Suisse's analyses are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty.
Credit Suisse was not requested to, and it did not, recommend the specific consideration payable in the proposed Mergers, which consideration was determined through negotiations between GTECH and IGT, and the decision to enter into the Mergers was solely that of the GTECH board of directors. Credit Suisse's opinion and financial analyses were only one of many factors considered by the GTECH board of directors in its evaluation of the proposed Mergers and should not be viewed as determinative
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of the views of the GTECH board of directors or GTECH's management with respect to the Mergers or the Holdco Exchange Ratio.
On October 1, 2014, in accordance with Italian market practice and to assist the GTECH board of directors with its approval of the merger plan regarding the Holdco Merger, Credit Suisse delivered to the GTECH board of directors a "bring-down" written opinion (the "Bring-Down Opinion") stating that, on the basis of the same criteria upon which the initial written opinion, dated July 15, 2014 (the "Initial Opinion"), was given, and on the basis of the same premises, qualifications and assumptions set out therein, as of October 1, 2014, nothing had come to Credit Suisse's attention which would cause it to alter its opinion that the Holdco Exchange Ratio, after giving effect to the aggregate merger consideration to be paid to IGT shareholders in the IGT Merger, was fair, from a financial point of view, to GTECH shareholders. The full text of Credit Suisse's Bring-Down Opinion is attached as Annex H hereto.
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses undertaken by Credit Suisse in connection with its Bring-Down Opinion. Except to reflect events that occurred between July 15, 2014 and October 1, 2014, there were no material changes to the financial analyses summarized below from those undertaken by Credit Suisse in connection with its Initial Opinion. The following summary does not purport to be a complete description of the financial analyses performed by Credit Suisse, nor does the order of analyses described represent the relative importance or weight given to those analyses by Credit Suisse. The financial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand Credit Suisse's financial analyses, the tables must be read together with the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. Considering the data in the tables below without considering the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of Credit Suisse's financial analyses.
For purposes of the financial analyses summarized below, the term "implied IGT merger consideration" refers to the total implied value of the merger consideration to be paid to IGT shareholders of $18.25 per share, calculated as the sum of (i) the $13.69 per share cash consideration to be paid in the Mergers plus (ii) the $4.56 per share implied value of Holdco ordinary shares stock consideration to be paid in the Mergers, subject to the terms of the collar as described in the Merger Agreement.
IGT Comparable Trading Multiples Analysis. Credit Suisse reviewed certain financial and stock market information of IGT and the following four selected publicly traded companies with operations in whole or in part in the gaming industry (including gaming machine suppliers), which is the industry in which IGT operates:
Selected Company | Enterprise Value (in millions) | |
Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. (pre-leak of VGT transaction on 6/24/14) | $3,049 | |
Bally Technologies, Inc. (pre-announcement of Scientific Games transaction on 7/31/14) | $4,207 | |
Multimedia Games Holding Company, Inc. (pre-announcement of Global Cash Access transaction on 9/7/14) | $738 | |
Scientific Games Corporation (pre-announcement of Bally transaction on 7/31/14) | $3,758 |
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The above peer group companies were chosen based on Credit Suisse's knowledge of the industry and because they operate in and are exposed to similar lines of business as IGT, namely companies in the gaming equipment supplier industry generally. Although none of such companies are identical or directly comparable to IGT, these companies are publicly traded companies with operations and/or other criteria, such as lines of business, markets, business risks, growth prospects, maturity of business and size and scale of business, that for purposes of its analysis Credit Suisse considered similar to IGT.
Credit Suisse reviewed, among other things, enterprise values of the selected companies, calculated as equity values based on closing stock prices on September 16, 2014 (unless otherwise noted), plus debt, less cash and other adjustments, as a multiple of calendar years 2014 and 2015 estimated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA. Credit Suisse then applied ranges derived from the selected companies of selected multiples of calendar year 2015 estimated EBITDA of 6.8x to 8.0x to corresponding data of IGT. Financial data of the selected companies were based on the mean of selected publicly available research analysts' estimates, public filings and other publicly available information. Financial data of IGT were based on public filings and estimates of GTECH's management.
The foregoing analysis indicated the following approximate implied per share reference range for IGT as compared to the implied IGT merger consideration:
Implied Per Share Reference Range | Implied IGT Merger Consideration | |
$10.40 - $13.70 | $18.25 |
Similarly, Credit Suisse applied ranges derived from the selected companies of selected multiples of calendar year 2015 estimated EBITDA minus capital expenditures of 8.0x to 10.0x to corresponding data of IGT, which analysis indicated the following approximate implied per share reference range for IGT as compared to the implied IGT merger consideration:
Implied Per Share Reference Range | Implied IGT Merger Consideration | |
$9.80 - $14.00 | $18.25 |
IGT Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Credit Suisse performed a discounted cash flow analysis of IGT to calculate the estimated present value of the standalone (excluding synergies) unlevered, after-tax free cash flows that IGT was forecasted to generate during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 through the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 based on estimates of GTECH's management. Credit Suisse calculated terminal values for GTECH by applying to IGT's estimated normalized EBITDA for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 a range of terminal value EBITDA multiples of 7.0x to 8.0x. The present value (as of June 30, 2014) of the cash flows and terminal values was then calculated using discount rates ranging from 8.0% to 9.25%, representing IGT's estimated weighted average cost of capital.
The foregoing analysis indicated the following approximate implied per share reference range for IGT on a standalone basis (excluding synergies) as compared to the implied IGT merger consideration:
Implied Per Share Reference Range on a Standalone Basis (Excluding Synergies) | Implied IGT Merger Consideration | |
$12.00 - $14.90 | $18.25 |
GTECH Comparable Trading Multiples Analysis. Credit Suisse reviewed certain financial and stock market information of GTECH and the following nine selected publicly traded companies, including
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IGT, with operations in whole or in part, in the gaming industry (including lottery and gaming machine suppliers), which is the industry in which GTECH operates:
Selected Company |
Enterprise Value (in millions) |
|
Intralot S.A. |
€699 |
|
OPAP S.A. |
€3,445 |
|
Tatts Group Limited |
€4,023 |
|
Tabcorp Holdings Limited |
€2,575 |
|
Scientific Games Corporation (pre-announcement of Bally transaction on 7/31/14) |
€2,903 |
|
Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. (pre-leak of VGT transaction on 6/24/14) |
€2,356 |
|
Bally Technologies, Inc. (pre-announcement of Scientific Games transaction on 7/31/14) |
€3,250 |
|
Multimedia Games Holding Company, Inc. (pre-announcement of Global Cash Access transaction on 9/7/14) |
€570 |
|
International Game Technology (pre-leak June 6, 2014) |
€3,756 |
The above peer group companies were chosen based on Credit Suisse's knowledge of the industry and because they operate in and are exposed to similar lines of business as GTECH, namely companies in the gaming industry (including lottery and gaming machine suppliers). Although none of such companies are identical or directly comparable to GTECH, these companies are publicly traded companies with operations and/or other criteria, such as lines of business, markets, business risks, growth prospects, maturity of business and size and scale of business, that for purposes of its analysis Credit Suisse considered similar to GTECH.
Credit Suisse reviewed, among other things, enterprise values of the selected companies, calculated as equity values based on closing stock prices on September 16, 2014 (unless otherwise noted), plus debt, less cash and other adjustments, as a multiple of calendar years 2014 and 2015 estimated EBITDA. Credit Suisse then applied ranges derived from the selected companies of selected multiples of calendar year 2015 estimated EBITDA of 6.0x to 7.0x to corresponding data of GTECH, with GTECH's corresponding data adjusted for the net present value of renewal costs relating to the Lotto and Scratch & Win concessions (see "Risk Factors Relating to GTECH's BusinessA significant portion of GTECH's total consolidated revenues is derived from government concessions in Italy including the Lotto and instant lottery concessions" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of GTECHIncome Statement OverviewRevenuesItaly Segment"). Financial data of the selected companies were based on the mean of selected publicly available research analysts' estimates, public filings and other publicly available information. Financial data of GTECH were based on public filings and estimates of GTECH's management.
The foregoing analysis indicated the following approximate implied per share reference range for GTECH as compared to the closing share price of GTECH on July 14, 2014:
Implied Per Share Reference Range | GTECH Closing Share Price on July 14, 2014 | |
€16.60 - €23.10 | €18.59 |
Similarly, Credit Suisse applied ranges derived from the selected companies of selected multiples of calendar year 2015 estimated EBITDA minus capital expenditures of 9.0x to 11.0x to corresponding data of GTECH, with GTECH's corresponding data adjusted for the net present value of renewal costs relating to the Lotto and Scratch & Win concessions. Such analysis indicated the following approximate
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implied per share reference range for GTECH as compared to the closing share price of GTECH on July 14, 2014:
Implied Per Share Reference Range | GTECH Closing Share Price on July 14, 2014 | |
€17.40 - €26.30 | €18.59 |
GTECH Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Credit Suisse performed a discounted cash flow analysis of GTECH to calculate the estimated present value of the standalone (excluding synergies) unlevered, after-tax free cash flows that GTECH was forecasted to generate during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 through the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 based on internal estimates of GTECH's management. Credit Suisse calculated terminal values for GTECH by applying to GTECH's estimated normalized EBITDA for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 a range of terminal value EBITDA multiples of 5.5x to 6.5x. The present value (as of June 30, 2014) of the cash flows and terminal values, as adjusted to take account of renewal costs relating to the Scratch & Win concession, which fall outside of the projected period 2014 to 2018 contained in the Business Plans, was then calculated using discount rates ranging from 6.0% to 7.0%, representing GTECH's estimated weighted average cost of capital.
The foregoing analysis indicated the following approximate implied per share reference range for GTECH as compared to the closing share price of GTECH on July 14, 2014:
Implied Per Share Reference Range | GTECH Closing Share Price on July 14, 2014 | |
€19.60 - €26.60 | €18.59 |
Potential Synergies. Based on estimates of the potential synergies resulting from the combination and the integration costs to achieve such synergies that, in each case, were prepared by, and provided to Credit Suisse by, the management of GTECH, Credit Suisse analyzed the potential values to GTECH shareholders of such synergies. Credit Suisse calculated the net present value, or NPV, of such synergies based on an illustrative discount rate of 8.0% to 9.0% (based on a blended estimated weighted average cost of capital of the combined company) and terminal growth rate, or TGR, of 1.0% to 2.0%, as applicable. This analysis resulted in illustrative value indications of the synergies of $2.6 billion to $3.4 billion.
Pro Forma "Has / Gets" Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Based on the standalone discounted cash flow analyses relating to IGT and GTECH, respectively, as described above, along with the potential synergies analysis described above, Credit Suisse reviewed the implied per share equity value of Holdco on a pro forma basis, taking into account the effects of the Mergers, including potential synergies, the incremental leverage relating to the cash consideration to IGT shareholders, and other costs relating to the Mergers.
The foregoing analysis indicated the following approximate implied per share reference range for GTECH on a pro forma basis as compared to the approximate implied per share reference range for GTECH on a standalone basis:
Implied Per Share Reference Range on Standalone Basis | Implied Per Share Reference Range on Pro Forma Basis | |
€19.64 - €26.61 | €21.30 - €32.68 |
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The foregoing implied per share reference range for GTECH on a pro forma basis was based on Credit Suisse's assumption that 5% of GTECH shareholders would exercise their rescission rights under Italian law (see "Questions and AnswersQ: Are IGT shareholders and/or GTECH shareholders entitled to exercise dissenters', appraisal, cash exit or similar rights?"). Credit Suisse also conducted a sensitivity analysis in which it reviewed the implied per share equity value of GTECH on a pro forma basis assuming up to 20% of GTECH shareholders would exercise their withdrawal rights and taking into account the impact of the collar. In addition, Credit Suisse conducted a "has / gets" comparable trading multiples analysis based on the standalone comparable trading multiples analyses relating to IGT and GTECH, respectively, as described above, along with the potential synergies analysis described above.
Credit Suisse also noted for the GTECH board of directors certain additional factors that were not considered part of Credit Suisse's financial analyses with respect to its opinion but were referenced for informational purposes, including, among other things, the following:
GTECH selected Credit Suisse to act as its financial advisor in connection with the Mergers based on Credit Suisse's qualifications, experience, reputation and familiarity with GTECH and did not impose any express limitations on Credit Suisse in respect of its financial analysis. Credit Suisse is an internationally recognized investment banking firm and is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for corporate and other purposes.
GTECH has agreed to pay Credit Suisse for its financial advisory services to GTECH in connection with the Mergers a fee of up to $20 million. Credit Suisse also became entitled to receive a fee of $1 million upon the rendering of its Initial Opinion, which is fully creditable against the merger fee. GTECH has agreed to reimburse Credit Suisse for its expenses, including fees and expenses of legal counsel, and to indemnify Credit Suisse and related parties for certain liabilities and other items, including liabilities under the federal securities laws, arising out of or related to its engagement. In addition, Credit Suisse will receive fees for structuring, arranging and providing financing for the Mergers. From time to time, Credit Suisse and its affiliates have in the past provided, are currently providing and in the future Credit Suisse and its affiliates may provide, investment banking and other financial services to GTECH and IGT, for which Credit Suisse and its affiliates have received, and would expect to receive, compensation. During the two-year period ended July 15, 2014, Credit Suisse received approximately $0.7 million of aggregate fees for investment banking services provided to
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GTECH. During the two-year period ended July 15, 2014, Credit Suisse received no fees for investment banking services provided to IGT.
Credit Suisse is a full service securities firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities and also provides investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, Credit Suisse and its affiliates may acquire, hold or sell, for Credit Suisse's and its affiliates' own accounts and the accounts of customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of GTECH, IGT and their respective affiliates and any other company that may be involved in the Mergers, as well as provide investment banking and other financial services to such companies.
GTECH Unaudited Prospective Financial Information
GTECH does not publicly disclose long-term projections as to future revenues, earnings or other results due to, among other reasons, the uncertainty and subjectivity of the underlying assumptions and estimates. As a result, GTECH does not endorse the unaudited prospective financial information as a reliable indication of future results. GTECH is including the limited unaudited prospective financial information in this document solely because it was among the financial information made available to the GTECH board of directors, Credit Suisse, IGT and Morgan Stanley in connection with their respective evaluations of the Mergers. Moreover, GTECH's internally prepared unaudited prospective financial information was based on estimates and assumptions made by management at the respective times of their preparation and speak only as of such times, as applicable. Except to the extent required by applicable law, GTECH has no obligation to update prospective financial data included in this proxy statement/prospectus and, except as provided below, has not done so and does not intend to do so.
The inclusion of this information should not be regarded as an indication that any of GTECH, IGT, Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse or any other recipient of this information considered, or now considers, it to be necessarily predictive of actual future results. There can be no assurance that the prospective results will be realized or that actual results will not be significantly higher or lower than estimated.
Since the unaudited prospective financial information covers multiple years, such information by its nature becomes less predictive with each successive year. GTECH shareholders and IGT shareholders are urged to review the risk factors described in the section captioned "Risk FactorsRisk Factors Relating to GTECH's Business" beginning on page [ ] with respect to the business of GTECH. GTECH shareholders and IGT shareholders are also urged to review the risks and other factors described in the "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" beginning on pages [ ] and [ ], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus. The unaudited prospective financial information was not prepared with a view toward public disclosure, nor was it 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 prospective financial information, or GAAP. Neither the independent registered public accounting firm nor the independent statutory auditors of GTECH have audited, reviewed, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to the accompanying unaudited prospective financial information for the purpose of its inclusion herein, and accordingly, neither the independent registered public accounting firm nor the independent statutory auditors of GTECH express an opinion or provide any form of assurance with respect thereto for the purpose of this proxy statement/prospectus. The report of the independent registered public accounting firm of GTECH included in this proxy statement/prospectus relates to the historical financial information of GTECH. It does not extend to the unaudited prospective financial information and should not be read to do so. Furthermore, the unaudited prospective financial information does not take into account any circumstances or events occurring after the date it was prepared. The unaudited prospective financial information does not give effect to the Mergers.
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The following table presents selected unaudited prospective financial data, including Revenue, EBITDA, Net Income and Unlevered Free Cash Flow for GTECH's entire business.
Forecast
(1)
|
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(in millions)
|
|||||||||||||||
Revenue |
€3,236 | €3,399 | €3,464 | €3,571 | €3,635 | |||||||||||
EBITDA (2) |
€1,077 | €1,119 | €1,149 | €1,185 | €1,212 | |||||||||||
Net Income |
€ 215 | € 235 | € 248 | € 285 | € 310 | |||||||||||
Unlevered Free Cash Flow (3) |
€ 363 | € 317 | € 277 | € 475 | € 772 |
Although presented with numerical specificity, the above unaudited prospective financial information reflects numerous assumptions and estimates as to future events made by the management of GTECH. At the respective times the unaudited prospective financial information was prepared, GTECH's management believed such assumptions and estimates were reasonable. In preparing the foregoing unaudited projected financial information, GTECH made assumptions regarding, among other things, pricing and volume of products sold, production costs, interest rates, corporate financing activities, including amount and timing of the issuance of debt, the timing and amount of ordinary share issuances, the effective tax rate, the amount of general and administrative costs.
No assurances can be given that the assumptions made in preparing the above unaudited prospective financial information will accurately reflect future conditions. The estimates and assumptions underlying the unaudited prospective financial information involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive, regulatory and financial market conditions and future business decisions which may not be realized and that are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies, including, among others, risks and uncertainties described under "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" beginning on pages [ ] and [ ], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of GTECH and/or IGT and will be beyond the control of the combined company. There can be no assurance that the underlying assumptions will prove to be accurate or that the projected results will be realized, and actual results likely will differ, and may differ materially, from those reflected in the unaudited prospective financial information, whether or not the Mergers are completed.
Readers of this document are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the unaudited prospective financial information set forth above. No representation is made by GTECH, IGT, any other person to any GTECH shareholders or any IGT shareholder regarding the ultimate performance of GTECH compared to the information included in the above unaudited prospective financial information. The
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inclusion of unaudited prospective financial information in this document should not be regarded as an indication that such prospective financial information will be an accurate prediction of future events, and such information should not be relied on as such.
GTECH DOES NOT INTEND TO UPDATE OR OTHERWISE REVISE THE ABOVE UNAUDITED PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO REFLECT CIRCUMSTANCES EXISTING AFTER THE DATE WHEN MADE OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF FUTURE EVENTS, EVEN IN THE EVENT THAT ANY OR ALL OF THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING SUCH PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION ARE NO LONGER APPROPRIATE, EXCEPT AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY LAW.
Reasons for the Mergers and Recommendation of the IGT Board
At its meeting on July 15, 2014, the IGT Board approved the Merger Agreement, authorized IGT's entry into the Merger Agreement and resolved to recommend that IGT shareholders vote "FOR" the approval of the Merger Agreement. In arriving at its conclusion, the IGT Board, in consultation with members of IGT senior management and outside legal and financial advisors, considered a variety of factors, including the following factors that the IGT Board viewed as generally supporting its decision:
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The IGT Board also considered certain risks and other potentially negative factors concerning the transactions, including:
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The IGT Board concluded that the uncertainties, risks and potentially negative factors relevant to the Mergers were outweighed by the potential benefits that it expected IGT and the IGT shareholders would achieve as a result of the Mergers.
This discussion of the information and factors considered by the IGT Board includes the principal positive and negative factors considered by the IGT Board, but is not intended to be exhaustive and may not include all of the factors considered by the IGT Board. In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the Mergers, and the complexity of these matters, the IGT Board did not find it useful and did not attempt to quantify or assign any relative or specific weights to the various factors that it considered in reaching its determination to approve the Mergers. Rather, the IGT Board viewed its decisions as being based on the totality of the information presented to it and the factors it considered. In addition, individual members of the IGT Board may have given differing weights to different factors.
Opinion of Morgan Stanley as Financial Advisor to IGT
The IGT Board retained Morgan Stanley to act as its financial advisor with respect to strategic transactions and to provide it with an opinion as to financial fairness in connection with the proposed transaction. The IGT Board selected Morgan Stanley based on Morgan Stanley's qualifications, experience, reputation, expertise and its knowledge of the business affairs of IGT and did not impose any express limitations on Morgan Stanley in respect of its financial analysis. At the meeting of the IGT Board on July 15, 2014, Morgan Stanley rendered to the IGT Board its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing on the same date, to the IGT Board to the effect that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the various assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the scope of review undertaken by Morgan Stanley as set forth in its written opinion, the merger consideration to be received by the holders of shares of IGT common stock, taken in the aggregate, pursuant to the Merger Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such holders. On September 15, 2014, at a meeting of the IGT Board, Morgan Stanley delivered an oral confirmation to the IGT Board confirming that, based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions described, had Morgan Stanley issued its written opinion referred to above on July 15, 2014 on the basis of the transactions contemplated by the current Merger Agreement, as amended by the Amendment, the conclusion set forth in its opinion would not have changed, which oral confirmation was subsequently confirmed in writing. The confirmatory letter did not address any circumstances, developments or events occurring after July 15, 2014, other than the execution of the Amendment, and Morgan Stanley's opinion is provided only as of such date. In connection with the delivery of such confirmation, the IGT Board advised Morgan Stanley, and with the IGT Board's permission, Morgan Stanley assumed, that the final terms of the Amendment would not vary materially from those set forth in the draft reviewed by Morgan Stanley, and that the Amendment and the transactions contemplated thereby did not affect the financial projections prepared by the managements of IGT and GTECH, including information relating to certain strategic, financial and operational benefits anticipated by the managements of IGT and GTECH to result from the Mergers.
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The full text of Morgan Stanley's written opinion to the IGT Board, dated as of July 15, 2014, and the confirmatory letter of Morgan Stanley, dated as of September 15, 2014, are attached hereto as Annex E and Annex F, respectively, and are incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference. The foregoing summary of Morgan Stanley's opinion and confirmatory letter is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion and confirmatory letter. The opinion and confirmatory letter sets forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the scope of the review undertaken by Morgan Stanley in rendering such opinion and such confirmatory letter. You are urged to, and should, read Morgan Stanley's opinion and confirmatory letter, this section and the summary of Morgan Stanley's opinion and confirmatory letter below carefully and in their entirety. Morgan Stanley's opinion and confirmatory letter were for the benefit of the IGT Board, in its capacity as such, in connection with the IGT Board's consideration of the Mergers. Morgan Stanley's opinion addressed only the fairness from a financial point of view of the merger consideration, taken in the aggregate, to be received by the holders of shares of IGT common stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement, as of the date of the opinion and did not address any other aspects or implications of the Mergers. Morgan Stanley's opinion and confirmatory letter express no opinion or recommendation as to the underlying decision of IGT to engage in the proposed transaction and were not intended to, and do not, constitute advice or a recommendation as to how any shareholder of IGT or GTECH should vote at any shareholders' meeting held in connection with the proposed transaction or take any other action with respect to the proposed transaction. Morgan Stanley's opinion and confirmatory letter do not in any manner address the prices at which the Holdco ordinary shares will trade following consummation of the proposed transaction or any time in the future.
In connection with rendering its opinion, Morgan Stanley, among other things:
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In arriving at its opinion, Morgan Stanley assumed and relied upon, without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of the information that was publicly available or supplied or otherwise made available to Morgan Stanley by IGT and GTECH, and formed a substantial basis for its opinion. With respect to the financial projections, including information relating to certain strategic, financial and operational benefits anticipated by the managements of IGT and GTECH to result from the proposed transaction, Morgan Stanley assumed, with the consent of the IGT Board, that they had been reasonably prepared in good faith on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the respective managements of IGT and GTECH of the future financial performance of IGT and GTECH.
In addition, Morgan Stanley assumed that the proposed transaction will be consummated in accordance with the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement without any waiver, amendment or delay of any terms or conditions, and that GTECH will obtain financing in accordance with the terms set forth in the commitment letter. Morgan Stanley assumed that in connection with the receipt of all the necessary governmental, regulatory or other approvals and consents required for the proposed transaction, no delays, limitations, conditions or restrictions will be imposed that would have a material adverse effect on the contemplated benefits expected to be derived in the proposed transaction. Morgan Stanley is not a legal, tax or regulatory advisor. Morgan Stanley is a financial advisor only and relied upon, without independent verification, the assessment of IGT and GTECH and their legal, tax and regulatory advisors with respect to legal, tax and regulatory matters. Morgan Stanley expressed no opinion with respect to the fairness of the amount or nature of the compensation to any of IGT's officers, directors or employees, or any class of such persons, relative to the consideration to be received by the holders of shares of IGT's common stock in the proposed transaction. Morgan Stanley did not make any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of IGT or GTECH, nor was Morgan Stanley furnished with any such valuations or appraisals. Morgan Stanley's opinion was necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to Morgan Stanley as of, the date of its opinion. Events occurring after such date may affect Morgan Stanley's opinion and the assumptions used in preparing it, and Morgan Stanley did not assume any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion.
The following is a brief summary of the material analyses performed by Morgan Stanley in connection with the preparation of its opinion to the IGT Board. The various analyses summarized below were based on the merger consideration per share of IGT's common stock of (i) $13.69 in cash plus (ii) Holdco ordinary shares representing $4.56 of value, subject to the terms of the collar arrangements set forth in the Merger Agreement. The following summary is not a complete description of Morgan Stanley's opinion or the financial analyses performed and factors considered by Morgan Stanley in connection with its opinion, nor does the order of analyses described represent the relative importance or weight given to those analyses. The financial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand the financial analyses used by Morgan Stanley, the tables must be read together with the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. The analyses listed in the tables and
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described below must be considered as a whole; considering any portion of such analyses and of the factors considered, without considering all analyses and factors, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the process underlying Morgan Stanley's fairness opinion. 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 July 11, 2014.
Historical Share Price Analysis
Morgan Stanley reviewed the historical trading range of shares of IGT's common stock for the period beginning March 26, 2014, the day after IGT had most recently revised downward its guidance for fiscal year 2014 adjusted earnings per share, and ending on June 6, 2014 (the last full trading day prior to the publication of a report by Reuters that IGT had engaged Morgan Stanley to explore a potential sale of the company, referred to as the "unaffected date"). Morgan Stanley noted that the range of low and high intra-day prices of IGT common stock during this period was $12.14 to $14.33. Morgan Stanley further noted that the range of low and high intra-day prices of IGT common stock during the period beginning June 10, 2014 (the first full trading day after publication of the Reuters report) and ending on July 11, 2014 (a recent trading day prior to IGT's board meeting approving the Merger Agreement) was $14.14 to $16.38. Morgan Stanley also reviewed the share price performance of GTECH during the year-to-date period ending on the unaffected date. Morgan Stanley noted that the range of low and high intra-day prices of GTECH common stock during this period was €19.24 to €24.13. Morgan Stanley further noted that the range of low and high intra-day prices of GTECH common stock during the period beginning June 10, 2014 and ending on July 11, 2014 was €17.66 to €19.91.
Equity Research Price Targets Analysis
Morgan Stanley reviewed the public market trading price targets for IGT's common stock prepared and published by equity research analysts prior to and including the unaffected date. These targets reflected each analyst's estimate of the future public market trading price of IGT's common stock at the end of the particular time period considered for each estimate. Morgan Stanley noted that the range of research analyst price targets for IGT was $11.00 to $17.50 per share. Using a discount rate of 12.1%, based on IGT's assumed cost of equity, Morgan Stanley discounted these estimates to March 31, 2015 to arrive at a range of present values of the equity analyst price targets for IGT's common stock of $10.78 to $17.37 per share.
Morgan Stanley also reviewed the public market trading price targets for GTECH's ordinary shares prepared and published by equity research analysts prior to and including the unaffected date. These targets reflected each analyst's estimate of the future public market trading price of GTECH's ordinary shares at the end of the particular time period considered for each estimate. Morgan Stanley noted that the range of research analyst price targets for GTECH was €20.00 to €29.40 per share. Using a discount rate of 9.7%, based on GTECH's assumed cost of equity, Morgan Stanley discounted these estimates to March 31, 2015 to arrive at a range of present values of the equity analyst price targets for GTECH's ordinary shares of €19.77 to €29.12 per share.
The public market trading price targets published by equity research analysts do not necessarily reflect current market trading prices for IGT's common stock or GTECH's ordinary shares, and these estimates are subject to uncertainties, including the future financial performance of IGT, GTECH and future financial market conditions.
Morgan Stanley performed a comparable company analysis, which attempts to provide an implied value of a company by comparing it to similar companies that are publicly traded. Morgan Stanley
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reviewed and compared certain publicly available and internal financial information of IGT with corresponding publicly-available financial data for other companies that shared certain similar characteristics to IGT to derive an implied valuation range for IGT. The companies used in this comparison included:
The above peer group companies were chosen based on Morgan Stanley's knowledge of the industry and because they operate in and are exposed to similar lines of business as IGT, namely companies in the gaming equipment supplier industry generally. Although none of such companies are identical or directly comparable to IGT, these companies are publicly traded companies with operations and/or other criteria, such as lines of business, markets, business risks, growth prospects, maturity of business and size and scale of business, that for purposes of its analysis Morgan Stanley considered similar to IGT. The above peer group of companies did not include, among others, international gaming equipment suppliers which were listed on a foreign stock exchange, as such companies were viewed, based on Morgan Stanley's professional judgment, to have differences that meaningfully reduce their comparability from a financial analysis perspective.
For purposes of this analysis, Morgan Stanley analyzed, among other things, the following statistics based on publicly available estimates taken from securities research analysts: (i) the ratio of the current Aggregate Value (defined as market capitalization plus total debt and minority interest less cash and cash equivalents) of each of these companies expressed as a multiple of fiscal year 2015 estimated earnings before expenses for interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and (ii) the ratio of price to fiscal year 2015 estimated earnings per share (EPS). Based on the analysis of the relevant metrics for each of the comparable companies and taking into account certain operational differences between the companies, Morgan Stanley selected representative ranges of financial multiples for IGT of (a) 7.0x to 8.0x for EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and (b) 11.5x to 13.5x for Adjusted EPS.
Morgan Stanley applied the range of multiples to (i) estimates of EBITDA for fiscal year 2015 contained in IGT's delayed recovery plan and long-range plan, which estimates reflected adjustments to exclude certain one-time acquisition-related expenses (Adjusted EBITDA) as further adjusted by Morgan Stanley to include stock-based compensation expense, (ii) estimates of EBITDA for fiscal year 2015 based on securities research analysts' consensus estimates for IGT and (iii) EPS of IGT for fiscal year 2015 based on securities research analysts' consensus estimates for IGT and estimates contained in IGT's delayed recovery plan and long-range plan, in each case adjusted to eliminate certain
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acquisition-related expenses (Adjusted EPS). Morgan Stanley derived a range of implied values of IGT common stock as follows:
Ratio
|
Representative
Multiple Range |
Implied Value
Per Share |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Aggregate Value to Estimated 2015 Adjusted EBITDA based on Management's Long-Range Plan (1) |
7.0x - 8.0x | $14.37 - $17.35 | ||
Aggregate Value to Estimated 2015 Adjusted EBITDA based on Management's Delayed Recovery Plan (1) |
7.0x - 8.0x | $12.10 - $14.71 | ||
Aggregate Value to Estimated 2015 EBITDA based on Securities Research Analysts' Consensus Estimates |
7.0x - 8.0x | $12.81 - $15.52 | ||
Price to Estimated 2015 Adjusted EPS based on Management's Long-Range Plan |
11.5x - 13.5x | $16.55 - $19.43 | ||
Price to Estimated 2015 Adjusted EPS based on Management's Delayed Recovery Plan |
11.5x - 13.5x | $13.55 - $15.91 | ||
Price to Estimated 2015 Adjusted EPS based on Securities Research Analysts' Estimates |
11.5x - 13.5x | $13.11 - $15.39 |
Morgan Stanley also reviewed and compared certain publicly available and internal financial information of GTECH with correspondingly publicly-available financial data. Based on its professional judgment, Morgan Stanley used Scientific Games as the primary publicly traded company for purposes of its comparison because it is, in Morgan Stanley's professional judgment, a directly comparable lottery operator, which also competes with GTECH in a number of similar global markets. Morgan Stanley analyzed, among other things, the following statistics based on publicly available estimates taken from securities research analysts: (i) the ratio of the current Aggregate Value of this company expressed as a multiple of 2015 EBITDA and (ii) the ratio of price to 2015 Adjusted EPS. Based on the analysis of the relevant metrics for the comparable company and taking into account certain operational differences between the companies, Morgan Stanley selected representative ranges of financial multiples for GTECH of (a) 5.5x to 6.5x for EBITDA and (b) 12.0x to 14.0x for Adjusted EPS.
Morgan Stanley applied the range of multiples to securities research analysts' consensus estimates for GTECH's EBITDA and Adjusted EPS for 2015. Taking into account the EBITDA multiples described above, Morgan Stanley derived a range of implied values of GTECH ordinary shares of between €20.28 and €26.50, and taking into account the Adjusted EPS multiples described above, Morgan Stanley derived a range of implied values of GTECH ordinary shares of between €19.80 and €23.10.
No company utilized in the comparable company analysis is identical to IGT or GTECH. In evaluating the comparable companies, Morgan Stanley made judgments and assumptions with regard to general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, which are beyond the control of IGT and GTECH. These include, among other things, the impact of competition on the businesses of IGT, GTECH and the gaming equipment supplier industry generally, industry growth and the absence of any adverse material change in the financial condition and prospects of IGT, GTECH and the gaming equipment supplier industry and in the financial markets in general, which could affect the public trading value of the companies. Mathematical analysis (such as determining the mean or median) is not in itself a meaningful method of using comparable company data.
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Morgan Stanley compared the premiums paid for public company transactions that were announced between January 1, 2009 and May 8, 2014, with transaction values between $3.0 billion and $10.0 billion without any specific weighting or adjusting of any of the transactions reviewed during the specified period and without specifically taking into account any impact of the general economy or financial markets at any particular time. Morgan Stanley compared the premiums paid in such transactions where 100% of the consideration was paid in the form of cash, and in such transactions where a mixture of cash and stock was used, but did not review such transactions where 100% of the consideration was paid in stock since none of the proposals submitted to IGT, including GTECH's, consisted of an all-stock offer.
Based on Morgan Stanley's review of such public company transactions, Morgan Stanley selected representative ranges of implied premiums and applied these ranges of premiums to a price of $12.51 per share of IGT common stock, which represented the closing price of IGT common stock on the NYSE on the unaffected date. The following summarizes Morgan Stanley's analysis:
Precedent Transaction Financial Statistic
(1)
|
Representative
Premium Range |
Implied Value
Per Share |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Premiums paid in all Cash Consideration Transactions |
24% - 54% | $15.51 - $19.27 | ||
Premiums paid in Cash/Stock Consideration Transactions |
20% - 40% | $15.01 - $17.51 |
No company or transaction utilized in the premiums paid analysis is identical to IGT, GTECH or the proposed transaction. In evaluating the precedent transactions, Morgan Stanley made judgments and assumptions with regard to general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, which are beyond the control of IGT and GTECH. These include, among other things, the impact of competition on the businesses of IGT, GTECH and the gaming equipment supplier industry generally, industry growth and the absence of any adverse material change in the financial condition and prospects of IGT, GTECH and the gaming equipment supplier industry and in the financial markets in general, which could affect the public trading value of the companies and the aggregate value of the merger to which they are being compared. Mathematical analysis (such as determining the mean or median) is not in itself a meaningful method of using comparable company data.
Morgan Stanley performed a discounted cash flow analysis, which is designed to provide an implied value of a company by calculating the present value of the estimated future cash flows and terminal value of such company. Morgan Stanley calculated ranges of equity values per share for IGT based on discounted cash flow analyses as of March 31, 2015. Morgan Stanley relied on the IGT forecasts (including both the long-range plan and the delayed recovery plan) for fiscal years 2014 to 2019 as prepared by IGT's management and used the following assumptions: (i) a range of terminal multiples applied to last twelve month period Adjusted EBITDA (as further adjusted by Morgan Stanley to include stock-based compensation expense) of 7.5x to 8.0x for the core business and 9.0x to 10.0x for the interactive business; and (ii) a range of discount rates of 8.1% to 9.1%. In the case of IGT management's long-term plan, these calculations resulted in a range of implied values per share for IGT of $23.70 to $26.64. In the case of IGT management's delayed recovery plan, these calculations resulted in a range of implied values per share for IGT of $18.43 to $20.80.
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Morgan Stanley calculated ranges of equity values per share for GTECH based on discounted cash flow analyses as of March 31, 2015. Morgan Stanley relied on the forecasts prepared by GTECH's management for fiscal years 2014 to 2018, which were adjusted by IGT's management based on its review of GTECH operational matters. Morgan Stanley used the following assumptions: (i) a range of terminal multiples applied to last twelve month period EBITDA of 6.0x to 7.0x; and (ii) a range of discount rates of 5.6% to 6.6%. In the case of the unadjusted GTECH management forecasts as corrected to reflect the inclusion of projected tax expense for GTECH, these calculations resulted in a range of implied values per share of €24.85 to €31.63 instead of €29.32 to €36.18. In the case of the GTECH management forecasts as adjusted by IGT as corrected to reflect the inclusion of projected tax expense for GTECH, these calculations resulted in a range of implied values per share for GTECH of €22.26 to €28.60 instead of €26.47 to €32.88.
Morgan Stanley performed a hypothetical leveraged buyout analysis to determine the prices at which a financial sponsor might effect a leveraged buyout of IGT. Morgan Stanley assumed a transaction date of March 31, 2015, and a four and one-half year investment period ending on September 30, 2019. Morgan Stanley also assumed (i) a multiple of 5.75x for IGT's ratio of total debt to IGT's projected Adjusted EBITDA for the last twelve month period ending March 31, 2015, as estimated by IGT's management, which, for purposes of this analysis, was further adjusted to eliminate estimated public company costs, (ii) a range of 7.5x to 8.0x last twelve month period Adjusted EBITDA exit multiples for the core business and a range of 9.0x to 10.x last twelve month period Adjusted EBITDA multiples for the interactive business, and (iii) a projected internal rate of return of 20.0%-25.0%. Morgan Stanley estimated corporate aggregate value based on estimated net debt of $1.65 billion in IGT management's long-term plan and $1.58 billion in IGT management's delayed recovery plan, as of March 31, 2015. In the case of IGT management's long-term plan, these calculations resulted in a range of implied values per share of $18.58 to $21.54. In the case of IGT management's delayed recovery plan, these calculations resulted in a range of implied values per share of $15.69 to $17.93.
In connection with the review of the proposed transaction by the IGT Board, Morgan Stanley performed a variety of financial and comparative analyses for purposes of rendering its opinion. The preparation of a financial opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary description. In arriving at its opinion, Morgan Stanley considered the results of all of its analyses as a whole and did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor it considered. Furthermore, Morgan Stanley believes that selecting any portion of its analyses, without considering all analyses as a whole, would create an incomplete view of the process underlying Morgan Stanley's analyses and opinion. In addition, Morgan Stanley may have given various analyses and factors more or less weight than other analyses and factors, and may have deemed various assumptions more or less probable than other assumptions. As a result, the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis or combination of analyses described above should not be taken to be Morgan Stanley's view of the actual value of IGT or GTECH.
In performing its analyses, Morgan Stanley made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business, regulatory, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, which are beyond the control of IGT and GTECH. These include, among other things, the impact of competition on the businesses of IGT, GTECH and the gaming equipment supplier industry generally, industry growth, and the absence of any adverse material change in the financial condition and prospects of IGT, GTECH and the gaming equipment supplier industry, and in the financial markets in general. Any estimates contained in Morgan Stanley's analyses are not necessarily indicative of future results or actual values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than those suggested by such estimates.
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Morgan Stanley conducted the analyses described above solely as part of its analysis of the fairness from a financial point of view of the consideration to be received by the holders of shares of IGT common stock, taken in the aggregate, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and in connection with the delivery of its opinion, dated July 15, 2014, to the IGT Board. These analyses do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which shares of IGT common stock or GTECH ordinary shares might actually trade.
The merger consideration to be received by the holders of shares of IGT common stock was determined through arm's length negotiations between IGT and GTECH and was unanimously approved by the IGT Board. Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to the IGT Board during these negotiations but did not, however, recommend any specific merger consideration to IGT or the IGT Board nor opine that any specific merger consideration constituted the only appropriate merger consideration for the proposed transaction. In addition, Morgan Stanley's opinion does not in any manner address the prices at which the Holdco ordinary shares will trade following consummation of the proposed transaction or any time in the future and Morgan Stanley expresses no opinion or recommendation as to how any stockholder of IGT or GTECH should vote at any stockholders' meeting held in connection with the proposed transaction or take any other action with respect to the proposed transaction.
Morgan Stanley's opinion and its presentation to the IGT Board was one of many factors taken into consideration by the IGT Board in deciding to approve and declare advisable the Merger Agreement. Consequently, the Morgan Stanley analyses described above should not be viewed as determinative of the opinion of the IGT Board with respect to the merger consideration or the value of IGT or GTECH, or of whether the IGT Board would have been willing to agree to a different merger consideration.
Morgan Stanley's opinion was approved by a committee of Morgan Stanley investment banking and other professionals in accordance with its customary practice.
The IGT Board selected Morgan Stanley to act as its financial adviser based upon Morgan Stanley's qualifications, experience, reputation, expertise and its knowledge of the business affairs of IGT. Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm engaged in the securities, investment management and individual wealth management businesses. Its securities business is engaged in securities underwriting, trading and brokerage activities, foreign exchange, commodities and derivatives trading, prime brokerage, as well as providing investment banking, financing and financial advisory services. Morgan Stanley, its affiliates, directors and officers may at any time invest on a principal basis or manage funds that invest, hold long or short positions, finance positions, and may trade or otherwise structure and effect transactions, for their own account or the accounts of its customers, in debt or equity securities or loans of IGT, GTECH, or any other company, or any currency or commodity, that may be involved in the proposed transaction, or any related derivative instrument.
Under the terms of its engagement letter pertaining to the proposed transaction, Morgan Stanley provided IGT financial advisory services and a financial opinion in connection with the proposed transaction, and IGT has agreed to pay Morgan Stanley an aggregate fee of approximately $26 million, $2 million of which was payable upon public announcement of the Merger Agreement and the balance of which is contingent upon completion of the proposed transaction. IGT has also agreed to reimburse Morgan Stanley for its expenses incurred in performing its services. In addition, IGT has agreed to indemnify Morgan Stanley and its affiliates, their respective directors, officers, agents and employees and each person, if any, controlling Morgan Stanley or any of its affiliates against certain liabilities and expenses, including certain liabilities under the federal securities laws, relating to or arising out of Morgan Stanley's engagement. In the two years prior to July 15, 2014, Morgan Stanley and its affiliates provided financial advisory and financing services to IGT and received aggregate fees of less than
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$2,000,000 for such services. Morgan Stanley may also seek to provide such services to IGT and GTECH in the future and expects to receive fees for the rendering of those services.
IGT Unaudited Prospective Financial Information
IGT does not publicly disclose long-term projections as to future revenues, earnings or other results due to, among other reasons, the uncertainty and subjectivity of the underlying assumptions and estimates. As a result, IGT does not endorse the unaudited prospective financial information as a reliable indication of future results. IGT is including the limited unaudited prospective financial information in this document solely because it was among the financial information made available to the IGT board of directors, Credit Suisse, GTECH and Morgan Stanley in connection with their evaluation of the Mergers. The unaudited prospective financial data presented below includes (i) projections prepared by IGT management that assumed that the timing of a recovery in the gaming equipment supplier industry would be delayed, which projections IGT management viewed as the base case for IGT at the time of the approval of the Merger Agreement by the IGT Board, and which we refer to as the delayed recovery projections, and (ii) projections prepared by IGT management that assumed that the timing of a recovery in the gaming equipment supplier industry would not be delayed, which we refer to as the long range plan projections. Moreover, IGT's internally prepared unaudited prospective financial information was based on estimates and assumptions made by management at the respective times of their preparation and speak only as of such times, as applicable. IGT reviews and updates its internal projections regularly. Except to the extent required by applicable law, IGT has no obligation to update prospective financial data included in this proxy statement/prospectus and, except as provided below, has not done so and does not intend to do so.
The inclusion of this information should not be regarded as an indication that any of IGT, Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley or any other recipient of this information considered, or now considers, it to be necessarily predictive of actual future results. There can be no assurance that the prospective results will be realized or that actual results will not be significantly higher or lower than estimated.
Since the unaudited prospective financial information covers multiple years, such information by its nature becomes less predictive with each successive year. IGT shareholders and GTECH shareholders are urged to review the SEC filings of IGT for a description of risk factors with respect to the business of IGT. IGT shareholders and GTECH shareholders are urged to review the risks and other factors described in the "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" beginning on pages [ ] and [ ], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus. The unaudited prospective financial information was not prepared with a view toward public disclosure, nor was it 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 prospective financial information, or GAAP. The independent registered public accounting firm of IGT has not audited, reviewed, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to the accompanying unaudited prospective financial information for the purpose of its inclusion herein, and accordingly, the independent registered public accounting firm of IGT does not express an opinion or provide any form of assurance with respect thereto for the purpose of this proxy statement/prospectus. The report of the independent registered public accounting firm of IGT incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus relates to the historical financial information of IGT. It does not extend to the unaudited prospective financial information and should not be read to do so. Furthermore, the unaudited prospective financial information does not take into account any circumstances or events occurring after the date it was prepared. The unaudited prospective financial information does not give effect to the Mergers.
The following tables present selected unaudited prospective financial data for both the delayed recovery plan projections (DRP) and the long range plan projections (LRP). Revenue and Adjusted
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EBITDA are each presented with respect to IGT's core business and its interactive business, and Adjusted EPS and Unlevered Free Cash Flow are presented with respect to IGT's entire business.
Forecast
(1)
|
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(in millions)
|
||||||||||||||||||
DRP |
|||||||||||||||||||
RevenueCore |
$ | 1,790 | $ | 1,704 | $ | 1,806 | $ | 1,844 | $ | 1,880 | $ | 1,921 | |||||||
RevenueInteractive |
337 | 418 | 507 | 576 | 626 | 662 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenue |
$ | 2,126 | $ | 2,122 | $ | 2,313 | $ | 2,419 | $ | 2,506 | $ | 2,582 | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDACore (2) |
$ |
617 |
$ |
588 |
$ |
651 |
$ |
667 |
$ |
690 |
$ |
722 |
|||||||
Adjusted EBITDAInteractive (2) |
76 | 118 | 146 | 173 | 190 | 205 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted EBITDA (2) |
$ | 693 | $ | 706 | $ | 797 | $ | 839 | $ | 880 | $ | 927 | |||||||
Adjusted EPS (3) |
$ |
1.06 |
$ |
1.18 |
$ |
1.37 |
$ |
1.60 |
$ |
1.86 |
$ |
2.03 |
|||||||
LRP |
|||||||||||||||||||
RevenueCore |
$ | 1,789 | $ | 1,843 | $ | 1,974 | $ | 2,075 | $ | 2,142 | $ | 2,214 | |||||||
RevenueInteractive |
336 | 439 | 555 | 661 | 745 | 796 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenue |
$ | 2,126 | $ | 2,281 | $ | 2,528 | $ | 2,736 | $ | 2,888 | $ | 3,009 | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDACore (2) |
$ |
629 |
$ |
673 |
$ |
749 |
$ |
793 |
$ |
827 |
$ |
869 |
|||||||
Adjusted EBITDAInteractive (2) |
77 | 125 | 167 | 211 | 245 | 267 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted EBITDA (2) |
$ | 705 | $ | 798 | $ | 916 | $ | 1,004 | $ | 1,072 | $ | 1,136 | |||||||
Adjusted EPS (3) |
$ |
1.08 |
$ |
1.44 |
$ |
1.78 |
$ |
2.29 |
$ |
2.76 |
$ |
3.20 |
Forecast
(1)
|
2H 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(in millions)
|
|||||||||||||||
Unlevered Free Cash Flow (2) |
||||||||||||||||
DRP |
$ | 166 | $ | 369 | $ | 429 | $ | 471 | $ | 512 | ||||||
LRP |
$ | 186 | $ | 439 | $ | 531 | $ | 591 | $ | 641 |
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Although presented with numerical specificity, the above unaudited prospective financial information reflects numerous assumptions and estimates as to future events made by the management of IGT. At the respective times the unaudited prospective financial information was prepared, IGT's management believed such assumptions and estimates were reasonable. In preparing the foregoing unaudited projected financial information, IGT made assumptions regarding, among other things, pricing and volume of products sold, production costs, interest rates, corporate financing activities, including amount and timing of the issuance of debt, the timing and amount of ordinary share issuances, the effective tax rate, the amount of general and administrative costs.
No assurances can be given that the assumptions made in preparing the above unaudited prospective financial information will accurately reflect future conditions. The estimates and assumptions underlying the unaudited prospective financial information involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive, regulatory and financial market conditions and future business decisions which may not be realized and that are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies, including, among others, risks and uncertainties described under "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" beginning on pages [ ] and [ ], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of IGT and/or GTECH and will be beyond the control of the combined company. There can be no assurance that the underlying assumptions will prove to be accurate or that the projected results will be realized, and actual results likely will differ, and may differ materially, from those reflected in the unaudited prospective financial information, whether or not the Mergers are completed.
Readers of this document are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the unaudited prospective financial information set forth above. No representation is made by IGT, GTECH, any other person to any IGT shareholders or any GTECH shareholder regarding the ultimate performance of IGT compared to the information included in the above unaudited prospective financial information. The inclusion of unaudited prospective financial information in this document should not be regarded as an indication that such prospective financial information will be an accurate prediction of future events, and such information should not be relied on as such.
IGT DOES NOT INTEND TO UPDATE OR OTHERWISE REVISE THE ABOVE UNAUDITED PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO REFLECT CIRCUMSTANCES EXISTING AFTER THE DATE WHEN MADE OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF FUTURE EVENTS, EVEN IN THE EVENT THAT ANY OR ALL OF THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING SUCH PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION ARE NO LONGER APPROPRIATE, EXCEPT AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY LAW.
Board of Directors and Management of Holdco Following the Consummation of the Merger
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, effective as of the Closing, the Holdco Board is expected to have 13 members, consisting of (i) the Chief Executive Officer of GTECH, Marco Sala, (ii) six (6) directors named by De Agostini, (iii) five (5) directors designated by IGT who were directors of IGT at the time of the Merger Agreement, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of IGT, and (iv) one (1) independent director mutually agreed to by GTECH and IGT. At the Closing, the
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Chairman of IGT will become chairman of the Holdco Board, the Chief Executive Officer of IGT will become vice-chairman and a director appointed by De Agostini will also become a vice-chairman, each for a period of three (3) years after the Closing.
The three additional IGT directors will be Paget Alves, Vincent Sandusky and Tracey Weber. The six directors selected by De Agostini are Paolo Ceretti, Alberto Dessy, Marco Drago, Sir Jeremy Hanley, Lorenzo Pellicioli and Gianmario Tondato da Ruos. The independent director mutually agreed to by GTECH and IGT will be James F. McCann.
Biographical information with respect to the current GTECH directors is contained in the section herein entitled "Business of GTECH and Certain Information about GTECHBoard of Directors." Biographical information with respect to the current IGT directors from among whom the designees to the Holdco Board after the acquisition will be selected is contained in IGT's proxy statement on Schedule 14A for its 2014 annual general meeting of shareholders filed with the SEC on January 24, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Holdco is required to take all actions within its power as may be necessary to elect the directors appointed to the Holdco Board pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement to a term concluding at the third anniversary of the IGT Merger Effective Time. In addition, De Agostini has entered into a voting agreement with IGT whereby it has agreed to vote in favor of and support any actions intended to maintain such directors in office for three years following the Closing. Under the Holdco Articles, the Holdco Board will be classified, with each director serving a three-year term.
The Holdco Board is expected to form at the Closing the following board committees: Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance.
No board committees have been formed at this time.
The Chief Executive Officer of GTECH, Marco Sala, will become the Chief Executive Officer of Holdco. The Holdco senior management team has not yet been determined, but it is expected that the senior management will be comprised of former GTECH and IGT officers.
Interests of Certain Persons in the Mergers
IGT executive officers and directors have interests in the Mergers that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of IGT shareholders generally. The IGT Board was aware of these potentially differing interests and considered them, among other matters, in reaching its decision to adopt the Merger Agreement and approve the Mergers and to recommend that you vote in favor of the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement. See the section entitled "Background of the Mergers" beginning on page [ ] and the section entitled "Reasons for the Mergers and Recommendation of the IGT Board" beginning on page [ ]. IGT's shareholders should take these interests into account in deciding whether to vote " FOR " the proposal to adopt the Merger Agreement. These interests are described in more detail below, and certain of them are quantified in the narrative and the table included under "Proposal 3Advisory Vote on Merger-Related Compensation for IGT's Named Executive OfficersGolden Parachute Compensation" beginning on page [ ].
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Under the Merger Agreement, equity-based awards held by IGT's directors and executive officers as of the IGT Merger Effective Time will be treated as follows:
Stock Options. At the IGT Merger Effective Time, each outstanding unvested IGT stock option will fully vest and each outstanding IGT stock option will be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment equal to the product of (i) the total number of shares subject to such stock option and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Cash Amount over the exercise price per share of such stock option. Any IGT stock option that has a per-share exercise price that is greater than the Cash Amount will be cancelled for no consideration. The "Cash Amount" is equal to the sum of (a) the Per Share Cash Amount and (b) the product of the Exchange Ratio and the GTECH Trading Price.
As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, Patti S. Hart and Eric P. Tom are the only two executive officers who hold vested in-the-money IGT stock options. Based on the assumed per share price of IGT common stock of $17.06, the average closing price per share of IGT's common stock over the first five business days following the announcement of the Merger Agreement, we estimate that Patti S. Hart and Eric P. Tom would receive $5,017,097 and $430,050, respectively, for the cancellation of their vested IGT stock options.
Restricted Stock Units. At the IGT Merger Effective Time, except as noted below, each outstanding award of IGT restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units) will fully vest and be cancelled in exchange for an amount equal to the product of (i) the number of shares subject to such award (which, in the case of performance-based restricted stock units, will be based on performance measures achieved or deemed achieved as of the IGT Merger Effective Time), and (ii) the Cash Amount. Restricted stock unit awards granted between July 1, 2013 and July 15, 2014 (other than grants to non-employee directors or to employees who will become retirement-eligible prior to the final year of the award cycle) as well as certain awards granted after July 15, 2014 will be converted into a time-vested award with respect to Holdco ordinary shares, based on the Exchange Ratio and the performance measures achieved or deemed achieved as of the IGT Merger Effective Time, and will vest on the earlier of (x) the date such award would have otherwise vested pursuant to the original terms of the award agreement and (y) the first anniversary of the completion of the Mergers, subject to the employee's continued employment through the applicable vesting date (or upon a qualifying termination of employment prior to that date).
For an estimate of the amounts payable in respect of all unvested equity-based awards held by IGT's executive officers, see the section entitled "Proposal 3Advisory Vote on Merger-Related Compensation for IGT's Named Executive Officers" beginning on page [ ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.
The following table sets forth the amounts that each of our non-employee directors would receive at the closing of the Mergers in settlement of their equity-based awards. The amounts set forth below have been calculated assuming a per share price of IGT common stock of $17.06, the average closing price of a share of IGT's common stock over the first five business days following the announcement of the Merger Agreement. All share and unit numbers have been rounded to the nearest whole number. The unvested restricted stock units reported in this table are scheduled to vest, independent of the Mergers, on March 10, 2015. Accordingly, depending on when the Mergers occur, the unvested restricted stock units included in the table below may vest based upon the completion of continued service with IGT rather than upon the consummation of the Mergers. For further information regarding
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the consideration to be received in settlement of equity-based awards, see "The Merger AgreementMerger ConsiderationIGT Common Stock Consideration."
Non-Employee Director
|
Vested
Options Prior to IGT Merger Effective Time (#)(1) |
Vested
Options Prior to IGT Merger Effective Time ($)(1) |
Unvested
Options Prior to IGT Merger Effective Time (#)(1) |
Unvested
Options Prior to IGT Merger Effective Time ($)(1) |
Unvested
Time-Based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Prior to IGT Merger Effective Time (#)(2) |
Unvested
Time-Based RSUs Prior to IGT Merger Effective Time ($)(2) |
Vested
Deferred RSUs Prior to IGT Merger Effective Time (#)(2) |
Vested
Deferred RSUs Prior to IGT Merger Effective Time ($)(2) |
|||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paget L. Alves |
42,000 | $ | 9,790 | | | 12,787 | $ | 218,146 | | | |||||||||||||||
Eric Brown |
| | | | 12,787 | $ | 218,146 | | | ||||||||||||||||
Janice Chaffin |
21,000 | $ | 36,690 | | | 12,787 | $ | 218,146 | | | |||||||||||||||
Greg Creed |
31,000 | $ | 63,590 | | | 12,787 | $ | 218,146 | 50,284 | $ | 857,845 | ||||||||||||||
Robert Miller |
116,000 | $ | 104,170 | | | 12,787 | $ | 218,146 | | | |||||||||||||||
Vincent Sadusky |
31,000 | $ | 39,990 | | | 12,787 | $ | 218,146 | 12,984 | $ | 221,507 | ||||||||||||||
Philip G. Satre |
37,000 | $ | 14,240 | | | 15,984 | $ | 272,687 | 16,747 | $ | 285,704 | ||||||||||||||
Tracey Weber |
| | | | 12,787 | $ | 218,146 | 2,411 | $ | 41,132 |
From and after the completion of the Mergers, Holdco and IGT will, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, indemnify and hold harmless (and advance any expenses incurred, provided that the person receiving such advancement undertakes to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined such person was not entitled to indemnification), each of GTECH's and IGT's and their subsidiaries' present and former directors, officers and employees against all costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, liabilities and settlement amounts paid in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or related to such person's service as a director, officer or employee of GTECH or IGT or any of their subsidiaries at or prior to the completion of the Mergers.
For a period of six years after completion of the Mergers, Holdco's Articles and IGT's articles of association and by-laws will provide for the exculpation and indemnification of, and advancement of expenses to, Holdco and IGT directors, officers and employees on terms no less favorable than the terms currently provided in the organizational documents of GTECH and IGT. In addition, IGT and GTECH will be permitted to and, if IGT or GTECH are unable to, Holdco will or will cause IGT following the completion of the Mergers, to purchase a six-year prepaid "tail" policy for Holdco and IGT's directors and officers on terms no less favorable than GTECH's and IGT's existing insurance policies, subject to a cap of 300% of the current annual premiums paid by GTECH and IGT to provide such coverage. In the event either Holdco or IGT, (or both) later consolidate with or merge into
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another person, or transfer all or substantially all of their assets to another person, the proper provision will be made such that the surviving company will assume the indemnification and insurance obligations of Holdco and/or IGT set forth in the Merger Agreement.
The Merger Agreement provides that five current IGT directors (including the Chief Executive Officer of IGT and the Chairman of the IGT Board) and the Chief Executive Office of GTECH will serve on the Holdco Board following completion of the Mergers.
IGT previously entered into an employment agreement with its Chief Executive Officer and executive transition agreements with its other executive officers (such employment agreement and executive transition agreements collectively, the "Executive Agreements") providing for the payment of certain enhanced compensation and benefits to IGT's executive officers in the event of a qualifying termination of employment in connection with a change in control of IGT. Under the terms of the Executive Agreements, an executive officer will become entitled to the following severance benefits if, within 18 months following the IGT Merger Effective Time, the executive officer's employment is terminated either by IGT without cause or by the executive officer for good reason:
IGT's obligation to make these severance payments under the Executive Agreements is contingent on the executive's executing, and not revoking, a release of claims in favor of IGT at the time of the executive's termination of employment and on the executive's compliance with certain restrictive covenants in favor of IGT following termination of employment.
For an estimate of the value of the payments and benefits described above that would be payable to each of IGT's executive officers, see "Proposal 3Advisory Vote on Merger-Related Compensation for IGT's Named Executive Officers."
The Merger Agreement permits IGT, in consultation with GTECH, to implement a retention plan in an aggregate amount not to exceed $35 million. IGT has implemented the retention plan through a combination of cash-based awards granted pursuant to the Retention Plan and, as to certain newly-hired or promoted employees, restricted stock unit awards under IGT's 2002 Stock Incentive Plan. These Retention Plan and restricted stock unit awards are scheduled to vest on the completion of the Mergers (or, if earlier, the termination of the Merger Agreement), subject to the award recipient's continuous employment with IGT or its subsidiaries through that date. The cash-based awards under the Retention Plan are intended to provide both for continuity in the management and operations of IGT and encourage retention through the completion of the Mergers, as well as act as a replacement
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for IGT'S fiscal 2015 annual equity awards. Each of the IGT executive officers received a cash award under the Retention Plan.
For an estimate of the amount payable to IGT's executive officers in respect of awards granted under the Retention Plan, see "Proposal 3Advisory Vote on Merger-Related Compensation for IGT's Named Executive Officers."
In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and in particular, with IFRS 3Business Combinations, the combination qualifies as the acquisition of IGT by Holdco. In particular, on the date at which control over IGT is acquired, the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recognized in Holdco's consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The difference between the acquisition consideration and the net fair value at the acquisition date of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net of any non-controlling interest in the IGT group, if positive will be recognized as goodwill, or if negative will be recognized in the consolidated income statement. The acquisition consideration is defined as the sum of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred by Holdco to former owners of IGT and any equity instruments issued. The shares that will be issued by Holdco as part of the IGT acquisition will be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date.
Under the HSR Act, the Mergers may not be completed until notification and report forms have been filed with the FTC and the Antitrust Division, and the applicable waiting period has expired or been terminated. GTECH and IGT filed their respective notification and report forms under the HSR Act with the FTC and the Antitrust Division on July 29, 2014. The antitrust agencies granted early termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act on August 8, 2014.
The termination of the HSR Act waiting period does not preclude the Antitrust Division or the FTC from challenging the Mergers on antitrust grounds and seeking to preliminarily or permanently enjoin the proposed Mergers. At any time before or after the completion of the Mergers, the Antitrust Division, the FTC, or state attorneys general could take any action under U.S. federal or state antitrust laws as they deem necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking to enjoin the Mergers in federal court or seeking the divestiture of substantial assets of Holdco, GTECH, IGT or their subsidiaries and affiliates. Private parties may also bring legal actions under U.S. federal or state antitrust laws under certain circumstances. There can be no assurance that a challenge to the Mergers on antitrust grounds will not be made or, if a challenge is made, of the result of the challenge.
Under the Competition Act (Canada) (the "Competition Act"), the Mergers cannot be consummated until one of the following has occurred: (a) the issuance of an advance ruling certificate ("ARC") as defined in section 102 of the Competition Act; (b) GTECH and IGT have given the notice required under section 114 of the Competition Act with respect to the Mergers, and the applicable waiting period under section 123 of the Competition Act has expired or has been terminated in accordance with the Competition Act; or (c) the obligation to give the requisite notice has been waived pursuant to paragraph 113(c) of the Competition Act. In the case of clause (b) or (c), GTECH will have been advised in writing by the Commissioner that he does not, at such time, intend to make an application under section 92 of the Competition Act in respect of the Mergers.
GTECH and IGT filed an advance ruling certificate application pursuant to Section 102 of the Competition Act on August 21, 2014, and premerger notifications pursuant to Section 114 of the Competition Act on August 27, 2014. The relevant waiting period under the Competition Act expired on September 26, 2014, and on October 6, 2014, the Commissioner issued a no-action letter. Except in
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the case of the issuance of an ARC and where the Mergers have been completed within one year of the issuance of said ARC, the expiry of the time period set forth in section 123 of the Competition Act (including the issuance of a no action letter) does not preclude the Commissioner from challenging the Mergers before the Competition Tribunal in Canada for a period of one year from the completion of the Mergers.
Clearance or the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under competition laws in Colombia also is a condition to the Mergers. On September 15, 2014, GTECH and IGT received notification from the competition authorities in Colombia of closing of the review of the transaction.
GTECH and IGT have agreed that receipt of gaming approvals from 22 jurisdictions is a condition to closing of the Mergers (the "Gaming Approvals"). The parties have agreed in the Merger Agreement that they will file any notification or application required as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within 60 days following the date of the Merger Agreement. In addition to the jurisdictions identified by the parties as conditions to the Mergers, either IGT or GTECH may make further filings with gaming regulators in various jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law, but the expiration of any waiting periods, or receipt of any required approvals, in connection with such filings will not be conditions to the completion of the Mergers. GTECH may under certain circumstances waive the condition relating to any such required gaming approval on behalf of both GTECH and IGT if completion of the Mergers in the absence of such required gaming approvals would not constitute a violation of applicable law. As of November 21, 2014, applications for approval have been filed in all 22 jurisdictions and seven approvals already have been granted. In addition, the required approvals from the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli have been obtained. Although GTECH and IGT do not expect these regulatory authorities to raise any significant concerns in connection with their review of the Mergers, there is no assurance that they will obtain all required regulatory approvals, or that those approvals will not include terms, conditions or restrictions that may have an adverse effect on GTECH and/or IGT or, after completion of the Mergers, Holdco.
Other than the filings described above and in "The MergersRegulatory Matters" beginning on page [ ] of this proxy statement/prospectus, we are not aware of any mandatory regulatory filings to be made, approvals to be obtained, or waiting periods to expire, in order to complete the Mergers. If the parties discover that other regulatory filings, approvals or waiting periods are necessary, they will seek to obtain or comply with them. If any approval or action is needed, however, the parties may not be able to obtain it or any of the other necessary approvals.
While GTECH and IGT believe that they will receive the requisite regulatory approvals and clearances for the Mergers, there can be no assurances regarding the timing of the approvals and clearances, their ability to obtain the approvals and clearances on satisfactory terms or the absence of litigation challenging these approvals and clearances. There can likewise be no assurance that U.S. federal, state or non-U.S. regulatory authorities, or private parties, will not attempt to challenge the Mergers on antitrust grounds or for other reasons, or, if a challenge is made, as to the results of the challenge.
In accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement, Holdco, GTECH, and IGT have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to obtain all regulatory clearances necessary to complete the Mergers. See "The Merger AgreementCovenantsEfforts to Complete Transactions" beginning on page [ ].
On July 15, 2014, GTECH obtained the debt commitment letter, pursuant to which the commitment parties provided commitments to fund a 364-day bridge facility in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $10.7 billion. The bridge facility is to consist of four sub-facilities, the
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proceeds of which are to be used, among other things, to pay the cash portion of the merger consideration, to fund transaction expenses, to redeem and/or refinance existing specified indebtedness of GTECH and IGT, to the extent applicable, and to fund cash payments to GTECH shareholders exercising rescission rights. It is anticipated that the bridge facility will be drawn only to the extent that GTECH is unable to raise debt financing in the form of term loans and/or debt securities at or prior to the closing of the Mergers.
As of November 21, 2014, the aggregate financing commitments under the bridge facility had been reduced to approximately $8.1 billion (assuming an exchange rate of $1.36 / €1.00) as a result of the following events (dollars and euros in millions):
Original Bridge Commitment |
$ | 10,704 | ||
Consent received from holders of IGT's $500 7.50% Notes due 2019 |
(505 | ) | ||
New senior credit facilities (described below) |
||||
Reduction per original commitment terms |
(848 | ) | ||
Reduction for prefunding of redemption of GTECH's €750 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2016 |
(1,114 | ) | ||
Reduction for prefunding or purchase of IGT stock options and restricted stock units |
(131 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Bridge Commitment as of November 21, 2014 |
8,106 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
In addition, as of November 21, 2014, GTECH has received sufficient early votes from the holders of its €500 million 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2018 and its €500 million 3.5% Guaranteed Notes due 2020 in favor of a proposal to approve the Italian Reorganization, the Holdco Merger and certain related transactions and certain other proposals. It is therefore expected that the proposal will be approved at the relevant noteholders' meetings on November 24, 2014, and accordingly GTECH expects that the bridge facility commitment will be further reduced from approximately $8.1 billion to approximately $6.6 billion on November 25, 2014.
The obligation of each commitment party to fund its commitments under the debt commitment letter is subject to a number of conditions, including, without limitation, execution and delivery of definitive documentation consistent with the debt commitment letter. The commitments will expire on the earliest to occur of (i) the Outside Date (as defined in, and as may be extended pursuant to, the Merger Agreement (it being understood that such date will be extended to match the business day immediately following the Outside Date in the Merger Agreement provided such Outside Date is extended to a date not beyond the fifteen-month anniversary of the signing of the Merger Agreement)), (ii) the closing of the Acquisition (as defined in the debt commitment letter), (iii) the date the Merger Agreement is terminated or expires and (iv) receipt by the commitment parties of written notice from GTECH and Holdco of their election to terminate the commitments.
The definitive documentation governing the debt financing has not been finalized and, accordingly, the actual terms of the debt financing may differ from those described in this proxy statement/prospectus. Although the debt financing described in this proxy statement/prospectus is not subject to due diligence or a "market out," such financing may not be considered assured. The obligation of the commitment parties to provide debt financing under the debt commitment letter is, as noted above, subject to a number of conditions. There is a risk that these conditions will not be satisfied and the debt financing may not be available to fund all or a portion of the consideration required for the Mergers and/or may not be available when required.
In addition to the debt financing for the transaction, on November 5, 2014, GTECH announced that it, along with GTECH Corporation, had entered into a $2.6 billion five-year senior credit facilities agreement with a syndicate of 20 banks led by J.P. Morgan Limited and Mediobanca-Banca di Credito Finanziario S.p.A. The agreement provides for a $1.4 billion multicurrency revolving credit facility for
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GTECH Corporation and a €850 million multicurrency revolving credit facility for GTECH. Upon completion of the Mergers, Holdco will be able to borrow under both facilities and IGT will be able to borrow under the U.S. dollar facility, which will be increased to $1.5 billion.
On November 7, 2014, GTECH notified holders of its €750 million 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2016 (the "2016 Notes") that it intends to redeem and subsequently cancel the 2016 Notes on December 8, 2014. GTECH expects to use the proceeds of a utilization under its long-term committed revolving credit facility to fund the redemption price of the 2016 Notes.
GTECH's Intentions Regarding GTECH and IGT
Prior to the Closing, GTECH will commence, and following the Closing, Holdco will continue, a comprehensive evaluation of the combined company's operations and will identify the best way to integrate the organizations in order to further improve Holdco's ability to serve its customers, as well as achieve revenue and cost synergies. Employees from both GTECH and IGT will be involved in the evaluation, formation and execution of the integration plans.
Until these evaluations and formation of plans have been completed, GTECH is not in a position to comment on prospective potential impacts upon employment, specific locations or any redeployment of fixed assets. Based upon GTECH's experience in integrating acquisitions, it is GTECH's expectation that there will be a reduction in headcount for the combined company stemming from the elimination of duplicative activities, functions, and facilities.
Listing of Holdco Ordinary Shares on Stock Exchange
Holdco ordinary shares currently are not traded or quoted on a stock exchange or quotation system. GTECH expects that (and it is condition to the transaction that), following the transaction, Holdco ordinary shares will be listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol "[ ]."
Delisting and Deregistration of Shares of IGT Common Stock
Following the completion of the Mergers, shares of IGT common stock will be delisted from the NYSE and deregistered under the Exchange Act.
Litigation Related to the Mergers
Following the announcement on July 16, 2014 of the execution of the Merger Agreement, various putative shareholder class action complaints have been filed by purported shareholders of IGT. As of November 12, 2014, IGT had received the following complaints, each filed in the Eighth Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada for Clark County: Klein v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704058-B, filed July 18, 2014; Steinberg v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704098-C, filed July 21, 2014; Kanter v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704101-C, filed July 21, 2014; Tong v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704140-B, filed July 21, 2014; MacDougall v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704147-C, filed July 22, 2014; Longo v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704277-B, filed July 23, 2014; Kitchen v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704286-C, filed July 23, 2014; Gonzalez, et al. v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704288-C, filed July 23, 2014; Krol v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704330-C, filed July 24, 2014; Irving Firemen's Relief & Retirement Fund v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704334-B, filed July 24, 2014; Neumann v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704393-B, filed July 25, 2014; Taber v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704403-B, filed July 25, 2014; Aberman v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704454-B, filed July 27, 2014; Epstein, et al. v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704509-B, filed July 28, 2014; Lowinger v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704759-B, filed July 30, 2014; Lerman v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case
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No. A-14-704849-B, filed August 1, 2014; Braunstein v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704210-B, filed July 22, 2014; and Weston v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704856-C, filed August 1, 2014.
In addition, the following related complaints were filed in the Eighth Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada for Clark County, but have been voluntarily dismissed: Zak v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704095-C, filed July 21, 2014 and dismissed September 16, 2014; Lerman v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704287-C, filed July 23, 2014 and dismissed July 31, 2014; and Iron Workers District Council of Tennessee Valley & Vicinity Welfare, Pension & Annuity Plans v. International Game Technology, et al. , Case No. A-14-704409-C, filed July 25, 2014 and dismissed August 22, 2014.
The complaints purport to be brought on behalf of all similarly situated shareholders of IGT and generally allege that the members of the IGT board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to IGT shareholders by approving the proposed merger transaction for inadequate consideration, entering into a merger agreement containing preclusive deal protection devices and failing to take steps to maximize the value to be paid to IGT shareholders. The complaints also allege claims against IGT and GTECH, and, in some cases, certain of GTECH's subsidiaries, for aiding and abetting these alleged breaches of fiduciary duties. The complaints seek preliminary and permanent injunctions against the completion of the transaction, or, alternatively, damages in favor of the plaintiffs and the class in the event that the transaction is completed. Certain of the complaints also seek, in the event that the transaction is completed, rescission of the transaction or rescissory damages in favor of the plaintiffs and the class. IGT intends to vigorously defend against the claims asserted in these lawsuits.
On October 2, 2014, the District Court held a hearing and granted motions to consolidate the above cases and appointed interim lead plaintiffs and lead and liaison plaintiffs' counsel.
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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion summarizes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the IGT Merger and the Holdco Merger to U.S. holders and non-U.S. holders (each as defined below) and of the ownership and disposition of the Holdco ordinary shares received by such holders upon the completion of the Mergers. The discussion is based on and subject to the Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative rulings and court decisions in effect on the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, and to differing interpretations. The discussion assumes that GTECH shareholders and IGT shareholders hold their GTECH ordinary shares and IGT shares, respectively, and will hold their Holdco ordinary shares, as "capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion further assumes that all items or transactions identified as debt will be respected as such for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The discussion does not constitute tax advice and does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to particular GTECH shareholders or IGT shareholders in light of their personal circumstances, including any tax consequences arising under the unearned income Medicare contribution tax pursuant to the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, or to such shareholders subject to special treatment under the Code, such as:
This discussion does not address any non-income tax considerations or any non-U.S., state or local tax consequences. For purposes of this discussion, a U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of GTECH ordinary shares, IGT shares or Holdco ordinary shares who is:
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For purposes of this discussion, a non-U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of GTECH ordinary shares, IGT shares or Holdco ordinary shares that is neither a U.S. holder nor a partnership (or an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes).
This discussion does not purport to be a comprehensive analysis or description of all potential U.S. federal income tax consequences. Each shareholder is urged to consult with such shareholder's tax advisor with respect to the particular tax consequences to such shareholder.
If a partnership, including for this purpose any entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, holds GTECH ordinary shares or IGT shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A holder that is a partnership and the partners in such partnership should consult their tax advisors about the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Mergers and the ownership and disposition of their Holdco ordinary shares.
SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGERS TO THEM, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL, AND OTHER TAX LAWS.
Pursuant to the IGT Merger, each holder of IGT common stock will surrender such holder's IGT common stock for Holdco ordinary shares and cash. Holdco will loan a portion of the cash to be used as consideration in the IGT Merger to Merger Sub. Because Merger Sub will be transitory for US federal income tax purposes, each holder of IGT common stock will therefore be deemed to receive such portion of their cash consideration directly from IGT. Accordingly, each holder of IGT common stock should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as surrendering (i) a portion of each share of its IGT common stock to IGT in redemption of such portion solely in exchange for cash, to the extent of the cash consideration that is lent by Holdco to Merger Sub, and (ii) the remaining portion of each such share to Holdco in exchange for a combination of Holdco ordinary shares and cash. It is currently anticipated that approximately 75 percent of each share of IGT common stock will be surrendered for cash and approximately 25 percent of each such share will be surrendered to Holdco in exchange for Holdco ordinary shares. However, the precise percentage of each share of IGT common stock that is treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as surrendered to IGT solely in exchange for cash and to Holdco in exchange for a combination of Holdco ordinary shares and cash has not yet been determined. This information will be provided to the holders of IGT common stock when it has been finalized at the IGT Merger Effective Time.
The discussion below summarizes the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the IGT Merger to a U.S. holder of IGT common stock separately with respect to (i) the portion of each share of IGT
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common stock that is treated as surrendered to IGT in redemption of such portion and (ii) the portion of each share of IGT common stock that is treated as surrendered to Holdco.
Receipt of cash from IGT
The portion of each share of IGT common stock that is treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as surrendered to IGT solely in exchange for cash should be treated as redeemed by IGT in exchange for such cash under Section 302(a) of the Code. Under this characterization, each U.S. holder will recognize gain or loss upon the receipt of cash from IGT in exchange for the portion of each share of such U.S. holder's IGT common stock surrendered therefor, equal to the difference between: (i) the amount of cash received from IGT in the IGT Merger for such portion of a share of IGT common stock and (b) the U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the portion of the share of IGT common stock surrendered in exchange for such cash. A U.S. holder's tax basis in the portion of each share of IGT common stock that is surrendered to IGT in exchange for cash in the IGT Merger will be equal to such share's entire tax basis, multiplied by the portion of such share that is treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as surrendered to IGT for such cash. As stated above, the exact percentage of each IGT common share that will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as surrendered to IGT in exchange for cash will be provided to each holder when it has been finalized at the IGT Merger Effective Time.
Gain or loss must be calculated separately for the portion of each share of IGT common stock that is surrendered to IGT in exchange solely for cash in the IGT Merger. Such gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss and will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder's holding period for the IGT common stock exceeds one year at the time of the exchange. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. holders are currently subject to reduced rates of taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Receipt of a combination of Holdco stock and cash from Holdco
The IGT Merger and the Holdco Merger, taken together, have been structured to qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Code with respect to the exchange of IGT common stock for Holdco ordinary shares. If Section 351 of the Code applies, then no gain or loss will generally be recognized by U.S. holders of IGT common shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to the receipt of Holdco ordinary shares in the IGT Merger. However, Section 367(a) of the Code and the applicable Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder provide that where a U.S. shareholder exchanges stock in a U.S. corporation for stock in a non-U.S. corporation in a transaction that would otherwise qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Code, the U.S. shareholder is required to recognize gain, but not loss, realized on such exchange unless certain requirements are met. One such requirement, applicable to the IGT Merger, is that the fair market Value of Holdco must equal or exceed the fair market value of IGT at the IGT Merger Effective Time, taking into account certain special rules for measuring the fair market values of IGT and Holdco. Whether this requirement is satisfied will depend upon the measurement of fair market value for these purposes and the facts as they exist at the IGT Merger Effective Time, and it is currently unclear whether this requirement will be satisfied at such time. Moreover, there is no specific legislative, regulatory or other legal guidance as to the methodology for determining fair market value in this context, and therefore the IRS could disagree with various aspects of the methodology used by the parties. Accordingly, it is not possible to reach a definitive conclusion regarding the fair market valuations of Holdco and IGT at the IGT Merger Effective Time. Therefore, the below discussion summarizes the U.S. tax consequences to a U.S. holder of the receipt of a combination of Holdco ordinary shares and cash pursuant to the IGT Merger if at the IGT Merger Time (i) the fair market value of Holdco is at least equal to the fair market value of IGT and (ii) the fair market value of Holdco is less than the fair market value of IGT.
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Fair market value of Holdco is at least equal to the fair market value of IGT
If the fair market value of Holdco is at least equal to the fair market value of IGT at the IGT Merger Effective Time, and assuming the IGT Merger and the Holdco Merger, taken together, qualify as a transaction described in Section 351 of the Code and the other requirements under Section 367(a) and the applicable regulations promulgated thereunder are satisfied, then upon the surrender of each portion of an IGT common share to Holdco in exchange for Holdco ordinary shares and cash (excluding any cash received in lieu of receiving fractional shares), an IGT shareholder will generally recognize gain (but not loss) equal to the lesser of (i) the amount of the cash received (excluding cash that is received in lieu of receiving fractional sharessee below for tax consequences of receiving cash in lieu of fractional shares) and (ii) the excess, if any, of (a) the sum of the fair market value of the Holdco stock received and the amount of cash received from Holdco in the exchange (excluding cash that is received in lieu of receiving fractional shares), over (b) the tax basis in the portion of the IGT common share surrendered in exchange for such Holdco ordinary shares and such cash. An IGT shareholder's tax basis in the portion of the IGT common share surrendered in exchange for such Holdco ordinary shares and such cash will equal such share's entire tax basis, multiplied by the portion of such share that is treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as surrendered to Holdco for such Holdco ordinary share and such cash. As stated above, the exact percentage of each IGT common share that will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as surrendered to Holdco in exchange for Holdco ordinary shares and cash will be provided to each holder when it has been finalized at the IGT Merger Effective Time.
The aggregate tax basis in the Holdco ordinary shares received by a U.S. holder in the IGT Merger (including the basis in any fractional share for which cash is received) will be the same as the U.S. holder's aggregate tax basis in the portions of the IGT shares surrendered to Holdco in the IGT Merger in exchange for Holdco ordinary shares and cash reduced by the amount of cash received from Holdco (excluding any cash received in lieu of fractional Holdco ordinary shares), and increased by the amount of gain that the U.S. holder recognizes on this exchange.
The holding period of Holdco ordinary shares received by a U.S. holder in the IGT Merger will include the holding period of the IGT common stock held by such U.S. holder.
A U.S. holder receiving cash in the IGT Merger in lieu of a fractional Holdco ordinary share will be treated as if such fractional share were issued by Holdco in the IGT Merger and then redeemed by Holdco for cash, resulting in the recognition of gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the U.S. holder's basis allocable to the fractional Holdco ordinary share and the amount of cash received.
Gain (or loss, if applicable, in the case of the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares) must be calculated separately for the portion of each share of IGT common stock that is exchanged for Holdco ordinary shares and cash (or just cash in the case of the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares) in connection with the IGT Merger. Such gain (or loss, if applicable, in the case of the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares) will generally be capital gain (or loss, if applicable, in the case of the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares) and will generally be long-term capital gain (or loss, if applicable, in the case of the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares) if the U.S. holder's holding period for such IGT common stock exceeds one year at the time of the exchange. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. holders are currently subject to reduced rates of taxation.
Fair market value of Holdco is less than the fair market value of IGT
If the fair market value of Holdco is less than the fair market value of IGT at the IGT Merger Effective Time, then a U.S. holder will generally recognize gain (but not loss) upon the receipt of the Holdco ordinary shares and cash from Holdco in exchange for a portion of each share of such holder's IGT common stock in connection with the IGT Merger. The amount of gain recognized on the portion of each share of IGT common stock surrendered to Holdco in exchange for Holdco ordinary shares
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and cash will equal the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of the fair market value of the Holdco ordinary shares and the amount of cash received from Holdco for such portion of a share of IGT common stock, over (ii) the U.S. holder's tax basis in the portion of the share of IGT common stock exchanged therefor. A U.S. holder's tax basis in the portion of each share of IGT common stock that is surrendered to Holdco in exchange for Holdco ordinary shares and cash in the IGT Merger will be equal to such share's entire tax basis, multiplied by the portion of such share that is treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as surrendered to Holdco for such Holdco ordinary shares and such cash. As stated above, the exact percentage of each IGT common share that will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as surrendered to Holdco in exchange for Holdco ordinary shares and cash will be provided to each holder when it has been finalized at the IGT Merger Effective Time.
The aggregate tax basis in the Holdco ordinary shares received by a U.S. holder in the IGT Merger will be the same as the U.S. holder's aggregate tax basis in the portions of the IGT common shares surrendered to Holdco in the IGT Merger in exchange for Holdco ordinary shares and cash reduced by the amount of cash received from Holdco, and increased by the amount of gain that the U.S. holder recognizes on this exchange.
If a U.S. holder recognizes gain on the receipt of the Holdco ordinary shares in this exchange, such U.S. holder will take a holding period in such Holdco ordinary shares that starts on the date of the IGT Merger Effective Time. If a U.S. holder realizes, but does not recognize, a loss on the receipt of the Holdco ordinary shares in this exchange, such U.S. holder will take a holding period in such Holdco ordinary shares that includes the holding period of the IGT common stock surrendered for those Holdco ordinary shares.
Gain must be calculated separately for the portion of each share of IGT common stock that is exchanged for Holdco ordinary shares and cash in connection with the IGT Merger. Such gain will generally be capital gain and will generally be long-term capital gain if the U.S. holder's holding period for such IGT common stock exceeds one year at the time of the exchange. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. holders are currently subject to reduced rates of taxation.
A non-U.S. holder generally should not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain from the IGT Merger unless:
(i) that gain is effectively connected with the conduct by that non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the United States, and if required by an applicable tax treaty, attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States; or
(ii) in the case of any gain realized from the IGT Merger by an individual non-U.S. holder, that non-U.S. holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the IGT Merger and certain other conditions are met.
Unless an applicable treaty provides otherwise, the recognized gain described under (i) above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in the same manner as if such non-U.S. holder were a U.S. person (see "The IGT MergerU.S. Holders" above). A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable tax treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
Recognized gain described under (ii) above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a flat 30% rate (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty), but may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of the non-U.S. holder (even though the individual is not considered a
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resident of the United States), provided that the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.
It is intended that for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Holdco Merger will qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. As a result, the exchange of GTECH ordinary shares for Holdco ordinary shares will generally be tax-free to U.S. holders. A U.S. holder's tax basis in Holdco ordinary shares received in the Holdco Merger will equal such U.S. holder's basis in the GTECH ordinary shares exchanged therefor and a U.S. holder's holding period for Holdco ordinary shares received in the Holdco Merger will include the U.S. holder's holding period in respect of the shares exchanged for Holdco ordinary shares.
Holdco does not intend to request any ruling from the IRS as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Holdco Merger, and consequently there is no guarantee that the IRS will treat the Holdco Merger in the manner described above. If the IRS successfully challenges the treatment of the Holdco Merger, adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences may result. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state and local and foreign and other tax consequences of the Holdco Merger in their particular circumstances (including the possible tax consequences if the "reorganization" treatment is successfully challenged).
Under Section 7874 of the Code ("Section 7874"), Holdco would be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes following the IGT Merger if at least 80% of the Holdco ordinary shares (by vote or value) is considered to be held by former IGT shareholders by reason of holding IGT shares and the expanded affiliated group which includes Holdco after the IGT Merger does not have substantial business activities in the U.K. relative to its worldwide activities.
In addition, Section 7874 would apply to the IGT Merger if, after the IGT Merger:
If these requirements are met, Section 7874 would impose a minimum level of tax on any "inversion gain" of the U.S. corporation after the acquisition. Generally, inversion gain is defined as (i) the income or gain recognized by reason of the transfer of property to a foreign related person during the ten-year period following the IGT Merger, and (ii) any income received or accrued during such period by reason of a license of any property by the U.S. corporation to a foreign related person. In general, the effect of this provision is to deny the use of net operating losses, foreign tax credits or other tax attributes to offset the inversion gain.
Section 7874 is not expected to apply to the IGT Merger because the former IGT shareholders are expected to receive less than 60% of the Holdco ordinary shares (by vote or value) by reason of holding IGT shares. However, it is possible that there could be a change in law under Section 7874 or otherwise that could, prospectively or retroactively, affect Holdco's status as a foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This disclosure assumes that Holdco will not be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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Ownership of Holdco Ordinary Shares
The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Holdco ordinary shares to holders who receive such Holdco ordinary shares pursuant to the Mergers and assumes that Holdco will be a resident exclusively of the U.K. for tax purposes.
Dividends will generally be taxed as ordinary income to U.S. holders to the extent that they are paid out of Holdco's current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. As such and subject to the following discussion of special rules applicable to Passive Foreign Investment Companies ("PFICs"), the gross amount of the dividends paid by Holdco to U.S. holders may be eligible to be taxed at reduced rates applicable to "qualified dividend income." Recipients of dividends from foreign corporations will be taxed at this rate, provided that certain holding period requirements are satisfied and certain other requirements are met, if the dividends are received from certain "qualified foreign corporations," which generally include corporations eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States that the Secretary of the Treasury determines is satisfactory and includes an information exchange program. Dividends paid with respect to stock of a foreign corporation which is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States will also be treated as having been received from a "qualified foreign corporation." The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS have determined that the U.K.-U.S. Income Tax Treaty is satisfactory for this purpose and Holdco believes that it is eligible for benefits under such Income Tax Treaty. In addition, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS have determined that common stock is considered readily tradable on an established securities market if it is listed on an established securities market in the United States, such as the NYSE. Dividends paid by Holdco will not qualify for the dividends received deduction otherwise available to corporate shareholders.
To the extent that the amount of any dividend exceeds Holdco's current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, the excess will first be treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in the U.S. holder's adjusted basis in Holdco ordinary shares. The balance of the excess, if any, will be taxed as capital gain, which would be long-term capital gain if the holder has held the Holdco ordinary shares for more than one year at the time the dividend is received as described below under "Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition."
The amount of any dividend paid in foreign currency will be the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency distributed by Holdco, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is includible in the U.S. holder's income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt. Generally, a U.S. holder should not recognize any foreign currency gain or loss if the foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars on the date the payment is received. However, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the U.S. holder includes the dividend payment in income to the date such U.S. holder actually converts the payment into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss.
Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition
Subject to the special rules applicable to PFICs, a U.S. holder will generally recognize taxable gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Holdco ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount realized on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition and the holder's tax basis in the Holdco ordinary shares.
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Gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Holdco ordinary shares generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Holdco ordinary shares have been held for more than one year. Long-term capital gain of certain non-corporate U.S. holders, including individuals, is generally taxed at reduced rates. The deduction of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
A PFIC is any foreign corporation if, after the application of certain "look-through" rules, (a) at least 75% of its gross income is "passive income" as that term is defined in the relevant provisions of the Code, or (b) at least 50% of the average value of its assets produces "passive income" or is held for the production of "passive income." The determination as to PFIC status is made annually. If a U.S. holder is treated as owning PFIC stock, the U.S. holder will be subject to special rules generally intended to reduce or eliminate the benefit of the deferral of U.S. federal income tax that results from investing in a foreign corporation that does not distribute all of its earnings on a current basis. These rules may adversely affect the tax treatment to a U.S. holder of dividends paid by Holdco and of sales, exchanges and other dispositions of Holdco ordinary shares, and may result in other adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
Holdco believes that Holdco ordinary shares should not be treated as shares of a PFIC in the taxable year in which the Mergers are completed, and Holdco does not expect that Holdco will become a PFIC in the future. However, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not successfully challenge this position or that Holdco will not become a PFIC at some future time as a result of changes in Holdco's assets, income or business operations.
In general, a non-U.S. holder of Holdco ordinary shares will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or, subject to the discussion below under "Information Reporting and Backup Withholding," U.S. federal withholding tax on any dividends received on Holdco ordinary shares or any gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of Holdco ordinary shares (including any distribution to the extent it exceeds the adjusted basis in the non-U.S. holder's Holdco ordinary shares) unless:
A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable tax treaty) on the repatriation from the United States of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Dividends paid by Holdco to a U.S. holder may be subject to U.S. information reporting requirements and may be subject to backup withholding unless the U.S. holder provides an accurate taxpayer identification number on a properly completed IRS Form W-9 and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred.
A non-U.S. holder may be required to comply with certification and identification procedures in order to establish an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding.
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Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or credit on a holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
NO STATUTORY, JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY DIRECTLY DISCUSSES HOW THE RECEIPT, OWNERSHIP OR LOSS OF ENTITLEMENT TO INSTRUCT THE NOMINEE ON HOW TO VOTE IN RESPECT OF SPECIAL VOTING SHARES SHOULD BE TREATED FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES AND AS A RESULT, THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES ARE UNCERTAIN. ACCORDINGLY, WE URGE U.S. SHAREHOLDERS TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECEIPT, OWNERSHIP AND LOSS OF ENTITLEMENT TO INSTRUCT THE NOMINEE ON HOW TO VOTE IN RESPECT OF SPECIAL VOTING SHARES.
While the tax consequences of the receipt of special voting shares upon request from the Nominee are unclear, such receipt is not expected to constitute a separate transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, the receipt of the special voting shares should generally not give rise to a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF THE SPECIAL VOTING SHARES IS UNCLEAR AND U.S. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS IN RESPECT OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF ACQUIRING, OWNING, AND LOSING THE ENTITLEMENT TO INSTRUCT THE NOMINEE ON HOW TO VOTE IN RESPECT OF SPECIAL VOTING SHARES.
MATERIAL U.K. TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following statements are intended to apply only as a general guide to certain United Kingdom ("U.K.") tax considerations, and are based on current U.K. tax law and current published practice of HM Revenue and Customs ("HMRC"), both of which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retrospective effect. They relate only to certain limited aspects of the U.K. taxation treatment of investors who are resident and, in the case of individuals, domiciled in (and only in) the U.K. for U.K. tax purposes (except to the extent that the position of non-U.K. resident shareholders is expressly referred to), who will hold the Holdco ordinary shares as investments (other than under an individual savings account or a self invested personal pension) and who are the beneficial owners of the Holdco ordinary shares. The statements may not apply to certain classes of investors such as (but not limited to) persons acquiring their Holdco ordinary shares in connection with an office or employment, dealers in securities, insurance companies and collective investment schemes.
Any shareholder or potential investor should obtain advice from his or her own investment or taxation adviser.
Holdco will not be required to withhold tax at source from dividend payments it makes.
An individual shareholder who is resident in the U.K. for tax purposes and who receives a dividend from Holdco will be entitled to a tax credit which may be set off against such individual shareholder's total income tax liability on the dividend. Such an individual shareholder's liability to income tax is calculated on the aggregate of the dividend and the tax credit (the "gross dividend")
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which will be regarded as the top slice of the individual's income. The tax credit is equal to 10% of the gross dividend ( i.e. , one-ninth of the amount of the cash dividend received).
A U.K. resident individual shareholder who is not liable to income tax in respect of the gross dividend will not be entitled to reclaim any part of the tax credit. A U.K. resident individual shareholder who is liable to income tax at the basic rate will be subject to income tax on the dividend at the rate of 10% of the gross dividend so that the tax credit will satisfy in full such shareholder's liability to income tax on the dividend. A U.K. resident individual shareholder liable to income tax at the higher rate will be subject to income tax on the gross dividend at 32.5% but will be able to set the tax credit off against part of this liability. A U.K. resident individual shareholder liable to income tax at the additional rate will be subject to income tax on the gross dividend at 37.5% but will be able to set the tax credit off against part of this liability.
The effect of the tax credit is that a basic rate taxpayer will not have to account for any additional tax to HMRC, a higher rate taxpayer will have to account for additional tax equal to 22.5% of the gross dividend (which equals 25% of the cash dividend received) and an additional rate taxpayer will have to account for additional tax equal to 27.5% of the gross dividend (which is approximately 30.56% of the cash dividend received).
A corporate shareholder resident in the U.K. for tax purposes which is a "small company" for the purposes of Chapter 2 of Part 9A of the Corporation Tax Act 2009 will not be subject to U.K. corporation tax on any dividend received from Holdco provided certain conditions are met (including an anti-avoidance condition).
Other corporate shareholders resident in the U.K. for tax purposes will not be subject to U.K. corporation tax on any dividend received from Holdco so long as the dividends fall within an exempt class and certain conditions are met. For example, (i) dividends paid on shares that are not redeemable and do not carry any present or future preferential rights to dividends or to a company's assets on its winding up, and (ii) dividends paid to a person holding less than a 10% interest in Holdco, should generally fall within an exempt class. However, the exemptions mentioned above are not comprehensive and are subject to anti-avoidance rules.
If the conditions for exemption are not met or cease to be satisfied, or such a corporate shareholder elects an otherwise exempt dividend to be taxable, the shareholder will be subject to U.K. corporation tax on dividends received from Holdco, at the rate of corporation tax applicable to that corporate shareholder (currently 21%, although it is expected that the rate of U.K. corporation tax will be reduced to 20% beginning on April 1, 2015).
U.K. resident shareholders who are not liable to U.K. taxation on dividends, including pension funds and charities, will not be entitled to reclaim the tax credit attaching to any dividend paid by Holdco.
A shareholder resident outside the U.K. for tax purposes and who holds the Holdco ordinary shares as investments will not generally be liable to tax in the U.K. on any dividend received from Holdco, but would also not be able to claim payment from HMRC of any part of the tax credit attaching to a dividend received from Holdco, although this will depend on the existence and terms of any double taxation convention between the U.K. and the country in which such shareholder is resident.
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A non-U.K. resident shareholder may also be subject to taxation on dividend income under local law. A shareholder who is not solely resident in the U.K. for tax purposes should consult his own tax advisers concerning his tax liabilities (in the U.K. and any other country) on dividends received from Holdco, whether he is entitled to claim any part of the tax credit and, if so, the procedure for doing so, and whether any double taxation relief is due in any country in which he is subject to tax.
The receipt of cash by IGT shareholders will be treated as a part disposal of their shares of IGT common stock. The proportion of the shareholder's base cost attributable to that part disposal should be computed as the proportion that the cash received bears to the aggregate value of the cash received and the Holdco ordinary shares on the completion of the IGT Merger.
Subject to the statements below, the receipt of Holdco ordinary shares by IGT shareholders pursuant to the IGT Merger should be treated as a scheme of reconstruction for purposes of U.K. taxation of chargeable gains. This means that, except to the extent that IGT shareholders are treated as disposing of their shares of IGT common stock as a consequence of their receipt of cash as described above, IGT shareholders should not be treated as disposing of their shares of IGT common stock and, instead, the Holdco ordinary shares received by them should be treated as the same asset, acquired at the same time, and for the same amount, as the IGT shares in respect of which they are issued.
In the case of IGT shareholders who alone, or together with persons connected with them, hold 5% or more of the shares or debentures, or any class of shares or class of debenture, of IGT, this "rollover" treatment will only apply if the provisions of section 137(1) Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 ("TCGA") (scheme of reconstruction must be for bona fide commercial reasons and not part of a scheme for the avoidance of U.K. tax) do not prevent it. IGT shareholders should note that no application for clearance (which would confirm that section 137(1) TCGA should not prevent the IGT Merger being treated as a scheme of reconstruction) has been made. If the IGT Merger is not treated as a scheme of reconstruction, U.K. resident IGT shareholders would be treated as having disposed of their entire holding of IGT shares in consideration of the payment to them of the cash and the issue to them of Holdco ordinary shares.
The Holdco Merger should be treated as a reorganization of share capital under section 136 TCGA 1992.
As a result, GTECH shareholders who are resident for tax purposes in the United Kingdom and who exchange their shares in GTECH for shares in Holdco under the Holdco Merger would not be treated as disposing of their shares and would, instead, be treated as having acquired their Holdco ordinary shares at the same time and for the same consideration as the GTECH ordinary shares in respect of which they are issued.
GTECH shareholders who are resident in the U.K. and who alone, or together with persons connected with them, hold 5% or more of the shares or debentures in, or any class of shares or debentures in, GTECH should note that in certain circumstances section 137(1) TCGA may operate to prevent the "rollover" treatment described in the preceding paragraph and that no application for clearance (which would provide as a condition that section 137(1) TCGA would not prevent the "rollover" treatment from applying) has been made.
A GTECH shareholder who is resident, for tax purposes, in the United Kingdom and who exercises his rescission rights will be treated as having disposed of his GTECH ordinary shares and
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may, depending on such shareholder's personal circumstances be liable to pay U.K. taxation on chargeable gains.
A disposal or deemed disposal of Holdco ordinary shares by a shareholder who is resident in the U.K. for tax purposes may, depending on the shareholder's circumstances and subject to any available exemptions and reliefs (such as the annual exempt amount for individuals and indexation allowance for corporate shareholders), give rise to a chargeable gain or an allowable loss for the purposes of U.K. taxation of capital gains.
If an individual shareholder who is subject to income tax at either the higher or the additional rate becomes liable to U.K. capital gains tax on the disposal of Holdco ordinary shares, the applicable rate will be 28%. For an individual shareholder who is subject to income tax at the basic rate and liable to U.K. capital gains tax on such disposal, the applicable rate would be 18%.
A shareholder who is not resident in the U.K. for tax purposes should not normally be liable to U.K. taxation on chargeable gains on a disposal of Holdco ordinary shares. However, an individual shareholder who has ceased to be resident in the U.K. for tax purposes for a period of less than five years and who disposes of Holdco ordinary shares during that period may be liable on his return to the U.K. to U.K. taxation on any capital gain realized (subject to any available exemption or relief).
Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax
No liability to stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax (SDRT) should generally arise on the issue of the Holdco ordinary shares, including into the DTC system.
Transfers of Holdco ordinary shares within the DTC system should not be subject to stamp duty or SDRT provided that no instrument of transfer is entered into and that no election that applies to the Holdco ordinary shares is made or has been made by DTC under section 97A of the Finance Act 1986.
Transfers of Holdco ordinary shares within the DTC system where an election that applies to the Holdco ordinary shares is or has been made under section 97A of the Finance Act 1986 will generally be subject to SDRT (rather than stamp duty) at the rate of 0.5% of the amount or value of the consideration.
Transfers of Holdco ordinary shares that are held in certificated form will generally be subject to stamp duty at the rate of 0.5% of the consideration given (rounded up to the nearest £5). SDRT may be payable on an agreement to transfer such Holdco ordinary shares, generally at the rate of 0.5% of the consideration given under the agreement to transfer the Holdco ordinary shares. This charge to SDRT would be discharged if stamp duty is duly paid on the instrument transferring the Holdco ordinary shares, within six years of the date of the agreement.
If Holdco ordinary shares (or interests therein) are subsequently transferred into a clearing system including the DTC system or to a depositary, stamp duty or SDRT will generally be payable at the rate of 1.5% of the amount or value of the consideration given or, in certain circumstances, the value of the shares (save to the extent that an election is made or has been made under section 97A of the Finance Act 1986 that applies to the Holdco ordinary shares).
The purchaser or transferee of the Holdco ordinary shares will generally be responsible for paying such stamp duty or SDRT.
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The Holdco ordinary shares will be assets situated in the U.K. for the purposes of U.K. inheritance tax. A gift or settlement of such assets by, or on the death of, an individual holder of such assets may (subject to certain exemptions and reliefs and depending upon the shareholder's circumstances) give rise to a liability to U.K. inheritance tax even if the holder is not a resident of or domiciled in the U.K. for tax purposes. For inheritance tax purposes, a transfer of assets at less than market value may be treated as a gift and particular rules apply to gifts where the donor reserves or retains some benefit.
A charge to inheritance tax may arise in certain circumstances where Holdco ordinary shares are held by close companies and by trustees of settlements. Shareholders should consult an appropriate tax adviser as to any inheritance tax implications if they intend to make a gift or transfer at less than market value or intend to hold Holdco ordinary shares through a close company or trust arrangement.
Shareholders and/or potential investors who are in any doubt as to their tax position, or who are subject to tax in any jurisdiction other than the U.K., should consult a suitable professional adviser.
MATERIAL ITALIAN TAX CONSIDERATIONS
This section describes the material Italian tax consequences of the Holdco Merger and IGT Merger and of the ownership and transfer of Holdco ordinary shares. The following description does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all the tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to own or dispose of the shares (such as Italian inheritance and gift tax considerations, and transfer tax considerations) and, in particular does not discuss the treatment of shares that are held in connection with a permanent establishment or a fixed base through which a non-Italian resident shareholder carries on business or performs personal services in Italy.
To the extent this section consists of a statement as to matters of Italian tax law, this section is the opinion of Ludovici & Partners.
For the purposes of this discussion, an "Italian Shareholder" is a beneficial owner of GTECH ordinary shares, IGT shares or Holdco ordinary shares that is:
This section does not apply to shareholders subject to special rules, including:
In addition, where specified, this section also applies to Italian pension funds, Italian investment funds ( fondi comuni di investimento mobiliare ) and Società di Investimento Collettivo A Capitale Variabile (SICAVs).
For the purposes of this discussion, a Non-Italian Shareholder means a beneficial owner of GTECH ordinary shares, IGT shares or Holdco ordinary shares that is neither an Italian Shareholder nor a permanent establishment or a fixed base through which a non-Italian resident shareholder carries on business or performs personal services in Italy nor a partnership.
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This discussion is limited to Italian Shareholders and Non-Italian Shareholders that hold their shares directly and whose shares represent, and have represented in any 12-month period preceding each disposal: (i) a percentage of voting rights in the ordinary shareholders' meeting not greater than two percent for listed shares or (ii) a participation in the share capital not greater than five percent for listed shares.
This section is based upon tax laws and applicable tax treaties and what is understood to be the current practice in Italy in effect on the date of this proxy statement/prospectus which may be subject to changes in the future, even on a retroactive basis. Italian Shareholders and Non-Italian Shareholders should consult their own advisors as to the Italian tax consequences of the ownership and disposal of Holdco ordinary shares in their particular circumstances.
Prior to the Holdco Merger, GTECH will transfer all of the assets and liabilities related to its Italian business, including the Lotto concession and certain shareholdings, to a newly-formed Italian subsidiary ("GTECH Italian Opco") in exchange for shares of GTECH Italian Opco. As it is expected that the contributed assets and assumed liabilities represent a "branch of business", under Article 176 of the CTA their tax basis will be rolled over to the shares in GTECH Italian Opco and the contribution will not trigger Italian corporate income taxes.
Prior to the Holdco Merger, GTECH will transfer at fair market value the stock of almost all of its Italian subsidiaries (including GTECH Italian Opco) to a new Italian subsidiary ("GTECH Italian Holdco"), in exchange for GTECH Italian Holdco shares and an intercompany receivable. Such transfer will trigger the realization of capital gains for Italian tax purposes on the stock of the Italian subsidiaries (including GTECH Italian Opco). It is expected that such gains will benefit from the participation exemption regime under the combined rules as per Article 87 and 175 of the CTA. The transfer of the stock of the Italian Subsidiaries (including GTECH Italian Opco) will be exempt from the Italian Financial Transaction Tax.
The Holdco Merger should be qualified as a cross-border merger transaction within the meaning of Article 178 of the CTA, implementing the Directive 90/434/EEC of 23 July 1990 (codified in the Directive 2009/133/CE, the Merger Directive).
Holdco intends to set up its business and organizational structure in such a manner that it will not maintain a permanent establishment in Italy after the Mergers. As a consequence, Italian tax laws provide that such a cross-border merger will in principle result in the realization of capital gains or losses on all GTECH assets and liabilities, including the shares in GTECH Italian Holdco (giving rise to an "Italian Exit Tax").
Under Italian law (Article 166 (2-quater) of the CTA), companies which cease to be Italian-resident and become tax-resident in another EU Member State may apply to suspend or pay in installments any Italian Exit Tax under the principles of the Court of Justice of the European Union case C-371/10, National Grid Indus BV. Italian rules implementing Article 166 (2-quater), as amended in July 2014, excluded cross-border merger transactions from the suspension, or payment in installments of the Italian Exit Tax. As a result, the Holdco Merger will in principle result in the immediate charge of an Italian Exit Tax in relation to GTECH assets.
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However, since latent capital gains on the stock of almost all of the Italian subsidiaries (including GTECH Italian Opco) will have already been taxed in connection with the above described Italian Reorganization (meaning the contribution of the Italian business to GTECH Italian Opco and the Transfer of almost all of the Italian subsidiaries, including GTECH Italian Opco, to Italian Holdco) no material Italian Exit Tax is expected.
GTECH's net equity does not include any tax-deferred reserves. GTECH does not have any carried-forward losses, on a stand-alone basis or within the Fiscal Unit with De Agostini S.p.A. Therefore, the Holdco Merger will not trigger the negative effects provided for by Article 180 and Article 181 of the CTA.
A fixed registration tax of €200 is due in Italy in respect of the Holdco Merger.
GTECH and some of its Italian subsidiaries are currently included in a Fiscal Unit with De Agostini S.p.A. Pursuant to Articles 117, 120 and 124 of the CTA, the Holdco Merger might trigger the interruption of the Fiscal Unit between De Agostini S.p.A. and such Italian subsidiaries, depending on the residual De Agostini S.p.A.'s interest in these subsidiaries after the Holdco Merger. It is expected that any such interruption will not materially adversely affect GTECH and that, should such interruption occur, GTECH Italian Holdco may form a new fiscal unit with the GTECH Italian subsidiaries.
Italian Shareholders
Currently, GTECH is resident in Italy for tax purposes.
For the purposes of the Italy-U.K. tax treaty, Holdco is expected to be resident in the United Kingdom from its incorporation.
According to Italian tax laws, the Holdco Merger will not trigger any taxable event for Italian income tax purposes for GTECH Italian Shareholders. Holdco ordinary shares received by such GTECH Italian Shareholders at the effective time of the Holdco Merger would be deemed to have the same aggregate tax basis as the GTECH common shares held by the said Italian Shareholders prior to the Holdco Merger.
GTECH Italian Shareholders that exercise their cash exit rights will be entitled to receive an amount of cash per share of GTECH ordinary shares under Article 2437-ter of the Italian Civil Code ("cash exit price").
Italian Shareholders that receive the cash exit price as a consideration for their GTECH ordinary shares being sold to other GTECH shareholders or to the market will recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount received and their tax basis in their GTECH ordinary shares (see "Ownership of Holdco Ordinary SharesItalian ShareholdersTaxation of Capital GainsItalian resident individual shareholders" for further discussion).
Italian resident individual shareholders of GTECH that have their GTECH ordinary shares redeemed and cancelled pursuant to their rescission rights will be subject to a 26% final withholding tax on any profits derived from such redemption, which profits will be deemed equal to the difference between the cash exit price and their tax basis in their GTECH ordinary shares (see "Ownership of Holdco Ordinary SharesItalian ShareholdersTaxation of dividendsItalian resident individual shareholders" for further discussion). Any losses are not deductible (unless an election is made for the so called Regime del Risparmio Gestito , discussed further below).
Italian resident corporate shareholders of GTECH that have their GTECH ordinary shares redeemed and cancelled pursuant to their rescission rights will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the cash exit price (or portion thereof) which is paid out of share capital and capital
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reserves and their tax basis in GTECH ordinary shares (see "Ownership of Holdco Ordinary SharesItalian ShareholdersTaxation of Capital GainsItalian resident corporations" for further discussion), while the portion of the rescission price (if any) which is paid out of annual profit and/or profit reserves will be treated as a dividend distribution (see "Ownership of Holdco Ordinary SharesItalian ShareholdersTaxation of Capital GainsItalian resident corporations" for further discussion).
Italian Shareholders should consult their tax advisor in connection with any exercise of rescission rights in their particular circumstances.
Non-Italian Shareholders
According to Italian tax laws, the Holdco Merger will not trigger any taxable event for Italian income tax purposes for GTECH Non-Italian Shareholders.
Non-Italian Shareholders that receive the rescission price as a consideration for their GTECH ordinary shares being sold to other GTECH shareholders or to the market will not be subject to taxation in Italy.
Non-Italian Shareholders that have their GTECH ordinary shares redeemed and cancelled pursuant to their rescission rights should be subject to a 26% final withholding tax on any profits derived from such redemption, which profits will be deemed equal to the difference between the cash exit price and their tax basis in their GTECH ordinary shares. A more favourable regime might be provided for by the applicable international tax treaties.
According to Italian tax laws, the IGT Merger should be regarded as a taxable event for Italian income tax purposes for Italian Shareholders of IGT.
According to Italian tax laws, the IGT Merger will not trigger any taxable event for Italian income tax purposes for Non-Italian Shareholders of IGT.
Ownership of Holdco Ordinary Shares
The tax treatment applicable to dividend distributions depends upon the nature of the dividend recipient, as summarized below.
Italian resident individual shareholders
Dividends paid by a non-Italian-resident company, such as Holdco, to Italian resident individual shareholders are subject to a 26% tax. Such tax (i) may be applied by the taxpayer in its tax assessment or (ii) if an Italian withholding agent intervenes in the collection of the dividends, may be withheld by such withholding agent.
In the event that a taxpayer elects to be taxed under the " Regime del Risparmio Gestito " (discussed below in the paragraph entitled "Taxation of Capital GainsItalian resident individual shareholders"), dividends are not subject to the 26% tax, but are subject to taxation under such " Regime del Risparmio Gestito ."
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Pursuant to Law Decree No. 167 of 28 June 1990, as amended, Italian resident individual shareholders who hold (or are beneficial owners of) foreign financial activities not being deposited or otherwise held or traded through Italian resident financial intermediaries must, in certain circumstances, disclose the aforesaid to the Italian tax authorities in their income tax return.
Italian resident corporations
Subject to the paragraph below, Italian Shareholders subject to Italian corporate income tax ("IRES") should benefit from a 95% exemption on dividends if certain conditions are met. The remaining five percent of dividends are treated as part of the taxable business income of such Italian resident corporations, subject to tax in Italy under the IRES.
Dividends, however, are fully subject to tax in the following circumstances: (i) dividends paid to taxpayers using IAS/IFRS in relation to shares accounted for as "held for trading" on the balance sheet of their statutory accounts; (ii) dividends which are considered as "deriving from" profits accumulated by companies or entities resident for tax purposes in States or Territories with a preferential tax system; or (iii) dividends paid in relation to shares acquired through repurchase transactions, stock lending and similar transactions, unless the beneficial owner of such dividends would have benefited from the 95% exemption described in the above paragraph. In the case of (ii), 100% of the dividends is subject to taxation, unless a special ruling request is filed with the Italian tax authorities in order to prove that the shareholding has not been used to enable taxable income to build up in the said States or Territories.
For certain companies operating in the financial field and subject to certain conditions, dividends are also included in the tax base for the regional tax on productive activities ( Imposta regionale sulle attività produttive" IRAP").
Italian pension funds
Dividends paid to Italian pension funds (subject to the regime provided for by article 17 of Italian legislative decree No. 252 of 5 December 2005) are not subject to any withholding tax, but must be included in the result of the relevant portfolio accrued at the end of the tax period, subject to substitute tax at the rate of 11.5% for fiscal year 2014. For the following tax periods the substitute tax referred to above will apply at the rate of 11%.
Italian investment funds (fondi comuni di investimento mobiliare) and SICAVs
Dividends paid to Italian investment funds and SICAVs are neither subject to any withholding tax nor to any taxation at the level of the fund or SICAV. A withholding tax may apply in certain circumstances at the rate of up to 26% on distributions made by the Fund or SICAV.
Taxation of Capital Gains
Italian resident individual shareholders
Capital gains realized upon disposal of shares or rights by an Italian resident individual shareholder are subject to Italian final substitute tax ( imposta sostitutiva ) at a 26% rate.
Capital gains and capital losses realized in the relevant tax year have to be declared in the annual income tax return ( Regime di Tassazione in Sede di Dichiarazione dei Redditi ). Losses in excess of gains may be carried forward against capital gains realized in the four subsequent tax years. While losses generated as of July 1, 2014 can be carried forward for their entire amount, losses realized until December 31, 2011 can be carried forward for 48.08% of their amount only and losses realized between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2014 for 76.92% of their amount.
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As an alternative to the Regime di Tassazione in Sede di Dichiarazione dei Redditi described in the above paragraph, Italian resident individual shareholders may elect to be taxed under one of the two following regimes:
Italian resident corporations
Capital gains realized through the disposal of Holdco common shares by Italian Shareholders which are companies subject to IRES benefit from a 95% exemption (referred to as the "Participation Exemption Regime"), if the following conditions are met:
Based on the assumption that Holdco ordinary should be a resident of the U.K. for tax purposes, that its ordinary shares will be listed on a regulated market, that its value will be predominantly composed of shareholdings in companies carrying on a business activity and not resident in a State with a preferential tax system, the two additional conditions set forth by Article 87 of the CTA in order to enjoy the Participation Exemption Regime ( i.e. , the company is not resident in a State with a preferential tax system and carrying on a business activity) are both met.
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The remaining five percent of the amount of such capital gain is included in the aggregate taxable income of the Italian resident corporate shareholders and subject to taxation according to ordinary IRES rules and rates.
If the conditions for the Participation Exemption Regime are met, capital losses from the disposal of shareholdings realized by Italian resident corporate shareholders are not deductible from the taxable income of the company.
Capital gains and capital losses realized through the disposal of shareholdings which do not meet at least one of the aforementioned conditions for the Participation Exemption Regime are, respectively, fully included in the aggregate taxable income and fully deductible from the same aggregate taxable income, subject to taxation according to ordinary rules and rates. However, if such capital gains are realized upon disposal of shares which have been accounted for as a long-term investment on the last three balance sheets, then if the taxpayer so chooses the gains can be taxed in equal parts in the year of realization and the four following tax years.
The ability to use capital losses to offset income is subject to significant limitations, including provisions against "dividend washing." In addition, Italian resident corporations that recognize capital losses exceeding €50,000 are subject to tax reporting requirements in their annual income tax return (also in case such capital losses are realized as a consequence of a number of transactions). Furthermore, for capital losses of more than €5,000,000, deriving from transactions on shares booked as fixed financial assets, the taxpayer must report the relevant information in its annual income tax return (also in case such capital losses are realized as a consequence of a number of transactions). Such an obligation does not apply to parties who prepare their financial statements in accordance with IAS/IFRS international accounting standards. Italian resident corporations that recognize capital losses should consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences of such losses.
For certain types of companies operating in the financial field and subject to certain conditions, the capital gains are also included in the IRAP taxable base.
Italian pension funds
Capital gains realized by Italian pension funds are not subject to any withholding or substitute tax. Capital gains and capital losses must be included in the result of the relevant portfolio accrued at the end of the tax period, which is subject to an 11.5% substitute tax. for fiscal year 2014. For the following tax periods the substitute tax referred to above will apply at the rate of 11%.
Italian investment funds (fondi comuni di investimento mobiliare) and SICAVs
Capital gains realized by Italian investment funds and SICAVs are not subject to any withholding or substitute tax. Capital gains and capital losses must be included in the fund's or SICAV's annual results, which is not subject to tax. A withholding tax may apply in certain circumstances at the rate of up to 26% on distributions made by the fund or SICAV.
IVAFE-Imposta sul Valore delle Attività Finanziarie detenute all'Estero
According to Article 19 of the Decree of 6 December 2011, No. 201 ("Decree No. 201/2011"), converted with Law of 22 December 2011, No. 214, Italian resident individuals holding financial assetsincluding sharesoutside the Italian territory are required to pay a special tax (IVAFE) at the rate of 0.20%. The tax applies to the market value at the end of the relevant year of such financial assets held outside the Italian territory.
Taxpayers may deduct from the tax a tax credit equal to any wealth taxes paid in the State where the financial assets are held (up to the amount of the Italian tax due).
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According to Italian tax laws, the distribution of dividends by Holdco will not trigger any taxable event for Italian income tax purposes for Non-Italian Shareholders.
Taxation of Capital Gains
According to Italian tax laws, capital gains on Holdco ordinary shares will not trigger any taxable event for Italian income tax purposes for Non-Italian Shareholders.
NO STATUTORY, JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY HAS PROVIDED PUBLISHED GUIDANCE ON THE ITALIAN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECEIPT, OWNERSHIP OR LOSS OF THE ENTITLEMENT TO INSTRUCT THE NOMINEE ON HOW TO VOTE IN RESPECT OF SPECIAL VOTING SHARES AND AS A RESULT, SUCH TAX CONSEQUENCES ARE UNCERTAIN. ACCORDINGLY, WE URGE ITALIAN SHAREHOLDERS TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECEIPT, OWNERSHIP AND LOSS OF THE ENTITLEMENT TO INSTRUCT THE NOMINEE ON HOW TO VOTE IN RESPECT OF SPECIAL VOTING SHARES.
Receipt of the entitlement to instruct the Nominee on how to vote in respect of special voting shares
An Italian Shareholder that receives the entitlement to instruct the Nominee on how to vote in respect of special voting shares issued by Holdco should in principle not recognize any taxable income upon the receipt of such entitlement. Under a possible interpretation, the issue of special voting shares can be treated as the issue of bonus shares free of charge to the shareholders out of existing available reserves of Holdco. Such issue should not have any material effect on the allocation of the tax basis of an Italian Shareholder between its Holdco ordinary shares and the corresponding Holdco special voting shares. Because the special voting shares are not transferable and their very limited economic rights (equal to a fraction of the aggregate sum of $1) can be enjoyed only at the time of a return of capital of the company of a winding up or otherwise Holdco believes and intends to take the position that the tax basis and the fair market value of the special voting shares is minimal. However, because the determination of the tax basis and fair market value of the special voting shares is not governed by any guidance that directly addresses such a situation and is unclear, the Italian tax authorities could assert that the tax basis and fair market value of the special voting shares as determined by Holdco is incorrect.
The tax treatment of an Italian Shareholder that loses its entitlement to instruct the Nominee on how to vote in respect of special voting shares for no consideration is uncertain. It is possible that an Italian Shareholder should recognize a loss to the extent of the Italian Shareholder's tax basis (if any). The deductibility of such loss depends on individual circumstances and conditions required by Italian law. It is also possible that an Italian Shareholder would not be allowed to recognize a loss upon losing its entitlement to instruct the Nominee on how to vote in respect of special voting shares and instead should increase its basis in its Holdco ordinary shares by an amount equal to the tax basis (if any) in such Holdco special voting shares.
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Stamp Duty (
Imposta di bollo
)
According to Article 19 of Decree No. 201/2011, a proportional stamp duty applies on a yearly basis on the market value of any financial product or financial instruments. The stamp duty applies at the rate of 0.20% and, in respect of Italian shareholders or Non-Italian Shareholders other than individuals, it cannot exceed €14,000. The stamp duty applies with respect to any Italian Shareholders or Non-Italian Shareholders (other than banks, insurance companies, investments and pension funds and certain other financial intermediaries) to the extent that the shares are held through an Italian-based banking or financial intermediary or insurance company.
According to Art. 1 of the Law of December 24, 2012, No. 228, an Italian Financial Transaction tax ("FTT") will apply as of March 1, 2013 on the transfer of property rights in shares issued by Italian resident companies, such as GTECH, regardless of the tax residence of the parties and/or where the transaction is entered into. If a holder of GTECH ordinary shares exercises its rescission rights, according to Italian law such holder must first offer its GTECH ordinary shares for sale to the holders of GTECH ordinary shares that have not chosen to exercise rescission rights. Shareholders of GTECH that purchase shares of a holder exercising its cash exit rights may be subject to the FTT. The FTT applies at a rate of 0.20%, reduced to 0.10% if the transaction is executed on a regulated market or a multilateral trading system, as defined by the law. The taxable base is the transaction value, which is defined as the consideration paid for the transfer or as the net balance of the transactions executed by the same subject in the course of the same day. The FTT is due by the party that acquires the shares and will be levied by the financial intermediary (or by any other person) that is involved, in any way, in the execution of the transaction. Specific exclusions and exemptions are set out by the law by Decree 21 February 2013 (as amended by Decree 16 September 2013) which also regulates in detail other aspects of the FTT. Specific rules apply for the application of the FTT on derivative financial instruments having as underlying instruments shares issued by Italian resident companies and on high frequency trading transactions.
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The following is a summary of the material terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement. The description in this section and elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the complete text of the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex A. This summary may not contain all of the information about the Mergers that is important to you. Shareholders should read carefully the Merger Agreement in its entirety. The Merger Agreement has been included to provide you with information regarding its terms. It is not intended to provide any other factual information about IGT or GTECH. Such information can be found elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus and in the other public filings IGT makes with the SEC, which are available without charge at www.sec.gov.
The Merger Agreement provides for two mergers, which will occur in immediate succession. First, GTECH will merge with and into Holdco, and Holdco will continue as the surviving company. As a result of the Holdco Merger, each issued and outstanding ordinary share of GTECH, other than GTECH ordinary shares held in the treasury of GTECH or owned by Holdco, Sub, GTECH US, IGT or any of their respective subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive one Holdco ordinary share. Immediately after the Holdco Merger, Sub will merge with and into IGT, with IGT surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco. As a result of the IGT Merger, each issued and outstanding share of IGT will be converted into the right to receive cash and Holdco ordinary shares, as described under "Merger Consideration" below.
The Mergers will take place no later than the third business day after the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions contained in the Merger Agreement, which are described under "Conditions to the Mergers," or at such other place, time and date as GTECH and IGT may mutually agree in writing.
The Holdco Merger will be completed on the date specified in the Holdco Merger Order (the "Holdco Merger Effective Time"). The IGT Merger will be completed when IGT files the appropriate articles of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, as provided by the Nevada Revised Statutes ("NRS"), which will be immediately after the Holdco Merger Effective Time or at such later date and time permitted by the NRS as may be agreed upon by the parties and specified in the articles of merger (the "IGT Merger Effective Time").
Governing Documents, Directors and Officers
At the Holdco Merger Effective Time, Holdco will procure that, effective as of the Holdco Merger Effective Time, the Holdco shareholders adopt the Holdco Articles of Association (the "Holdco Articles") substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A-1 to the Merger Agreement, the final form of which is subject to IGT's consent (not to be unreasonably withheld) and which will remain in effect as of the IGT Merger Effective Time. In the event that GTECH does not terminate the Merger Agreement following the issuance of a (a) final and non-appealable determination by the NYSE that it will not authorize the Holdco ordinary shares for listing solely as a result of any of the provisions relating to the special voting shares or (b) final and non-appealable law by a governmental entity that (i) prohibits, enjoins or otherwise prevents either of the Mergers solely as a result of any of the provisions relating to the special voting shares or (ii) renders the issuance of special voting shares illegal, or prohibits, enjoins or otherwise prevents the issuance of the special voting shares, the Holdco Articles will be revised to remove the special voting share provisions.
At the IGT Merger Effective Time, the IGT articles of incorporation will be amended and restated in the form set forth in Exhibit A-2 of the Merger Agreement and the by-laws of Sub will become the by-laws of the surviving entity of the IGT Merger. The directors and officers of Sub immediately prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time will become the directors and officers of IGT at the IGT Merger
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Effective Time, each to hold office in accordance with the articles of incorporation and by-laws of the surviving entity of the IGT Merger.
The Merger Agreement provides that, at the Holdco Merger Effective Time, each GTECH ordinary share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, other than GTECH ordinary shares held in the treasury of GTECH or owned of record by GTECH US, Holdco, Sub, IGT or any of their respective wholly owned subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive one Holdco ordinary share (the "Holdco Exchange Ratio").
The Merger Agreement provides that, at the IGT Merger Effective Time, each issued and outstanding share of common stock of IGT, other than shares held in the treasury of IGT or owned by Holdco, Sub, GTECH or any of their respective subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive a combination of (i) $13.69 minus an amount equal to (a) the aggregate amount of special cash dividends, share repurchases or redemptions by IGT prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time (subject to the limitations prescribed by the Merger Agreement) divided by (b) the number of issued and outstanding shares of IGT common stock immediately prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time (the "Per Share Cash Amount") and (ii) a number of Holdco ordinary shares equal to $4.56 divided by the GTECH Share Trading Price, as defined below (such quotient, the "Exchange Ratio"); subject to a minimum Exchange Ratio of 0.1582 and a maximum Exchange Ratio of 0.1819, provided that if the Exchange Ratio would, but for the foregoing cap, exceed 0.1819 (the amount of such excess, the "Excess"), the Per Share Cash Amount will be increased by an additional amount equal to the product of such Excess (up to a maximum of 0.0321) and the GTECH Share Trading Price. The "GTECH Share Trading Price" is equal to the average of the volume-weighted average prices of GTECH ordinary shares on the ISE (converted to the U.S. dollar equivalent) on ten randomly selected days within the period of 20 consecutive trading days ending on and including the second full trading day prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time.
In lieu of fractional shares, each IGT shareholder otherwise entitled to a fractional Holdco ordinary share will be entitled to receive an amount in cash (without interest), rounded down to the nearest cent, determined by multiplying (i) the GTECH Share Trading Price by (ii) the fractional entitlement.
Pursuant to NRS 92A.390, no dissenter's, appraisal, cash exit or similar rights or rights of appraisal will apply in connection with the IGT Merger.
Exchange of Stock Certificates
GTECH ordinary shares will be exchanged for Holdco ordinary shares in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, the rules and procedures of any depositary or clearing agency through which such shares are held or traded and applicable law.
Prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time, Holdco will appoint a U.S.-based nationally recognized financial institution designated by GTECH and reasonably acceptable to IGT to act as exchange agent under the Merger Agreement. Prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time, Holdco will deliver to the exchange agent, for the benefit of holders of IGT common stock, the full number of Holdco ordinary
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shares issuable in the IGT Merger and GTECH, Holdco or Sub will deliver to the exchange agent, for the benefit of holders of IGT common stock, all of the cash necessary to pay the cash portion of the merger consideration payable to IGT shareholders.
As promptly as reasonably practicable after the IGT Merger Effective Time, Holdco will cause the exchange agent to mail to each holder of record of IGT common stock a letter of transmittal and instructions describing how such holder may exchange its shares of IGT common stock for the merger consideration.
Upon surrender of a certificate (or an affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) for cancellation to the exchange agent and delivery of a duly executed letter of transmittal in proper form, the record holder of such shares will be entitled to receive the merger consideration. No interest will be paid or accrue on any cash payable upon surrender of any IGT share certificate or book-entry share.
If any certificate representing GTECH ordinary shares or IGT common stock will have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the exchange agent or Holdco, as applicable, will issue the merger consideration as contemplated by the Merger Agreement upon the making of an affidavit by the holder claiming such certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by the exchange agent in its reasonable discretion, the posting by such person of a bond in a customary amount or delivery of a customary indemnity agreement, as indemnity against any claim with respect to such certificate.
If the Holdco Merger is consummated, each GTECH ordinary share outstanding immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time and held by a holder who has exercised and perfected his or her rescission rights in accordance with Italian law (the "GTECH Rescission Shares") to have such shares reallocated to other shareholders or third parties who have purchased such GTECH ordinary shares in accordance with Article 2437-quater of the Italian Civil Code, will be converted into or exchanged for one Holdco ordinary share, and such Holdco ordinary share will be promptly allotted to such other shareholders or third parties. The holders of GTECH Rescission Shares will be entitled to receive an amount of cash per GTECH ordinary share to the extent required by Article 2437-quater (3) of the Italian Civil Code.
Treatment of GTECH Equity Awards
Stock Options. At the Holdco Merger Effective Time, each stock option to acquire GTECH ordinary shares based on the value thereof granted under any GTECH stock plan that is outstanding immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time will be converted into an option, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the GTECH stock option prior to the Holdco Merger based on that number of Holdco ordinary shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the number of GTECH ordinary shares subject to GTECH stock option immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time by (ii) the Holdco Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per share equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the per share exercise price specified in the stock option immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time by (B) the Holdco Exchange Ratio.
Restricted Share Awards. At the Holdco Merger Effective Time, each GTECH ordinary share subject to vesting or other lapse restrictions pursuant to the GTECH stock plan immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time will be converted into the right to receive a number of Holdco ordinary shares equal to the Holdco Exchange Ratio, subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the GTECH restricted share award prior to the Holdco Merger.
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Treatment of IGT Equity Awards
Under the Merger Agreement, awards outstanding under IGT's stock plans as of the IGT Merger Effective Time will be treated as follows:
Stock Options. At the IGT Merger Effective Time, each outstanding unvested IGT stock option will fully vest and each outstanding IGT stock option will be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment equal to the product of (i) the total number of shares subject to such stock option and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Cash Amount over the exercise price per share of such stock option. Any IGT stock option that has a per-share exercise price that is greater than the Cash Amount will be cancelled for no consideration. The "Cash Amount" is equal to the sum of (a) the Per Share Cash Amount and (b) the product of the Exchange Ratio and the GTECH Trading Price.
Restricted Stock Units. At the IGT Merger Effective Time, except as noted below, each outstanding award of IGT restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units) will fully vest and be cancelled in exchange for an amount equal to the product of (i) the number of shares subject to such award (which, in the case of performance-based restricted stock units, will be based on performance measures achieved or deemed achieved as of the IGT Merger Effective Time), and (ii) the Cash Amount. Restricted stock unit awards granted between July 1, 2013 and July 15, 2014 (other than grants to non-employee directors or to employees who will become retirement-eligible prior to the final year of the award cycle) as well as certain awards granted after July 15, 2014 will be converted into a time-vested award with respect to Holdco ordinary shares, based on the Exchange Ratio and the performance measures achieved or deemed achieved as of the IGT Merger Effective Time, and vest on the earlier of (x) the date such award would have otherwise vested pursuant to the original terms of the award agreement and (y) the first anniversary of the closing of the Mergers, subject to the employee's continued employment through the applicable vesting date (or upon a qualifying termination of employment prior to that date).
Representations and Warranties
The Merger Agreement contains representations and warranties that IGT, on the one hand, and GTECH, on the other hand, have made to each other as of specific dates. These representations and warranties have been made for the benefit of the other parties to the Merger Agreement and may be intended not as statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be incorrect. In addition, the assertions embodied in the representations and warranties are qualified by information in confidential disclosure letters provided by IGT to GTECH, on the one hand, and provided by GTECH to IGT, on the other hand, delivered in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement. While the parties do not believe that these disclosure letters contain information required to be publicly disclosed under the applicable securities laws (other than information that has already been so disclosed), the disclosure letters do contain information that modifies, qualifies and creates exceptions to the representations and warranties set forth in the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, you should not rely on the representations and warranties as current characterizations of factual information about IGT or GTECH since they were made as of specific dates, may be intended merely as risk allocation mechanisms between IGT and GTECH and are modified in important part by the confidential disclosure letters.
The representations and warranties from IGT to GTECH, on the one hand, and from GTECH to IGT, on the other hand, include the following:
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In addition, IGT made certain additional representations and warranties to GTECH in relation to the following:
GTECH also made certain additional representations and warranties to IGT in relation to the following:
Many of the representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement are qualified by a "materiality" or "material adverse effect" standard. Subject to certain exclusions (which are summarized below), for purposes of the Merger Agreement, a material adverse effect means, when used in reference to IGT or GTECH, any change, development, circumstance, event, occurrence or effect that, when considered either individually or in the aggregate together with all other effects, is materially adverse to the financial condition, business, assets or results of operations of IGT or GTECH, respectively, and their subsidiaries, taken as a whole; provided, however, that none of the following effects or any effects resulting therefrom, individually or in the aggregate with all other effects, will be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, a material adverse effect on the applicable company:
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The exceptions described in the third and seventh bullets above will not prevent the underlying causes of any such change, decline or failure referred to therein (if not otherwise falling within any of the exceptions described above) from constituting a material adverse effect or being taken into account in determining whether a material adverse effect has occurred. Any effect referred to in the second, fifth, ninth and eleventh bullets above may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would be, a material adverse effect to the extent that such effect has a disproportionate adverse effect on the applicable company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other participants in the principal industries in which such company and its subsidiaries operate.
The representations and warranties of each of the parties to the Merger Agreement do not survive the effective time of the Mergers.
In the Merger Agreement, IGT has agreed that until the IGT Merger Effective Time, subject to certain specified exceptions, and unless GTECH consents in writing (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), IGT will, and will cause its subsidiaries to:
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In addition, without limiting the foregoing and subject to certain specified exceptions, IGT has agreed that until the IGT Merger Effective Time, it will not, and will not permit any of its subsidiaries to, do any of the following without the prior written consent of GTECH (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned):
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that is prepayable at any time without penalty or premium, in an amount not to exceed $20 million in the aggregate or (c) borrowings permitted in relation to the payment of a special dividend;
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In the Merger Agreement, GTECH, Holdco and Sub have agreed that until the IGT Merger Effective Time, they will not, and will not permit any of their respective subsidiaries to, take or agree to take any action that would:
In addition, GTECH has agreed, subject to certain specified exceptions, that, until the Holdco Merger Effective Time, GTECH will not, and will not permit any subsidiary to, do any of the following without the prior written consent of IGT (which consent will not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned):
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options or tax withholdings on the vesting or payment of stock unit awards or any other stock plans;
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, GTECH US has agreed to unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the due, prompt and faithful payment by GTECH of all amounts required to be paid by GTECH pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, IGT agreed to immediately cease any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any person with respect to any acquisition proposal. IGT further agreed that, until the IGT Merger Effective Time, it would not:
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Notwithstanding these general prohibitions, subject to certain conditions, if at any time prior to the approval of the Merger Agreement by the IGT shareholders, IGT receives a bona fide written acquisition proposal from a third party and the IGT Board determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside financial advisors and outside counsel) that such acquisition proposal constitutes or would reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal and the third party making such a proposal executes a confidentiality agreement having provisions that are no less favorable in the aggregate to IGT than those contained in the confidentiality agreement entered into between IGT and GTECH, IGT may:
IGT also has agreed to promptly advise GTECH of the receipt of an acquisition proposal and provide a summary of the proposed material terms and conditions of such acquisition proposal or the nature of any request for nonpublic information (including the identity of the person making the acquisition proposal or request for nonpublic information), and keep GTECH reasonably informed of any material change to the material terms or conditions thereof. IGT also has agreed to as promptly as practicable (and in any event within 24 hours) provide GTECH with any material information concerning IGT or its subsidiaries provided or made available to such other person (or its representatives) that was not previously provided or made available to GTECH.
Throughout this proxy statement/prospectus, an "acquisition proposal" means any proposal or offer (other than a proposal or offer by GTECH or its subsidiaries) made by any person or group relating to, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, any direct or indirect (i) acquisition (whether by merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, equity investment, joint venture or otherwise) by any person or group (or the shareholders of any person) of more than 20% of the assets of IGT and its subsidiaries (based on the fair market value thereof), taken as a whole, or assets comprising 20% or more of the consolidated revenues or EBITDA of IGT and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, including in any such case through the acquisition of one or more IGT subsidiaries; or (ii) acquisition in any manner (including through a tender offer or exchange offer) by any person or group of more than 20% of the issued and outstanding shares of IGT common stock.
Throughout this proxy statement/prospectus, a "superior proposal" means a bona fide written acquisition proposal (with all percentages in the definition of acquisition proposal increased to 50%) made by any person or group on terms that the IGT Board determines in good faith, after consultation with outside financial advisors and outside counsel, and considering such factors as the IGT Board
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considers appropriate (including the conditionality and the timing and likelihood of consummation of such proposal), are more favorable from a financial point of view to IGT than the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, after giving effect to all adjustments to the terms thereof that may be offered by GTECH in writing, after GTECH's receipt of notice of an intention by the IGT Board to change its recommendation to the IGT shareholders to approve the Merger Agreement or terminate the Merger Agreement, as described below.
Subject to the exceptions discussed below, under the terms of the Merger Agreement, neither the IGT Board nor any committee of the IGT Board may authorize, approve or recommend, or publicly propose to authorize, approve or recommend, any acquisition proposal, or withhold, qualify or withdraw (or modify or amend in a manner adverse to GTECH), or publicly propose to withhold, qualify or withdraw (or modify or amend, in a manner adverse to GTECH), the recommendation of the IGT Board that IGT shareholders approve the Merger Agreement or execute or enter into, or cause or allow IGT or any of its subsidiaries to execute or enter into, any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement or other similar agreement relating to any acquisition proposal (other than a permitted confidentiality agreement) or requiring the Company to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the IGT shareholders' approval of the Merger Agreement, the IGT Board may authorize, approve or recommend, or publicly propose to authorize, approve or recommend, any acquisition proposal, or withhold, qualify or withdraw (or modify or amend in a manner adverse to GTECH), or publicly propose to withhold, qualify or withdraw (or modify or amend, in a manner adverse to GTECH), the recommendation of the IGT Board that IGT shareholders approve the Merger Agreement, or the IGT Board may cause IGT to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal which was not solicited in violation of the non-solicitation obligation described above in "No Solicitation of TransactionsIGT," and terminate the Merger Agreement, if:
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In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the IGT shareholders' approval of the Merger Agreement, the IGT Board may authorize, approve or recommend, or publicly propose to authorize, approve or recommend, any acquisition proposal, or withhold, qualify or withdraw (or modify or amend in a manner adverse to GTECH), or publicly propose to withhold, qualify or withdraw (or modify or amend, in a manner adverse to GTECH), the recommendation of the IGT Board that IGT shareholders approve the Merger Agreement in response to an intervening event, if:
Throughout this proxy statement/prospectus, an "intervening event" means a material event, development, occurrence, state of facts or change that was not known to the IGT Board on the date of the Merger Agreement, which event, development, occurrence, state of facts or change becomes known to the IGT Board before the IGT shareholder approval of the Merger Agreement is obtained, other than:
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, GTECH has agreed to cease any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any persons that may be ongoing with respect to any GTECH acquisition proposal. GTECH further agreed that, until the Holdco Merger Effective Time, it would not and would cause its subsidiaries not to:
GTECH further agreed to promptly advise IGT of any GTECH acquisition proposal, provide a reasonably detailed summary of the material terms and conditions of such proposal and keep IGT
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reasonably informed of any material change to the material terms or conditions of any such proposal (including the identity of any person making such proposal).
Throughout this proxy statement/prospectus, a "GTECH acquisition proposal" means any acquisition proposal with respect to GTECH (other than a proposal or offer by IGT or its subsidiaries or the Italian reorganization described in the confidential disclosure letters).
The GTECH Board has agreed to propose the Holdco Merger for approval at the meeting of GTECH shareholders called to approve the Holdco Merger.
In order to facilitate the completion of the Mergers, the parties to the Merger Agreement, subject to certain exceptions, have agreed:
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From and after the completion of the Mergers, Holdco and IGT will, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, indemnify and hold harmless (and advance any expenses incurred, provided that the person receiving such advancement undertakes to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined such person was not entitled to indemnification), each of GTECH's and IGT's and its respective subsidiaries' present and former directors, officers and employees against any costs or expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, liabilities and settlement amounts incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or related to such person's service as a director, officer or employee of GTECH or IGT or any of their subsidiaries at or prior to the completion of the Mergers.
For a period of six years after completion of the Mergers, the articles of association, articles of incorporation and by-laws of Holdco and IGT and their respective subsidiaries will contain provisions no less favorable with respect to exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses to directors, officers and employees than those set forth in GTECH's and IGT's and their respective subsidiaries' articles of incorporation, by-laws or other equivalent organizational documents as of the date of the Merger Agreement, except as may be required by applicable law. The contractual indemnification rights, if any, existing at the time of the completion of the Mergers, of the directors, officers and employees of GTECH and IGT will be assumed by Holdco and IGT and will continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms following the completion of the Mergers.
Prior to completion of the Mergers, IGT and GTECH will be permitted and, if IGT or GTECH are unable to, Holdco will or will cause IGT following the completion of the Mergers to, as applicable, purchase a six-year prepaid "tail" directors' and officers' liability insurance and indemnification policy, with coverage for a period of six years from the completion of the Mergers for events occurring prior to the completion of the Mergers, that is no less favorable in the aggregate than IGT's existing policies, as the case may be, except as may be required by law and subject to a cap of 300% of the annual premiums paid by GTECH or IGT, as the case may be, for such coverage on the date of the Merger Agreement. In the event the annual premiums necessary to provide such coverage exceed 300% of the premium paid as of the date of the Merger Agreement, Holdco or IGT will obtain a policy with the greatest amount of coverage available for a cost not to exceed such amount.
In the event either Holdco or IGT (or both) later consolidates with or merges into another person, or transfer all or substantially all of its assets to another person, proper provision will be made such that the surviving company will assume the indemnification and insurance obligations of Holdco and/or IGT set forth in the Merger Agreement.
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Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, GTECH has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to arrange and obtain the debt financing on the terms and conditions described in the debt commitment letter. If any portion of the debt financing expires or otherwise becomes unavailable on the terms and conditions contemplated in the debt commitment letter, GTECH has agreed to use reasonable best efforts to seek alternative financing on terms and conditions that are at least as favorable, with respect to enforceability, financing structure and conditionality, to GTECH and IGT in the aggregate as those contemplated in the debt commitment letter.
Pursuant to the terms of, and subject to the limitations in, the Merger Agreement, IGT has agreed to (a) use, and cause its subsidiaries to use, reasonable best efforts to provide GTECH with all cooperation reasonably requested by GTECH in connection with the debt financing and (b) take all reasonable actions solely in its control to effect the repayment in full on the closing date of the Mergers (the "Closing Date") of all obligations outstanding under, and to terminate, its amended and restated credit agreement.
Prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time, GTECH generally cannot incur further indebtedness, except for (i) debt contemplated by the debt commitment letter (or a permitted replacement), (ii) borrowings in the ordinary course of business and (iii) debt used to fund permitted acquisitions.
Prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time, IGT generally cannot incur further indebtedness, except for (i) borrowings in the ordinary course of business under its existing credit facilities, (ii) indebtedness for borrowed money up to $20 million that is prepayable at any time without penalty or premium and (iii) borrowings to fund the special dividend described below.
From and after the IGT Merger Effective Time and for a period ending on the first anniversary of the IGT Merger Effective Time, Holdco will provide or cause its subsidiaries to provide (i) base salary, wages and commission opportunities to each individual who is an employee of IGT or its subsidiaries immediately prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time at a rate that is no less favorable than the rate of base salary, wages or commission opportunities provided to the continuing IGT employee immediately prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time, (ii) an annual bonus opportunity to each continuing IGT employee that is not less favorable than the annual bonus opportunity provided to the continuing IGT employee immediately prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time, (iii) severance benefits to each continuing IGT employee that are no less favorable than the severance benefits provided to the continuing IGT employee immediately prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time, and (iv) other compensation and benefits (including paid-time off) to each continuing IGT employee that are substantially comparable, in the aggregate, to the other compensation and benefits provided to the continuing IGT employee immediately prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time (excluding any retention arrangements implemented in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or on or after July 15, 2014).
For all purposes (including for purposes of determining eligibility to participate, level of benefits, vesting and benefit accruals) under any employee benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement maintained by Holdco or any of its subsidiaries, including any vacation, paid time off and severance plans (to the extent applicable), each continuing IGT employee's service with or otherwise credited by IGT or its subsidiaries will be treated as service with Holdco or any of its subsidiaries; however, such service will not be recognized to the extent that such recognition would result in any duplication of benefits or for purposes of benefit accruals under any defined benefit pension plan. In addition, Holdco will, or will cause its subsidiaries to waive, or cause to be waived, any pre-existing condition, limitations, exclusions, actively-at-work requirements and waiting periods under any welfare benefit plan maintained by Holdco or any of its subsidiaries in which continuing IGT employees (and their eligible dependents)
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will be eligible to participate from and after the IGT Merger Effective Time, except to the extent that such pre-existing condition limitations, exclusions, actively-at-work requirements and waiting periods would not have been satisfied or waived under the comparable IGT benefit plan immediately prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Holdco will, or will cause its subsidiaries, to recognize, or cause to be recognized, the dollar amount of all co-payments, deductibles and similar expenses incurred by each continuing IGT employee (and his or her eligible dependents) during the calendar year in which the IGT Merger Effective Time occurs for purposes of satisfying such year's deductible, co-payment and out-of-pocket maximum limitations under the relevant welfare benefit plans in which the continuing IGT employee (and his or her eligible dependents) will be eligible to participate from and after the IGT Merger Effective Time.
Effective as of February 28, 2015 (the last day of the purchase period pending as of the date of the Merger Agreement), IGT will suspend all payroll deductions under IGT's employee stock purchase plan such that no shares of IGT common stock may be purchased with respect to purchase periods beginning on or after July 15, 2014. As of the IGT Merger Effective Time, the IGT Employee Stock Purchase Plan will terminate.
Prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time, IGT may, in consultation with GTECH, implement a retention plan for the benefit of employees of IGT and its subsidiaries, which will provide for cash- and equity-based retention benefits to such employees in an aggregate amount not to exceed $35 million. Cash-based awards granted pursuant to the retention plan will vest on the Closing Date, subject to the award recipient's continuous employment with IGT or its subsidiaries through that date. Equity-based awards granted pursuant to the retention plan will be in the form of time-vesting IGT restricted stock unit awards that will vest on the Closing Date, subject to the award recipient's continuous employment with IGT or its subsidiaries through that date, and will be cancelled at the IGT Merger Effective Time on the terms described above in "Treatment of IGT Equity Awards." GTECH has agreed to consider in good faith any request by IGT subsequent to the date of the Merger Agreement to increase the amount reserved under the retention plan.
IGT is authorized to declare one or more special cash dividends, shares repurchases or redemptions (such aggregate amount, the "special dividend"), provided that the amount of the special dividend that is funded through the incurrence of indebtedness may not exceed the amount of indebtedness that IGT is able to incur as a standalone company without giving effect to the IGT Merger.
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, IGT will use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that any indebtedness incurred to fund the special dividend is first funded from existing IGT credit facilities. To the extent that additional funding is required for the special dividend, IGT may incur additional indebtedness, provided that such additional indebtedness is prepayable without penalty or premium and would not materially impair the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the incurrence of such additional indebtedness will be subject to GTECH's review and consent (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld). As described above, the merger consideration to be received by holders of IGT common stock in the IGT Merger will be reduced on a dollar for dollar basis with respect to any amounts received by such holders pursuant to the special dividend.
Prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, Holdco and GTECH will take all actions within their power as may be necessary to cause (x) the number of directors constituting the Holdco Board as of the effective times of the Mergers to be 13, and (y) the Holdco Board as of the effective times of the
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Mergers, and for a period of three (3) years thereafter, to include (i) the Chief Executive Officer of GTECH, (ii) five (5) IGT directors as of the date of the Merger Agreement designated by IGT prior to the effective time of the Mergers (at least four (4) of whom will meet the independence standards of the NYSE) and which will include the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of IGT, (iii) six (6) directors designated by De Agostini (at least three (3) of whom will meet the independence standards of the NYSE) and (iv) one (1) director to be mutually agreed to by GTECH and IGT (who will meet the independence standards of the NYSE applicable to non-controlled domestic U.S. issuers). Holdco will take all actions within its power to elect the foregoing persons to a term concluding at the third anniversary of the IGT Merger Effective Time.
Prior to the effective times of the Mergers, Holdco will take all actions as may be necessary to cause the Chief Executive Officer of GTECH as of immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Holdco immediately following the Holdco Merger Effective Time; the Chairman of the IGT Board immediately prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time to serve as the Chairman of the Holdco Board for a period of three (3) years following the IGT Merger Effective Time; the Chief Executive Officer of IGT immediately prior to the IGT Merger Effective Time to serve as a Vice Chairman of the Holdco Board for a period of three (3) years following the IGT Merger Effective Time; and one (1) of the directors designated by De Agostini to serve as a Vice Chairman of the Holdco Board for a period of three (3) years following the Holdco Merger Effective Time.
For as long as the Holdco ordinary shares are listed on the NYSE, Holdco will comply with all NYSE corporate governance standards applicable to non-controlled domestic U.S. issuers, regardless of whether Holdco is a foreign private issuer.
The Merger Agreement contains certain other covenants and agreements, including covenants relating to:
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Each party's obligation to effect the Mergers is subject to satisfaction, or waiver by such party, where permitted by applicable law, at or prior to the closing of the Mergers, of the following conditions:
In addition, IGT's obligation to effect the IGT Merger is subject to satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions:
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transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and brokers' fees), must be true and correct without regard to materiality or material adverse effect qualifiers contained within such representations and warranties as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the Closing Date, with the same effect as if made as of the Closing Date (except to the extent expressly made as of a specific date, in which case as of such specific date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on GTECH;
The obligations of GTECH, Holdco and Sub to effect the Mergers are further subject to the satisfaction or waiver by GTECH of the following additional conditions:
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opinion of Morgan Stanley, anti-takeover provisions, vote required to approve the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, absence of dissenters' rights and brokers' fees) must be true and correct, without regard to materiality or material adverse effect qualifiers contained within such representations and warranties, as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the Closing Date, with the same effect as if made as of the Closing Date (except to the extent expressly made as of a specific date, in which case as of such specific date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on IGT;
The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, whether before or after receipt of the IGT or GTECH shareholder approvals, as follows:
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date is the result of such party having materially breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements under the Merger Agreement;
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Agreement and prior to the Closing Date, be treated as a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes as of or after the Closing Date; or
All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Agreement and the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement generally are to be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses, except that GTECH will be responsible for certain expenses associated with antitrust and gaming approvals, the NYSE listing application and the printing, filing and mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus and the registration statement of which it forms a part and other disclosure documents, provided that IGT must reimburse such expenses if the Merger Agreement is terminated by GTECH because of an uncured breach of the Merger Agreement by IGT that gives rise to the failure of certain conditions to Closing. GTECH (and following the Mergers, Holdco) is also required to pay all transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration and other similar taxes incurred in connection with the Mergers.
In the event the Merger Agreement is terminated in the following circumstances, IGT must pay GTECH a termination fee of $135,317,000:
In the event the Merger Agreement is terminated in the following circumstances, GTECH must pay IGT a termination fee of $270,634,000:
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(9) months after the termination of the Merger Agreement, GTECH entered into a definitive agreement with respect to or consummated any GTECH acquisition proposal; provided that "GTECH acquisition proposal" in this context will have the meaning described above in "CovenantsNo Solicitation of TransactionsGTECH," except that all percentages therein will be changed to 50%;
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related to the special voting shares; (b) the NYSE authorization for the listing of the Holdco ordinary shares occurs on a date that prevents the satisfaction of any of the other conditions to Closing prior to the termination date (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing and the delay in obtaining such authorization results solely from the existence of any provision of the Holdco articles of association related to the special voting shares); or (c) a governmental entity of competent jurisdiction has issued a final and non-appealable law that (i) prohibits, enjoins or otherwise prevents either of the Mergers solely as a result of any of the provisions of the Holdco Articles related to the special voting shares or (ii) renders the issuance of special voting shares illegal, or prohibits, enjoins or otherwise prevents the issuance of the special voting shares.
In addition, GTECH must pay IGT a termination fee of $135,317,000 if the Merger Agreement is terminated by GTECH because Holdco would, as a result of the adoption, implementation, promulgation, repeal, modification, amendment or change of any applicable law following the date of the Merger Agreement and prior to the Closing, be treated as a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes as of or after the Closing.
Under the HSR Act, GTECH and IGT cannot complete the Mergers until they have filed certain information and materials with the FTC and the Antitrust Division and the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act has expired or been terminated. IGT and GTECH filed their respective notification and report forms under the HSR Act with the FTC and the Antitrust Division on July 29, 2014, and the antitrust agencies granted early termination of the applicable waiting period on August 8, 2014. Clearances and consents or the expiration or termination of applicable waiting periods under competition laws in Canada and Colombia also are conditions to the Mergers. On September 26, 2014, the applicable waiting period expired under the competition laws of Canada, and on October 6, 2014, the Commissioner issued a no-action letter. On September 15, 2014, GTECH and IGT received notification from the competition authorities in Colombia of closing of the review of the transaction.
In addition, the parties have agreed that receipt of gaming approvals from 23 jurisdictions is a condition to the completion of the Mergers. In addition to the jurisdictions identified by the parties as conditions to the completion of the Mergers, either IGT or GTECH may make further filings with gaming regulators in various jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law, but the expiration of any waiting periods, or receipt of any required approvals, in connection with such filings will not be conditions to the completion of the Mergers. GTECH may under certain circumstances waive the condition relating to any such required gaming approval on behalf of both GTECH and IGT if completion of the Mergers in the absence of such required gaming approvals would not constitute a violation of applicable law on the written advice of outside counsel reasonably satisfactory to IGT and GTECH.
Modification or Amendment; Waiver of Conditions
At any time prior to the effective times of the Mergers, any provision of the Merger Agreement may be amended by written agreement signed by each of the parties to the Merger Agreement. However, after the IGT or GTECH shareholders have approved the Merger Agreement, no amendment to the Merger Agreement, that, under applicable law or stock exchange rules, requires further approval by either IGT shareholders or GTECH shareholders may be made without the approval of the IGT and/or GTECH shareholders, as applicable. Certain sections of the Merger Agreement also may not be amended, modified, waived or terminated in a manner that is materially adverse to the interest of GTECH's financing sources without the prior written consent of the financing sources.
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The Merger Agreement generally is not intended to confer upon any person other than IGT, GTECH, Holdco, Sub and GTECH US any benefit or remedy, other than the right of IGT and GTECH shareholders and holders of certain equity awards of GTECH and IGT to receive payment in respect thereof upon the Closing in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, the rights of specified directors, officers and employees of GTECH and IGT to certain indemnification and insurance following the Closing and certain rights provided to the financing sources of GTECH in the Merger Agreement.
IGT and GTECH have agreed that IGT and GTECH will be entitled to an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of the Merger Agreement by the other parties and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of the Merger Agreement, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled. However, a party will not be entitled to both specific performance and the payment of any termination fee described above under "Expenses and Termination Fees."
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THE SUPPORT AND VOTING AGREEMENTS
In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, on July 15, 2014, IGT entered into a support agreement (the "Support Agreement"), with De Agostini S.p.A. and DeA Partecipazioni S.p.A., GTECH's largest shareholders (collectively, "De Agostini"). The Support Agreement requires that, at any meeting of the GTECH shareholders at which the approval of the Merger Agreement, the Mergers or any other transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement is to be voted upon, De Agostini vote all of the GTECH ordinary shares owned in favor of such matters and any other actions that are necessary or desirable in furtherance of the Mergers or any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and against any competing GTECH acquisition proposal or any amendment to the by-laws or articles of association of GTECH or any other proposal or transaction that would impede, frustrate, prevent or nullify any provision of the Merger Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated thereby, or change in any manner the voting rights of the GTECH ordinary shares. The Support Agreement also prohibits De Agostini from transferring any of the covered GTECH ordinary shares prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time or acquiring any GTECH ordinary shares for which existing GTECH shareholders exercise their rescission rights in connection with the Holdco Merger. The Support Agreement also requires De Agostini and its representatives to cease and refrain from any solicitations, discussions, or negotiations regarding a competing GTECH acquisition proposal.
De Agostini's obligations under the Support Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (1) the Holdco Merger Effective Time, (2) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, and (3) any amendment to the Merger Agreement that (x) increases the merger consideration to be received by IGT shareholders or (y) modifies, in a manner adverse to De Agostini, the rights associated with the special voting shares, in the case of each of clauses (x) and (y), without the prior written consent of De Agostini.
In addition to the Support Agreement, in connection with the Merger Agreement, on July 15, 2014, IGT entered into a voting agreement (the "Voting Agreement") with De Agostini. The Voting Agreement requires that, from and after the Holdco Merger Effective Time until the three-year anniversary of the IGT Merger Effective Time, De Agostini will vote all of the Holdco ordinary shares then owned in favor of any proposal or action so as to effect and preserve the board and executive officer composition of Holdco in place immediately following the Mergers, as described above in the section entitled "The Merger AgreementCovenantsCorporate Governance Matters." Pursuant to the Voting Agreement, De Agostini is restricted from transferring any covered Holdco ordinary shares (i) to any affiliate prior to the three-year anniversary of the IGT Merger Effective Time, unless the affiliate agrees to be bound by the Voting Agreement, or (ii) to any other person prior to the two-month anniversary of the IGT Merger Effective Time.
The Voting Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (1) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, (2) any amendment to the Merger Agreement that (x) increases the merger consideration to be received by IGT shareholders or (y) modifies, in a manner adverse to De Agostini, the rights associated with the special voting shares, in the case of each of clauses (x) and (y), without the prior written consent of De Agostini, and (3) three (3) years after the IGT Merger Effective Time. All determinations regarding any dispute between Holdco, IGT and De Agostini following the effective times of the Mergers will be made by a committee of independent directors of Holdco who are not directors, officers or employees of De Agostini.
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The foregoing description of the Support and Voting Agreements does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Support Agreement and Voting Agreement, copies of which are incorporated by reference and attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annexes C and D, respectively.
Board of Directors' Recommendation
THE IGT BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
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PROPOSAL 2AUTHORITY TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING
If at the special meeting, the IGT Board determines it is necessary or appropriate to adjourn the special meeting, IGT intends to move to adjourn the special meeting. For example, the IGT Board may make such a determination if the number of shares of IGT common stock represented and voting in favor of the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement at the special meeting is insufficient to approve that proposal under the NRS, in order to enable the IGT Board to solicit additional votes in respect of such proposal. If the IGT Board determines that it is necessary or appropriate, it will ask IGT shareholders to vote only upon the proposal to adjourn the special meeting and not the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement.
In this proposal, IGT shareholders are asked to authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by the IGT Board to vote in favor of the proposal to adjourn the special meeting to another time and place. If the IGT shareholders approve the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, IGT could adjourn the special meeting and any adjourned session of the special meeting and use the additional time to solicit additional votes, including the solicitation of votes from IGT shareholders that have previously voted. Among other things, approval of the proposal to adjourn the special meeting could mean that, even if proxies representing a sufficient number of votes against the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement were received to defeat that proposal, the special meeting could be adjourned without a vote on the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement and IGT could seek to convince the holders of those shares of IGT common stock to change their votes to votes in favor of the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement.
Board of Directors' Recommendation
THE IGT BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING.
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PROPOSAL 3ADVISORY VOTE ON MERGER-RELATED COMPENSATION FOR IGT'S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
This section sets forth the information required by Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K regarding the compensation for each named executive officer of IGT that is based on or otherwise relates to the IGT Merger. This compensation is referred to as "golden parachute" compensation by the applicable SEC disclosure rules, and in this section we use such term to describe the merger-related compensation payable to IGT's named executive officers. The "golden parachute" compensation payable to IGT's named executive officers is subject to a non-binding advisory vote of IGT shareholders, as described in this section. This section also includes the merger-related compensation payable to William H. Daugherty, an executive officer of IGT but not a named executive officer for purposes of the advisory vote on golden parachute compensation.
The amounts set forth below have been calculated assuming (1) that the Mergers are completed on March 31, 2015 and, where applicable, that each executive officer experiences a qualifying termination of employment as of March 31, 2015, and (2) a per share price of IGT common stock of $17.06, the average closing price per share of IGT's common stock over the first five business days following the announcement of the Merger Agreement. The table below, however, does not include any amounts with respect to certain equity awards that are now unvested but are scheduled to vest pursuant to the terms of the equity award on or prior to December 31, 2014, independent of the occurrence of the Mergers. Depending on when the Mergers occur, certain equity awards that are now unvested and included in the table below may vest pursuant to the terms of the equity awards based upon the completion of continued service with IGT or the prior achievement of performance goals, in either case, independent of the occurrence of the Mergers. For further information regarding the consideration to be received in settlement of equity-based awards, see "The Merger AgreementMerger ConsiderationIGT Common Stock Consideration"
The amounts indicated below are estimates of amounts that would be payable to the executive officers, and such estimates are based on multiple assumptions that may or may not actually occur, including assumptions described in this proxy statement/prospectus. Some of the assumptions are based on information not currently available and, as a result, the actual amounts, if any, to be received by any executive officer may differ in material respects from the amounts set forth below. All dollar amounts set forth below have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
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Golden Parachute Payments (1)
Executive Officer
|
Cash (2)(3) | Equity (4) |
Perquisites/
Benefits (5) |
Other | Total | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patti S. Hart |
$ | 8,950,000 | $ | 10,904,241 | $ | 27,795 | | $ | 19,882,036 | |||||||
Chief Executive Officer |
||||||||||||||||
John M. Vandemore |
$ | 2,007,500 | $ | 2,168,702 | $ | 20,267 | | $ | 4,196,468 | |||||||
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
||||||||||||||||
Eric A. Berg (6) |
| | | | | |||||||||||
Chief Operations Officer |
||||||||||||||||
Eric P. Tom |
$ | 1,417,000 | $ | 2,034,832 | $ | 20,267 | | $ | 3,472,099 | |||||||
EVP Global Sales |
||||||||||||||||
Paul C. Gracey, Jr. |
$ | 1,261,875 | $ | 1,217,111 | $ | 20,267 | | $ | 2,499,254 | |||||||
General Counsel and Secretary |
||||||||||||||||
William H. Daugherty (7) |
$ | 837,500 | $ | 734,075 | | | $ | 1,571,575 | ||||||||
SVP and General Manager DoubleDown |
||||||||||||||||
Interactive |
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accelerated vesting and cancellation of unvested stock options and restricted stock units held by each of the executive officers is summarized in the following table:
Named Executive Officer
|
Unvested
Time-Based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) (#)* |
Unvested
Time-Based RSUs ($)* |
Unvested
Performance- Based RSUs (#)** |
Unvested
Performance- Based RSUs ($)** |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patti S. Hart |
268,475 | $ | 4,580,184 | 370,695 | $ | 6,324,057 | |||||||
John M. Vandemore |
56,311 |
$ |
960,666 |
70,811 |
$ |
1,208,036 |
|||||||
Eric A. Berg |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Eric P. Tom |
52,964 |
$ |
903,566 |
66,311 |
$ |
1,131,266 |
|||||||
Paul C. Gracey, Jr. |
47,236 |
$ |
805,846 |
24,107 |
$ |
411,265 |
|||||||
William H. Daugherty |
43,029 |
$ |
734,075 |
|
|
Merger-Related Compensation Proposal
Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and Rule 14a-21(c) of the Exchange Act, IGT is seeking shareholder approval of a non-binding advisory proposal to approve the compensation of IGT's named executive officers that is based on or otherwise relates to the IGT Merger as disclosed above in this section. The non-binding advisory proposal gives
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IGT shareholders the opportunity to express their views on the merger-related compensation of IGT's named executive officers.
Accordingly, IGT is requesting shareholders to adopt the following resolution, on a non-binding advisory basis:
"RESOLVED, that the compensation that may be paid or become payable to IGT's named executive officers, in connection with the IGT Merger, and the agreements or understandings pursuant to which such compensation may be paid or become payable, in each case as disclosed pursuant to Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K in "Advisory Vote on Merger-Related Compensation for IGT's Named Executive OfficersGolden Parachute Compensation," are hereby APPROVED."
Vote Required and IGT Board Recommendation
The vote on this non-binding advisory proposal is a vote separate and apart from the vote to approve the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, you may vote not to approve this non-binding, advisory proposal on merger-related executive compensation and vote to approve the Merger Agreement and vice versa. Because the vote is advisory in nature, it will not be binding on IGT, regardless of whether the Merger Agreement is approved. Approval of the non-binding advisory proposal with respect to the compensation that may be received by IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger is not a condition to closing of the IGT Merger, and failure to approve this advisory matter will have no effect on the vote to approve the Merger Agreement. Because the merger-related executive compensation to be paid in connection with the IGT Merger is almost entirely based on contractual arrangements with the named executive officers, such compensation will be payable, regardless of the outcome of this advisory vote, if the Merger Agreement is approved (subject only to the contractual conditions applicable thereto) and the IGT Merger is completed.
The advisory vote on the compensation that may be received by IGT's named executive officers in connection with the IGT Merger will be approved if a majority of the votes cast on such proposal vote "FOR" such proposal.
Board of Directors' Recommendation
THE IGT BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE NON-BINDING ADVISORY PROPOSAL TO APPROVE CERTAIN COMPENSATION FOR IGT'S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE IGT MERGER.
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BUSINESS OF HOLDCO AND CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT HOLDCO
According to the terms of the Merger Agreement, GTECH and IGT will combine and group their businesses under a new U.K. holding company, referred to as Holdco in this proxy statement/prospectus. Holdco is currently named Georgia Worldwide PLC, but it is expected that, prior to the completion of the Mergers, Holdco will be renamed to a name to be identified by GTECH. Upon the completion of the Mergers, GTECH will be merged with and into Holdco and become the parent company of IGT and will be listed on the NYSE. The combined company will have operating headquarters in Rome, Providence and Las Vegas. Holdco's Rome headquarters will be the current principal office of GTECH located at Viale del Campo Boario, 56/D, and its telephone number will be +39 06 51 899 1, which is the current telephone number of GTECH. Holdco's Providence headquarters will be the current headquarters of the U.S. operations of GTECH located at 10 Memorial Boulevard, Providence, RI, United States, and its telephone number will be is (401) 392-1000, which is the current telephone number of GTECH for the United States. Holdco's Las Vegas headquarters will be the current headquarters of IGT located at 6355 South Buffalo Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89113, United States, and its telephone number will be (702) 669-7777, which is the current telephone number of IGT.
The following is a diagram of Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries and associated companies including all U.S. regulated entities after completion of the combination and certain reorganization transactions (all subsidiaries majority owned, i.e ., between 50% and 100%, unless otherwise noted):
Information About Holdco Following the Combination
The information provided below pertains to Holdco following the completion of the Mergers. Following the Mergers, Holdco will serve as the holding company for GTECH and IGT, and, therefore, the information contained under "Business of GTECH and Certain Information about GTECH" and
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information on the business of IGT that is incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference should also be considered in understanding the business and operations of Holdco.
The following information should be read in conjunction with the Holdco Articles, and with relevant provisions of the laws of England and Wales. The form of the Holdco Articles will be available at Holdco's registered office in London during regular business hours. A copy of the form of Holdco Articles which will be the articles of association for Holdco following completion of the Mergers is also attached as Annex I to this document. It is possible, however, that changes to the Holdco Articles may be required following discussions with the SEC or other regulators. Holdco's current Articles are available at the Companies House at Crown Way, Cardiff CF14 3UZ, United Kingdom, or www.companieshouse.gov.uk.
For information about Holdco prior to the combination, see "Information about Holdco before the Combination" beginning on page [ ].
Competitive Strengths and Strategy of Holdco
The combined company is expected to create a leading end-to-end gaming company with significant positions across all gaming markets in the regulated worldwide gaming markets. The combination joins best-in-class content, operator capabilities, and interactive solutions, and combines IGT's game library and manufacturing and operating capabilities with GTECH's lottery and machine gaming operations and services.
The combined company will operate and provide a full range of services and will manufacture technology products across all gaming markets, including lotteries, machine gaming, sports betting, interactive games and social games. The combined company also expects to be a leading global service provider and manufacturer in the lottery and machine gaming markets and leading operator of social games. It will also provide high-volume processing of non-lottery commercial transactions. The combined company's state-of-the-art information technology platforms and software will enable distribution through land-based systems, Internet and mobile devices.
Holdco believes it will be positioned to maintain GTECH's global position in lotteries as it continues to operate in sophisticated lottery markets and provide and operate highly-secure, online lottery transaction processing systems to regulated markets and deliver technologically advanced instant game tickets and related services.
The combined company will seek to drive strong same store sales growth for its customers by extending IGT games and licensed brands to instant tickets. The combined company will also seek to expand its offering to include IGT eInstant games, and IGT social and interactive games for lotteries that seek to broaden their customer base and demographics through the online and mobile channels.
Each of IGT and GTECH designs, develops, manufactures and provides leading cabinets, games, systems and software to casinos in legal gaming markets throughout the world and to Native American casinos in the United States. Holdco believes it will be positioned to maintain market leadership by combining GTECH's innovative games and cabinet portfolios with IGT's unique content library and commercial and tribal casino operator relationships, and by combining IGT's casino systems leadership position with GTECH's cutting-edge interactive CRM platform to provide casinos with a holistic view of their players.
In addition, Holdco believes it will be positioned to continue to grow its amusement with prize ("AWP") machines and games distribution to operator customers in Europe by combining GTECH's strong games portfolio and customer base with IGT's licensed brands.
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Holdco also believes it will add to GTECH's existing gaming machine operator and retailer business, leveraging the combined companies' gaming technology solutions and unique and expansive content library.
IGT's DoubleDown Casino is one of the largest social casinos in the world and generates the highest rate of monetization for social users. Traditional IGT titles have been converted into some of the social casino industry's top performing games. Holdco will seek to continue to expand the distribution of its expanding library of games to a broader audience and to attract a younger demographic of players through DoubleDown's mobile and Facebook apps. It will also seek to continue to reduce time to market of traditional IGT and GTECH land-based games by using DoubleDown as a test bed.
Combining IGT's interactive casino content with GTECH's interactive lottery, poker, casino, bingo and sports betting products, GTECH's interactive CRM and player account management (PAM) solutions, and GTECH's mobile development capabilities and distribution, through its subsidiary, Probability, is expected to enable Holdco to provide interactive lottery and commercial customers with a customizable turnkey solution.
Holdco will have extensive sports betting operating experience through GTECH's "Better" and "Totosi" brands in Italy. It will also offer a modular sports betting platform to leading lotteries and commercial operators around the world. Holdco plans to continue to expand its geographical presence by supporting interactive operators and bidding on select government-sponsored opportunities.
GTECH's commercial services business consists of high-volume transaction processing of commercial transactions such as bill payments, collection services as well as processing and network services on behalf of third parties. Further, GTECH issues electronic funds, through conversion of funds received, as well as other related activities. When and if an opportunity presents itself, we will generally seek to expand our commercial services into new markets.
Scale in machine gaming, interactive and social gaming markets and a diversified revenue base is expected to allow Holdco to support substantial recurring R&D investment which is critical to continued development of successful content and technology solutions. In machine gaming, Holdco believes it will be able to invest in R&D at a higher rate than Holdco's largest competitor. Holdco also expects to be able to reduce the R&D testing process for new games by introducing them through DoubleDown.
Holdco believes it will be able to broaden the distribution of IGT's and GTECH's respective content portfolios by repurposing IGT titles for instant tickets, the AWP market, and eInstant games and GTECH titles for the Class II market and social games.
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With limited overlap in products and customers, Holdco expects to see increased global scale and reach as well as strong product and geographic diversification as a result of the combination. Holdco will maintain its commitment to growing its position in emerging Latin America and Asia Pacific jurisdictions while seeking to defend its market leading positions in North America and Europe.
With its end-to-end product offering, multi-channel capabilities, and robust customer relationships across the client spectrum, Holdco believes it will have strong capabilities to address emerging gaming sector trends:
Holdco expects to realize significant cost synergies from the combination, principally by achieving industrial efficiencies, consolidating corporate and support activities, and optimizing its R&D spending. The combined company intends to utilize its complementary product portfolios and extensive lottery and gaming customer base to meet operating customers' needs and increase revenue potential. With limited overlap in products and customers, Holdco believes it will also be positioned to provide GTECH and IGT customers with a compelling and holistic product offering to meet operators' land-based, online and mobile needs.
Markets and Geographical Presence of the Combined Company
Holdco has no operating history. The markets and geographical presence of the combined company will be those of GTECH and IGT. For further information on the markets and geographical presence of GTECH Group and IGT, see "Business of GTECH and Certain Information about GTECH" beginning on page [ ] and information on the business of IGT that is incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference.
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At the effective time of the mergers, the number of directors constituting the Holdco Board will be 13. For a period of three (3) years following the closing, the Holdco Board will include (i) the Chief Executive Officer of GTECH, Marco Sala, (ii) five (5) current IGT directors designated by IGT prior to the Closing (at least four (4) of whom will meet the independence standards of the NYSE) and which five (5) will include the Chief Executive Officer and the chairman of IGT, (iii) six (6) directors designated by De Agostini (at least three (3) of whom will meet the independence standards of the NYSE) and (iv) one (1) independent director mutually agreed to by GTECH and IGT. The new Holdco directors will be elected to a term concluding on the third anniversary of the IGT Merger Effective Time.
For as long as the Holdco ordinary shares are listed on the NYSE, Holdco will comply with all NYSE corporate governance standards applicable to non-controlled domestic U.S. issuers, regardless of whether Holdco is a foreign private issuer.
Biographical information as of the date of this document about Mr. Sala, Ms. Hart, Mr. Satre and the other designated directors is set forth in the following table.
Name
|
Age |
Present Principal Occupation or Employment,
Employment History and Other Directorships |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Paget L. Alves |
60 | Paget L. Alves has served on the IGT Board since January 2010 and is the Chair of the Capital Deployment Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee and the Executive Committee of IGT. Mr. Alves served as Chief Sales Officer of Sprint Corporation, a wireless and wireline communications services provider ("Sprint"), from January 2012 to September 2013 after serving as President of the Business Markets Group since 2009. From 2003 to 2009, Mr. Alves held various positions at Sprint, including President, Sales and Distribution from 2008 to 2009; President, South Region, from 2006 to 2008; Senior Vice President, Enterprise Markets, from 2005 to 2006; and President, Strategic Markets from 2003 to 2005. Between 2000 and 2003, Mr. Alves served as President and Chief Executive Officer of PointOne Telecommunications Inc., and President and Chief Operating Officer of Centennial Communications. Mr. Alves previously served on the board of directors of GTECH Holdings Corporation (2005-2006), and Herman Miller, Inc. (2008-2010). Mr. Alves earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations and a Juris Doctor degree from Cornell University. |
193
Name
|
Age |
Present Principal Occupation or Employment,
Employment History and Other Directorships |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Paolo Ceretti |
59 |
Mr. Ceretti has been General Manager of De Agostini since 2004. In 2007, he was appointed Managing Director of DeA Capital. He is a member of the Board of Directors of De Agostini Editore, Zodiak Media, Generale de Santé, and other companies. |
||
|
Born in Turin in 1955, Paolo Ceretti gained his professional experience inside the Agnelli Group where, beginning in 1979, he held positions of increasing importance beginning at Fiat (Internal Auditing and Finance), in the Financial Services Sector (Planning, Credit and Control) and subsequently assuming the position of Head of Strategic Planning and Development of IFIL. After assuming responsibility for the internet B2C sector of Fiat/IFIL in 1999 as CEO and General Manager of CiaoHolding and CiaoWeb, he was appointed CEO and General Manager of Global Value, a Fiat/IBM joint venture in the Information Technology sector. |
|||
Alberto Dessy |
61 |
Alberto Dessy is a chartered accountant specialized in corporate finance, particularly the evaluation of companies, trademarks, equity and investments, financial structure, channels and loan instruments, funding for development and in acquisitions and disposals of companies. He has been an expert witness for parties to lawsuits and as an independent expert appointed by the court in various legal disputes. He has been and still is on the boards of directors of many companies, both listed and unlisted, such as Redaelli Tecna S.p.A., Laika Caravans S.p.A., Premuda S.p.A., I.M.A., Milano Centro S.p.A., and DeA Capital S.p.A. |
||
|
Mr. Dessy graduated from Bocconi University in Milan in 1978 with a final grade of 110 cum laude , and was Professor of Business Valuation in the Masters' Course in Business Administration at Bocconi University from 1988 to 2008. |
|||
Marco Drago |
68 |
Marco Drago has been the Chairman of De Agostini, one of Italy's largest family-run groups, since 1997. Since October 2006, Mr. Drago has also been Chairman of the Board of Partners of B&D, a family limited partnership created to ensure cohesion in share ownership, consistency of intent and continuity in deliberation making over the long term. He is also Vice President of the De Agostini Planeta Group, and a Director of Antena 3 de Television, DeA Capital, De Agostini Editore, Zodiak Media and S. Faustin (Techint Group). |
||
|
Born in 1946 in Settimo Torinese, in the province of Turin, Mr. Drago graduated in Economics and Business from the Università Bocconi in Milan in 1969. |
194
Name
|
Age |
Present Principal Occupation or Employment,
Employment History and Other Directorships |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Sir Jeremy Hanley |
68 |
Sir Jeremy Hanley is a Privy Counsellor and Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, Sir Jeremy, a Chartered Accountant. Sir Jeremy Hanley has served as a director of London Asia Capital since 2012, Willis Ltd. since March 2008, Parkstone Capital Limited since April 2006 (f/k/a Langbar International Ltd.), and Willis Group Holdings Inc. since April 2006 (member of the audit committee). Sir Jeremy Hanley also served as a director and audit committee member of Lottomatica Group S.p.A. from April 2008 to April 2011 and served as a member of the advisory board of Blue Hackle Ltd from February 2006 to January 2011. In addition, Sir Jeremy Hanley has served on the boards of the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce (1999-2011, chairman of the audit committee), Mountfield Group plc (2008-2009), Onslow Suffolk Ltd (2007-2008, chairman), CSS Stellar plc (2007-2008), ITE Group plc (1998-2008), MTF Ltd (2008-2009), Nymex Europe Ltd. (2008-2009, chairman of audit committee 2005-2007, member of remuneration committee 2005-2007), GTECH Holdings Corporation (2001-2006), International Trade & Investment Missions Ltd (1997-2005, chairman), Caylon (f/k/a Credit Lyonnais) (2000-2005), Brain Games Network Ltd (2000-2002, chairman), AdVal Group plc (2000-2003), Christchurch group Lt. (1997-1998), Brass Tacks Publishing Company (1997-2000), Fields Aircraft Spares, Inc. (1998-1999), and Talal Abu Ghazaleh International (2004-2005). |
||
|
Sir Jeremy Hanley was a Member of Parliament for Richmond and Barnes from 1983 to 1997 and held a number of ministerial positions in the U.K. government, including Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Cabinet Minister without Portfolio at the same time as being Chairman of the Conservative Party and Minister of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs. He retired from politics in 1998. Sir Jeremy Hanley was educated at the Rugby School and began his accounting career with Peat Marwick Mitchell & Company (KPMG) as an articled clerk in 1963. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1969 and joined The Financial Training Company, and in 1980 qualified as a Certified Accountant and Chartered Secretary and Administrator. |
195
Name
|
Age |
Present Principal Occupation or Employment,
Employment History and Other Directorships |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Patti S. Hart |
58 |
Patti S. Hart has served as Chief Executive Officer of IGT since April 2009 and has served on the IGT Board since June 2006. She is currently a member of the Executive Committee. Ms. Hart also served as President of IGT from April 2009 until July 2011. Prior to joining IGT, Ms. Hart served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of each of Pinnacle Systems Inc. from 2004 to 2005, Excite@Home Inc. from 2001 to 2002, and Telocity Inc. from 1999 to 2001. Ms. Hart also held various positions at Sprint Corporation, including President and Chief Operating Officer, Long Distance Division. Ms. Hart has served on numerous public company boards, including Yahoo! Inc. (2010-2012), LIN TV Corp. (2006-2009), Spansion Inc. (2005-2008), and Korn/Ferry International Inc. (2000-2009). She currently serves on the board of the American Gaming Association. Ms. Hart earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and Economics from Illinois State University. |
||
James F. McCann |
63 |
Mr. McCann is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 1-800-Flowers.Com, Inc., a position he has held since 1976. Mr. McCann, serves as a director and Non-Executive Chairman of Willis Group Holdings PLC ("Willis Group"). Mr. McCann has served as a Non-Executive Chairman since July 2013 and has been a director since April 2004. Mr. McCann also serves as the Chairman of the Willis Group's Governance Committee, and as a member of the Executive Committee. Prior to serving as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. McCann served as the company's Presiding Independent Director. He also serves as a director for Scott's Miracle-Gro. |
||
|
Mr. McCann previously served as a director and Compensation Committee member of Lottomatica S.p.A. and a director of Gateway, Inc. and The Boyds Collection, Ltd. |
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Name
|
Age |
Present Principal Occupation or Employment,
Employment History and Other Directorships |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Lorenzo Pellicioli |
63 |
Lorenzo Pellicioli was born on July 29, 1951 in Alzano Lombardo (Bergamo). Mr. Pellicioli started his career as a journalist for the newspaper Giornale Di Bergamo and afterwards became the Vice President of Bergamo TV Programmes. From 1978 to 1984, he held different posts in Publikompass, which was a part of the Italian private television company Manzoni Pubblicità until his nomination as Rete4 General Manager. |
||
|
In 1984, Mr. Pellicioli joined the Gruppo Mondadori Espresso, the first Italian publishing group. He was initially appointed General Manager for Advertising Sales and Mondadori Periodici (magazines) and then Vice General Manager and afterwards President and CEO of Manzoni & C. S.p.A, the advertising business of the group. |
|||
|
From 1990 to 1997, Mr. Pellicioli served first as President and CEO of Costa Cruise Lines in Miami, being part of Costa Crociere Group operating in the North American market (USA, Canada and Mexico) and then became Worldwide General Manager of Costa Crociere S.p.A., based in Genoa. |
|||
|
From 1995 to 1997 he was also appointed President and CEO of the Compagnie Française de Croisières (Costa Paquet), the Paris-based subsidiary of Costa Crociere. Beginning in 1997, he took part in the privatization of SEAT Pagine Gialle when it was purchased by a group of financial investors. After the acquisition he was appointed CEO of SEAT. |
|||
|
In February 2000, Mr. Pellicioli was appointed to lead the "Internet Business Unit" of Telecom Italia Group following the sale of SEAT. In September 2001, following the acquisition of Telecom Italia by the Pirelli Group, he resigned. |
|||
|
In November 2005, Mr. Pellicioli was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of De Agostini S.p.A.. In addition to being the Chief Executive Officer of De Agostini S.p.A., Mr. Pellicioli also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of GTECH S.p.A., Chairman of the Board of Directors of DeA Capital, Chairman of Zodiak Media, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Générale de Santé and he is a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. He is also a member of the Advisory Boards of Investitori Associati IV, Wisequity II e Macchine Italia and Palamon Capital Partners. |
|||
|
Since 2006, Mr. Pellicioli has been a member of the Clinton Global Initiative. He was formerly also a member of the Boards of Directors of Enel, INAAssitalia, Toro Assicurazioni and of the Advisory Board of Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking. |
197
Name
|
Age |
Present Principal Occupation or Employment,
Employment History and Other Directorships |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Philip G. Satre |
65 |
Philip G. Satre has served on the IGT Board since January 2009, and has served as independent Chairman since December 2009. Mr. Satre is the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Executive Committee, and is a member of the Capital Deployment Committee and the Compliance Committee of IGT. Mr. Satre has been a private investor since 2005. Mr. Satre has extensive gaming industry experience having served on the board of directors of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (now Caesars Entertainment Corporation), a provider of branded casino entertainment ("Harrah's"), from 1988 to 2005 and as Chairman from 1997 to 2005. Between 1980 and 2002, Mr. Satre held various executive management positions at Harrah's, including Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harrah's gaming division and Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Satre currently serves on the board of directors of Nordstrom, Inc., National Center for Responsible Gaming and the National World War II Museum. Mr. Satre previously served on the board of directors of the Stanford University Board of Trustees (2005-2010), Rite Aid Corporation (2005-2011) and NV Energy, Inc. (2005-2013), where he served as Chairman from 2008 to 2013. Mr. Satre holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California at Davis. |
||
Vincent L. Sadusky |
49 |
Vincent L. Sadusky has served on the board of directors of IGT since July 2010 and is the Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Capital Deployment Committee of IGT. Mr. Sadusky has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of LIN Media LLC, a local television and digital media company, since 2006 and was Chief Financial Officer from 2004 to 2006. Prior to joining LIN Media LLC, Mr. Sadusky held several management positions, including Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, at Telemundo Communications, Inc. from 1994 to 2004, and from 1987 to 1994, he performed attestation and consulting services with Ernst & Young, LLP. Mr. Sadusky currently serves on the board of directors of LIN Media LLC, Hemisphere Media Group, Inc. and NBC Affiliates, to which he was elected Treasurer in 2012. Previously, Mr. Sadusky served on the Open Mobile Video Coalition, to which he served as President from 2011 until its integration into the National Association of Broadcasters in January 2013. Mr. Sadusky formerly served on the board of directors of JVB Financial Group, LLC (2001-2011) and Maximum Service Television, Inc. (2006-2011). Mr. Sadusky earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University where he was a University Scholar. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the New York Institute of Technology. |
198
Name
|
Age |
Present Principal Occupation or Employment,
Employment History and Other Directorships |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Marco Sala |
55 |
Marco Sala was born in 1959 in Milan, where he graduated in Business and Economics at Bocconi University in 1985. He joined Kraft in 1985, holding various roles in the Marketing Department. In 1993, he was appointed Marketing Director of the Fresh Food Division, and two years later was appointed Sales Director in the same division. In 1997, he joined Magneti Marelli (a Fiat Group company) as Head of the Spare Parts Division. Two years later, he also became Head of the Lubricants Division. In April 2001, he joined Seat Pagine Gialle as Head of the Italian Business Directories Division. In November 2001, he became Head of the entire Business Directories area that embodied Thomson (Great Britain), Euredit (France) and Kompass (Italy) going concerns. After a short period as Managing Director of Buffetti, in March 2003, he joined GTECH in the role of Chief Executive and Member of the Board. Following GTECH's takeover of GTECH Holdings Corporation, a leading international supplier of technologies for games and services, in August 2006, he was appointed Managing Director and General Manager of GTECH with responsibility for European activities. Since April 28, 2009, he has served as CEO of GTECH with responsibilities for all the activities of the group. |
||
Gianmario Tondato da Ruos |
54 |
Mr. Tondato da Ruos has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Autogrill S.p.A. since April 2003 and has been a director of Autogrill since March 2003. He joined Autogrill Group in 2000 and moved to the United States to manage the integration of the North American subsidiary HMSHost and successfully implemented a strategic refocusing on concessions and diversification into new business sectors, distribution channels and geographies. |
||
|
Mr. Tondato da Ruos is Chairman of HMSHost Corporation, Chairman of World Duty Free S.p.A., and Director of World Duty Free Group S.A.U. He has been Lead Independent Director of GTECH S.p.A. for nine years. He sits on the Advisory Board of Rabo Bank (Hollande). |
|||
|
Mr. Tondato da Ruos graduated with a degree in economics from the University in Venice. |
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Name
|
Age |
Present Principal Occupation or Employment,
Employment History and Other Directorships |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Tracey D. Weber |
47 |
Tracey D. Weber has been a member of the board of directors of IGT since July 2013 and is a member of the Compensation Committee of IGT. Ms. Weber has served as the Chief Operating Officer of Gilt since September 2013. Ms. Weber previously served as Managing Director, North America Internet and Mobile and Global Product at Citibank NA from 2010 to 2013. Prior to this, Ms. Weber served as Executive Vice President, Textbooks and Digital Education at Barnes & Noble, Inc. in 2010 and held several management positions at Travelocity.com from 2002 to 2010, including President, North America. Ms. Weber earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Harvard University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. |
The members of the Holdco Board will, subject to the restrictions contained in the Holdco Articles, be responsible for the management of Holdco's business, for which purpose they may exercise all the powers of Holdco whether relating to the management of the business or not.
In exercising their powers, the members of the Holdco Board must perform their duties to the company under English law. These duties include, among others:
The Holdco Articles provide that the members of the Holdco Board may delegate any of the powers, authorities and discretions which are conferred on them to such person or committee, by such means (including by power of attorney), to such an extent, in relation to such matters or territories, and on such terms and conditions, as they think fit.
The Holdco Articles provide that any director may call a meeting of the Holdco Board. The quorum for such a meeting will be at least a majority of the directors then in office.
A decision may be taken at a duly convened Holdco Board meeting by a majority of the votes cast at such meeting. Except as otherwise provided in the Holdco Articles (including where a director may be interested in a transaction see "Conflicts of Interest" below), each director will have one vote.
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Under English law, members of the Holdco Board may be liable to the company for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company. Subject to certain exceptions (as outlined below), any provision that purports to exempt a director from such liability is void. The exceptions allow the company to:
The Holdco Articles provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by the U.K. Companies Act 2006 and without prejudice to any indemnity to which he may otherwise be entitled, every person who is or was a director or other officer of Holdco or any of its associates (other than any person (whether or not an officer of Holdco or any of its associates) engaged by Holdco or any of its associates as auditor) will be and will be kept indemnified out of the assets of Holdco against all costs, charges, losses and liabilities incurred by him (whether in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by him or otherwise as a director or such other officer of Holdco or any of its associates) in relation to Holdco or any of its associates or its/their affairs.
The general meeting of shareholders will, at all times, have the power to remove a member of the Holdco Board by an ordinary resolution, being a resolution passed by a simple majority of votes cast. The Holdco Articles also provide that a member of the Holdco Board will cease to be a director as soon as:
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Upon completion of the Mergers, it is expected that the Holdco Board will have the following three (3) committees: Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nomination & Governance Committee. Each committee will be composed entirely of directors deemed to be, in the judgment of the Holdco Board, independent in accordance with the applicable rules of the NYSE. The Holdco Articles provide that all committees will comply with the applicable rules of the NYSE. The Holdco Board may otherwise make rules of procedure for all or any committee.
The Chief Executive Officer of GTECH, Marco Sala, will become the Chief Executive Officer of Holdco. The Holdco senior management team has not yet been determined, but it is expected that the senior management will be comprised of former GTECH and IGT officers.
Subject to exceptions outlined in the Holdco Articles, a director who is interested in a transaction or arrangement with Holdco must declare the nature and extent of such director's interest to the other members of the Holdco Board before Holdco enters into the transaction or arrangement. If Holdco has already entered into the transaction or arrangement, the interest must be disclosed as soon as is reasonably practicable. The exceptions from the requirement to disclose such an interest will include:
Except as otherwise provided in the Holdco Articles, a director may not vote on or be counted in the quorum in relation to a resolution of the Holdco Board or a committee of the Holdco Board concerning a transaction in which such director has a material interest. However, provided the director has disclosed such director's interest in the transaction (or no disclosure is required), the director may enter into the transaction with Holdco notwithstanding such interest.
Compensation of Holdco Directors and Executive Officers
None of the current directors or officers of Holdco has received or will receive compensation for their service to Holdco prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time.
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Prior to the completion of the Mergers, Holdco expects to adopt a compensation policy for Holdco's directors, and the form and amount of the compensation to be paid to Holdco's directors following the Effective Times will be determined by the Holdco Board in accordance with that compensation policy. The compensation of Holdco officers will be determined by the Compensation and Nomination Committee of the Holdco Board following the Mergers.
Set forth below is information relating to the compensation that was paid in 2013 by GTECH and its subsidiaries (i) to individuals who served on the GTECH board of directors during 2013, including certain individuals who have been selected to serve on Holdco's Board following the Effective Times, and (ii) to its executive officers, who are expected to include executive officers of Holdco after completion of the Mergers.
Non-Employee Director Compensation
During 2013, members of GTECH's board of directors were paid an annual retainer of €50,000 and an attendance fee calculated on the basis of either physical (€5,000) or telephone attendance (€2,500) of meetings, up to the maximum overall amount determined by the GTECH shareholders' meeting in accordance with Italian law (€2.3 million).
|
|
Attendance Fees | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Role
|
Annual
Retainer (€) |
Physical
(€) |
Remote
(€) |
|||||||
Director |
50,000 | 5,000 | 2,500 |
Members of the GTECH board of directors who served on committees were also paid certain additional fixed amounts and attendance fees, as set forth below.
Additional Director Compensation
|
|
Attendance Fees | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Role
|
Annual
Retainer (€) |
Physical
(€) |
Remote
(€) |
|||||||
Chairman of the Board of Directors |
350,000 | | | |||||||
Chairman of the Compensation and Nomination Committee |
30,000 | 2,500 | 1,250 | |||||||
Compensation and Nomination Committee Membership |
25,000 | 2,500 | 1,250 | |||||||
Chairman of the Control and Risk Committee |
45,000 | 2,500 | 1,250 | |||||||
Control and Risk Committee Membership |
25,000 | 2,500 | 1,250 | |||||||
Chairman of the Independent Directors' Committee |
15,000 | 2,500 | 1,250 | |||||||
Independent Directors' Committee Membership |
10,000 | 2,500 | 1,250 | |||||||
Surveillance Body Membership |
25,000 | | |
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The following table sets forth the approximate compensation paid to GTECH's non-employee directors during 2013:
Non-Employee Director Compensation
Name
|
Annual
Director Fees (€) |
Committee
Fees (€) |
Total
(€) |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lorenzo Pellicioli, Chairman |
435,000 | | 435,000 | |||||||
Pietro Boroli, Director (1) |
82,500 | | 82,500 | |||||||
Donatella Busso, Director |
82,500 | 48,750 | (2) | 131,250 | ||||||
Paolo Ceretti, Director |
85,000 | 62,500 | (3) | 147,500 | ||||||
Alberto Dessy, Director |
82,500 | 128,750 | (4) | 211,250 | ||||||
Marco Drago, Director |
85,000 | | 85,000 | |||||||
Gianmario Tondato Da Ruos, Director (1) |
70,000 | 58,750 | (5) | 128,750 |
The table above does not include compensation paid to Marco Sala, the Chief Executive Officer of GTECH, or Jaymin B. Patel, the President and Chief Executive Officer of GTECH Americas. Amounts paid to both of these individuals in their capacity as directors are included in "Officer Compensation" below.
Total Compensation
The following table sets forth the approximate compensation paid to GTECH's officers during 2013, including Messrs. Sala and Patel, Renato Ascoli, President of Products & Services of GTECH, Fabio Cairoli, General Manager (Italy Region) of GTECH, Walter Bugno, President and Chief Executive Officer of GTECH International, and Alberto Fornaro, Chief Financial Officer of GTECH. The compensation paid to Messrs. Bugno and Fornaro is presented on an aggregate basis in the rows labeled "Other Officers" in the tables below.
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Name
|
Salary
(€) (1) |
Bonus
(€) |
Equity
Awards (€) (2) |
Other
(€) (3) |
Total
(€) |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marco Sala,
|
855,699 | (4) | 1,406,266 | 2,630,428 | 79,378 | 4,971,771 | ||||||||||
Jaymin B. Patel,
|
873,140 |
1,018,815 |
680,795 |
107,409 |
2,680,159 |
|||||||||||
Renato Ascoli,
|
431,538 |
638,752 |
710,887 |
180,131 |
1,961,308 |
|||||||||||
Fabio Cairoli,
|
305,385 |
456,243 |
|
73,136 |
834,764 |
|||||||||||
Other Officers |
812,572 |
1,188,126 |
|
256,890 |
2,257,588 |
Equity Compensation
The table below sets forth the stock options relating to GTECH shares granted to officers of GTECH during 2013.
Name
|
No. of
Options (#) (1) |
Exercise
Price (€) |
Exercise
Period |
Grant
Date |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marco Sala |
349,069 | 20.05 | 2016 - 2019 | 07/30/2013 | |||||||||
Jaymin Patel |
164,761 | 20.05 | 2016 - 2019 | 07/30/2013 | |||||||||
Renato Ascoli |
125,665 | 20.05 | 2016 - 2019 | 07/30/2013 | |||||||||
Fabio Cairoli |
65,159 | 20.05 | 2016 - 2019 | 07/30/2013 | |||||||||
Other Officers |
177,792 | 20.05 | 2016 - 2019 | 07/30/2013 |
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Short-Term Incentive Compensation Plans
GTECH short-term incentive compensation ("STI") plans during 2013 were performance-based and designed to encourage employees to achieve both short-term financial results and longer term strategic objectives. GTECH's officers participated in the same STI plans as other employees during 2013. The primary focus of STI plans was to motivate GTECH's employees and reward employees for the achievement of annual objectives. STI plans were designed to recognize growth achievement with an opportunity to earn a bonus on the upside, as well as to limit the downside potential. Payments under the STI plans were based on group and/or business unit as well as individual performance.
For purposes of the STI plans, financial performance was measured based on operating income (OI) at the GTECH level and/or operating income for a particular group or segment in which the individual was employed. The table below sets forth the minimum, target, and maximum performance thresholds for OI under the STI plans.
Operating Income and Performance
% of OI Achieved
(%) |
GTECH OI
(€ millions) |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
90 | 479.7 | ||||
100 | 533.0 | ||||
110.5 | 588.7 |
Some officers also had a goal to improve GTECH's net financial position, and others had GTECH's capital expenditures as a metric. Financial goals based on operating income were measured on a curve on which, in general, the minimum threshold payment was made for 90% achievement, 100% for target performance, and 110-115% for maximum achievement.
All financial objectives were established at the start of the year by the Chairman of the GTECH board of directors for the CEO, and by the CEO jointly with the Chairman of the GTECH board of directors for the other officers, in each case, following prior approval by the Compensation and Nomination Committee.
All STI objectives had an appropriate mix of financial and individual metrics. The STI component of compensation was subject to a maximum award limit equal to 200% of the target STI award of the plan participant and was paid upon achievement of 110-115% financial performance. STI payouts could be adjusted for windfalls outside of the control of the officers.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plans
GTECH's long-term incentive compensation ("LTI") plans provided for stock option grants and restricted stock awards. Awards under GTECH's LTI plans were generally split between stock options and restricted stock, with 35% of the value of the award allocated to stock options and the balance to restricted stock.
The principal purpose of granting LTI awards was to assist GTECH and its subsidiaries in attracting and retaining award recipients, to provide a market competitive total compensation package and to motivate award recipients to increase shareholder value by enabling them to participate in the value that was created, thus aligning their interests with those of GTECH's shareholders. The LTI plans were based upon two performance metrics: Three-Year Cumulative Consolidated EBITDA (profitability measure) and Net Financial Position (use of cash). Financial objectives were established by the GTECH board of directors based upon a proposal by the Compensation and Nomination Committee,
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consistent with the authorization provided by GTECH's shareholders. Company related LTI targets throughout individual LTI plans were based on economic consolidated performance as follows:
GTECH officers are required to retain at least 20% of the shares they receive upon vesting of the restricted stock awards and a portion of the shares received upon exercise of vested stock options for three (3) years following the vesting or exercise date, as applicable.
The LTI plans permit GTECH to clawback or to make other, similar adjustments to the plans following vesting of the applicable awards in the event of erroneous financial statements or incorrect data contained therein.
Severance Arrangements
Each GTECH officer is entitled to severance payments and benefits if such officer's employment is terminated other than for cause under either individual employment agreements or provisions of national collective agreements for executives of the industry.
The employment agreements with United Statesbased officers i.e. , Messrs. Patel and Fornarogenerally provide for the following benefits upon a termination other than for "cause":
In addition, upon the U.S. officer's death or disability, the officer will be entitled to the following benefits under the employment agreements:
Upon an officer's retirement from GTECH, these employment agreements also provide for accelerated vesting of a portion of an officer's outstanding performance share awards and an ability to exercise vested options until the expiration date.
Pursuant to the terms of the Italian national collective agreement for executives of the industry (Contratto Collettivo Nazionale di Lavoro per i Dirigenti di Aziende Industriali), Messrs. Sala, Ascoli, and Cairoli are generally entitled to the following severance payments and benefits upon a termination
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of employment by GTECH other than for "cause," a resignation for "good reason," or due to the officer's death or disability:
Upon an officer's death, he (or his estate) will also be entitled to full payment of a life insurance policy valued at €220,000.
The employment agreement with Mr. Bugno generally provides for a severance payment of €1 million upon a termination of Mr. Bugno's employment by GTECH without "cause." Under his employment agreement, Mr. Bugno would also be eligible to receive a noncompetition indemnity of an additional €1 million in consideration for a covenant not to compete for a period of twelve months following his termination of employment.
As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, all of the voting share capital of Holdco is owned by GTECH.
The Holdco Articles provide that, for as long as the Holdco ordinary shares are listed on the NYSE, Holdco will comply with all NYSE corporate governance standards set forth in Section 3 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual applicable to non-controlled domestic U.S. issuers, regardless of whether Holdco is a foreign private issuer.
The Holdco Articles provide that, subject to applicable law, Holdco may by ordinary resolution declare dividends, and the director's may decide to pay interim dividends. The Holdco Articles provide that the directors may pay any dividend if it appears to them that the profits available for distribution justify the payment. The Holdco Board intends to adopt a formal dividend policy, but has not done so as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.
For a description of other aspects of the Holdco Articles, see "The Holdco Shares, Articles of Association and Terms and Conditions of the Special Voting Shares" beginning on page [ ].
Information about Holdco before the Combination
The information provided below pertains to Holdco prior to the completion of the Mergers. To date, Holdco has not conducted any material activities other than those incident to its formation and the matters contemplated by the Merger Agreement, such as the formation of Sub, the making of certain required securities law filings and the preparation of this proxy statement/prospectus. The management of Holdco has not resolved to make any future investments other than in relation to the Mergers.
The following information about Holdco should be read in conjunction with relevant provisions of the laws of England and Wales.
208
Holdco was incorporated as a private limited company with the legal name Georgia Worldwide Limited under the laws of England and Wales on July 11, 2014, by its shareholder, GTECH, and its original director, Mr. Marco Sala, with an issued share capital of £1.00 fully paid up in cash. The original director, Mr. Sala, was replaced by one of the current directors, Mr. Declan James Harkin, on July 15, 2014. On September 15, 2014, Mr. Alberto Fornaro was appointed as a director of Holdco, and Elian Corporate Services (UK) Limited (formerly Ogier Corporate Services (UK) Limited) was appointed as Holdco's company secretary and to provide other administrative services. On September 16, 2014, Holdco's share capital was increased to meet the minimum sterling share capital requirement for an English public limited company of £50,000, by the issue of 50,000 sterling non-voting shares of £1 each to Elian Corporate Services (UK) Limited (formerly Ogier Corporate Services (UK) Limited) (the "Sterling Shareholder"). Following such issue, on September 16, 2014, Holdco was re-registered as a public limited company with the name Georgia Worldwide PLC.
Holdco is registered with the Registrar of Companies for England, Wales and Scotland under the registration number 9127533 under the legal name Georgia Worldwide PLC. Holdco currently does not use a commercial name different from its legal name.
Holdco has been formed for an unlimited duration.
The registered offices of Holdco are located at Elian Corporate Services (UK) Limited (formerly Ogier Corporate Services (UK) Limited), 11 Old Jewry, 6th Floor, London, EC2R 8DU.
As a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales, Holdco is subject to the laws of England and Wales.
Holdco's fiscal year is the calendar year.
For more information regarding Holdco's share capital, see "The Holdco Shares, Articles of Association and Terms and Conditions of the Special Voting Shares" beginning on page [ ].
As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, Holdco has no employees.
GTECH is currently the sole shareholder of ordinary shares of Holdco. The Sterling Shareholder holds the sterling non-voting shares (which, broadly, have no voting or economic rights, save on a winding up).
209
Holdco is currently managed by Mr. Harkin and Mr. Fornaro, its directors.
Name
|
Age |
Present Principal Occupation or Employment,
Employment History and Other Directorships |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Declan James Harkin |
53 | Mr. Harkin is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Europe and Africa for GTECH and is responsible for sales and business development in the European and African markets. | |||
|
Mr. Harkin began working at GTECH in 1997 and has progressed through increasing levels of responsibility in software engineering project management, business development, customer account management, and senior general management. He has served as Vice President of GTECH Commercial Services and Regional Operations Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. |
||||
|
Prior to joining GTECH, Mr. Harkin held various management roles for Electronic Data Systems in Europe and Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic and Information Engineering from Queens University in Belfast. |
||||
Alberto Fornaro |
50 |
Mr. Fornaro is the Chief Financial Officer for GTECH, responsible for managing and developing the financial strategy for GTECH. |
|||
|
Prior to joining GTECH, Mr. Fornaro served as Group CFO and President of the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) division at Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment (DICE), a world leader in the construction equipment industry formed by Bobcat and Doosan Infracore. |
||||
|
Mr. Fornaro also served as General Manager and CFO of Technogym, the second largest worldwide manufacturer of fitness equipment. Additionally, he spent 12 years at Case New Holland (CNH) Global/Fiat Group in Italy and the U.S. At CNH, he served in many different financial capacities at the Vice President level. |
||||
|
Mr. Fornaro holds a bachelor's degree in Economics and Banking from the University of Siena, Italy; a master's degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Siena's Post Graduate School, Italy; and was a Visiting Scholar at the Ph.D. Program in Economics at Columbia University, New York. Mr. Fornaro is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois. |
Mr. Harkin and Mr. Fornaro will resign upon appointment of the members of the Holdco Board.
There are no service contracts between Mr. Harkin or Mr. Fornaro, on the one hand, and Holdco or any of its subsidiaries on the other, providing for benefits upon termination of employment. Other than Mr. Harkin and Mr. Fornaro, Holdco has no other director or manager.
210
Holdco has not yet established an audit committee or a remuneration committee.
Holdco has paid no dividends.
At the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, Holdco does not hold any equity interest in any other legal entity, except for Sub. For information regarding any equity interests held after the completion of Mergers, see "Business of Holdco and Certain Information about HoldcoOverview" beginning on page [ ].
211
BUSINESS OF GTECH AND CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT GTECH
GTECH operates in and provides a full range of services and leading-edge technology products across all gaming markets, including lotteries, machine gaming, sports betting and interactive gaming. GTECH also provides high-volume processing of commercial transactions. GTECH's state-of-the-art information technology platforms and software enable distribution through land-based systems, Internet and mobile devices. GTECH provides business-to-consumer ("B2C") and business-to-business ("B2B") products and services to customers in approximately 100 countries worldwide on six (6) continents and had 8,668 employees at September 30, 2014. The principal executive offices of GTECH are located at Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00154 Roma, Italy and its telephone number at that address is +39 06 51 899 1.
GTECH is organized into three global geographic regionsItaly, Americas and Internationaland each operating segment is supported by a central products and services organization. Each of these segments offers lottery, machine gaming, sports betting, commercial services and interactive gaming.
Revenues for GTECH by segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
GTECH has its origins in a predecessor company that was established in 1990 in the form of a consortium named "Consorzio Lottomatica." In 1991, Consorzio Lottomatica was converted into an Italian cooperative stock company with the name Lottomatica S.c.p.a. and in 1998 became a joint stock company named Lottomatica S.p.A. ("Old Lottomatica"). In 2001, Old Lottomatica was listed on the Mercato Telematico of Borsa Italiana ("MTA").
In 2002, control of Old Lottomatica was acquired by means of a tender offer by Tyche S.p.A., an Italian joint stock company and newly formed acquisition vehicle indirectly controlled by De Agostini S.p.A. As part of the transaction, shareholders of Old Lottomatica received shares of Tyche, Tyche was renamed Lottomatica S.p.A. ("New Lottomatica"), and its shares were listed on the MTA.
In 2005, New Lottomatica and FinEuroGames S.p.A. merged into NewGames S.p.A., which, at the effective time of the merger, changed its name to Lottomatica S.p.A. Prior to the merger, FinEuroGames S.p.A. was wholly owned by NewGames S.p.A., which was in turn wholly owned by De Agostini S.p.A. The merger was aimed at simplifying the ownership structure of New Lottomatica through the elimination of intermediate levels between the controlling shareholder, De Agostini S.p.A., and New Lottomatica. In December 2005, the ordinary shares of Lottomatica S.p.A. were listed on the MTA as part of the blue-chip segment.
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In August 2006, Lottomatica acquired GTECH Holdings Corporation, the sole shareholder of GTECH Corporation, which was, and still is, the world's leading operator of highly secure online lottery transaction processing systems.
In July 2009, Lottomatica S.p.A. changed its name to Lottomatica Group S.p.A.
In January 2013, Lottomatica Group S.p.A. changed its name to GTECH S.p.A. and announced the reorganization of its business units from a product focus into a geographic focus centered on three regions: Americas, International, and Italy. As described further below, each region is responsible for sales and business development for GTECH's entire portfolio of products and services, as well as operations and account management with central client services for lotteries, gaming machines, sports betting, commercial services and interactive. The regions are supported by a central product and services organization responsible for product development and marketing, manufacturing and delivery of all products.
Since the reorganization of its business units, GTECH has continued to acquire and reorganize various entities.
In April 2013, Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A. ("Videolot"), GTECH's wholly owned subsidiary, purchased, as part of a project known as "downstream integration", a 51% of the share capital of Big Easy S.r.l. ("Big Easy"), a machine operator company, operating in the management of Italian gaming halls where the gaming machines are mainly connected to Videolot's gaming system.
In March 2014, GTECH completed the acquisition of the share capital of SW Holding S.p.A. (SWH). SWH was established in 2010 to allow financial partner UniCredit to invest €100 million in Italian Scratch and Win concessionaire Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l., as part of GTECH's €512 million share of the upfront fee owed for the award of the concession. Following the exit of Unicredit, SWH's role will be terminated and SWH is expected to be merged into GTECH by December 31, 2014.
In April 2014, GTECH's subsidiary Big Easy signed a contract with Gioco Better S.r.l. to acquire gaming halls where AWPs and VLTs managed and operated by Lottomatica Videolot Rete are installed.
In May 2014, GTECH completed the acquisition of the share capital of Probability plc, a U.K.-based, AIM-listed mobile gaming solutions company.
In June 2014, Siderbet S.r.l merged into Lottomatica Scommesse S.r.l.
In July 2014, GTECH's subsidiary, LIS S.p.A. executed an ongoing business concern transfer agreement whereby it transferred its sports and events ticketing business ("LisTicket") to the international operator TicketOne, CTS Eventim Group. Under the agreement, LIS S.p.A. retains its role as service provider.
In July 2014, Videolot, through its wholly owned subsidiary Optima Gaming Service S.r.l. ("Optima"), acquired, as part of a project known as "downstream integration", a 36-month lease of Royal S.r.l.'s going concern to operate as a retail operator in the Italian gaming machines market; the lease agreement includes a call option to purchase the going concern from Royal.
In addition, by December 31, 2014, GTECH plans to merge Totobit Informatica Sistemi S.r.l. ("Totobit"), a wholly owned subsidiary of LIS S.p.A. whose sole activity consists of selling mobile top-ups and stamp duties at bars and newspaper shops, into LIS S.p.A.
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GTECH operates or acts in a growing number of jurisdictions as the provider of lottery management services and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions. In this respect, GTECH leverages its years of experience accumulated from being the sole concessionaire for the Italian Lotto game, the world's largest lottery, which includes management of all of the activities along the lottery value chain and operation of both online lotteries and games and off-line lotteries. GTECH also operates an exclusive concession for instant lotteries in Italy, where instant tickets are available for sale at approximately 67,000 points of sale. In 2013, GTECH represented 34% of the global private lottery operator market (based upon sales), making it the largest private operator of lotteries in the world.
GTECH supplies a unique set of solutions to more than 50 lotteries worldwide, including 38 of the 45 U.S. state lotteries. GTECH designs, sells and operates a complete suite of lottery-enabled point-of-sale terminals that are electronically linked with a centralized transaction processing system that reconciles lottery funds between the retailer, where a transaction is enabled, and the lottery authority. Among those solutions, GTECH provides and operates highly-secure, online lottery transaction processing systems which are capable of processing over 500,000 transactions per minute in. GTECH provides more than 400,000 point of sale devices to lottery customers and lotteries that GTECH operates.
GTECH is also a major instant game supplier. As an end-to-end provider of instant tickets and related services, GTECH specializes in the fast delivery of high-quality instant ticket games and provides printing services, instant ticket marketing plans and graphic design, programming, production, packaging, shipping and delivery services.
GTECH has developed and continues to develop new lottery games, licenses new game brands from third parties and installs a range of new lottery distribution devices, all of which are designed to maintain a strong level of same store sales growth for GTECH customers. In connection with its delivery of lottery services, GTECH actively advises its customers on growth strategies.
GTECH also provides marketing services, in particular retail optimization and branding. GTECH employs marketing and sales staff who are directly responsible for developing and helping execute marketing programs that grow sales of lottery games.
GTECH also works closely with lottery customers and retailers to help retailers sell lottery games more effectively. These programs include product merchandising and display recommendations, selection of appropriate lottery product mix for each location, and account reviews to plan lottery sales growth strategy.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013, GTECH generated Lottery revenues of €1.3 billion and €1.7 billion, or approximately 57.0% and 55.4% of total revenues, respectively.
Lottery Contracts
GTECH's lottery services are provided through concession or operator contracts, lottery management services contracts, facilities management contracts, and product sales contracts.
Concession or Operator Contracts; Lottery Management Services Contracts. A portion of GTECH's revenues, primarily from its Italy segment, is derived from operating contracts. Under operating contracts, GTECH manages all the activities along the lottery value chain, including collecting wagers, paying out prizes, managing all accounting and other back-office functions, running advertising and promotions, operating data transmission networks and processing centers, training staff, providing
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retailers with assistance and supplying materials for the games. The service revenues GTECH earns in return for operating these concessions are based on a percentage of wagers. For certain concessions this percentage decreases as the total wagers increase during an annual period, while for others the fee is fixed based on the percentage of wagers.
Facilities Management Contracts. GTECH's facilities management contracts typically require GTECH to construct, install and operate the lottery system for an initial term, which is typically five to ten years. GTECH's facilities management contracts usually contain options permitting the lottery authority to extend the contract under the same terms and conditions, or similar or predetermined terms and conditions, for additional periods, generally ranging from one to five years. GTECH's customers also occasionally renegotiate extensions on different terms and conditions.
GTECH's revenues under facilities management contracts are generally service fees which are paid to GTECH directly from the lottery authority based on a percentage of such lottery's gross online and instant ticket sales. The level of lottery ticket sales within a given jurisdiction is determined by many factors, including population density, the types of games played and the games' design, the number of terminals, the size and frequency of prizes, the nature of the lottery's marketing efforts and the length of time the online lottery system has been in operation.
Under a number of GTECH's facilities management contracts, in addition to constructing, installing and operating the lottery systems, GTECH provides a wide range of support services and equipment for the lottery's instant ticket games, such as marketing, distribution and automation of validation, inventory and accounting systems, for which GTECH receives fees based upon a percentage of the sales of the instant ticket games. In limited instances, GTECH provides instant tickets and online lottery systems and services under the same facilities management contract.
Product Sales Contracts. Under product sales contracts, GTECH constructs, sells, delivers and installs turnkey lottery systems or lottery equipment and licenses the software for a fixed price, and the lottery authority subsequently operates the lottery system or equipment. GTECH also sells additional terminals and central computers to expand existing systems and/or replace existing equipment under product sales contracts and will also provide ancillary maintenance and support services related to the systems, equipment sold and software licensed.
GTECH designs, develops, manufactures and provides top performing cabinets, games, systems and software to customers in legal gaming markets throughout the world under fixed fee, participation and product sales contracts. GTECH provides video lottery terminals ("VLTs"), VLT central systems and VLT games to government customers in North America and Europe and provides VLTs and games to operators in the United States. GTECH also provides video and traditional mechanical reel slot machines and casino systems to casino operators in Europe, Asia and the Americas and to Native American casinos in the United States. In addition, GTECH provides amusement with prize (AWP) machines and games to licensed operators in Europe.
GTECH's machine gaming terminals and systems serve more than 1,620 customers on five continents. More than 350,000 GTECH gaming machines have been shipped worldwide, with GTECH holding more than 350 gaming licenses, including from the Nevada Gaming Commission.
GTECH is a platinum member of the Gaming Standards Association and supports open industry standards such as Game to System® (G2S®) and System to System® (S2S®) protocols.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013, GTECH generated Machine Gaming revenues of €605.7 million and €902.2 million, or approximately 26.8% and 29.4% of total revenues, respectively.
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VLT and Central Systems
GTECH offers VLTs and a complete end-to-end solution comprised of the INTELLIGEN central system, gaming terminals, the sensys EP development platform, and content created using GTECH's proprietary game development process. GTECH also provides a dedicated client service team to each of its VLT and VLT systems customers.
Commercial Casino, Cabinets, Games and Systems
GTECH's growth continues to be strong in the North American commercial casino segment with the True 3D cabinet. Recurring revenue products, including games under the PopCap® license (Plants vs. Zombies Gargantuar, Plants vs. Zombies Backyard Showdown, Zuma, and Bejeweled®) and DEAL OR NO DEAL licensed brands have contributed to GTECH's recent growth in the casino market.
GTECH also offers a comprehensive range of GALAXIS system modules for all areas of casino management, JP2go, a standalone, turnkey jackpot system developed to boost machine play, and SYSTEM2go, an all-inclusive, packaged slot system with accounting, remote monitoring, a jackpot system and advanced cashless and player tracking features.
The Italian AWP market, also known as Comma 6a, is the largest AWP market in Europe with approximately 400,000 machines in more than 80,000 bar and arcade gaming locations. Since GTECH entered the Italian AWP market in 2010, it has become the leading content provider.
GTECH operates an expansive land-based betting network in Italy through its "Better" and "Totosi" brands. GTECH also offers a sports betting platform comprised of a core engine and associated support modules which serves leading lotteries and commercial operators around the world. GTECH offers trading services, fully managed partnerships, or "software only" technical solutions to create a complete one-stop solution or to integrate new functionality to existing operations. GTECH's modular approach enables GTECH to fit the components to the customers' architectures and create a unique product. GTECH also provides secure retail betting solutions, point-of-sale display systems, call center facilities, Internet betting technology, and fixed odds or pool betting options. Through sports betting point of sale locations, GTECH also offers directly to customers betting on sporting events, motor sports and non-sporting events such as those involving entertainment, music, culture and current affairs.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013, GTECH generated Sports Betting revenues of €153.7 million and €170.2 million, or approximately 6.8% and 5.6% of total revenues, respectively.
Trading Services
GTECH provides "trading services," including odds-making and risk management services, which allow GTECH's customers to better manage their betting business profitably and balance wager liabilities on fixed-odds betting by coordinating the wagers received among its customers through GTECH's business to business platform.
Using GTECH's centralized trading service infrastructure, assisted by GTECH's own advanced mathematical models and derivative engines, and supported by integration to the industry's most prominent feed services, GTECH's trading department offers a full suite of betting products, both pre-live and in-running. GTECH's trading department is capable of offering more than 70,000 pre-live events and more than 30,000 in-running events annually. GTECH's trading department can customize the offer and odds according to a customer's needs and market positioning.
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GTECH can take full responsibility for the trading operations, and also provide one-off or ongoing support to an existing trading team, depending on customers' requirements and preferences. If required, GTECH is able to provide guaranteed payout levels. This unique feature allows GTECH to position its service so that customers can run a risk-free operation.
Content Management and Marketing Support
GTECH's content team provides sports-related website content, such as banners, live score consoles, specialized coupons and promotions, news, and articles, which optimizes the look and feel of a betting offering in order to maximize impact. GTECH leverages its global experiences and merges that experience with local market needs to create solutions that are fully tailored to the operator.
GTECH develops innovative technology to enable lotteries to offer commercial services over their existing lottery infrastructure or over stand-alone networks separate from the lottery. Such commercial services include high-volume transaction processing of commercial transactions such as prepaid cellular telephone recharges, prepaid mobile data, prepaid electricity and other utility bill payments, credit card transactions, social security contributions and payments and prepaid cards. In addition, GTECH provides collection services and processing and network services on behalf of third parties, and issues electronic money through immediate conversion of funds received, as well as other related activities.
GTECH is the leading provider of commercial services in Italy and the leading provider of electronic bill payment services in Poland. GTECH processes over 45 million payment transactions per year for more than 80 companies, over 400 million yearly "TopUp" transactions (allowing users to continuously apply prepaid funds to an existing account by "topping up" the account), has agreements with over 50 mobile operators, offers four types of prepaid cards, two of which are co-branded with Paypal and Pokerstars, and has issued over 1.3 million cards.
Additionally, in Latin America and the Caribbean, through its brands Sencillito in Chile and VIA in Colombia and Trinidad & Tobago, GTECH offers a range of bill payment and eRecharge services (electronic vouchers and electronic top-ups). Independent of its VIA and Sencillito brands, GTECH offers eRecharge services in eight other Caribbean countries.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013, GTECH generated Commercial Service revenues of €138.4 million and €189.3 million, or approximately 6.1% and 6.2% of total revenues, in both periods, respectively.
Interactive gaming (or iGaming) enables game play via the Internet for real money or for fun. Interactive games include poker, casino games, bingo, iLottery, sports betting, horseracing and skill-based games.
GTECH offers comprehensive solutions for the interactive gaming market, providing a full suite of award winning products and services for Internet gaming. GTECH designs, manufactures, and distributes Internet poker, bingo, table games, slots, iLottery and Gaming Management Systems ("GMSs"). All of GTECH's Internet games are customizable. Additionally, GTECH provides player services, including marketing, portal, player acquisition, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), VIP, player support, payment solutions, fraud and collusion protection, responsible gaming, game management, migration, and trading services. GTECH holds more than 24 interactive gaming licenses worldwide. GTECH also acts as a mobile casino operator through its subsidiary, Probability.
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GTECH's diverse interactive customer base in iGaming includes Lottomatica (Italy), Veikkaus (Finland), LNB (Belgium), Polla de Chilena (Chile), and Szerencsejáték (SRZT, Hungary), the Illinois Lottery and the Georgia Lottery.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013, GTECH generated Interactive Gaming revenues of €73.7 million and €104.3 million, or approximately 3.3% and 3.4% of total revenues, respectively.
Interactive Products
Poker. GTECH's poker product is the industry's first fully compliant Mac poker product, making it 100% compatible with all leading platforms and devices. Offering a player-friendly interface and sophisticated graphics, GTECH's poker product is scalable and flexible, and tailored to the specific needs of customers and their player base. The platform is modern and able to address the changing dynamics of online poker.
Online Casino. GTECH's online casino products include a wide selection of table and slot games with single, multiplayer and tournament play. GTECH casino content includes branded titles and select third-party content. Available in download, instant, or mobile formats and as play-for-fun or real-money solutions, casino games are available anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
Bingo. GTECH's bingo solution includes a social and interactive Bingo Live offering, available in four countries and in four languages, with the content adjusted to suit specific regions. GTECH Bingo is flexible and scalable to meet regulatory requirements and all levels of certification and testing, and is offered as play-for-fun or a real-money solution across multiple channels and currencies.
iLottery. GTECH's complete suite of iLottery solutions, services, and professional expertise allows lotteries to fully engage their players on any interactive channel in regulated markets. Existing lottery game portfolios are extended to the interactive channel to provide a spectrum of engaging content.
GTECH offers a vast library of mobile content available on any device. GTECH's mobile portfolio includes Poker, Casino, Bingo, Lottery, and Sports Betting, all with user intuitive touch controls, bonus features and HD graphics.
Systems
iGaming. GTECH's iGaming systems cover every vertical from a 360-degree view of the player, web design and an engine to accelerate more game content to customers' websites.
GTECH's iGaming systems offering includes:
Remote Games Server. GTECH also offers a Remote Games Server, which is a fast gateway to extensive content. For customers operating their own or third-party systems, GTECH is able to provide a simple plug-and-play approach to all of GTECH's and GTECH's premium suppliers' content.
GTECH OnePay. GTECH OnePay is natively integrated within GTECH Player Account Management. It is a highly reliable and secure payment system that allows for a wide range of different payment methods across continents.
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GTECH Governance. GTECH Governance is a dynamic web application framework providing cross-cutting functionalities such as authentication and authorization. Within this framework, the user interfaces for customer service, management workflows, module administration and third-party integrations are uniformly managed.
Services
GTECH offers a complete range of services to support iGaming customers. GTECH services are aimed at helping lower the cost of player acquisition and increasing lifetime player value. GTECH's player service centers are located worldwide to serve players 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
GTECH Marketing Intelligence Services manages the player lifecycle to maximize player yield while ensuring the player is entertained and plays responsibly.
Revenues for GTECH by business activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
(€ thousand)
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014 |
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lottery |
1,288,237 | 1,696,301 | 1,692,956 | 1,621,810 | |||||||||
Machine Gaming |
605,670 | 902,224 | 913,393 | 854,088 | |||||||||
Sports Betting |
153,727 | 170,169 | 152,276 | 199,808 | |||||||||
Commercial Services |
138,400 | 189,251 | 193,743 | 177,031 | |||||||||
Interactive Gaming |
73,732 | 104,347 | 122,961 | 120,738 | |||||||||
Purchase Accounting (1) |
401 | 542 | 356 | 267 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Revenues |
2,260,167 | 3,062,834 | 3,075,685 | 2,973,742 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Italy segment operates and provides a full range of business to customer (B2C) gaming products including all five product lines of GTECH: Lottery, Machine Gaming, Sports Betting, Commercial Services and Interactive Gaming. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Italy segment generated revenues of €1.311 billion and €1.287 billion, respectively (€1.737 billion and €1.816 billion for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively).
In this segment, GTECH holds the following main concessions:
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Since 1993, GTECH has been the sole concessionaire for the Italian Lotto game. GTECH has gained substantial experience in managing all the activities along the lottery value chain, such as collecting wagers through its network, paying out prizes, managing all accounting and other back office functions, running advertising and promotion, operating data transmission networks and processing centers, training staff, providing retailers with assistance and supplying materials including play slips, tickets and receipts, and marketing and point of sale materials for the game.
In Italy, GTECH also operates online lotteries, which are conducted through computerized systems in which lottery terminals are connected to a central computer system, such as Lotto, instant-ticket lotteries and traditional lotteries, which are games involving pre-printed paper tickets.
Online Lottery
Lotto is a traditional game that was played off-line for centuries and that originated roughly 500 years ago in Genoa, Italy. Lotto is now an online lottery in which players select and bet on a draw of up to five numbers, or combinations thereof. In June 2009, ADM introduced the new form of Lotto game called "10 and Lotto", in which players bet on the draw of ten numbers out of twenty drawn in a basket from 1 to 90. This new form is run through the Lotto network. In September 2010, ADM authorized a new form of "10 and Lotto" where drawings are held every five minutes and players can bet from one to ten numbers out of 20 drawn.
For the Lotto concession, GTECH receives from ADM a fee equal to a percentage of ticket sales, which decreases as the total wagers increase during an annual period. For example, in 2013, the annual average fee rate received by GTECH was approximately 6.43% on total annual wagers of €6.333 billion and, in 2012, the annual average fee received by GTECH was approximately 6.37% on total annual wagers of €6.221 billion.
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Upon termination of the Lotto concession, GTECH is required to transfer, free of charge, to ADM upon its request, ownership of the entire automated systems which relate to the operation of the Lotto game. A similar requirement exists with respect to the termination of the other concessions.
Instant and Traditional Lotteries
In October 2003, the Ministry of Economy and Finance granted to Consorzio Lotterie Nazionali , a consortium 63% owned by GTECH, the exclusive concession to operate instant and traditional lotteries, which prior to that time had been operated by ADM. The remaining ownership of the consortium was held by Scientific Games International, Inc. ("Scientific Games") (20%), Arianna 2001 S.p.A. ("Arianna") (15%) and others. The concession expired in September 2010.
In August 2010, Lotterie Nazionali, a company that was 64% owned by GTECH, executed the new instant lottery concession with ADM, which commenced in October 2010 and will expire in September 2019. The remaining ownership of Lotterie Nazionali is held by Scientific Games Luxembourg (20%), Arianna (15%) and others. Instant lotteries are available at approximately 67,000 points of sale (of which approximately 33,000 are also Lotto points of sale).
For the new concession, the fee has been established as 3.9% of annual total wagers.
GTECH operates in the machine gaming concession in Italy through Videolot and through Videolot's subsidiaries Big Easy and Optima, as gaming machines operator and retailer, respectively. As of September 30, 2014, Videolot operates 68,249 AWP machines and 10,859 VLT machines on its networks.
Sports events (including basketball, soccer, cycling, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, tennis, sailing and volleyball), motor sports (car and motorcycle racing), and non-sports events connected with the world of entertainment, music, culture, and current affairs of primary national and international importance are the subjects of legal betting in Italy.
The betting can be:
As of September 30, 2014, GTECH's business in Italy had 299 sports betting point of sale locations, of which 293 were operational and 1,224 corner points of sale, of which 1,179 were operational during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. GTECH has also been granted rights by ADM to operate horse betting at 549 corner points of sale, of which 336 were operational during the first nine months of 2014.
Leveraging its distribution network and secure transaction processing experience, GTECH offers high-volume transaction processing of commercial transactions such as prepaid cellular telephone recharges. GTECH also provides collection and payment services in Italy for the payment of utility bills, local fines and duties and also collects payments due on behalf of creditors and offers money transfer services as well as top-ups for digital terrestrial TV cards, payment of car road taxes, fidelity card services and stamp duty services.
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GTECH has been providing commercial, payment and processing services in Italy since 1998. GTECH's commercial services network comprises about 70,000 points of sale divided among tobacconists, bars, petrol stations, newspaper stands and motorway restaurants.
GTECH provides all of the Internet games currently authorized in the Italian market, including skill games such as poker and other board and soft games; bingo; casino games such as roulette and black jack and reel games; live dealer roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker; horse and sports betting (fixed odds); pool games, such as a local game based on soccer events (pari-mutuel); virtual betting on events such as car, motorcycle, horse, and dog races and tennis or soccer matches; lottery including Lotto and "10 and Lotto" and Superenalotto with "Win for Life," "Eurojackpot;" and instant lottery (iGratta e Vinci on Line).
The Americas segment offers all five of the GTECH product lines: The Americas segment generated revenues of €727.2 million and €755.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively (€994.1 million and €872.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively).
In the majority of jurisdictions in this segment, lottery authorities generally award contracts through a competitive bidding process. After the expiration of the initial or extended contract term, a lottery authority generally may either seek to negotiate further extensions or commence a new competitive bidding process. From time to time, there are challenges or other proceedings relating to the awarding of the lottery contracts.
Online Lottery
GTECH has contracts for the installation and operation of lottery systems in 36 jurisdictions in the Americas including contracts in 21 United States jurisdictions and 15 jurisdictions throughout the Caribbean, Latin America and South America where GTECH provides online lottery systems and a wide range of services and products to help operate governmental lotteries. These contracts expire between 2015 and 2029.
The table below sets forth the lottery authorities and customers with which GTECH had facilities management contracts ("FMC") for the installation and operation of lottery systems as of June 30, 2014, and as to which GTECH is the sole supplier of central computers and terminals and material services in the Americas, as well as product sale contracts ("PSC") under which customers have, since January 2012, purchased (or have agreed to purchase) from GTECH new online systems, software and/or terminals and equipment in connection with the expansion or replacement of existing lottery systems. For FMCs, the table also sets forth information regarding the term of each contract and, as of June 30, 2014, the approximate number of terminals installed in each jurisdiction.
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Jurisdiction
|
FMC
or PSC |
Approximate
Number of Lottery Terminals Installed (1) |
Date of
Commencement of Current Contract* |
Date of
Expiration of Current Contract Term |
Current Extension Options** | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States: |
|||||||||||
Arizona |
FMC |
2,900 |
November 2005 |
August 2016 |
|
||||||
California |
FMC | 22,700 | October 2003 | October 2019 | (2) | ||||||
Florida |
FMC | 13,200 | January 2005 | September 2015 | | ||||||
Georgia |
FMC | 10,000 | September 2003 | September 2018 | | ||||||
Kansas |
FMC | 1,900 | July 2008 | June 2018 | | ||||||
Kentucky |
FMC | 3,450 | July 2011 | July 2021 | 5 one-year | ||||||
Massachusetts |
PSC | ||||||||||
Michigan |
FMC | 11,500 | January 2009 | January 2017 | 4 one-year | ||||||
Minnesota |
FMC | 3,900 | June 2002 | February 2016 | | ||||||
Missouri |
FMC | 4,900 | December 2004 | June 2015 | 5 one-year on mutual agreement | ||||||
Nebraska |
FMC | 1,250 | December 2010 | June 2017 | 4 one-year | ||||||
New York |
FMC | 19,000 | September 2009 | August 2017 | Up to 3 years | ||||||
North Carolina |
FMC | 7,800 | January 2006 | March 2017 | | ||||||
Oregon (3) |
FMC | 3,550 | October 2007 | November 2020 | | ||||||
PennsylvaniaScientific Games International, Inc. |
PSC | ||||||||||
Rhode Island |
FMC | 1,250 | July 2003 | June 2023 | | ||||||
South Dakota |
FMC | 620 | August 2009 | August 2019 | | ||||||
Tennessee |
FMC | 5,290 | January 2004 | April 2015 (4) | | ||||||
Texas |
FMC | 17,400 | September 2011 | August 2020 | 3 two-year | ||||||
Virginia |
FMC | 5,500 | June 2006 | October 2017 | | ||||||
Washington |
FMC | 4,200 | July 2006 | June 2016 | | ||||||
West Virginia |
FMC | 1,700 | June 2009 | June 2016 | | ||||||
Wisconsin |
FMC | 3,600 | November 2003 | June 2015 | | ||||||
Canada: |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Atlantic Lottery Corporation |
PSC |
||||||||||
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation |
PSC | ||||||||||
Caribbean and Latin America: |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Argentina |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Boldt Gaming S.A.(Buenos Aires Lottery/IPLC) (5) |
FMC | 4,800 | November 1999 | September 2016 | | ||||||
Slot Machines S.A. (San Luis Province/ Agencia Financiera de Loterías, Casinos y Juegos de Azar) |
FMC | 285 | October 2011 | October 2021 | Extension options at sole discretion of Agencia | ||||||
BoldtInstituto Provincial de Loterias y Casinos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires |
PSC | ||||||||||
ChilePolla Chilena de Beneficencia |
2,500 | September 2008 | August 2016 | Up to 24 months | |||||||
Dominican RepublicLoto Real Del Cibao, C.X.A. |
FMC | 1,247 | August 2008 | August 2015 (6) | | ||||||
JamaicaSupreme Ventures Limited |
FMC | 1,100 | November 2000 | January 2026 | | ||||||
MexicoPronosticos Para La Asistencia Publica |
FMC | 9,820 | September 2005 | March 2015 | | ||||||
ParaguayEntretenimientos Generales, S.A. |
PSC |
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Lottery Management Services Contracts
GTECH is the lottery management services provider in three Americas jurisdictionsIllinois, Indiana, and New Jersey. In each jurisdiction, GTECH manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions, subject to lottery oversight. In Illinois and New Jersey, GTECH provides lottery management services as part of a joint venture or consortium, respectively, and in Indiana, through a wholly owned subsidiary. As compensation for its lottery management services in each state, GTECH receives an annual incentive compensation fee to the extent the net income earned by the relevant state department of lottery in a given fiscal year exceeds such state's minimum guaranteed net income levels for such fiscal year, as provided under each relevant contract. The incentive compensation is subject to an annual cap of 5% of lottery net income in the case of Illinois and New Jersey and 5% of the minimum guaranteed net income levels in the case of Indiana. In the event the actual net income of the lottery is less than the guaranteed net income in a contract year, GTECH is required to pay the lottery for such shortfall. Such shortfall payments are capped at 5% in Indiana and Illinois and 2% in New Jersey.
U.S. State Lottery Operations. GTECH provides lottery management services in Illinois through Northstar Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar"), a consortium in which GTECH indirectly holds an 80% controlling interest. Northstar manages the day-to-day operations and core functions of the Illinois lottery, subject to the oversight of the Illinois Department of Lottery (the "Lottery"). GTECH provides certain hardware, equipment, software and support services to Northstar. The Illinois Governor's Office has directed the Lottery to end its relationship with Northstar. Northstar and the Lottery are working to address the Governor's Office concerns in accordance with the process set forth in the agreement between the State and Northstar (the "Illinois Agreement"), which may include an agreement to terminate the Illinois Agreement. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, a final decision regarding Northstar's relationship with the State of Illinois has not been reached.
In Indiana, GTECH manages the day-to-day operations and core functions of the Hoosier Lottery through GTECH Indiana, LLC ("GTECH Indiana"), a wholly owned subsidiary, which has a 15-year agreement with the Hoosier Lottery expiring on June 30, 2028, subject to early termination provisions. The Hoosier Lottery has control over all significant business decisions with respect to the management of the lottery.
In New Jersey, GTECH manages the day-to-day operations and core functions of the New Jersey lottery through Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar New Jersey"), a consolidated joint venture comprised of GTECH Corporation, Scientific Games New Jersey, a subsidiary of Scientific
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Games International, Inc., and OSI LTT NJ Grantor Trust, an affiliated entity of Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System in which GTECH indirectly holds an approximate 41% interest. GTECH also provides certain hardware, equipment, software and support services and certain instant ticket goods and services. Northstar New Jersey is party to a lottery management agreement with the State of New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Purchase and Property and Division of Lottery which expires on June 30, 2029, subject to early termination provisions.
The table below sets forth the lottery authorities with which GTECH had operator contracts or lottery management services contracts as of June 30, 2014 for the day-to-day operation of core lottery functions, and management of lottery systems, and as to which GTECH is the supplier of central computers and terminals and material services. The table also sets forth information regarding the term of each contract and, as of June 30, 2014, the approximate number of terminals installed in each jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction
|
Approximate
Number of Lottery Terminals Installed (1) |
Date of
Commencement of Current Contract* |
Date of
Expiration of Current Contract Term |
Current Extension Options** | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States: |
|||||||||
Illinois |
9,500 |
July 2011 |
January 2021 |
|
|||||
Indiana |
4,000 | (2) | October 2012 | June 2028 | 10 one-year | ||||
New Jersey |
6,860 | June 2013 | June 2029 | | |||||
Caribbean and Latin America: |
|
|
|
|
|||||
Colombia |
|
|
|
|
|||||
ETESA/ COLJUEGOS (3) |
6,000 | April 2012 | April 2017 | | |||||
Grupo Empresarial En Linea, S.A. |
3,800 | September 2011 | April 2017 | | |||||
Costa Rica |
|
|
|
|
|||||
Junta de Protección Social |
1,200 | June 2013 | June 2019 | Automatic renewals for 2 year periods up to a total of 10 years unless the Junta gives notice of nonrenewal | |||||
Trinidad & TobagoNational Lotteries Control Board |
800 | December 1993 | March 2021 | Automatic extension for 1 three-year period | |||||
AnguillaLILHCo |
10 | May 2007 | May 2017 | | |||||
Antigua/ BarbudaLILHCo |
55 | September 1996 | September 2016 | | |||||
BarbadosLILHCo |
242 | June 2005 | June 2023 | | |||||
BermudaLILHCo |
2 | | | Automatic annual renewal | |||||
St. Kitts/NevisLILHCo |
53 | October 2013 | October 2016 | 3 years | |||||
St. MaartenLILHCo |
44 | September 2007 | September 2017 | 1 ten-year (4) | |||||
U.S. Virgin IslandsLILHCo |
87 | December 2001 | December 2016 | 1 five-year |
225
Instant and Traditional Lotteries
GTECH provides Self-Service Terminals ("SSTs"), including instant ticket vending machines ("ITVMs") and other self-service devices pursuant to existing facilities management contracts mentioned above, separate SST facilities management contracts, and through product sales contracts in 27 United States jurisdictions. These contracts expire between 2014 and 2017.
The table below sets forth the lottery authorities with which GTECH has facilities management contracts for the provision of SSTs. This table also provides (except where noted) information respecting the number of SSTs that are currently in service under various SST product sales contracts. Finally, the table below sets forth information regarding the term of each FMC, as well as the approximate number of SSTs installed in each FMC jurisdiction, as of June 30, 2014.
Jurisdiction
|
FMC
or PSC |
Approximate
Number of SSTs In Service |
Date of
Commencement of Current FMC Contract* |
Date of
Expiration of Current FMC Contract Term |
Current
Extension Options** |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arizona |
FMC | 840 | February 2009 | January 2015 | 5 one-year | ||||||
California |
(1) | 6,600 | | | | ||||||
Connecticut |
(2) | 200 | July 2010 | September 2014 | 2 one-year | ||||||
Florida |
(1) | 2,040 | | | | ||||||
Georgia |
(1) | 1,110 | | | | ||||||
Illinois |
(1) | 3,200 | | | | ||||||
Indiana |
PSC (3) | 940 | | | | ||||||
Kentucky |
(1) | 740 | | | | ||||||
Maine |
(4) | 210 | September 2004 | December 2014 | | ||||||
Maryland |
PSC | 850 | | | | ||||||
Massachusetts |
PSC | 2,600 | | | | ||||||
Michigan |
(1) | 1,690 | | | | ||||||
Minnesota |
(1) | 400 | | | | ||||||
Missouri |
FMC | 1,350 | March 2007 | June 2015 | (5) | ||||||
New Jersey |
(1) | 1,550 | | | | ||||||
New York |
(1) | 4,640 | | | | ||||||
North Carolina |
(1) | 1,150 | | | | ||||||
Oregon |
PSC | 370 | | | | ||||||
Pennsylvania |
PSC | 4,250 | | | | ||||||
Rhode Island |
(1) | 250 | | | | ||||||
South Dakota |
(1) | 50 | | | | ||||||
Tennessee |
(1) | 460 | | | | ||||||
Texas |
(1) | 2,250 | | | | ||||||
Virginia |
(6) | 1,850 | June 2004 | October 2017 | | ||||||
Washington |
(1) | 1,850 | | | | ||||||
West Virginia |
(1) | 180 | | | | ||||||
Wisconsin |
(1) | 490 | | | |
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Instant Ticket Printing and Production Services
GTECH is a major technologically advanced instant game supplier and has a total production capacity of more than 11 billion instant tickets annually. As an end-to-end provider of instant tickets and related services, GTECH specializes in the fast delivery of high-quality instant ticket games. In addition to printing, GTECH provides its customers with instant ticket marketing plans, graphic design, programming, production, packaging, shipping and delivery services. Instant tickets are sold at numerous types of retail outlets but most successfully in grocery and convenience stores.
Government sponsored lotteries grant printing contracts on both an exclusive and non-exclusive basis where there is typically one primary vendor and one or more secondary vendors. A primary contract permits the vendor to supply the majority of the lottery's ticket printing needs and includes the complete production process from concept development through production and shipment. It also typically includes marketing and research support. A primary printing contract can also include any or all of the following services: warehousing, distribution, telemarketing, and sales/field support. A secondary printing contract includes providing back up printing services and alternate product sources. It may or may not include a guarantee of a minimum or maximum number of games. Instant ticket contracts are priced based on a percentage of ticket sales revenues or on a price per unit basis and generally range from two to five years with extension opportunities.
As of June 30, 2014, GTECH had contracts to provide instant ticket printing and production services to 39 customers throughout the Americas, including 29 U.S. jurisdictions, three in Canada, one in Mexico, four in the Caribbean and Central America, and two in South America.
GTECH has agreements with casino customers to provide gaming machines, including fixed fee and participation contracts, and contracts in which customers have purchased (or have agreed to purchase) products. As of June 30, 2014, GTECH had contracts with 717 casino customers in the Americas segment, including 249 in Latin America and 468 in North America.
The Americas has long term government sponsored contracts in eight (8) jurisdictions in the United States, five (5) jurisdictions in Canada, and one (1) in South America to provide VLTs and/or
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systems on a fixed fee or participation basis (percentage of sales or net win). These contracts, listed in the table below, expire between 2014 and 2023.
The table below lists jurisdictions in which GTECH has agreements with government sponsored customers to provide gaming machines and/or video central systems as of June 30, 2014, including fixed fee and participation contracts, and contracts in which customers have purchased (or have agreed to purchase) products since January 2012. The table also provides information regarding the term of certain contracts and, as of June 30, 2014, the approximate number of gaming machines installed in each jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction
|
Nature of
Contract |
Approximate
Number of Gaming Machines |
Date of
Commencement of Current Contract* |
Date of
Expiration of Current Contract |
Current
Extension Options** |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States : |
|||||||||||
Delaware |
Gaming MachinesParticipation |
223 |
May 2014 |
October 2018 |
3 two year |
||||||
Kansas |
Central SystemParticipation | | November 2008 | December 2019 | Upon mutual agreement | ||||||
Louisiana |
Central SystemProduct Sale | | December 2005 | December 2015 | | ||||||
Maryland |
Gaming MachinesProduct Sale | 2,194 | April 2010 | March 2015 | 1 five-year | ||||||
|
Central SystemFixed Fee | | January 2010 | September 2015 | 1 five-year | ||||||
New York |
Gaming MachinesParticipation | 1,391 | May 2003 | December 2017 | | ||||||
Oregon |
Gaming MachinesProduct Sale | 2,485 | | | | ||||||
|
Gaming MachinesProduct Sale #2 | 1,500 | October 2013 | (1) | | ||||||
|
Central SystemFixed Fee | | November 1995 | September 2015 | | ||||||
|
Central System replacementFixed Fee | | January 2013 | (2) | Upon mutual agreement | ||||||
Pennsylvania |
Central SystemParticipation | | September 2011 | September 2014 | | ||||||
Rhode Island |
Gaming MachinesParticipation | 2,782 | July 2003 | July 2023 | | ||||||
|
Central SystemParticipation | | July 2003 | July 2023 | | ||||||
Canada : |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission |
Central SystemProduct Sale |
|
June 2011 |
June 2016 |
5 one-year |
||||||
|
Gaming MachinesProduct Sale | 2,087 | November 2011 | November 2018 | | ||||||
Atlantic Lottery Corporation |
Gaming MachinesProduct Sale | 1,700 | May 2012 | November 2019 | |
228
Jurisdiction
|
Nature of
Contract |
Approximate
Number of Gaming Machines |
Date of
Commencement of Current Contract* |
Date of
Expiration of Current Contract |
Current
Extension Options** |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gaming MachinesProduct Sale #2 |
950
|
January 2014 | January 2021 | | ||||||
|
Central SystemServices (3) | | October 2012 | (4) | 7 one-year | ||||||
Manitoba Lotteries Corporation |
Gaming MachinesProduct Sale | 2,057 | July 2012 | July 2019 | | ||||||
|
Central SystemProduct Sale | | July 2012 | June 2018 | 7 one-year | ||||||
Quebec (Société des lotteries video du Québec) |
Gaming MachinesProduct Sale | 4,986 | August 2010 | August 2015 | 1 period of 3 years and 1 period of 2 years | ||||||
|
Central SystemProduct Sale | | July 2010 | July 2015 | (5) | ||||||
Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority |
Central SystemProduct Sale | | August 2012 | November 2020 | (6) | ||||||
|
Central SystemProduct Sale | | August 2012 | November 2020 | (6) | ||||||
|
Gaming MachinesProduct Sale | 1,400 | November 2012 | November 2017 | | ||||||
South America : |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Argentina |
Central System Participation |
|
March 2010 |
September 2023 |
1 two-year |
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GTECH is the technology provider in retail and interactive channels for sports betting in Chile and Mexico.
In Mexico, GTECH provides four pool-based games and managed services and risk and event management for a daily fixed-odds game. The pool-based games and fixed-odds game are available at retail locations.
In Chile, GTECH provides two pool-based games. In addition, GTECH provides managed services and risk and event management for a daily fixed-odds game. Both the pool-based games and daily fixed-odds game can be played at retail locations and over the Internet.
GTECH is an established provider of financial services, bill payment and access to eRecharge products (electronic vouchers and electronic top-up services) in major markets across Latin America and the Caribbean. GTECH operates in Chile through its Sencillito brand and in Colombia and Trinidad & Tobago through its VIA brand.
Independent of its VIA and Sencillito brands, GTECH offers eRecharge products and processes millions of transactions annually in eight other Caribbean countries, including the United States Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbados.
GTECH offers a variety of interactive game products, including poker, casino, bingo, iLottery, and mobile systems. In the United States, GTECH is the leading iLottery provider, introducing iKeno in Georgia, and iLottery and the mobile app in Illinois.
In December 2010, GTECH and Societé des Lotteries du Québec (Loto-Québec) launched the first regulated online poker network in North America, with British Columbia Lottery Corporation ("BCLC") joining in 2011.
In June 2014, GTECH announced that it entered into an agreement for a four-year term with two (2) two-year extension options, with Loto-Québec and BCLC to provide interactive bingo software, games and related services to these Canadian lotteries through June 2018. The contract represents North America's first government-regulated interactive bingo network.
The International segment offers all five GTECH product lines: Lottery, Machine Gaming, Sports Betting, Commercial Services and Interactive Gaming. The International Segment generated revenues of €221.8 million and €246.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively (€331.1 million and €387.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively).
GTECH has contracts for the installation and operation of lottery systems in eleven jurisdictions in the International segment. These contracts expire between 2014 and 2023.
The table below sets forth the lottery authorities and customers with which GTECH had FMCs as of June 30, 2014 for the installation and operation of lottery systems, and as to which GTECH is the sole supplier of central computers and terminals and material services in the International segment, as
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well as PSCs under which customers have, since January 2012, purchased (or have agreed to purchase) from GTECH new online systems, software and/or terminals and equipment in connection with the expansion or replacement of existing lottery systems. For FMCs, the table also sets forth information regarding the term of each contract and, as of June 30, 2014, the approximate number of terminals installed in each jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction
|
FMC or
PSC |
Approximate
Number of Lottery Terminals Installed (1) |
Date of
Commencement of Current Contract* |
Date of
Expiration of Current Contract Term |
Current
Extension Options** |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BelgiumLoterie Nationale de Belgique |
PSC | ||||||||||
China |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Beijing Welfare Lottery |
FMC | 2,800 | January 2012 | December 2018 | Automatic 2 one-year terms unless a party gives at least 180 days' notice before end of initial or extension term | ||||||
Shenzhen Welfare Lottery |
FMC |
2,039 |
July 2010 |
April 2021 |
Automatic 2 eighteen month terms unless a party gives at least 180 days' notice before the end of the initial or extension term |
||||||
Czech RepublicSAZKA a.s. (f/k/a Czech RepublicSAZKA sázková kancelář a.s.) |
FMC |
7,000 |
November 2011 |
December 2022 |
|
||||||
DenmarkDanske Spil A/S |
PSC | ||||||||||
FinlandVeikkaus Oy |
PSC | ||||||||||
FranceLa Française des Jeux |
PSC | ||||||||||
Germany |
|||||||||||
Lotterietreuhandgesellschaft mbH Thüringen |
PSC | ||||||||||
Sächsische Lotto GMBH |
PSC | ||||||||||
Westdeutsche Lotterie GmbH |
PSC | ||||||||||
IrelandAn Post Nat'l Lottery Company |
FMC |
3,700 |
June 2002 |
June 2015 |
|
||||||
IsraelMifal Hapayis |
PSC | ||||||||||
LithuaniaUAB Lotelita |
PSC | ||||||||||
LuxembourgLoterie Nationale |
FMC |
420 |
March 2013 |
March 2021 |
5 one-year terms |
||||||
MadagascarReel Mada SA, Damalot Technical Services LTD and Gamlot Technologies LTD |
PSC | ||||||||||
MalaysiaPan Malaysian Pools |
PSC | ||||||||||
MauritiusLottotech Ltd. |
PSC | ||||||||||
New ZealandLotto New Zealand |
PSC | ||||||||||
NigeriaSecure Electronic Technology plc. |
FMC |
3,500 |
(2) |
November 2008 |
December 2016 (2) |
10 years (2) |
231
Jurisdiction
|
FMC or
PSC |
Approximate
Number of Lottery Terminals Installed (1) |
Date of
Commencement of Current Contract* |
Date of
Expiration of Current Contract Term |
Current
Extension Options** |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PolandTotalizator Sportowy |
FMC |
14,400 |
December 2011 |
November 2018 |
3 one-year or 3 years |
||||||
PortugalSanta Casa de Misericordia de Lisboa |
PSC | ||||||||||
SingaporeSingapore Pools (Pte) Ltd. |
PSC | ||||||||||
Slovak RepublicTIPOS, National Lottery Company, a.s. |
FMC |
2,550 |
March 1996 |
December 2018 |
|
||||||
Spain |
|||||||||||
Organizacion Nacional de Ciegos Españoles (ONCE) (3) |
FMC/PSC |
7,390 |
May 2010 |
December 2020 |
5 years and subsequently for biannual periods unless either party elects to terminate with prior notice of 2 years |
||||||
UTE Logista GTECH, Law 18/1982, No. 1 |
PSC | ||||||||||
Ibermatica S.A. |
PSC | ||||||||||
Switzerland |
|||||||||||
Loterie de la Suisse Romande |
PSC | ||||||||||
Swisslos Interkantonale Landeslotterie |
PSC | ||||||||||
TurkeyTurkish National Lottery (4) |
FMC |
5,000 |
February 1996 |
November 2014(4) |
(4) |
||||||
UkraineUkraine National Lottery |
PSC | ||||||||||
United KingdomThe National Lottery (5) |
FMC |
42,850 |
February 2009 |
January 2023 |
|
232
Instant and Traditional Lotteries
In addition to the above facilities management contracts, GTECH has PSCs for the provision of SSTs, including ITVMs and other self-service devices in eight jurisdictions in the International segment.
The table below sets forth the lottery authorities with which GTECH's International segment has PSCs for the provision of SSTs as of June 30, 2014. This table also provides (except where noted) information reflecting the number of SSTs that are currently in service under various PSCs. Finally, the table below sets forth information regarding the term of each service agreement related to the PSC, as well as the approximate number of SSTs installed in each jurisdiction, as of June 30, 2014.
Jurisdiction
|
Approximate
Number of SSTs In Service |
Date of Commencement
of Current Service Agreement* |
Date of
Expiration of Current Service Agreement Term |
Current
Extension Options** |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Belgium |
19 | | | | ||||||
France |
1,075 | October 2005 | November 2022 | | ||||||
Hungary |
16 | December 2013 | November 2022 | | ||||||
Iceland |
25 | | | | ||||||
Luxembourg (1) |
130 | |||||||||
Poland (1) |
300 | | | | ||||||
SingaporeSingapore Pools |
48 | | | | ||||||
Switzerland |
205 | | | |
Instant Ticket Printing and Production Services
As of June 30, 2014, GTECH's International segment had contracts with 13 customers including eleven in Europe, one in Africa and one in Australia to provide instant ticket printing and production services.
GTECH's International segment has agreements with casino and other machine operators to provide gaming machines to licensed operations. The most common business models are direct sale, fixed fee or participation contracts. In addition to gaming machines, GTECH also generates revenues by providing content-sale only, game conversion upgrades, spare parts and machine merchandise. As of July 31, 2014, GTECH had contracts with approximately 465 casino and machine customers in Europe, Africa, Russia and Asia, and has gained a steady and strong presence across most gaming floors in this region.
In addition to providing machines, GTECH also has become a supplier in the industry for online accounting solutions for land-based operations with over 200 customers in Europe, Africa and Asia.
233
Government Sponsored Gaming
The International segment has long term government sponsored contracts in two jurisdictions to provide VLTs and/or systems on a fixed fee or participation basis (percentage of sales or net win). These contracts, listed in the table below, expire between 2016 and 2023.
The table below lists jurisdictions in which GTECH has agreements with government sponsored customers to provide gaming machines and/or video central systems as of June 30, 2014.
Jurisdiction
|
Nature of
Contract |
Approximate
Number of Gaming Machines |
Date of
Commencement of Current Contract* |
Date of
Expiration of Current Contract |
Current
Extension Options** |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sweden (AB Svenska Spel) |
Gaming Machine and Central System Product Sales | 6,640 | May 2007 | June 2016 | 2 two-year | ||||||
|
Central System Product Sale |
|
May 2003 |
|
|
||||||
Switzerland (Loterie de la Suisse Romande) |
Gaming Machine and Central System Product Sales |
750 |
July 2010 |
December 2023 |
|
In July 2014, GTECH was selected to provide its INTELLIGEN system to Greek lottery operator OPAP to provide OPAP's VLT Central Information System to monitor and control up to 35,000 VLTs in OPAP's planned new network. GTECH is expected to connect its INTELLIGEN Central Information System to OPAP and concessionaire VLTs beginning in late 2014, following system certification by the Hellenic Gaming Commission.
GTECH provides betting technology to lotteries and commercial operators in regulated markets. World Lottery Association customers of GTECH include OPAP, Lottery National Belgium (LNB) and Marca, the Spanish national daily sports newspaper owned by Unidad Editorial in Spain, and Szerencsejáték Zrt (National Lottery in Hungary).
Leveraging its distribution network and secure transaction processing experience, GTECH offers high-volume transaction processing of commercial transactions including prepaid cellular telephone recharges, collection and payment services for the payment of utility bills, and money transfer services, as well as ticketing for sporting and musical events. Additionally, GTECH provides a processing and network service on behalf of third parties, without collecting amounts due.
234
The following table depicts jurisdictions where the International segment currently has agreements to provide commercial services, as of June 30, 2014, and the approximate number of points of sale in operation under the respective agreements.
Jurisdiction
|
Services Provided |
Approximate
Number of Points of Sales (POSs) |
Date of
Commencement of Current Contract |
Date of
Expiration of Current Contract |
Current
Extension Options |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Czech Republic |
Prepaid cellular top ups, payment services, events ticket sales, microloans, etc. | 7,000 | Originally October 1992 (latest amendment/extension signed November 2011)* | December 2022* | N/A | ||||||
Lithuania |
Prepaid cellular top ups, payment services |
3,000 |
June 2012* |
October 5, 2022* |
N/A |
||||||
Slovakia |
Prepaid cellular top ups, events ticket sales |
2,200 |
Originally March 1996, latest amendment/extension signed March 2011.* |
December 2017* |
N/A |
||||||
Poland |
Prepaid cellular top ups, payment services, money transfer |
800 |
Contract with TS Lottery for commercial services since 2013* |
November 2018* |
Up to three years |
In addition to the commercial services noted above relative to its contract with the Polish lottery, GTECH also provides commercial service products in Poland through its Billbird subsidiary with approximately 18,000 POS terminals and electronic cash registers, processing more than 4 million transactions per month. BillBird is the leading provider of electronic bill payment services in Poland. BillBird also provides mobile prepaid and money transfer services.
GTECH offers a variety of interactive gaming products within the International segment including poker, casino, bingo and mobile systems.
World Lottery Association members Svenska Spel in Sweden and Norsk Tipping in Norway are among GTECH's interactive bingo platform and services customers. Svenska Spel, the State Lottery of Sweden, has been operating their Interactive Poker using GTECH platforms since 2006.
235
The State Lottery of Finland, Veikkaus Oy, has been a customer of GTECH since 1989. In 2010, Veikkaus awarded a contract to GTECH to supply its interactive bingo platform.
In April 2009, GTECH announced that it entered into an agreement with Societé de Loterie Romande (LoRo), to provide interactive games (draw games, instant games, sports and horse riding) and related services (monitoring and operations of the system).
GTECH also entered into an agreement with Lottery National Belgium (LNB) in April 2009 to provide interactive games (draw games, instant games and sports betting) and related services (monitoring and operations of the system).
In June 2013, the Spanish interactive gaming market became regulated and GTECH acquired ten customers offering casino table games, the Spanish Poker Network and the Spanish Bingo Network.
GTECH also provides its casino content to an array of commercial operators including bet365, Gala Bingo, Ladbrokes, Rank Group and William Hill.
GTECH devotes substantial resources on research and development, incurring €77.6 million and €72.2 million of related expenses during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
GTECH owns registered trademarks in the United States, Canada, Italy and the rest of Europe as well as other countries and uses other marks that may not yet have been registered.
GTECH has developed certain software for use in the management of a range of lottery, betting, and gaming functions and products, including leveraging integration with other software components. The intellectual property of the software is managed according to concession requirements. Software developed by GTECH is used:
Historically, GTECH generally has sought to obtain patents on its products on a limited scale, but also relied heavily on trade secret protection believing that its technical "know-how" and the creative skills of its personnel would be of substantially more importance to its success than the benefit which patent protection ordinarily would afford. As GTECH continues to advance the development of new
236
technological solutions and expand its presence in other market segments, it has begun to pursue comprehensive intellectual property protection, including patents where appropriate, for these solutions. GTECH is currently pursuing protection of some of its newest advances in technology and gaming. GTECH has obtained patent protection in certain of its key business methods in the areas of infrastructure systems, terminal improvements and creative game design. Many of GTECH's products bear recognizable brand names that it either owns or has the right to use pursuant to license agreements. GTECH owns trademark registrations in the United States and in foreign countries and uses other marks that have not been registered. GTECH also licenses certain trademarks from third parties such as Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Caesars, Harrah's, The Three Stooges, World Series of Poker, Rio, Sons of Anarchy, Plants v. Zombies, Bejeweled, Zuma and Billboard.
In most countries, the gaming market is heavily regulated. Each country governs the gaming sector, from a regulatory and administrative point of view, with its own solutions. Lotteries and other gaming activities are typically regulated by a specialized governing body. The organizational model varies from country to country, although, more frequently, the operation of games is conducted by one or more dedicated public or private entities. In certain countries, the operation of games is conducted by several operators. In the United States, there is a lottery authority or a commission for gaming activities in each state.
On a worldwide basis, the supply of gaming products is varied and can be broken down by game lines, such as gaming (casino, VLT and other games), lotteries (online, instant and traditional lotteries) and betting. The development of these game lines among different countries is highly diversified. This is attributable, in particular, to macroeconomic factors, but also to player preferences and local legislation.
Lotteries are operated by state and governmental bodies and their licensees in over 180 jurisdictions worldwide. Governments have authorized lotteries primarily as a means of generating non-tax revenues. Global lottery sales were equal to approximately US$284 billion in 2013 (source: La Fleur's 2014 World Lottery Almanac).
GTECH is a market leader in the Republic of Italy in the overall regulated gaming industry. Based on ADM's 2013 statistics, the Italian B2C gaming market is valued at €84.7 billion in wagers. The gross gaming yield (GGY, the difference between wagers and payout) is worth €17 billion, including €8.5 billion in government taxes and €8.5 billion in combined gaming company annual revenue, according to ADM.
The Italian B2C gaming market is highly regulated. Games are operated by privately owned companies based on concessions awarded by the Government and its regulatory body, ADM. In 2013, 20.4% of wagers and 35% of GGY were generated by the lotteries segment, compared to 56.4% and 53.2%, respectively, by machine gaming, while 23.2% of wagers and 12% of GGY came from all the other games, including sports betting, horse betting, and a number of interactive games including poker and casino games, and bingo.
In the United States, lottery revenues are frequently designated for particular purposes, such as education, economic development, conservation, transportation and aid to the elderly. Many states have
237
become increasingly dependent on their lotteries as revenues from lottery ticket sales are often a significant source of funding for these programs.
According to La Fleur's 2014 World Lottery Almanac (containing data for the fiscal year 2013), approximately 50% to 65% of sales of an online lottery in the United States is returned to the public in the form of prizes. Approximately 30% is used by the state to support specific public programs or as a contribution to the state's general funds. The remaining amount is generally used to fund the operations of the lottery, including the cost of advertising, sales commissions to point of sale retailers and service fees to vendors such as GTECH.
According to La Fleur's 2014 World Lottery Almanac, U.S. lotteries' consolidated revenues (including traditional sales as well as non-traditional products such as table games and VLTs) totaled $66 billion. In recent years, as the United States lottery industry has matured, the rate of lottery sales growth has moderated and certain of GTECH's customers have from time to time experienced a downward trend in sales.
There are currently 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, that authorize the operation of online lotteries in the United States. Implementation of lotteries in other jurisdictions will depend upon successful completion of legislative, regulatory and administrative processes.
The machine gaming B2B market accounted for $6.9 billion in 2013, showing a clear recovery trend since 2010, with a compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") of +8% from 2010-2013, after a steep decline from 2008-2010, with a CAGR for that period equal to -7%.
The machine gaming market is comprised of different product segments:
Slot machines form a substantial portion of the total machine gaming market (91% of total market in 2013). The equipment sales component decreased in 2010 to approximately 45% of total slot machine revenues (due to operators financial difficulties during the economic crisis), but have since recovered to approximately 50%, in line with historical levels.
From a geographical perspective the international business weight has significantly increased over time (from 21% in 2003 to 33% in 2013). However, North America still accounts for about 2/3 of the overall market.
Casino game content plays an increasingly important role in the interactive B2B and social casino B2C segments which continue to be driven by monetization of content libraries and intellectual property across distribution platforms. (All figures included in this section were obtained from Eilers Research, Gaming Equipment Suppliers, 2014.)
The global interactive gaming market includes casino (slots and table games), poker, bingo, sports betting, horseracing, skill based games and lotteries. The 2013 global market is estimated by
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H2 Gambling Capital at €26.9 billion in GGY and consists of operators and suppliers participating in the regulated and unregulated markets, which H2 Gambling Capital estimates at €10.6 billion and €16.3 billion, respectively.
According to H2 Gambling Capital, the global interactive gaming market grew at a CAGR of approximately 8.8% between 2008 and 2013, which was primarily driven by improved broadband penetration and capacity, increased mobile penetration, and a growing number of market participants.
The largest interactive market by player location is the U.K., which accounts for about 15% of the total market, according to H2 Gambling Capital. (Source: H2 Gambling Capital, Global Summary, November 9, 2014)
The lottery technology business is highly competitive and subject to strong price-based competition. GTECH is the undisputed leader in this sector with a global market share exceeding 50%, including a U.S. market share above 75%. GTECH provides facilities management, lottery services or the combination of the two to lottery operators in regulated markets in 60 countries. GTECH's primary competitors in the lottery technology business are Scientific Games Corporation and Intralot S.A.
The instant tickets game business is also highly competitive and subject to strong price-based competition. GTECH controls approximately 10% of this sector. GTECH's competitors in the U.S. are Scientific Games Corporation and Pollard Banknote Limited. Internationally, a number of instant ticket game vendors compete with us including the competitors mentioned above, as well as diversified printing companies such as Eagle Press of India.
The private manager, operator and licensee sector continues to emerge globally. Competitors in this market primarily consist of a handful of commercial lottery operators active mainly in their domestic markets, such as Tattersalls, Sisal S.p.A. ("Sisal"), Sazka, and OPAP, and also includes a few commercial lottery operators, such as GTECH and Camelot, which compete globally. GTECH is the leading commercial operator in the United States and manages the Illinois, Indiana, and New Jersey lotteries through its 80% stake in Northstar Lottery Group, which is 20% owned by Scientific Games Corporation. Camelot U.K. Lotteries Ltd. operates the UK National Lottery and the Ireland National Lottery.
GTECH's 2013 share of the Italian gaming market is 35% of wagers and 40% of GGY, with leading market positions across all gaming markets, through a broadly diversified B2C product portfolio.
Lottery concessions are awarded on an exclusive basis through a competitive procurement process. GTECH currently manages two out of the three existing concessions, Lotto (the traditional online lottery) and Gratta & Vinci (instant tickets). The third concession is for a jackpot-lotterySuperenalottoand is managed by Sisal. GTECH's 2013 share of the Italian lotteries market is 92% of wagers and 86% of GGY.
Machine gaming concessions have been awarded to a dozen operators, who have the right to operate both AWP and VLT machines. AWPs are the mass-market gaming machines, with low limits set for the maximum bet and the maximum win (€1 and €100, respectively). VLTs have higher betting and winning limits (€10 and up to a €500,000 jackpot, respectively) and can only be installed in exclusive gaming locations such as gaming halls, bingo halls and sport betting shops. GTECH is a market leader in the Italian machine gaming space, with a 2013 share of 23% and 19%, in wagers and
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GGY, respectively. Other operators include Italian and foreign companies like Gamenet, Sisal, Cogetech, Novomatic, and Snai. In the machine gaming B2B space, GTECH supplies central systems, VLT machines and AWP kits to a high number of machine gaming operators. In the central systems and VLT machines space, GTECH is a market leader together with its Austrian competitor Novomatic.
All the other B2C gaming markets, including sport betting and interactive gaming, are based on a multi-concession system, where several operators can be awarded a concession. GTECH is among the leading operators in this fragmented market, with a 2013 share of 14% and 11% in wagers and GGY, respectively. Many Italian and foreign companies compete for market share in one or more segments of this market, including Bwin, Paddy Power, Pokerstars, Sisal, Snai, and William Hill.
Outside the regulated gaming industry, GTECH also offers payment and transaction services in the Italian market. Services are also provided through GTECH's retail network. The main competitors in this business are the banks and the postal services, together with some other private companies.
Following a wave of supplier diversification in the market, where new entrants have been gaining market share, the industry is experiencing significant consolidation. This can largely be attributable to a slowdown in North American traditional slot machine revenues as regional gaming revenue headwinds, such as declines in same store sales, impacts the demand for slot machines. As such, the machine gaming sector is evolving from just the sale and leasing of slot machines to include: (1) multi-channel systems and table games equipment for traditional land based casino, (2) lottery technology, (3) real-money interactive gaming, and (4) online and mobile social casino gaming. (Source: Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Gaming Primer 2014: How to Play the Game, September 2014.)
Outside of Italy, GTECH participates in the global regulated interactive gaming market as a B2B provider, primarily supplying lottery and commercial operator clients in regulated European and North American markets. GTECH designs, manufactures, and distributes a wide range of games, technology solutions, and services, available via desktop and mobile devices. GTECH also competes as a mobile casino operator through its subsidiary, Probability.
The interactive gaming B2B competitive landscape has evolved to mirror industry-wide trends of product and channel (online and mobile) convergence and vertical integration. GTECH faces competition from operators, such as 888 Holdings and bwin.party, which have developed broad, cross-channel product offerings and solutions for internal use and as a supplier to third parties. GTECH also competes with broad-based traditional B2B providers, such as Playtech plc and Microgaming Software Systems, which have developed extensive interactive casino content and broad cross-channel product offerings. GTECH also faces competition from traditional machine gaming suppliers which either supply third parties with interactive casino games, such as Scientific Games, or which have multi-product offerings and solutions, such as Amaya Gaming.
As a mobile casino operator in the U.K., through its subsidiary, Probability, GTECH primarily competes with broad-based gaming operators, such as William Hill plc and Paddy Power plc.
GTECH currently does business in approximately 100 countries worldwide. The gaming and betting industry in Italy is regulated in all aspects by government authorities. The Italian gaming and betting regulatory authority is ADM. In the United States, the manufacture and distribution of gaming equipment, systems and services, as well as the operation of casinos, is subject to regulation by a variety of local and federal agencies, with most oversight provided by individual state agencies.
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GTECH operates in Italy in the gaming and betting sectors. As of June 30, 2014, GTECH held concessions for (i) the activation and operation of the network for the Lotto game, (ii) the operation of instant and traditional lotteries, (iii) the activation and operation of the network for the telematic operation of legalized AWP machine (new slot), and (iv) the collection of pari-mutuel and fixed odds betting through physical points of sale and interactive channels.
Gaming in Italy is an activity reserved to the State. Any game which is carried out without proper authorization is illegal and subject to criminal penalties. Italian law grants the Ministry of Economy and Finance the power to introduce games and to manage gaming and betting activities directly or by granting concessions to third parties. The process of creating and granting gaming and betting concessions in Italy is heavily regulated.
Gaming and betting concessions are granted pursuant to a public tender procurement process. The concession provides for all the concessionaire's activities and duties including collection of the game's revenues, the payment of winnings, the payment of the point of sale, the drawings and the management of all the technological assets to operate gaming. However, pursuant to Article 24, paragraph 11-26 of Law no. 88/2009, the exercise and remote collection of bets and games is not based on a tender process but rather the authorization of applicants meeting certain qualifications. Concessions are for a determined time period and are not renewable unless indicated in the concession agreement; in such event, the renewal is not on the same terms. In certain cases, the concession may be extended at the option of the governmental authority. Under certain circumstances, which are typically defined in the concession agreement, the concession may be revoked or terminated. Most cases of early termination are related to the breach of the terms of the concession agreement or the non-fulfillment of conditions of that agreement. In some cases, the early termination of the concession allows the State to draw upon the entire amount of the performance bond presented by the concessionaire. Upon governmental request, the concessionaire has an obligation to transfer, free of charge, the assets subject of the concession to the State at the end of the term of the concession or in the event of its revocation or early termination. Each single concession contains specific provisions enacting such general obligation.
The ongoing operations of Italian gaming and betting operators are typically subject to extensive and evolving regulation. In general, the regulatory requirements include:
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Gaming is regulated by state law in the United States, which typically prohibits gaming except as authorized and regulated by the particular state. There are currently 45 jurisdictions that authorize the operation of online lotteries in the United States. The ongoing operations of lotteries and lottery operators are typically subject to extensive and evolving regulation, which vary state-by-state. While the regulatory requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, most require:
State lottery authorities generally conduct intensive investigations of vendors and their employees prior to and after awarding a vendor a contract with the lottery. State lottery authorities may require the removal of any of the vendor's employees deemed to be unsuitable and are generally empowered to disqualify a vendor from receiving a lottery contract or operating a lottery system as a result of any such investigation. Some states also require extensive personal and financial disclosure and background checks from persons and entities beneficially owning a specified percentage (typically 5% or more) of a company.
The European Union is considering setting out a harmonizing regulation on online gambling. The European Commission is unveiling an action plan, with a series of initiatives over the next two years, aimed at clarifying the regulation of online gambling and encouraging cooperation between Member States. While Member States are, in principle, free to set the objectives of their policies on online gambling, the purpose of the European Commission is to develop a well-regulated, safer online gambling sector in the European Union. The European Commission will adopt three recommendations addressed to the Member States, namely on (i) common protection of consumers; (ii) responsible gambling advertising; and (iii) the prevention of betting-related match-fixing.
As of September 30, 2014, GTECH conducted business in approximately 100 countries worldwide on six continents and had 8,668 employees. Relations with GTECH's mid-level employees and production workers are subject to Italy's national collective bargaining agreement for the metalwork's industry. On December 1, 2000, GTECH entered into an agreement with its mid-level employees and production workers supplementing the terms of the relevant national collective bargaining agreement. Relations with GTECH's executives are subject to the national collective bargaining agreement for executives in the metalwork's industry. Most of GTECH's employees are not represented by any labor union. GTECH believes that its relationship with its employees is generally satisfactory. During the last three years, GTECH has not experienced any strike that significantly influenced its business activities.
As of December 31, 2013 GTECH had a total of 8,468 employees in 51 countries on six continents. Compared to the preceding fiscal year, headcount was relatively flat. Hiring of new employees outside of replacing employees who left GTECH has been focused on hiring employees to either support new business or to support growth areas of GTECH such as Lottery Management Agreements (LMA's) in the United States. In addition GTECH recently acquired Probability Plc. in the U.K. which added approximately 55 employees to GTECH's global workforce. Workforce reductions over the past year have been mostly focused on optimizing GTECH's Interactive business in Europe.
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In January 2013, GTECH announced a plan to further integrate its businesses on a global basis. These changes were aimed at supporting growth, improving efficiency and enhancing profitability across operations, stepping up the pace of internationalization of GTECH to better capture its potential. GTECH is now operated under a new unified, customer-facing organization structure aligned around three global geographic regionsAmericas, International and Italyand supported by a central products and services structure. These changes resulted in a number of changes in roles and responsibilities as well as reporting relationships for many employees globally.
GTECH encourages the commitment, loyalty and devotion of its employees, in part by linking part of their remuneration to performance. In July 2012, GTECH's Board of Directors implemented the 2012-2018 Stock Option Plan and the 2012-2016 Stock Allocation Plan, which were both approved by GTECH's shareholders in May 2012. The Board approved the terms and conditions of such plans, awarded options and shares thereunder and resolved, in accordance with the authorization granted by GTECH's shareholders on April 28, 2011, to increase the stock capital up to an amount of €1,768,483 serving the 2012-2018 Stock Option Plan, with an exercise price of the options set at €15.25.
(as of December 31)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Italy |
836 | 818 | 719 | |||||||
Americas |
3,450 | 3,330 | 3,002 | |||||||
International |
680 | 787 | 797 | |||||||
Products & Services and Corporate Support |
3,502 | 3,507 | 3,403 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
8,468 | 8,442 | 7,921 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
GTECH had an average of 6,608 salaried employees in 2013 (2012: 6,567; 2011: 6,166) and an average of 8,386 full-time equivalent employees in 2013 (2012: 8,392; 2011: 7,890). As of December 31, 2013, the proportion of women among permanent employees was 31%; 13% of senior executives were female.
Of the average number of employees during the year 2013, 1,628 were classified as Managing Directors, (2012: 1,577; 2011: 1,462), 116 as senior executives (2012: 104; 2011: 93) and 6,743 as employees (2012: 6,806; 2011: 6,421).
1,038 employees left GTECH in the course of 2013. The staff turnover rate was 12.2% and exceeded previous years' levels (2012: 8.2%; 2011: 9%).
Source of Materials; Seasonality
The main raw material used in the GTECH production processes is paper, used both for the production tickets, and for office work, which accounts for over half of the materials which enter production. Metal is the second raw material in order of significance, followed by electronic components. A significant part of the material used involves packaging, which is mainly based on cardboard and paper. Printing also involves a significant consumption of toner and ink. Management believes that adequate supplies and alternate sources of GTECH's principal raw materials are available and does not believe that the prices of these raw materials are especially volatile.
In general, GTECH's business is not materially affected by seasonal variation. However, in the sports betting business, the volume of bets which GTECH collects over the year can be affected by the schedules of sporting events and the particular season of such sports. The volume of bets GTECH collects can also be affected by schedules of significant sporting events that occur at regular, but infrequent, intervals, such as the FIFA World Cup. In the lottery business, lottery consumption and gaming may decrease over the summer months due to the tendency of consumers to be on vacation during that time.
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GTECH S.p.A's registered offices are located in Rome at Viale del Campo Boario, 56/D and GTECH's world headquarters are located in the United States at GTECH Center, 10 Memorial Boulevard, Providence, RI. As of September 30, 2014, GTECH leases approximately 114 properties in the United States and 67 properties outside of the United States and owns a number of facilities and properties including:
The following table shows GTECH's owned and leased properties as of September 30, 2014:
Location
|
Square
Feet |
Use and Productive Capacity |
Extent of
Utilization |
Holding
Status |
Products
Produced |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
55 Technology Way, West Greenwich, RI |
170,000 | WG Technology Center: Office; research and testing; storage and distribution | 100 | % | Leased | NA | ||||||
1372 Main Street, Coventry, RI |
140,000 |
Manufacturing Center: Manufacturing and assembly; office; repair; storage and distribution |
100 |
% |
Owned |
ITVMs, ticket checkers |
||||||
10 Memorial Boulevard, Providence, RI |
120,315 |
GTECH Headquarters: Office |
100 |
% |
Leased |
NA |
||||||
4100 South Frontage Road, Lakeland, FL |
98,280 |
GTECH Printing Plant: Printing facility; storage and distribution; office |
100 |
% |
Leased |
Printed tickets |
||||||
8520 Tuscany Way, Bldg. 6, Suite 100, Austin, TX |
81,933 |
Texas Warehouse and National Response Center: Contact center; storage and distribution; office. |
95 |
% |
Leased |
NA |
||||||
5300 Riata Park Court, Bldg. E, Suite 100, Austin, TX |
42,537 |
Austin Tech Campus: Research and test; office. |
90 |
% |
Leased |
NA |
||||||
8200 Cameron Road, Suite E120, Austin, TX |
24,320 |
Data Center of the Americas: Data center; network operations; office. |
80 |
% |
Leased |
NA |
||||||
47 Technology Way, West Greenwich, RI |
11,500 |
Enterprise Data Center: Data center; network operations. |
75 |
% |
Owned |
NA |
||||||
75 Baker Street, Providence, RI |
10,640 |
RI National Response Center: Office; contact center |
100 |
% |
Leased |
NA |
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Location
|
Square
Feet |
Use and Productive Capacity |
Extent of
Utilization |
Holding
Status |
Products
Produced |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Viale del Campo Boario 56/D 00154 RomaItaly |
13,000 |
GTECH Headquarter in Italy: Office
Italy Data Center: Data center; network operations. |
100 | % | Leased | NA | ||||||
Via delle Monachelle snc Pomezia (RM), Italy |
12,000 |
Warehouse for sorting materials to the sales network. |
100 |
% |
Leased |
NA |
||||||
328 Urquhart Ave, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada |
117,000 |
Canada HQ: manufacturing; Office; research and test. |
100 |
% |
Owned |
VLTs |
||||||
Seering 13-14, Unterpremstatten, Austria |
73,776 |
Austria Gaming HQ: Office; research and test. |
90 |
% |
Leased |
NA |
||||||
Lasnitzstrasse 19, Gross St. Florian, Austria |
50,808 |
Austria Manufacturing: Manufacturing; storage and distribution. |
75 |
% |
Owned |
VLTs |
||||||
Brama Building, Warsaw, Poland |
48,420 |
International Tech Hub: Office; research and test. |
95 |
% |
Leased |
NA |
GTECH's facilities are in good condition and are adequate for its present needs and there are no known environmental issues that may affect GTECH's utilization of its real property assets.
GTECH does not have any plans to construct, expand or improve its facilities in any material manner other than general maintenance of facilities. As such, no increase in productive capacity is anticipated.
None of GTECH's properties are subject to mortgages or other security interests granted to secure indebtedness to certain financial institutions.
GTECH is currently party to a number of legal proceedings within the normal course of its business. The following is a summary of significant legal matters as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. Except for the proceedings cited in this section, there are no governmental, legal or arbitration proceedings (including any such proceedings pending or threatened, of which GTECH is aware), nor have there been during the previous twelve months, which may have or have had in the recent past material effects on GTECH's financial position or profitability.
Lotto Game Concession: Lottomatica/ADM Arbitration and Potential for Further ActionStanley International Betting Limited Appeal
Arbitration Lottomatica (GTECH)/ADM
On January 24, 2005, GTECH initiated an arbitration proceeding to determine the effective initial date of the Italian Lotto Concession. GTECH requested the Board of Arbitrators to declare that the initial starting date of the Italian Lotto Concession was June 8, 1998 (the date on which the European Commission in Brussels notified the Italian Government that infringement procedure no. 91/0619 was closed) and that, as a result, the final expiration date of the Lotto Concession is June 8, 2016.
On August 1, 2005, the Board of Arbitrators ruled in favor of GTECH, finding that the Italian Lotto Concession became operative only once the infringement procedure initiated by the European Commission was closed. Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato ("ADM," now ADM)
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challenged the arbitration award before the Rome Court of Appeals seeking ruling that the final expiration date of the Lotto Concession was April 17, 2012. Stanley International Betting Limited ("Stanley") intervened in the appeal, seeking the annulment of the arbitration award.
On March 6, 2012, the Rome Court of Appeals rejected the appeal presented by ADM against the arbitration award. The Court also declared Stanley's appeal inadmissible.
On May 29, 2012, ADM notified GTECH of its appeal before the Supreme Court of Cassation seeking the annulment of the ruling issued by the Rome Court of Appeal. The ADM appeal is based on the assumption that such ruling would be invalid for lack of motivation because the Court of Appeal failed to explain the grounds of its judgment. In addition, on May 28, 2012, Stanley provided notice of its appeal before the Supreme Court of Cassation, asking for the annulment of (i) the part of the ruling issued by the Rome Court of Appeal that ordered Stanley to pay, jointly and severally with ADM, the litigation costs, and (ii) the part of the ruling that declared inadmissible Stanley's intervention in the judgment.
On February 3, 2014, the Supreme Court of Cassation definitively rejected all of ADM's arguments and declared inadmissible Stanley's intervention in the judgment.
Despite several prior arbitral awards and judicial decisions in GTECH's favor, ADM nonetheless may continue to seek monetary or other relief from GTECH in respect of these four disputed years of concession, potentially through additional legal or administrative action. As described herein, although GTECH has strong arguments in defense of these allegations, an adverse finding or settlement could result in significant damages or other payments.
Stanley International Betting Limited Appeal
On June 18, 2007, Stanley served upon ADM and GTECH a summons before the regional administrative tribunal ("TAR") of Lazio seeking the annulment and/or the non-application of a note dated April 19, 2007 (the "Note"), as well as the related deeds of the Lotto Concession, in connection with which ADM had rejected the request of the plaintiff's co-management of the service of the Lotto. Sisal also intervened in the appeal of Stanley, but its appeal was ultimately dismissed in October 2010 for Stanley's failure to appear. GTECH appeared in the proceeding and sought the dismissal of the appeals. The TAR of Lazio rejected the two appeals for procedural reasons in June 2012. Stanley Betting appealed the decision to the Council of State ( Consiglio di Stato ) in August 2010.
In its January 7, 2013 ruling, the Council of State rejected Stanley's appeal, finding that the Note was not an administrative deed and, therefore, was per se not challengeable. The Council of State also decided to postpone its definitive decision regarding the renewal of the Lotto Concession until after the decision of the Supreme Court of Cassation on the term of the Lotto Concession, giving the parties a term of sixty days to resume the trial in the Council of State after the decision of the Court of Cassation. After the elapse of the deadline given by the Council of State, GTECH submitted a request for the declaration of the closure of the judgment due to the fact that the same was not resumed on time. Following GTECH's request, the trial was declared closed. However, on June 18, 2014, Stanley Betting filed an appeal against the same decree. The hearing date has not yet been set.
Stanley has also presented an administrative appeal before the President of the Republic ( Ricorso straordinario al Capo dello Stato ) against the ADM decrees of January 23, 2013 and March 14, 2013 regarding the introduction of remote collection of Lotto, based on the same issues and bases of the appeal of illegitimacy of the Lotto concession renewal. On July 12, 2013, GTECH requested a discussion of this administrative appeal before the administrative judge with a specific act of notice to ADM and Stanley. Stanley has resumed the appeal before the TAR of Lazio, but the hearing date has not yet been set.
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Administrative Procedures on the Setting-Up and Operation of a Screen-Based Gaming Management Network
On June 1, 2007, the Regional Public Prosecutor of the Government Audit Department ( Corte dei Conti ) served Videolot, along with all of the other nine Italian video lottery concessionaires with an invitation to submit briefs regarding an investigation on possible damages to the State Treasury.
The Regional Prosecutor contested that Videolot, in conjunction with certain ADM officials, did not accurately fulfill a number of obligations relating to the concession and failed to comply with certain service levels. The damage to the State Treasury supposedly caused by Videolot and the other video lottery concessionaries, in conjunction with said ADM officials, was alleged to be approximately €4.0 billion.
On February 17, 2012, the Audit Government Department, Lazio Regional Office, handed down the first ruling against all ten Italian video lottery concessionaires. The Audit Department quantified Videolot's responsibility at €100 million. Ultimately, on February 7, 2014, the court issued decision n.52/2014 accepting a €36 million settlement of the government's claim against Videolot.
In parallel with the proceedings before the Audit Department, Videolot filed appeals before the administrative judge against ADM's request regarding penalties of €10,140,448.44 for the failure to comply with the obligations to complete the activation of the online network and the failure to comply with service levels (the "fourth penalty"). The TAR of Lazio dismissed the motions filed by Videolot on November 30, 2009.
In January 2010, Videolot filed an appeal before the Council of State. In rulings issued on August 22, 2011, the Council of State upheld the appeals filed by Videolot. In particular, the Council of State found that there was no damage (and in addition no proof of damage) and that the breach of contract ascribed to the concessionaires did not have any impact on the eventual delay of the start of the public service under the concession.
On February 23, 2012, ADM notified Videolot of the definitive calculation of the fourth penalty rejecting all the conclusions filed by Videolot and confirming a penalty of €9,737,625.44. Videolot, appealed this revised assessment asking to suspend the execution as a matter of law until the case is resolved.
On May 24, 2012, TAR Lazio issued a court order suspending the fourth penalty and on June 17, 2013, annulled the ADM request regarding the fourth penalty. On January 27, 2014, ADM notified Videolot of an appeal against this ruling before the State Council. The hearing date has not yet been set. Videolot has filed its defense against the ADM appeal.
On October 17, 2012, Soggea S.p.A. served Lottomatica Scommesse, a wholly owned GTECH subsidiary, with a summons before the Tribunal of Rome asking for damages equal to €20.5 million. Soggea claims that Lottomatica Scommesse wrongfully terminated an agreement between them that allowed Soggea to be part of Lottomatica Scommesse's tournament circuit for online gaming.
Soggea asked the Tribunal to rule on Lottomatica Scommesse's termination of their agreement and impose damages of €20.5 million or as an alternative, €12.3 million. A final hearing date is scheduled for July 1, 2015.
On June 17, 2013, Cogetech S.p.A. served Lottomatica Scommesse, GTECH S.p.A., Boss Media AB and Giovanni Puoti with a summons before the Tribunal of Rome seeking termination of a contract between Cogetech and Lottomatica Scommesse and unspecified damages.
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The dispute arises out of a contract pursuant to which Cogetech participates in Lottomatica Scommesse's online gaming tournament circuit and shares liquidity. Lottomatica Scommesse notified Cogetech on March 29, 2013 of its intention to terminate the agreement after its auditor, Puoti, had determined that Cogetech had breached its obligations of fairness and good faith under the agreement.
Lottomatica Scommesse has submitted its brief contesting all Cogetech's claims and is counterclaiming for damages against Cogetech. The first hearing in the matter was held on May 14, 2014, which was subsequently rescheduled for October 16, 2014.
In January 1997, Caixa Economica Federal ("CEF"), the operator of Brazil's National Lottery, and Racimec Informática Brasileira S.A. ("Racimec"), the predecessor of GTECH Brazil, entered into a four-year contract pursuant to which GTECH Brazil agreed to provide online lottery services and technology to CEF (the "1997 Contract"). In May 2000, CEF and GTECH Brazil terminated the 1997 Contract and entered into a new agreement (the "2000 Contract") obliging GTECH Brazil to provide lottery goods and services and additional financial transaction services to CEF for a contract term that, as subsequently extended, was scheduled to expire in April 2003. In April 2003, GTECH Brazil entered into an agreement with CEF (the "2003 Contract Extension") pursuant to which: (a) the term of the 2000 Contract was extended into May 2005, and (b) fees payable to GTECH Brazil under the 2000 Contract were reduced by 15%. On August 13, 2006, all agreements between GTECH and CEF terminated in accordance with their terms.
Criminal Allegations against Certain GTECH Employees
In late March 2004, federal attorneys with Brazil's Public Ministry recommended that criminal charges be brought against nine individuals, including four senior officers of CEF, Antonio Carlos Rocha, the former Senior Vice President of GTECH and President of GTECH Brazil, and Marcelo Rovai, then GTECH Brazil's marketing director and currently employed in GTECH's Latin America region ("Denuncia 1").
The Public Ministry attorneys had recommended that Messrs. Rocha and Rovai be charged with offering an improper inducement in connection with the negotiation of the 2003 Contract Extension, and co-authoring, or aiding and abetting, certain allegedly fraudulent or inappropriate management practices of the CEF management who agreed to enter into the 2003 Contract Extension. Neither GTECH nor GTECH Brazil were the subject of the criminal investigation, and under Brazilian law, entities cannot be subject to criminal charges in connection with this type of matter.
In June 2004, the judge reviewing the charges in Denuncia 1 prior to their being filed refused to initiate the criminal charges against the nine individuals but instead granted a request by the Brazilian Federal Police to continue the investigation which had been suspended upon the recommendation of the Public Ministry attorneys that criminal charges be brought. The report following the conclusion of the investigation did not recommend that indictments be issued against Messrs. Rocha or Rovai, or against any current or former employee of GTECH or GTECH Brazil.
The Public Ministry attorneys then requested that the Brazilian Federal Police reopen their investigation and, in August 2010, the Brazilian Federal Police issued a report, based entirely upon the June 21, 2006 Brazilian congressional report described below, and sent the report to the Public Ministry attorneys.
Notwithstanding the favorable resolution of the Brazilian Federal Police's initial investigation, on June 21, 2006, a special investigating panel of the Brazilian congress issued a report and voted, among other things, to ask the Public Ministry attorneys to indict 84 individuals, including one current and
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three former employees of GTECH Brazil, on allegations that the individuals helped GTECH Brazil to illegally obtain the 2003 Contract Extension. GTECH found nothing in the congressional report to cause it to believe that any present or former employee of GTECH or GTECH Brazil committed any criminal offense in connection with obtaining the 2003 Contract Extension. Further, GTECH conducted an internal investigation of the 2003 Contract Extension under the supervision of the independent directors of GTECH Holdings Corporation. GTECH found no evidence that GTECH, GTECH Brazil, or any of their current or former employees violated any law, or are otherwise guilty of any wrongdoing in connection with these matters.
The U.S. SEC began an informal inquiry in February 2004, which informal inquiry became a formal investigation in July 2004, into the Brazilian criminal allegations against Messrs. Rocha and Rovai, and GTECH's involvement in the facts surrounding the 2003 Contract Extension, to ascertain whether there has been any violation of United States law in connection with these matters. In addition, in May 2005, representatives of the United States Department of Justice asked to participate in a meeting with GTECH and the SEC. GTECH cooperated fully with the SEC and the United States Department of Justice with regard to these matters, including by responding to their requests for information and documentation. In August 2009, GTECH was advised by the SEC that the SEC had concluded its investigation and did not intend to recommend enforcement action.
These favorable developments notwithstanding, in September 2010, GTECH received a copy of new criminal charges that Public Ministry attorneys recommend to a Brazilian Federal judge be filed against 16 individuals, including 14 current or former CEF officers and employees, Antonio Carlos Rocha and Marcos Andrade, a former officer of GTECH Brazil ("Denuncia 2"). The Public Ministry attorneys asserted that the defendants "swindled public money" through entering into successive illegal price changes, contract extensions and other amendments to CEF's contracts with Racimec and GTECH Brazil, and agreeing to reduce or eliminate contractual fines and penalties that should properly have been imposed upon Racimec and GTECH Brazil. Such allegations echo charges which have been made in the past by the: (i) Public Ministry attorneys in their April 2004 civil action and (ii) the Federal Court of Accounts in their 2003 TCU Audit Report. The TCU matter was dismissed (as previously reported by GTECH) and the trial judge in the April 2004 matter (as also previously reported by GTECH) ruled in GTECH's favor in November 2011. These more recent allegations by the Public Ministry Attorneys include the claim made in the April 2004 civil action that a consulting company in which a former CEF director held an interest served as an intermediary in contract negotiations between CEF and a Brazilian public utility pursuant to which CEF allowed the public utility to provide prepaid cellular phone cards through the CEF lottery network operated by GTECH Brazil. GTECH Brazil was not a party to this agreement, entered into in 1999. The Public Ministry attorneys advanced the theory that the consulting company received the 1999 contract in consideration for the former CEF director's assistance in influencing CEF negotiations to the advantage of GTECH Brazil.
In October 2014, GTECH learned that the charges in Denuncia 2 were rejected by a Brazilian Federal Judge who found there was no evidence of or grounds for a criminal prosecution. GTECH Brazil was advised that the Public Ministry Attorneys are likely to appeal this decision.
In November 2010, GTECH received a copy of criminal charges that Public Ministry attorneys recommend to a Brazilian Federal judge be filed against nine individuals, including Antonio Carlos Rocha, Marcelo Rovai and Marcos Andrade ("Denuncia 3"). The Public Ministry attorneys assert that the defendants be charged with corruption for using improper influence and offering undue advantage as a form of payment to obtain the 2003 Contract Extension.
Neither GTECH nor GTECH Brazil is named as a defendant in these criminal charges and, as noted above, under Brazilian law entities cannot be subject to criminal charges in connection with these matters. GTECH believes that its two former employees and one current employee involved have strong substantive and procedural defenses and that the assertions made against them are groundless.
249
The Brazilian Federal judge has approved the filing of the charges in Denuncia 3 to be brought against all but one defendant in this matter. The judge is allowing one defendant, because he was a former government employee, the opportunity to present a defense prior to determining whether to accept Denuncia 3.
On July 26, 2005, the State of São Paulo challenged GTECH Brazil for classifying the remittances of printing ribbons, rolls of paper and wagering slips ("Consumables") to lottery outlets in Brazil as non-taxable shipments. The tax authorities disagree with that classification and argue that these Consumables would be subject to ICMS tax as opposed to the lower rate ISS tax that GTECH Brazil paid. The tax authorities argue that in order for printed matter to be considered non-taxable it has to be "personalized." To be considered personalized, the Consumables must be intended for the exclusive use of the one ordering them. GTECH Brazil filed its defense against the Tax Assessment Notice, which was dismissed. GTECH Brazil filed an Ordinary Appeal and a Special Appeal to the Court of Taxes and Fees, both of which were not granted. The State Treasury of São Paulo has filed a tax foreclosure to collect the tax obligation amounting to 22,910,722 Brazilian Reals (approximately €7.3 million at exchange rates in effect as of September 30, 2014) plus statutory interest, penalties and fees of approximately 102.2 million Brazilian Reals for a total obligation of approximately 125.1 million Brazilian Reals (approximately €39.9 million at exchange rates in effect as of September 30, 2014). GTECH Brazil is preparing to file an appeal of this matter with the First District Court of the State Treasury (Barueri). Prior to filing the appeal, it is likely that GTECH Brazil will be required to provide security for the tax obligation in the event it is unsuccessful in the appeal. GTECH Brazil has been advised by Brazilian counsel that these proceedings are likely to take several years, and could take longer than seven years to litigate through the appellate process to final judgment. In November 2012, GTECH Brazil filed a new action in São Paolo state court to annul the ICMS claim based upon the lack of merit of the tax authority's claim. GTECH Brazil believes that these claims are groundless.
Corporate Structure and Subsidiaries
GTECH's registered head office is located at Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00154 Rome, Italy, telephone number +39 06 518991. GTECH is registered with the Companies' Register of Rome with registration number 08028081001. GTECH's corporate existence is currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 2070.
As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the authorized share capital of GTECH was €188,428,896, with 174,972,476.00 ordinary shares issued and fully paid each with a €1.00 par value. The issued and outstanding share capital of GTECH may be increased from time to time as shares are issued pursuant to the share-based compensation plans approved by the competent corporate bodies.
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GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries are comprised of the following as of September 30, 2014:
List of GTECH S.p.A. subsidiaries | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name
|
Jurisdiction | Share Capital* |
Ownership and
Voting Power % |
Shareholder | |||||
Atronic Australia Pty Ltd. |
Australia | 2,000 | 100 | Atronic Australien GmbH | |||||
Atronic Australien GmbH |
Germany | 573 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
Big Easy S.r.l. |
Italy | 2,300 | 51 | Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A. | |||||
CartaLis Imel S.p.A. |
Italy | 10,000 | 85 | Lottomatica Italia Servizi S.p.A. | |||||
Consorzio Lotterie Nazionali |
Italy | 7,500 | 63 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
Grips RSA |
South Africa | ** | 100 | GTECH Austria GmbH | |||||
GTECH Austria GmbH |
Austria | 300 | 100 | GTECH Germany GmbH | |||||
GTECH Canada ULC |
Nova Scotia, Canada | 54,261 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
GTECH German Holdings Corporation GmbH |
Germany | 25 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
GTECH Germany GmbH |
Germany | 302 | 100 | GTECH German Holdings Corporation GmbH | |||||
GTECH Peru S.A. |
Peru | ** | 98 | GTECH Germany GmbH | |||||
GTECH USA, LLC |
Nevada, USA | 19,105 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
Invest Games S.A. |
Luxembourg | 93,100 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
LIS Istituto di Pagamento S.p.A. |
Italy | 1,000 | 100 | Totobit Informatica Software e Sistemi S.p.A. | |||||
Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. |
Italy | 31,000 | 64 | GTECH S.p.A. (20.25%); | |||||
|
SW Holding S.p.A. (43.75%) | ||||||||
Lottomatica Giochi e Partecipazioni S.r.l. |
Italy | 10 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
Lottomatica International Greece S.r.l. |
Italy | 10 | 84 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
Lottomatica Italia Servizi S.p.A. |
Italy | 2,582 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
Lottomatica Scommesse S.r.l. |
Italy | 20,000 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A. |
Italy | 3,226 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
Optima Gaming Service S.r.l. |
Italy | 10 | 100 | Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A. | |||||
PCC Giochi e Servizi S.p.A. |
Italy | 21,000 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
SED Multitel S.r.l. |
Italy | 800 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
Spielo International Argentina S.r.l. |
Argentina | 44.3 | 86.45 | GTECH Germany GmbH | |||||
Spielo International Italy S.r.l. |
Italy | 1,000 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
GTECH Monaco S.A.M. |
Monaco | 150 | 98 | GTECH Austria GmbH | |||||
SW Holding S.p.A. |
Italy | 350 | 100 | GTECH S.p.A. | |||||
Totobit Informatica Software e Sistemi S.p.A. |
Italy | 3,043 | 100 | Lottomatica Italia Servizi S.p.A. | |||||
GTECH Holdings Corporation |
Delaware, USA | 3,358,895.382 | 100 | Invest Games S.A. | |||||
GTECH Corporation |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Holdings Corporation | |||||
Anguilla Lottery and Gaming Company, Ltd. |
Anguilla | 10 | 100 | Leeward Islands Lottery Holding Company, Inc. | |||||
Antigua Lottery Company, Ltd. |
Antigua | ** | 100 | Leeward Islands Lottery Holding Company, Inc. | |||||
BG Monitoring Center Holding Company Limited |
Cyprus | US $20 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited | |||||
Beijing GTECH Computer Technology Company Ltd. |
China (PRC) | US $1,750 | 100 | GTECH Foreign Holdings Corporation | |||||
BillBird S.A. |
Poland | 4,490.368 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited |
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List of GTECH S.p.A. subsidiaries | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name
|
Jurisdiction | Share Capital* |
Ownership and
Voting Power % |
Shareholder | |||||
Business Venture Investments No 1560 Proprietary Limited |
South Africa | ** | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited | |||||
Cam Galaxy Group Ltd. |
United Kingdom | 100 | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
Caribbean Lottery Services, Inc. |
U.S. Virgin Islands | ** | 100 | Leeward Islands Lottery Holding Company, Inc. | |||||
Data Transfer Systems, Inc. |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
Dreamport, Inc. |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
Dreamport do Brasil Ltda. |
Brazil | 3,534.113 | 100 | Dreamport, Inc. (99.75%); | |||||
|
GTECH Foreign Holdings Corporation (0.25%) | ||||||||
Dreamport Suffolk Corporation |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
Europrint (Games) Limited |
United Kingdom | 20 | 100 | Europrint Holdings Ltd. | |||||
Europrint Holdings Limited |
United Kingdom | 90.908 | 100 | Cam Galaxy Group (40%); | |||||
|
JSJ Ltd. (60%) | ||||||||
Europrint (Promotions) Limited |
United Kingdom | ** | 100 | Europrint Holdings Ltd. | |||||
GTECH Asia Corporation |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH Australasia Corporation |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH Avrasya Teknik Hizmetler Ve Musavirlik A.S. |
Turkey | 280 | 99.6 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH Brasil Ltda. |
Brazil | 96,582.428 | 100 | GTECH Corporation (99.75%); | |||||
|
GTECH Foreign Holdings Corporation (0.25%) | ||||||||
GTECH Colombia Ltda. |
Colombia | 6,884,500 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited (99.998%); | |||||
|
GTECH Comunicaciones Colombia Ltda. (.001%); | ||||||||
|
Maria Clara Martinez (.001%) (Nominee share) | ||||||||
GTECH Comunicaciones Colombia Ltda. |
Colombia | 1,408,043 | 100 | GTECH Foreign Holdings Corporation (99.99%); | |||||
|
Alvaro Rivas (.01%) (Nominee share) | ||||||||
GTECH Corporation |
Utah, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH Cote d'Ivoire |
Ivory Coast | 1,000 | 100 | GTECH Foreign Holdings Corporation | |||||
GTECH Czech Services s.r.o. |
Czech Republic | 1,000 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited (98%); GTECH Ireland Operations Limited (2%) | |||||
GTECH Czech Republic, LLC (1) |
Delaware, USA | 3,000 | 37 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH Far East Pte Ltd |
Singapore | 25 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited | |||||
GTECH Foreign Holdings Corporation |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH France SARL |
France | 8 | 100 | GTECH Foreign Holdings Corporation | |||||
GTECH (Gibraltar) Limited |
Gibraltar | ** | 100 | GTECH (Gibraltar) Holdings Limited | |||||
GTECH (Gibraltar) Holdings Limited |
Gibraltar | 15.701 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited | |||||
GTECH GmbH |
Germany | 500 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited |
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List of GTECH S.p.A. subsidiaries | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name
|
Jurisdiction | Share Capital* |
Ownership and
Voting Power % |
Shareholder | |||||
GTECH Global Lottery S.L. |
Spain | 8.8088 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited | |||||
GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited |
Cyprus | US $486,574.326 | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH Indiana, LLC |
Indiana, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH Ireland Operations Limited |
Ireland | 100 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited | |||||
GTECH Latin America Corporation (2) |
Delaware, USA | ** | 80 | GTECH Corporation; | |||||
|
Computers and Controls (Holdings) Limited (20%) | ||||||||
GTECH Malta Holdings Limited |
Malta | 15 | 99.99 | GTECH Sweden Interactive AB | |||||
GTECH Malta Casino Limited |
Malta | 80 | 99.99 | GTECH Malta Holdings Limited | |||||
GTECH Malta Poker Limited |
Malta | 40 | 99.99 | GTECH Malta Holdings Limited | |||||
GTECH Management P.I. Corporation |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH Mexico S.A. de C.V. |
Mexico | 50,000 | 100 | GTECH Corporation (99.656696%); | |||||
|
GTECH Foreign Holdings Corporation (0.343297%); | ||||||||
|
GTECH Latin America Corporation (0.000007%) | ||||||||
GTECH Northern Europe Corporation |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH Poland Sp. z o.o. |
Poland | 52,382 | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH Rhode Island LLC |
Rhode Island, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH SAS |
Colombia | 25,000 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited (80%); | |||||
|
GTECH Comunicaciones Ltda. (10%); GTECH Foreign Holdings | ||||||||
|
Corporation (10%) | ||||||||
GTECH Servicios de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. |
Mexico | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation (99.9%); | |||||
|
GTECH Foreign Holdings Corporation (0.1%) | ||||||||
GTECH Slovakia Corporation |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd. |
South Africa | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH Spain S.A. |
Spain | 101 | 100 | GTECH Global Lottery S.L. | |||||
GTECH Sports Betting Solutions Limited |
United Kingdom | ** | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited | |||||
GTECH Sweden AB |
Sweden | 100 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited | |||||
GTECH Sweden Interactive AB |
Sweden | 1,141.3 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited | |||||
GTECH Sweden Investment AB |
Sweden | 300 | 100 | GTECH Sweden Interactive AB | |||||
GTECH U.K. Limited |
United Kingdom | 200 | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH UK Games Limited |
United Kingdom | ** | 100 | GTECH Sweden Interactive AB | |||||
GTECH UK Interactive Limited |
United Kingdom | 1.172 | 100 | GTECH Sports Betting Solutions Limited |
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List of GTECH S.p.A. subsidiaries | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name
|
Jurisdiction | Share Capital* |
Ownership and
Voting Power % |
Shareholder | |||||
GTECH Ukraine |
Ukraine | 9,548.63029 | 100 | GTECH Asia Corporation (99%); | |||||
|
GTECH Management P.I . Corporation (1%) | ||||||||
GTECH VIA DR, SAS |
Dominican Republic | 300 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited (99.9997%); | |||||
|
GTECH Ireland Operations Limited (0.0003%) | ||||||||
GTECH WaterPlace Park Company, LLC |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
GTECH West Africa Lottery Limited |
Nigeria | 10,000 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited (75%); | |||||
|
GTECH Ireland Operations Limited (25%) | ||||||||
GTECH Worldwide Services Corporation |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
Innoka Oy |
Finland | 16.2 | 81 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited | |||||
Interactive Games International Limited |
United Kingdom | ** | 100 | Europrint Holdings Ltd. | |||||
JSJ Ltd. |
United Kingdom | 690 | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
Leeward Islands Lottery Holding Company, Inc. |
St. Kitts & Nevis | 13,600 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited | |||||
Lottery Equipment Company |
Ukraine | ** | 100 | GTECH Asia Corporation (99.994%); | |||||
|
GTECH Management P.I . Corporation (.006%) | ||||||||
Mobile Payment Services Limited |
U.K. | ** | 100 | Probability Games Corporation Limited | |||||
Northstar Lottery Group, LLC |
Illinois, USA | 101,649 | 80 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
Northstar New Jersey Holding Company, LLC |
New Jersey, USA | 103,917 | 50.15 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC |
New Jersey, USA | 116,854 | 82.31 | Northstar New Jersey Holding Company, LLC | |||||
Northstar SupplyCo New Jersey, LLC |
New Jersey, USA | 31,282 | 70 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
Online Transaction Technologies SARL à Associé Unique |
Morocco | 33,500 | 100 | GTECH Foreign Holdings Corporation | |||||
Orbita Sp. z o.o. |
Poland | 68 | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
Oy GTECH Finland Ab |
Finland | 8 | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
Playyoo SA |
Switzerland | 16.347 | 100 | Probability Limited | |||||
Probability Games Corporation Limited |
U.K. | 151.450 | 100 | Probability Limited | |||||
Probability (Gibraltar) Limited |
Gibraltar | ** | 100 | Probability Limited | |||||
Probability Limited |
U.K. | 35,917.866 | 100 | GTECH UK Interactive Limited | |||||
Prodigal Lottery Services, N.V. |
Netherlands, Antilles | US $10 | 100 | Leeward Islands Lottery Holding Company, Inc. | |||||
Retail Display and Service Handlers, LLC |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
SB Indústria e Comércio Ltda. |
Brazil | 4,138.646 | 100 | GTECH Corporation (99.99%); | |||||
|
GTECH Foreign Holdings Corporation (0.01%) | ||||||||
Siam GTECH Company Limited |
Thailand | 19.993 | 99.97 | GTECH Corporation |
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List of GTECH S.p.A. subsidiaries | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name
|
Jurisdiction | Share Capital* |
Ownership and
Voting Power % |
Shareholder | |||||
GTECH India Private Limited |
India | 100 | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited (99.99%); GTECH Far East Pte Ltd. (0.01%) | |||||
St. Kitts and Nevis Lottery Company, Ltd. |
St. Kitts & Nevis | ** | 100 | Leeward Islands Lottery Holding Company, Inc. | |||||
St. Minver (UK) Limited |
United Kingdom | ** | 100 | GTECH (Gibraltar) Holdings Limited | |||||
Technology Risk Management Services, Inc. |
Delaware, USA | ** | 100 | GTECH Corporation | |||||
UTE Logista-GTECH, Law 18/1982, No. 1 |
Spain | 2,000 | 50 | GTECH Global Lottery S.L. | |||||
VIA TECH Servicios SpA |
Chile | ** | 100 | GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited | |||||
VIATEC S.r.l. |
Argentina | 100 | 100 | GTECH Foreign Holdings Corporation (95%); GTECH Corporation (5%) |
GTECH is managed by a Board of Directors, which pursuant to its by-laws, must be composed of not less than seven (7) and not more than 15 members. The directors serve on the board for up to three financial years and may be re-elected. In accordance with the by-laws, the Board of Directors has full power of ordinary and extraordinary administration of GTECH and may perform all acts it deems advisable for the achievement of GTECH's corporate purposes, except for the actions reserved by applicable law to meetings of shareholders. The Chairman of the Board of Directors is appointed by the Board of Directors unless already appointed by the shareholders' meeting. The Board of Directors may also appoint one or more Vice-Chairmen to substitute the Chairman in his absence or if he is unable to act. The Chairman is the legal representative of GTECH or, if absent or unavailable, any of the Vice-Chairmen may be designated by the Board of Directors as the legal representative of GTECH. In accordance with Italian law, the Board of Directors may not delegate certain of its responsibilities, such as the approval of the draft financial statements, increases in share capital (if such power has been delegated by the shareholders' meeting to the Board of Directors) and the reduction of share capital.
The table below sets forth certain information regarding the current members of the GTECH Board as elected by the shareholders at the meeting held on May 8, 2014 which resolved on a ten (10) member Board of Directors for the three-year period 2014-2016. In compliance with Italian law, the by-laws of GTECH provide that the Board of Directors will be elected through a voting list system. At the shareholders' meeting on May 8, 2014, Donatella Busso, Paolo Ceretti, Alberto Dessy, Marco Drago, Antonio Mastrapasqua, Jaymin B. Patel, Lorenzo Pellicioli, Marco Sala, Elena Vasco were
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drawn from the list submitted by De Agostini. Anna Gatti was drawn from the list submitted by certain minority shareholders of GTECH.
Name
|
Title | |
---|---|---|
Lorenzo Pellicioli | Chairman (1) | |
Marco Sala | CEO (2) | |
Donatella Busso | Director (Independent) | |
Paolo Ceretti | Director | |
Alberto Dessy | Director (Independent) | |
Marco Drago | Director | |
Jaymin B. Patel | Director | |
Anna Gatti | Director (Independent) | |
Antonio Mastrapasqua | Director (Independent) | |
Elena Vasco | Director (Independent) |
Below are the other offices held as of April 17, 2014 (date of the publication of the lists of candidates for positions on the Board of Directors of GTECH) by the members of the Board of Directors in other companies listed on regulated markets (including foreign markets) as well as in financial companies, banks, insurance companies or companies of considerably larger size.
Lorenzo Pellicioli |
Director and CEO of De Agostini S.p.A. | |
|
General Partner of B&D di Marco Drago e C. S.a.p.a. | |
|
Director of Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. | |
|
Director and Executive Committee Member of De Agostini Editore S.p.A. | |
|
Director of Editions Atlas (France) S.A.S. | |
|
Chairman of DeA Capital S.p.A. | |
|
Chairman of Zodiak Media S.A. | |
|
General Manager of DeA Partecipazioni S.p.A. | |
Marco Sala |
Director of Banca ITB S.p.A. |
|
Alberto Dessy |
Member of the Board of Directors of DeA Capital S.p.A |
|
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Milano Centro S.p.A. | |
Donatella Busso |
Director and Audit Committee Member of Prime Industrie S.p.A |
|
Paolo Ceretti |
General Manager of De Agostini S.p.A. |
|
|
Director of IDeA Fimit sgr | |
|
CEO of De Agostini Editore S.p.A. | |
|
CEO of DeA Partecipazioni S.p.A. | |
|
Chairman of DeA Capital Investments SA | |
|
CEO of DeA Capital S.p.A | |
|
Director and Deputy Chairman of Générale de Santé S.A. | |
|
Director of Zodiak Media Group S.A. | |
|
Director of DeA Communications S.A. | |
|
Director of Generale de Santè S.A. | |
|
Director of De Agostini Libri S.p.A. | |
|
Director of De Agostini Publishing S.p.A. | |
|
Chairman of DeA Capital Investments S.A. | |
|
Director of IDeA Capital Funds Sgr S.p.A. |
256
Marco Drago |
Chairman and Director of De Agostini S.p.A. |
|
|
Chairman and General Manager of B&D di Marco Drago e C. S.a.p.a. | |
|
Director of DeA Capital S.p.A. | |
|
Director of De Agostini Editore S.p.A. | |
|
Director of Atresmedia (f/k/a Antena 3 TV S.A.) | |
|
Member of the Supervisory Board and of the Board of Directors of San Faustin N.V. | |
|
Vice Chairman of Grupo Planeta De Agostini S.L. (Spain) | |
|
Member of the Board of Directors of ASSONIME | |
|
Director of DeA Communications S.A. | |
|
Director of Zodiak Media S.A. | |
Jaymin B. Patel |
CEO of GTECH Holdings Corporation |
|
|
Director, Chairman and CEO of GTECH Corporation | |
|
Director of Willis Group | |
|
Director of Cam Galaxy Group Limited | |
|
Director of Europrint (Games) Limited | |
|
Director of Europrint Holdings Limited | |
|
Director of Europrint Promotions Limited | |
|
Chairman of the Board of Managers of Northstar Lottery Group, LLC | |
|
Director of Southern Africa (Proprietary) Limited | |
|
Director of GTECH Sweden AB | |
|
Director of GTECH U.K. Limited | |
|
Director of Invest Games S.A. | |
|
Director of Interactive Games International Limited | |
|
Director of ISJ Limited | |
Anna Gatti |
Director of Piquadro S.p.A. |
|
Antonio Mastrapasqua |
General Manager of Hospital Israelitico |
|
Elena Vasco |
Vice Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce of Milan, Italy |
|
|
Director of Banca Carige, Isagro S.p.A. | |
|
Director of Orizzonte SGR |
The Board has established the following advisory committees: (i) the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, in charge of Group compensation policies and top management compensation issues, as well as of profiles and candidates for the office as Board member, which is chaired by Antonio Mastrapasqua and which also consists of Alberto Dessy, Paolo Ceretti, and Anna Gatti; and (ii) the Control, Risk and Related Parties Committee, in charge of the internal control risk and management system, which is chaired by Alberto Dessy and which also consists of Donatella Busso and Elena Vasco.
Lorenzo Pellicioli was born on July 29, 1951 in Alzano Lombardo (Bergamo). Mr. Pellicioli started his career as a journalist for the newspaper Giornale Di Bergamo and afterwards became the Vice President of Bergamo TV Programmes. From 1978 to 1984, he held different posts in Publikompass, which was a part of the Italian private television company Manzoni Pubblicità until his nomination as Rete4 General Manager.
In 1984, Mr. Pellicioli joined the Gruppo Mondadori Espresso, the first Italian publishing group. He was initially appointed General Manager for Advertising Sales and Mondadori Periodici (magazines) and then Vice General Manager and afterwards President and CEO of Manzoni & C. S.p.A, the advertising business of the group.
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From 1990 to 1997, Mr. Pellicioli served first as President and CEO of Costa Cruise Lines in Miami, being part of Costa Crociere Group operating in the North American market (USA, Canada and Mexico) and then became Worldwide General Manager of Costa Crociere S.p.A., based in Genoa.
From 1995 to 1997 he was also appointed President and CEO of the Compagnie Française de Croisières (Costa Paquet), the Paris-based subsidiary of Costa Crociere. Beginning in 1997, he took part in the privatization of SEAT Pagine Gialle when it was purchased by a group of financial investors. After the acquisition he was appointed CEO of SEAT.
In February 2000, was appointed to lead the "Internet Business Unit" of Telecom Italia Group following the sale of SEAT. In September 2001, following the acquisition of Telecom Italia by the Pirelli Group, he resigned.
In November 2005, Mr. Pellicioli was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of De Agostini S.p.A.. In addition to being Chief Executive Officer of De Agostini S.p.A., Mr. Pellicioli also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of GTECH S.p.A., Chairman of the Board of Directors of DeA Capital, Chairman of Zodiak Media, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Générale de Santé and is member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. He is also member of the Advisory Boards of Investitori Associati IV, Wisequity II e Macchine Italia and Palamon Capital Partners.
Since 2006, Mr. Pellicioli has been a member of the Clinton Global Initiative. He was formerly also a member of the Boards of Directors of Enel, INAAssitalia, Toro Assicurazioni and of the Advisory Board of Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking.
Marco Sala was born in Milan in 1959, where he graduated with a degree in Business and Economics from Bocconi University in 1985. Following graduation, in 1985, he joined Kraft, holding various roles in the Marketing Department. In 1993, Mr. Sala was appointed Marketing Director of the Fresh Food Division of Kraft, and two years later was given the role of Sales Director in the same division.
In 1997, Mr. Sala joined Magneti Marelli (a Fiat Group company) as Head of the Spare Parts Division. Two years later he also became Head of the Lubricants Division. In April 2001, he joined SEAT Pagine Gialle as Head of the Italian Business Directories Division and in November 2001, he became Head of the entire Business Directories area with responsibility for a number of international companies such as Thomson (Great Britain), Euredit (France) and Kompass (Italy).
After a brief period as CEO of Buffetti, in March 2003, he joined Lottomatica in the role of Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the board. Following Lottomatica's takeover of GTECH, in August 2006, Mr. Sala was appointed CEO and General Manager of Lottomatica with responsibility over European activities. Since April 2009, Mr. Sala has served as CEO of Lottomatica/GTECH with powers over the entire group.
Alberto Dessy is a chartered accountant specialized in corporate finance, particularly the evaluation of companies, trademarks, equity and investments, financial structure, channels and loan instruments, funding for development and in acquisitions and disposals of companies. He has been an expert witness for parties to lawsuits and as an independent expert appointed by the court in various legal disputes. He has been and still is on the boards of directors of many companies, both listed and unlisted, such as Redaelli Tecna S.p.A., Laika Caravans S.p.A., Premuda S.p.A., I.M.A., Milano Centro S.p.A., and DeA Capital S.p.A.
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Mr. Dessy graduated from Bocconi University in Milan in 1978 with a final grade of 110 cum laude , and was Professor of Business Valuation in the Masters' Course in Business Administration at Bocconi University from 1988 to 2008.
Born in Savigliano (Cuneo) in 1973, Donatella Busso graduated in 1996 with honors in Economics and Business at the University of Turin. Following college, she joined the Department of ManagementUniversity of Turin as Assistant Lecturer. After obtaining a permanent position as a researcher in 2000, in 2006 Ms. Busso earned the title Associate Professor of Economics and Business Administration. Currently, Ms. Busso teaches finance and accounting classes at the University of Turin and is Vice Dean in charge of teaching activities in the Department of Management.
Ms. Busso advises Italian-listed and foreign-listed companies and is a speaker in numerous training programs about financial accounting, IAS/IFRS and consolidated financial statement for Italian-listed companies and other primary institutions. Ms. Busso is a Certified Public Accountant (Dottore Commercialista) and from 2009 to 2013 she was a statutory auditor of Tyco Electronics Italia Holding S.r.l. Currently Ms. Busso is a member of the board of directors and the audit committee of Prime Industrie S.p.A.
Born in Turin in 1955, Paolo Ceretti gained his professional experience inside the Agnelli Group where, beginning in 1979, he held positions of increasing importance beginning at Fiat (Internal Auditing and Finance), in the Financial Services Sector (Planning, Credit and Control) and subsequently assuming the position of Head of Strategic Planning and Development of IFIL.
After assuming responsibility for the Internet B2C sector of Fiat/IFIL in 1999 as CEO and General Manager of CiaoHolding and CiaoWeb, he was appointed CEO and General Manager of Global Value, a Fiat/IBM joint venture in the Information Technology sector.
Since 2004, Mr. Ceretti has been General Manager of De Agostini. In 2007, he was appointed Managing Director of DeA Capital. He is a member of the Board of Directors of De Agostini Editore, Zodiak Media, Generale de Santé, and other companies.
Marco Drago has been the Chairman of De Agostini, one of Italy's largest family-run groups, since 1997. During this time he has steered the company through a crucial evolutionary phase. As Chief Executive Officer of the Editorial Group during the 1980s and 1990s, Mr. Drago was the driving force behind the De Agostini's exceptional growth in Italy and abroad. Since 2000, as part of a diversification strategy, he has led De Agostini's expansion into the lottery, games and services sector with LottomaticaGTECH; in the media and communications sector with Antena 3 de Television in Spain (with the Planeta Group) and Mikado Film and Magnolia in Italy; in the insurance sector with Toro (later sold to the Generali Group); and in the finance sector with DeA Capital.
Since October 2006, Mr. Drago has been Chairman of the Board of Partners of B&D, a family limited partnership created to ensure cohesion in share ownership, consistency of intent and continuity in deliberation making over the long term. He is also Vice President of the De Agostini Planeta Group, and a Director of Antena 3 de Television, DeA Capital, De Agostini Editore, Zodiak Media and S. Faustin (Techint Group).
Born in 1946 in Settimo Torinese, in the province of Turin, Mr. Drago graduated in Economics and Business from the Università Bocconi in Milan in 1969. That same year his career in the family
259
company began when he joined the De Agostini Geographical Institute. Following appointments as Executive Officer and Managing Director, he then replaced Achille Boroli as Chairman of De Agostini.
In 2001, Mr. Drago was named "Bocconi Fellow of the Year" and in 2003 was made a Cavaliere del Lavoro (an Italian decoration given to important figures in industry, roughly equivalent to a knighthood).
As President and CEO of GTECH Corporation, Jaymin Patel is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of GTECH. He works directly with GTECH's management teams to execute GTECH's vision in the continuous effort to deliver value to its customers, shareholders, and employees. In May 2007, Patel was named President and Chief Operating Officer of GTECH Holdings Corporation, and was appointed a member of the GTECH Board of Directors in November 2007. Patel joined GTECH in July of 1994, after approximately five years with PricewaterhouseCoopers in London.
From January 2000 to April 2007, Patel served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of GTECH Corporation, and from August 2006 to April 2007, he also served as Chief Financial Officer of GTECH. Since July 2013, Patel has also served as a director of the Willis Group, where he is a member of the board's compensation committee.
During his seven years as Chief Financial Officer of GTECH Holdings Corporation, Patel was instrumental in driving growth across the business, leading several mergers and acquisitions, cost optimization initiatives, and substantially improving the capital efficiency of GTECH. Patel's tenure as Chief Financial Officer culminated in his leading the cross-border financing for the Lottomatica acquisition of GTECH Holdings Corporation. Patel holds a B.A. (honors) degree from Birmingham Polytechnic (U.K.), and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers, London.
In June 2014, Ms. Gatti was appointed CEO of Almawave USA Inc, the American subsidiary of the technological-innovation firm within the AlmavivA Group. Ms. Gatti has served as the CEO and co-founder of Soshoma Inc., a San Francisco-based start-up in artificial intelligence applied to big data since June 2012. Ms. Gatti has served as an independent director and member of the compensation and audit committees of Piquadro S.p.A. (Italy, PQ:IM Borsaitaliana) since July 2013.
From March 2011 to April 2012, Ms. Gatti served as the Director of Advertising and New Monetization of Skype and prior to Skype, Ms. Gatti was the Head of International Online Sales and Operations at Google from April 2007 to February 2011. Ms. Gatti was partner of MyQube Venture Capital Fund where she was responsible for the U.S. operations from 2004 to 2007. Prior to her venture capital experience, Ms. Gatti was a senior economist at the World Health Organization in Geneva (2002-2004).
Ms. Gatti was born in 1972 and earned a degree cum laude in Business Administration from Bocconi University. She also holds a PhD in Business Administration from Bocconi University and a PhD in Criminology from University of Trento, and completed a post-doctoral program in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University.
Antonio Mastrapasqua has served as General Manager of Hospital Israelitico since 2001. He also serves as Regular Auditor of Autostrade per l'Italia SpA.
Mr. Mastrapasqua has held a number of Chairmanships, including at IDeA Fimit SGR (2012 to 2014), Istituto Nazionale Previdenza Sociale(Inps) (2008 to 2014) and Equitalia S.p.A., where he also
260
served as Executive Vice President from 2005 to 2014. He has been an independent director of GTECH Corporation since 2014 and served as a director of InpsNational Social Security Institute from 2008 to 2014.
He is a Member of the Order of Chartered Accountants of Rome, Enrolled in the Register of Auditors and Member of the National Association of Journalists Publicists. Mr. Mastrapasqua holds a degree in Business Economics from Università degli studi di Roma "La Sapienza," Roma.
In the course of his professional carrier, Mr. Mastrapasqua's duties have included audit work, accounting and tax consultancy, tax and corporate law, with respect to industrial / services companies and public and private entities. Mr. Mastrapasqua has also participated as a guest speaker in various conferences on economic and social matters including Aspen Italia and Forum Ambrosetti.
Born in West Hartford, Connecticut on December 31, 1964, Elena Vasco has been in charge of administration, finance and properties and is the Vice Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce of Milan since June 2009. She is also a member of the board of directors of Banca Carige, Isagro S.p.A. and Orizzonte SGR. Ms. Vasco graduated cum laude in Economy and Commerce with the University of Naples. Ms. Vasco later achieved a Master's of Science in Economics at Northeastern University in Boston.
From 1992 to 1997, Ms. Vasco worked for Mediobanca Servizio Partecipazioni e Affari Speciali (stockholdings service and special affairs) with a particular focus on corporate consultancy, M&A and corporate finance. In 1997, she joined HdP (now RCS Mediagroup) as director of strategic planning and financial control. Ms. Vasco has served as the Chief Executive Officer of RCS Broadcast, as well as a member of the boards of directors of a number of companies including RCS Editori S.p.A., Valentino S.p.A., GFT Net S.p.A., RCS Libri S.p.A., RCS Pubblicità S.p.A., Unedisa-Unidad Editorial and RAI Sat.
In 2006, Ms. Vasco became Chief Financial Officer of Milano Serravalle Milano Tangenziali and also served as Chairman of Sabrom (a highway concessionaire).
Pursuant to Italian law, in addition to electing the Board of Directors, GTECH's shareholders also elect a Board of Statutory Auditors or internal auditors ( Collegio Sindacale ) composed of three independent regular members. Pursuant to GTECH's by-laws, shareholders also elect alternate auditors who will automatically replace statutory auditors who resign or are otherwise unable to serve as a statutory auditor.
The following table sets forth the current members of the Board of Statutory Auditors as elected by the shareholders at the meeting held on May 8, 2014 to hold office for the three-year period 2014-2016. In compliance with Italian law, the by-laws of GTECH provide that the Board of Statutory Auditors will be elected through a voting list system. At the shareholders' meeting on May 8, 2014, Sergio Duca and Caterina Margherita Baldari were drawn from the list submitted by De Agostini. Massimo Cremona was appointed President of the Board of Statutory Auditors by certain minority shareholders.
Name
|
Title | |
---|---|---|
Massimo Cremona | President | |
Caterina Margherita Baldari | Auditor | |
Sergio Duca | Auditor |
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Members of the Board of Statutory Auditors are elected by the shareholders for a three-year term and may be re-elected. The current term expires at the approval of the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. Members of the Board of Statutory Auditors may be removed only with just cause and with the approval of an Italian court. In compliance with Italian law, the by-laws of GTECH provide that the Board of Statutory Auditors will be elected through a voting list system to ensure that at least one regular statutory auditor, as Chairman of the Board, and one alternate auditor are appointed by minority shareholders of GTECH.
Below are the other offices held as of April 17, 2014 (date of the publication of the lists of candidates for positions on the Board of Statutory Auditors of GTECH) by the members of the Board of Statutory Auditors in other companies listed on regulated markets (including foreign markets) as well as in financial companies, banks, insurance companies or companies of considerably larger size.
Massimo Cremona | Director of CofideCompagnia Finanziaria De Benedetti S.p.A. | |
Chairman of Board of Statutory Auditors of FONSPA Bank S.p.A. | ||
Director of Gucci Logistica S.p.A. | ||
Director of Guccio Gucci S.p.A. | ||
Chairman of Board of Statutory Auditors of Luvata Italy S.r.l. | ||
Chairman of Board of Statutory Auditors of Metro Italia Cash and Carry S.p.A. | ||
Chairman of Board of Statutory Auditors of Robert Bosch S.p.A. | ||
Chairman of Board of Statutory Auditors of Sasol Italy S.p.A. | ||
Director of SIT La Precisa S.p.A. | ||
Director of Technogym S.p.A. | ||
Chairman of Board of Statutory Auditors of Tecnologie Diesel e Sistemi Frenanti S.p.A. | ||
Director of UBS Fiduciaria S.p.A. | ||
Caterina Margherita Baldari |
|
Founder and Owner of Baldari and Associates |
Sergio Duca |
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors Orizzonte S.g.r. S.p.A. |
Independent Member of the Board of Auditors of Compagnia di San Paolo | ||
Chairman of Board of Statutory Auditors of Enel S.p.A. | ||
Chairman of Board of Statutory Auditors of Exor S.p.A. |
To the best of GTECH's knowledge, none of the members of the Board of Statutory Auditors holds another position which creates a conflict of interest with GTECH.
Beneficial Ownership of Certain Shareholders and Management
The following table sets forth information, as of the date of this document, regarding the beneficial ownership of GTECH ordinary shares, including:
Beneficial ownership is determined under the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power over securities. Except in cases where community property laws apply or as indicated in the footnotes to this table, GTECH believes that each shareholder identified in the table possesses sole voting and investment power over all GTECH ordinary shares shown as beneficially owned by that shareholder. Percentage of beneficial ownership is based on the approximately 172 million GTECH ordinary shares outstanding as of October 29, 2014, including approximately 13,240,304 shares held of record by 195 holders in the United States. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, 2014, GTECH's share capital (fully subscribed and paid up) is 174,936,243.00.
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
|
Number of
Ordinary Shares |
Percentage | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Principal Shareholders: |
|||||||
De Agostini S.p.A. |
92,556,318 | 52.915 | |||||
Via G. da Verrazano 15 |
|||||||
28100 NovaraItaly |
|||||||
DeA Partecipazioni S.p.A. |
10,073,006 | 5.759 | |||||
Via G. da Verrazano 15 |
|||||||
28100 NovaraItaly |
|||||||
Directors: |
|
|
|||||
Marco Sala |
492,845 | 0.28 | |||||
Lorenzo Pellicioli |
71,400 | 0.04 | |||||
Donatella Busso |
| | |||||
Paolo Ceretti |
| | |||||
Alberto Dessy |
| | |||||
Marco Drago |
| | |||||
Jaymin B. Patel |
193,070 | 0.11 | |||||
Anna Gatti |
| | |||||
Antonio Mastrapasqua |
| | |||||
Elena Vasco |
| | |||||
Non-Director Officers: |
|
|
|||||
Renato Ascoli |
82,643 | 0.04 | |||||
Other officers |
44,273 | 0.02 | |||||
All members of GTECH Board of directors and executive officers as a group |
As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, GTECH owns 1,782,426 equal to approximately 1% of its share capital.
In the last three years, transactions with related parties were performed on an arm's-length basis. GTECH has internal procedures aimed at ensuring transparency and substantial and formal fairness of all transactions with related parties performed by GTECH or its subsidiaries.
The following tables set forth GTECH's transactions with related parties for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
|
September 30, | December 31, | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Accounts receivable |
||||||||||
De Agostini Group |
1,090 | 23,783 | 30,957 | |||||||
Ringmaster S.r.l. |
123 | 247 | 81 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
1,213 | 24,030 | 31,038 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable |
||||||||||
De Agostini Group |
11,032 | 89,781 | 96,530 | |||||||
Ringmaster S.r.l. |
4,664 | 2,399 | 3,644 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
15,696 | 92,180 | 100,174 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
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GTECH S.p.A. is majority owned by De Agostini S.p.A. Outstanding accounts receivable balances from De Agostini S.p.A. and subsidiaries of De Agostini S.p.A. ("De Agostini Group") are non-interest bearing.
On May 8, 2013, the Board of GTECH entered into a framework agreement with De Agostini, pursuant to which De Agostini S.p.A may make short-term loans to GTECH S.p.A. and GTECH S.p.A. may deposit cash with De Agostini S.p.A. on a short-term basis. The framework agreement provides that any such transactions will be in compliance with existing third party loan covenants and concluded on an arm's-length basis. As of the date of this document, no transactions under such framework agreements have been executed. The facility details are as follows:
|
As of September 30, 2014 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of Euros)
|
Amounts
Outstanding |
Maximum
Outstanding |
|||||
Loans |
| 134,118 | |||||
Deposits |
| 23,000 |
The maximum amount of loans that can be outstanding under the framework is equal to 5% of the lesser of consolidated net equity and current market capitalization.
GTECH has a 50% interest in Ringmaster S.r.l., an Italian joint venture which is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Ringmaster S.r.l. provides software development services for the interactive gaming business of GTECH pursuant to a framework supply agreement dated December 7, 2011. In addition to amounts expensed in the income statement, during the first nine months of 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2012, Ringmaster S.r.l. provided software development services to GTECH totaling €2.0 million and €5.3 million, respectively, which were capitalized as intangible assets in the consolidated statement of financial position.
During 2012, GTECH entered into a lease agreement concerning its headquarters facility in Rome, Italy with a wholly owned subsidiary of Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. ("Generali"), which owned
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approximately 3% of GTECH's outstanding shares from December 31, 2012 through September 30, 2014. Generali is a related part of GTECH as the Chairman of GTECH's Board of Directors also serves on Generali's Board of Directors. The agreement was negotiated on an arms-length basis.
GTECH has a 50% interest in CLS-GTECH Company Limited which is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. CLS-GTECH was formed to provide a nationwide KENO system for welfare lotteries throughout China.
In November 2011, GTECH jointly with De Agostini S.p.A. and other of its subsidiaries, signed a letter of intent concerning an investment in Connect Ventures CLP, a venture capital fund which targets "early stage" investment operations, with the legal status of limited partnership under English law. The fund has an initial duration of seven years, subject to an additional two-year extension.
The fund is considered a related party due to the control exercised over the fund by De Agostini S.p.A., as a result of the size of its investment and the fact that at least one key figure in the fund's management is related to a number of leading representatives of De Agostini S.p.A., as well as directors of GTECH.
Since the beginning of 2013, GTECH, through its subsidiary Lottomatica Scommesse S.r.l., has been party to an agreement with 2BCOM S.r.l. and ALL-IN ADV S.r.l. regarding the launch of a TV channel dedicated generally to gambling. 2BCOM and ALL-IN ADV are both subsidiaries of De Agostini S.p.A. and are therefore considered related parties of GTECH. The venture is not considered significant to GTECH's business.
Changes in Certifying Accountant
At the Shareholders' Meeting held on May 8, 2014, it was resolved to appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. ("PwC") as GTECH's independent statutory auditors for the nine year period 2014-2022. The change in statutory auditors was made pursuant to Italian regulation which limits the duration of statutory audit engagements. Because of the limitations of this Italian regulation, GTECH did not seek to renew Reconta Ernst & Young S.p.A. ("EY") contract when it expired and EY declined to stand for re-election.
In connection with the F-4 registration process and the appointment of GTECH's independent registered public accounting firm for an audit period commencing from January 1, 2014, PwC completed an independence assessment to evaluate the services and relationships with GTECH and its affiliates that may bear on PwC's independence under the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") independence rules for an audit period commencing January 1, 2014. Services identified that are inconsistent with the auditor independence rules provided in Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X include (i) the provision of payroll services to GTECH and certain of its subsidiaries, which included control of client's assets and (ii) secondment and legal services to sister companies under common control with GTECH.
PwC communicated these matters to GTECH's current Board of Statutory Auditors. The Board of Statutory Auditors and PwC individually considered the impact that these relationships have on PwC's independence with respect to GTECH and concluded that there are no indications that PwC's ability to exercise objective and impartial judgment on issues encompassed within the audit of GTECH's consolidated financial statements have been impaired.
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In making this determination, the Board of Statutory Auditors and PwC considered, among other things that:
Accordingly, and for the reasons enumerated above, PwC and the Board of Statutory Auditors concluded that the services identified do not affect PwC's ability to render an objective audit for GTECH for the year ended December 31, 2014. Therefore, effective from November 12, 2014, the Board of Directors appointed PwC also as GTECH's independent registered public accounting firm under rules and regulations of the SEC for audit periods commencing January 1, 2014.
On August 29, 2014, solely in relation to this proxy statement/prospectus and upon the approval of GTECH's Board of Statutory Auditors, EY was re-appointed as GTECH's independent registered public accounting firm in order for EY to perform audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB of the consolidated financial statements of GTECH as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, on which EY originally reported under auditing standards recommended by CONSOB (the Italian Stock Exchange Regulatory Agency). The re-appointment of EY terminated on November 12, 2014 upon the appointment of PwC.
The report of EY on GTECH's consolidated financial statements for the past two fiscal years did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
In connection with the audits of GTECH's consolidated financial statements for each of the past two fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and in the subsequent interim period through October 1, 2014, (i) there were no disagreements with EY on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope and procedures which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of EY would have caused EY to make reference to the matter in their report; and (ii) there were no "reportable events" as that term is described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K. The Company has requested EY to furnish it a letter addressed to the Commission stating whether it agrees with the above statements. A copy of that letter, dated October 1, 2014, is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-4 of Georgia Worldwide PLC dated October 1, 2014.
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SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF GTECH
The following tables set forth selected historical consolidated financial and other data of GTECH for the periods indicated and have been derived from:
Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for a full year or any future interim period. The Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the unaudited interim periods.
The following information is presented in millions of Euro, unless otherwise specified.
The following information should be read in conjunction with "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of GTECH," "Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information," the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus. Historical results for any period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period.
Consolidated Income Statement Data
|
For the
nine months ended September 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
|
(€ million, except
per share data) |
||||||
Total revenue |
2,260.2 | 2,289.7 | |||||
Operating income |
470.1 | 455.3 | |||||
Income before income tax expense |
323.7 | 329.0 | |||||
Net income (1) |
191.0 | 198.0 | |||||
Attributable to: |
|||||||
Owners of the parent |
176.1 | 174.1 | |||||
Non-controlling interests |
14.9 | 23.9 | |||||
Basic earnings per ordinary share (in Euro) (1) |
1.01 | 1.01 | |||||
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (in Euro) (1) |
1.01 | 1.01 | |||||
Dividends declared per ordinary share (in Euro) (2) |
0.75 | 0.73 |
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Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Data
|
At
September 30, 2014 |
At
December 31, 2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(€ million, except
share information) |
||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
455.6 | 419.1 | |||||
Total assets |
7,303.4 | 7,123.4 | |||||
Debt (1) |
2,890.6 | 2,856.6 | |||||
Non-current liabilities |
2,957.4 | 2,915.7 | |||||
Total equity |
2,757.4 | 2,603.5 | |||||
Equity attributable to owners of the parent |
2,473.7 | 2,199.9 | |||||
Non-controlling interests |
283.7 | 403.6 | |||||
Issued capital |
175.0 | 174.0 | |||||
Ordinary shares issued (in thousands of shares) |
174,953 | 173,992 |
Consolidated Income Statement Data
|
For the years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||
|
(€ million, except per share data)
|
|||||||||||||||
Total revenue |
3,062.8 | 3,075.7 | 2,973.7 | 2,314.1 | 2,176.9 | |||||||||||
Operating income |
559.0 | 583.1 | 539.3 | 386.0 | 366.4 | |||||||||||
Income before income tax expense |
385.8 | 424.0 | 365.9 | 113.5 | 188.2 | |||||||||||
Net income (1) |
205.0 | 265.2 | 205.7 | 45.4 | 112.3 | |||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||
Owners of the parent |
175.4 | 233.1 | 173.1 | 0.5 | 68.1 | |||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
29.6 | 32.1 | 32.6 | 44.9 | 44.2 | |||||||||||
Basic earnings per ordinary share (in Euro) (1) |
1.01 | 1.35 | 1.01 | | 0.45 | |||||||||||
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (in Euro) (1) |
1.01 | 1.35 | 1.01 | | 0.45 | |||||||||||
Dividends declared per ordinary share (in Euro) (2) |
0.73 | 0.71 | | 0.74 | 0.68 |
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Data
|
At December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||
|
(€ million)
|
|||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
419.1 | 455.8 | 190.7 | 152.4 | 469.3 | |||||||||||
Total assets |
7,123.4 | 7,277.3 | 7,006.9 | 6,962.9 | 6,204.6 | |||||||||||
Debt (1) |
2,856.6 | 2,960.6 | 2,802.4 | 2,951.7 | 2,694.3 | |||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
2,915.7 | 3,056.2 | 2,904.1 | 3,149.7 | 2,976.6 | |||||||||||
Total equity |
2,603.5 | 2,642.3 | 2,609.2 | 2,358.9 | 1,896.8 | |||||||||||
Equity attributable to owners of the parent |
2,199.9 | 2,267.8 | 2,187.1 | 1,914.4 | 1,837.7 | |||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
403.6 | 374.5 | 422.1 | 444.5 | 59.1 | |||||||||||
Issued capital |
174.0 | 172.5 | 172.1 | 172.0 | 172.0 | |||||||||||
Ordinary shares issued (in thousands of shares) |
173,992 | 172,455 | 172,141 | 172,015 | 172,015 |
268
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information of Georgia Worldwide Plc ("Holdco") includes: (a) the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of financial position at September 30, 2014, (b) the unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2013, and (c) the unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 with the related explanatory notes (together the "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information") and has been prepared to represent the pro forma effects of the following transactions (the "Transactions"):
Consent to amend the indenture was obtained from IGT bondholders in relation to the 7.5% bond due 2019 amounting to €397.4 million ($0.5 billion at a $ to € exchange rate of 0.795).
It is anticipated that the Bridge Facility will be drawn only to the extent that GTECH is unable (i) to obtain consent from the GTECH note holders or counterparties of GTECH and IGT
269
derivative financial instruments and (ii) to raise debt financing in the form of term loans and/or debt securities at or prior to the closing of the Mergers. The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable at this time; actual results may materially differ from the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information; and
On July 15, 2014 GTECH, Holdco, Sub and GTECH Corporation, entered into the merger agreement with IGT (the "Merger Agreement") to acquire the entire issued share capital of IGT. The completion of the Mergers is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, including antitrust approval, gaming approvals, the receipt of a merger order from the High Court of England and Wales, IGT and GTECH shareholder approvals and NYSE listing approval for the Holdco ordinary shares.
The pro forma adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information are limited to those that are (i) directly attributable to the pro forma adjustment related to the Transactions, (ii) factually supportable, and (iii) with respect to the income statement, expected to have a continuing impact on the results of the combined entities. The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information does not reflect, for example:
The unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of financial position has been prepared assuming that the Transactions had occurred on September 30, 2014. The unaudited pro forma consolidated income statements have been prepared assuming that the Transactions had occurred on January 1, 2013. The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information does not purport to represent what our actual results of operations would have been if the Transactions had actually occurred on the dates assumed, nor is it necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations or financial condition. The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information is presented for illustrative purposes only and based upon available information and certain assumptions that each of GTECH and IGT believe are reasonable, including assumptions pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement.
This information should be read in conjunction with the audited Annual Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements of GTECH as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 included in
270
this proxy statement/prospectus, and the historical audited financial statements of IGT, which are available in IGT's Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2013, and the historical unaudited financial statements of IGT, which are available in IGT's Form 10-Q for the nine months ended June 28, 2014, which are incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information is presented in millions of Euro and prepared, unless otherwise specified, on a basis that is consistent with the accounting policies used in the preparation of the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements of GTECH, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. It should be noted that IGT consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with US GAAP and presented in US dollars. The historical IGT amounts reflected in the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information have been derived from IGT's consolidated financial statements prepared under US GAAP and reconciled to IFRS, as applicable, and as further discussed below in Note 2 to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information based on a preliminary IFRS analysis. The reconciliation has not been audited.
Furthermore, certain current market based assumptions were used which will be updated upon completion of the Transactions. Management believes the estimated fair values utilized for the assets to be acquired and liabilities to be assumed are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions. Preliminary fair value estimates may change as additional information becomes available and such changes could be material, as certain valuations and other studies have yet to commence or progress to a stage where there is sufficient information for a definitive measurement. In addition, a preliminary analysis of US GAAP to IFRS differences and related accounting policies has been completed based on information made available to date. However, following the consummation of the combination, management will conduct a final analysis. As a result of that analysis, management may identify differences that, when finalized, could have a material impact on this Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information.
Pro forma adjustments relating to the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of financial position have been translated into Euro using the applicable exchange rate of $1 per €0.795 at September 30, 2014. Pro forma adjustments relating to the unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement have been translated into Euro using an average exchange rate of $1 per €0.753 for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $1 per €0.738 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
271
Georgia Worldwide Plc
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At September 30, 2014
(€ millions, unless otherwise noted)
|
|
|
Unaudited Pro Forma Adjustments |
|
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Unaudited
GTECH IFRS Historical |
Unaudited
IGT Reclassified |
IGT
Merger |
Financing |
Holdco
Merger & Other Adjustments |
Unaudited
Holdco IFRS Pro Forma |
|||||||||||||
|
|
Note 1
|
Note 2
|
Note 3
|
Note 4
|
|
|||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
|||||||||||||||||||
Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net |
900.4 | 90.4 | 25.7 | (a) | | | 1,016.5 | ||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
76.6 | 229.4 | (40.0 | ) (b) | | | 266.0 | ||||||||||||
Goodwill |
3,323.6 | 1,079.5 | 1,305.0 | (e) | | | 5,708.1 | ||||||||||||
Intangible assets, net |
1,179.3 | 69.4 | 2,488.9 | (c) | | | 3,737.6 | ||||||||||||
Investments in associates and joint ventures |
24.2 | 3.2 | | | | 27.4 | |||||||||||||
Other non-current assets |
79.1 | 187.9 | (5.1 | ) (k) | | | 261.9 | ||||||||||||
Non-current financial assets |
28.8 | 315.3 | 14.6 | (g) | (60.1 | ) (a) | | 298.6 | |||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
11.0 | 172.7 | (172.7 | ) (i) | 18.8 | (f) | | 29.8 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total non-current assets |
5,623.0 | 2,147.8 | 3,616.4 | (41.3 | ) | | 11,345.9 | ||||||||||||
Current assets |
|||||||||||||||||||
Inventories |
155.1 | 65.7 | 3.8 | (d) | | | 224.6 | ||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables, net |
823.3 | 217.0 | | | | 1,040.3 | |||||||||||||
Other current assets |
229.6 | 118.6 | | (43.3 | ) (e) | (0.1 | ) (a) | 304.8 | |||||||||||
Current financial assets |
10.1 | 270.6 | (1.6 | ) (g) | (5.6 | ) (a) | | 273.5 | |||||||||||
Income taxes receivable |
6.8 | 47.4 | (8.3 | ) (k) | | | 45.9 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
455.6 | 99.7 | (2,850.1 | ) | 3,599.1 | (b) | (749.0 | ) (b) | 555.3 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current assets |
1,680.5 | 819.0 | (2,856.2 | ) | 3,550.2 | (749.1 | ) | 2,444.4 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL ASSETS |
7,303.5 | 2,966.8 | 760.2 | 3,508.9 | (749.1 | ) | 13,790.3 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity attributable to owners of the parent |
2,473.8 | 855.5 | (34.3 | ) (j)(k) | (49.7 | ) (c) | (742.9 | ) (c) | 2,502.4 | ||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
283.7 | | | | | 283.7 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total equity |
2,757.5 | 855.5 | (34.3 | ) | (49.7 | ) | (742.9 | ) | 2,786.1 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current liabilities |
|||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, less current portion |
2,659.8 | 1,447.1 | 44.7 | (g) | 3,780.7 | (d) | | 7,932.3 | |||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
164.7 | | 740.1 | (i) | | | 904.8 | ||||||||||||
Long-term provisions |
16.4 | | | | | 16.4 | |||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
56.0 | 281.1 | (7.3 | ) (f)(g)(k) | | | 329.8 | ||||||||||||
Non-current financial liabilities |
60.5 | | | | | 60.5 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total non-current liabilities |
2,957.4 | 1,728.2 | 777.5 | 3,780.7 | | 9,243.8 | |||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
|||||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable |
816.0 | 61.1 | 27.9 | (h) | | (6.1 | ) (c) | 898.9 | |||||||||||
Short-term borrowings |
0.3 | 1.3 | | | | 1.6 | |||||||||||||
Other current liabilities |
365.5 | 278.7 | (6.4 | ) (f)(k) | | (0.1 | ) (a) | 637.7 | |||||||||||
Current financial liabilities |
92.1 | 21.2 | (4.5 | ) (g)(k) | (50.6 | ) (a)(e) | | 58.2 | |||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
230.4 | 5.4 | | (k) | (171.5 | ) (d) | | 64.3 | |||||||||||
Short-term provisions |
1.0 | 15.4 | | | | 16.4 | |||||||||||||
Income taxes payable |
83.3 | | | | | 83.3 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
1,588.6 | 383.1 | 17.0 | (222.1 | ) | (6.2 | ) | 1,760.4 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES |
7,303.5 | 2,966.8 | 760.2 | 3,508.9 | (749.1 | ) | 13,790.3 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information
272
Georgia Worldwide Plc
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
for the nine months ended September 30, 2014
(€ millions, unless otherwise noted)
See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information
273
Georgia Worldwide Plc
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
for the year ended December 31, 2013
(€ millions, unless otherwise noted)
See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information
274
Note 1Unaudited IGT Reclassified consolidated statement of financial position at June 30, 2014
Represents the unaudited IGT Reclassified consolidated statement of financial position at June 30, 2014 that has been prepared by applying unaudited pro forma adjustments to the unaudited historical consolidated interim balance sheet. The unaudited pro forma adjustments give effect to:
275
Note 1Unaudited IGT Reclassified consolidated statement of financial position at June 30, 2014 (Continued)
Note 2IGT Merger (consolidated statement of financial position)
For accounting purposes, Holdco is deemed to acquire IGT. The IGT Merger qualifies as the acquisition of IGT by Holdco and is accounted for using the purchase method of accounting under IFRS 3 "Business Combinations". In the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated statement of financial position the purchase consideration has been allocated to the IGT assets and liabilities assumed based upon preliminary estimates by GTECH and IGT management of the respective fair values at the date of the IGT Merger. Any difference between the purchase consideration and the fair value of IGT's assets and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. GTECH has not completed its purchase price allocation for the acquisition of IGT, and the final allocation may differ materially from the preliminary allocation. The final valuation and the impact of integration activities could cause material differences between actual and pro forma results. As GTECH completes the purchase price allocation for IGT, the preliminary allocation is subject to change.
In a transaction in which the consideration is not only in the form of cash, the acquisition consideration (which is equivalent to the purchase price) is measured based on the fair value of the consideration given at the date of the acquisition at the then-current market price. The fair value of the purchase consideration will fluctuate until completion of the IGT Merger, as a significant portion of the consideration is based on the fair value of GTECH's share price and cash payments denominated in US dollars.
276
Note 2IGT Merger (consolidated statement of financial position) (Continued)
The Merger Agreement provides that, each outstanding share of IGT common stock will be converted into the right to receive a combination of (i) $13.69 in cash (€10.88 equivalent using a $ to € exchange rate of 0.795, the "Per Share Cash Amount"), and (ii) a number of Holdco ordinary shares determined by dividing $4.56 (€3.63 equivalent using a $ to € exchange rate of 0.795) by the GTECH Share Trading Price, subject to a minimum of 0.1582 Holdco ordinary shares and a maximum of 0.1819 Holdco ordinary shares (the "Exchange Ratio"). Should the Exchange Ratio exceed 0.1819, the Per Share Cash Amount will be increased by an additional amount in cash equal to the product of such excess number of shares (up to a maximum of 0.0321) and the GTECH Share Trading Price (the "Consideration"). For purposes of the pro forma computations the GTECH Share Trading Price is calculated as the average of the volume-weighted average prices of GTECH ordinary shares on the Milan Stock Exchange, 20 days prior to November 11, 2014 converted to the US dollar equivalent using a $ to € exchange rate of 0.795.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, IGT shareholders will contribute to Holdco their shares in IGT in exchange for consideration consisting of up to a maximum of 45.0 million newly issued Holdco ordinary shares and up to a hypothetical maximum of €2,912.5 million in cash (including the maximum cash consideration to IGT shareholders of €2,826.0 million, cash compensation to stock option and restricted stock unit holders of €58.7 million and retention payments of €27.8 million).
IGT Stock Options and Restricted Stock Unit Awards:
As prescribed by IFRS 2 "Share-based Payment" and IFRS 3 "Business Combinations", for the purposes of preparing the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information, consideration relating to pre-combination services of IGT employees at November 11, 2014 in the form of IGT stock options, restricted stock unit awards and retention payments has been included in the purchase consideration. IGT stock options and restricted stock unit awards included preexisting automatic change in control clauses.
Compensation expense for replacement awards granted by Holdco in exchange for IGT stock unit awards granted between July 1, 2013 and July 15, 2014, will be recognized over their vesting period ( i.e. , within 12 months from the IGT Merger Effective Time) and have not been included in the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information.
277
Note 2IGT Merger (consolidated statement of financial position) (Continued)
Pro forma purchase consideration
Based on the above information, the pro forma purchase consideration for the IGT Merger (based on GTECH's volume weighted average share price during the 20 days prior to November 11, 2014 equal to €18.33) is determined as follows:
|
|
(in € million) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IGT shares settled in cash |
(A) | 2,763.6 | ||||
IGT shares exchanged for Holdco ordinary shares |
(B) | 800.1 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Consideration for IGT shares |
3,563.7 | |||||
IGT stock options and restricted stock unit awards granted before July 1, 2013 settled in cash |
(C) | 58.7 | ||||
IGT stock options and restricted stock unit awards granted between July 1, 2013 and July 15, 2014 settled in Holdco stock incentives |
(D) | 21.1 | ||||
Retention payments settled in cash |
(E) | 27.8 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Consideration for IGT stock options, restricted stock unit awards and retention payments |
107.6 | |||||
| | | | | | |
Total pro forma purchase consideration for IGT Merger |
3,671.3 | |||||
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
of which settled in cash |
2,850.1 |
278
Note 2IGT Merger (consolidated statement of financial position) (Continued)
Sensitivity
The following table provides sensitivity to changes in the GTECH Share Trading Price and the consequence to the cash consideration to be paid to IGT shareholders:
|
GTECH Share
Trading Price (in €) |
Consideration for
IGT shares settled in cash (in € million) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Base case GTECH Share Trading Price at November 11, 2014 |
18.33 | 2,763.6 | |||||
Minimum cash consideration to IGT shareholder |
22.92 | 2,691.5 | |||||
Maximum cash consideration to IGT shareholders |
16.94 | 2,826.0 |
|
|
(in € million,
unless otherwise specified) |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IGT shares outstanding at September 30, 2014 (shares in million) |
(a) | 247.3 | ||||
Exchange Ratio |
(b) | 0.1819 | ||||
Holdco ordinary shares to be issued to IGT shareholders ((a) × (b)) (shares in million) |
(c) | 45.0 | ||||
GTECH share price at November 11, 2014 (in €) |
(d) | 17.78 | ||||
| | | | | | |
Fair value of Holdco shares to be issued to IGT shareholders ((c) × (d)) (in € million) |
800.1 |
Sensitivity
The minimum number of Holdco ordinary shares to be issued is 39.1 million shares (247.3 million IGT shares outstanding at September 30, 2014 multiplied by the minimum Exchange Ratio of 0.1582). The maximum Holdco shares to be issued are equal to 45.0 million based on the Exchange Ratio of 0.1819.
279
Note 2IGT Merger (consolidated statement of financial position) (Continued)
The following table presents the preliminary fair value adjustments to IGT's net assets acquired, in accordance with IFRS, at September 30, 2014:
|
(in € million) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Purchase consideration for IGT |
3,671.3 | |||
Less fair value of net assets acquired |
1,286.8 | |||
| | | | |
Preliminary goodwill |
2,384.5 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
The following is a description of each significant preliminary fair value adjustments:
|
(in € million) |
Estimated weighted
average remaining useful life in years |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated preliminary fair value |
116.1 | 3 | |||||
Less, net historical carrying value |
90.4 | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
Estimated preliminary pro forma adjustment |
25.7 | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net have been valued primarily by using both cost and market approaches. The estimated remaining useful lives of Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net, are based on a preliminary evaluation of the assets being acquired which is subject to change as further evaluation is performed.
|
(in € million) |
Estimated weighted
average remaining useful life in years |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated preliminary fair value |
189.4 | 17 | |||||
Less, net historical carrying value |
229.4 | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
Estimated preliminary pro forma adjustment |
(40.0 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net have been valued primarily by using both cost and market approaches. The estimated remaining useful lives of Property, plant and equipment, net, are based on a preliminary evaluation of the assets being acquired which is subject to change as further evaluation is performed.
280
Note 2IGT Merger (consolidated statement of financial position) (Continued)
|
(in € million) |
Estimated weighted
average remaining useful life in years |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated preliminary fair value |
2,558.3 | ||||
Customer relationship |
1,552.9 | 15 | |||
Patents, software platforms and other |
639.9 | 5 | |||
Product trademarks |
87.4 | 8 | |||
Corporate trademarks |
278.1 | indefinite | |||
Less, net historical carrying value |
69.4 | ||||
| | | | | |
Estimated preliminary pro forma adjustment |
2,488.9 | ||||
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
The fair value of intangible assets include corporate trademarks with an indefinite useful life with a preliminary fair value amounting to €278.1 million. Customer relationships have been valued using the multi-period excess earnings method. Trademarks, patents and software have been valued primarily using the relief-from-royalty method. The estimated remaining useful lives of Intangible assets, net are based on a preliminary evaluation of the assets being acquired which is subject to change as further evaluation is performed.
|
(in € million) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated preliminary fair value |
69.5 | |||
Less, net historical carrying value |
65.7 | |||
| | | | |
Estimated preliminary pro forma adjustment |
3.8 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
The estimated fair value adjustments to inventory related to the estimated difference between (a) selling prices less the sum of (i) the cost to complete work in progress, (ii) the cost of disposal and (iii) a reasonable profit allowance for the completing and selling effort and (b) the carrying amount of inventory. The estimated average inventory turn is preliminarily evaluated as less than 1 year. As further evaluation of the inventory acquired is performed, there could be changes in the average inventory turn.
|
(in € million) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Preliminary goodwill |
2,384.5 | |||
Less, net historical carrying value |
1,079.5 | |||
| | | | |
Estimated preliminary pro forma adjustment |
1,305.0 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
As Holdco completes the purchase price allocation, this excess may be allocated to other identified tangible or intangible assets, which could be depreciable or amortizable.
281
Note 2IGT Merger (consolidated statement of financial position) (Continued)
obligations plus a normal profit component. Holdco recognizes a liability relating to deferred revenue only to the extent that the deferred revenue represents an obligation assumed.
|
(in € million) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Holdco ordinary shares issued to IGT shareholders |
800.1 | |||
Fair value of pre-combination services relating IGT stock options and restricted stock unit awards granted between July 1, 2013 and July 15, 2014 settled in Holdco stock incentives |
21.1 | |||
Less, net US GAAP book value of IGT |
855.5 | |||
| | | | |
Estimated preliminary pro forma adjustment |
(34.3 | ) | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
282
Note 2IGT Merger (consolidated statement of financial position) (Continued)
measured based on the actuarial present value of the benefits owed to the employee, which may differ from the fair value of the assets held in the rabbi trust. The related adjustments on equity amounted to a decrease of €2.7 million at September 30, 2014.
The stock incentive adjustments are reflected as a reduction in equity of €25.2 million at September 30, 2014, a reduction of net income of €0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and a reduction of net income of €0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
These adjustments are reflected as an increase in equity of €7.4 million at September 30, 2014, an increase in net income of €1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and a reduction in net income by €0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
283
Note 3Financing adjustments (consolidated statement of financial position)
In order to fund the Mergers, GTECH has entered into (i) the Senior Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount of approximately €2.0 billion and (ii) the Bridge Facility in an aggregate principal amount of approximately €5.0 billion. GTECH will use a portion of these arrangements primarily to finance (i) the cash consideration of the IGT Merger, (ii) any payment related to the Rescission Rights, and (iii) to the assumed refinance of existing debt of IGT and GTECH, which could become due upon closing of the Mergers. The sources and uses of the overall financings are presented below.
(in € million)
|
Sources | Note |
|
Uses | Note | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bridge Facility draw down |
3,306.4 |
IGT shares settled in cash |
2,763.6 | |||||||||
Senior Credit Facility draw down |
2,042.1 |
IGT stock awards settled in cash |
58.7 | |||||||||
Derivatives |
58.4 | i |
Retention payments |
27.8 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Purchase consideration settled in cash |
2,850.1 | ||||||||||
|
GTECH 2016 notes |
856.1 |
ii |
|||||||||
|
GTECH credit facility |
306.0 | ii | |||||||||
|
IGT credit facility |
496.7 | ii | |||||||||
|
Rescission Rights |
667.3 | iii | |||||||||
|
Italian Reorganization taxes |
37.0 | iv | |||||||||
|
Transaction costs |
44.7 | v | |||||||||
|
Financing costs |
149.0 | vi | |||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
5,406.9 | 5,406.9 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(in € million, unless
otherwise specified) |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
GTECH outstanding shares at July 15, 2014 (shares in million) |
173.8 | |||
20% of GTECH outstanding shares at July 15, 2014 (shares in million) |
34.8 | |||
Average GTECH share price during the period April 4, 2014October 3, 2014 (in €) |
19.174 | |||
| | | | |
Estimated payment for Rescission Rights |
667.3 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
As provided by Italian law, GTECH shareholders exercising their Rescission Rights will be paid the average GTECH share price during the six months prior to October 3, 2014, the date notice was given of the shareholders' meeting that approved the Holdco Merger plan. A decrease by 1%
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Note 3Financing adjustments (consolidated statement of financial position) (Continued)
of GTECH shareholders (equivalent to 1.7 million GTECH outstanding shares) exercising the Rescission Rights will decrease the payment by €33.3 million.
The following further describes the Financing pro forma adjustments:
|
(in € million) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Purchase consideration settled in cash |
2,850.1 | |||
Rescission Rights |
667.3 | |||
Transaction costs |
44.7 | |||
Italian Reorganization taxes |
37.0 | |||
| | | | |
Total |
3,599.1 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
|
Current portion of
long-term debt |
Long-term debt,
less current portion |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IGT credit facility |
| (496.7 | ) | ||||
GTECH credit facility |
(138.3 | ) | (165.9 | ) | |||
GTECH 2016 notes |
(33.2 | ) | (756.2 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Early extinguishment of existing debt |
(171.5 | ) | (1,418.8 | ) | |||
Bridge Facility draw down |
|
3,306.4 |
|||||
Senior Credit Facility draw down |
| 2,042.1 | |||||
Financing costs |
| (149.0 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Change in long-term debt |
(171.5 | ) | 3,780.7 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
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Note 3Financing adjustments (consolidated statement of financial position) (Continued)
Note 4Holdco Merger & Other Adjustments (consolidated statement of financial position)
The Holdco Merger is a reorganization of existing legal entities that does not give rise to any change of control, and therefore is outside the scope of application of IFRS 3. Accordingly, it will be accounted for as an equity transaction using the predecessor values method ( i.e. , using GTECH predecessor book values).
|
(in € million) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Rescission Rights |
667.3 | |||
Transaction costs |
44.7 | |||
Italian Reorganization taxes |
37.0 | |||
| | | | |
Total |
749.0 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
Note 5Unaudited IGT Reclassified consolidated income statement
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Note 5Unaudited IGT Reclassified consolidated income statement (Continued)
Unaudited IGT Reclassified consolidated income statement for the nine months ended June 30, 2014
287
Note 5Unaudited IGT Reclassified consolidated income statement (Continued)
288
Note 5Unaudited IGT Reclassified consolidated income statement (Continued)
Unaudited IGT US GAAP Reclassified consolidated income statement for the year ended September 30, 2013
289
Note 5Unaudited IGT Reclassified consolidated income statement (Continued)
Note 6IGT Merger (consolidated income statements)
(in € million)
|
Nine months ended
September 30, 2014 |
Year ended
December 31, 2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Product sales |
(0.7 | ) | (11.4 | ) | |||
Income tax benefit |
0.3 | 4.2 |
(in € million)
|
Nine months ended
September 30, 2014 |
Year ended
December 31, 2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Depreciation |
(37.3 | ) | (44.2 | ) | |||
Amortization |
180.6 | 239.3 | |||||
Income tax benefit |
52.9 | 72.1 |
290
Note 7Financing adjustments (consolidated income statements)
(in € million)
|
Nine months ended
September 30, 2014 |
Year ended
December 31, 2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elimination of interest expense |
|||||||
GTECH and IGT credit facilities |
8.6 | 11.4 | |||||
GTECH 2016 notes (1) |
27.8 | 37.4 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Early extinguishment of existing debt |
36.4 | 48.8 | |||||
Interest expense adjustments |
|
|
|||||
Bridge Facility (2) |
(174.5 | ) | (248.1 | ) | |||
Senior Credit Facility (3) |
(45.0 | ) | (60.0 | ) | |||
GTECH 2018 and 2020 notes (4) |
(5.7 | ) | (7.7 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Increase in interest expense |
(188.8 | ) | (267.0 | ) |
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Note 7Financing adjustments (consolidated income statements) (Continued)
Note 8Holdco Merger & Other Adjustments (consolidated income statements)
Note 9Earnings per share
The unaudited pro forma consolidated basic and diluted earnings per share calculations are based on the consolidated basic and diluted weighted average shares of Holdco. The pro forma basic weighted average shares outstanding are a combination of historic GTECH shares and the shares issued as part of the IGT Merger. In addition, the dilutive effect of GTECH and IGT stock awards converted into Holdco stock awards have been included in the diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding calculations.
(millions of shares)
|
Nine months ended
September 30, 2014 |
Year ended
December 31, 2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GTECH weighted average basic shares outstanding |
173.9 | 173.2 | |||||
Rescission Rights |
(34.8 | ) | (34.8 | ) | |||
Number of Holdco common shares issued to IGT shareholders |
45.0 | 45.0 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Basic weighted average ordinary shares outstanding |
184.1 | 183.4 | |||||
GTECH diluted shares outstanding |
0.1 |
|
|||||
Number of dilutive shares associated with the Holdco stock awards |
0.6 | 0.6 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding |
184.8 | 184.0 |
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF GTECH
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the information included under "Business of GTECH and Certain Information about GTECH", "Summary Historical Financial Data of GTECH", and the consolidated financial statements included in this proxy statement/prospectus. This discussion includes forward-looking statements, and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described under "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors." Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward looking statements.
GTECH S.p.A. is a leading commercial operator and provider of technology in the regulated worldwide gaming markets.
In the following management's discussion and analysis, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise indicates, all references to the terms "GTECH," "we," "us," and "our," refer to GTECH S.p.A., the parent entity, and all entities included in our consolidated financial statements.
We operate and provide a full range of services and provide leading-edge technology products across all gaming markets, including lotteries, machine gaming, sports betting and interactive gaming. We also provide high-volume processing of commercial transactions. Our state-of-the-art information technology platforms and software enable distribution through land-based systems, Internet and mobile devices. We have operations in approximately 100 countries worldwide on six continents.
The structure of our internal organization is aligned around three global geographic regions. Consequently, for management purposes, our operating segments are organized geographically into three reportable operating segments based on those regions - Americas, International and Italy - and supported by a central products and services structure organization. Each of these segments offers lottery, machine gaming, sports betting, commercial services and interactive gaming.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013, our revenue amounted to €2.26 billion and €3.06 billion, respectively, and our operating income amounted to €470.1 million and €559.1 million, respectively.
Key Factors Affecting Operations and Financial Condition
The following are a description of the principal factors which have affected our results of operations and financial condition for the three years ended December 31, 2013 and the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
Effects of Foreign Exchange Rates: We are affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates (i) through translation of foreign currency financial statements into Euro for consolidation, which we refer to as the translation impact, and to a lesser extent (ii) through transactions by entities in currencies other than their own functional currencies, which we refer to as the transaction impact. Translation impacts arise in preparation of the consolidated financial statements; in particular, we prepare our consolidated financial statements in Euro, while the financial statements of each of our subsidiaries are prepared in the functional currency of that entity. In preparing consolidated financial statements, we translate assets and liabilities measured in the functional currency of the subsidiaries into Euro using the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date, while we translate income and expenses using the average exchange rates for the period covered. Accordingly, fluctuations in the exchange rate of the functional currencies of our entities against the Euro impacts our results of operations. We are particularly exposed to movements in the Euro/US$ exchange rate. For example, our revenues in the Americas segment increased by €121.9 million, or 13.9% in 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, however, on a constant currency basis (as described below under "Constant
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currency information"), our revenues in the Americas segment would have increased by 18.3%. Although the fluctuations in foreign exchange rates have had a material impact on our revenues, the impact on our operating income and our cash flows is less significant in that revenues are mostly matched by costs denominated in the same currency.
Regulation: We operate on an international basis in regulated gaming markets, where the regulatory markets are subject to continuous evolution. Our ability to enter new markets or to offer new products in existing markets depends on decisions taken by the market regulator, which often follow a period of political debate. Accordingly, we are not in control of the timing of new opportunities, including the outsourcing of gaming operations, the award of new contracts, the introduction of new instant ticket price points and the launch of new games. From time to time, regulatory changes could be introduced which might affect our existing business in certain jurisdictions, including opening hours for points of sale, restrictions on the sale of certain products and gaming tax increases. For example, the tax on VLT machines in Italy increased from 4% of wagers in 2012 to 5% of wagers in 2013. Our Machine Gaming revenues are recorded net of tax, and therefore any changes in taxation can impact our revenues and results of operations.
The profitability of our gaming products is affected by taxes imposed and the minimum payout ratios. Some of our gaming products have payouts in excess of the minimum ratios applied by the regulators and, for these products we may be able to decrease the payout in order to mitigate the effect of any tax increases applied on them. However, in order to minimize any negative impact on prizes and volumes, we would generally seek to make such reductions gradually over time. Accordingly, there can be a time delay between increases in taxes and decreases in payout ratios which would result in a temporary reduction in our profitability.
Jackpots and Late Numbers: We believe that the performance of lottery products is influenced by the size of available jackpots in jurisdictions that offer such jackpots. In general, when jackpots increase, sales of lottery tickets also increase, further adding to the jackpot pool. We also believe that consumers in Italy monitor "late numbers" (numbers which have not been drawn for more than 100 draws) and when there is a good pipeline of late numbers, wagers in Italy increase. Under both of these circumstances, our service revenues are positively impacted.
Seasonality: In our sports betting business, the volume of bets which we collect over the year are affected by the schedule of sports events and the particular season of that applicable sport. The volume of bets which we collect is also affected by schedules of other significant sporting events that occur at regular but infrequent intervals, such as the FIFA Football World Cup. Additionally, during the summer months, lottery consumption and gaming in general may decrease when consumers go on vacation.
Product Sales: Pursuant to product sales contracts we construct, sell, deliver and install turnkey lottery or machine gaming systems or equipment and license the computer software for a fixed price. The customer then subsequently operates the system. We may also sell additional terminals and central computers to expand existing systems and/or replace existing equipment. Our product sales fluctuate from year to year due to the mix, volume and timing of the product sales transactions. In general, our product sales contracts are dependent on the timing of replacement cycles. In particular, the growth in our product sales in 2013 was impacted by a significant Canadian VLT replacement cycle. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013, our product sales amounted to €168.3 million and €279.1 million, or approximately 7.4% and 9.1% of total revenues, respectively.
Restructuring Costs: During the historical periods presented we have undertaken restructuring plans and initiatives principally related to the streamlining of our interactive gaming operations, optimization projects for Lottery and costs associated with the overall management reorganization, including the outsourcing of certain Interactive gaming activities previously conducted internally in Sweden. The most significant initiatives were undertaken in 2013, in relation to which we incurred costs of €20.5 million.
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Penalties under minimum profit contracts: We have three arrangements where we have provided customers with minimum profit level guarantees (the Illinois Agreement, Indiana Agreement and New Jersey Agreement, which are discussed in further detail in "- Critical Accounting Estimates - Minimum profit level guarantees"). In relation to the Illinois Agreement, we guaranteed a minimum profit level to the State of Illinois for each fiscal year of the agreement, commencing with the state's fiscal year ended June 30, 2012. The calculation of the potential obligation relating to the minimum profit level guarantee is under dispute among the parties.
Our best estimate of the obligation relating to the minimum profit level guarantee as of September 30, 2014 related to the first three fiscal years of the Illinois Agreement is $82 million (€65.2 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate). This amount is included in other current liabilities in the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. We have recorded an offsetting other non-current asset against the other current liability as we consider it to be a cost incurred directly related to the future benefits of the contract. We amortize the other non-current asset against service revenue over the contract term.
In relation to the Indiana Agreement, we guaranteed a minimum profit level to the State of Indiana commencing with the contract year starting July 1, 2013. As of September 30, 2014 management's best estimate is that the obligation relating to the minimum profit level guarantee is $17.6 million (€13.9 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) related to the State's fiscal years June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015 which was recorded as a reduction of service revenue in the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
Settlement of litigation related to Machine Gaming: In our Italy segment, we recorded €30 million of expense in our financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2013 in relation to the settlement of litigation between the Italian machine gaming regulator and all machine gaming operators in Italy. We paid the settlement in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB which require the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the carrying amount of assets and liabilities and the amounts of income and expenses recognized. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on information available at the date that the financial statements are prepared, on historical experience, judgments and assumptions considered to be reasonable and realistic.
We periodically and continuously review the estimates and assumptions. Actual results for those areas requiring management judgment or estimates may differ from those recorded in the consolidated financial statements due to the occurrence of events and the uncertainties which characterize the assumptions and conditions on which the estimates are based.
The areas which require greater subjectivity of management in making estimates and judgments and where a change in such underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements are discussed below.
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to us and the amount of revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received, excluding discounts. Determining when the specific recognition criteria have been met requires us to make assumptions and exercise judgment that could significantly affect the timing and amounts of revenue reported each period. The application of our revenue recognition policies and changes in our assumptions or judgments also affect the timing and
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amounts of revenues and costs recognized. Determinations are subject to judgment and may change depending on the circumstances surrounding the substance or nature of the transactions.
The carrying values of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. This requires management to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the assets and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The carrying amount of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was €900.4 million and €899.5 million, respectively. There were no impairments of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 while an impairment loss of €6.3 million was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2013.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if facts or circumstances indicate that it may be impaired. The carrying amount of goodwill at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was €3.3 billion and €3.1 billion, respectively. There were no goodwill impairment charges recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 or in any of the three calendar years ending December 31, 2013.
For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are allocated to operating segments or to cash generating units ("CGUs") within the operating segments, which represent the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes in accordance with IAS 36 - Impairment of Assets . The impairment test is performed by comparing the carrying amount and the recoverable amount of each CGU or group of CGUs to which Goodwill has been allocated. The recoverable amount of a CGU is the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use.
The impairment test requires an estimation of the "fair value less costs of disposal" of the CGU. Estimating a fair value less costs of disposal amount requires management to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the CGU and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows.
We have six CGUs, comprised of four cash generating units in Italy, with Americas and International each being a single cash generating unit. A portion of the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives could not be allocated to the individual CGUs in Italy on a non-arbitrary basis and was therefore allocated (as permitted by IAS 36) to the group of four CGUs in Italy (Italy region).
The recoverable amounts and carrying amounts of our cash generating units at December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (€ thousands):
|
Recoverable
Amount |
Carrying
Amount |
Excess | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Italy region |
3,430,000 | 2,695,508 | 734,492 | |||||||
Italy: |
|
|
|
|||||||
Lottery |
2,260,000 | 1,058,947 | 1,201,053 | |||||||
Commercial Services |
290,000 | 193,026 | 96,974 | |||||||
Sports Betting |
280,000 | 125,147 | 154,853 | |||||||
Machine Gaming |
790,000 | 301,965 | 488,035 | |||||||
Americas |
2,704,662 |
2,095,446 |
609,216 |
|||||||
International |
1,406,715 | 821,727 | 584,988 |
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The percentage changes in key variables needed to render the recoverable amounts equal to the carrying amounts are as follows:
|
After-tax
discount rate |
Annual growth
rate after 2018 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Italy region |
30.30 | % | -634.70 | % | |||
Italy: |
|
|
|||||
Commercial Services |
47.80 | % | -310.70 | % | |||
Sports Betting |
82.00 | % | -400.00 | % | |||
Americas |
16.30 |
% |
-42.60 |
% |
|||
International |
43.80 | % | -157.10 | % |
The Italy Lottery and Machine Gaming cash generating units are not included in the table above as we believe that any reasonably possible change in any of the key assumptions on which these cash generating units are based would not cause the carrying amounts to exceed their recoverable amounts.
Intangible assets with definite or indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment at least on an annual basis or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. This requires us to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the assets and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The carrying amount of intangible assets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was €1.2 billion and €1.3 billion, respectively. We recorded an impairment recovery of €2.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and an impairment loss of €2.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.
Due to the nature of our business, we are involved in a number of legal, regulatory and arbitration proceedings regarding, among other matters, claims by and against us, injunctions by third parties arising out of the ordinary course of our business and investigations and compliance inquiries related to our ongoing operations. The outcome of these proceedings and similar future proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. It is difficult to accurately estimate the outcome of any proceeding. As such, the amounts of the provision for litigation risk, which has been accrued on the basis of assessments made by external counsel, could vary significantly from the amounts which we would ultimately pay to settle any such proceeding. In addition, unfavorable resolution of or significant delay in adjudicating such proceedings could require us to pay substantial monetary damages or penalties and/or incur costs which may exceed any provision for litigation risks or, under certain circumstances, cause the termination or revocation of the relevant concession, license or authorization and thereby have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 provisions for litigation matters amounted to €6.6 million and €8.5 million, respectively.
We measure the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments on the date they are granted. Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determination of the most appropriate valuation model, which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant, and incorporates assumptions to the valuation model inputs, including the expected life of the option, volatility, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate.
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We have three arrangements where we have provided customers with minimum profit level guarantees as summarized below. Our estimates of liabilities for minimum profit level guarantees take into consideration contract terms and financial information provided by our customers, the availability and timing of which could significantly impact our estimates. See "Business of GTECH and Certain Information about GTECHProducts and ServicesLottery" for further information.
In January 2011, Northstar Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar"), a consortium in which GTECH Corporation holds an 80% controlling interest, entered into a 10-year agreement with the State of Illinois, acting through the Department of the Lottery (as the statutory successor to the Department of Revenue, Lottery Division (the "State")) whereby Northstar, subject to the State's oversight, manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions. Northstar guaranteed the State a minimum profit level for each fiscal year of the agreement, commencing with the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2012. The calculation of the potential obligation relating to the minimum profit level guarantee is under dispute among the parties. Our best estimate of the obligation relating to the minimum profit level guarantee as of September 30, 2014 related to the first three fiscal years of the Illinois Agreement is $82 million (€65.2 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate). This amount is included in other current liabilities in the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. We have recorded an offsetting other non-current asset against the other current liability as we consider it to be a cost incurred directly related to the future benefits of the contract. We amortize the other non-current asset against service revenue over the contract term. We will continue to revise our estimate of the minimum profit level guarantee obligation until the unresolved matters are determined. In August 2014, the Illinois Governor's Office directed the Illinois Department of Lottery (the "Lottery") to end its relationship with Northstar. Northstar and the Lottery are working to address the Governor's Office concerns in accordance with the process set forth in the agreement between the State of Illinois and Northstar (the "Illinois Agreement"), which may include an agreement to terminate the Illinois Agreement. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, a final decision regarding Northstar's relationship with the State of Illinois has not been reached.
In October 2012, GTECH Indiana, LLC ("GTECH Indiana"), a wholly owned subsidiary of GTECH Corporation, entered into a 15-year agreement with the State Lottery Commission of Indiana (the "State") whereby GTECH Indiana manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions, subject to the State's control over all significant business decisions. GTECH Indiana guaranteed the State a minimum profit level in each year of the agreement, commencing with the contract year ending June 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, our best estimate is that the financial impact of any potential obligation relating to the minimum profit level guarantee is $17.6 million (€13.9 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) related to the State's fiscal years June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, which we recorded as a reduction of service revenue in the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 2013, Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar NJ"), a consolidated joint venture in which GTECH Corporation indirectly holds an approximate 41% interest, entered into an Agreement with the State of New Jersey (the "State"), Department of the Treasury, Division of Purchase and Property and Division of Lottery (the "Division of Lottery") whereby Northstar NJ
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manages a wide range of the Division of Lottery's marketing, sales, and related functions, which is subject to the Division of Lottery's continuing control and oversight over the conduct of lottery operations. Northstar NJ guaranteed the State a minimum profit level in each year of the agreement, commencing with the contract year ending June 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, our best estimate, based on unaudited results, is that the potential obligation relating to the minimum profit level guarantee is $14.2 million (€11.3 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate). Northstar NJ has the right to offset up to $20 million of such obligation against the upfront payment of $120 million paid to the State in 2013, and therefore we have not recorded any liabilities in our consolidated financial statements related to the minimum profit level guarantee.
Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation of complex tax regulations and the amount and timing of future taxable income. Due to the wide range of our international business relationships and the long-term nature and complexity of existing contractual agreements, differences arising between the actual results and the assumptions made, or future changes to such assumptions, could necessitate future adjustments to taxable income and income tax expense already recorded. We record provisions, based on reasonable estimates, for possible consequences of audits by the tax authorities of the respective countries in which we operate. The amount of such provisions is based on various factors, such as experience of previous tax audits and differing interpretations of tax regulations by the taxable entity and the responsible tax authority. Such differences of interpretation may arise on a wide variety of issues depending on the conditions prevailing in the respective domicile of our companies.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses and tax credits to the extent that it is probable that taxable income will be available against which the losses and tax credits can be utilized. Significant judgment is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognized, based upon the likely timing and level of future taxable income together with future tax planning strategies.
Based upon the consideration of these factors, the value of deferred tax assets related to operating losses and tax assets related to tax credits are as follows (€ millions):
|
September 30,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Recognized deferred tax assets related to operating losses |
102.4 | 96.1 | |||||
Unrecognized deferred tax assets related to operating losses |
57.8 | 53.6 | |||||
Recognized deferred tax assets related to tax credits |
2.3 | 1.8 | |||||
Unrecognized deferred tax assets related to tax credits |
20.5 | 18.7 |
We have made a number of minor acquisitions in the Italy segment consisting of strategic investments to exploit growth opportunities in the Sports Betting and Machine Gaming markets. Some of these acquisitions include provisions for the payment of contingent consideration if certain wager or network performance conditions are achieved. Contingent consideration resulting from business combinations is valued at fair value at the acquisition date as part of the business combination. When the contingent consideration meets the definition of a financial liability, it is subsequently remeasured to fair value at each reporting date. The determination of the fair value is based on discounted cash flows. The key assumptions include the probability of meeting each performance target and the discount factor. At September 30, 2014, we recorded €1.0 million of contingent consideration payable in current and non-current liabilities.
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Our revenues are comprised of Service revenue and Product sales. Our Service revenue is principally derived from multi-year contracts under which we earn revenue over time as we provide the related services. Service revenues comprise the majority of our revenues, amounting to €2.78 billion, or approximately 91% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013. Product Sales are derived principally from the installation of new and replacement systems, software and terminals. Product sales in our business fluctuate due to the mix, volume and timing of product sales contracts and therefore may not be comparable from period to period.
Summarized below by operating segment are the principal services and products we provide:
Italy Segment
The majority of the revenue we earn in the Italy segment is derived from Lottery and Machine Gaming concessions which amounted to €1.37 billion, or approximately 79% of our Italy segment service revenues in the year ended December 31, 2013. We also earn service revenue under Sports Betting, Commercial Services and Interactive Gaming concessions. Summarized below is an overview of the key services within the Italy segment:
Under our Lotto and Scratch & Win concessions we manage all of the activities along the value chain including collecting wagers, paying out prizes, managing all accounting and other back-office functions, running advertising and promotions, operating data transmission networks and processing centers, training staff, providing retailers with assistance and supplying materials for the games. The service revenues we earn in return for operating these concessions are based on a percentage of wagers. For the Lotto concession this percentage of wagers decreases as the total wagers increase during an annual period, while for the Scratch & Win concession our fee is a fixed percentage of wagers. ADM pays us our Lotto fee on a weekly basis and our Scratch & Win fee on a monthly basis. For Lotto, we deposit wagers, net of prizes paid and retailer commissions retained by the retailer at point of sale into bank accounts owned by ADM. We do not consolidate such accounts on our consolidated balance sheet as they are the property of ADM. Scratch & Win sales to the retailers are recorded as a receivable on our balance sheet with a corresponding payable to ADM. We collect Scratch & Win wagers from retailers, net of prizes paid directly by retailers and the retailers' fee, on a weekly basis. On a monthly basis, we remit amounts due to ADM. Expenses associated with providing services under these concessions principally consist of consumable costs, postage and freight, network costs, marketing and advertising of the games, cost of personnel dedicated to these activities and depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets.
Under our Machine Gaming concessions we directly manage amusement with prize (AWP) machines and video lottery terminals (VLTs) that are installed in various retail outlets linked to a central system. For Machine Gaming we collect the wagers, deduct the applicable gaming taxes, and pay prizes to winners and fees to retailers. The service revenues we earn in return for operating these concessions are generally based on a percentage of wagers net of applicable gaming taxes. We record service revenue net, equal to total wagers less the payout for prizes and applicable gaming taxes. Expenses associated with providing services under these concessions principally consist of point of sale fees, network costs, marketing and advertising of the games, cost of personnel dedicated to these activities, concession fees and depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets. We also
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provide systems and machines to other machine gaming concessionaires, either as a product sale or with long term fee-based contracts.
We have a number of concessions to operate sports betting (including horse race competitions) and the right to operate sports betting over the Internet. Sports Betting concessions are principally comprised of Sports Betting concessions under which we collect the wagers, pay prizes and pay fees to retailers. We retain the remaining cash as our profit, after paying gaming taxes. We record service revenue net, equal to total wagers less the estimated payout for prizes. Expenses associated with providing services under these concessions principally consist of point of sale commissions, taxes and depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets.
Commercial Transaction Processing Services
We leverage our distribution networks and offer high-volume transaction processing services which include bill payments, electronic tax payments, utility payments, prepaid cellular telephone recharges and retail-based programs. We earn a fee for processing such transactions that is transaction-based (a fixed fee per transaction or a fee based on a percentage of monetary volume processed). We recognize these fees as service revenue at the time a transaction is processed. Expenses associated with providing services under these concessions principally consist of point of sale commissions, network costs, banking fees and depreciation of tangible assets.
We provide interactive skill games such as poker and other board and soft games through the Internet and mobile channels. For these services, we generally record service revenue equal to wagers less prizes and taxes. Expenses associated with providing services under these concessions principally consist of marketing and advertising of the games and taxes.
Americas and International segments
The majority of the revenue we earn in the Americas and International segments is derived from Lottery and Machine Gaming contracts which amounted to €1.23 billion, or approximately 93% of our total revenues in these segments for the year ended December 31, 2013. We also earn service revenue under Sports Betting, Commercial Services and Interactive Gaming contracts.
Lottery and Machine Gaming service revenue in the Americas and International segments is derived from contracts, under which we construct, install, operate and retain ownership of the gaming system. These contracts generally provide for a variable amount of monthly or weekly service fees paid to us directly from our customer based on a percentage of sales or net machine income. We recorded fees earned under these contracts as service revenue in the period earned. Expenses associated with providing services under these contracts principally consist of cost of personnel, telecommunications, equipment maintenance and repair, consumables for the games and depreciation of tangible assets.
Lottery and Machine Gaming product sales in the Americas and International segments are derived from contracts under which we construct, sell, deliver and install a turnkey system or deliver equipment, and license the computer software for a fixed price, and our customer subsequently operates the system or equipment. Revenues attributable to any ongoing services (such as post contract support) provided subsequent to customer acceptance, are recorded as service revenue in the period earned.
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Raw materials, services and other costs are principally comprised of the following:
Personnel
Personnel expenses primarily include the wages and salaries expense related to our workforce, incentive and stock compensation which is performance based, statutory benefits such as social security contributions and staff severance fund costs in Italy and company benefits provided to the employees such as healthcare plans.
Depreciation
Depreciation relates to the depreciation of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts over their estimated useful life and, to a lesser extent, depreciation of property, plant and equipment. Systems, equipment and other assets relates to assets that primarily support our operating contracts and facilities management contracts. The cost of such assets generally comprises (i) hard costs
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for example, terminals, mainframe computers, communications equipment) which are generally depreciated over the base term of the contract plus any extension period defined in the contract, up to a maximum of 10 years and (ii) soft costs, for example software development which are generally depreciated over the base term of the contract plus any extension period defined in the contract, up to a maximum of 10 years.
Amortization
Amortization expense relates to the amortization of intangible assets over their estimated useful life. Our amortization expense primarily relates to concessions and licenses and, to a lesser extent, customer contracts, capitalized computer software and sports betting and horse racing betting rights.
Impairment Loss, Net
Impairment loss, net relates to the net amount of impairment losses and recoveries of impairment losses. Impairment losses relate to the write down of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, intangible assets and investments in associates and joint ventures. In circumstances where there is objective evidence that the impairment loss no longer exists, we record an impairment recovery.
Capitalization of Internal Construction Costs
Capitalization of internal construction costs primarily comprises internal personnel costs and, to a lesser extent, overhead costs incurred in the construction of assets for facilities management contracts and product sale contracts. These costs are principally recorded within Personnel in our consolidated income statement. The costs directly related to the construction of such assets is credited to the income statement in the line item "Capitalization of internal construction costs" and recorded in the balance sheet as follows:
Unusual Income, net
Starting from the preparation of the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has presented "Unusual income, net" as a separate line item on the unaudited condensed consolidated income statement. Unusual items recorded within this line item include transaction costs on significant business combinations and significant gains and losses incurred on disposals of group entities or businesses. Such items are classified as unusual as they are only incidentally related to GTECH's ordinary activities, are not expected to occur frequently, and hinder comparability of GTECH's period over period performance. Due to the significance and magnitude of these items, the Company believes that separate identification of this line item allows the users of the financial statements to take them into appropriate consideration when analyzing GTECH's performance and assists them in understanding GTECH's financial performance period over period.
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Interest income comprises the interest which we earn on cash and financial assets.
Equity Income (loss)
Equity income (loss) comprises our share of the results of operations of associates and joint ventures over which we have significant influence but not control or joint control.
Other Income
Other income primarily relates to non-operating gains such as discounts taken.
Other Expense
Other expense primarily relates to non-operating costs such as securitization and other financing fees.
Foreign Exchange Loss, Net
Foreign exchange loss, net represents the gain or loss on transactions in currencies other than an entity's functional currency.
Interest Expense
Interest expense relates to the interest costs in connection with our financial liabilities.
We also use certain additional key performance indicators and terminology, which in our view are useful in explain the trends of our business, including:
Constant Currency Information
The "Consolidated Results" discussion below includes information calculated at constant currency. We calculate constant currency by applying the prior-year/period average exchange rates to current financial data expressed in local currency in order to eliminate the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations originating from translating the income statement of our foreign entities into Euro. These constant currency measures are non-GAAP measures. Although we do not believe that these measures are a substitute for GAAP measures, we do believe that such results excluding the impact of currency fluctuations period-on-period provide additional useful information to investors regarding the operating performance on a local currency basis.
For example, if an entity with US$ functional currency recorded net revenues of US$100 million for 2013 and 2012, we would report €74.6 million in net revenues for 2013 (using the 2013 average exchange rate of 1.34) compared to €76.9 million for 2012 (using the average exchange rate of 1.30). The constant currency presentation would translate the 2013 net revenues using the 2012 exchange rates, and indicate that the underlying net revenues on a constant currency basis were unchanged year-on-year. We present such information in order to assess how the underlying business has performed prior to the translation impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
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Same Store Revenue
We refer to the growth in sales from existing customers as same store revenues. Revenues generated from new customers are referred to as "new contracts" or "contract wins".
Late Numbers
If one of the 90 numbers of the Lotto game in Italy has not been drawn for one hundred drawings, it becomes a late number, or a "centenarian". We believe that consumers in Italy monitor late numbers and wager more on them than on other numbers, although the probability for a number to be drawn is always the same, being it a centenarian or not. Our service revenues are favorably impacted by an increase in late number wagers as is the case when there is a good pipeline of late numbers.
Comparison of the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
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|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | € | % | |||||||||
Operating Segments |
|||||||||||||
Italy |
1,308,837 | 1,284,671 | 24,166 | 1.9 | |||||||||
Americas |
608,855 | 591,646 | 17,209 | 2.9 | |||||||||
International |
173,813 | 184,555 | (10,742 | ) | (5.8 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,091,505 | 2,060,872 | 30,633 | 1.5 | |||||||||
Purchase accounting |
401 | 410 | (9 | ) | (2.2 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,091,906 | 2,061,282 | 30,624 | 1.5 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Service revenue increased by €30.6 million, or 1.5% compared to the same period in 2013. On a constant currency basis, service revenue increased by €53.7 million, or 2.6% compared to the same period in 2013.
Service revenue in the Italy segment increased by €24.2 million, or 1.9% compared to the same period in 2013, principally driven by an increase in Sports Betting revenues of €28.5 million related to an 18.0% increase in wagers together with a decrease in payout percentage.
Service revenue in the Americas segment increased by €17.2 million, or 2.9%, compared to the same period in 2013 principally driven by a net increase of €18.9 million in service revenues from Lottery Management Services agreements in New Jersey and Indiana; an increase in Lottery service revenues of €17.5 million principally driven by contractual rate changes, new lottery contracts and an increase in lottery same store revenues. These increases were partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of €22.2 million. On a constant currency basis, service revenue in the Americas segment increased by €39.4 million, or 6.7% in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.
Service revenue in the International segment decreased by €10.7 million, or 5.8% compared to the same period in 2013, principally driven by a decrease in lottery service revenue of €10.3 million. On a constant currency basis, service revenue in the International segment decreased by €10.1 million, or 5.5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.
Further information on the key performance drivers related to service revenues is provided in the Operating segment section of this report.
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | € | % | |||||||||
Americas |
118,374 | 164,047 | (45,673 | ) | (27.8 | ) | |||||||
International |
48,034 | 62,070 | (14,036 | ) | (22.6 | ) | |||||||
Italy |
1,853 | 2,315 | (462 | ) | (20.0 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
168,261 | 228,432 | (60,171 | ) | (26.3 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Product sales fluctuate from period to period due to the mix, volume and timing of product sales transactions. Product sales decreased by €60.2 million, or 26.3% compared with the same period in 2013. On a constant currency basis, product sales decreased by €53.2 million, or 23.3% compared to the same period in 2013.
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Product sales in the Americas segment decreased by €45.7 million, or 27.8% compared to the same period of 2013, principally driven by a decrease in Machine Gaming sales associated with the Canadian VLT replacement cycle, principally to customers in Quebec and Saskatchewan and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts. These decreases were partially offset by higher Lottery product sales principally to customers in California and Pennsylvania. On a constant currency basis, product sales decreased by €37.8 million or 23.0% compared to the same period in 2013.
Product sales in the International segment decreased by €14.0 million, or 22.6% compared to the same period of 2013, principally driven by a decrease in Machine Gaming and Lottery sales. On a constant currency basis, product sales decreased by €15.0 million or 24.2% compared to the same period in 2013.
Further information on the key performance drivers related to product sales is provided in the Operating segment section of this report.
Raw materials, services and other costs
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | € | % | |||||||||
Operating expenses |
562,503 | 585,904 | (23,401 | ) | (4.0 | ) | |||||||
Outside services |
184,610 | 163,934 | 20,676 | 12.6 | |||||||||
Cost of product sales |
98,696 | 129,142 | (30,446 | ) | (23.6 | ) | |||||||
Consumables |
85,186 | 96,393 | (11,207 | ) | (11.6 | ) | |||||||
Insurance, taxes and other |
76,471 | 73,588 | 2,883 | 3.9 | |||||||||
Occupancy |
49,096 | 43,744 | 5,352 | 12.2 | |||||||||
Telecommunications |
40,410 | 44,198 | (3,788 | ) | (8.6 | ) | |||||||
Travel |
18,180 | 22,702 | (4,522 | ) | (19.9 | ) | |||||||
Write-down of inventories |
465 | 453 | 12 | 2.6 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
1,115,617 | 1,160,058 | (44,441 | ) | (3.8 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Raw materials, services and other costs decreased by €44.4 million, or 3.8% compared to the same period of 2013, principally driven by a decrease in cost of product sales and operating expenses which were partially offset by an increase in outside services costs. As a percentage of revenues, raw materials, services and other costs amounted to 49.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 50.7% in the same period of 2013. On a constant currency basis, Raw materials, services and other costs decreased by €28.2 million, or 2.4% compared to the same period in 2013.
Cost of product sales decreased by €30.4 million principally due to the €60.2 million decrease in product sales. As a percentage of revenues from product sales, cost of product sales amounted to 58.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 56.5% in the same period in 2013.
Operating expenses decreased by €23.4 million driven by a €35.6 million decrease in the Italy segment related to the €30.0 million provision for AWP litigation which was recorded in the third quarter of 2013.
Outside services costs increased by €20.7 million principally related to €10.2 million of costs which are principally reimbursable, associated with Lottery Management Services Agreements in New Jersey and Indiana which commenced operations on October 1, 2013 and July 1, 2013, respectively; and an increase of €8.7 million in products and services costs related principally to the development of our interactive product offerings.
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|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | € | % | |||||||||
Payroll |
307,274 | 306,069 | 1,205 | 0.4 | |||||||||
Incentive compensation |
31,700 | 32,849 | (1,149 | ) | (3.5 | ) | |||||||
Statutory benefits |
31,246 | 33,034 | (1,788 | ) | (5.4 | ) | |||||||
Company benefits |
27,505 | 26,625 | 880 | 3.3 | |||||||||
Net benefits for staff severance fund |
3,298 | 3,302 | (4 | ) | (0.1 | ) | |||||||
Share-based payment |
3,152 | 9,029 | (5,877 | ) | (65.1 | ) | |||||||
Other |
7,549 | 7,115 | 434 | 6.1 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
411,724 | 418,023 | (6,299 | ) | (1.5 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Personnel expense decreased by €6.3 million, or 1.5% compared to the same period of 2013. On a constant currency basis, Personnel expense increased by €1.3 million, or 0.3% compared to the same period in 2013.
The decrease in personnel expense was principally driven by a decrease in share-based payment expense of €5.9 million related to the lower expected vesting percentage of stock awards which are performance based and a decrease in statutory benefits of €1.8 million due to a reduction in employees at our Vaxjo Office in Sweden in October 2013 related to the outsourcing of certain interactive gaming activities previously conducted internally in Sweden. Our average number of employees during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 8,712 and 8,767, respectively. As a percentage of revenues, personnel costs amounted to 18.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 18.3% in the same period of 2013.
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | € | % | |||||||||
Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts |
173,076 | 178,636 | (5,560 | ) | (3.1 | ) | |||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
10,013 | 9,500 | 513 | 5.4 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
183,089 | 188,136 | (5,047 | ) | (2.7 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation expense decreased by €5.0 million, or 2.7% compared to the same period in 2013, principally driven by changes to the estimated useful lives of Machine Gaming terminals in the Italy segment and lottery system assets in the Americas segment to reflect the longer useful lives that we determined were associated with those assets. We periodically evaluate the useful lives of assets used in our business and make appropriate adjustments to useful lives whenever necessary.
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | € | % | |||||||||
Amortization expense |
151,511 | 141,488 | 10,023 | 7.1 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
151,511 | 141,488 | 10,023 | 7.1 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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Amortization expense increased by €10.0 million, or 7.1% compared to the same period in 2013, driven by an increase in amortization expense of €4.7 million in the Italy segment related to the acquisition of intangible assets in 2013 and the first nine months of 2014, principally comprised of concessions and licenses, software and sports betting rights, and an increase in amortization expense of €4.6 million in the Americas segment related to the June 2013 upfront payment of $120 million (€91.7 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) required under the Services Agreement Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC signed with the State of New Jersey to manage a wide range of the lottery's marketing, sales and related functions. Amortization of the upfront payment commenced in October 2013.
Capitalization of internal construction costs
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | € | % | |||||||||
Capitalization of internal construction costs |
(69,664 | ) | (71,313 | ) | (1,649 | ) | (2.3 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(69,664 | ) | (71,313 | ) | (1,649 | ) | (2.3 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capitalization of internal construction costs fluctuates based on the volume and timing of new business and requirements of existing customers. Capitalization of internal construction costs decreased by €1.6 million, or 2.3% compared to the same period in 2013.
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | € | % | |||||||||
Gain on sale of ticketing business |
(13,496 | ) | | (13,496 | ) | | |||||||
IGT acquisition costs |
12,432 | | 12,432 | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(1,064 | ) | | (1,064 | ) | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In July 2014, we sold our sports and events ticketing business ("LisTicket") to the international operator TicketOne, CTS Eventim Group and recorded a gain on the sale of €13.5 million.
On July 15, 2014, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with IGT. We recorded €12.4 million of professional fees and expenses related to the potential acquisition of IGT in the nine months ended September 2014.
Operating income in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was €470.1 million, an increase of €14.7 million, or 3.2% compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was principally due to an increase in operating income of €65.9 million in the Italy segment, including the €13.5 million gain on the sale of LisTicket which was recorded in the third quarter of 2014 and the absence of the provision of €30.0 million for AWP litigation which was recorded in the third quarter of 2013. This increase was partially offset by a decrease of €38.3 million in operating income from the Americas segment principally due to a decrease of €23.8 million from Lottery management Services agreements in Indiana, Illinois and New Jersey related to non-reimbursable expenses and contractual penalties associated with minimum profit level guarantees and a decrease of €20.1 million in operating income from the decrease in product sales of €37.8 million principally associated with the prior year Machine Gaming sales into the Canadian market. Operating income was further impacted by an increase in
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corporate support expenses of €14.8 million principally driven by €12.4 million of professional fees and expenses related to the potential acquisition of IGT. Operating margins were 20.8% in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 19.9% in the same period in 2013. On a constant currency basis, operating income increased by €17.9 million to €473.3 million.
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | € | % | |||||||||
Capital Securities |
(48,398 | ) | (48,398 | ) | | | |||||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
(27,850 | ) | (28,021 | ) | (171 | ) | (0.6 | ) | |||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
(20,803 | ) | (20,768 | ) | 35 | 0.2 | |||||||
Bridge Facility |
(17,229 | ) | | 17,229 | | ||||||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
(13,907 | ) | (13,878 | ) | 29 | 0.2 | |||||||
Facilities |
(7,186 | ) | (8,471 | ) | (1,285 | ) | (15.2 | ) | |||||
Other |
(3,833 | ) | (1,612 | ) | 2,221 | 137.8 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(139,206 | ) | (121,148 | ) | 18,058 | 14.9 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense increased by €18.1 million, or 14.9% compared to the same period in 2013, driven by interest expense of €17.2 million associated with the Bridge Facility we entered into in connection with the potential IGT acquisition. Interest expense on the Facilities decreased by €1.3 million due to a decrease in outstanding debt. Interest expense on other financial liabilities increased by €2.2 million principally due to the securitization program we entered into in December 2013 to sell certain trade receivables on a non-recourse basis. See Credit Facilities and Indebtedness section of this report for the terms of our debt instruments.
|
For the nine months ended
September 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands, except percentages)
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Income tax expense |
132,712 | 130,925 | |||||
Income before income tax expense |
323,698 | 328,960 | |||||
Effective income tax rate |
41.0 | % | 39.8 | % |
Our effective income tax rate of 41.0% during the first nine months of 2014 was slightly higher than the effective income tax rate of 39.8% in the same period of the prior year principally due to non-deductible acquisition costs on the potential acquisition of IGT.
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Operating Segment Results
The following section sets forth an overview of our revenue and operating income by operating segment.
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, 2014 | September 30, 2013 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Italy | Americas | International | Total | Italy | Americas | International | Total | Italy | Americas | International | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service revenue |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lottery |
593,100 | 442,860 | 119,545 | 1,155,505 | 585,401 | 439,141 | 130,422 | 1,154,964 | 7,699 | 3,719 | (10,877 | ) | 541 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lottery Management Services |
| 76,752 | | 76,752 | | 60,881 | | 60,881 | | 15,871 | | 15,871 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Lottery |
593,100 | 519,612 | 119,545 | 1,232,257 | 585,401 | 500,022 | 130,422 | 1,215,845 | 7,699 | 19,590 | (10,877 | ) | 16,412 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Machine Gaming |
422,490 |
57,045 |
18,528 |
498,063 |
430,261 |
57,073 |
20,039 |
507,373 |
(7,771 |
) |
(28 |
) |
(1,511 |
) |
(9,310 |
) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Sports Betting |
142,818 | 1,052 | 5,718 | 149,588 | 114,299 | 1,889 | 4,532 | 120,720 | 28,519 | (837 | ) | 1,186 | 28,868 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Services |
97,479 | 27,128 | 13,793 | 138,400 | 97,151 | 28,300 | 14,293 | 139,744 | 328 | (1,172 | ) | (500 | ) | (1,344 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interactive Gaming |
52,950 | 4,018 | 16,229 | 73,197 | 57,559 | 4,362 | 15,269 | 77,190 | (4,609 | ) | (344 | ) | 960 | (3,993 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total service revenue |
1,308,837 | 608,855 | 173,813 | 2,091,505 | 1,284,671 | 591,646 | 184,555 | 2,060,872 | 24,166 | 17,209 | (10,742 | ) | 30,633 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lottery |
| 47,903 | 8,077 | 55,980 | | 24,495 | 13,672 | 38,167 | | 23,408 | (5,595 | ) | 17,813 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Machine Gaming |
1,853 | 70,471 | 35,283 | 107,607 | 2,315 | 139,552 | 46,923 | 188,790 | (462 | ) | (69,081 | ) | (11,640 | ) | (81,183 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Sports Betting |
| | 4,139 | 4,139 | | | 1,459 | 1,459 | | | 2,680 | 2,680 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Services |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interactive Gaming |
| | 535 | 535 | | | 16 | 16 | | | 519 | 519 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total product sales |
1,853 | 118,374 | 48,034 | 168,261 | 2,315 | 164,047 | 62,070 | 228,432 | (462 | ) | (45,673 | ) | (14,036 | ) | (60,171 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total segment revenue |
1,310,690 | 727,229 | 221,847 | 2,259,766 | 1,286,986 | 755,693 | 246,625 | 2,289,304 | 23,704 | (28,464 | ) | (24,778 | ) | (29,538 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase accounting |
401 |
410 |
(9 |
) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenue |
2,260,167 | 2,289,714 | (29,547 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment operating income |
450,952 |
63,408 |
39,039 |
553,399 |
385,093 |
101,680 |
40,413 |
527,186 |
65,859 |
(38,272 |
) |
(1,374 |
) |
26,213 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate support (1) |
(43,460 | ) | (28,682 | ) | (14,778 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase accounting |
(39,881 | ) | (43,157 | ) | 3,276 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income |
470,058 | 455,347 | 14,711 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment operating margin |
34.4 |
% |
8.7 |
% |
17.6 |
% |
24.5 |
% |
29.9 |
% |
13.5 |
% |
16.4 |
% |
23.0 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income margin |
20.8 |
% |
19.9 |
% |
(1) | Corporate support expenses are principally comprised of general and administrative expenses and other expenses that are managed at the corporate level, including Restructuring, Corporate Headquarters and Board of Directors expenses. |
311
Revenues in the Italy segment in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, increased by €23.7 million, or 1.8% compared to the same period in 2013. Revenues in the Italy segment are predominantly euro based and therefore an analysis of revenues at constant currency is not presented below.
Service revenues in the Italy segment in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased by €24.2 million, or 1.9%, compared to the same period in 2013 driven by an increase in Sports Betting service revenues of €28.5 million. The movements in service revenues for each of the core activities within the Italy segment are discussed below.
Lottery service revenue in the Italy segment increased by €7.7 million, or 1.3% compared to the same period in 2013, as an increase in service revenue from Lotto was partially offset by a decrease in instant tickets revenue. The following table sets forth an analysis of our Lottery service revenues in the Italy segment:
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | € | % | |||||||||
Service revenue |
|||||||||||||
Lotto |
319,573 | 304,057 | 15,516 | 5.1 | |||||||||
Instant tickets |
273,527 | 281,344 | (7,817 | ) | (2.8 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lottery |
593,100 | 585,401 | 7,699 | 1.3 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lotto service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased by €15.5 million or 5.1% compared to the same period in 2013, due to an increase in core number wagers driven by higher wagers from successful product innovation in 10eLotto, which was partially offset by a decrease in late number wagers as detailed below:
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ millions)
|
2014 | 2013 | Wagers | % | |||||||||
Core wagers |
4,517.7 | 4,201.0 | 316.7 | 7.5 | |||||||||
Wagers for late numbers |
365.4 | 453.9 | (88.5 | ) | (19.5 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
4,883.1 | 4,654.9 | 228.2 | 4.9 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Instant ticket service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased by €7.8 million, or 2.8%, compared to the same period in 2013, principally due to a 5.4% decrease in the
312
number of tickets sold which was only partially offset by a 2.7% increase in the average price point (the average value of the ticket sold), as detailed below.
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
|
2014 | 2013 | Amount | % | |||||||||
Total sales (in millions) |
€ | 6,966.9 | € | 7,165.2 | € | (198.3 | ) | (2.8 | ) | ||||
Total tickets sold (in millions) |
1,406.9 | 1,487.5 | (80.6 | ) | (5.4 | ) | |||||||
Average price point |
€ | 4.95 | € | 4.82 | € | 0.13 | 2.7 |
Machine Gaming service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased by €7.8 million, or 1.8% compared to the same period in 2013, primarily due to an 8.8% decrease in wagers as detailed below. The decrease in wagers was driven by a 14.5% decrease in VLT wagers and a 0.4% decrease in AWP Wagers. The 8.8% decrease in wagers did not result in a proportional impact on service revenues due to the increase in AWP wagers as a percentage of overall wagers, and a resulting change in the mix. In particular, due to the nature of the product, a higher proportion of AWP wagers are converted into revenue. In the nine months ended September 30, 2014, AWP wagers represented 44.4% of our total wagers compared to 40.6% in 2013. This change in mix had a positive impact on service revenues.
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ millions)
|
2014 | 2013 | Amount | % | |||||||||
VLT wagers |
4,170.1 | 4,879.6 | (709.5 | ) | (14.5 | ) | |||||||
AWP wagers |
3,328.0 | 3,340.2 | (12.2 | ) | (0.4 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total wagers |
7,498.1 | 8,219.8 | (721.7 | ) | (8.8 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Installed at the end of September) |
|||||||||||||
VLT's installed |
10,859 | 10,395 | 464 | 4.5 | |||||||||
AWP machines installed |
68,249 | 70,471 | (2,222 | ) | (3.2 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total machines installed |
79,108 | 80,866 | (1,758 | ) | (2.2 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total wagers and machines installed correspond to the management of VLT's and AWP's under our concession.
Sports Betting service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased by €28.5 million, or 25.0% compared to the same period in 2013, principally due to the 18.0% increase in wagers (as detailed below), including the introduction of virtual betting in the first quarter of 2014 along with a decrease in the payout percentage (77.8% in the first nine months of 2014; 79.0% for the same period in 2013).
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ millions)
|
2014 | 2013 | Wagers | % | |||||||||
Fixed odds sports betting and other wagers |
642.9 | 544.8 | 98.1 | 18.0 |
313
Commercial Services service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased by €0.3 million, or 0.3%, compared to the same period in 2013, principally due to an increase in the number of transactions processed.
Interactive Gaming service revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased by €4.6 million, or 8.0%, compared to the same period in 2013, driven by a 7.5% decrease in game wagers principally resulting from a decrease in poker wagers.
|
For the nine months ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ millions)
|
2014 | 2013 | Wagers | % | |||||||||
Interactive Gaming wagers |
1,356.0 | 1,465.5 | (109.5 | ) | (7.5 | ) |
Product sales in the Italy segment amounted to €1.9 million and €2.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Operating income in the Italy segment increased by €65.9 million, or 17.1% compared to the same period in 2013, while segment operating margin amounted to 34.4% and 29.9% in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively principally driven by:
Revenue in the Americas segment in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased by €28.5 million, or 3.8% compared to the same period in 2013, driven by a €45.7 million decrease in product sales, partially offset by a €17.2 million increase in service revenue. At constant currency, revenue in the Americas segment increased by €1.6 million, or 0.2% compared to the same period in 2013.
Service revenue in the Americas segment increased by €17.2 million, or 2.9% (€39.4 million or 6.7% at constant currency), compared to the same period in 2013.
314
The following table sets forth changes in service revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, on a constant currency basis:
|
Service Revenue Change | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, 2014
compared to 2013 |
|||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Constant Currency | Foreign Currency | Change | |||||||
Lottery Management Services |
18,888 | (3,017 | ) | 15,871 | ||||||
Lottery |
17,530 | (13,811 | ) | 3,719 | ||||||
Commercial Services |
1,456 | (2,628 | ) | (1,172 | ) | |||||
Machine Gaming |
2,409 | (2,437 | ) | (28 | ) | |||||
Interactive Gaming |
(157 | ) | (187 | ) | (344 | ) | ||||
Sports Betting |
(767 | ) | (70 | ) | (837 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
39,359 | (22,150 | ) | 17,209 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The principal drivers of the €17.2 million increase in service revenue were as follows:
Product sales in the Americas segment decreased by €45.7 million, or 27.8% (€37.8 million or 23.0% at constant currency) compared to the same period in 2013.
The following table sets forth changes in product sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 on a constant currency basis:
|
Product sales Change | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, 2014
compared to 2013 |
|||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Constant
Currency |
Foreign
Currency |
Change | |||||||
Machine Gaming |
(64,069 | ) | (5,012 | ) | (69,081 | ) | ||||
Lottery |
26,284 | (2,876 | ) | 23,408 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(37,785 | ) | (7,888 | ) | (45,673 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
315
The principal drivers of the €45.7 million decrease in product sales were as follows:
Operating income in the Americas segment decreased by €38.3 million, or 37.6% compared to the same period in 2013, while segment operating margin decreased from 13.5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 to 8.7% for the same period in 2014. The decrease in segment operating income was principally driven by:
Revenue in the International segment in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased by €24.8 million, or 10.0% compared to the same period in 2013, driven by a €10.8 million decrease in service revenue and a €14.0 million decrease in product sales. At constant currency, revenue in the International segment decreased by €25.1 million, or 10.2%.
Service revenue in the International segment decreased by €10.8 million, or 5.8% (€10.1 million or 5.5% at constant currency), compared to the same period in 2013.
The following table sets forth changes in service revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013, on a constant currency basis:
|
Service Revenue Change | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, 2014
compared to 2013 |
|||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Constant
Currency |
Foreign
Currency |
Change | |||||||
Lottery |
(10,258 | ) | (619 | ) | (10,877 | ) | ||||
Machine Gaming |
(888 | ) | (623 | ) | (1,511 | ) | ||||
Interactive Gaming |
675 | 285 | 960 | |||||||
Commercial Services |
(578 | ) | 78 | (500 | ) | |||||
Sports Betting |
901 | 285 | 1,186 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(10,148 | ) | (594 | ) | (10,742 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The principal drivers of the €10.8 million decrease in service revenue were as follows:
316
Product sales in the International segment decreased by €14.0 million, or 22.6% (€15.0 million or 24.2% at constant currency) compared to the same period in 2013.
The following table sets forth changes in product sales revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013, on a constant currency basis:
|
Product sales Change | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
September 30, 2014
compared to 2013 |
|||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Constant
Currency |
Foreign
Currency |
Change | |||||||
Machine Gaming |
(12,317 | ) | 677 | (11,640 | ) | |||||
Lottery |
(5,629 | ) | 34 | (5,595 | ) | |||||
Interactive Gaming |
540 | (21 | ) | 519 | ||||||
Sports Betting |
2,407 | 273 | 2,680 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(14,999 | ) | 963 | (14,036 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The principal drivers of the €14.0 million decrease in product sales were as follows:
Operating income in the International segment decreased by €1.4 million, or 3.4% (€2.3 million, or 5.8% on a constant currency basis) compared to the same period in 2013, while segment operating margin increased from 16.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 to 17.6% for the same period in 2014.
317
Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
318
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2013 | 2012 | € | % | |||||||||
Operating segment |
|||||||||||||
Italy |
1,734,246 | 1,807,282 | (73,036 | ) | (4.0 | ) | |||||||
Americas |
800,959 | 755,727 | 45,232 | 6.0 | |||||||||
International |
247,980 | 258,914 | (10,934 | ) | (4.2 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,783,185 | 2,821,923 | (38,738 | ) | (1.4 | ) | |||||||
Purchase accounting |
542 | 356 | 186 | 52.2 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,783,727 | 2,822,279 | (38,552 | ) | (1.4 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Service revenue decreased by €38.6 million, or 1.4% compared to the same period in 2012. At constant currency, service revenue decreased by €3.9 million, or less than 1% compared to the same period in 2012.
Service revenue in the Italy segment decreased by €73.0 million, or 4.0% compared to the same period in 2012, principally driven by a decrease in Machine Gaming revenues of €84.0 million due to an increase in machine gaming tax; a decrease in instant ticket revenues of €4.8 million related to a decrease in instant tickets sold; and lower Interactive Gaming revenues of €9.8 million related to a decrease in game wagers principally resulting from lower poker wagers. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in Sports Betting revenues of €18.9 million related to a lower payout percentage which was partially offset by a decrease in Sports Betting wagers and an increase in Lotto service revenue of €5.8 million due to an increase in late numbers wagers.
Service revenue in the Americas segment increased by €45.2 million, or 6.0%, compared to the same period in 2012, principally driven by a 3.1% increase on Lottery same store revenue; the commencement of Lottery Management Services agreements in New Jersey and Indiana on October 1, 2013 and July 1, 2013, respectively and an increase in service revenue related to other new contracts in Indiana and Costa Rica. These increases were partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange impacts. On a constant currency basis, service revenue in the Americas segment increased by €74.5 million, or 9.9% compared to the same period in 2012.
Service revenue in the International segment decreased by €10.9 million, or 4.2% compared to the same period in 2012, principally due to a decrease in Interactive Gaming service revenue and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts. These decreases were partially offset by increases in Machine Gaming service revenue. On a constant currency basis service revenue in the International segment decreased by €5.9 million, or 2.3% compared to the same period in 2012.
Further information on the key performance drivers related to service revenues is provided in the Operating segment section of this report.
319
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2013 | 2012 | € | % | |||||||||
Operating segment |
|||||||||||||
Americas |
193,126 | 116,702 | 76,424 | 65.5 | |||||||||
International |
83,137 | 128,055 | (44,918 | ) | (35.1 | ) | |||||||
Italy |
2,844 | 8,649 | (5,805 | ) | (67.1 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
279,107 | 253,406 | 25,701 | 10.1 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Product sales fluctuate from period to period due to the mix, volume and timing of product sales transactions. Product sales increased by €25.7 million, or 10.1% compared to the same period in 2012.
Product sales in the Americas segment increased by €76.4 million, or 65.5% compared to the same period in 2012, principally driven by an increase in sales of Machine Gaming equipment related to the Canadian VLT replacement cycle in 2013.
Product sales in the International segment decreased by €44.9 million, or 35.1% compared to the same period in 2012, when we recorded significant product sales to customers in the United Kingdom, France, Turkey and Lithuania which did not recur in 2013.
Further information on the key performance drivers related to product sales is provided in the Operating segment section of this report.
Raw Materials, Services and Other Costs
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2013 | 2012 | € | % | |||||||||
Operating expenses |
813,594 | 845,091 | (31,497 | ) | (3.7 | ) | |||||||
Outside services |
234,603 | 231,416 | 3,187 | 1.4 | |||||||||
Cost of product sales |
161,176 | 144,445 | 16,731 | 11.6 | |||||||||
Consumables |
125,664 | 132,908 | (7,244 | ) | (5.5 | ) | |||||||
Insurance, taxes and other |
100,817 | 112,888 | (12,071 | ) | (10.7 | ) | |||||||
Occupancy |
59,161 | 56,216 | 2,945 | 5.2 | |||||||||
Telecommunications |
57,794 | 55,962 | 1,832 | 3.3 | |||||||||
Travel |
31,246 | 31,060 | 186 | 0.6 | |||||||||
Write-down of inventories |
1,248 | 1,187 | 61 | 5.1 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
1,585,303 | 1,611,173 | (25,870 | ) | (1.6 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Raw materials, services and other costs decreased by €25.9 million, or 1.6% compared to the same period in 2012, principally driven by a decrease in Operating expenses and Insurance, taxes and other expenses which were partially offset by an increase in Cost of product sales. As a percentage of revenues, raw materials, services and other costs amounted to 51.8% and 52.4% in 2013 and 2012, respectively. On a constant currency basis, Raw materials, services and other costs decreased by €1.1 million, or 0.1% compared to the same period in 2012.
Operating expenses decreased by €31.5 million, or 3.7% compared to the same period in 2012, principally related to decreases of €34.7 million in the Italy segment, €10.7 million in the Products and Services support organization and €7.2 million of favorable foreign exchange impacts. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in operating expenses of €6.3 million in the International segment and €15.3 million in the Americas segment.
320
The decrease in Operating expenses in the Italy segment principally relates to a decrease in variable costs related to the decrease of €84.0 million in Machine Gaming service revenue. These decreases were partially offset by the €30 million settlement of AWP litigation recorded in 2013. The decrease in Operating expenses in the Products and Services support organization principally related to a decrease in costs in the Italy segment associated with the renegotiation of information technology contracts. These decreases were partially offset by increases in Operating expenses of €15.3 million in the Americas segment principally associated with the commencement of Lottery Management Services agreements in New Jersey and Indiana on October 1, 2013 and July 1, 2013, respectively, and an increase in operating expenses of €6.3 million in the International segment principally due to the reclassification in 2013 of certain costs to Outside services to better align them with similar costs incurred by other segments.
Insurance, taxes and other decreased by €12.1 million, or 10.7% compared to the same period in 2012, due to a decrease of €4.8 million in the Americas segment principally related to a provision of €3.0 million for a legal matter in 2012 that did not recur in 2013, a decrease of €3.1 million in the International segment related to the payment of a Spanish Gaming tax in 2012 related to retroactive change in law that did not recur in 2013 and a decrease of €2.9 million in the Italy segment related to a decrease in betting excise taxes.
Cost of product sales increased by €16.7 million in 2013 due to the €25.7 million increase in product sales. As a percentage of revenues from product sales, cost of product sales amounted to 57.7% in 2013 and 57.0% in 2012.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2013 | 2012 | € | % | |||||||||
Payroll |
413,306 | 385,188 | 28,118 | 7.3 | |||||||||
Incentive compensation |
53,536 | 55,450 | (1,914 | ) | (3.5 | ) | |||||||
Statutory benefits |
42,543 | 39,751 | 2,792 | 7.0 | |||||||||
Company benefits |
35,288 | 32,804 | 2,484 | 7.6 | |||||||||
Share-based payment |
8,611 | 12,349 | (3,738 | ) | (30.3 | ) | |||||||
Net benefits for staff severance fund |
4,887 | 4,529 | 358 | 7.9 | |||||||||
Other |
10,095 | 9,275 | 820 | 8.8 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
568,266 | 539,346 | 28,920 | 5.4 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Personnel expense increased by €28.9 million, or 5.4% compared to the same period in 2012. On a constant currency basis Personnel expenses increased by €42.1 million, or 7.8% compared to the same period in 2012. The increase in personnel expense relates principally to increases in payroll expense driven by higher average headcount in 2013 compared to 2012. Our average headcount was 8,726 employees in 2013 compared to 8,310 employees in 2012.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2013 | 2012 | € | % | |||||||||
Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net |
241,257 | 236,065 | 5,192 | 2.2 | |||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
13,342 | 13,856 | (514 | ) | (3.7 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
254,599 | 249,921 | 4,678 | 1.9 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
321
Depreciation expense increased by €4.7 million, or 1.9% compared to the same period in 2012, principally driven by increases in depreciation in the Americas and Italy segments of €7.0 million and €3.6 million, respectively, which were partially offset by favorable foreign exchange rates of €4.7 million. The increases in depreciation in the Americas and Italy segments principally relate to capital expenditures for systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts in 2013 and 2012 as further described in the Capital Expenditures section of this report.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2013 | 2012 | € | % | |||||||||
Amortization expense |
189,684 | 185,909 | 3,775 | 2.0 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
189,684 | 185,909 | 3,775 | 2.0 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization expense increased by €3.8 million, or 2.0% compared to the same period of 2012. This increase was principally driven by increases in amortization expense in the Italy and Americas segments of €7.7 million and €1.5 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in amortization expense of €2.7 million associated with fully amortized intangible assets related to the acquisition of GTECH Holdings Corporation in August 2006 and favorable foreign exchange rates of €1.4 million. The increases in amortization expense in the Italy and Americas segments principally relate to spending for intangible assets in 2013 and 2012 as further described in the Capital Expenditures section of this report.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2013 | 2012 | € | % | |||||||||
Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net |
6,313 | 480 | 5,833 | >200.0 | |||||||||
Intangible assets, net |
2,613 | 1,082 | 1,531 | 141.5 | |||||||||
Investment in associates and joint ventures |
939 | 4,481 | (3,542 | ) | (79.0 | ) | |||||||
Recovery |
(3,807 | ) | 184 | (3,991 | ) | >200.0 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
6,058 | 6,227 | (169 | ) | (2.7 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The 2013 asset impairment loss principally relates to a €6.3 million loss in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net due to the lower expected profitability of a lottery contract over its remaining term in the International segment. This contract was subsequently renegotiated in 2013 reducing revenues but increasing profitability. The impairment recovery of €3.8 million in 2013 resulted from the receipt of cash associated with an impairment loss recorded in 2008 related to a lottery system we deployed for an international customer which has not launched due to a sustained period of political instability.
The 2012 asset impairment loss of €6.2 million principally relates to the lower expected profitability of an equity method joint venture in the International segment due to a delay in governmental approval of an increase in prize payout levels.
322
Capitalization of Internal Construction Costs
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2013 | 2012 | € | % | |||||||||
Capitalization of internal construction costs |
(100,208 | ) | (100,038 | ) | 170 | 0.2 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(100,208 | ) | (100,038 | ) | 170 | 0.2 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capitalization of internal construction costs fluctuates based on the volume and timing of new business and requirements of existing customers. Capitalization of internal construction costs increased by €0.2 million, or 0.2% compared to the same period in 2012.
Operating income in 2013 was €559.1 million, a decrease of €24.0 million, or 4.1% compared to the same period in 2012, principally due to lower operating income of €41.9 million in the Italy segment, €4.8 million in the International segment and an increase in corporate support expenses of €14.9 million. Corporate support expenses increased by €14.9 million, principally due to €14.5 million of restructuring provisions incurred by our Products and Services organization resulting from the 2013 reorganization. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in operating income in the Americas segment of €33.4 million principally resulting from the sale of gaming equipment into the Canadian market. On a constant currency basis, operating income in 2013 would have been €563.4 million.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2013 | 2012 | € | % | |||||||||
Capital Securities |
(64,531 | ) | (64,319 | ) | 212 | 0.3 | |||||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
(37,395 | ) | (38,634 | ) | (1,239 | ) | (3.2 | ) | |||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
(27,696 | ) | (27,652 | ) | 44 | 0.2 | |||||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
(18,509 | ) | (1,292 | ) | 17,217 | >200.0 | |||||||
Facilities |
(11,360 | ) | (16,703 | ) | (5,343 | ) | (32.0 | ) | |||||
Other |
(3,583 | ) | (6,764 | ) | (3,181 | ) | (47.0 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(163,074 | ) | (155,364 | ) | 7,710 | 5.0 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense increased by €7.7 million, or 5.0% compared to the same period of 2012, principally due to a different mix of debt as proceeds from the 2012 Notes (due 2020) issued in December 2012 were used to repay certain outstanding facilities.
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands, except percentages)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Income tax expense |
180,837 | 158,778 | |||||
Income before income tax expense |
386,072 | 424,003 | |||||
Effective income tax rate |
46.8 | % | 37.4 | % |
Our effective income tax rate during 2013 was 46.8% compared to 37.4% during 2012. The increase in the effective income rate principally relates to the tax settlement that was reached with the Italian Tax agency in December 2013 for the settlement of certain tax matters. The settlement was for a total of €34.7 million, of which €6.3 million had been recorded as a provision in previous periods. Absent this settlement, our effective income tax rate during 2013 was 39.8%, slightly higher than 2012 due to higher foreign losses principally in Spain and the United Kingdom where the future tax benefits of those losses could not be currently recorded.
323
The following section sets forth an overview of our revenue and operating income by operating segment.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Italy | Americas | International | Total | Italy | Americas | International | Total | Italy | Americas | International | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service revenue |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lottery |
785,046 | 588,286 | 175,747 | 1,549,079 | 784,114 | 572,364 | 180,065 | 1,536,543 | 932 | 15,922 | (4,318 | ) | 12,536 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lottery Management Services |
| 91,523 | | 91,523 | | 66,226 | | 66,226 | | 25,297 | | 25,297 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Lottery |
785,046 | 679,809 | 175,747 | 1,640,602 | 784,114 | 638,590 | 180,065 | 1,602,769 | 932 | 41,219 | (4,318 | ) | 37,833 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Machine Gaming |
580,874 |
74,899 |
27,099 |
682,872 |
664,918 |
69,998 |
21,741 |
756,657 |
(84,044 |
) |
4,901 |
5,358 |
(73,785 |
) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Sports Betting |
158,739 | 2,462 | 5,577 | 166,778 | 139,849 | 2,223 | 7,675 | 149,747 | 18,890 | 239 | (2,098 | ) | 17,031 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Services |
132,111 | 37,907 | 19,233 | 189,251 | 131,122 | 39,916 | 18,751 | 189,789 | 989 | (2,009 | ) | 482 | (538 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Interactive Gaming |
77,476 | 5,882 | 20,324 | 103,682 | 87,279 | 5,000 | 30,682 | 122,961 | (9,803 | ) | 882 | (10,358 | ) | (19,279 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total service revenue |
1,734,246 | 800,959 | 247,980 | 2,783,185 | 1,807,282 | 755,727 | 258,914 | 2,821,923 | (73,036 | ) | 45,232 | (10,934 | ) | (38,738 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Product sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lottery |
| 35,480 | 20,219 | 55,699 | | 34,286 | 55,901 | 90,187 | | 1,194 | (35,682 | ) | (34,488 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Machine Gaming |
2,844 | 157,646 | 58,862 | 219,352 | 8,649 | 82,416 | 65,671 | 156,736 | (5,805 | ) | 75,230 | (6,809 | ) | 62,616 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Sports Betting |
| | 3,391 | 3,391 | | | 2,529 | 2,529 | | | 862 | 862 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Services |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interactive Gaming |
| | 665 | 665 | | | 3,954 | 3,954 | | | (3,289 | ) | (3,289 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total product sales |
2,844 | 193,126 | 83,137 | 279,107 | 8,649 | 116,702 | 128,055 | 253,406 | (5,805 | ) | 76,424 | (44,918 | ) | 25,701 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total segment revenue |
1,737,090 | 994,085 | 331,117 | 3,062,292 | 1,815,931 | 872,429 | 386,969 | 3,075,329 | (78,841 | ) | 121,656 | (55,852 | ) | (13,037 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase accounting |
542 |
356 |
186 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenue |
3,062,834 | 3,075,685 | (12,851 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment operating income |
499,661 |
122,164 |
50,655 |
672,480 |
541,552 |
88,684 |
55,578 |
685,814 |
(41,891 |
) |
33,480 |
(4,923 |
) |
(13,334 |
) |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate support (1) |
(56,065 | ) | (41,184 | ) | (14,881 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase accounting |
(57,283 | ) | (61,483 | ) | 4,200 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income |
559,132 | 583,147 | (24,015 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment operating margin |
28.8 |
% |
12.3 |
% |
15.3 |
% |
22.0 |
% |
29.8 |
% |
10.2 |
% |
14.4 |
% |
22.3 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income margin |
18.3 |
% |
19.0 |
% |
324
Revenues in the Italy segment decreased by €78.8 million, or 4.3% compared to the same period in 2012. Revenues in the Italy segment are predominantly euro based and therefore an analysis of revenues at constant currency is not presented below.
Services revenues in the Italy segment decreased by €73.0 million, or 4.0% compared to the same period in 2012, principally due to a decrease in Machine Gaming and, to a lesser extent, Interactive Gaming revenues which were partially offset by an increase in Sports Betting revenues. The movement in service revenues for each of the core activities within the Italy segment is discussed below.
Lottery service revenue in the Italy segment was substantially unchanged in 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The following table sets forth an analysis of our Lottery service revenues in the Italy segment:
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2013 | 2012 | € | % | |||||||||
Service revenue |
|||||||||||||
Lotto |
407,612 | 401,840 | 5,772 | 1.4 | |||||||||
Instant tickets |
377,434 | 382,274 | (4,840 | ) | (1.3 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lottery |
785,046 | 784,114 | 932 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lotto service revenue in 2013 increased by €5.8 million, or 1.4% compared to the same period in 2012, principally due to an increase in late number wagers as detailed below. The decrease in core wagers was partially offset by higher wagers from 10eLotto.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ millions)
|
2013 | 2012 | Wagers | % | |||||||||
Core wagers |
5,678.5 | 5,680.9 | (2.4 | ) | (0.0 | ) | |||||||
Wagers for late numbers |
654.2 | 540.3 | 113.9 | 21.1 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
6,332.7 | 6,221.2 | 111.5 | 1.8 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Instant ticket service revenue in 2013 decreased by €4.8 million, or 1.3% compared to the same period in 2012, principally due to a 6.1% decrease in the number of tickets sold which was only partially offset by a 4.7% increase in the average price point (the average value of the ticket sold), as detailed below.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
|
2013 | 2012 | Amount | % | |||||||||
Total sales (in millions) |
€ | 9,573.8 | € | 9,729.0 | € | (155.2 | ) | (1.6 | ) | ||||
Total tickets sold (in millions) |
1,970.8 | 2,098.2 | (127.4 | ) | (6.1 | ) | |||||||
Average price point |
€ | 4.86 | € | 4.64 | € | 0.22 | 4.7 |
325
Machine Gaming service revenue is principally comprised of revenue related to the management of VLT's and AWP's under our concession and also includes participation revenue. Machine Gaming service revenue in 2013 decreased by €84.0 million, or 12.6% compared to the same period in 2012. The decrease in service revenue was principally driven by a decrease in VLT wagers and an increase in tax rates, partially offset by a higher installed machine base and a change in mix of the wagers, with a higher proportion derived from AWPs.
Total Machine Gaming wagers decreased by 9.5% in 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 driven by a 15.6% decrease in VLT wagers, which was only partially offset by an increase in AWP wagers as detailed below. The 15.6% decrease in VLT wagers did not result in a proportional impact on service revenues due to the increase in AWP wagers and a resulting change in the mix. In particular, due to the nature of the product, a higher proportion of AWP wagers are converted into revenue. In 2013, AWP wagers represented 41.2% of our total wagers compared to 36.9% in 2012. This change in mix had a positive impact in service revenues. In addition to the changes in wagers, our revenues were impacted by an increase in the VLT and AWP tax rates, which increased from 4.0% in 2012 to 5.0% in 2013 for VLTs and from 11.8% in 2012 to 12.7% in 2013 for AWPs. As our revenues are stated net of tax, the increase in taxation contributed to the decrease in revenues. Some of our gaming products have payout ratios in excess of the minimum ratios required by the Italian Gaming Regulator ADM and for these products we are able to decrease the payout in order to mitigate the effect of any tax increases applied. However, in order to mitigate the impact on gaming prizes and player volumes, we generally seek to make such reductions over time.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ millions)
|
2013 | 2012 | Amount | % | |||||||||
VLT wagers |
6,458.5 | 7,654.9 | (1,196.4 | ) | (15.6 | ) | |||||||
AWP wagers |
4,532.4 | 4,483.3 | 49.1 | 1.1 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total wagers |
10,990.9 | 12,138.2 | (1,147.3 | ) | (9.5 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Installed at the end of December) |
|||||||||||||
VLT's installed |
10,596 | 10,535 | 61 | 0.6 | |||||||||
AWP machines installed |
70,203 | 65,345 | 4,858 | 7.4 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total machines installed |
80,799 | 75,880 | 4,919 | 6.5 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sports betting service revenue in 2013 increased by €18.9 million, or 13.5% compared to the same period in 2012, principally due to a decrease in payout percentage (79.4% in 2013 versus 84.3% in 2012), which was partially offset by a decrease in wagers as detailed below. As of December 31, 2013, we had 1,338 fixed odds sports betting and 340 sports pool points of sale locations operational compared to 1,174 and 347 at December 31, 2012.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ millions)
|
2013 | 2012 | Wagers | % | |||||||||
Fixed odds sports betting and other wagers |
778.5 | 885.3 | (106.8 | ) | (12.1 | ) |
326
Commercial Services service revenue in 2013 increased by €1.0 million, or 0.8% compared to the same period in 2012, principally due to a higher number of transactions processed.
Interactive Gaming service revenue in 2013 decreased by €9.8 million, or 11.2% compared to the same period in 2012, driven by a 6.7% decrease in game wagers principally resulting from a decrease in poker wagers.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ millions)
|
2013 | 2012 | Wagers | % | |||||||||
Interactive Gaming wagers |
1,990.9 | 2,134.7 | (143.8 | ) | (6.7 | ) |
Product sales in the Italy segment amounted to €2.8 million and €8.6 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Machine Gaming product sales represents revenue related to VLT's and AWP's operated by other concessionaires.
Operating income in the Italy segment decreased by €41.9 million, or 7.7% compared to the same period in 2012, while segment operating margin was relatively unchanged, amounting to 28.8% and 29.8% in 2013 and 2012, respectively, principally driven by:
Revenue in the Americas segment in 2013 increased by €121.7 million, or 13.9% compared to the same period in 2012, driven principally by an increase in Lottery Management Services, Lottery and Machine Gaming revenues, partially offset by a decrease in Commercial Services revenue. At constant currency, revenue in the Americas segment increased by €159.5 million, or 18.3% compared to the same period in 2012.
Service revenue in the Americas segment increased by €45.2 million, or 6.0% (€74.5 million, or 9.9% at constant currency) compared to the same period in 2012.
The following table sets forth changes in service revenue in 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, on a constant currency basis:
|
Service Revenue Change | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 compared to 2012 | |||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Constant
Currency |
Foreign
Currency |
Change | |||||||
Lottery |
36,753 | (20,831 | ) | 15,922 | ||||||
Lottery Management Services |
28,390 | (3,093 | ) | 25,297 | ||||||
Machine Gaming |
7,583 | (2,682 | ) | 4,901 | ||||||
Interactive Gaming |
933 | (51 | ) | 882 | ||||||
Commercial Services |
573 | (2,582 | ) | (2,009 | ) | |||||
Sports Betting |
302 | (63 | ) | 239 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
74,534 | (29,302 | ) | 45,232 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
327
The principal drivers of the €45.2 million increase in service revenue were as follows:
Product sales in the Americas segment increased by €76.4 million, or 65.5% (€85.0 million, or 72.8% at constant currency) compared to the same period in 2012.
The following table sets forth changes in product sales in 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, on a constant currency basis:
|
Product Sales Change | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 compared to 2012 | |||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Constant
Currency |
Foreign
Currency |
Change | |||||||
Machine Gaming |
81,377 | (6,147 | ) | 75,230 | ||||||
Lottery |
3,592 | (2,398 | ) | 1,194 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
84,969 | (8,545 | ) | 76,424 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The principal drivers of the €76.4 million increase in product sales were as follows:
Operating income in the Americas segment increased by €33.5 million, or 37.8% compared to the same period in 2012, while segment operating margins increased from 10.2% in 2012 to 12.3% in 2013, principally driven by:
Revenue in the International segment in 2013 decreased by €55.9 million, or 14.4% (€48.0 million, or 12.4% at constant currency) compared to the same period in 2012.
328
Service revenue in the International segment decreased by €10.9 million, or 4.2% (€5.9 million, or 2.3% at constant currency) compared to the same period in 2012.
The following table sets forth changes in service revenue in 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, on a constant currency basis:
|
Service Revenue Change | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 compared to 2012 | |||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Constant
Currency |
Foreign
Currency |
Change | |||||||
Interactive Gaming |
(9,225 | ) | (1,133 | ) | (10,358 | ) | ||||
Sports Betting |
(1,952 | ) | (146 | ) | (2,098 | ) | ||||
Lottery |
(1,073 | ) | (3,245 | ) | (4,318 | ) | ||||
Commercial Services |
693 | (211 | ) | 482 | ||||||
Machine Gaming |
5,648 | (290 | ) | 5,358 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(5,909 | ) | (5,025 | ) | (10,934 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The principal drivers of the €10.9 million decrease in service revenue were as follows:
Product sales in the International segment decreased by €44.9 million, or 35.1% (€42.1 million, or 32.9% at constant currency) compared to the same period in 2012.
The following table sets forth changes in product sales in 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, on a constant currency basis:
|
Product Sales Change | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 compared to 2012 | |||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Constant
Currency |
Foreign
Currency |
Change | |||||||
Lottery |
(34,972 | ) | (710 | ) | (35,682 | ) | ||||
Machine Gaming |
(4,793 | ) | (2,016 | ) | (6,809 | ) | ||||
Interactive Gaming |
(3,259 | ) | (30 | ) | (3,289 | ) | ||||
Sports Betting |
931 | (69 | ) | 862 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(42,093 | ) | (2,825 | ) | (44,918 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
329
The principal drivers of the €44.9 million decrease in product sales were as follows:
Operating income in the International segment decreased by €4.9 million, or 8.9% compared to the same period in 2012. As a percentage of revenue, segment operating income marginally increased from 14.4% in 2012 to 15.3% in 2013 driven by the following:
.
330
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
331
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
Operating Segment |
|||||||||||||
Italy |
1,807,282 | 1,885,788 | (78,506 | ) | (4.2 | ) | |||||||
Americas |
755,727 | 622,484 | 133,243 | 21.4 | |||||||||
International |
258,914 | 271,160 | (12,246 | ) | (4.5 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,821,923 | 2,779,432 | 42,491 | 1.5 | |||||||||
Purchase accounting |
356 |
267 |
89 |
33.3 |
|||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,822,279 | 2,779,699 | 42,580 | 1.5 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Service revenue increased by €42.6 million, or 1.5% compared to the same period in 2011. On a constant currency basis, service revenue increased by €23.9 million, or 0.9% compared to the same period in 2011.
Service revenue in the Italy segment decreased by €78.5 million, or 4.2% compared to the same period in 2011, principally driven by a decrease in Sports Betting service revenues of €47.4 million due to an increase in payout percentage and a decrease in Lottery service revenues of €41.3 million due to a decrease in Lotto and Instant Ticket wagers. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in Interactive Gaming service revenue driven by an increase in skill game wagers.
Service revenue in the Americas segment increased by €133.2 million, or 21.4% compared to the same period in 2011, principally driven by favorable foreign exchange impacts of €56.2 million and a €45.7 million, or 10.7% increase in Lottery same store revenue. On a constant currency basis, service revenue in the Americas segment increased by €77.0 million, or 12.4% compared to the same period in 2011.
Service revenue in the International segment decreased by €12.2 million, or 4.5% compared to the same period in 2011, principally due to a decrease of €10.5 million in Interactive Gaming service revenue and a decrease of €8.3 million in Lottery service revenue. These decreases were partially offset by favorable foreign exchange impacts of €8.9 million. On a constant currency basis service revenue in the International segment decreased by €21.2 million, or 7.8% compared to the same period in 2011.
Further information on the key performance drivers related to service revenues is provided in the Operating segment section of this report.
332
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
Operating segment |
|||||||||||||
International |
128,055 | 111,239 | 16,816 | 15.1 | |||||||||
Americas |
116,702 | 76,031 | 40,671 | 53.5 | |||||||||
Italy |
8,649 | 6,773 | 1,876 | 27.7 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
253,406 | 194,043 | 59,363 | 30.6 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Product sales fluctuate from period to period due to the mix, volume and timing of product sales transactions. Product sales increased by €59.4 million, or 30.6% compared with the same period in 2011.
Product sales in the International segment increased by €16.8 million, or 15.1% compared to the same period of 2011, principally due to an increase of €7.3 million in Machine Gaming sales and favorable foreign exchange impact of €4.0 million.
Product sales in the Americas segment increased by €40.7 million, or 53.5% compared to the same period in 2011, principally driven by a €41.3 million increase in sales of Machine Gaming equipment in 2012 primarily related to the Canadian replacement cycle.
Further information on the key performance drivers related to product sales is provided in the Operating segment section of this report.
Raw Materials, Services and Other Costs
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
Operating expenses |
845,091 | 919,478 | (74,387 | ) | (8.1 | ) | |||||||
Outside services |
231,416 | 193,024 | 38,392 | 19.9 | |||||||||
Cost of product sales |
144,445 | 116,343 | 28,102 | 24.2 | |||||||||
Consumables |
132,908 | 127,804 | 5,104 | 4.0 | |||||||||
Insurance, taxes and other |
112,888 | 114,242 | (1,354 | ) | (1.2 | ) | |||||||
Occupancy |
56,216 | 52,987 | 3,229 | 6.1 | |||||||||
Telecommunications |
55,962 | 52,510 | 3,452 | 6.6 | |||||||||
Travel |
31,060 | 30,562 | 498 | 1.6 | |||||||||
Write-down of inventories |
1,187 | 2,045 | (858 | ) | (42.0 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
1,611,173 | 1,608,995 | 2,178 | 0.1 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Raw materials, services and other costs increased by €2.2 million, or 0.1% compared to the same period of 2011, principally driven by an increase in Outside services expenses of €38.4 million and Costs of product sales of €28.1 million which were offset by an decrease in Operating expenses of €74.4 million. As a percentage of revenues, raw materials, services and other costs amounted to 52.4% and 54.1% in 2012 and 2011, respectively. On a constant currency basis, Raw materials, services and other costs decreased by €37.6 million, or 2.3% compared to the same period in 2011.
Outside services expenses increased by €38.4 million, or 19.9% compared to the same period in 2011, principally related to an increase of €24.6 million in the Americas segment principally associated with the commencement of the Lottery Management Services agreement in Illinois in July 2011, and an
333
increase of €15.5 million in the Italy segment due principally to operational efficiencies from our cost management program.
Cost of product sales increased by €28.1 million related to the €59.4 million increase in product sales. As a percentage of revenues from product sales, cost of product sales amounted to 57.0% in 2012 and 60.0% in 2011.
Operating expenses decreased by €74.4 million, or 8.1% compared to the same period in 2011 almost entirely related to the Italy segment due principally to operational efficiencies from our cost management program.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
Payroll |
385,188 | 351,012 | 34,176 | 9.7 | |||||||||
Incentive compensation |
55,450 | 54,535 | 915 | 1.7 | |||||||||
Statutory benefits |
39,751 | 34,845 | 4,906 | 14.1 | |||||||||
Company benefits |
32,804 | 28,472 | 4,332 | 15.2 | |||||||||
Share-based payment |
12,349 | 8,949 | 3,400 | 38.0 | |||||||||
Net benefits for staff severance fund |
4,529 | 4,268 | 261 | 6.1 | |||||||||
Other |
9,275 | 9,105 | 170 | 1.9 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
539,346 | 491,186 | 48,160 | 9.8 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Personnel expense increased by €48.2 million, or 9.8% compared to the same period in 2011. On a constant currency basis, Personnel expense increased by €25.1 million, or 5.1%. The increase in personnel expense relates principally to increases in payroll expense driven by higher average headcount in 2012 compared to 2011. Our average headcount was 8,310 employees in 2012 compared to 7,907 employees in 2011.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net |
236,065 | 227,736 | 8,329 | 3.7 | |||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
13,856 | 12,882 | 974 | 7.6 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
249,921 | 240,618 | 9,303 | 3.9 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation expense increased by €9.3 million, or 3.9% compared to the same period in 2011. This increase was principally driven by unfavorable foreign exchange rates of €11.7 million, partially offset by a €4.1 million decrease in depreciation expense associated with fully depreciated tangible assets related to the acquisition of GTECH Holdings Corporation in August 2006.
334
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
Amortization expense |
185,909 | 187,988 | (2,079 | ) | (1.1 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
185,909 | 187,988 | (2,079 | ) | (1.1 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization expense decreased by €2.1 million, or 1.1% compared to the same period of 2011. This decrease was principally driven by decreases in amortization expense in the Italy segment of €2.5 million and a decrease in amortization expense of €2.4 million associated with fully amortized intangible assets related to the acquisition of GTECH Holdings Corporation in August 2006. These decreases were partially offset by favorable foreign exchange rates of €3.9 million.
Impairment Loss (Recovery), Net
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
Investment in associates and joint ventures |
4,481 | 246 | 4,235 | >200.0 | |||||||||
Intangible assets |
1,082 | 278 | 804 | >200.0 | |||||||||
Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net |
480 | | 480 | | |||||||||
Recovery |
184 | (4,598 | ) | 4,782 | 104.0 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
6,227 | (4,074 | ) | 10,301 | >200.0 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The 2012 asset impairment loss of €6.2 million principally relates to the lower expected profitability of an equity method joint venture due to a delay in governmental approval of an increase in prize payout levels.
The 2011 net impairment recovery of €4.1 million principally related to the receipt of €4.6 million of cash associated with an impairment loss recorded in 2008 related to a lottery system we deployed for an international customer which has not launched due to a sustained period of political instability.
Capitalization of Internal Construction Costs
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
Capitalization of internal construction costs |
(100,038 | ) | (90,319 | ) | 9,719 | 10.8 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(100,038 | ) | (90,319 | ) | 9,719 | 10.8 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capitalization of internal construction costs fluctuates based on the volume and timing of new business and requirements of existing customers. Capitalization of internal construction costs increased by €9.7 million, or 10.8% compared to the same period in 2011.
335
Operating income in 2012 was €583.1 million, an increase of €43.8 million, or 8.1% compared to the same period in 2011. The increase in operating income was principally due to an increase in operating income of €37.0 million in the Americas segment and €28.6 million in the Italy segment, partially offset by a decrease in operating income of €26.9 million in the International segment. Operating margins were 22.3% in 2012 compared to 21.8% in the same period in 2011. On a constant currency basis, operating income in 2012 would have been €579.7 million.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
Available-for-sale financial investment |
| (7,582 | ) | (7,582 | ) | (100.0 | ) | ||||||
Other |
(9,729 | ) | (10,114 | ) | (385 | ) | (3.8 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(9,729 | ) | (17,696 | ) | (7,967 | ) | (45.0 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Available-for-Sale Financial Investment
We hold a 16.58% ownership interest in Neurosoft S.A. ("Neurosoft"), a Greek software company specializing in the design, development, customization and maintenance of integrated software systems. In 2011, we determined there had been a prolonged decline in the fair value below original cost of our investment in Neurosoft (which has a quoted market price in an active market), resulting in a €7.6 million write-down to fair value.
Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss), Net
Foreign exchange gains and losses are classified as realized (cash) or unrealized (non-cash) as follows:
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
Cash foreign exchange loss |
(55 | ) | (1,597 | ) | (1,542 | ) | (96.6 | ) | |||||
Non-cash foreign exchange gain (loss) |
(1,159 | ) | 7,557 | 8,716 | 115.3 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(1,214 | ) | 5,960 | 7,174 | 120.4 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-Cash Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss)
Non-cash foreign exchange gain (loss) was comprised of the following:
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
GTECH Euro denominated debt |
376 | 7,429 | 7,053 | 94.9 | |||||||||
Other |
(1,535 | ) | 128 | 1,663 | >200.0 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(1,159 | ) | 7,557 | 8,716 | 115.3 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
336
GTECH Corporation borrows in Euro to better match its liabilities with Euro denominated cash flows. Euro borrowings outstanding under GTECH's €500 million Revolving Facility A during 2012 and 2011 resulted in a non-cash foreign exchange gain due to fluctuations in the U.S dollar to Euro exchange rate.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
Capital Securities |
(64,319 | ) | (64,531 | ) | (212 | ) | (0.3 | ) | |||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
(38,634 | ) | (38,995 | ) | (361 | ) | (0.9 | ) | |||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
(27,652 | ) | (27,610 | ) | 42 | 0.2 | |||||||
Facilities |
(16,703 | ) | (25,580 | ) | (8,877 | ) | (34.7 | ) | |||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
(1,292 | ) | | 1,292 | | ||||||||
Other |
(6,764 | ) | (11,303 | ) | (4,539 | ) | (40.2 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(155,364 | ) | (168,019 | ) | (12,655 | ) | (7.5 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense decreased by €12.7 million, or 7.5% compared to the same period of 2011, principally due to a lower average debt balance on the Facilities related to scheduled payments of the Term loan and lower interest rates on the Facilities.
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands, except percentages)
|
2012 | 2011 | |||||
Income tax expense |
158,778 | 160,095 | |||||
Income before income tax expense |
424,003 | 365,864 | |||||
Effective income tax rate |
37.4 | % | 43.8 | % |
Our effective income tax rate during 2012 was 37.4% compared to 43.8% during 2011. The rate decrease was principally due to an increase in pre-tax income in low income tax rate jurisdictions, the introduction of tax legislation in Italy allowing the deductibility of a portion of local income taxes for federal tax purposes, successful litigation in Italy allowing the deductibility of certain acquisition costs, and lower levels of un-benefitted foreign tax losses.
337
Operating Segment Results
The following section sets forth an overview of our revenue and operating income by operating segment.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, 2012 | December 31, 2011 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Italy | Americas | International | Total | Italy | Americas | International | Total | Italy | Americas | International | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service revenue |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lottery |
784,114 | 572,364 | 180,065 | 1,536,543 | 825,413 | 488,713 | 181,757 | 1,495,883 | (41,299 | ) | 83,651 | (1,692 | ) | 40,660 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Lottery Management Services |
| 66,226 | | 66,226 | | 37,266 | | 37,266 | | 28,960 | | 28,960 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Lottery |
784,114 | 638,590 | 180,065 | 1,602,769 | 825,413 | 525,979 | 181,757 | 1,533,149 | (41,299 | ) | 112,611 | (1,692 | ) | 69,620 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Machine Gaming |
664,918 | 69,998 | 21,741 | 756,657 | 672,846 | 56,671 | 22,490 | 752,007 | (7,928 | ) | 13,327 | (749 | ) | 4,650 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Sports Betting |
139,849 | 2,223 | 7,675 | 149,747 | 187,268 | 790 | 8,449 | 196,507 | (47,419 | ) | 1,433 | (774 | ) | (46,760 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Services |
131,122 | 39,916 | 18,751 | 189,789 | 124,262 | 34,093 | 18,676 | 177,031 | 6,860 | 5,823 | 75 | 12,758 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interactive Gaming |
87,279 | 5,000 | 30,682 | 122,961 | 75,999 | 4,951 | 39,788 | 120,738 | 11,280 | 49 | (9,106 | ) | 2,223 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total service revenue |
1,807,282 | 755,727 | 258,914 | 2,821,923 | 1,885,788 | 622,484 | 271,160 | 2,779,432 | (78,506 | ) | 133,243 | (12,246 | ) | 42,491 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Product sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lottery |
| 34,286 | 55,901 | 90,187 | | 38,001 | 50,660 | 88,661 | | (3,715 | ) | 5,241 | 1,526 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Machine Gaming |
8,649 | 82,416 | 65,671 | 156,736 | 6,773 | 38,030 | 57,278 | 102,081 | 1,876 | 44,386 | 8,393 | 54,655 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sports Betting |
| | 2,529 | 2,529 | | | 3,301 | 3,301 | | | (772 | ) | (772 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Services |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interactive Gaming |
| | 3,954 | 3,954 | | | | | | | 3,954 | 3,954 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total product sales |
8,649 | 116,702 | 128,055 | 253,406 | 6,773 | 76,031 | 111,239 | 194,043 | 1,876 | 40,671 | 16,816 | 59,363 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total segment revenue |
1,815,931 | 872,429 | 386,969 | 3,075,329 | 1,892,561 | 698,515 | 382,399 | 2,973,475 | (76,630 | ) | 173,914 | 4,570 | 101,854 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase accounting |
356 |
267 |
89 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenue |
3,075,685 | 2,973,742 | 101,943 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment operating income |
541,552 | 88,684 | 55,578 | 685,814 | 512,916 | 51,570 | 82,573 | 647,059 | 28,636 | 37,114 | (26,995 | ) | 38,755 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate support (1) |
(41,184 | ) | (45,007 | ) | 3,823 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase accounting |
(61,483 | ) | (62,704 | ) | 1,221 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income |
583,147 | 539,348 | 43,799 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment operating margin |
29.8 | % | 10.2 | % | 14.4 | % | 22.3 | % | 27.1 | % | 7.4 | % | 21.6 | % | 21.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income margin |
19.0 |
% |
18.1 |
% |
338
Revenues in the Italy segment decreased by €76.6 million, or 4.0% compared to the same period in 2011. Revenues in the Italy segment are predominantly Euro based and therefore an analysis of revenues at constant currency is not presented below.
The movement in service revenues for each of the core activities within the Italy segment is discussed below.
Lottery service revenue in the Italy segment decreased €41.3 million, or 5.0% compared to the same period in 2011. The following table sets forth an analysis of our Lottery service revenues in the Italy segment:
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2012 | 2011 | € | % | |||||||||
Service revenue |
|||||||||||||
Lotto |
401,840 | 427,541 | (25,701 | ) | (6.0 | ) | |||||||
Instant tickets |
382,274 | 397,872 | (15,598 | ) | (3.9 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lottery |
784,114 | 825,413 | (41,299 | ) | (5.0 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lotto service revenue in 2012 decreased by €25.7 million, or 6.0% compared to the same period in 2011, due to lower core and late number wagers as detailed below. The decrease in core wagers was partially offset by higher wagers from 10eLotto.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ millions)
|
2012 | 2011 | Wagers | % | |||||||||
Core wagers |
5,680.9 | 5,760.8 | (79.9 | ) | (1.4 | ) | |||||||
Wagers for late numbers |
540.3 | 1,049.3 | (509.0 | ) | (48.5 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
6,221.2 | 6,810.1 | (588.9 | ) | (8.6 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Instant ticket service revenue in 2012 decreased by €15.6 million, or 3.9% compared to the same period in 2011, principally due to an 8.5% decrease in the number of instant tickets sold which was only partially offset by a 5.2% increase in the average price point (the average value of the ticket sold) as detailed below. The decrease in instant ticket sales was primarily due to lower sales of €5 tickets.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
|
2012 | 2011 | Amount | % | |||||||||
Total sales (in millions) |
€ | 9,729.0 | € | 10,111.2 | € | (382.2 | ) | (3.8 | ) | ||||
Total tickets sold (in millions) |
2,098.2 | 2,294.0 | (195.8 | ) | (8.5 | ) | |||||||
Average price point |
€ | 4.64 | € | 4.41 | € | 0.23 | 5.2 |
339
Machine Gaming service revenue is principally comprised of revenue related to the management of VLT's and AWP's under our concession and also includes participation revenue. Machine Gaming service revenue in 2012 decreased by €7.9 million, or 1.2% compared to the same period in 2011. Despite a 9.7% increase in wagers and a higher installed machine base as detailed below, revenue declined due to higher taxation on VLTs' which is net against revenue, and lower productivity per machine.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ millions)
|
2012 | 2011 | Amount | % | |||||||||
VLT wagers |
7,654.9 | 6,615.6 | 1,039.3 | 15.7 | |||||||||
AWP wagers |
4,483.3 | 4,448.8 | 34.5 | 0.8 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total wagers |
12,138.2 | 11,064.4 | 1,073.8 | 9.7 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Installed at the end of December) |
|||||||||||||
VLT's installed |
10,535 |
8,635 |
1,900 |
22.0 |
|||||||||
AWP machines installed |
65,345 | 56,300 | 9,045 | 16.1 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total machines installed |
75,880 | 64,935 | 10,945 | 16.9 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sports betting service revenue in 2012 decreased by €47.4 million, or 25.3% compared to the same period in 2011, principally due to a higher payout percentage (84.3% in 2012 versus 79.2% in 2011) and a decrease in wagers as detailed below. As of December 31, 2012, we had 1,174 fixed odds sports betting and 347 sports pool points of sale locations operational compared to 1,225 and 454 at December 31, 2011.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ millions)
|
2012 | 2011 | Wagers | % | |||||||||
Fixed odds sports betting and other wagers |
885.3 | 917.5 | (32.2 | ) | (3.5 | ) |
Commercial Services service revenue in 2012 increased by €6.9 million, or 5.5% compared to the same period in 2011, principally due to a higher number of transactions processed.
Interactive Gaming service revenue in 2012 increased by €11.3 million, or 14.8% compared to the same period in 2011, driven by an increase in skill game wagers principally resulting from an increase in Poker Cash and Casino game wagers.
|
For the year ended | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, | Change | |||||||||||
(€ millions)
|
2012 | 2011 | Wagers | % | |||||||||
Interactive Gaming wagers |
2,134.7 | 1,391.9 | 742.8 | 53.4 |
340
Operating income in the Italy segment increased by €28.6 million, or 5.6% compared to the same period in 2011, while segment operating margin was 29.8% and 27.1% in 2012 and 2011, respectively, principally driven by an effective cost management program and contributions from all product lines excluding Sports Betting.
Revenue in the Americas segment in 2012 increased by €173.9 million, or 24.9% compared to the same period in 2011. At constant currency, revenue in the Americas segment increased by €112.3 million, or 16.1% compared to the same period in 2011.
Service revenue in the Americas segment increased by €133.2 million, or 21.4% (€77.0 million, or 12.4% at constant currency), compared to the same period in 2011.
The following table sets forth changes in service revenue in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, on a constant currency basis:
|
Service Revenue Change | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2012 compared to 2011 | |||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Constant
Currency |
Foreign
Currency |
Change | |||||||
Lottery |
41,305 | 42,346 | 83,651 | |||||||
Lottery Management Services |
23,975 | 4,985 | 28,960 | |||||||
Machine Gaming |
8,104 | 5,223 | 13,327 | |||||||
Commercial Services |
2,401 | 3,422 | 5,823 | |||||||
Sports Betting |
1,334 | 99 | 1,433 | |||||||
Interactive Gaming |
(118 | ) | 167 | 49 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
77,001 | 56,242 | 133,243 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The principal drivers of the €133.2 million increase in service revenue were as follows:
Product sales in the Americas segment increased by €40.7 million, or 53.5% (€35.3 million, or 46.4% at constant currency) compared to the same period in 2011.
341
The following table sets forth changes in product sales revenue in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, on a constant currency basis:
|
Product Sales Change | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2012 compared to 2011 | |||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Constant
Currency |
Foreign
Currency |
Change | |||||||
Machine Gaming |
41,339 | 3,047 | 44,386 | |||||||
Lottery |
(6,024 | ) | 2,309 | (3,715 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
35,315 | 5,356 | 40,671 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The principal drivers of the €40.7 million increase in product sales were as follows:
Operating income in the Americas segment increased by €37.1 million, or 72.0%, compared to the same period in 2011, while segment margins increased from 7.4% in 2011 to 10.2% in 2012, principally driven by:
Revenue in the International segment in 2012 increased by €4.6 million, or 1.2% compared to the same period in 2011. At constant currency, revenue in the International segment decreased by €8.4 million, or 2.2%.
Service revenue in the International segment decreased by €12.2 million, or 4.5% (€21.2 million or 7.8% at constant currency) compared to the same period in 2011.
342
The following table sets forth changes in service revenue in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, on a constant currency basis:
|
Service Revenue Change | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2012 compared to 2011 | |||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Constant
Currency |
Foreign
Currency |
Change | |||||||
Interactive Gaming |
(10,463 | ) | 1,357 | (9,106 | ) | |||||
Lottery |
(8,314 | ) | 6,622 | (1,692 | ) | |||||
Machine Gaming |
(1,360 | ) | 611 | (749 | ) | |||||
Sports Betting |
(1,278 | ) | 504 | (774 | ) | |||||
Commercial Services |
253 | (178 | ) | 75 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(21,162 | ) | 8,916 | (12,246 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The principal drivers of the €12.2 million decrease in service revenue were as follows:
Product sales in the International segment increased by €16.8 million, or 15.1% compared to the same period in 2011. At constant currency, product sales in the International segment increased by €12.8 million, or 11.5%.
|
Product Sales Change | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2012 compared to 2011 | |||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Constant
Currency |
Foreign
Currency |
Change | |||||||
Machine Gaming |
7,313 | 1,080 | 8,393 | |||||||
Interactive Gaming |
3,828 | 126 | 3,954 | |||||||
Lottery |
2,598 | 2,643 | 5,241 | |||||||
Sports Betting |
(936 | ) | 164 | (772 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
12,803 | 4,013 | 16,816 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The principal drivers of the €16.8 million increase in product sales were as follows:
343
Operating income in the International segment decreased by €27.0 million, or 32.7%, compared to the same period in 2011, while segment operating margins decreased from 21.6% in 2011 to 14.4% in 2012, principally driven by:
Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Position
Our business is capital intensive and therefore we require liquidity in order to meet our obligations and fund our growth. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and to a lesser extent, cash proceeds from financing activities, including amounts available under our €900 million Revolving Credit Facility. In addition to our general working capital and operational needs our liquidity requirements arise primarily from our need to meet debt service requirements and to fund capital expenditures. We also require liquidity to fund any acquisitions and associated costs. Our cash flows generated from operating activities together with our cash flows generated from financing activities have historically been sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements.
We believe our ability to generate cash from operations to reinvest in our business, primarily due to the long-term nature of our contracts, is one of our fundamental financial strengths and, combined with funds currently available and committed borrowing capacity, we expect to have sufficient liquidity to meet our financial obligations and working capital requirements in the ordinary course of business for at least the next twelve months.
The operating cash management, main funding operations and investment of excess liquidity are centrally coordinated by a dedicated treasury team with the objective of ensuring effective and efficient management of funds.
At September 30, 2014 our total available liquidity was €1.354 billion, including €898.8 million available under our Revolving Credit Facility and €455.6 million of cash and cash equivalents. The following table summarizes our total available liquidity:
Our liquidity is principally denominated in Euro and, to a lesser extent, US$. As of September 30, 2014 our cash and cash equivalents amounted to €455.6 million, of which 72% was denominated in Euro and 14% was denominated in US$ (€64.4 million). The remaining 14% was denominated among several other currencies. As of December 31, 2013 our cash and cash equivalents amounted to €419.1
344
million of which 69% was denominated in Euro and 14% was denominated in US$ (€59.2 million). The remaining 17% was denominated among several other currencies. We hold insignificant amounts of cash in countries where there may be restrictions on transfer due to regulatory or governmental bodies. Based on our review of such transfer restrictions and the cash balances held in such territories, we do not believe such transfer restrictions have an adverse impact on our ability to meet liquidity requirements at the dates represented above.
To further support our liquidity requirements, in 2013 three of our Italian subsidiaries entered into an agreement with a European financial institution for the sale of trade receivables, on a non-recourse basis. The contract has a five year duration and is subject to early termination by either party. The maximum amount of receivables sold at any point in time is limited to €150 million. At September 30, 2014, receivables of €128.0 million had been sold (€82.1 million at December 31, 2013).
Summary Statements of Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. A complete statement of cash flows is provided in the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.
Comparison of nine months ended September 2014 and 2013
|
For the nine months
ended September 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Cash flows before changes in operating assets and liabilities |
699,783 | 713,485 | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |
(58,561 | ) | (216,580 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from operating activities |
641,222 | 496,905 | |||||
Purchases of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts |
(140,263 | ) | (136,456 | ) | |||
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
(26,230 | ) | (7,345 | ) | |||
Purchases of intangible assets |
(14,375 | ) | (111,948 | ) | |||
Refundable deposit |
| (19,800 | ) | ||||
Other investing activities, net |
6,665 | (529 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Net cash flows used in investing activities |
(174,203 | ) | (276,078 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Dividends paid |
(130,525 | ) | (125,920 | ) | |||
Interest paid |
(114,161 | ) | (99,822 | ) | |||
Acquisition of non-controlling interest |
(72,328 | ) | | ||||
Return of capitalnon-controlling interest |
(50,155 | ) | (40,087 | ) | |||
Treasury shares purchased |
(32,893 | ) | | ||||
Dividends paidnon-controlling interest |
(32,788 | ) | (33,865 | ) | |||
Capital increase |
2,201 | 56,688 | |||||
Other financing activities, net |
(9,432 | ) | (285 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Net cash flows used in financing activities |
(440,081 | ) | (243,291 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Net cash flows |
26,938 | (22,464 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
345
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we generated €641.2 million of net cash flows from operating activities, an increase of €144.3 million compared to the same period in 2013, principally due to changes in operating assets and liabilities.
The following table, which is derived from our unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, sets forth the movements in operating assets and liabilities:
|
For the nine months
ended September 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Accounts payable |
(79,166 | ) | (85,020 | ) | |||
Taxes other than income taxes |
(25,942 | ) | (20,468 | ) | |||
Deferred revenue |
(22,030 | ) | 14,803 | ||||
Employee compensation |
(14,174 | ) | (17,677 | ) | |||
Inventories |
(2,760 | ) | 12,173 | ||||
Other assets and liabilities |
(18,189 | ) | (15,716 | ) | |||
Advance payments from customers |
3,491 | (21,383 | ) | ||||
Other current liabilities |
14,525 | (2,885 | ) | ||||
Trade and other receivables |
85,684 | (80,407 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |
(58,561 | ) | (216,580 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Net cash flows used in investing activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we used €174.2 million and €276.1 million, respectively, of net cash flows in investing activities.
Investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014
346
a mobile solution in slots and table games, as well as enhanced player acquisition and retention experience.
Investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013
Net cash flows used in financing activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we used €440.1 million and €243.3 million, respectively, of net cash flows in financing activities.
Financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014
Financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013
347
Comparison of 2013, 2012 and 2011
The following table summarizes our statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. A complete statement of cash flows is provided in the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Cash flows before changes in operating assets and liabilities |
845,932 | 855,692 | 919,755 | |||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |
(149,683 | ) | (92,363 | ) | (69,735 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from operating activities |
696,249 | 763,329 | 850,020 | |||||||
Purchases of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts |
(183,878 | ) | (211,833 | ) | (306,734 | ) | ||||
Purchases of intangible assets |
(134,919 | ) | (30,336 | ) | (20,669 | ) | ||||
Investment in associates |
(19,800 | ) | | | ||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
(10,370 | ) | (10,193 | ) | (10,401 | ) | ||||
Acquisition, net of cash acquired |
(7,345 | ) | | | ||||||
Cash proceeds related to impairment recovery |
3,807 | 4,455 | | |||||||
Other investing activities, net |
10,934 | (3,390 | ) | (575 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows used in investing activities |
(341,571 | ) | (251,297 | ) | (338,379 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Interest paid |
(143,390 | ) | (184,479 | ) | (166,107 | ) | ||||
Dividends paid |
(125,920 | ) | (122,220 | ) | | |||||
Net payments on debt |
(102,980 | ) | (334,023 | ) | (213,267 | ) | ||||
Return of capital - non-controlling interest |
(40,087 | ) | (42,562 | ) | (24,000 | ) | ||||
Dividends paid - non-controlling interest |
(34,062 | ) | (32,116 | ) | (38,420 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
15,746 | 121 | | |||||||
Capital increase - non-controlling interest |
71,973 | | | |||||||
Cash paid on interest rate swaps |
| (15,901 | ) | (33,388 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from issuance of Notes due 2020 |
| 500,000 | | |||||||
Other financing activities, net |
(19,733 | ) | (12,356 | ) | (4,208 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows used in financing activities |
(378,453 | ) | (243,536 | ) | (479,390 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows |
(23,775 | ) | 268,496 | 32,251 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended December 31, 2013
Net cash flows from operating activities were €696.2 million in 2013 compared to €763.3 million in 2012. The decrease of €67.1 million is attributable to changes in operating assets and liabilities, the payment of €30 million for the Italy Machine Gaming litigation settlement and the payment of a portion of the €28 million December 2013 Italy tax matter settlement.
Year ended December 31, 2012
Net cash flows from operating activities were €763.3 million in 2012 compared to €850.0 million in 2011. The decrease of €86.7 million is attributable to an increase in income taxes paid and changes in operating assets and liabilities.
348
The following table which is derived from our consolidated cash flow statement sets forth the principal movements in operating assets and liabilities:
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Trade and other receivables |
(108,594 | ) | (143,678 | ) | 50,871 | |||||
Accounts payable |
(45,220 | ) | 114,899 | (198,138 | ) | |||||
Advance payments from customers |
(29,466 | ) | 18,811 | 6,748 | ||||||
Other current assets |
(13,021 | ) | (71,028 | ) | (28,611 | ) | ||||
Inventories |
14,423 | (19,974 | ) | 26,872 | ||||||
Deferred revenue |
22,265 | 16,298 | (883 | ) | ||||||
Other assets and liabilities |
9,930 | (7,691 | ) | 73,406 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |
(149,683 | ) | (92,363 | ) | (69,735 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended December 31, 2013
Year ended December 31, 2012
Year ended December 31, 2011
349
During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we used €341.6 million, €251.3 million and €338.4 million, respectively, of net cash flows in investing activities.
Investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013
Investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012
Investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2011
350
During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we used €378.5 million, €243.5 million and €479.4 million, respectively of net cash flows in financing activities.
Financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013
Financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012
Financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2011
351
Capital expenditures are defined as investments for the period in Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and investments in associates as shown in our cash flow statement. The table below sets forth a breakdown of total capital expenditures for the periods indicated.
|
For the year ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
Systems,
equipment and other assets related to contracts |
Property,
plant and equipment |
Intangible
Assets |
Investments
in Associates |
|||||||||
Operating Segments |
|||||||||||||
Americas |
86,279 | 1,371 | 92,521 | | |||||||||
Italy |
71,834 | | 40,911 | | |||||||||
International |
23,350 | 707 | | 19,800 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
181,463 | 2,078 | 133,432 | 19,800 | |||||||||
Products and Services |
2,121 |
7,623 |
1,487 |
|
|||||||||
Corporate |
294 | 669 | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
183,878 | 10,370 | 134,919 | 19,800 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts of €86.3 million principally relate to lottery related systems in California, Indiana, Georgia, New Jersey, Texas and Illinois and VLT participation markets in the United States. Intangible asset spending of €92.5 million principally relates to the June 2013 upfront payment of $120 million (€91.7 million) required under the Services Agreement Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC signed with the State of New Jersey to manage a wide range of the lottery's marketing, sales and related functions.
Investments in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts of €71.8 million principally relate to spending to expand systems in Machine Gaming, Lotto and Sports Betting. Investments in intangible assets of €40.9 million principally relate to concessions and licenses, software and sports betting and horse racing betting rights.
Investments in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts of €23.4 million principally relate to lottery systems in the United Kingdom and Beijing, China. Investments in associates relate to an investment of €19.8 million in Yeonama Holdings Co. Limited ("Yeonama"), a shareholder in Emma Delta limited, the fund that holds a 33% interest in OPAP S.A., the Greek gaming and football betting operator. Our indirect minority interest in Emma Delta represents 7.2% of the total equity contributions of shareholders in Emma Delta and approximately 3% of Emma Delta's 33% interest in OPAP S.A. At December 31, 2013, we had a commitment to invest up to an additional €10.2 million in Yeonama, representing a total potential €30 million investment, or an approximate 5% indirect minority interest in Emma Delta.
352
|
For the year ended December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
Systems,
equipment and other assets related to contracts |
Property,
plant and equipment |
Intangible
Assets |
Investments
in Associates |
|||||||||
Operating Segments |
|||||||||||||
Americas |
91,859 | 1,193 | | | |||||||||
Italy |
86,350 | | 30,330 | | |||||||||
International |
28,157 | 2,597 | 6 | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
206,366 | 3,790 | 30,336 | | |||||||||
Products and Services |
5,465 |
5,975 |
|
|
|||||||||
Corporate |
2 | 428 | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
211,833 | 10,193 | 30,336 | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts of €91.9 million principally for systems and equipment in Georgia, Texas, Illinois, Costa Rica, New York, Rhode Island and California and VLT participation markets in the United States.
Investments in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts of €86.4 million principally for Machine Gaming, Lotto and Sports Betting. Intangible asset spending principally relates to software and concessions and licenses.
Investments in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts of €28.2 million principally relate to lottery systems in Luxembourg, Beijing, China, Poland and the United Kingdom.
|
For the year ended December 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
Systems,
equipment and other assets related to contracts |
Property,
plant and equipment |
Intangible
Assets |
Investments
in Associates |
|||||||||
Operating Segments |
|||||||||||||
Americas |
177,404 | 2,087 | 1,176 | | |||||||||
Italy |
87,941 | | 17,869 | | |||||||||
International |
37,357 | 2,026 | 1,624 | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
302,702 | 4,113 | 20,669 | | |||||||||
Products and Services |
3,950 |
5,754 |
|
|
|||||||||
Corporate |
82 | 534 | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
306,734 | 10,401 | 20,669 | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
353
Investments in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts of €177.4 million principally for systems and equipment in Texas, Illinois, New York, California, Nebraska, Kentucky and VLT participation markets in Latin America.
Investments in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts of €87.9 million principally for Machine Gaming, Lotto and Sports Betting. Intangible asset spending of €17.9 million principally related to software and concessions and licenses.
Investments in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts of €37.4 million principally relate to lottery systems in Poland, Shenzhen China and Luxembourg.
Credit Facilities and Indebtedness
|
September 30, | December 31, | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Long-term debt, including current portion |
||||||||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
789,402 | 759,484 | 762,542 | |||||||
Capital Securities |
776,733 | 790,209 | 787,554 | |||||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
514,606 | 520,677 | 519,856 | |||||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
503,666 | 507,259 | 493,065 | |||||||
Facilities |
304,189 | 276,347 | 394,189 | |||||||
Other |
1,641 | 1,780 | 2,834 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,890,237 | 2,855,756 | 2,960,040 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Short-term borrowings |
||||||||||
Short-term borrowings |
325 | 851 | 541 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
325 | 851 | 541 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total debt |
2,890,562 | 2,856,607 | 2,960,581 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The key terms of our material borrowings are summarized as follows:
Borrowing
|
Initial
Principal Amount |
Interest Rate (Per Annum) | Maturity | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
€ | 750 million | 5.375% (a) | December 2016 | |||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
€ | 500 million | 5.375% (a) | February 2018 | |||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
€ | 500 million | 3.5% (a) | March 2020 | |||
Capital Securities |
€ | 750 million |
8.25% through March 2016 Six-month
EURIBOR + 505 basis points thereafter |
March 2066 | |||
Term Loan Facility |
$ | 700 million | LIBOR + margin | December 2015 | |||
Revolving Facilities |
€ | 900 million | (b) | LIBOR or EURIBOR + margin | December 2015 |
Debt issuance costs, which are net against amounts borrowed, are amortized to interest expense through the maturity dates with the exception of the Capital Securities that are amortized through March 2016.
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The 2009 Notes (due 2016), the 2010 Notes (due 2018), and the 2012 Notes (due 2020) were issued by GTECH S.p.A. and are all unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by GTECH Corporation, GTECH Holdings Corporation, GTECH Rhode Island LLC and Invest Games S.A. (collectively, the "Notes"). The Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. GTECH Holdings Corporation, GTECH Rhode Island LLC and Invest Games S.A. are collectively referred to as the "Other Guarantors".
The Notes may be redeemed by GTECH S.p.A. in whole, but not in part, as follows:
Holders of each issuance of the Notes may require GTECH S.p.A. to redeem such issuance in whole or in part at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest following the occurrence of certain specified events.
Interest is payable at fixed interest rates that are subject to a 1.25% per annum adjustment in the event of a step up or step down rating change. The adjustment is subject to a 6.625% ceiling and a 5.375% floor for the 2009 Notes (due 2016) and 2010 Notes (due 2018) and a 4.75% ceiling and a 3.5% floor for the 2012 Notes (due 2020). Interest is payable annually in arrears as follows:
Borrowing
|
Payment Date | |
---|---|---|
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
December 5 | |
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
February 2 | |
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
March 5 |
GTECH S.p.A. issued Capital Securities in May 2006 which are redeemable at maturity, at par value after March 31, 2016, or at any interest payment date thereafter, upon the occurrence of certain tax events, through open market purchases, by public cash tender offer or if a change of control event occurs. The Capital Securities are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
Interest is payable annually at a fixed interest rate through March 31, 2016 and thereafter has a variable interest rate payable semi-annually.
The terms of the Capital Securities allow GTECH S.p.A. to optionally defer interest payments and mandates deferral of interest payments if GTECH S.p.A. is in breach of the coverage ratio as defined in the agreement. Under certain specified circumstances, GTECH S.p.A. is required to settle deferred interest payments with cash and in some circumstances from the proceeds of an issue, offer and sale of equity. GTECH S.p.A. paid €61.9 million of interest on the Capital Securities in the first nine months of 2014 and 2013. We have historically been in compliance with all covenant requirements.
GTECH S.p.A. is required to authorize the issuance by the Board of Directors of ordinary shares in accordance with a resolution approved by its shareholders. At each annual general meeting, the value of the ordinary shares authorized for issuance must be at least equivalent to the interest payments due during the following two-year period. As of December 31, 2013, the authorization was in place for the issuance of capital up to €125 million equal to the estimated interest for the following two years.
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We have the following unsecured and unsubordinated facilities that expire in December 2015:
Facility
|
Borrower | |
---|---|---|
$700 million term loan (the "Term Loan Facility") |
GTECH Corporation | |
€500 million multi-currency revolving credit facility ("Revolving Facility A") |
GTECH Corporation | |
€400 million multi-currency revolving credit facility ("Revolving Facility B") |
GTECH S.p.A. |
Revolving Facility A and Revolving Facility B are collectively referred to as the "Revolving Facilities" and the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Facilities are collectively referred to as the "Facilities".
The Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility A are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by GTECH S.p.A. and the Other Guarantors. Revolving Facility B is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by GTECH Corporation and the Other Guarantors.
As of both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was €1.2 million drawn on the Revolving Facility B and $385.0 million (€306.0 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) was outstanding under the Term Loan Facility.
Principal payments remaining under the Term Loan Facility are as follows:
|
September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(in thousands)
|
U.S. dollars | Euro equivalent | U.S. dollars | Euro equivalent | |||||||||
2014 |
175,000 | 139,077 | 175,000 | 126,894 | |||||||||
2015 |
210,000 | 166,892 | 210,000 | 152,273 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
385,000 | 305,969 | 385,000 | 279,167 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest is generally payable between one and six months in arrears at a variable interest rate plus a margin based on our ratio of total net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and our senior unsecured long-term debt rating. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the effective interest rate on the Facilities was 1.20% and 1.25%, respectively.
Certain other fees are payable quarterly as follows:
Fee
|
Terms | |
---|---|---|
Facility |
37.5% of margin per annum on the total available commitment under the Revolving Facilities | |
Utilization |
Between 0% and 0.4% per annum based on the average daily amount outstanding under the Revolving Facilities |
The agreement for the Facilities contains, among other terms:
Limitations on acquisitions: The agreement for the Facilities prohibits GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries from merging or making acquisitions subject to certain exceptions, including mergers and acquisitions if (i) no default is continuing or would occur, (ii) the acquired company is principally
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engaged in the same business as that of the GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries and (iii) either (a) the consideration paid and liabilities assumed by GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries do not exceed in aggregate (1) in any year, ten percent (10%) of the consolidated assets of GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries, and (2) at any time, €1.5 billion (if GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries has corporate credit ratings below BBB and Baa2 by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P"), and Moody's Investor Services Limited ("Moody's"), respectively) or (b) each of S&P and Moody's publicly discloses that GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries has a corporate credit rating of at least BBB- and Baa3, respectively, and GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries indebtedness has credit ratings of at least BBB- and Baa3, respectively.
Limitations on dividends: The agreement for the Facilities prohibits GTECH S.p.A. from paying any dividends or making distributions in any year unless no event of default has occurred and is continuing and the aggregate amount of such dividends and distributions does not exceed (i) €225 million (if GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries has corporate credit ratings of at least BBB- and Baa3 by S&P and Moody's, respectively) or (ii) the lesser of €175 million and the aggregate amount of such dividends and distributions for the preceding year (if GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries has corporate credit ratings below BBB- and Baa3 by S&P and Moody's, respectively).
Violation of these terms may result in the full principal amounts of the Facilities being immediately payable upon written notice. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants and limitations.
In connection with certain customer contracts, we are required to issue letters of credit that primarily secure our performance under customer contracts. For letters of credit outside of the Revolving Facilities, we enter into facilities as required and pay a fee to the third party based on the amount issued.
|
Letters of Credit Outstanding |
|
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Weighted
Average Annual Cost |
||||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Outside the
Revolving Facilities |
Under the
Revolving Facilities |
Total | ||||||||||
September 30, 2014 |
665,773 | 1,155 | 666,928 | 0.94 | % | ||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
689,602 | 1,194 | 690,796 | 1.05 | % | ||||||||
December 31, 2012 |
713,731 | 2,239 | 715,970 | 0.98 | % |
Arrangements with Off-balance Sheet Risk
We have the following off-balance sheet arrangements:
In connection with certain contracts and procurements, we have been required to deliver performance bonds for the benefit of our customers and bid and litigation bonds for the benefit of potential customers, respectively. These bonds, on which customers and potential customers have never made a claim, give the beneficiary the right to obtain payment and/or performance from the issuer of the bond if certain specified events occur. In the case of performance bonds, which generally have a term of one year, such events include our failure to perform our obligations under the applicable contract. The following table provides information related to potential commitments for bonds outstanding at December 31, 2013:
(€ thousands)
|
Total bonds | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Performance bonds |
266,126 | |||
Litigation bonds |
28,602 | |||
All other bonds |
1,694 | |||
| | | | |
|
296,422 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
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Loxley GTECH Technology Co., LTD guarantee
We have a 49% interest in Loxley GTECH Technology Co., LTD ("LGT"), which is accounted for as an asset held for sale with a de minimis value. LGT is a joint venture that was formed to provide an online lottery system in Thailand.
The Company has guaranteed, along with the 51% shareholder in LGT, performance bonds provided to LGT by an unrelated commercial lender. The performance bonds relate to LGT's performance under the July 2005 contract between the Government Lottery Office of Thailand and LGT should such contract become operational. The Company is jointly and severally liable with the other shareholder in LGT for this guarantee. There is no scheduled termination date for the Company's guarantee obligation. The maximum liability under the guarantee is Baht 375 million (€9.2 million). At September 30, 2014, the Company does not have any obligation related to this guarantee because the July 2005 contract to provide the online lottery system is not in operation due to continuing political instability in Thailand
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania indemnification
We will indemnify the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and any related state agencies for claims made relating to the state's approval of GTECH Corporation's manufacturer's license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The following table summarizes payments due under our significant contractual commitments as of December 31, 2013:
|
Payments by calendar year | |||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
2019 and
thereafter |
Total | |||||||||||||||
Capital Securities (due 2066) |
| | | | | 750,000 | 750,000 | |||||||||||||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
| | 750,000 | | | | 750,000 | |||||||||||||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
| | | | 500,000 | | 500,000 | |||||||||||||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
| | | | | 500,000 | 500,000 | |||||||||||||||
Facilities |
126,894 | 152,273 | | | | | 279,167 | |||||||||||||||
Other |
1,412 | 147 | 147 | 73 | | | 1,779 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term Debt (1) |
128,306 | 152,420 | 750,147 | 73 | 500,000 | 1,250,000 | 2,780,946 | |||||||||||||||
Interest on Long-term debt (2) |
150,052 | 149,947 | 127,615 | 86,523 | 64,330 | 2,654,699 | 3,233,166 | |||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations (3) |
34,776 | 24,965 | 19,510 | 14,820 | 10,032 | 9,690 | 113,793 | |||||||||||||||
Finance Leases (4) |
10,561 | 10,605 | 10,649 | 10,694 | 4,455 | 19,330 | 66,294 | |||||||||||||||
Acquisition contingent consideration |
722 | 263 | 209 | | | | 1,194 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
324,417 | 338,200 | 908,130 | 112,110 | 578,817 | 3,933,719 | 6,195,393 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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current interest rates in effect at December 31, 2013. For purposes of this table, interest related to the Capital Securities (due 2066) is assumed through March 31, 2066.
The long-term debt obligations reflected in the table above can be reconciled to the amount in the December 31, 2013 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as follows:
(€ thousands)
|
Amount | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Debt (as per Note 19) |
2,856,607 | |||
Accrued interest |
(88,396 | ) | ||
Fair value hedge on 2009 Notes (due 2016) |
(10,280 | ) | ||
Short-term borrowings |
(851 | ) | ||
Accrued fees |
(423 | ) | ||
Unamortized debt issuance costs |
24,289 | |||
| | | | |
Principal portion of Long-term debt |
2,780,946 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
In addition to the contractual commitments summarized in the contractual commitments table, we have the following contractual obligations for which the timing is uncertain:
In December 2013, we invested €19.8 million in Yeonama Holdings Co. Limited ("Yeonama"), a shareholder in Emma Delta Limited ("Emma Delta"), the fund that holds a 33% interest in OPAP S.A., the Greek gaming and football betting operator. At December 31, 2013, we had a commitment to invest up to an additional €10.2 million in Yeonama, representing a total potential €30 million investment, or an approximate 5% indirect minority interest in Emma Delta.
We have a 50% interest in CLS-GTECH Company Limited ("CLS-GTECH"), a joint venture that was formed to provide a nationwide KENO system for Welfare lotteries throughout China. We have a capital commitment to CLS-GTECH in the form of a non-interest bearing promissory note to be repaid at the discretion of the CLS-GTECH board of directors. At December 31, 2013, the outstanding commitment was US$3.8 million (€2.7 million at the December 31, 2013 exchange rate), which is included in current financial liabilities in our consolidated statement of financial position.
Guarantees and Indemnifications
In January 2011, Northstar Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar"), a consortium in which GTECH Corporation holds an 80% controlling interest, entered into a 10-year agreement (the "Illinois Agreement"), subject to early termination provisions, with the State of Illinois, acting through the Department of the Lottery (as the statutory successor to the Department of Revenue, Lottery Division
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(the "State")). Under the Illinois Agreement, Northstar, subject to the State's oversight, manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions.
The State may terminate the Illinois Agreement early under several scenarios such as (a) for convenience with a 90 day notice, (b) for a change in control of Northstar not approved by the State, (c) under an "Event of Default" (as such term is defined in the Illinois Agreement) by Northstar, or (d) in the event that Net Income Shortfall (as defined below) is more than 10% of the applicable Net Income Targets (as defined below) for any consecutive two contract year period, or any three contract years in a five contract year period. Should the State terminate the Illinois Agreement for convenience, the State would be obligated to pay Northstar a termination fee based on the terms outlined in the Illinois Agreement. Northstar may also terminate the Illinois Agreement under limited circumstances, as described in the Illinois Agreement.
As compensation for its management services, Northstar receives reimbursement of certain operating expenses, which is recorded as service revenue in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated income statement. Northstar is also entitled to receive annual incentive compensation to the extent the net income earned by the State in a given fiscal year (as adjusted for certain expenses that the State has agreed to retain; hereinafter "Adjusted Net Income") exceeds the State established net income levels ("Net Income Levels") for such fiscal year. Under the terms of the Illinois Agreement, Northstar may request adjustments to Net Income Levels and Net Income Targets (as defined below) in the event that the State acts (or fails to act) in a manner the effect of which is reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the State's Adjusted Net Income and Northstar's ability to earn and collect incentive compensation. The State may also request adjustments to Net Income Levels and Net Income Targets should there be a material change in the gaming environment.
In its bid, Northstar guaranteed the State a minimum level of Adjusted Net Income ("Net Income Targets") for each fiscal year of the Illinois Agreement commencing with the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2012. Northstar has proposed to the State Net Income Targets for each of the first eight fiscal years of the Illinois Agreement, with the remaining two fiscal years to be proposed during the State's and Northstar's annual budget process. As described above and pursuant to the terms of the Illinois Agreement, Northstar may request adjustments to Net Income Levels and Net Income Targets. Under the terms of the Illinois Agreement, to the extent that Adjusted Net Income in a given fiscal year falls short of the Net Income Target in such fiscal year (such shortfall, a "Net Income Shortfall"), the Illinois Agreement provides a formula to determine the amount that Northstar owes the State ("Shortfall Payment").
The incentive compensation Northstar may earn can be reduced by a Shortfall Payment in the event Northstar's performance does not achieve the Net Income Target it has guaranteed. For each fiscal year, Northstar may receive from the State incentive compensation net of Shortfall Payments ("Net Incentive Compensation") or Northstar will pay the State a Shortfall Payment net of any incentive compensation earned ("Net Shortfall Payment"). The annual Net Incentive Compensation or the Net Shortfall Payment may not exceed 5% of Adjusted Net Income for such fiscal year.
The Illinois Agreement provides for a resolution process to resolve disputes between Northstar and the State. In November 2012, Northstar and the State received a final determination from a third-party neutral for certain disputes. The third party neutral's final determination entitled Northstar to several downward adjustments to Net Income Targets totaling $28.4 million (€22.6 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) for the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 and $2.9 million (€2.3 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) for the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2013. Under the terms of the Illinois Agreement, any adjustment by a third-party neutral that is less than 5% of Net Income Targets, as is the case with each of these adjustments, is binding on the parties. Other matters that
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could impact Net Income Levels and Net Income Targets identified by the parties are yet to be resolved.
A fundamental disagreement exists between Northstar and the State regarding the methodology used by the State to calculate Net Income. The State's methodology to calculate Net Income remains unclear and is inconsistent with the methodology used by the Lottery's independent auditors in the audited financial statements. As a result of such disagreement, on August 16, 2013, Northstar formally requested a downward adjustment to each of the Net Income Levels and Net Income Target for fiscal year 2012. This was one of the several adjustments that will be part of the non-binding mediation process referred to below.
In addition to the above disputes, Northstar has proposed several additional downward adjustments to the Net Income Levels and/or Net Income Targets in multiple fiscal years for various State actions, each of which Northstar believes is reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Adjusted Net Income and Northstar's ability to earn and collect incentive compensation. Further, the State has proposed several upward adjustments to the Net Income Levels and the Net Income Targets for each of the first five fiscal years of the Illinois Agreement for what the State believes are material changes in the gaming environment. The parties attempted to resolve the adjustments through the non-binding mediation process contemplated by the Illinois Agreement. The parties met in November 2013 with a mediator in an attempt to resolve outstanding differences but no agreement was reached. The parties continue to discuss a potential resolution of the unresolved downward and upward adjustments. If the parties remain unsuccessful, then the resolution of the unresolved adjustments is subject to the determination of an independent third party neutral.
Despite the matters to be resolved, Northstar's best estimate of its Net Shortfall Payment obligations to the State as of September 30, 2014 related to the first three fiscal years of the Illinois Agreement is $82 million (€65.2 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate). This amount is included in other current liabilities, with an offset to other non-current assets, in the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. We consider the offset to the Net Shortfall Payment obligation to be an asset as it is a cost incurred directly related to the future benefits of the contract. We amortize the other non-current asset against service revenue over the contract term. We will continue to revise our estimate of the Net Shortfall Payment obligations until the unresolved matters are determined.
As stated above, a fundamental disagreement exists between Northstar and the State regarding several unresolved disputes. The State claims that Northstar's Net Shortfall Payment obligation for the State's fiscal year 2012 is $21.8 million. Northstar strongly disagrees with the State's assessment, including the methodology used in certain of its Adjusted Net Income calculations. If Northstar is successful in its claims for adjustments, based on Northstar's interpretation of the Illinois Agreement, Northstar believes that the Adjusted Net Income for the State's fiscal year 2012 could materially recover the amount claimed by the State. However, on August 1, 2013, the State submitted written notification to Northstar that the State would offset the amount owed against outstanding payables to Northstar pursuant to the Illinois Agreement. Subsequently, on August 8, 2013, the State offset the $21.8 million against its payment to Northstar. On March 11, 2014, the State submitted written notification to Northstar stating that Northstar's Net Shortfall Payment obligation for the State's fiscal year 2013 is $38.6 million, and the State has offset this amount against outstanding payables to Northstar. The State provided no explanation as to the methodology used for determining Net Income to arrive at such Net Shortfall Payment amount. Northstar believes that the State's calculation for fiscal year 2013 results in a Net Shortfall Payment limited to 5% of Adjusted Net Income. Northstar believes that the combined amounts of the expected settlement for the State's fiscal year 2012, 5% Net Shortfall Payment for the State's fiscal year 2013, and estimated Net Shortfall for the State's fiscal year 2014 result in a combined Net Shortfall of $82M.
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In addition, Northstar's net income for each of the two most recent contract years is more than ten percent (10%) less than the Net Income Target in such contract years. As a result of such Net Income Shortfalls, the State has the right to terminate the Illinois Agreement. Northstar believes that if the State were to attempt to exercise this right to terminate the Illinois Agreement, Northstar would be entitled to significant damages. In August 2014, the Illinois Governor's Office directed the Illinois Department of Lottery (the "Lottery") to end its relationship with Northstar. Northstar and the Lottery are working to address the Governor's Office concerns in accordance with the process set forth in the private management agreement between the State of Illinois and Northstar (the "PMA"), which may include an agreement to terminate the PMA. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, a final decision regarding Northstar's relationship with the State of Illinois has not been reached.
In October 2012, GTECH Indiana, LLC ("GTECH Indiana"), a wholly owned subsidiary of GTECH Corporation, entered into a 15-year agreement (the "Indiana Agreement"), with the State Lottery Commission of Indiana (the "State") that ends June 30, 2028, subject to early termination provisions, with transition services that commenced immediately, and with full services that began on July 1, 2013. Under the Indiana Agreement, GTECH Indiana manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions subject to the State's control over all significant business decisions. The Indiana Agreement may be extended through June 30, 2038, with such extensions based on economic performance metrics identified in the Indiana Agreement.
The State may terminate the Indiana Agreement early under several scenarios such as (a) for convenience with a 90 day notice, (b) for a change in control of GTECH Indiana not approved by the State, (c) under an event of default by GTECH Indiana, or (d) in the event that Net Income Shortfalls (as defined below) equal more than 10% of the applicable Bid Net Income (as defined below) for any consecutive two contract year periods, or any three contract years in a five contract year period. Should the State terminate the Indiana Agreement for convenience, the State would be obligated to pay GTECH Indiana a termination fee based on the terms outlined in the Indiana Agreement. GTECH Indiana may also terminate the Indiana Agreement under limited circumstances, as described in the Indiana Agreement.
Commencing with the contract year starting July 1, 2013, to the extent that the actual net income earned by the State each year exceeds the net income guaranteed by GTECH Indiana for such year ("Bid Net Income"), GTECH Indiana will earn incentive compensation for each dollar in excess of Bid Net Income, up to an annual maximum of 5% of the actual net income earned by the State in such contract year. In the event actual net income is less than Bid Net Income in a contract year ("Net Income Shortfall"), GTECH Indiana will be required to pay the State for such Net Income Shortfall, provided that the Net Income Shortfall payment may not exceed 5% of Bid Net Income in such contract year.
GTECH Indiana receives reimbursement for certain costs in connection with the Indiana Agreement, including those related to managing the lottery such as its personnel costs and other overhead expenses, as well as lottery expenses incurred by GTECH Indiana for fees paid to subcontractors for the provision of goods and services. These reimbursements are recorded as service revenue in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated income statement.
As of September 30, 2014, management's best estimate is that the obligation relating to the minimum profit level guarantee is $17.6 million (€13.9 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) related to the State's fiscal years June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, which was recorded as a reduction of service revenue in the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC
On June 20, 2013, Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar NJ"), a consolidated joint venture in which GTECH Corporation indirectly holds an approximate 41% interest, entered into an agreement (the "New Jersey Agreement") with the State of New Jersey (the "State"), Department of the Treasury, Division of Purchase and Property and Division of Lottery (the "Division of Lottery"), which ends June 30, 2029, subject to early termination provisions, with transition services commencing immediately, and with base services that began on October 1, 2013. Under the New Jersey Agreement, Northstar NJ manages a wide range of the Division of Lottery's marketing, sales and related functions, which is subject to the Division of Lottery's continuing control and oversight over the conduct of lottery operations.
The State may terminate the New Jersey Agreement early under several scenarios such as (a) for convenience with a 90 day notice, (b) for a change in control of Northstar NJ not approved by the State, (c) under an event of default by Northstar NJ, or (d) in the event that Net Income Shortfalls (as defined below) equal more than 10% of the applicable net income targets (as defined below) for any consecutive two contract year periods, or any three contract years in a five contract year period. Should the State terminate the New Jersey Agreement for convenience, the State would be obligated to pay Northstar NJ a termination fee based on the terms outlined in the New Jersey Agreement. Northstar NJ may also terminate the New Jersey Agreement under limited circumstances, as described in the New Jersey Agreement.
To the extent that the net income earned by the Division of Lottery each year exceeds the base level income for such year set by the Division of Lottery, Northstar NJ will earn incentive compensation that is awarded based on various levels of performance, up to an annual maximum of 5% of the actual net income earned by the Division of Lottery in such year. The incentive compensation that Northstar NJ may earn in an applicable year under the New Jersey Agreement could be reduced by a Net Income Shortfall (defined below) in the event Northstar NJ's performance does not achieve the net income target it guaranteed for the applicable year. Northstar NJ will be responsible for payments to the Division of Lottery, based on a formula provided by the New Jersey Agreement, should the net income targets set forth in Northstar NJ's bid not be achieved (a "Net Income Shortfall"), and to the extent that such Net Income Shortfall amounts exceed incentive compensation earned by Northstar NJ in such contract year, with any such payment further subject to a cap of 2% of the applicable contract year's actual net income (a "Net Income Shortfall Payment"). Further, over the term of the New Jersey Agreement, Northstar NJ has a credit of up to $20 million (€15.9 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate), which is available to offset any Net Income Shortfall Payment due to the Division of Lottery.
Northstar NJ receives reimbursement monthly for certain manager and operating expenses, including personnel costs and other overhead expenses. Certain costs, which include fees to subcontractors, including GTECH Corporation (for online and instant ticket services to be provided to Northstar NJ) and Scientific Games International, Inc. (for instant ticket and other related services to be provided to Northstar NJ), are also reimbursed to Northstar NJ by the State. Third-party reimbursements are recorded as service revenue in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated income statement.
Northstar NJ made a $120 million (€91.7 million at the acquisition date) payment to the Division of Lottery upon execution of the New Jersey Agreement, and it has committed to ensuring that 30% of total revenues accruing from lottery ticket sales will be transferred to State institutions and State aid for education on an annual basis. The 2% downside cap and $20 million (€15.9 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) credit set forth above are not applicable with respect to Northstar NJ's 30% contribution requirement.
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As of September 30, 2014, management's best estimate, based on unaudited results, is that the impact of a Net Income Shortfall will result in the use of $14.2 million (€11.3 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) of Northstar NJ's $20 million credit, and therefore we have not recorded any amounts in its unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements related to the guarantee.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our activities expose us to a variety of risks including interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. Our overall risk management strategy focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on our performance through ongoing operational and finance activities. We monitor and manage our exposure to such risks both centrally and at the local level, as appropriate, as part of our overall risk management program with the objective of seeking to reduce the potential adverse effects of such risks on our results of operations and financial position.
Depending on the risk assessment, we use selected derivative hedging instruments, including principally interest rate swaps and forward currency contracts for the purposes of managing interest rate risk and currency risks arising from our operations and sources of financing. Our policy is not to enter into such contracts for speculative purposes.
The following section provides qualitative and quantitative disclosures on the effects that these risks may have. The quantitative data reported below does not have any predictive value and does not reflect the complexity of the markets or reactions which may result from any changes that are assumed to have taken place.
Our exposure to changes in market interest rates relates primarily to our cash and financial liabilities which bear floating interest rates. In particular, the Facilities bear floating rates of interest, linked to Euribor and Libor. Our policy is to manage interest cost using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We use various techniques to mitigate the risks associated with future changes in interest rates, including entering into interest rate swap and treasury rate lock agreements. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had entered into interest rate swaps with a notional value of €150 million to swap a portion of the 2009 Notes (due 2016) from a fixed rate to a variable rate. After considering such interest rate swaps, approximately 15% and 18% of our net debt portfolio was variable rate at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively.
A hypothetical 10 basis points increase in interest rates for the year ended December 31, 2013, with all other variables held constant, would have resulted in a decrease in our income before income tax of approximately €0.4 million (€0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012).
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We operate on an international basis across a number of geographical locations. We are exposed to (i) transactional foreign exchange risk when an entity enters into transactions in a currency other than its functional currency and (ii) translation foreign exchange risk which arises when we translate the financial statements of our foreign entities into Euro for the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Our subsidiaries generally execute their operating activities in their respective functional currencies. In circumstances where we enter into transactions in a currency other the functional currency of the relevant entity we seek to minimize our exposure by (i) sharing risk with our customers,
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for example, in limited circumstances, but whenever possible, we negotiate clauses into our contracts that allow for price adjustments should a material change in foreign exchange rates occur (ii) creating a natural hedge by netting receipts and payments (iii) utilizing foreign currency borrowings and (iv) where applicable, by entering into foreign currency forward and option contracts.
The principal foreign currencies to which we are exposed are the US$ and British pounds.
From time to time, we enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts to reduce the exposure associated with certain firm commitments, variable service revenues, and certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts generally have average maturities of 12 months or less and are regularly renewed to provide continuing coverage throughout the year. It is our policy to negotiate the terms of the hedge derivatives to match the terms of the hedged item to maximize hedge effectiveness.
As of December 31, 2013, we had forward contracts for the sale of approximately US$352 million (€255.2 million) of foreign currency (primarily Euro, British Pounds, and Swedish Krona) and the purchase of approximately US$501.4 million (€363.6 million) of foreign currency (primarily Euro and Swedish krona). We also had foreign currency option contracts for the sale of approximately US$8.5 million (€6.2 million) and the purchase of approximately US$8.8 million (€6.4 million).
Certain of our subsidiaries are located in countries which are outside of the Eurozone, in particular the United States. As our reporting currency is the Euro, the income statements of those entities are converted into Euro using the average exchange rate for the period, and while revenues and costs are unchanged in local currency, changes in exchange rates may lead to effects on the converted balances of revenues, costs and the result in Euro. The monetary assets and liabilities of consolidated entities that have a reporting currency other than the Euro are translated into Euro at the period-end foreign exchange rate. The effects of these changes in foreign exchange rates are recognized directly in the consolidated statement of changes in equity within other reserves.
At December 31, 2013 we held SEK 22.5 million (€25.1 million) of foreign currency contracts designated as a hedge against the net investment in our wholly owned subsidiary Boss Media AB.
Our foreign currency exposure primarily arises from changes between the Euro and US$. A hypothetical 10% decrease in the Euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate, with all other variables held constant, would have reduced our income before income tax by €5.7 million for 2013 (€4.6 million for 2012) and equity by €271.5 million for 2013 (€287.7 million for 2012).
Liquidity risk is the risk of not being able to fulfill present or future obligations if we do not have sufficient funds available to meet such obligations. Liquidity risk arises mostly in relation to cash flows generated and used in working capital and from financing activities, particularly by servicing our debt, in terms of both interest and capital, and our payment obligations relating to our ordinary business activities. We believe that the cash which we generate from our operating activities, together with our committed borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet out financial obligations and operating requirements in the foreseeable future. Therefore, we do not believe that we are exposed to significant concentration of liquidity risk.
Our credit risk primarily arises from cash and trade receivables. We have established risk management policies whereby we hold our cash deposits with major, financially sound counterparties with high grade credit ratings and by limiting exposure to any one credit party.
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We enter into commercial transactions only with recognized, creditworthy third parties. A significant portion of our trade receivables are from government lottery entities which we therefore consider to pose insignificant credit risk. Additionally, we do not have significant credit risk to any single customer. Geographically, credit risk is concentrated in Italy. At December 31, 2013, approximately 71% of total trade and other receivables, net are associated with the Italy segment and approximately 69% of these receivables relate to the lottery instant ticket business. We recorded bad debt expense of €12.3 million and €12.8 million, or less than 1% of total revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Our exposure to commodity price changes is not considered material and is managed through our procurement and sales practices.
On July 15, 2014, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation ("IGT"), a global leader in casino and social gaming entertainment, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.
On July 15, 2014, in connection with our planned acquisition of IGT, we obtained a debt commitment letter, pursuant to which affiliates of Credit Suisse AG, Barclays PLC and Citigroup Inc. provided commitments to fund a 364-day senior bridge term loan credit facility (the "Bridge Facility") in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $10.7 billion. The Bridge Facility consists of four sub-facilities, the proceeds of which are to be used, among other things, to pay the cash portion of the merger consideration, to fund transaction expenses, to redeem and/or refinance existing specified indebtedness of GTECH and IGT, to the extent applicable, and to fund cash payments to GTECH shareholders exercising rescission rights. In August 2014, we successfully fully syndicated the Bridge Facility. The Bridge Facility can be extended for a further six months subject to certain conditions and the payment of additional fees. Should such extension be applicable, as at September 30, 2014, the Bridge Facility commitment is available to the Company for a further 15 months.
As of November 21, 2014, the aggregate financing commitments under the bridge facility had been reduced to approximately $8.1 billion (assuming an exchange rate of $1.36 / €1.00) as a result of the following events (dollars and euro in millions):
Original Bridge Commitment |
$ | 10,704 | ||
Consent received from holders of IGT's $500 7.50% Notes due 2019 |
(505 | ) | ||
New senior credit facilities (described below) |
||||
Reduction per original commitment terms |
(848 | ) | ||
Reduction for prefunding of redemption of GTECH's €750 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2016 |
(1,114 | ) | ||
Reduction for prefunding or purchase of IGT stock options and restricted stock units |
(131 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Bridge Commitment as of November 21, 2014 |
8,106 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
In addition, as of November 21, 2014, GTECH has received sufficient early votes from the holders of its €500 million 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2018 and its €500 million 3.5% Guaranteed Notes due 2020 in favor of a proposal to approve the Italian Reorganization, the Holdco Merger and certain related transactions and certain other proposals. It is therefore expected that the proposal will be approved at the relevant noteholders' meetings on November 24, 2014, and accordingly GTECH
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expects that the bridge facility commitment will be further reduced from approximately $8.1 billion to approximately $6.6 billion on November 25, 2014, of which approximately 33% would be in euros and 67% would be in US dollars.
In October 2014, in connection with the pending acquisition of IGT, noteholder meetings have been scheduled for November 2014 to obtain approvals on certain matters related to the acquisition from the holders of the 2010 Notes (due 2018) and the 2012 Notes (due 2020). We intend to exercise the call option provided for in the terms and conditions of both the 2010 Notes (due 2018) and the 2012 Notes (due 2020) if the extraordinary resolution is not approved. In addition, we intend to exercise the call option provided for in the terms and conditions of the 2009 Notes (due 2016).
In November 2014, GTECH S.p.A. and GTECH Corporation entered into a USD 2.6 billion (€2.1 billion at the October 31, 2014 exchange rate) five-year senior facilities agreement (the "Agreement") with a syndicate of 20 banks. The Agreement provides for a USD 1.4 billion multicurrency revolving credit facility for GTECH Corporation and an €850 million multicurrency revolving credit facility for GTECH S.p.A. Upon completion of the pending acquisition of IGT, the US dollar facility will be increased to USD 1.5 billion. The revolving credit facilities will be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of any outstanding amounts under the Company's existing term loan facility and multicurrency revolving facilities (which are scheduled to expire in December 2015) and refinancing certain debt securities issued by GTECH S.p.A. Upon completion of the pending acquisition of IGT, the US dollar facility will also be used to repay any outstanding amounts under IGT's revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facilities will bear a variable interest rate based on certain credit ratings and are subject to standard covenants and restrictions. GTECH S.p.A. intends to redeem its €750 million 2009 Notes (due December 2016) on December 8, 2014 with proceeds from the revolving credit facilities.
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THE HOLDCO SHARES, ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF
THE SPECIAL VOTING SHARES
The following information is a summary of the material terms of the Holdco ordinary shares, special voting shares and sterling non-voting shares (together, the "Holdco Shares").
You are encouraged to read the Form of Holdco Articles which will be the articles of association of Holdco following completion of the Mergers, which are included as Annex I to this proxy statement/prospectus. For more information, see the comparison of relative rights described below in "Comparison of Rights of Shareholders of GTECH, IGT and Holdco" beginning on page [ ].
Under English law, persons who are neither residents nor nationals of the U.K. may freely hold, vote and transfer the Holdco Shares in the same manner and under the same terms as U.K. residents or nationals.
As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, there are on issue (i) one Holdco ordinary share of a nominal value of £1.00 and (ii) 50,000 sterling non-voting shares.
The Holdco Board will be authorized in the Holdco Articles to allot and issue shares in Holdco, and to grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares of Holdco, up to an aggregate nominal amount ( i.e. , par value) of $185 million, comprised of any of the following:
The allotment authorization referred to above will expire five years after the shareholder resolution granting such authorization, and renewal of such authorization is expected to be sought at least once every five years and possibly more frequently.
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Subject to the U.K. Companies Act 2006, the Holdco shareholders may declare a dividend by ordinary resolution, and the board of directors may decide to pay an interim dividend to shareholders in accordance with their respective rights and interests in Holdco, and may fix the time for payment of such dividend. Dividends may only be paid out of distributable reserves, defined as accumulated realized profits not previously utilized by distribution or capitalization less accumulated realized losses to the extent not previously written off in a reduction or reorganization of capital duly made, and not out of share capital, which includes the share premium account. Distributable reserves are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles at the time the relevant accounts are prepared.
The amount of Holdco's distributable reserves is a cumulative calculation. Holdco may be profitable in a single financial year but unable to pay a dividend if the profits of that year do not offset all previous year's accumulated realized losses.
Following the effective date for the Mergers, it is expected that Holdco will implement a court-approved capital reduction in order to create distributable reserves in the accounts of Holdco to support the payment of possible future dividends.
The shareholders of Holdco may by ordinary resolution on the recommendation of the directors decide that the payment of all or any part of a dividend be satisfied by transferring non-cash assets of equivalent value, including shares or securities in any corporation.
The Holdco Articles also permit a scrip dividend scheme under which the directors may, with the prior authority of an ordinary resolution of Holdco, allot to those holders of a particular class of shares who have elected to receive them further shares of that class or ordinary shares in either case credited as fully paid instead of cash in respect of all or part of a dividend or dividends specified by the resolution.
Subject to any rights or restrictions as to voting attached to any class of shares and subject to disenfranchisement in the event of non-payment of any call or other sum due and payable in respect of any shares not fully paid, the voting rights of shareholders of Holdco in a general meeting are as follows:
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in which case, the proxy has one vote for and one vote against the resolution; and
Under the Holdco Articles, a poll on a resolution may be demanded by the chairman, the directors, five or more people having the right to vote on the resolution or a shareholder or shareholders (or their duly appointed prox(ies)) having not less than 10% of either the total voting rights or the total paid up share capital. Such persons may demand the poll both in advance of, and during, a general meeting, either before or after a show of hands on a resolution.
In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior holder who votes (or any proxy duly appointed by him) may be counted by Holdco.
The necessary quorum for a general shareholder meeting is the shareholders who together represent at least a majority of the voting rights of all the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, save that if Holdco only has one shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the general meeting, one shareholder present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote is a quorum. If a meeting is adjourned for lack of quorum, the quorum of the adjourned meeting will be one shareholder present in person or by proxy.
Amendment to the Articles of Association
Under English law, the shareholders may amend the articles of association of a public limited company by special resolution at a general meeting.
The full text of the special resolution must be included in the notice of the meeting.
Scope
The purpose of the loyalty voting structure connected with the special voting shares (the "Loyalty Plan") is to reward long-term ownership of Holdco ordinary shares and promote stability of the Holdco shareholder base by granting long-term Holdco shareholders with the equivalent of 1.9995 votes for each Holdco ordinary share that they hold.
Characteristics of Special Voting Shares
Each special voting share carries 0.9995 votes. The special voting shares and Holdco ordinary shares will be treated as if they are a single class of shares and not divided into separate classes for voting purposes (save upon a resolution in respect of any proposed termination of the Loyalty Plan).
The special voting shares have only minimal economic entitlements. Such economic entitlements are designed to comply with English law but are immaterial for investors.
Issue
At the closing, Holdco will allot and issue to the Nominee such number of special voting shares as is equal to the number of Holdco ordinary shares allotted pursuant to the Mergers. The Nominee will hold such special voting shares on behalf of the shareholders of Holdco as a whole, and will exercise the voting rights attached to those shares in accordance with the Holdco Articles.
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Participation in the Loyalty Plan
In order to become entitled to elect to participate in the Loyalty Plan, a shareholder must maintain ownership (legally and beneficially, or otherwise as determined by the Holdco Board, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Loyalty Plan from time to time, to have been held (or deemed to have been held) beneficially by a shareholder (a "relevant interest")) of one or more Holdco ordinary shares for a continuous period of three years or more (an "Eligible Person"). This means that no shareholder, other than the Nominee, will be entitled to exercise any rights in special voting shares until after the third anniversary of completion of the Mergers (at the earliest).
After a shareholder has maintained such ownership of one or more Holdco ordinary shares for a continuous period of three years or more, they may elect to participate in the Loyalty Plan by submitting a validly completed and signed election form (the "Election Form") to the Company's designated agent ("Agent"). The Election Form will, amongst other things, include: (i) representations and warranties from the Eligible Person and, if relevant, their broker, bank or intermediary that such Eligible Person has held a relevant interest in the relevant Holdco ordinary shares for a continuous period of three years; (ii) agreement by the Eligible Person to the voting arrangements for the special voting shares (as summarized below) as set out in the Holdco Articles and the terms and conditions of the Loyalty Plan; and (iii) an undertaking not to transfer any interest in the special voting shares or the Holdco ordinary shares without first delivering to the Agent a withdrawal form ("Withdrawal Form").
The Election Form will be available on the website of Holdco following completion of the Mergers.
Upon receipt of the Election Form, the Agent will register the relevant Holdco ordinary shares in a separate registerthe Loyalty Register.
For so long as an Eligible Person's Holdco ordinary shares remain in the Loyalty Register, they may not be sold, disposed of, transferred, pledged or subjected to any lien, fixed or floating charge or other encumbrance, except in very limited circumstances.
Voting arrangements
The Nominee will exercise the votes attaching to the special voting shares held by it from time to time at a general meeting or a class meeting: (a) in respect of any special voting shares associated with Holdco ordinary shares registered in the Loyalty Register, in the same manner as the Eligible Person exercises the votes attaching to those ordinary shares; and (b) in respect of all other special voting shares, in the same percentage as the outcome of the vote of any general meeting (taking into account any votes exercised pursuant to (a) above).
An Eligible Person must direct the Nominee to exercise the votes attaching to their special voting shares in the same manner as such Eligible Person exercises the votes attaching to their associated Holdco ordinary shares.
Transfer or withdrawal
If, at any time, one or more Holdco ordinary shares are de-registered from the Loyalty Register for any reason, or any Holdco ordinary shares in the Loyalty Register are sold, disposed of, transferred, pledged or subjected to any lien, fixed or floating charge or other encumbrance, the special voting shares associated with those Holdco ordinary shares will cease to confer on the Eligible Person any voting rights (or any other rights) in connection with those special voting shares and such person will cease to be an Eligible Person in respect of those special voting shares.
A shareholder may request the de-registration of their Holdco ordinary shares from the Loyalty Register at any time by submitting a Withdrawal Form to the Agent. The Agent will release the Holdco
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ordinary shares from the Loyalty Register within three business days thereafter. Upon de-registration from the Loyalty Register, such shares will be freely transferable and tradable. From the date of the Withdrawal Form, the relevant shareholder will be considered to have waived his rights to cast any votes attaching to the associated special voting shares.
Termination of the Plan
The Loyalty Plan may be terminated at any time with immediate effect by a resolution passed on a poll taken at a general meeting with the approval of members representing 75% or more of the total voting rights attaching to the Holdco ordinary shares of members who, being entitled to vote on that resolution, do so in person or by proxy. For the avoidance of doubt, the votes attaching to the special voting shares will not be exercisable upon such resolution.
Transfer
The special voting shares may not be transferred, except in limited circumstances, e.g. for transfers between nominees.
Repurchase or redemption
Special voting shares may only be purchased or redeemed by Holdco in limited circumstances, except to reduce the number of special voting shares held by the Nominee in order to align the aggregate number of ordinary shares and special voting shares in issue from time to time, upon termination of the loyalty voting structure or pursuant to an off-market purchase arrangement. Special voting shares may be redeemed for nil consideration and repurchased for (depending on the circumstances) nil consideration or their nominal value.
An annual general meeting will be called by not less than 21 clear days' notice ( i.e. , excluding the date of receipt or deemed receipt of the notice and the date of the meeting itself). All other general meetings will be called by not less than 14 clear days' notice, unless a shorter notice is agreed to by a majority in number of the shareholders having the right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority who together hold not less than 95% in nominal value of the shares given that right. At least seven (7) clear days' notice is required for any meeting adjourned for 28 days or more or for an indefinite period.
The notice of a general meeting will be given to the shareholders (other than any who, under the provisions of the Holdco Articles or the terms of allotment or issue of shares, are not entitled to receive notice), to the Holdco Board, to the beneficial owners nominated to enjoy information rights under the U.K. Companies Act 2006, and to the auditors. Under English law, Holdco is required to hold an annual general meeting of shareholders within six (6) months from the day following the end of its fiscal year and, subject to the foregoing, the meeting may be held at a time and place determined by the Holdco Board whether within or outside of the U.K.
Under English law, Holdco must convene such a meeting once it has received requests to do so from shareholders representing at least 5% of the paid up share capital of the company as carries voting rights at general meetings.
In the event of a voluntary winding up of Holdco, the liquidator may, on obtaining any sanction required by law, divide among the shareholders the whole or any part of the assets of Holdco, whether or not the assets consist of property of one kind or of different kinds and vest the whole or any part of
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the assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the members as he, with the like sanction, will determine.
The liquidator may not, however, distribute to a shareholder without his consent an asset to which there is attached a liability or potential liability for the owner.
Upon any such winding up, after payment or provision for payment of Holdco's debts and liabilities and payment of $1 in aggregate to all holders of the special voting shares and £1 in aggregate to all holders of the sterling non-voting shares, the holders of Holdco ordinary shares (and any other shares outstanding at the relevant time which rank equally with such shares) will share equally, on a share for share basis, in Holdco's assets remaining for distribution to the holders of Holdco ordinary shares.
Preemptive Rights and New Issues of Shares
Under Section 549 of the U.K. Companies Act 2006, the Holdco board is, with certain exceptions, unable to allot and issue securities without being authorized either by the shareholders or by the company's articles of association, pursuant to Section 551 of the U.K. Companies Act 2006. In addition, under Section 561 of the U.K. Companies Act 2006, the issuance of equity securities that are to be paid for wholly in cash (except shares held under an employees' share scheme) must be offered first to the existing holders of equity securities in proportion to the respective nominal amounts ( i.e. , par values) of their holdings on the same or more favorable terms, unless a special resolution ( i.e. , a resolution approved by the holders of at least 75% of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding Holdco shares that, being entitled to vote, vote on the resolution) to the contrary has been passed or the articles of association otherwise provide an exclusion from this requirement (which exclusion can be for a maximum of five (5) years after which shareholders' approval would be required to renew the exclusion). In this context, equity securities generally means shares other than shares which, with respect to dividends or capital, carry a right to participate only up to a specified amount in a distribution, which, in relation to Holdco, will include the Holdco ordinary shares and all rights to subscribe for or convert securities into such shares.
A provision in the Holdco Articles will authorize the directors, for a period of up to five (5) years from the date of the shareholder resolution granting such authorization, to (i) allot shares in Holdco, or to grant rights to subscribe for or to convert or exchange any security into shares in Holdco up to an aggregate nominal amount ( i.e. , par value) of $185 million and (ii) exclude preemptive rights in respect of such issuances up to an aggregate nominal amount ( i.e., par value) of $185 million for the same period of time. Such authorization will continue for five years and renewal of such authorization is expected to be sought at least once every five (5) years, and possibly more frequently.
The U.K. Companies Act 2006 prohibits an English company from issuing shares at a discount to nominal amount ( i.e. , par value) or for no consideration, including with respect to grants of restricted stock made pursuant to equity incentive plans. If the shares are issued upon the lapse of restrictions or the vesting of any restricted stock award or any other share-based grant underlying any Holdco ordinary shares, the nominal amount ( i.e ., par value) of the shares must be paid up pursuant to the U.K. Companies Act 2006.
Disclosure of Ownership Interests in Shares
Under the Holdco Articles, shareholders must comply with the notification obligations to the company contained in Chapter 5 (Vote Holder and Issuer Notification Rules) of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("DTR") (including, without limitation, the provisions of DTR 5.1.2) as if Holdco were an issuer whose home member state is in the U.K., save that the obligation will arise if the percentage of voting rights reaches, exceeds or falls below one percent and each one percent threshold thereafter (up or down) up to one hundred percent. In effect, this means that a shareholder must
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notify Holdco if the percentage of voting rights in Holdco it holds reaches one percent and crosses any one percent threshold thereafter (up or down).
Section 793 of the U.K. Companies Act 2006 gives Holdco the power to require persons whom it knows have, or whom it has reasonable cause to believe have, or within the previous three years have had, any ownership interest in any Holdco shares to disclose specified information regarding those shares. Failure to provide the information requested within the prescribed period (or knowingly or recklessly providing false information) after the date the notice is sent can result in criminal or civil sanctions being imposed against the person in default.
Under the Holdco Articles, if any shareholder, or any other person appearing to be interested in Holdco Shares held by such shareholder, fails to give Holdco the information required by a Section 793 notice, then the Holdco Board may withdraw voting and certain other rights, place restrictions on the rights to receive dividends and transfer such shares (including any shares allotted or issued after the date of the Section 793 notice in respect of those shares).
Alteration of Share Capital/Repurchase of Shares
Subject to the provisions of the U.K. Companies Act 2006, and without prejudice to any relevant special rights attached to any class of shares, Holdco may, from time to time:
English law prohibits Holdco from purchasing its own shares unless such purchase has been approved by its shareholders. Shareholders may approve two different types of such share purchases; "on-market" purchases or "off-market" purchases. "On-market" purchases may only be made on a "recognised investment exchange," which does not include the NYSE, which is the only exchange on which Holdco's shares will be traded. In order to purchase its own shares, Holdco must therefore obtain shareholder approval for "off-market purchases." This requires that Holdco shareholders pass an ordinary resolution approving the terms of the contract pursuant to which the purchase(s) are to be made. Such approval may be for a maximum period of five (5) years.
A provision in the Holdco Articles authorizes the directors, for a period of up to five years from the date of the resolution granting authority, to purchase its own shares of any class, on the terms of any buyback approved by the shareholders (or otherwise as may be permitted by the U.K. Companies Act 2006), provided that:
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Prior to the effective times of the Mergers, an ordinary resolution will be passed by GTECH, as the current sole shareholder of Holdco, to approve certain buyback contracts pursuant to which Holdco will be able to make "off-market" purchases from selected investment banks. This resolution may be renewed prior to its expiration ( i.e. , within five (5) years), and renewal of such authorization may be sought at least once every five (5) years, and possibly more frequently. The Holdco Articles provide that any renewal of the authorization may specify a different maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares and special voting shares that may be repurchased and a different maximum price that may be paid to purchase an ordinary share. Except in the case of an employee share scheme, Holdco is only permitted to purchase its own shares if they are fully paid, and must pay for them in full when purchasing them. Holdco ordinary shares may only be repurchased out of distributable reserves or, subject to certain exceptions, out of the proceeds of a new issuance of shares made for that purpose.
Holdco Ordinary Shares
The Holdco Articles allow holders of Holdco ordinary shares to transfer all or any of their shares by instrument of transfer in writing in any usual form or in any other form which is permitted by the U.K. Companies Act 2006 and is approved by the Holdco Board. The instrument of transfer must be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and (in the case of a transfer of a share which is not fully paid) by or on behalf of the transferee.
Holdco (at its option) may or may not charge a fee for registering the transfer of a share or for making any other entry in the register. The Holdco Board may, in their absolute discretion, refuse to register a transfer of shares to any person, whether or not it is fully paid or a share on which Holdco has a lien. If the Holdco Board refuses to register a transfer of a share, the instrument of transfer must be returned to the transferee as soon as practicable and in any event within two (2) months after the date on which the transfer was lodged with Holdco with the notice of refusal and reasons for refusal unless they suspect that the proposed transfer may be fraudulent.
Special Voting Shares
The special voting shares may not be transferred, save in limited circumstances (e.g., between an outgoing Nominee and a replacement Nominee). Holdco does not have a right to purchase or redeem a special voting share, except to reduce the number of special voting shares held by the Nominee in order to align the aggregate number of ordinary shares and special voting shares in issue from time to time; upon termination of the loyalty voting structure; or pursuant to an off-market purchase arrangement.
Sterling Non-Voting Shares
The sterling non-voting shares may not be transferred, except with the prior consent of the Holdco Board.
Annual Accounts and Independent Auditor
Under English law, a "quoted company," which includes a company whose equity share capital is listed on the NYSE, must deliver to the Registrar of Companies a copy of:
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The annual accounts and reports must be presented to the shareholder at a general meeting (although no vote is required in respect of such documents). Copies of the annual accounts and reports must, unless a shareholder agrees to receive more limited information in accordance with the U.K. Companies Act 2006, be sent to shareholders, debenture holders and everyone entitled to receive notice of general meetings at least 21 days before the date of the meeting at which copies of the documents are to be presented. The Holdco Articles provide that such documents may be distributed in electronic form.
Holdco must appoint an independent auditor to make a report on the annual accounts of the company. The auditor is usually appointed by ordinary resolution at the general meeting of the company at which the company's annual accounts are laid. Directors can also appoint auditors at any time before the company's first accounts meeting, after a period of exemption or to fill a casual vacancy.
The remuneration of an auditor is fixed by the members of the company by ordinary resolution or in a manner that the members by ordinary resolution determine.
Liability of Holdco and its Directors and Officers
Under English law, any provision that purports to exempt a director of a company (to any extent) from any liability that would otherwise attach to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company is void. See "Comparison of Rights of Shareholders of GTECH, IGT and HoldcoLimitation of Personal Liability of Directors" for further information regarding the liability of Holdco's directors and officers.
Insofar as indemnification of liabilities arising under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to members of the Holdco Board, officers or persons controlling Holdco pursuant to the foregoing provisions, Holdco has been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is therefore unenforceable.
The takeover provisions applicable to Holdco differ from those applicable to a Nevada corporation (such as IGT) by virtue of the differences between (i) the General Corporation Law of the State of Nevada and the U.K. Companies Act 2006 and (ii) the governing documents of IGT and the Holdco Articles.
An English public limited company is potentially subject to the U.K. City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Takeover Code"), which is referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus as the Takeover Code. However, the Takeover Panel has confirmed that Holdco will not be subject to the Takeover Code.
It is possible that, in the future, circumstances could change that may cause the Takeover Code to apply to Holdco. It should be noted that if Holdco becomes subject to the Takeover Code, the ability of the directors of Holdco to engage in defensive measures to seek to frustrate bids will, in addition to being subject to the directors' statutory and fiduciary duties, be subject to the provisions of the Takeover Code.
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COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF GTECH, IGT AND HOLDCO
This section of the proxy statement/prospectus describes the material differences between the rights of holders of Holdco ordinary shares, GTECH ordinary shares and shares of IGT common stock with respect to those shares. The differences between the rights of these respective holders result from the differences among U.K., Italian and Nevada law and the respective governing documents of Holdco, GTECH and IGT.
This section does not include a complete description of all differences between the rights of holders of Holdco ordinary shares, GTECH ordinary shares and IGT common stock, nor does it include a complete description of the specific rights of these respective holders. Furthermore, the identification of some of the differences in the rights of these holders as material is not intended to indicate that other differences do not exist.
You are urged to read carefully the relevant provisions of the U.K. Companies Act 2006, the Takeover Code, the Italian Civil Code, the Legislative Decree No. 58, dated February 24, 1998, as amended, the NRS, and the governing documents of Holdco, GTECH and IGT. A copy of the form of Holdco Articles which will be the articles of association for Holdco following completion of the Mergers is included as Annex I to this proxy statement/prospectus. The articles of incorporation and by-laws of IGT are filed as exhibits to the reports of IGT incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. An English translation of GTECH's by-laws is available on its website at www.gtech.com. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
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IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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Board Committees | ||||
The IGT Board may delegate decision making to one or more committees of directors. IGT's current committees include an audit committee, capital deployment committee, compensation committee, executive committee, stock award committee, and nominating and governance committee. |
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Pursuant to GTECH's by-laws, the board of directors may establish one or more bodies and/or committees, including an executive committee, having consultative, proposing and controlling functions. The board also has the authority to appoint external individuals to the same bodies or committees, set their relevant competencies and powers, and grant such competencies and powers to one or more directors. More specifically, the board of directors has currently established a control, risk and related parties committee and a committee for nomination and compensation. |
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Under English law, and the Holdco Articles, the directors may delegate any of the powers, authorities and discretions which are conferred on them under the articles to a person or committee as they see fit. Under the Holdco Articles, committees to which the directors delegate any of their powers must follow procedures which are based as far as they are applicable on those provisions of the Holdco Articles which govern the taking of decisions by directors. All committees must comply with the applicable rules of the NYSE. Holdco expects to have, at a minimum, an audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and governance committee. |
Voting Rights |
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IGT shareholders are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted on by shareholders. No shareholder has the right of cumulative voting. The IGT Board may fix and determine whether any series of preferred stock has voting rights. IGT's by-laws provide that, unless the articles of incorporation, the by-laws, the NRS or other applicable law provide for a different proportion, action by the shareholders entitled to vote on a matter, other than the election of directors, is approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the action exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the action. Under Nevada law, a plan of merger must be approved by a majority of the voting power of IGT shareholders. |
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GTECH shareholders are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted on by shareholders. No shareholder has the right of cumulative voting. The extraordinary shareholders' meeting can resolve upon the issuance of ordinary shares, special categories of shares or other financial instruments to be allocated to the employees of GTECH or its subsidiaries. GTECH has not issued preferred stock voting or other special categories of shares. Under Italian Law, the approval of a merger must be adopted by the extraordinary general meeting, according to the majority provided under paragraph "Quorum". |
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The general meeting may vote on a show of hands, or by poll. On a show of hands, every qualifying shareholder present and entitled to vote on the resolution is entitled to one vote, subject to the provisions for voting by proxies described below. On a poll taken at a meeting, every qualifying shareholder present and entitled to vote on the resolution has one vote for every Holdco ordinary share of which he or she is the holder, and 0.9995 votes for every special voting share for which he, she or it is entitled under the terms of the loyalty voting structure to direct the exercise of the vote. An "ordinary resolution" requires, on a show of hands, a simple majority of those entitled to vote who do so, either in person or by proxy. On a poll, it requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the voting rights of those who do so, either in person or by proxy. |
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IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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A "special resolution" requires, on a show of hands, at least 75% of those entitled to vote to do so, either in person or by proxy. On a poll, it requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the voting rights.
The U.K. Companies Act 2006 requires that a number of matters are approved by way of special resolution, including (amongst other things) an amendment to the company's articles of association, change of name, and re-registration as a public or private company. Under the U.K. Companies Act 2006 a scheme of arrangement between a company and its members or creditors (or any class of them) in order to effect a solvent reorganization of a company or group structure, including by merger and demerger, as well as to effect insolvent restructurings such as by a debt for equity swap requires approval by at least 75% in value of each class of the members or creditors who vote on the scheme, being also at least a majority in number of each class. The scheme of arrangement would also need the sanction of the court. The Holdco Articles require that any variation of special rights attaching to any shares in the capital of Holdco may (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) be varied or abrogated, either: (1) with the consent in writing of those entitled to attend and vote at general meetings of Holdco representing 75% of the aggregate voting rights attaching to the Holdco ordinary shares and the special voting shares which may be exercised at such meetings; or (2) with the sanction of 75% of the aggregate votes attaching to Holdco ordinary shares and the special voting shares cast on a special resolution proposed at a separate |
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IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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general meeting of all those entitled to attend and vote at general meetings of Holdco.
No shareholder has the right of cumulative voting. Holdco has not issued any shares which carry preferred rights of voting. |
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Proxies |
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A shareholder may vote either in person or by proxy executed in writing by the shareholder or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact. No proxy shall be valid after six months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Proxies may be solicited by IGT or one or more of its shareholders pursuant to applicable law regarding the solicitation of proxies, including the publication and filing of a proxy statement with the SEC. Proxies given are revocable at any time prior to the conclusion of voting on the matter for which the proxy has been granted. |
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Any shareholder entitled to attend the general meeting may be represented according to the relevant provisions of Italian law. Representation requires a written proxy, which may be granted electronically. The proxy can be given only for one meeting (but may have effect for each subsequent call of the same meeting). Under Italian law, GTECH, one or more of its shareholders or any other eligible person can solicit other shareholders' proxies. Solicitation of proxies must be made through the publication of a prospectus and a proxy form; the relevant notice must be published on GTECH's website and must also be disclosed to CONSOB, Borsa Italiana S.p.A. and Monte Titoli S.p.A. Proxies must be dated, signed and indicate the voting instructions. The voting instructions can also be referred exclusively to certain items on the agenda. Proxies so granted can be revoked until one day prior to the shareholders' meeting. |
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A shareholder may vote either in person or by proxy. On a show of hands, a proxy will have one vote, except where: (a) that proxy has been appointed by more than one shareholder entitled to vote on the resolution; and (b) the proxy has been instructed (i) by one or more of those shareholders to vote for the resolution and by one or more of those shareholders to vote against the resolution; or (ii) by one or more of those shareholders to vote in the same way on the resolution (whether for or against) and one or more of those shareholders has permitted the proxy discretion as to how to vote, in which case, the proxy has one vote for and one vote against the resolution. On a poll taken at a meeting, a proxy will be entitled to one vote for every Holdco ordinary share for which such person is acting as proxy and 0.9995 votes for every special voting share for which such person is acting as proxy. Under English law, there is no regulatory regime for the solicitation of proxies. Solicitation of proxies is an ad hoc process mainly dealt with by an outside firm. |
Dividends |
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Under Nevada law, IGT shareholders share in an equal amount per share in any dividend declared by the board of directors, subject to any superior rights to dividends of any IGT preferred |
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Under Italian law, GTECH may pay dividends out of the net profits recorded in the company's audited and approved financial statements for the preceding fiscal year or out of its distributable legal reserves. |
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Under English law, Holdco may only pay dividends out of profits available for that purpose. A company's profits available for distribution are its accumulated, realized profits, so far as not |
380
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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stock outstanding.
The board of directors may authorize dividends to be paid on shares of its capital stock so long as the dividend would not cause the corporation to become unable to pay its debts in the normal course or to cause the corporation's total assets to be less than (a) its total liabilities, plus (b) the amount that would be required to be paid upon dissolution to shares of stock superior in rights upon liquidation to the shares of stock upon which the dividend is being paid. |
The dividend distribution must be approved by the general meeting approving the company's yearly financial statements.
Distributions may not be made if the distribution would reduce shareholders' equity below the sum of the paid-up capital and any reserves required by Italian law or GTECH's by-laws. According to GTECH's by-laws, net profit reported in the annual financial statements shall be allocated as follows:
a) to the legal reserve, 5% of net profit until the amount of
such reserve is equivalent to one-fifth of share capital;
b) the remainder is allocated pursuant to the decision of the shareholders' meeting.
The Board of Directors can, during the course of the financial year, distribute advances on dividends between the shareholders. |
previously utilized by distribution or capitalization, less its accumulated, realized losses, so far as not previously written off in a reduction or reorganization of capital duly made.
The Holdco Articles permit the shareholders, by ordinary resolution, to declare dividends. A declaration must not be made unless the directors have first made a recommendation as to the amount of the dividend. The dividend must not exceed that amount. In addition, the directors may decide to pay interim dividends. Any dividends unclaimed may be invested or otherwise made use of by the directors for the benefit of Holdco until claimed. The entitlement to a dividend lapses if unclaimed for 12 years. Holdco may only make a distribution if the amount of its net assets is not less than the aggregate of its called-up share capital and undistributable reserves, and if, and to the extent that, the distribution does not reduce the amount of those assets to less than that aggregate. |
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Purchase of Treasury Shares |
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Under Nevada law, the board of directors may decided to repurchase outstanding company shares. Any such repurchase of its shares is subject to the same limitations as discussed above with respect to dividends. |
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Under Italian law, the purchase of treasury shares must be authorized by the shareholders at any ordinary meeting and only paid out of retained earnings or distributable reserves remaining from the last approved financial statements and provided, in any case, that all shares are fully paid-in. The nominal value of the treasury shares to be repurchased, together with any shares previously held by GTECH or any of its subsidiaries, may not exceed in the aggregate 20% of GTECH's share capital then issued and outstanding. Treasury shares may only be sold or disposed of in any manner pursuant to a shareholders' resolution. |
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English law prohibits Holdco from purchasing its own shares unless such purchase has been approved by its shareholders. Shareholders may approve two different types of such share purchases; "on-market" purchases or "off-market" purchases. "On-market" purchases may only be made on a "recognised investment exchange," which does not include the NYSE, which is the only exchange on which Holdco's shares will be traded. In order to purchase its own shares, Holdco must therefore obtain shareholder approval for "off-market purchases." This requires that Holdco shareholders pass a special resolution approving the terms of the contract pursuant to which the |
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IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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GTECH is not entitled to vote or to receive dividends on the shares it owns. Neither GTECH (except in limited circumstances) nor any of its subsidiaries can subscribe for new shares in the case of capital increases. Shares owned
by its subsidiaries are not entitled to voting rights but are entitled to receive dividends. Shares owned by GTECH and its subsidiaries are considered at shareholders' meetings for quorum purposes.
For listed companies, such as GTECH, the purchase of its own treasury shares and the purchase of shares of a listed company by its subsidiaries must take place in a manner that ensures the equality of treatment among shareholders ( e.g. , on the market or through a voluntary tender offer addressed to all shareholders). |
purchase(s) are to be made. Such approval may be for a maximum period of up to five years.
Prior to the effective times of the Mergers, an ordinary resolution will be passed by GTECH, as the current sole shareholder of Holdco, to approve certain buyback contracts pursuant to which Holdco will be able to make "off-market" purchases from selected investment banks. This resolution may be renewed prior to its expiration ( i.e., within five years), and renewal of such authorization may be sought at least once every five years, and possibly more frequently. Except in the case of an employee share scheme, Holdco is only permitted to purchase its own shares if they are fully paid, and must pay for them in full when purchasing them. Holdco may only purchase its own shares out of distributable profits of the company, or the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purposes of financing the purchase. Any premium payable on the purchase of its own shares must be paid out of distributable profits of the company, unless the shares being purchased were issued at a premium, in which case any premium payable on their purchase by the company may be paid out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purpose of financing the purchase, up to an amount equal to: (a) the aggregate of the premiums received by the company on the issue of the shares purchased, or (b) the current amount of the company's share premium account (including any sum transferred to that account in respect of premiums on the new shares), whichever is less. Holdco may at any time dispose of treasury shares for cash consideration, or transfer them for the purposes of or pursuant to an employees' share scheme. |
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IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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Liquidation Rights | ||||
Under Nevada law, upon a dissolution of IGT, following the satisfaction of the claims of all other creditors, holders of IGT common stock are entitled to participate pro rata in the remaining assets of IGT available for distribution. |
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Under Italian law, and subject to satisfaction of the claims of all other creditors, shareholders are entitled to a distribution of GTECH's remaining liquidated assets in proportion to the nominal value of the shares they hold in GTECH's capital stock. |
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Under English law, on a winding up, following the satisfaction of the claims of all other creditors and payment of $1 in aggregate to all holders of the special voting shares and £1 in aggregate to all holders of the sterling non-voting shares, holders of Holdco ordinary shares are entitled to share in any surplus assets of Holdco available for distribution pro rata to their shareholding. |
Approval of Financial Statements |
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There is no requirement under Nevada law that stockholders of IGT approve IGT's financial statements. |
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Under Italian law, the yearly financial statement of a joint stock company that prepares consolidated financial statements must be approved by the shareholders at an ordinary shareholders' meeting to be held no later than 180 days following the end of the relevant fiscal year. |
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Under English law, the annual accounts, which include a directors' report, a strategic report, a directors' remuneration report and an auditors' report, must be approved by the board of directors in accordance with their normal rules on decision making. The accounts must be signed by a director on behalf of the board and the auditors and filed with the Registrar of Companies of England and Wales. The directors of Holdco must lay the annual accounts before a general meeting. At the general meeting, there must be propose and ordinary resolution to approve the directors' remuneration report. At least every three years, the directors are required to submit to the shareholders for their approval, a director's remuneration policy, which will bind directors' remuneration until the next policy approval. |
Appraisal / Dissenters' Rights |
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Under Nevada law, there is no right of dissent with respect to a plan of merger, conversion or exchange with respect to shareholders of any class or series which is traded in an organized market and has at least 2,000 shareholders and a market value of at least $20 million, exclusive of the value of such shares held by the corporation's |
Under Italian law, shareholders of Italian joint stock companies are entitled to exercise cash exit rights whenever a resolution is adopted at a shareholders' meeting with respect to, inter alia:
a change in the business purpose of the company in such a way to as to make a substantial change |
There is no mandatory provision in English law for appraisal rights. Such rights could, in theory, be provided for in the articles of association or in a shareholders' agreement. The Holdco Articles do not provide for appraisal/dissenters' rights. However, English law provides |
383
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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subsidiaries, senior executives, directors and beneficial shareholders owning more than 10% of such shares, unless (i) the articles of the corporation issuing the shares provide otherwise or (ii) the shareholders are required to accept in exchange for their shares anything other than cash or shares of any class or any series of shares of any corporation, or any other proprietary interest of any other entity, which is traded in an organized market and has at least 2,000 shareholders and a market value of at least $20 million, exclusive of the value of such shares held by the corporation's subsidiaries, senior executives, directors and beneficial shareholders owning more than 10% of such shares at the time the corporate action becomes effective. IGT's articles of incorporation do not provide for dissenters' rights. |
of the activities of the company; a change in the legal form of the company; the transfer of the registered office of the company outside of Italy; revocation of the winding up of the company; change of the corporate and economic rights attached to the shares as provided for in the by-laws. The shareholders are also entitled to exercise cash exit rights upon a resolution adopted at a shareholders' meeting with respect to a merger in which the shareholders of a listed company receive shares which are not listed on a regulated stock market. Cash exit rights can only be exercised by shareholders who did not concur in the approval of the resolution. Cash exit rights can be exercised for all or part of the shares held by the relevant shareholder. In order to validly exercise their cash exit rights, shareholders entitled to do so must send notice thereof to GTECH by registered mail within 15 days after the publication in the Companies' Register of the resolution approved at the relevant meeting of shareholders. The shares with respect to which cash exit rights are being exercised cannot be sold by the relevant shareholder and must be kept with the relevant intermediary. |
dissenter's rights which permit a shareholder to object to a Court in the context of the compulsory acquisition of minority shares. |
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Preemptive Rights |
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Shares of IGT's common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights. |
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Under Italian law, an existing shareholder in a joint stock company has a preemptive right for any issue of shares by such company or debt convertible into shares in proportion to the shares held by |
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Under the U.K. Companies Act 2006, the issuance of equity securities (except shares held under an employees' share scheme) that are to be paid for wholly in cash must be offered first to the existing |
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such shareholder at the time of the issuance, with the exception summarized below.
Under Italian law, shareholders of listed companies may exercise their preemptive rights for a period of at least 15 days after the registration of the relevant minutes with the competent Register of Enterprises. Existing shareholders are not entitled to preemptive rights with respect to newly issued shares to be paid for by contribution in kind. Preemptive rights can also be excluded or limited by the shareholders general meeting in the event GTECH's interest requires such exclusion. The notion of "companies' interest" could be referred to the interest in maximizing company's profits. In both cases, the reasons for such exclusion must be adequately illustrated by a report of the board of directors. In addition, the GTECH's by-laws provide for the exclusion of preemptive rights with respect to newly issued shares for an amount up to a maximum of 10% of the existing share capital. Finally, the preemptive rights may be excluded if shares are offered to the company's employees or to the employees of its subsidiaries or parent company. Preemptive rights can also be exercised by the holders of debt convertible into shares of the company on the basis of the relevant exchange ratio. |
holders of equity securities in proportion to the respective nominal amounts (
i.e.,
par values) of their holdings on the same or more favorable terms, unless a special
resolution (
i.e.,
a resolution approved by the holders of at least 75% of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding Holdco Shares that, being entitled to vote, vote on the resolution) to the
contrary has been passed or the articles of association otherwise provide an exclusion from this requirement (which exclusion can be for a maximum of five years after which shareholders' approval would be required to renew the exclusion). In this
context, equity securities generally means shares other than shares which, with respect to dividends or capital, carry a right to participate only up to a specified amount in a distribution, which, in relation to Holdco, will include the Holdco
ordinary shares, and all rights to subscribe for or convert securities into such shares.
A provision in the Holdco Articles will authorize the directors, for a period up to five years from the date of the shareholder resolution granting such authorization, to exclude preemptive rights in respect of issuances up to a nominal amount ( i.e. , par value) of $185 million. Such authorization will continue for five years and renewal of such authorization is expected to be sought at least once every five years, and possibly more frequently. |
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Amendments to Articles of Association or Articles of Incorporation |
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Under Nevada law, unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, a proposed amendment to the articles of incorporation must be approved by shareholders holding shares in the corporation entitling them to exercise at least a |
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Under Italian law, amendments to the by-laws of a joint stock company (including increases in share capital and capital reduction) may be resolved at any time by the shareholders at an extraordinary shareholders' meeting. |
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Under English law, the shareholders may amend any provision of the articles of association of a public limited company, other than "entrenched provisions," by special resolution at a general meeting. The full text of the special resolution |
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majority of the voting power. IGT's articles of incorporation do not require a greater vote.
IGT's by-laws may be amended, added to, or repealed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors holding office. |
Extraordinary shareholders' meetings are required to vote on all amendments of GTECH's by-laws, including capital increases, transfer of GTECH's registered office abroad, changes in the corporate purposes and all other matters
referred to it by Italian law such as the liquidation or winding up of the company as well as mergers and demergers.
In order to be validly approved, resolutions pertaining to the above matters require the attendance of shareholders representing at least 50% of the ordinary share capital on first call, more than one-third on second call and at least one-fifth on any subsequent calls or in the event of a unique call, and the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the GTECH share capital participating in the vote on the resolution. |
must be included in the notice of the meeting.
An "entrenched" provision of the articles of association is a provision that may be amended or repealed only if certain conditions are complied with. These conditions are more restrictive than those applied to a special resolution (e.g. a higher majority than the threshold for a special resolution, being 75%). Entrenchment does not prevent alteration to the articles by unanimous consent of the shareholders. The Holdco Articles do not contain any entrenched provisions. |
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Number of Directors |
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IGT's by-laws provide that the number of directors will be fixed by the Board, but in any case shall be no less than six and no more than eleven. There are currently nine directors serving on the IGT Board. Each director is elected for a term of one year. |
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GTECH is managed by a board of directors consisting of a number varying from seven to fifteen members, as determined by the shareholders in a general meeting. The current board is comprised of 10 directors. |
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Under English law, there must be at least two directors, at least one of whom is a natural person. Unless and until otherwise decided by the Holdco Board (where, for the period of three years from the date of adoption of the Holdco Articles, not less than three-quarters of the director shall have voted in favor of such decision), the number of directors will be 13. A majority of the directors need to be present for a board meeting to be quorate. |
Election of Directors |
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IGT's by-laws provide that directors are elected annually by a majority of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote for the election of directors at a meeting at which a quorum is present, unless there is a contested election, in which event the directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. |
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Under Italian law the directors are appointed for a period of no more than three years, the third year expiring on the day of the general meeting of shareholders approving the yearly financial statements relevant for the last financial year of their office. |
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Directors are appointed by one of the following methods: (1) by ordinary resolution of the shareholders (2) at a general meeting called in order to appoint directors where there are fewer than two directors of Holdco; or (3) by a decision of the directors. |
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According to GTECH's by-laws, Directors are appointed for a maximum of three financial years, following which, as agreed by the shareholders' meeting of appointment, they may be available for re-election. Their role will expire
on the date of the shareholders' meeting called to approve the accounts relating to the final financial year of their appointment.
The Board of Directors is appointed through a voting list mechanism to ensure election of directors designated by minority shareholders in accordance with Italian law. |
Only persons who have been recommended by the directors or proposed by a shareholder may be appointed director. Directors that are proposed to be elected at a shareholder meeting must be elected individually pursuant to separate
proposals at the meeting; more than one director cannot be elected under the same shareholder proposal.
English law permits a company to provide for terms of different lengths for its directors. The directors in office on the adoption of the Holdco Articles are appointed for a term of three years. |
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Under GTECH's by-laws the election of the Directors will proceed as follows: (a) a number of members of the GTECH Board representing the entirety of those to be appointed will be elected from the list having obtained the highest number of votes at the shareholders' meeting, on the basis of the same progressive numbering they have been listed in the list, save for the minimum number reserved to the minority shareholders by the applicable provisions; and (b) a number of members of the GTECH Board equal to the minimum number set out under (a) unrelated in any manner whatsoever, also indirectly, to those who have submitted or voted the majority list will be elected from the list having obtained the second greatest number of votes at the shareholders' meeting, in accordance with the progressive numbering they have been listed in the list. |
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Under English law, any agreement under which a director agrees to perform services (as a director or otherwise) for a company or its subsidiaries is defined as a service agreement. Service agreements with a guaranteed term of more than two years require prior approval at a general meeting. |
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Removal of Directors | ||||
Under Nevada law and IGT's by-laws, any director or one or more of the incumbent directors may be removed from office, with or without cause, by the vote of shareholders representing not less than two-thirds of the voting power of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote. Under Nevada law, the required voting power to remove directors may be increased, but may not be reduced. |
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Directors can be removed from office at any time by the ordinary general meeting. Directors removed without cause before the end of their term may claim damages resulting from their removal from office. |
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Directors can be removed from office at any time by ordinary resolution, at a general meeting, provided that 28 clear days' notice of the resolution is given to Holdco. Directors removed without cause before the end of their term may be able to claim damages resulting from their removal from office. A director has the right to make reasonable written representations which the company must circulate to shareholders, as to why he or she should not be removed. The director also has the right to speak at the general meeting. |
Vacancies on the Board of Directors |
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IGT's by-laws provide that vacancies on the IGT Board may be filled by a majority of the remaining directors, even though less than a quorum. A director elected to fill a vacancy is elected for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor. |
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Vacancies on the board of directors are filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors (with a resolution approved by the board of statutory auditors) and confirmed/replaced by a resolution adopted by the general meeting. Directors so appointed remain in office for the remaining part of the relevant term. According to Italian law, if as a result of resignations or other reasons the majority of the directors elected by shareholders is no longer in office, a general meeting of shareholders will be convened on an urgent basis by the directors still in office for the purpose of electing new directors. |
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Vacancies may be filled by the directors of Holdco or may be filled by shareholders at a general meeting convened by Holdco for such purpose. |
Action by Written Consent |
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Under Nevada law, any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the shareholders may be taken without a meeting if, before or after the action, a written consent thereto is signed by shareholders holding at least a majority of the voting power, unless a different proportion of voting power is required for such an action. |
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Under Italian law the members of a public company cannot decide upon, or take any action, by written consent. |
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Under English law, except for the purposes of approval of a variation of rights attaching to special classes of shares, the members of a public company cannot decide upon, or take any action, by written consent. All decisions must be taken at the general meeting. |
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Annual Shareholder Meetings | ||||
IGT's by-laws provide that annual meetings of the IGT shareholders shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time by the IGT Board. |
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According to Italian law and GTECH's by-laws, the general meeting of shareholders must be held at least once a year within 180 days after the end of GTECH's fiscal year. Pursuant to Italian law and GTECH's by-laws, all shareholders having obtained a statement from the intermediary with whom GTECH shares are deposited may attend the general meeting. To attend the general meeting, the owners of GTECH's shares held through the book-entry system managed by Monte Titoli S.p.A. are required to instruct the relevant banks or financial institutions associated with Monte Titoli S.p.A., or any other relevant authorized intermediary with which their accounts are held, to provide GTECH with certificates evidencing the shares owned as of close of business on the seventh trading day prior to the date scheduled for the meeting in first call (provided that the date of any subsequent call is indicated in the notice of call, otherwise the date of each call shall be taken into account for determining the relevant record date) or in single call, without taking into consideration changes in the ownership of said shares, occurred between such registration and the date of the general meeting. Such communication from the relevant intermediary to GTECH must be provided by close of business on the third trading day preceding the date of the general meeting. However, shareholders may attend the meeting even if such communication is received by GTECH subsequently, provided that it is received before the relevant meeting begins. Such registration allows them to gain admission to the general meeting. |
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Under English law, Holdco is required to hold an annual general meeting of shareholders within six months from the day following the end of its fiscal year. |
389
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Nominations and Other Proposals | ||||
IGT's by-laws provide that a shareholder wishing to nominate a director to the IGT Board or raise another proposal at an annual meeting of shareholders must notify IGT in writing no less than 60 days nor more than
90 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting; provided that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the anniversary, notice by a
shareholder must be received no later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or, if later, the 10th day following the day such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure
was made, whichever first occurs.
This notice must contain specific information concerning the person to be nominated or the matters to be brought before the meeting as well as specific information concerning the shareholder submitting the proposal or making the nomination. |
In the event of shareholders' meetings convened by the shareholders, the report on the items on the agenda is prepared by shareholders requiring the convening of the meeting. The board of directors or auditors shall make
available to the public the report, accompanied by their assessments if appropriate, at the same time as publishing the notice calling the shareholders' meeting.
GTECH's by-laws provide that Directors are appointed by the ordinary shareholders' meeting on the basis of lists submitted by the shareholders (at least 25 days before the shareholders' meeting), whereby the candidates must be indexed by progressive numbering. Only the shareholders representing, alone or together with other shareholders, the minimum percentage of share capital provided by CONSOB taking into account capitalization, floating funds and ownership structures of GTECH ( i.e. , 1% for year 2014) are entitled to submit a list. The candidates' lists must be filed with GTECH's head office within the term provided by the applicable provisions. Upon filing, each list shall be accompanied by: (a) exhaustive information on the personal and professional qualifications of the candidates, indicating their alleged independency qualification pursuant to the applicable provisions; (b) a statement through which each candidate accepts to be candidate and certifies under his/her own responsibility that there are no reasons of ineligibility or incompatibility, as well as that he/she possesses all requisites as provided by applicable provisions and by the by-laws; and (c) an indication of (i) the identity of the shareholders that have submitted the list and (ii) the percentage of share capital jointly owned. |
Holdco shareholders may require the company to circulate to any members entitled to receive notice of a general meeting, a statement of not more than 1000 words in relation to a proposed resolution or any other business to be dealt with at a general meeting. Holdco is required to circulate the statement once it has received requests to do so from members representing at least 5% of the paid up share capital of the company as carries voting rights at general meetings, or from 100 members, who have the right to vote on the resolution and hold, on average per member, at least £100 (or equivalent in any other currency) of the paid up share capital of Holdco. |
390
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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Notice of Shareholder Meeting; Record Date | ||||
IGT's by-laws provide that written notice of each IGT shareholder meeting must be given to each IGT shareholder entitled to vote not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of such meeting. Under Nevada Law, the IGT Board may fix a record date not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of such meeting as of which IGT shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting must be determined. |
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Under Italian law and GTECH's by-laws, a written notice calling a shareholders' meeting indicating the time, place and agenda of the meeting must be published in a national newspaper and on GTECH's website not less than 30 days before the date scheduled for the meeting. For general meetings called to appoint, by means of the "voting lists" mechanism, the members of the board of directors and board of statutory auditors, the notice of call shall be published at least 40 days prior to the date of the general meeting. For extraordinary shareholders' meetings called to resolve upon the decrease of the share capital under Articles 2446 and 2447 of the Italian Civil Code or the appointment of liquidators under Article 2487 of the Italian Civil Code, the notice of call shall be published at least 21 days prior to the date of the extraordinary shareholders' meeting. Under Italian Law the record date is seven trading days before the date of the meeting. |
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Under English law and the Holdco Articles, an annual general meeting must be called by not less than 21 clear days' notice ( i.e., excluding the date of receipt or deemed receipt of the notice and the date of the meeting itself). All other general meetings must be called by not less than 14 clear days' notice, unless a shorter notice is agreed to by a majority in number of the shareholders having the right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority who together hold not less than 95% in nominal value of the shares given that right. At least seven clear days' notice is required for any meeting adjourned for 28 days or more or for an indefinite period. The notice of a general meeting must be given to the shareholders (other than any who, under the provisions of the Holdco Articles or the terms of allotment or issue of shares, are not entitled to receive notice), to the Holdco Board, to the beneficial owners nominated to enjoy information rights under the U.K. Companies Act 2006, and to the auditors. Under English law the notice of a general meeting must specify a time by which a person must be entered on the register in order to have the right to attend or vote at the meeting. Changes to entries on the register after the time specified in the notice will be disregarded in deciding the rights of any person to attend or vote. The Holdco Articles specify that the relevant time must not be more than 48 hours, excluding any part of a day that is not a working day, before the time fixed for the meeting. The Holdco Articles provide that the directors may decide that persons entitled to receive notices of a general meeting are those on the register at the close of business on a day the directors decide. |
391
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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Special Meeting of Shareholders | ||||
IGT's by-laws provide that special meetings of the shareholders may be called by the Chief Executive Officer, President, the IGT Board, or by the Secretary at the written request of the holders of not less than one-third of all the shares entitled to vote at the meeting. |
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The directors must convene without delay a shareholders' meeting if requested to do so by shareholders representing at least 5% of the share capital of GTECH, indicating the agenda of the meeting (provided that the shareholders may only request the call of those meetings in relation to which a directors' proposal is not necessary under Italian law or a plan or report is not to be mandatorily drafted by the directors). Should the shareholders' meeting not be called by the directors, or the board of statutory auditors in case of failure by the directors to call the meeting, the shareholders' meeting may be convened by order of a court of competent jurisdiction where the failure to call said shareholders' meeting is not properly justified. Shareholders representing at least 2.5% of the share capital of GTECH may request to add items on the agenda within ten days of the publication of the notice of call of the shareholders' meeting (or five days in the event that the shareholders' meeting is called to resolve upon the decrease of the share capital under Articles 2446 and 2447 of the Italian Civil Code, the appointment of liquidators under Article 2487 of the Italian Civil Code or upon defensive actions in the context of a takeover bid). |
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The directors may call a general meeting whenever they see fit. The directors are required to call a general meeting if requested by shareholders representing at least 5 percent of the paid-up capital of Holdco as carries the right of voting at general meetings (excluding any paid-up capital held as treasury shares). Such meeting must be called within 21 days from the date on which the directors become subject to the requirement, and held on a date not more than 28 days after the date of the notice calling the meeting. The meeting may only deal with the business stated in the request by shareholders, or as proposed by the directors. If the directors fail to call the general meeting requested by the shareholders, the shareholders who requested the meeting, or any of them representing more than one half of the total voting rights of all of them, may themselves call a general meeting. Such meeting must be called for a date not more than three months after the date on which the directors become subject to the requirement to call a meeting. Any reasonable expenses incurred by the shareholders requesting the meeting by reason of the failure of the directors duly to call a meeting must be reimbursed by the company. If for any reason it is impracticable to call the meeting or to conduct the meeting in the manner prescribed by the company's articles or the U.K. Companies Act 2006, a court may order a meeting to be called, held and conducted as it sees fit. |
392
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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Quorum | ||||
IGT's by-laws provide that the majority of the shares entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, constitutes a quorum at any meeting of the IGT shareholders. |
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Pursuant to GTECH's by-laws, the shareholders' meeting can be convened also on single call. On both first and second call, as well as on single call, in the ordinary general meeting resolutions are passed by a simple majority of the votes cast, save for the resolutions concerning the appointment of the members of the GTECH Board and of the board of statutory auditors, in which case a slate system applies. In order to be validly held, the general meeting requires the attendance of shareholders representing at least 50% of the voting capital on the first call, while no quorum is required on second call or on single call. In the extraordinary general meeting (necessary to approve, inter alia, amendments to the company's articles of association, change of name), resolutions are passed (i) on first call, by a majority of 2/3 of the votes cast (at least 50% of the share capital must attend the meeting); (ii) on second call by a majority of the 2/3 of the of the votes cast (more than the 1/3 of the share capital must attend the meeting); and (iii) on single call, by a majority of the 2/3 of the of the votes cast (at least 1/5 of the share capital must attend the meeting). |
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Subject to the U.K. Companies Act 2006, the necessary quorum for a general shareholder meeting is the shareholders who together represent at least a majority of the voting rights of all the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, save that if Holdco only has one shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the general meeting, one shareholder present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote is a quorum. At an adjourned meeting the quorum is one qualifying person present and entitled to vote. If a quorum is not present within five minutes from the time fixed for the start of the meeting, the adjourned meeting is dissolved. |
Limitation of Personal Liability of Directors |
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IGT's articles of incorporation eliminate the personal liability of IGT directors to the fullest extent permitted by the NRS. However, there is no limitation on liability for acts or omissions involving intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law, or for the payment of distributions to IGT shareholders in violation of the NRS. |
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Under Italian law, directors must perform their duties with the care required by the nature of their office and their specific competences. Directors are jointly and severally liable towards the company for damages resulting from breach of the duties of their office. Directors are also jointly liable if they have knowledge of facts that may be |
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Under English law, any provision that purports to exempt a director of a company (to any extent) from any liability that would otherwise attach to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company is void. |
393
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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prejudicial to the company but have not implemented, to the extent possible, measures necessary to avoid or limit the effects of such facts.
The company may initiate a liability claim against its own directors with the approval of the general meeting of the company or a resolution of the board of statutory auditors approved with a two-thirds majority of its members. The liability claim can be waived or settled, provided the waiver or settlement is authorized by the general meeting. Such authorization is deemed not granted in the event that shareholders representing at least 5% of the company's share capital vote against the authorization. Directors may also be held liable vis-à-vis shareholders or the company's creditors in the event of an act prejudicial to the company's shareholders or in the event of any act prejudicial to the company's assets, respectively. |
Shareholders can ratify by ordinary resolution a director's conduct amounting to negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to Holdco.
Although directors are not generally jointly and severally liable, joint and several liability may arise at common law where more than one director is involved in the same breach of duty. |
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Indemnification of Directors and Officers |
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IGT's by-laws require IGT to indemnify directors, officers and employees if the director, officer or employee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of IGT and, in the case of any criminal proceedings, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The Company is required to advance expenses as they are incurred upon receipt of an undertaking to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that indemnification was improper. |
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Where criminal proceedings are started against the executive for facts that are directly related to the performance of his duties, all costs for every instance of judgment shall be paid by the company. It is in the power of the executive to be assisted by a lawyer of his choice, with the burden of the cost falling on the company. The commitment for trial of the executive for facts directly related to the performance of his or her duties does not constitute in itself justified grounds for dismissal; in the case of deprivation of liberty the executive will be entitled to retain his or her job position as well as the related salary. The warranties and remedies set out in the paragraph above shall apply to the executive even after the termination of the employment |
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Subject to certain exceptions, English law does not permit Holdco to indemnify a director against any liability attaching to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to Holdco. The exceptions allow Holdco to: (1) purchase and maintain director and officer insurance insuring its directors or the directors of an "associated company" ( i.e., a company that is a parent, subsidiary or sister company of Holdco) against any liability attaching in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust owed to the company of which he is a director; (2) provide a qualifying third party indemnity provision which permits Holdco to indemnify its directors and directors of an associated company in respect of proceedings brought by third |
394
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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relationship, as long as the facts took place in the course of the relationship itself.
The warranties and remedies set out in the paragraph above shall not apply in case of the executive's willful misconduct or gross negligence, ascertained with a definitive judgement of the court. |
parties (covering both legal costs and the amount of any adverse judgment), except for (i) the legal costs of an unsuccessful defense of criminal proceedings or civil proceedings brought by the company or an associated
company, or the legal costs incurred in connection with certain specified applications by the director for relief where the court refuses to grant the relief (ii) fines imposed in criminal proceedings, and (iii) penalties imposed by
regulatory bodies; (3) loan funds to a director to meet expenditure incurred defending civil and criminal proceedings against him or her (even if the action is brought by the company itself), or expenditure incurred applying for certain
specified relief, subject to the requirement that the loan must be on terms that it is repaid if the defense or application for relief is unsuccessful; and (4) provide a qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision, which allows the company to
indemnify a director of a company that is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme against liability incurred in connection with such director's activities as a trustee of the scheme (subject to certain exceptions).
The Holdco Articles provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by the U.K. Companies Act 2006 and without prejudice to any indemnity to which he or she may otherwise be entitled, every person who is or was a director or other officer of Holdco or any of its associates (other than any person (whether or not an officer of Holdco or any of its associates) engaged by Holdco of any of its associates as auditor) shall be and shall be kept indemnified out of the assets of Holdco against all costs, charges, losses and liabilities incurred by him (whether in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by him or otherwise as a |
395
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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director or such other officer of Holdco or any of its associates) in relation to Holdco or any of its associates or its/their affairs. This is subject to the exceptions set out in the U.K. Companies Act 2006, which are reflected in the Holdco Articles. | ||||
Certain Business Combination Restrictions |
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IGT is subject to NRS Sections 78.411 to 78.444, which restrict certain business combinations between IGT and an interested shareholder (beneficial ownership of 10% of more of the voting power of IGT's outstanding stock) for two years after the shareholder becomes an interested shareholder. The restrictions do not apply if the IGT Board approved the combination before such shareholder became an interested shareholder, the IGT Board approved the transaction that caused the shareholder to become an interested shareholder before the shareholder became an interested shareholder, or the combination is approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting stock of IGT not beneficially owned by the interested shareholder or any affiliate or associate of the interested shareholder at a meeting called for that purpose no earlier than two years after the person became an interested shareholder. Although IGT may elect to exclude itself from the restrictions imposed by Sections 78.411 to 78.444 of the NRS by providing so in its articles of incorporation, its articles of incorporation do not currently do so and any such exclusionary amendment to the articles of incorporation would, under Nevada law, not be effective for 18 months after approval by the company's shareholders and would not apply to any combination with any person who first became an interested shareholder on or before the effective date of the amendment. |
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There are no equivalent legal restrictions under Italian law or GTECH's by-laws. |
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There are no equivalent legal restrictions under English law or the Holdco Articles. |
396
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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Conflicts of Interest Transactions | ||||
Under Nevada law, a contract or transaction in which a director or officer of IGT is financially interested is not void or voidable if (i) the interest is known to the IGT Board or a committee thereof, and the IGT Board or committee authorizes, approves or ratifies the contract or transaction in good faith by a vote sufficient for the purpose, without counting the vote or votes of the interested director, (ii) the interest is known to the IGT shareholders, and the IGT shareholders approve or ratify the contract or transaction in good faith by the holders of a majority of the voting power of IGT (including shares held by the interested director or officer), (iii) the interest is not known to the director or officer at the time the transaction is brought before the IGT Board for action, or (iv) the contract or transaction is fair to IGT at the time it is authorized or approved. Common or interested directors may be counted to determine a quorum and if the votes of the common or interested directors are not counted at the meeting, then a majority of disinterested directors may authorize, approve or ratify a contract or transaction. |
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Under Italian law, a director with a direct or indirect interest, which does not have to be necessarily conflicting, in a transaction contemplated by GTECH must inform the board of directors of any such interest in a comprehensive manner. If a managing director has a conflict of interest, he must refrain from executing the transaction and refer the relevant decision to the board of directors. If the board of directors approves the transaction, such decision must be duly justified, in particular with regard to its economic rationale for the company. In case the conflicted director has not informed the board of the conflict, the board has not justified its decision, or such decision has been adopted with the decisive vote of an interested director, the relevant resolution, in case it may cause damage to the company, can be challenged in court by any of the directors who did not participate in the adoption of the resolution or by the statutory auditors of the company or by any of the directors (including those who participated in the adoption of the resolution) or by the statutory auditors of the company if the conflicted director did not inform the board of the existing conflict. The challenge must be brought within 90 days from the date of the relevant resolution. Conflicted directors are liable towards the company for damages deriving from any action or omission carried out breaching the above provisions. |
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Under English law, a director is under a duty to avoid conflicts of interest, and is obliged to declare his or her interest in a proposed or ongoing transaction to the other directors. It is an offense to fail to declare an interest. The duty to avoid a conflict of interest is not infringed if the situation cannot reasonably be regarded as likely to give rise to a conflict of interest or if the matter has been authorized by the directors. Provided that the director has declared his interest to the other directors, a director notwithstanding his office may, generally (i) be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangement with the company or in which the company is directly or indirectly interested; (ii) act by himself or through his firm in a professional capacity for the company (otherwise than as auditor), and in any such case on such terms as to remuneration and otherwise as the directors may decide; or (iii) be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise be interested in, any body corporate in which the company is directly or indirectly interested. |
397
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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Rights of Inspection | ||||
Subject to certain exceptions and limitations, under Nevada law, any person who has been an IGT shareholder of record for at least six months immediately preceding the demand, or any person holding, or thereunto authorized in writing by the holders of, at least five percent of all of IGT's outstanding shares, upon at least five days' written demand is entitled to inspect in person or by agent or attorney, during usual business hours, the articles of incorporation, by-laws and stock ledger of IGT. Under Nevada law, any person who has been an IGT shareholder of record and owns not less than 15 percent of all of IGT's issued and outstanding shares or has been authorized in writing by the holders of at least 15 percent of all of IGT's issued and outstanding shares, upon at least five days' written demand, is entitled to inspect in person or by agent or attorney, during normal business hours, the books of account and all financial records of IGT, to make copies of records, and to conduct an audit of such records. |
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Under Italian law, any shareholder, in person or through an agent, may inspect GTECH's shareholders' ledger and the minutes of shareholders' meetings at any time and may request a copy of the same at his or her own expense. |
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Under English law, a company must retain and keep available for inspection by shareholders free of charge, and by any other person on payment of a prescribed fee, its register of members. It must also keep available for inspection by shareholders free of charge records of all resolutions and meetings by shareholders and for a fee, provide copies of the minutes to shareholders who request them. In each case, the records should be kept for at least ten years. These records may be kept in electronic form, as long as they are capable of being produced in hard copy form. |
Shareholder Suits |
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Under Nevada law, an IGT shareholder may bring a derivative action on behalf of IGT only if the shareholder was an IGT shareholder at the time of the action being challenged or the shareholder acquired IGT stock thereafter by operation of law. |
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The Italian code of consumers provides for the possibility for consumers' associations to start a class action for the protection of collective interests. Single consumers may adhere to a class action suit that has already been initiated by the association. While it is possible to pursue compensation for the breach of consumer contracts, it is not possible to claim punitive damages. |
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While English law only permits a shareholder to initiate a lawsuit on behalf of the company in limited circumstances, and requires court permission to so, it does permit a shareholder to bring a claim against Holdco when: (1) Holdco's affairs are being or have been conducted in a manner unfairly prejudicial to the interests of all or some shareholders, including the shareholder making the claim; or (2) any act or omission of Holdco is or would be so prejudicial. |
398
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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With respect to minority shareholders' rights, shareholders representing at least 2.5% of the share capital of Italian listed companies may bring a liability claim (on behalf of the company) against the directors for breach of
their duties towards the company.
The shareholders promoting such claim appoint a representative to lead the action and perform all necessary ancillary activities. If the action is successful, damages granted inure to the exclusive benefit of the company. The company must reimburse the shareholders, who initiated the action, for the costs and expenses related to the action. Any shareholder representing 1/1000 of the voting share capital of an Italian listed company may also challenge any resolution of the board of directors within 90 days of such resolution being passed, if the resolution is prejudicial to the shareholder's rights. Any shareholder representing 1/1000 of the voting share capital may challenge any shareholders' meeting resolution that contravenes provisions of the by-laws or applicable law, if (i) the resolution was adopted at a shareholders' meeting not attended by such shareholder, (ii) the shareholder dissented, (iii) the shareholder abstained from voting, or (iv) the shareholder purchased the shares between the record date and the beginning of the meeting. |
The U.K. Limitation Act 1980 imposes a limitation period, with certain exceptions, of civil claims. The period is six years in respect of actions in contract and tort, and twelve years for breach of any obligation contained in a
deed. The period starts to run on the date that the action accrued. In the case of contract, this is the date on which the breach occurred, and in tort this is the date on which the damage occurred.
Under English law, the proper claimant for wrongs committed against the company, whether by directors or third parties, is the company itself. However, under Part 11 of the U.K. Companies Act of 2006, a shareholder may bring a derivative claim against a director or third party in respect of an act or omission involving negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by a director. |
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Control Share Acquisitions |
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IGT is subject to NRS Sections 78.378 to 78.3793, which limit the acquisition of a controlling interest in a Nevada corporation with 200 or more shareholders of record, at least 100 of whom have Nevada addresses, and that does business in Nevada directly or |
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There is no equivalent limitation under Italian law. |
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There is no equivalent limitation under English law. |
399
IGT | GTECH | HOLDCO | ||
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indirectly through an affiliated corporation. Under these sections of the NRS, an acquiring person who acquires a controlling interest in an issuing corporation may not exercise voting rights on any control shares unless such
voting rights are conferred by a majority vote of the disinterested shareholders of the issuing corporation at a special or annual meeting of the shareholders. In the event that the control shares are accorded full voting rights and the acquiring
person acquires control shares with a majority or more of all the voting power, any shareholder, other than the acquiring person, who does not vote in favor of authorizing voting rights for the control shares is entitled to demand payment for the
fair value of such person's shares.
Under the NRS, a "controlling interest" means the ownership of outstanding voting shares of an issuing corporation sufficient to enable the acquiring person, directly or indirectly and individually or in association with others, to exercise (1) one-fifth or more but less than one-third, (2) one-third or more but less than a majority, or (3) a majority or more of the voting power of the issuing corporation in the election of directors. Outstanding voting shares of an issuing corporation that an acquiring person (i) acquires or offers to acquire in an acquisition and (ii) acquires within 90 days immediately preceding the date when the acquiring person became an acquiring person are referred to as "control shares." The control share provisions of the NRS do not apply to the IGT Merger. |
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SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
Holdco is organized under the laws of England and Wales with its registered office in the U.K. and with its principal executive offices located in Rome, Italy, Providence, Rhode Island and Las Vegas, Nevada. A majority of its directors and senior management, and some of the experts named in this proxy statement/prospectus, currently reside outside the United States. A substantial portion of its assets and the assets of these individuals are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for you to effect service of process within the United States upon non-U.S. resident directors or upon Holdco, or it may be difficult to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws against Holdco.
Enforceability in Italy of final judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States is subject to certain conditions. Final enforceable and conclusive judgments rendered by U.S. courts, even if obtained by default, may not require retrial and will be enforceable in the Republic of Italy, provided that pursuant to article 64 of Italian Law No. 218 of May 31, 1995 ( riforma del sistema italiano di diritto internazionale privato ), the following conditions are met:
Italian courts may have jurisdiction on actions based on non-Italian law depending on the nature of the claims brought by the relevant shareholder and subject to the requirements set forth under the Council Regulations (EC) no. 44/2001 of December 22, 2000 on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters.
Italian shareholders should seek advice from their own counsel based on the applicable circumstances.
The United States and England currently do not have a treaty providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments (other than arbitration awards) in civil and commercial matters. Consequently, a final judgment for payment rendered by any federal or state court in the United States based on civil liability, whether or not predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities laws, would not automatically be enforceable in England. In order to enforce any U.S. judgment in England, proceedings must be initiated by way of common law action before a court of competent jurisdiction in England. In a common law action, an English court generally will not reinvestigate the merits of the original matter decided by a U.S. court and may order summary judgment on the basis that there is no
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arguable defense to the claim for payment. The entry of an enforcement order by an English court is conditional, among other things, upon the following:
Enforcement proceedings would normally have to be required to be commenced within six years of the date of the judgment. In addition, it is questionable whether an English court would accept jurisdiction and impose civil liability if proceedings were commenced in England predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities law.
Holdco may comply with a U.S. judgment voluntarily, but, if it were not to do so, you would have to apply to an Italian or English court for an original judgment. Consequently, it could prove difficult to enforce civil liabilities solely based on U.S. securities law in Italy or England. In addition, awards of punitive damages in actions brought in the United States or elsewhere may not be enforceable in Italy or England and English courts are unlikely to enforce any U.S. judgments for specific performance.
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FUTURE IGT SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
As a foreign private issuer, Holdco is exempt from the proxy rules of section 14(a) of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, shareholders will not be entitled to present proposals for consideration at forthcoming Holdco shareholder meetings.
IGT does not intend to hold an annual meeting of IGT shareholders in 2015 and will hold its 2015 annual meeting only if the Mergers are not completed.
For a shareholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in IGT's proxy statement for IGT's 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, your proposal must be received in writing no later than September 26, 2014 or, if the date of the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders is changed by more than 30 days from the date of 2014 annual meeting of shareholders, then the proposal must be received in writing no later than a reasonable time before IGT begins to print and send its proxy materials.
IGT shareholders desiring to present a proposal at the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders but who do not desire to have the proposal included in the proxy materials distributed by IGT must deliver written notice of such proposal to IGT no earlier than December 10, 2014 and no later than January 9, 2015. However, in the event that the date of IGT's next annual meeting is prior to February 8, 2015 or after May 9, 2015, then the deadline is no later than 90 days before the date of IGT's 2015 annual meeting of shareholders or, if later, the tenth (10th) day following the day on which IGT mails a notice of or publicly announces the date of its 2015 annual meeting of shareholders. Shareholder proposals that do not meet the notice requirements set forth above and further described in Section 3.2 of IGT's by-laws will not be acted upon at the 2015 annual meeting.
You are advised to review IGT's by-laws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of shareholder proposals and director nominations. IGT's by-laws are available on its website at www.igt.com.
403
IGT is being represented by Sidley Austin LLP with respect to certain legal matters as to the laws of the United States and is being represented by Allen & Overy LLP with respect to tax matters and certain legal matters as to the laws of the U.K. and Italy.
GTECH and Holdco are being represented by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz with respect to certain legal matters as to United States law, by Clifford Chance LLP with respect to certain legal matters as to the laws of the England and Lombardi Molinari Segni with respect to certain legal matters as to the laws of Italy. GTECH and Holdco are being represented by Jones Day with respect to certain U.K. tax matters and are being represented by Ludovici & Partners with respect to certain Italian tax matters.
404
The consolidated financial statements of GTECH S.p.A. as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, included in this proxy statement/prospectus have been audited by Reconta Ernst & Young S.p.A., independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this proxy statement/prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of International Game Technology for the year ended September 28, 2013 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
405
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
IGT files annual reports with and furnishes other reports and information to the SEC. You may read and copy any document IGT files with or furnishes to the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of these reports, as well as proxy and information statements and other information that IGT files with or furnishes to the SEC, at the Internet website maintained by the SEC, at www.sec.gov. The address of the SEC's website is provided solely for the information of prospective investors and is not intended to be an active link. Please visit this website or call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about its Public Reference Room. Reports and other information concerning the business of IGT may also be inspected at the offices of the NYSE at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. In addition, you may obtain free copies of the documents IGT files with the SEC, including the registration statement on Form F-4, of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, by going to IGT's website at http://www.igt.com under "Investor Relations." The Internet website address of IGT is provided as an inactive textual reference only. The information provided on the Internet website of IGT, other than copies of the documents listed below that have been filed with the SEC, is not part of this proxy statement/prospectus and, therefore, is not incorporated herein by reference.
Holdco has filed a registration statement on Form F-4, including the exhibits and annexes thereto, with the SEC under the Securities Act, to register the Holdco Shares that IGT shareholders will receive in connection with the Mergers. This proxy statement/prospectus is a part of that registration statement as well as a proxy statement with respect to the special meeting. Holdco may also file amendments to the registration statement. This proxy statement/prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, and some parts have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. You should read the registration statement on Form F-4 and the exhibits and schedules filed with the registration statement as they contain important information about IGT and Holdco and the Holdco Shares.
Each of IGT and Holdco undertake to provide without charge to IGT shareholders, upon request, by first class mail or other equally prompt means, within one (1) business day of receipt of the request, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, other than the exhibits to these documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the information that this proxy statement/prospectus incorporates.
Requests for copies of the filings of IGT and Holdco should be directed to:
IGT | Holdco | |
Kate Pearlman Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasury +1 866-296-4232 |
|
Giuliano Boggiali Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Finance Viale del Campo Boario 56/d 00154 Roma Italy +39 06 51899-020 |
GTECH makes its annual and interim reports and other information on its website at www.gtech.com. Information contained in or otherwise accessible through this website is not a part of this document.
406
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows IGT to "incorporate by reference" certain information filed with or furnished to the SEC, which means that IGT can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this proxy statement/prospectus. With respect to this proxy statement/prospectus, information that IGT later files with or furnishes to the SEC and that is incorporated by reference will automatically update and supersede information in this proxy statement/prospectus and information previously incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.
Each document incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus is current only as of the date of such document, and the incorporation by reference of such document is not intended to create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of IGT since the date of the relevant document or that the information contained in such document is current as of any time subsequent to its date. Any statement contained in such incorporated documents is deemed to be modified or superseded for the purpose of this proxy statement/prospectus to the extent that a subsequent statement contained in another document that is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus at a later date modifies or supersedes that statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this proxy statement/prospectus.
This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference the following documents and information filed by IGT with the SEC (other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been "furnished" and not "filed" in accordance with SEC rules):
IGT Filings and Reports (SEC File Number: 001-10684)
All documents filed by IGT under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and prior to the date of the special meeting will be incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, other than the portions of such documents not deemed to be filed.
You may obtain copies of these documents in the manner described under "Where You Can Find More Information."
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE SOLICITATION OF A PROXY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO OR FROM ANY PERSON TO WHOM OR FROM WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH PROXY SOLICITATION IN THAT JURISDICTION. YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS TO VOTE YOUR SHARES AT THE SPECIAL MEETING. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS DATED [ ]. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THAT DATE.
407
INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF GTECH S.P.A. AND
SUBSIDIARIES
F-1
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
F-2
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
F-3
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
F-4
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
F-5
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
F-6
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
Notes | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
|||||||||
Income before income tax expense |
323,698 | 328,960 | |||||||
Adjustments for: |
|||||||||
Depreciation |
21 | 183,089 | 188,136 | ||||||
Intangibles amortization |
22 | 151,577 | 141,557 | ||||||
Interest expense |
24 | 139,206 | 121,148 | ||||||
Non-cash foreign exchange loss, net |
4,499 | 574 | |||||||
Share-based payment expense |
27 | 3,152 | 9,029 | ||||||
Provisions |
(857 | ) | 23,349 | ||||||
Impairment recovery, net |
(1,104 | ) | (2,025 | ) | |||||
Interest income |
(2,297 | ) | (2,395 | ) | |||||
Other non-cash items |
12,923 | 11,080 | |||||||
Cash foreign exchange gain (loss), net |
(347 | ) | 1,631 | ||||||
Income tax paid |
(113,756 | ) | (107,559 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows before changes in operating assets and liabilities |
699,783 | 713,485 | |||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|||||||||
Inventories |
(2,760 | ) | 12,173 | ||||||
Trade and other receivables |
85,684 | (80,407 | ) | ||||||
Accounts payable |
(79,166 | ) | (85,020 | ) | |||||
Deferred revenue |
(22,030 | ) | 14,803 | ||||||
Employee compensation |
(14,174 | ) | (17,677 | ) | |||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
(25,942 | ) | (20,468 | ) | |||||
Advance payments from customers |
3,491 | (21,383 | ) | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
14,525 | (2,885 | ) | ||||||
Other assets and liabilities |
(18,189 | ) | (15,716 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from operating activities |
641,222 | 496,905 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities |
|||||||||
Purchases of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts |
(140,263 | ) | (136,456 | ) | |||||
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
(26,230 | ) | (7,345 | ) | |||||
Purchases of intangible assets |
10 | (14,375 | ) | (111,948 | ) | ||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
8 | (5,056 | ) | (8,241 | ) | ||||
Interest received |
1,931 | 2,525 | |||||||
Cash proceeds related to impairment recovery |
| 2,025 | |||||||
Refundable deposit |
| (19,800 | ) | ||||||
Other |
9,790 | 3,162 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows used in investing activities |
(174,203 | ) | (276,078 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities |
|||||||||
Dividends paid |
(130,525 | ) | (125,920 | ) | |||||
Interest paid |
(114,161 | ) | (99,822 | ) | |||||
Acquisition of non-controlling interest |
16 | (72,328 | ) | | |||||
Return of capital - non-controlling interest |
16 | (50,155 | ) | (40,087 | ) | ||||
Treasury shares purchased |
16 | (32,893 | ) | | |||||
Dividends paid - non-controlling interest |
16 | (32,788 | ) | (33,865 | ) | ||||
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings |
(512 | ) | 21 | ||||||
Capital increase |
16 | 2,201 | 56,688 | ||||||
Other |
(8,920 | ) | (306 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows used in financing activities |
(440,081 | ) | (243,291 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
26,938 | (22,464 | ) | ||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
9,584 | (6,491 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period |
419,118 | 455,762 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period |
455,640 | 426,807 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
F-7
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014
|
Attributable to owners of the parent |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
Issued
Capital |
Share
Premium |
Treasury
Shares (Note 16) |
Retained
Earnings |
Other
Reserves (Note 16) |
Total |
Non-Controlling
Interests |
Total
Equity |
|||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 |
173,992 | 1,717,261 | | 292,847 | 15,812 | 2,199,912 | 403,620 | 2,603,532 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 176,119 | | 176,119 | 14,867 | 190,986 | |||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
| | | | 261,624 | 261,624 | 705 | 262,329 | |||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income |
| | | 176,119 | 261,624 | 437,743 | 15,572 | 453,315 | |||||||||||||||||
Dividend distribution (€0.75 per share) |
| (69,296 | ) | | (61,229 | ) | | (130,525 | ) | | (130,525 | ) | |||||||||||||
Treasury shares purchased (1,782,426 shares) |
| | (32,893 | ) | | | (32,893 | ) | | (32,893 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Appropriation of 2013 income in accordance with Italian law |
| | | (308 | ) | 308 | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Share-based payment (Note 27) |
| | | | 3,152 | 3,152 | | 3,152 | |||||||||||||||||
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options |
282 | 3,259 | | | | 3,541 | | 3,541 | |||||||||||||||||
Shares issued under stock award plans |
679 | | | | (679 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Dividend distribution (Note 16) |
| | | | | | (32,788 | ) | (32,788 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Return of capital (Note 16) |
| | | | | | (50,155 | ) | (50,155 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Acquisition of non-controlling interest (Note 16) |
| | | (9,057 | ) | | (9,057 | ) | (63,751 | ) | (72,808 | ) | |||||||||||||
Capital increase (Note 16) |
| | | | | | 13,470 | 13,470 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital reallocation (Note 16) |
| | | 2,275 | | 2,275 | (2,275 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||
Other movements in equity |
| | | | (428 | ) | (428 | ) | | (428 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2014 |
174,953 | 1,651,224 | (32,893 | ) | 400,647 | 279,789 | 2,473,720 | 283,693 | 2,757,413 | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-8
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Continued)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013
|
Attributable to owners of the parent |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
Issued
Capital |
Share
Premium |
Retained
Earnings |
Other
Reserves (Note 16) |
Total |
Non-Controlling
Interests |
Total
Equity |
|||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2013 |
172,455 | 1,703,923 | 235,858 | 155,565 | 2,267,801 | 374,464 | 2,642,265 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | 174,157 | | 174,157 | 23,878 | 198,035 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss |
| | | (78,796 | ) | (78,796 | ) | (38 | ) | (78,834 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
| | 174,157 | (78,796 | ) | 95,361 | 23,840 | 119,201 | ||||||||||||||
Dividend distribution (€0.73 per share) |
| | (125,920 | ) | | (125,920 | ) | | (125,920 | ) | ||||||||||||
Appropriation of 2012 income in accordance with Italian law |
| | (63 | ) | 63 | | | | ||||||||||||||
Share-based payment (Note 27) |
| | | 9,029 | 9,029 | | 9,029 | |||||||||||||||
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options |
1,166 | 12,936 | | | 14,102 | | 14,102 | |||||||||||||||
Shares issued under stock award plans |
339 | | | (339 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||
Dividend distribution (Note 16) |
| | | | | (33,865 | ) | (33,865 | ) | |||||||||||||
Return of capital (Note 16) |
| | | | | (40,087 | ) | (40,087 | ) | |||||||||||||
Capital increase (Note 16) |
| | | | | 56,688 | 56,688 | |||||||||||||||
Other movements in equity |
| | | (428 | ) | (428 | ) | 400 | (28 | ) | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2013 |
173,960 | 1,716,859 | 284,032 | 85,094 | 2,259,945 | 381,440 | 2,641,385 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-9
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Corporate information
GTECH S.p.A. is a leading commercial operator and provider of technology in the regulated worldwide gaming markets. When used in these notes, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise indicates, all references to the terms "GTECH," "we," "us," "our," and the "Company" refer to GTECH S.p.A., the parent entity, and all entities included in our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
We operate and provide a full range of services and leading-edge technology products across all gaming markets, including lotteries, machine gaming, sports betting, and interactive gaming. We also provide high-volume processing of commercial transactions. Our state-of-the-art information technology platforms and software enable distribution through land-based systems, Internet and mobile devices. Our principal activities are described in Note 6.
GTECH is a joint stock company incorporated and domiciled in the Republic of Italy, and its registered office is located at Viale del Campo Boario, Rome, Italy. GTECH is majority owned by De Agostini S.p.A., a century-old publishing, media, and financial services company and is listed on the Italian Stock Exchange managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. under the trading symbol "GTK". GTECH has a Sponsored Level 1 American Depository Receipt (ADR) program listed on the United States over the counter market under the trading symbol "GTKYY".
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were approved for issuance in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors on November 10, 2014.
2. Basis of preparation
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting ("IAS 34"). As such, they do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual financial statements as of December 31, 2013.
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in euros and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (€000) (except share and per share data) unless otherwise indicated.
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for September 30, 2014 are consistent with the December 31, 2013 presentation.
Format of the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements
The Company presents current and non-current assets, and current and non-current liabilities as separate classifications in its unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated income statements are presented using a classification based on the nature of expenses, rather than based on their function of expense, as management believes this presentation provides information that is more relevant.
F-10
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Basis of preparation (Continued)
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of changes in equity include details of transactions with owners, with non-owner changes in equity presented separately. Comprehensive income is presented in two statements; a separate unaudited interim condensed consolidated income statement and unaudited interim condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of cash flows are presented using the indirect method.
3. Changes to the Company's accounting policies
The Company's accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those of the previous financial year except for:
Adoption of new standards and interpretation
The nature and the impact of each new standard, amendments or interpretation are described below.
Investment Entities (Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27)
These amendments provide an exception to the consolidation requirement for entities that meet the definition of an investment entity under IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements . These amendments have no impact to the Company, since none of the entities in the Company qualifies to be an investment entity under IFRS 10.
F-11
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. Changes to the Company's accounting policies (Continued)
Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Amendments to IAS 32
These amendments clarify the meaning of "currently has a legally enforceable right of set-off" and the criteria for non-simultaneous settlement mechanisms of clearing houses to qualify for offsetting. These amendments have no impact to the Company.
Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets - Amendments to IAS 36
These amendments require disclosure of the recoverable amounts for the assets or cash-generating units for which an impairment loss has been recognized or reversed during the period. These amendments affect disclosures only and have no impact on the Company's financial position or performance.
Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting - Amendments to IAS 39
These amendments provide relief from discontinuing hedge accounting when novation of a derivative designated as a hedging instrument meets certain criteria. The amendments do not have an impact on the Company.
IFRIC Interpretation 21 Levies
IFRIC Interpretation 21 is applicable to all levies imposed by governments under legislation, other than outflows that are within the scope of other standards and fines or other penalties for breaches of legislation. The interpretation clarifies that an entity recognizes a liability for a levy no earlier than when the activity that triggers payment, as identified by the relevant legislation, occurs (except if lower than a specified minimum threshold). The interpretation does not have an impact on the Company.
4. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and the accompanying disclosures, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or liabilities affected in future periods.
In the process of applying the Company's accounting policies, management has made the following judgment that has the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
Finance and operating lease commitments
The Company leases the GTECH Corporation world headquarters facility (land and building) in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. The Company determined that the present value of the future minimum lease payments for the building amounted to substantially all of the fair value relating to the Company's portion of the building and therefore accounts for its portion of the building as a finance
F-12
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions (Continued)
lease. The Company also determined that since title to the land will never transfer to the Company, the land is accounted for as an operating lease.
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below. The Company based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
Impairment of Systems, Equipment and Other Assets Related to Contracts
The carrying values of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. This requires management to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the assets and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The carrying amount of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was €900.4 million and €899.5 million, respectively. No impairments have been recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013. Further details are provided in Note 7.
The Company determines whether goodwill is impaired at least on an annual basis. This requires an estimation of the "fair value less costs of disposal" of the cash-generating units to which the goodwill is allocated. Goodwill is tested at the level at which management monitors goodwill. Estimating a fair value less costs of disposal amount requires management to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the cash-generating unit and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The carrying amount of goodwill at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was €3.3 billion and €3.1 billion, respectively. No impairments have been recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013. Further details are provided in Note 9.
Impairment of Intangible Assets
The Company determines whether intangible assets with definite or indefinite useful lives are impaired at least on an annual basis. This requires management to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the assets and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The carrying amount of intangible assets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was €1.2 billion and €1.3 billion, respectively. No impairments have been recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013. Further details are provided in Note 10.
F-13
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions (Continued)
Due to the nature of its business, the Company is involved in a number of legal, regulatory and arbitration proceedings regarding, among other matters, claims by and against it as well as injunctions by third parties arising out of the ordinary course of its business and is subject to investigations and compliance inquiries related to its ongoing operations. The outcome of these proceedings and similar future proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. It is difficult to accurately estimate the outcome of any proceeding. As such, the amounts of the Company's provision for litigation risk, which has been accrued on the basis of assessments made by external counsel, could vary significantly from the amounts the Company would ultimately pay in any such proceeding. In addition, unfavorable resolution of or significant delay in adjudicating such proceedings could require the Company to pay substantial monetary damages or penalties and/or incur costs which may exceed any provision for litigation risks or, under certain circumstances, cause the termination or revocation of the relevant concession, license or authorization and thereby have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, provisions for litigation matters amounted to €6.6 million and €8.5 million, respectively. Further details are provided in Note 30.
The Company measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments on the date they are granted. Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determination of the most appropriate valuation model, which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant, and incorporates assumptions to the valuation model inputs, including the expected life of the option, volatility, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate. We recorded share-based payment expense of €3.2 million and €9.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The assumptions and models used for estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions are disclosed in Note 27.
Minimum profit level guarantees
We have three contracts where we have provided customers with minimum profit level guarantees as summarized below. Our estimates of liabilities for minimum profit level guarantees take into consideration contract terms and financial information provided by our customers, the availability and timing of which could significantly impact our estimates. At the inception of the contract, we estimate whether we expect to incur an obligation for the minimum profit level guarantee during the term of the contract. In the event a liability for the obligation is required, we record a liability based on our estimate with an offsetting asset as we consider it to be a cost incurred directly related to the future benefits of the contract. We amortize the asset over the contract term as a reduction of service revenue. In situations where the Company and the customer have not agreed to the methodology for calculating the minimum profit level guarantee, the Company continues to adjust the estimated liability with an offset to the asset until the Company and the customer reach a mutual understanding on the methodology. Any difference between the liability recorded and the actual amount owed to the customer is recorded as an adjustment to service revenue in the period when such difference becomes probable.
F-14
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions (Continued)
In January 2011, Northstar Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar"), a consortium in which GTECH Corporation holds an 80% controlling interest, entered into a 10-year agreement with the State of Illinois, acting through the Department of the Lottery (as the statutory successor to the Department of Revenue, Lottery Division (the "State")) whereby Northstar, subject to the State's oversight, manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions. Northstar guaranteed the State a minimum profit level for each fiscal year of the agreement, commencing with the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.
In October 2012, GTECH Indiana, LLC ("GTECH Indiana"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GTECH Corporation, entered into a 15-year agreement with the State Lottery Commission of Indiana (the "State") whereby GTECH Indiana manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions, subject to the State's control over all significant business decisions. GTECH Indiana guaranteed the State a minimum profit level in each year of the agreement, commencing with the contract year ending June 30, 2014.
In June 2013, Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar NJ"), a consolidated joint venture in which GTECH Corporation indirectly holds an approximate 41% interest, entered into an Agreement with the State of New Jersey (the "State"), Department of the Treasury, Division of Purchase and Property and Division of Lottery (the "Division of Lottery") whereby Northstar NJ manages a wide range of the Division of Lottery's marketing, sales, and related functions, which is subject to the Division of Lottery's continuing control and oversight over the conduct of lottery operations. Northstar NJ guaranteed the State a minimum profit level in each year of the agreement, commencing with the contract year ending June 30, 2014.
Further details of these guarantees, which require management to make estimates and assumptions concerning profit levels, are provided in Note 29.
Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation of complex tax regulations and the amount and timing of future taxable income. Given the Company's wide range of international business relationships and the long-term nature and complexity of existing contractual agreements, differences arising between the actual results and the assumptions made, or future changes to such assumptions, could necessitate future adjustments to taxable income and income tax expense already recorded. The Company establishes provisions, based on reasonable estimates, for possible consequences of audits by the tax authorities of the respective countries in which it operates. The amount of such provisions is based on various factors, such as experience of previous tax audits and differing interpretations of tax regulations by the taxable entity and the responsible tax authority. Such differences of interpretation may arise on a wide variety of issues depending on the conditions prevailing in the respective domicile of our companies.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses and tax credits to the extent that it is probable that taxable income will be available against which the losses and tax credits can be utilized. Significant management judgment is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognized, based upon the likely timing and level of future taxable income together with future tax planning strategies.
F-15
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions (Continued)
Based upon the consideration of these factors, the value of deferred tax assets related to operating losses and tax assets related to tax credits are as follows (€ millions):
|
September 30,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Recognized deferred tax assets related to operating losses |
102.4 | 96.1 | |||||
Unrecognized deferred tax assets related to operating losses |
57.8 | 53.6 | |||||
Recognized deferred tax assets related to tax credits |
2.3 | 1.8 | |||||
Unrecognized deferred tax assets related to tax credits |
20.5 | 18.7 |
Further details on income taxes are disclosed in Note 25.
Fair value measurement of financial instruments
When the fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the statement of financial position cannot be measured based on quoted prices in active markets, their fair value is measured using valuation techniques including the discounted cash flow model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgment is required in establishing fair values. The judgments include considerations of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments. Further details are provided in Note 13.
Contingent consideration resulting from business combinations is valued at fair value at the acquisition date as part of the business combination. When the contingent consideration meets the definition of a financial liability, it is subsequently remeasured to fair value at each reporting date. The determination of the fair value is based on discounted cash flows. The key assumptions take into consideration the probability of meeting each performance target and the discount factor. Further details are provided in Note 29.
5. Merger agreement with International Game Technology
On July 15, 2014, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with International Game Technology ("IGT"), a global leader in casino and social gaming entertainment, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, which was amended in September 2014, GTECH and IGT will combine under a newly formed holding company organized and with corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom ("Holdco"), with operating headquarters in each of Las Vegas, Providence and Rome. The Merger Agreement provides for (i) the merger of GTECH with and into Holdco pursuant to which each issued and outstanding ordinary share of GTECH will be converted into the right to receive one ordinary share of Holdco ("Holdco Shares"), and immediately thereafter, (ii) the merger of a U.S. subsidiary of Holdco ("Sub") with and into IGT with IGT surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco.
Subject to adjustment, IGT shareholders will be entitled to receive a combination of $13.69 in cash plus 0.1819 Holdco Shares for each share of IGT common stock, equal to an aggregate value of $18.25 per IGT share. The aggregate transaction value is approximately $6.4 billion (€5.1 billion at the
F-16
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. Merger agreement with International Game Technology (Continued)
September 30, 2014 exchange rate) inclusive of the assumption of approximately $1.75 billion (€1.39 billion at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) in existing IGT net debt. Holdco has applied to list Holdco Shares on the New York Stock Exchange.
Closing of the mergers is subject to certain closing conditions, including among others (i) IGT and GTECH shareholder approvals, (ii) expiration or termination of the waiting periods and certain antitrust approvals, each of which has been obtained, (iii) gaming regulatory approvals in 23 jurisdictions, (iv) effectiveness of the registration statement for the Holdco Shares, (v) NYSE listing approval for the Holdco Shares, (vi) the expiration or early termination of a sixty-day GTECH creditor opposition period after GTECH shareholder approval, (vii) the absence of any order prohibiting or restraining the mergers, (viii) subject to certain materiality exceptions, the accuracy of each party's representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement and performance by each party of their respective obligations under the Merger Agreement; (ix) the receipt of a merger order from the High Court of England and Wales and (x) in the case of IGT's obligation to close the IGT Merger, receipt of a tax opinion by IGT.
The extraordinary meeting of shareholders of GTECH was held on November 4, 2014 at which the cross-border merger of GTECH into Holdco was approved.
The Merger Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants by IGT and GTECH, including covenants regarding the operation of their respective businesses prior to the closing of the mergers and prohibitions on the solicitation of competing proposals.
IGT may terminate the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances including, among others, in order to enter into an agreement with respect to a proposal that is determined by the IGT board of directors to be superior to the Merger Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement (including an opportunity for GTECH to match any such proposal). GTECH may also terminate the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, including among others (i) if GTECH shareholders exercise rescission rights under Italian law in respect of more than 20% of GTECH's shares outstanding as of the date of the Merger Agreement, (ii) if Holdco would, as a result of a change in applicable law, be treated as a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes as of or after the closing or (iii) if the special voting shares described below cannot be implemented under certain circumstances. In connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, (x) IGT may be required to pay GTECH a termination fee of $135.3 million (€107.5 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate), (y) IGT may be required to reimburse GTECH for certain regulatory expenses it incurs and (z) GTECH may be required to pay IGT a termination fee of $270.6 million (€215.1 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) or, under the circumstances described in clause (ii) of this paragraph, $135.3 million (€107.5 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate).
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Holdco board of directors will have 13 members, including, for a period of three years after the closing: (i) the chief executive officer of GTECH, (ii) five directors designated by IGT, including IGT's current chairman and its current chief executive officer, (iii) six directors designated by GTECH's principal shareholders and (iv) one director mutually agreed to by IGT and GTECH. The Holdco board of directors will be compliant with the corporate governance standards of the NYSE applicable to non-controlled domestic issuers. GTECH's chief
F-17
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. Merger agreement with International Game Technology (Continued)
executive officer will be the chief executive officer of Holdco. In addition, for a period of three years following the transactions, IGT's chairman will be chairman of the Holdco board of directors, IGT's chief executive officer will be a vice-chairman and one of the directors designated by GTECH's principal shareholders would also be a vice-chairman. Holdco's articles of association will include a loyalty share program, under which shareholders that hold Holdco Shares continuously for at least three years will have the right to receive 0.9995 (non-transferable) special voting shares per Holdco Share.
The transaction, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is currently expected to be completed in the first half of 2015. We expect to finance the cash portion of the consideration through a combination of cash on hand and new financing. In connection with entering into the transaction, we have received binding commitments totaling $10.7 billion (€8.5 billion at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) from Credit Suisse, Barclays and Citigroup to finance the transaction, including refinancing certain existing indebtedness.
In connection with the Merger Agreement, IGT entered into a Support Agreement and a Voting Agreement with GTECH's principal shareholders, who held approximately 59% of the outstanding shares of GTECH as of March 14, 2014. Under the terms of the Support Agreement, GTECH's principal shareholders have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and against any competing transaction. Under the Voting Agreement, such shareholders have agreed to vote their shares in accordance with the post-closing governance provisions set forth in the Merger Agreement and described above for a period of three years after the closing of the Mergers.
6. Operating segment information
The structure of the Company's internal organization is aligned around three global geographic regions. Consequently, for management purposes, the Company's operating segments are organized geographically into three reportable operating segments based on those regions - Americas, International and Italy.
Each of these segments operate and provide a full range of gaming services including lottery management services, online and instant lotteries, sports betting, machine gaming and interactive gaming. They also provide high-volume processing of commercial transactions.
No operating segments have been aggregated to form the above reportable operating segments.
Management monitors the operating results of its operating segments separately for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. Segment performance is evaluated based on operating income.
F-18
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
6. Operating segment information (Continued)
Revenue and operating income for the Company's reportable operating segments are as follows:
|
Third-party revenue | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
For the three months
ended September 30, |
For the nine months
ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Operating Segments |
|||||||||||||
Italy |
424,434 | 397,571 | 1,310,690 | 1,286,986 | |||||||||
Americas |
233,253 | 251,481 | 727,229 | 755,693 | |||||||||
International |
69,958 | 80,983 | 221,847 | 246,625 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
727,645 | 730,035 | 2,259,766 | 2,289,304 | |||||||||
Purchase accounting |
140 |
136 |
401 |
410 |
|||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
727,785 | 730,171 | 2,260,167 | 2,289,714 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Operating income | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
For the three months
ended September 30, |
For the nine months
ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Operating Segments |
|||||||||||||
Italy |
150,583 | 82,967 | 450,952 | 385,093 | |||||||||
Americas |
6,798 | 28,054 | 63,408 | 101,680 | |||||||||
International |
11,349 | 14,897 | 39,039 | 40,413 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
168,730 | 125,918 | 553,399 | 527,186 | |||||||||
Corporate support |
(20,173 |
) |
(9,299 |
) |
(43,460 |
) |
(28,682 |
) |
|||||
Purchase accounting |
(15,359 | ) | (14,288 | ) | (39,881 | ) | (43,157 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
133,198 | 102,331 | 470,058 | 455,347 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase accounting principally represents the depreciation and amortization of acquired tangible and intangible assets in connection with acquired companies including the August 2006 acquisition of GTECH Holdings Corporation by GTECH S.p.A.
Corporate support expenses are principally comprised of general and administrative expenses and other expenses that are managed at the corporate level, including Restructuring, Corporate Headquarters and Board of Directors expenses. The increase in costs related to corporate support during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily relates to IGT acquisition costs.
F-19
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
6. Operating segment information (Continued)
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment information for the Company's reportable operating segments are as follows:
|
Depreciation | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
For the three
months ended September 30, |
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Operating Segments |
|||||||||||||
Italy |
19,520 | 20,437 | 54,136 | 54,091 | |||||||||
Americas |
34,382 | 34,225 | 99,645 | 102,766 | |||||||||
International |
5,085 | 5,004 | 14,023 | 13,978 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
58,987 | 59,666 | 167,804 | 170,835 | |||||||||
Corporate support |
3,625 |
3,766 |
11,052 |
11,457 |
|||||||||
Purchase accounting |
1,474 | 1,875 | 4,233 | 5,844 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
64,086 | 65,307 | 183,089 | 188,136 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Amortization | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
For the three
months ended September 30, |
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Operating Segments |
|||||||||||||
Italy |
36,150 | 35,476 | 108,093 | 103,419 | |||||||||
Americas |
1,564 | | 4,494 | | |||||||||
International |
| | 1 | 2 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
37,714 | 35,476 | 112,588 | 103,421 | |||||||||
Corporate support |
232 |
100 |
450 |
309 |
|||||||||
Purchase accounting |
14,025 | 12,573 | 38,473 | 37,758 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
51,971 | 48,149 | 151,511 | 141,488 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-20
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
6. Operating segment information (Continued)
|
Impairment loss (recovery), net | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
For the three
months ended September 30, |
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Operating Segments |
|||||||||||||
International |
| | 1,320 | (2,025 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | 1,320 | (2,025 | ) | ||||||||
Purchase accounting |
|
|
(2,424 |
) |
|
||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | (1,104 | ) | (2,025 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
7. Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net
(€ thousands)
|
Land | Buildings |
Terminals
and Systems |
Furniture
and Equipment |
Contracts
in Progress |
Total | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net book value |
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 |
551 | 36,809 | 758,805 | 58,294 | 45,077 | 899,536 | |||||||||||||
Additions |
9 | 3,124 | 32,874 | 3,925 | 85,425 | 125,357 | |||||||||||||
Acquisitions |
| | | 327 | | 327 | |||||||||||||
Depreciation (Note 22) |
| (7,250 | ) | (153,747 | ) | (12,079 | ) | | (173,076 | ) | |||||||||
Disposals |
| (2 | ) | (4,077 | ) | (194 | ) | (139 | ) | (4,412 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
| 20 | 39,987 | 2,243 | 3,495 | 45,745 | |||||||||||||
Transfers |
| 6,705 | 45,698 | 3,342 | (55,991 | ) | (246 | ) | |||||||||||
Other |
| 3,465 | 1,984 | (266 | ) | 1,946 | 7,129 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2014 |
560 | 42,871 | 721,524 | 55,592 | 79,813 | 900,360 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at January 1, 2014 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Cost |
551 | 82,423 | 2,012,831 | 140,747 | 45,077 | 2,281,629 | |||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
| (45,614 | ) | (1,254,026 | ) | (82,453 | ) | | (1,382,093 | ) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net book value |
551 | 36,809 | 758,805 | 58,294 | 45,077 | 899,536 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2014 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Cost |
560 | 95,640 | 2,157,994 | 151,577 | 79,813 | 2,485,584 | |||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
| (52,769 | ) | (1,436,470 | ) | (95,985 | ) | | (1,585,224 | ) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net book value |
560 | 42,871 | 721,524 | 55,592 | 79,813 | 900,360 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-21
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. Property, plant and equipment, net
(€ thousands)
|
Land | Buildings |
Furniture
and Equipment |
Construction
in Progress |
Total | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net book value |
||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2014 |
1,878 | 22,557 | 50,738 | 1,209 | 76,382 | |||||||||||
Additions |
| | 4,135 | 921 | 5,056 | |||||||||||
Depreciation (Note 22) |
| (1,228 | ) | (8,785 | ) | | (10,013 | ) | ||||||||
Disposals |
| (55 | ) | (935 | ) | | (990 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
112 | 1,769 | 3,919 | 126 | 5,926 | |||||||||||
Transfers |
| | 616 | (370 | ) | 246 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2014 |
1,990 | 23,043 | 49,688 | 1,886 | 76,607 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at January 1, 2014 |
||||||||||||||||
Cost |
1,878 | 35,005 | 120,765 | 1,209 | 158,857 | |||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
| (12,448 | ) | (70,027 | ) | | (82,475 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net book value |
1,878 | 22,557 | 50,738 | 1,209 | 76,382 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2014 |
||||||||||||||||
Cost |
1,990 | 37,869 | 132,258 | 1,886 | 174,003 | |||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
| (14,826 | ) | (82,570 | ) | | (97,396 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net book value |
1,990 | 23,043 | 49,688 | 1,886 | 76,607 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
9. Goodwill
(€ thousands)
|
September 30,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at beginning of period |
3,095,466 | 3,188,753 | |||||
Acquisitions |
13,204 | 10,674 | |||||
Foreign currency translation |
214,965 | (103,961 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at end of period |
3,323,635 | 3,095,466 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at beginning of period |
|||||||
Cost |
3,209,232 | 3,304,615 | |||||
Accumulated impairment loss |
(113,766 | ) | (115,862 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
|
3,095,466 | 3,188,753 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at end of period |
|||||||
Cost |
3,439,089 | 3,209,232 | |||||
Accumulated impairment loss |
(115,454 | ) | (113,766 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
|
3,323,635 | 3,095,466 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
On May 2, 2014, we acquired 100% of the shares of Probability Plc ("Probability") a mobile gaming solutions company that provides GTECH with immediate access to a mobile solution in slots and table games, as well as enhances player acquisition and retention experience. The cash purchase
F-22
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. Goodwill (Continued)
price was approximately £18 million (€19.7 million net of cash acquired). Acquired goodwill of €13.2 million in the first nine months of 2014 includes €10.2 million associated with the Probability acquisition, which is provisional because it is based on preliminary estimates and assumptions. Revisions to the fair values will be recorded when the Company receives final information, including appraisals and other analyses, but not later than one year from the acquisition date.
Acquired goodwill of €10.7 million in 2013 resulted from the April 2013 acquisition of Big Easy S.r.l., an Italian entity that is engaged in the Machine Gaming market.
The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually, during its fourth quarter ending on December 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.
F-23
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. Intangible assets, net
(€ thousands)
|
September 30,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at beginning of period |
1,257,297 | 1,333,948 | |||||
Intangible assets acquired during the period: |
|
|
|||||
Purchase business combination related: |
|
|
|||||
Customer contracts |
6,446 | | |||||
Software |
5,927 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
12,373 | | |||||
All other intangible assets acquired: |
|||||||
Software |
10,017 | 17,151 | |||||
Concessions and licenses |
2,779 | 106,078 | |||||
Customer contracts |
919 | 2,090 | |||||
Networks |
538 | 1,324 | |||||
Sports betting rights |
122 | 8,898 | |||||
Other |
| 3,815 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
14,375 | 139,356 | |||||
Total intangible assets acquired |
26,748 |
139,356 |
|||||
Foreign currency translation |
44,552 |
(23,351 |
) |
||||
Impairment recovery (loss) |
2,423 | (2,613 | ) | ||||
Write-off and other |
(157 | ) | (269 | ) | |||
Amortization (Note 23) |
(151,577 | ) | (189,774 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at end of period |
1,179,286 | 1,257,297 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at beginning of period |
|||||||
Cost |
2,198,735 | 2,120,883 | |||||
Accumulated amortization |
(941,438 | ) | (786,935 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
|
1,257,297 | 1,333,948 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at end of period |
|||||||
Cost |
2,313,463 | 2,198,735 | |||||
Accumulated amortization |
(1,134,177 | ) | (941,438 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
|
1,179,286 | 1,257,297 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The impairment recovery recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 relates to the revised estimation of the future profitability of an existing customer contract resulting from changes in the terms and conditions of such contract.
Intangible assets acquired during 2013 principally related to a $120 million (€91.7 million at the June 2013 acquisition date) upfront payment required under the Services Agreement Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC signed with the State of New Jersey, Department of the Treasury, Division
F-24
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. Intangible assets, net (Continued)
of Purchase and Property and Division of Lottery in June 2013 to manage a wide range of the lottery's marketing, sales, and related functions. See Note 29 for additional information.
11. Investments in associates and joint ventures
The Company's investments in associates and joint ventures are as follows:
(€ thousands)
|
September 30,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yeonama Holdings Co. Limited |
19,229 | 19,800 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Subtotal associate |
19,229 | 19,800 | |||||
CLS-GTECH Company Limited |
2,998 |
6,435 |
|||||
LB Participacoes e Loterias LTDA |
1,209 | | |||||
Ringmaster S.r.l. |
660 | 632 | |||||
Technology and Security Printing S.r.l. |
33 | 3 | |||||
L-Gaming S.A. |
21 | 24 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Subtotal joint ventures |
4,921 | 7,094 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
24,150 | 26,894 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
12. Other assets (non-current and current)
(€ thousands)
|
September 30,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Other non-current assets |
|||||||
Minimum revenue guarantee |
58,439 | 28,430 | |||||
Deferred costs |
6,827 | 4,731 | |||||
Customer receivables |
4,387 | 5,781 | |||||
Prepaid expenses |
3,623 | 4,535 | |||||
Deposits |
3,248 | 2,705 | |||||
Sales-type lease receivables |
1,933 | 1,399 | |||||
Other |
651 | 1,196 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
79,108 | 48,777 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-25
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. Other assets (non-current and current) (Continued)
We recorded non-current assets related to the minimum revenue guarantee in the State of Illinois as follows (in thousands):
|
$ | € | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at January 1, 2013 |
| | |||||
Additions |
42,000 | 32,110 | |||||
Service revenue amortization |
(2,792 | ) | (2,067 | ) | |||
Foreign currency translation |
| (1,613 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
39,208 | 28,430 | |||||
Additions |
40,000 | 29,287 | |||||
Service revenue amortization |
(5,674 | ) | (4,248 | ) | |||
Foreign currency translation |
| 4,970 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2014 |
73,534 | 58,439 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The asset is being amortized over the remaining term of the 10-year agreement with the State of Illinois (ending January 17, 2021), as a reduction of service revenue in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated income statements. See Note 29 for additional information.
(€ thousands)
|
September 30,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Other current assets |
|||||||
Restricted cash |
87,040 | 88,553 | |||||
Bridge facility fees |
46,280 | | |||||
Concession fees receivable |
37,835 | 52,921 | |||||
Prepaid expenses |
21,173 | 14,948 | |||||
Other receivables |
15,367 | 8,300 | |||||
Value-added tax receivable |
8,342 | 11,262 | |||||
Other tax receivables |
5,829 | 8,356 | |||||
Other |
7,721 | 6,177 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
229,587 | 190,517 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Bridge facility fees are comprised of fees of €59.1 million, net of accumulated amortization. See Notes 17 and 24 for further information.
F-26
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Financial assets and financial liabilities
Set out below is a comparison by class of the carrying amounts and fair values of our financial assets and financial liabilities:
|
September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
Carrying
Amount |
Fair
Value |
Carrying
Amount |
Fair
Value |
|||||||||
Loans and receivables |
|||||||||||||
Other loans and receivables |
5,372 | 5,372 | 10,528 | 10,528 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
5,372 | 5,372 | 10,528 | 10,528 | |||||||||
Derivatives |
|||||||||||||
Swap receivable |
8,575 | 8,575 | 6,498 | 6,498 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
8,575 | 8,575 | 6,498 | 6,498 | |||||||||
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss |
|||||||||||||
Call option |
| | 480 | 480 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | 480 | 480 | |||||||||
Available-for-sale financial investments |
|||||||||||||
Other available-for-sale financial investments |
14,862 | 14,862 | 11,380 | 11,380 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
14,862 | 14,862 | 11,380 | 11,380 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current financial assets |
28,809 | 28,809 | 28,886 | 28,886 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives |
|||||||||||||
Swap receivable |
4,061 | 4,061 | 4,070 | 4,070 | |||||||||
Foreign currency forward contracts |
1,439 | 1,439 | 859 | 859 | |||||||||
Fuel cost hedge |
| | 34 | 34 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
5,500 | 5,500 | 4,963 | 4,963 | |||||||||
Loans and receivables |
|||||||||||||
Other loans and receivables |
4,643 | 4,643 | 7,310 | 7,310 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
4,643 | 4,643 | 7,310 | 7,310 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current financial assets |
10,143 | 10,143 | 12,273 | 12,273 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-27
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Financial assets and financial liabilities (Continued)
|
September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
Carrying
Amount |
Fair Value |
Carrying
Amount |
Fair Value | |||||||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
756,242 | 788,907 | 756,558 | 824,960 | |||||||||
Capital Securities |
745,795 | 772,697 | 743,803 | 767,726 | |||||||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
496,775 | 550,781 | 496,128 | 535,979 | |||||||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
493,633 | 544,777 | 492,851 | 504,161 | |||||||||
Facilities |
165,859 | 166,892 | 150,446 | 152,273 | |||||||||
Other |
1,491 | 1,491 | 1,474 | 1,474 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans and borrowings (Note 18) |
2,659,795 | 2,825,545 | 2,641,260 | 2,786,573 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other financial liabilities |
|||||||||||||
Finance leases |
57,558 | 59,510 | 58,925 | 61,001 | |||||||||
Other financial liabilities |
2,942 | 2,942 | 1,675 | 1,675 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current financial liabilities |
60,500 | 62,452 | 60,600 | 62,676 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Facilities |
138,330 | 139,372 | 125,901 | 127,424 | |||||||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
33,160 | 34,593 | 2,926 | 3,190 | |||||||||
Capital Securities |
30,938 | 32,053 | 46,406 | 47,899 | |||||||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
17,831 | 19,769 | 24,549 | 26,521 | |||||||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
10,033 | 11,073 | 14,408 | 14,739 | |||||||||
Short-term borrowings |
325 | 325 | 851 | 851 | |||||||||
Other |
150 | 150 | 306 | 306 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans and borrowings (Note 18) |
230,767 | 237,335 | 215,347 | 220,930 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives |
|||||||||||||
Foreign currency forward contracts |
5,932 | 5,932 | 4,055 | 4,055 | |||||||||
Fuel cost hedge |
26 | 26 | | | |||||||||
Net investment hedge |
| | 240 | 240 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
5,958 | 5,958 | 4,295 | 4,295 | |||||||||
Other financial liabilities |
|||||||||||||
Bridge facility fees |
66,241 | 66,241 | | | |||||||||
Finance leases |
13,840 | 14,553 | 12,977 | 13,665 | |||||||||
Other financial liabilities |
6,047 | 6,047 | 4,231 | 4,231 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
86,128 | 86,841 | 17,208 | 17,896 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current financial liabilities |
92,086 | 92,799 | 21,503 | 22,191 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Management assessed that the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, other current assets, accounts payable, and other current liabilities approximate their carrying amounts due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
F-28
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Financial assets and financial liabilities (Continued)
The fair values of our material financial assets and financial liabilities were determined using the following methods and assumptions:
Financial assets and financial liabilities for which fair value is either measured or disclosed are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
For financial assets and financial liabilities that are recognized at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
F-29
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Financial assets and financial liabilities (Continued)
The following tables provide the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities (€ thousands):
F-30
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Financial assets and financial liabilities (Continued)
F-31
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Financial assets and financial liabilities (Continued)
Reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements of financial assets and financial liabilities
(€ thousands)
|
Financial assets
at fair value through profit or loss |
Available-for-sale
financial investments |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at January 1, 2013 |
480 | 4,633 | |||||
Purchases |
| 2,941 | |||||
Total losses recognized in other comprehensive income |
| (5 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
480 | 7,569 | |||||
Purchases |
| 961 | |||||
Settlements |
(480 | ) | | ||||
Total gains recognized in other comprehensive income |
| 16 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2014 |
| 8,546 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Our activities expose us to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, fair value interest rate risk, cash flow interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all financial risk management information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with our annual financial statements as of December 31, 2013.
There have been no changes in the risk management objectives, policies, or processes since December 31, 2013.
14. Inventories
(€ thousands)
|
September 30,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Raw materials |
23,458 | 20,386 | |||||
Work in progress |
47,575 | 35,916 | |||||
Finished goods |
84,111 | 90,104 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
155,144 | 146,406 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-32
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. Trade and other receivables, net
|
September 30, 2014 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
Trade and other
receivables (Gross) |
Allowance for
doubtful accounts |
Trade and other
receivables (Net) |
|||||||
Trade receivables |
894,851 | (73,548 | ) | 821,303 | ||||||
Related party receivables (Note 29) |
1,213 | | 1,213 | |||||||
Sales-type lease receivables |
741 | | 741 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
896,805 | (73,548 | ) | 823,257 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
December 31, 2013 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
Trade and other
receivables (Gross) |
Allowance for
doubtful accounts |
Trade and other
receivables (Net) |
|||||||
Trade receivables |
951,745 | (72,263 | ) | 879,482 | ||||||
Related party receivables (Note 29) |
24,030 | | 24,030 | |||||||
Sales-type lease receivables |
736 | | 736 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
976,511 | (72,263 | ) | 904,248 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Trade receivables include receivables from intermediaries, which represent amounts due from point of sale facilities where the Company provides third-party processing services related to its commercial services networks. Trade receivables and receivables from intermediaries are non-interest bearing.
We have an agreement with a major European financial institution to sell certain accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis. Such accounts receivable are derecognized upon cash receipt at a discount which is recorded within other expense in our unaudited interim condensed consolidated income statements. The aggregate amount of outstanding accounts receivables is limited to a maximum amount of €150 million. At September 30, 2014, €128.0 million of receivables had been derecognized.
16. Treasury shares, other reserves, and non-controlling interests
In June 2014, the Board of Directors approved the launch of a share repurchase and sale program authorized by the Shareholders' Meeting of May 8, 2014 (the "Program") for a maximum of 1,782,426 shares, or approximately 1% of the Company's share capital and equaling the number of shares required to fulfill management stock incentive plans currently outstanding. At September 30, 2014, the Program was fully executed through several purchases on the regulated market for €32.9 million.
F-33
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
16. Treasury shares, other reserves, and non-controlling interests (Continued)
(€ thousands)
|
Legal
Reserve |
Stock
Option and Restricted Stock Reserve |
Share-
Based Payment Reserve |
Ex Art 2349
Reserve |
Net
Unrealized Gain/ (Loss) Reserve |
Translation
Reserve |
Other
Reserve |
Total | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at January 1, 2014 |
34,491 | 74,414 | 18,394 | 1,150 | (2,845 | ) | (106,722 | ) | (3,070 | ) | 15,812 | ||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net gain on cash flow hedges |
| | | | 2,067 | | | 2,067 | |||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net gain on hedge of net investment in foreign operation |
| | | | 838 | | | 838 | |||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net gain on available-for-sale investment |
| | | | 1,232 | | | 1,232 | |||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
| | | | | 257,487 | | 257,487 | |||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income |
| | | | 4,137 | 257,487 | | 261,624 | |||||||||||||||||
Appropriation of 2013 income in accordance with Italian law |
308 | | | | | | | 308 | |||||||||||||||||
Share-based payment |
| | 3,152 | | | | | 3,152 | |||||||||||||||||
Shares issued under stock award plans |
| 9,181 | (9,181 | ) | (679 | ) | | | | (679 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other movements in equity |
| | | | (428 | ) | | | (428 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2014 |
34,799 | 83,595 | 12,365 | 471 | 864 | 150,765 | (3,070 | ) | 279,789 | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-34
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
16. Treasury shares, other reserves, and non-controlling interests (Continued)
The Ex Art 2349 reserve was established by shareholders' resolution in accordance with GTECH's by-laws, as appropriated from income of the Company, to serve share-based payment plans.
(€ thousands)
|
Legal
Reserve |
Stock
Option and Restricted Stock Reserve |
Share-
Based Payment Reserve |
Ex Art 2349
Reserve |
Net
Unrealized Gain/ (Loss) Reserve |
Translation
Reserve |
Other
Reserve |
Total | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at January 1, 2013 |
34,428 | 69,181 | 15,016 | 1,489 | (1,885 | ) | 40,406 | (3,070 | ) | 155,565 | |||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net loss on cash flow hedges |
| | | | (610 | ) | | | (610 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net gain on hedge of net investment in foreign operation |
| | | | 298 | | | 298 | |||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net loss on defined benefit plan |
| | | | (681 | ) | | | (681 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net gain on available-for-sale investment |
| | | | 1,894 | | | 1,894 | |||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
| | | | | (79,697 | ) | | (79,697 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
| | | | 901 | (79,697 | ) | | (78,796 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Appropriation of 2012 income in accordance with Italian law |
63 | | | | | | | 63 | |||||||||||||||||
Share-based payment |
| | 9,029 | | | | | 9,029 | |||||||||||||||||
Shares issued under stock award plans |
| 5,233 | (5,233 | ) | (339 | ) | | | | (339 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other movements in equity |
| | | | (428 | ) | | | (428 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2013 |
34,491 | 74,414 | 18,812 | 1,150 | (1,412 | ) | (39,291 | ) | (3,070 | ) | 85,094 | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-35
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
16. Treasury shares, other reserves, and non-controlling interests (Continued)
Activity with non-controlling interests during the first nine months of 2014 and 2013 was recorded in equity as follows (€ thousands):
|
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2014 |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name of subsidiary
|
Dividend
distribution |
Return of
capital |
Capital
contributions |
|||||||
Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. |
(24,142 | ) | (37,267 | ) | | |||||
SW Holding S.p.A. |
(7,589 | ) | (12,878 | ) | | |||||
GTECH Latin America Corporation |
(1,057 | ) | | | ||||||
Consorzio Lottomatica Giochi Sportivi |
| (10 | ) | | ||||||
Northstar Lottery Group, LLC |
| | 10,628 | |||||||
Big Easy S.r.l. |
| | 2,842 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(32,788 | ) | (50,155 | ) | 13,470 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2013 |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name of subsidiary
|
Dividend
distribution |
Return of
capital |
Capital
contributions |
|||||||
Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. |
(33,865 | ) | (40,087 | ) | | |||||
Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC |
| | 56,688 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(33,865 | ) | (40,087 | ) | 56,688 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The return of capital paid to the non-controlling interests of Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. and SW Holding S.p.A. during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 arise from the agreement made on the formation of these companies that capital reductions would be made in future periods. These capital reductions are performed in proportion to the shareholding and therefore do not impact the share ownership structure.
Capital contributions relate to contributions made during the periods by both GTECH and the relevant non-controlling interest. Capital contributions are made in proportion to the relevant shareholding and therefore do not result in a change in the proportionate shareholding of the relevant parties. Capital contributions include non-cash and cash inflows as follows (€ thousands):
Non-cash |
11,269 | |||
Cash |
2,201 | |||
| | | | |
|
13,470 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
F-36
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
16. Treasury shares, other reserves, and non-controlling interests (Continued)
Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC capital contribution
In June 2013, Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar NJ"), a consolidated joint venture in which GTECH Corporation indirectly holds an approximate 41% interest, entered into an Agreement (the "Agreement") with the State of New Jersey, Department of the Treasury, Division of Purchase and Property and Division of Lottery (the "Division of Lottery") whereby Northstar NJ manages a wide range of the Division of Lottery's marketing, sales, and related functions which is subject to the Division of Lottery's continuing control and oversight over the conduct of lottery operations. In connection with the Agreement, Northstar NJ paid the State an upfront payment of $120 million (€91.7 million at the June 2013 acquisition date). The €56.7 million capital contribution disclosed above was related to this upfront payment.
Acquisition of additional interest in SW Holding S.p.A.
On March 25, 2014, we acquired from UniCredit S.p.A. ("UniCredit"), through the exercise of a call option, the entire 12.5% interest held by UniCredit in SW Holding S.p.A. ("SW") for cash consideration of €72.2 million. Details of the transaction are as follows (€ thousands):
Cash consideration paid to non-controlling shareholders |
(72,183 | ) | ||
Transaction costs |
(145 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Total cash consideration |
(72,328 | ) | ||
Fair value of the call option |
(480 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Reduction of equity |
(72,808 | ) | ||
Carrying value of interest acquired |
(63,751 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Excess charged to retained earnings |
(9,057 | ) | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
In 2010, through its investment in SW, UniCredit had made an indirect equity investment in Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. ("LN"), a majority-owned GTECH subsidiary that holds an instant ticket concession license in Italy. GTECH's direct and indirect ownership in LN has increased from 51.5% to 64% as a result of the buyout of UniCredit's interest.
Northstar Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar") is a consortium in which GTECH Corporation holds an 80% controlling interest. Under GTECH Corporation's operating agreement with the non-controlling shareholder in Northstar, Northstar profits and losses are allocated 80% to GTECH Corporation and 20% to the non-controlling shareholder, in accordance with their respective ownership interests, subject to the following:
F-37
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
16. Treasury shares, other reserves, and non-controlling interests (Continued)
During the first nine months of 2014, €2.3 million of capital was reallocated between GTECH Corporation and the non-controlling shareholder in Northstar.
F-38
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Debt
The key terms of our material borrowings are summarized as follows:
Borrowing
|
Initial
Principal Amount |
Interest Rate (Per Annum) | Maturity | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
€750 million | 5.375% (a) | December 2016 | |||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
€500 million | 5.375% (a) | February 2018 | |||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
€500 million | 3.5% (a) | March 2020 | |||
Capital Securities |
€750 million | 8.25% through March 2016 Six-month EURIBOR + 505 basis points thereafter | March 2066 | |||
Term Loan Facility |
$700 million | LIBOR + margin | December 2015 | |||
Revolving Facilities |
€900 million (b) | LIBOR or EURIBOR + margin | December 2015 |
Debt issuance costs, which are net against amounts borrowed, are amortized to interest expense through the maturity dates with the exception of the Capital Securities that are amortized through April 2016.
F-39
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Debt (Continued)
GTECH S.p.A. issued notes in December 2009, December 2010, and December 2012 which are all unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by GTECH Corporation, GTECH Holdings Corporation, GTECH Rhode Island LLC and Invest Games S.A. (collectively, the "Notes"). The Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and have received ratings of Baa3 and BBB- by Moody's Investors Service Inc. ("Moody's") and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P"), respectively. GTECH Holdings Corporation, GTECH Rhode Island LLC and Invest Games S.A. are collectively referred to as the "Other Guarantors".
The Notes may be redeemed by GTECH S.p.A. in whole, but not in part, as follows:
Holders of each issuance of the Notes may require GTECH S.p.A. to redeem such issuance in whole or in part at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest following the occurrence of certain specified events.
Interest is payable at fixed interest rates that are subject to a 1.25% per annum adjustment in the event of a step up or step down rating change. The adjustment is subject to a 6.625% ceiling and a 5.375% floor for the 2009 and 2010 Notes and a 4.75% ceiling and a 3.5% floor for the 2012 Notes.
On July 16, 2014, S&P lowered our corporate credit rating to BBB- from BBB, and also lowered our short-term rating to A-3 from A-2. S&P is also lowering its ratings on our senior unsecured debt to BBB- from BBB, and lowered its ratings on our subordinated debt to BB from BB+. The downgrades followed our announcement that the Company intends to acquire IGT. These downgrades did not impact the interest rates on the Notes.
Interest is payable annually in arrears as follows:
Borrowing
|
Payment Date | |
---|---|---|
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
December 5 | |
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
February 2 | |
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
March 5 |
GTECH S.p.A. issued Capital Securities in May 2006 which are redeemable at maturity, at par value after March 31, 2016, or at any interest payment date thereafter, upon the occurrence of certain tax events, through open market purchases, by public cash tender offer or if a change of control event occurs. The Capital Securities are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and have received ratings of Ba2 and BB by Moody's and S&P, respectively.
Interest is payable annually at a fixed interest rate through March 31, 2016 and thereafter has a variable interest rate payable semi-annually.
F-40
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Debt (Continued)
The terms of the Capital Securities allow GTECH S.p.A. to optionally defer interest payments and mandates deferral of interest payments if GTECH S.p.A. is in breach of the coverage ratio as defined in the agreement. Under certain specified circumstances, GTECH S.p.A. is required to settle deferred interest payments with cash and in some circumstances from the proceeds of an issue, offer and sale of equity. GTECH S.p.A. paid €61.9 million of interest on the Capital Securities in the first nine months of 2014 and 2013.
GTECH S.p.A. is required to authorize the issuance of ordinary shares in accordance with a resolution approved by its shareholders. At each annual general meeting, the value of the ordinary shares authorized for issuance must be at least equivalent to the interest payments due during the following two-year period. As of December 31, 2013, the authorization was in place for the issuance of capital up to €125 million. Interest payments over the next two years are approximately €124 million.
We have the following unsecured and unsubordinated facilities:
Facility
|
Borrower | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
$700 million term loan (the "Term Loan Facility") |
GTECH Corporation |
|||
€500 million multi-currency revolving credit facility ("Revolving Facility A") |
GTECH Corporation |
|||
€400 million multi-currency revolving credit facility ("Revolving Facility B") |
GTECH S.p.A. |
Revolving Facility A and Revolving Facility B are collectively referred to as the "Revolving Facilities" and the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Facilities are collectively referred to as the "Facilities".
The Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility A are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by GTECH S.p.A. and the Other Guarantors. Revolving Facility B is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by GTECH Corporation and the Other Guarantors.
As of both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was €1.2 million drawn on the Revolving Facility B and $385.0 million (€306.0 million) was outstanding under the Term Loan Facility.
Principal payments remaining under the Term Loan Facility are as follows:
(in thousands)
|
dollars |
September 30,
2014 euro equivalent |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 |
175,000 | 139,077 | |||||
2015 |
210,000 | 166,892 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
385,000 | 305,968 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-41
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Debt (Continued)
Interest is generally payable between one and six months in arrears at a variable interest rate plus a margin based on our ratio of total net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and our senior unsecured long-term debt rating. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the effective interest rate on the Facilities was 1.20% and 1.25%, respectively.
Certain other fees are payable quarterly as follows:
Fee
|
Terms | |
---|---|---|
Facility | 37.5% of margin per annum on the total available commitment under the Revolving Facilities | |
Utilization |
|
Between 0% and 0.4% per annum based on the average daily amount outstanding under the Revolving Facilities |
The agreement for the Facilities contains, among other terms:
Limitations on acquisitions: The agreement for the Facilities prohibits GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries from merging or making acquisitions subject to certain exceptions, including mergers and acquisitions if (i) no default is continuing or would occur, (ii) the acquired company is principally engaged in the same business as that of the GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries and (iii) either (a) the consideration paid and liabilities assumed by GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries do not exceed in aggregate (1) in any year, ten percent (10%) of the consolidated assets of GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries, and (2) at any time, €1.5 billion (if GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries has corporate credit ratings below BBB and Baa2 by S&P and Moody's), respectively) or (b) each of S&P and Moody's publicly discloses that GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries has a corporate credit rating of at least BBB- and Baa3, respectively, and GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries indebtedness has credit ratings of at least BBB- and Baa3, respectively.
Limitations on dividends: The agreement for the Facilities prohibits GTECH S.p.A. from paying any dividends or making distributions in any year unless no event of default has occurred and is continuing and the aggregate amount of such dividends and distributions does not exceed (i) €225 million (if GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries has corporate credit ratings of at least BBB- and Baa3 by S&P and Moody's, respectively) or (ii) the lesser of €175 million and the aggregate amount of such dividends and distributions for the preceding year (if GTECH S.p.A. and its subsidiaries has corporate credit ratings below BBB- and Baa3 by S&P and Moody's, respectively).
Violation of these terms may result in the full principal amounts of the Facilities being immediately payable upon written notice. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants and limitations.
F-42
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Debt (Continued)
In connection with certain customer contracts, we are required to issue letters of credit for the benefit of certain customers that primarily secure our performance under the customer contracts.
|
Letters of Credit Outstanding |
|
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Weighted
Average Annual Cost |
||||||||||||
(€ thousands)
|
Outside the
Revolving Facilities |
Under the
Revolving Facilities |
Total | ||||||||||
September 30, 2014 |
665,773 | 1,155 | 666,928 | 0.94 | % | ||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
689,602 | 1,194 | 690,796 | 1.05 | % |
On July 15, 2014, in connection with our planned acquisition of IGT, we obtained a debt commitment letter, pursuant to which affiliates of Credit Suisse AG, Barclays PLC and Citigroup Inc. provided commitments to fund a 364-day senior bridge term loan credit facility (the "Bridge Facility") in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $10.7 billion (€8.5 billion at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate), of which approximately 45% is in euros and approximately 55% is in US dollars. The Bridge Facility consists of four sub-facilities, the proceeds of which are to be used, among other things, to pay the cash portion of the merger consideration, to fund transaction expenses, to redeem and/or refinance existing specified indebtedness of GTECH and IGT, to the extent applicable, and to fund cash payments to GTECH shareholders exercising rescission rights. In August 2014, we successfully fully syndicated the Bridge Facility. The Bridge Facility can be extended for a further six months subject to certain conditions and the payment of additional fees. Should such extension be applicable, as at September 30, 2014, the Bridge Facility commitment is available to the Company for a further 15 months.
Upon entering into the debt commitment letter for the Bridge Facility, we incurred a fee of €59.1 million, which will be payable in full upon the earliest occurrence of certain events set forth in the related agreements, including, among others, the closing of the IGT acquisition or the date the Bridge Facility terminates in accordance with its terms. The fees of €59.1 million were recorded within current financial liabilities, with an offsetting entry in other current assets on the consolidated statements of financial position. The cost deferred in other current assets is being amortized to interest expense over the estimated duration of the Bridge Facility (11 1 / 2 months beginning July 15, 2014). In addition, a daily ticking fee accrues on the aggregate amount of the commitments in respect of the Bridge Facility during the period from and including July 15, 2014, to but excluding the date upon which the Bridge Facility is terminated or expires, at a rate equal to 0.25% per annum. The ticking fee is payable in full on the earlier of (i) termination or expiration of the commitment letter and (ii) the closing of the IGT acquisition. The ticking fee is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated income statement and accrued within current financial liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial position. In the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded €17.2 million of interest expense relating to the amortization of the Bridge Facility fees and the ticking fee.
F-43
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. Other liabilities (non-current and current)
(€ thousands)
|
September 30,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Other non-current liabilities |
|||||||
Deferred revenue |
38,412 | 42,595 | |||||
Staff severance fund |
7,510 | 7,888 | |||||
Contingent liabilities related to GTECH Corporation acquisition |
7,190 | 7,395 | |||||
Other |
2,861 | 4,220 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
55,973 | 62,098 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
(€ thousands)
|
September 30,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Other current liabilities |
|||||||
Accrued expenses |
95,998 | 93,204 | |||||
Minimum revenue guarantee |
77,883 | 30,455 | |||||
Employee compensation |
67,495 | 80,554 | |||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
45,471 | 72,560 | |||||
Deferred revenue |
43,439 | 56,738 | |||||
Advance payments from customers |
16,722 | 12,252 | |||||
Advance billings |
8,204 | 7,975 | |||||
Other |
10,313 | 8,002 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
365,525 | 361,740 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Current liabilities outstanding related to our minimum revenue guarantees in the states of Illinois and Indiana are as follows:
|
Month recorded
($ thousands) |
|
|
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
June
2013 |
June
2014 |
September
2014 |
Total $ |
September 30, 2014
euro equivalent |
|||||||||||
State of Illinois |
42,000 | 40,000 | | 82,000 | 65,167 | |||||||||||
State of Indiana (a) |
| | 16,000 | 16,000 | 12,716 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
42,000 | 40,000 | 16,000 | 98,000 | 77,883 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See Note 29 for additional information.
F-44
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. Raw materials, services and other costs
|
For the three
months ended September 30, |
For the nine months
ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Operating expenses |
184,124 | 208,953 | 562,503 | 585,904 | |||||||||
Outside services |
68,291 | 58,271 | 184,610 | 163,934 | |||||||||
Cost of product sales |
27,745 | 39,368 | 98,696 | 129,142 | |||||||||
Consumables |
28,105 | 31,257 | 85,186 | 96,393 | |||||||||
Insurance, taxes and other |
24,060 | 21,898 | 76,471 | 73,588 | |||||||||
Occupancy |
17,731 | 15,928 | 49,096 | 43,744 | |||||||||
Telecommunications |
12,744 | 14,176 | 40,410 | 44,198 | |||||||||
Travel |
5,925 | 6,809 | 18,180 | 22,702 | |||||||||
Write-down (reversal) of inventories |
(134 | ) | 239 | 465 | 453 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
368,591 | 396,899 | 1,115,617 | 1,160,058 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
20. Personnel
|
For the three
months ended September 30, |
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Payroll |
103,967 | 102,049 | 307,274 | 306,069 | |||||||||
Incentive compensation |
11,278 | 10,762 | 31,700 | 32,849 | |||||||||
Statutory benefits |
9,078 | 9,449 | 31,246 | 33,034 | |||||||||
Company benefits |
10,808 | 10,223 | 27,505 | 26,625 | |||||||||
Net benefits for staff severance fund |
1,093 | 1,132 | 3,298 | 3,302 | |||||||||
Share-based payment (Note 28) |
(537 | ) | 4,098 | 3,152 | 9,029 | ||||||||
Other |
3,017 | 2,474 | 7,549 | 7,115 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
138,704 | 140,187 | 411,724 | 418,023 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
21. Depreciation
|
For the three
months ended September 30, |
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net (Note 7) |
60,738 | 62,158 | 173,076 | 178,636 | |||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 8) |
3,348 | 3,149 | 10,013 | 9,500 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
64,086 | 65,307 | 183,089 | 188,136 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-45
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
22. Amortization
|
For the three
months ended September 30, |
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Intangibles amortization recognized in: |
|||||||||||||
Amortization expense |
51,971 | 48,149 | 151,511 | 141,488 | |||||||||
Service revenue (contra-revenue) |
22 | 24 | 66 | 69 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
51,993 | 48,173 | 151,577 | 141,557 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
23. Unusual income, net
|
For the three
months ended September 30, |
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Gain on sale of ticketing business |
(13,496 | ) | | (13,496 | ) | | |||||||
IGT acquisition costs |
9,937 | | 12,432 | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(3,559 | ) | | (1,064 | ) | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on sale of ticketing business
The gain on sale of ticketing business relates to the July 2014 sale of our sports and events ticketing business ("LisTicket") to the international operator TicketOne, CTS Eventim Group. We disposed of this business for cash consideration of €13.9 million, which was fully collected during the period.
IGT acquisition costs include professional fees and expenses related to our planned acquisition of IGT. See Note 5 for further information.
F-46
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
24. Interest expense
The Company incurred interest expense on the following:
|
For the three
months ended September 30, |
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Capital Securities |
(16,132 | ) | (16,132 | ) | (48,398 | ) | (48,398 | ) | |||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
(9,220 | ) | (9,307 | ) | (27,850 | ) | (28,021 | ) | |||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
(6,937 | ) | (6,926 | ) | (20,803 | ) | (20,768 | ) | |||||
Bridge facility |
(17,229 | ) | | (17,229 | ) | | |||||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
(4,638 | ) | (4,628 | ) | (13,907 | ) | (13,878 | ) | |||||
Facilities |
(2,451 | ) | (3,004 | ) | (7,186 | ) | (8,471 | ) | |||||
Other |
(1,205 | ) | (527 | ) | (3,833 | ) | (1,612 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(57,812 | ) | (40,524 | ) | (139,206 | ) | (121,148 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense on the Bridge Facility is comprised of (i) amortization of the Bridge Facility fee of €59.1 million, which is recorded within Other current assets on the consolidated statements of financial position and is being amortized over the estimated life of the Bridge Facility (11 1 / 2 months beginning July 15, 2014), and (ii) a daily fee which accrues on the aggregate amount of the commitments during the period from and including July 15, 2014 to, but excluding, the date on which the Commitment letter is terminated or expires.
See Note 17 for details of the debt related components.
25. Income tax expense
The significant components of income tax expense are as follows:
|
For the three
months ended September 30, |
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Current |
|||||||||||||
Italy |
24,919 | 18,468 | 104,064 | 90,702 | |||||||||
Foreign |
4,883 | 9,223 | 14,790 | 18,144 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Current |
29,802 | 27,691 | 118,854 | 108,846 | |||||||||
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Italy |
1,169 | (2,175 | ) | 4,795 | 5,519 | ||||||||
Foreign |
(483 | ) | (4,342 | ) | 9,063 | 16,560 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Deferred |
686 | (6,517 | ) | 13,858 | 22,079 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income tax expense |
30,488 | 21,174 | 132,712 | 130,925 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income tax expense is recognized based on management's estimate of the weighted average annual income tax rate expected for the full financial year. The estimated average annual tax rate used for the
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GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
25. Income tax expense (Continued)
nine months ended September 30, 2014 is 41% (the estimated tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was 39.8%).
26. Components of other comprehensive income
|
For the three
months ended September 30, |
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Cash flow hedges: |
|||||||||||||
Gains (losses) arising during the period |
2,826 |
(3,253 |
) |
2,920 |
(383 |
) |
|||||||
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in the income statement |
(53 |
) |
48 |
1,208 |
(652 |
) |
|||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,773 | (3,205 | ) | 4,128 | (1,035 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
27. Share-based payments
Stock options and restricted shares are granted annually to key employees of the Company as approved by the Board of Directors under two types of equity-settled share-based payment plans as described below.
The Company grants stock options under a performance based plan with an exercise price that is equal to the average price of GTECH S.p.A.'s ordinary shares one month prior to the grant date. The maximum term of an option is six years (eight years for plans prior to 2009) and there are no cash settlement alternatives. During the third quarter of 2014 and 2013, 2,066,213 and 1,616,385 stock options were granted under this plan, respectively.
The Company grants restricted shares under a performance based plan and recipients of the shares do not pay any cash consideration for the shares. The maximum term of the shares is five years and they may be settled in cash at the Company's option. The Company does not have a past practice of cash settlement and does not plan to cash settle shares in the future. During the third quarter of 2014 and 2013, 426,625 and 618,005 restricted shares were granted under this plan, respectively.
The stock options and restricted shares vest subject to the satisfaction of the following:
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GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
27. Share-based payments (Continued)
Stock options and restricted shares partially vest upon achievement of 90% or more of the performance conditions and if the performance conditions are not met, they are forfeited.
Fair value of grants during the period
The fair value of stock options granted is estimated at the date of grant using a binomial model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the stock options were granted. The fair value of stock options granted during the third quarter of 2014 and 2013 was €2.33 per share and €3.49 per share, respectively.
Inputs to the binomial model used to estimate the fair value are as follows:
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dividend yield (%) |
3.63 | 4.27 | |||||
Expected volatility (%) |
27.72 | 28.09 | |||||
Risk-free interest rate (%) |
0.25 | 0.58 | |||||
Expected life of the stock option (in years) |
4.49 | 4.54 | |||||
Weighted average share price (€) |
17.62 | 21.46 | |||||
Exercise price (€) |
18.71 | 20.05 |
The fair value of the restricted shares on the date of grant in 2014 and 2013 was €17.62 and €21.46 per share, respectively, which represents the average share price during the employee grant acceptance period.
Expense charged to the income statement
The expense recognized during the period arising from employee share-based payment plans and included in personnel in our unaudited interim condensed consolidated income statement was as follows:
|
For the three
months ended September 30, |
For the nine
months ended September 30, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
Performance based stock options |
(425 | ) | 1,010 | 502 | 2,328 | ||||||||
Performance based restricted shares |
(112 | ) | 3,088 | 2,650 | 6,701 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(537 | ) | 4,098 | 3,152 | 9,029 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-49
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
28. Related party disclosures
(€ thousands)
|
September 30,
2014 |
December 31,
2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tax related receivables |
1,082 | 23,749 | |||||
Trade receivables |
8 | 34 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
De Agostini Group |
1,090 | 23,783 | |||||
Trade receivables |
123 |
247 |
|||||
| | | | | | | |
Ringmaster S.r.l. |
123 | 247 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total related party receivables |
1,213 | 24,030 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Tax related payables |
8,910 | 81,232 | |||||
Trade payables |
2,122 |
8,549 |
|||||
| | | | | | | |
De Agostini Group |
11,032 | 89,781 | |||||
Trade payables |
4,664 |
2,399 |
|||||
| | | | | | | |
Ringmaster S.r.l. |
4,664 | 2,399 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total related party payables |
15,696 | 92,180 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Tax related receivables and payables arise from the tax consolidation performed at the De Agostini Group level.
GTECH S.p.A. is majority owned by De Agostini S.p.A. Outstanding accounts receivable balances from De Agostini S.p.A. and subsidiaries of De Agostini S.p.A. ("De Agostini Group") at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are non-interest bearing.
On May 8, 2013, GTECH S.p.A. entered into a framework agreement with De Agostini S.p.A whereby De Agostini S.p.A. may make short-term loans to GTECH S.p.A. and GTECH S.p.A. may
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GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
28. Related party disclosures (Continued)
deposit cash with De Agostini S.p.A. on a short-term basis. Any such transactions will be in compliance with existing third party loan covenants and concluded on an arm's length basis.
|
As of September 30, 2014 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Amounts
Outstanding |
Maximum
Outstanding |
|||||
Loans |
| 134,118 | |||||
Deposits |
| 23,000 |
The maximum amount of loans that can be outstanding is equal to 5% of the lesser of consolidated net equity and current market capitalization.
The Company has a 50% interest in Ringmaster S.r.l., an Italian joint venture, which is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Ringmaster S.r.l. provides software development services for the interactive gaming business. In addition to the amounts expensed per the table above, during the first nine months of 2014, Ringmaster S.r.l. provided software development services to the Company totaling €2.0 million (nil for the nine months ended September 30, 2013) which were capitalized to intangible assets, net in our unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. ("Generali") owns approximately 3% of the Company's outstanding shares at September 30, 2014. Generali is a related party of the Company as the Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors also serves on Generali's Board of Directors. The Company leases its headquarters facility in Rome, Italy from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Generali.
The Company has a 50% interest in CLS-GTECH Company Limited ("CLS-GTECH"), which is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. CLS-GTECH is a joint venture that was formed to provide a nationwide KENO system for Welfare lotteries throughout China.
Lottomatica International Greece S.r.l., which is 84% owned by GTECH S.p.A., has a 50% interest in L-Gaming S.A., a joint venture that is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. L-Gaming S.A., which is expected to participate in the gaming machine market in Greece, was not active at September 30, 2014.
On November 2011, GTECH jointly with De Agostini S.p.A. and other of its subsidiaries, signed a letter of intent concerning an investment in Connect Ventures CLP, a venture capital fund which targets "early stage" investment operations, with the legal status of limited partnership under English law. The fund has an initial duration of seven years, subject to an additional two year extension.
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GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
28. Related party disclosures (Continued)
The fund is considered a related party due to the control exercised over the fund by De Agostini S.p.A., as a result of the size of its investment and because at least one key figure in the fund's management is related to a number of leading representatives of De Agostini S.p.A., as well as directors of GTECH.
Since the beginning of 2013, GTECH, through its subsidiary Lottomatica Scommesse S.r.l., has been party to an agreement with 2BCOM S.r.l. and ALL-IN ADV S.r.l. regarding the launch of a TV channel dedicated generally to gambling. 2BCOM and ALL-IN ADV are both subsidiaries of De Agostini S.p.A. and are therefore considered related parties of GTECH. The venture is not considered significant to GTECH's business.
29. Commitments and contingencies
Acquisitions in the Italy segment
The Company has made a number of acquisitions in the Italy segment consisting of strategic investments to exploit growth opportunities in the Sports Betting and Machine Gaming markets. Some of these acquisitions include provisions for the payment of contingent consideration if certain wager or network performance conditions are achieved. Contingent consideration of €0.2 million and €0.3 million was paid during the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively. If the performance conditions continue to be achieved, the Company expects to pay the following additional amounts:
|
September 30, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(€ thousands)
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Within one year |
446 | 409 | |||||
After one year but not more than five years |
529 | 785 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
975 | 1,194 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The Company has a capital commitment to CLS-GTECH in the form of a non-interest bearing promissory note to be repaid at the discretion of the CLS-GTECH board of directors. At September 30, 2014, the outstanding commitment was US$3.8 million (€3.0 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate), which is included in current financial liabilities in our unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
In December 2013, the Company invested €19.8 million in Yeonama Holdings Co. Limited ("Yeonama"), a shareholder in Emma Delta Limited ("Emma Delta"), the fund that holds a 33% interest in OPAP S.A., the Greek gaming and football betting operator. At September 30, 2014, the Company had a commitment to invest up to an additional €10.2 million in Yeonama, representing a total potential €30.0 million investment, or an approximate 5% indirect minority interest in Emma Delta.
F-52
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
29. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
Guarantees and indemnifications
In January 2011, Northstar Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar"), a consortium in which GTECH Corporation holds an 80% controlling interest, entered into a 10-year agreement (the "Illinois Agreement"), subject to early termination provisions, with the State of Illinois, acting through the Department of the Lottery (as the statutory successor to the Department of Revenue, Lottery Division (the "State")). Under the Illinois Agreement, Northstar, subject to the State's oversight, manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions.
The State may terminate the Illinois Agreement early under several scenarios such as (a) for convenience with a 90 day notice, (b) for a change in control of Northstar not approved by the State, (c) under an "Event of Default" (as such term is defined in the Illinois Agreement) by Northstar, or (d) in the event that Net Income Shortfall (as defined below) is more than 10% of the applicable Net Income Targets (as defined below) for any consecutive two contract year period, or any three contract years in a five contract year period. Should the State terminate the Illinois Agreement for convenience, the State would be obligated to pay Northstar a termination fee based on the terms outlined in the Illinois Agreement. Northstar may also terminate the Illinois Agreement under limited circumstances, as described in the Illinois Agreement.
As compensation for its management services, Northstar receives reimbursement of certain operating expenses, which is recorded as service revenue in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated income statements. Northstar is also entitled to receive annual incentive compensation to the extent the net income earned by the State in a given fiscal year (as adjusted for certain expenses that the State has agreed to retain; hereinafter "Adjusted Net Income") exceeds the State established net income levels ("Net Income Levels") for such fiscal year. Under the terms of the Illinois Agreement, Northstar may request adjustments to Net Income Levels and Net Income Targets (as defined below) in the event that the State acts (or fails to act) in a manner the effect of which is reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the State's Adjusted Net Income and Northstar's ability to earn and collect incentive compensation. The State may also request adjustments to Net Income Levels and Net Income Targets should there be a material change in the gaming environment.
In its bid, Northstar guaranteed the State a minimum level of Adjusted Net Income ("Net Income Targets") for each fiscal year of the Illinois Agreement commencing with the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2012. Northstar has proposed to the State Net Income Targets for each of the first eight fiscal years of the Illinois Agreement, with the remaining two fiscal years to be proposed during the State's and Northstar's annual budget process. As described above and pursuant to the terms of the Illinois Agreement, Northstar may request adjustments to Net Income Levels and Net Income Targets. Under the terms of the Illinois Agreement, to the extent that Adjusted Net Income in a given fiscal year falls short of the Net Income Target in such fiscal year (such shortfall, a "Net Income Shortfall"), the Illinois Agreement provides a formula to determine the amount that Northstar owes the State ("Shortfall Payment").
The incentive compensation Northstar may earn can be reduced by a Shortfall Payment in the event Northstar's performance does not achieve the Net Income Target it has guaranteed. For each
F-53
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
29. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
fiscal year, Northstar may receive from the State incentive compensation net of Shortfall Payments ("Net Incentive Compensation") or Northstar will pay the State a Shortfall Payment net of any incentive compensation earned ("Net Shortfall Payment"). The annual Net Incentive Compensation or the Net Shortfall Payment may not exceed 5% of Adjusted Net Income for such fiscal year.
The Illinois Agreement provides for a resolution process to resolve disputes between Northstar and the State. In November 2012, Northstar and the State received a final determination from a third-party neutral for certain disputes. The third party neutral's final determination entitled Northstar to several downward adjustments to Net Income Targets totaling $28.4 million (€22.6 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) for the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 and $2.9 million (€2.3 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) for the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2013. Under the terms of the Illinois Agreement, any adjustment by a third-party neutral that is less than 5% of Net Income Targets, as is the case with each of these adjustments, is binding on the parties. Other matters that could impact Net Income Levels and Net Income Targets identified by the parties are yet to be resolved.
A fundamental disagreement exists between Northstar and the State regarding the methodology used by the State to calculate Net Income. The State's methodology to calculate Net Income remains unclear and is inconsistent with the methodology used by the Lottery's independent auditors in the audited financial statements. As a result of such disagreement, on August 16, 2013, Northstar formally requested a downward adjustment to each of the Net Income Levels and Net Income Target for fiscal year 2012. This was one of the several adjustments that will be part of the non-binding mediation process referred to below.
In addition to the above disputes, Northstar has proposed several additional downward adjustments to the Net Income Levels and/or Net Income Targets in multiple fiscal years for various State actions, each of which Northstar believes is reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Adjusted Net Income and Northstar's ability to earn and collect incentive compensation. Further, the State has proposed several upward adjustments to the Net Income Levels and the Net Income Targets for each of the first five fiscal years of the Illinois Agreement for what the State believes are material changes in the gaming environment. The parties attempted to resolve the adjustments through the non-binding mediation process contemplated by the Illinois Agreement. The parties met in November 2013 with a mediator in an attempt to resolve outstanding differences but no agreement was reached. The parties continue to discuss a potential resolution of the unresolved downward and upward adjustments. If the parties remain unsuccessful, then resolution of the unresolved adjustments are subject to the determination of an independent third party neutral.
Despite the matters to be resolved, Northstar's best estimate of its Net Shortfall Payment obligations to the State as of September 30, 2014 related to the first three fiscal years of the Illinois Agreement is $82 million (€65.2 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate). This amount is included in other current liabilities, with an offset to other non-current assets, in our unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position. We consider the offset to the Net Shortfall Payment obligation to be an asset as it is a cost incurred directly related to the future benefits of the contract. We amortize the other non-current asset against service revenue over the contract term. We will continue to revise our estimate of the Net Shortfall Payment obligations until the unresolved matters are determined.
F-54
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
29. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
As stated above, a fundamental disagreement exists between Northstar and the State regarding several unresolved disputes. The State claims that Northstar's Net Shortfall Payment obligation for the State's fiscal year 2012 is $21.8 million. Northstar strongly disagrees with the State's assessment, including the methodology used in certain of its Adjusted Net Income calculations. If Northstar is successful in its claims for adjustments, based on Northstar's interpretation of the Illinois Agreement, Northstar believes that the Adjusted Net Income for the State's fiscal year 2012 could materially recover the amount claimed by the State. However, on August 1, 2013, the State submitted written notification to Northstar that the State would offset the amount owed against amounts owed to Northstar pursuant to the Illinois Agreement. Subsequently, on August 8, 2013, the State offset the $21.8 million against its payment to Northstar. On March 11, 2014, the State submitted written notification to Northstar stating that Northstar's Net Shortfall Payment obligation for the State's fiscal year 2013 is $38.6 million, and the State has offset this amount against amounts owed to Northstar. On August 18, 2014, the State submitted written notification to Northstar stating that Northstar's Net Shortfall Payment obligation for the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 is $37.1 million, and the State intends to offset this amount against amounts owed to Northstar. The State provided no explanation as to the methodology used for determining Net Income to arrive at such Net Shortfall Payment amount. Northstar believes that the State's calculation for fiscal year 2013 results in a Net Shortfall Payment limited to 5% of Adjusted Net Income. Northstar believes that the combined amounts of the expected settlement for the State's fiscal year 2012, 5% Net Shortfall Payment for the State's fiscal year 2013, and estimated Net Shortfall for the State's fiscal year 2014 result in a combined Net Shortfall of $82 million an increase of $40 million with respect to the position at December 31, 2013. Consistent with the accounting treatment at December 31, 2013, the estimated incremental Net Shortfall of $40 million has been recorded in other current liabilities, with an offset to other non-current assets.
In addition, Northstar's net income for each of the two most recent contract years is more than ten percent (10%) less than the Net Income Target in such contract years. As a result of such Net Income Shortfalls, the State has the right to terminate the Illinois Agreement. Northstar believes that if the State were to attempt to exercise this right to terminate the Illinois Agreement, Northstar would be entitled to significant damages. In August 2014, the Illinois Governor's Office directed the Illinois Department of Lottery (the "Lottery") to end its relationship with Northstar. Northstar and the Lottery are working to address the Governor's Office concerns in accordance with the process set forth in the Illinois Agreement, which may include an agreement to terminate the Illinois Agreement. As of the date of approval of these financial statements, a final decision regarding Northstar's relationship with the State of Illinois has not been reached.
In October 2012, GTECH Indiana, LLC ("GTECH Indiana"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GTECH Corporation, entered into a 15-year agreement (the "Indiana Agreement"), with the State Lottery Commission of Indiana (the "State") that ends June 30, 2028, subject to early termination provisions, with transition services that commenced immediately, and with full services that began on July 1, 2013. Under the Indiana Agreement, GTECH Indiana manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions subject to the State's control over all significant business decisions. The
F-55
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
29. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
Indiana Agreement may be extended through June 30, 2038, with such extensions based on economic performance metrics identified in the Indiana Agreement.
The State may terminate the Indiana Agreement early under several scenarios such as (a) for convenience with a 90 day notice, (b) for a change in control of GTECH Indiana not approved by the State, (c) under an event of default by GTECH Indiana, or (d) in the event that Net Income Shortfalls (as defined below) equal more than 10% of the applicable Bid Net Income (as defined below) for any consecutive two contract year periods, or any three contract years in a five contract year period. Should the State terminate the Indiana Agreement for convenience, the State would be obligated to pay GTECH Indiana a termination fee based on the terms outlined in the Indiana Agreement. GTECH Indiana may also terminate the Indiana Agreement under limited circumstances, as described in the Indiana Agreement.
Commencing with the contract year starting July 1, 2013, to the extent that the actual net income earned by the State each year exceeds the net income guaranteed by GTECH Indiana for such year ("Bid Net Income"), GTECH Indiana will earn incentive compensation for each dollar in excess of Bid Net Income, up to an annual maximum of 5% of the actual net income earned by the State in such contract year. In the event actual net income is less than Bid Net Income in a contract year ("Net Income Shortfall"), GTECH Indiana will be required to pay the State for such Net Income Shortfall, provided that the Net Income Shortfall payment may not exceed 5% of Bid Net Income in such contract year.
GTECH Indiana receives reimbursement for certain costs in connection with the Indiana Agreement, including those related to managing the lottery such as its personnel costs and other overhead expenses, as well as lottery expenses incurred by GTECH Indiana for fees paid to subcontractors for the provision of goods and services. These reimbursements are recorded as service revenue in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated income statements.
As of September 30, 2014, management's best estimate is that the obligation relating to the minimum profit level guarantee is $17.6 million (€13.9 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) related to the State's fiscal years June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, which we recorded as a reduction of service revenue in our 2014 third quarter unaudited interim condensed consolidated income statements.
Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC
On June 20, 2013, Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar NJ"), a consolidated joint venture in which GTECH Corporation indirectly holds an approximate 41% interest, entered into an agreement (the "New Jersey Agreement") with the State of New Jersey (the "State"), Department of the Treasury, Division of Purchase and Property and Division of Lottery (the "Division of Lottery"), which ends June 30, 2029, subject to early termination provisions, with transition services commencing immediately, and with base services that began on October 1, 2013. Under the New Jersey Agreement, Northstar NJ manages a wide range of the Division of Lottery's marketing, sales and related functions, which is subject to the Division of Lottery's continuing control and oversight over the conduct of lottery operations.
F-56
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
29. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
The State may terminate the New Jersey Agreement early under several scenarios such as (a) for convenience with a 90 day notice, (b) for a change in control of Northstar NJ not approved by the State, (c) under an event of default by Northstar NJ, or (d) in the event that Net Income Shortfalls (as defined below) equal more than 10% of the applicable net income targets (as defined below) for any consecutive two contract year periods, or any three contract years in a five contract year period. Should the State terminate the New Jersey Agreement for convenience, the State would be obligated to pay Northstar NJ a termination fee based on the terms outlined in the New Jersey Agreement. Northstar NJ may also terminate the New Jersey Agreement under limited circumstances, as described in the New Jersey Agreement.
To the extent that the net income earned by the Division of Lottery each year exceeds the base level income for such year set by the Division of Lottery, Northstar NJ will earn incentive compensation that is awarded based on various levels of performance, up to an annual maximum of 5% of the actual net income earned by the Division of Lottery in such year. The incentive compensation that Northstar NJ may earn in an applicable year under the New Jersey Agreement could be reduced by a Net Income Shortfall (defined below) in the event Northstar NJ's performance does not achieve the net income target it guaranteed for the applicable year. Northstar NJ will be responsible for payments to the Division of Lottery, based on a formula provided by the New Jersey Agreement, should the net income targets set forth in Northstar NJ's bid not be achieved (a "Net Income Shortfall"), and to the extent that such Net Income Shortfall amounts exceed incentive compensation earned by Northstar NJ in such contract year, with any such payment further subject to a cap of 2% of the applicable contract year's actual net income (a "Net Income Shortfall Payment"). Further, over the term of the New Jersey Agreement, Northstar NJ has a credit of up to $20 million (€15.9 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate), which is available to offset any Net Income Shortfall Payment due to the Division of Lottery.
Northstar NJ receives reimbursement monthly for certain manager and operating expenses, including personnel costs and other overhead expenses. Certain costs, which include fees to subcontractors, including GTECH Corporation (for online and instant ticket services to be provided to Northstar NJ) and Scientific Games International, Inc. (for instant ticket and other related services to be provided to Northstar NJ), are also reimbursed to Northstar NJ by the State. Third-party reimbursements are recorded as service revenue in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated income statements.
Northstar NJ made a $120 million (€91.7 million at the June 2013 acquisition date) payment to the Division of Lottery upon execution of the New Jersey Agreement, and it has committed to ensuring that 30% of total revenues accruing from lottery ticket sales will be transferred to State institutions and State aid for education on an annual basis. The 2% downside cap and $20 million (€15.9 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) credit set forth above are not applicable with respect to Northstar NJ's 30% contribution requirement.
As of September 30, 2014, management's best estimate, based on unaudited results, is that the impact of a Net Income Shortfall will result in the use of $14.2 million (€11.3 million at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) of Northstar NJ's $20 million credit for the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, and therefore we have not recorded any amounts in our consolidated financial statements related to the guarantee.
F-57
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
29. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
Loxley GTECH Technology Co., LTD guarantee
The Company has a 49% interest in Loxley GTECH Technology Co., LTD ("LGT"), which is accounted for as an asset held for sale with a de minimis value. LGT is a joint venture that was formed to provide an online lottery system in Thailand.
The Company has guaranteed, along with the 51% shareholder in LGT, performance bonds provided to LGT by an unrelated commercial lender. The performance bonds relate to LGT's performance under the July 2005 contract between the Government Lottery Office of Thailand and LGT should such contract become operational. The Company is jointly and severally liable with the other shareholder in LGT for this guarantee. There is no scheduled termination date for the Company's guarantee obligation. The maximum liability under the guarantee is Baht 375 million (€9.2 million). At September 30, 2014, the Company does not have any obligation related to this guarantee because the July 2005 contract to provide the online lottery system is not in operation due to continuing political instability in Thailand.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania indemnification
GTECH Corporation will indemnify the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and any related state agencies for claims made relating to the state's approval of GTECH Corporation's manufacturer's license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
30. Litigation
Provisions for legal matters as of September 30, 2014 amounted to €6.6 million, as compared to €8.5 million as of December 31, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were no material accruals to or uses of the provision for legal matters.
1. Lotto Game Concession: Lottomatica/AAMS Arbitration - Stanley International Betting Limited Appeal
Arbitration Lottomatica (GTECH S.p.A.)/AAMS
Pursuant to the arbitration clause set out in article 30 of the Lotto Concession, on January 24, 2005 GTECH S.p.A. (hereinafter, "GTECH"), then named Lottomatica Group S.p.A., initiated an arbitration proceeding to ascertain the effective initial date of said Concession. GTECH asked the Board of Arbitrators to ascertain and state that the initial starting date of the Lotto Concession was June 8, 1998 (the date on which the European Commission in Brussels notified the Italian Government that the infringement procedure no. 91/0619 was closed) and that, as a result, the final expiration date of the Lotto Concession is June 8, 2016. GTECH's conclusion had been confirmed by an opinion given by Professor Guarino and declared in the 2001 GTECH Listing Prospectus.
The Arbitration Award issued by the Board of Arbitrators accepted GTECH's request by lodging its award on August 1, 2005 stating that the Lotto Concession became operative only once the infringement procedure initiated by the European Commission was closed. In addition the Board of Arbitrators stated that during the European Litigation there was a so-called stand still period and that
F-58
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
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30. Litigation (Continued)
the approval by the European Commission was a so-called " condicio juris ". AAMS (now Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) ("ADM") challenged the Arbitration Award before the Rome Court of Appeal (pursuant to art. 828 of the Italian code of civil procedure).
Stanley International Betting Limited ("Stanley") intervened in the appeal, seeking the annulment of the Arbitration Award issued on August 1, 2005.
On March 6, 2012, the Rome Court of Appeal rejected the appeal presented by ADM against the arbitration award of August 1, 2005. The Court also declared Stanley's appeal not admissible.
On May 29, 2012, ADM notified GTECH of its appeal before the Supreme Court of Cassation seeking the annulment of the ruling issued by the Rome Court of Appeal. The ADM appeal is based on the assumption that such ruling would be invalid for lack of motivation because the Court of Appeal, rejecting all arguments filed by ADM, failed to explain the grounds of its judgment.
In addition, on May 28, 2012, Stanley provided notice of its appeal before the Supreme Court of Cassation, asking for the annulment of the part of the ruling issued by the Rome Court of Appeal that ordered Stanley to pay, jointly and severally with ADM, the litigation costs, and of the part of the ruling that declared inadmissible Stanley's intervention in the judgment.
GTECH filed its defense against the ADM and Stanley appeals, seeking that they be found inadmissible and groundless and asking the Supreme Court of Cassation to confirm the Court of Appeal ruling. GTECH also filed an appeal asking the Court of Cassation for a new examination of the declaration of nullity of the Court of Appeal ruling for delay in serving. On February 3, 2014 by decision n. 2323/14, the Supreme Court of Cassation definitively rejected all of ADM's arguments and declared inadmissible Stanley's intervention in the judgment.
Stanley International Betting Limited Appeal
On June 18, 2007 Stanley served upon ADM and GTECH a summons before TAR of Lazio seeking the annulment and/or the non-application of the note of April 19, 2007, as well as the related deeds of the Lotto Concession, in connection with which ADM had rejected the request of the plaintiff's co-management of the service of the Lotto. Similar summons were also served by Sisal S.p.A., which also intervened in the appeal of Stanley Betting. GTECH appeared in the proceeding and demanded the dismissal of appeals.
TAR of Lazio rejected the two appeals for procedural reasons. Notice of the judgment of the TAR of Lazio was provided by GTECH to both Sisal and Stanley on June 24, 2010. Stanley Betting appealed against the decision before the Council of State (Consiglio di Stato) and GTECH appeared in the proceeding while Sisal did not, and so for that company the term for the appeal expired on October 8, 2010 (60 days from notification). The decision is now final for Sisal.
Stanley's appeal was discussed before the Council of State at a hearing on December 4, 2012. In the ruling lodged on January 7, 2013, the Council of State rejected the appeal filed by Stanley, stating that the note of April 2007 was not an administrative deed and, therefore, was per se not challengeable. The Council of State also decided to postpone its definitive decision regarding the renewal of the Lotto Concession until after the decision of the Supreme Court of Cassation on the term of the Lotto Concession, giving the parties a term of sixty (60) days to resume the trial in the
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Council of State after the decision of the Court of Cassation. (See the previous discussion of GTECH's appeal.) After the elapse of the deadline given by the Council of State, GTECH has submitted a request for the declaration of the closure of the judgment due to the fact that the same was not resumed on time. With decree n. 497/2014, the trial was declared closed but on June 18th, 2014 Stanley Betting filed an appeal against the same decree. The hearing date has not yet been set.
Stanley has also presented an administrative appeal before the President of the Republic (Ricorso straordinario al Capo dello Stato) against ADM decrees of January 23, 2013 and March 14, 2013 regarding the introduction of remote collection of Lotto, based on the same issues and bases of the appeal on illegitimacy of the Lotto concession renewal. On July 12, 2013, GTECH requested a discussion of this administrative appeal before the administrative judge with a specific act of notice to ADM and Stanley. Stanley has resumed the appeal before TAR Lazio but the hearing date has not yet been set.
2. "LAS VEGAS" Instant Lottery Petition
Non-winning "Las Vegas" instant lottery (Scratch & Win) tickets have been presented to the Consorzio Lotterie Nazionali ("Consorzio"), currently in liquidation, for payment starting in April 2006.
As of September 30, 2014 the outstanding petitions and requests for injunctive payments for alleged prizes and liquidated damages are approximately € 3.1 million. The litigation proceedings pending before the court of Messina have been settled without any charges for Consorzio. There have also been numerous requests for out-of-court payments with the same demand.
The claims are related to:
a) Payment of prizes for non-winning tickets. In particular, the players claim that, according to their interpretation of the Rules of the games established by Decree of the Ministry of Economy and Finance dated February 16, 2005, the amounts corresponding to the prizes listed in the various areas of the game tickets are to be paid every time the cards from 10 to K appear assuming that these cards have the same value.
b) Requests for damages, since the Consorzio, following the bulk of the judgments undertaken by players referred to in subparagraph a) has released a series of tickets bearing the words "The card K, Q, J, A have different scores" and so changing the rules.
The Consorzio filed its appeals against the unfavorable rulings and many of the appeal judgments were already issued in favor of the Consorzio by the Courts, overruling the first degree judgments made by the "Judges of the Peace" and ordering the reimbursement of the sums paid by the Consorzio. The Consorzio has initiated the procedures necessary to verify the recoverability of the sums already paid.
3. TOTOBIT - Navale Assicurazione Arbitration
Totobit Informatica Software e Sistemi S.p.A. ("Totobit"), a subsidiary of GTECH S.p.A., within the scope of its business activities enters into contracts regarding IT services (cellular phone top-ups) with third party retailers.
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On January 23, 2002 Totobit executed with Navale Assicurazioni S.p.A. an insurance policy in order to guarantee the fulfillment of payment obligations of the retailers under the corresponding contracts regarding the above mentioned activities performed by the retailers. The insurance policy had a 3 year duration starting from January 28, 2002. According to the policy provisions, any breach on the part of the retailers shall be reported by Totobit to Navale Assicurazioni within and not later than 3 months of the policy's annual expiration; the guarantee outside this deadline would no longer be valid.
On November 22, 2004 Navale Assicurazioni sent Totobit a notice informing the same that the policy would be terminated effective as of January 28, 2005, thus refusing the settlement of claims allegedly reported late by Totobit for a total of €1.5 million. In view of said missed payment, the arbitration proceeding was initiated on November 8, 2005 by Totobit.
The Arbitration Board approved the expert witness Mr. Enrico Proia to make a technical-accounting review of the documents produced by Totobit on request by Navale Assicurazioni.
On January 22, 2007 the Arbitration Award partly accepted the requests made by Totobit and ruled Navale Assicurazioni S.p.A. to pay the sum of €239,811.66. The amount referred exclusively to enforcement actions prior to April 28, 2005. The Arbitration Award partly accepted the counterclaim of Navale Assicurazioni S.p.A. regarding some requests of payment made by Totobit and for this reason ordered Totobit to pay the sum of €200,654.19.
Totobit and its counsels filed the appeal against the arbitration award. At the June 6, 2008 hearing the Court of Appeals of Rome set the pre-trial evidentiary hearing to November 18, 2011. Due to the replacement of the reporting judge, the hearing was postponed to January 25, 2013 and then again April 11, 2014. The parties are now awaiting the Court's decision.
4. Administrative Procedures on the Setting-Up and Operation of a Screen-Based Gaming Management Network
On June 1, 2007, the Regional Public Prosecutor of the Government Audit Department (Corte dei Conti) served Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A. ("Videolot") and all other nine concessionaires, an invitation to submit their briefs with regard to an investigation on possible damages to the State Treasury.
The Regional Prosecutor contested that Videolot, in conjunction with some ADM officials, inaccurately did not fulfill a number of obligations relating to the concession and failed to comply with certain service levels.
The damage to the State Treasury supposedly caused by Videolot, in conjunction with said ADM officials, was alleged to add up to approximately €4.0 billion.
On January 8, 2008, the Regional Public Prosecutor for the Audit Department served notice to Videolot regarding the charges brought forth which partially reduced the penalties to approximately €3.0 billion.
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On February 17, 2012 the Audit Government Department, Lazio Regional Office, handed down the first ruling against all 10 Italian gaming machine concessionaires. The Audit Department quantified Videolot's responsibility at €100.0 million.
On May 4, 2012, Videolot filed its appeal against the court ruling (which appeal suspends the ruling by law), requesting its annulment for the same reasons presented in the appeal against the partial decision mentioned above and because the ruling did not take into consideration numerous and essential elements contained in the report filed by Digit PA favorable to the concessionaires. Further, the ruling, according to Videolot, did not give any evidence of loss of revenue for the State because Videolot has always consistently stated and demonstrated the full compliance of its business and operations management and has always paid Prelievo Erariale Unico ("PREU"), a tax on gaming.
On October 15, 2013, Videolot filed a request of settlement according to the emergency decree n. 102/2013. At the October 30 th hearing, the Court decided to accept the request filed by Videolot by increasing the amount due to 30% (the maximum amount allowed by law), with a deadline for payment set on November 15, 2013. The decision was published on November 4 th .
On October 29, 2013, the emergency decree was converted into law with amendments allowing a settlement by paying an amount equal to 20% of the first decree ruling, provided that the settlement request was submitted together with the payment confirmation before November 4 th and that the Court decision had already been issued and was positive. Considering the above, Videolot submitted a new request asking for settlement at 20%. The case was decided at a hearing on November 8, 2013, at which the Court rejected the new request for settlement and confirmed the previous one rendered on October 30, 2013, setting the date for final closure of the judgment on January 31, 2014. At this final hearing, the Court, having checked the correctness of the payment, declared the closure of the judgment with decision n. 52/2014 on February 7, 2014. With regard to the total €30.0 million paid for the settlement as explained above, Videolot considered such a settlement amount deductible for tax purposes. Given the specific nature of such settlement, Videolot received an external third party legal opinion which substantially confirmed its position.
In parallel with the proceedings before the Audit Department, Videolot also filed appeals before the administrative judge against ADM's request regarding penalties for the failure to comply with the obligations to complete the activation of the online network and the failure to comply with service levels (the first 3 penalties), asking for an amount equal to approximately €10.1 million.
The TAR of Lazio dismissed the motions filed by Videolot on November 30, 2009 and in January 2010 Videolot filed the appeal before the State Council. In rulings issued on August 22, 2011, the State Council upheld the appeals filed by Videolot. The Appeals Judge said that there was no damage (and in addition no proof of damage) and also considered that the breach of contract ascribed to the concessionaires did not have any impact on the eventual delay of the start of the public service under the concession.
On February 23, 2012, ADM notified Videolot of the definitive calculation of the so-called fourth penalty (related to the alleged noncompliance of the service level obligation contained in section 2, letter B, of the concession), rejecting all the conclusions filed by Videolot and confirming the amount of approximately €9.7 million.
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Videolot, considering that the ADM request is illegitimate, filed its appeal against the fourth penalty, asking to suspend the execution as a matter of law until the case is resolved.
On May 24, 2012 Tar Lazio issued a court order suspending the fourth penalty and setting the hearing for discussion on February 20, 2013. On June 17, 2013, the ruling was published annulling the ADM request regarding the fourth penalty, already suspended. On January 27, 2014, AAMS notified Videolot of an appeal against this ruling before the State Council. The hearing date has not yet been set. Videolot has filed its defense against the ADM appeal.
5. Auditing Court - Judicial Account Appeals (years 2004-2005 and 2004-2009)
The Regional Public Prosecutor of the Auditing Court ("Corte dei Conti") served Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A ("Videolot") and the other nine concessionaires, a summons for the rendering of the judicial accounts related to 2004-2005 years.
Videolot appeared before the Court on March 2, 2009 by submitting a regulation of jurisdiction in order to challenge the Auditing Court's jurisdiction due to the fact that Videolot is not an accounting agent but a "fiscal passive subject" as so also qualified by the rules in PREU sector.
On April 20, 2010 the Supreme Court of Cassation declared the jurisdiction of the Auditing Court.
On April 13, 2010 the Regional Prosecutor of the Auditing Court (irrespective of the fact that at that time was still pending the decision of the Supreme Court), having considered definitely expired the term for delivery of the rendering of accounts (May 2009), notified Videolot with a new summons ordering Videolot to pay a penalty of €80.0 million because of its failure to submit the rendering of account.
The hearing was held on October 7, 2010.
With a ruling notified to Videolot on November 18, 2010, the Auditors Court rejected the instance of the Prosecutor and acquitted Videolot (considering that Videolot, in the meantime, had submitted the judicial accounts), ordering the liquidation of legal costs of €1,000 in favor of Videolot.
The Regional Prosecutor at the Auditors Court, on April 13, 2011, appealed the ruling of the Judicial Section of the Lazio Region Auditors Court.
As of the date of this report, a hearing date was not yet set for the said appeal. The appeal has already been ruled on for other concessionaires. In these cases, the Court has reverted the decision of first degree and has ordered the concessionaires to pay a fine equal to €5,000 for the delay in submitting the judicial accounts.
On August 3, 2012 the Regional Prosecutor served Videolot with an opinion on the reliability of the judicial accounts related to the years 2004-2009 that were duly approved by ADM and submitted to Videolot in 2010. The reporting judge has determined the inability to verify the correctness of the judicial accounts due to the fact that according to the evidence of the ruling of the Audit Government Department in February 2012 (see previous litigation item 4), most of the amusement with prize machines were installed but not properly connected to the central system, and, therefore, the calculation of the prizes was an estimate and it was impossible to determine the exact amount of the compensation fees paid to the concessionaires (net of the amount paid to the shut operators).
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In decision n. 447/2013, the Court ruled that the accounts produced cannot be considered as judicial accounts. This conclusion led to the Regional Prosecutor's examination regarding administrative responsibility for these matters. On January 31, 2014, Videolot filed its appeal against decision n. 447/2013. The hearing has been set for January 15, 2015.
6. Soggea vs. Lottomatica Scommesse
On October 17, 2012, Soggea S.p.A. served Lottomatica Scommesse, a wholly-owned GTECH subsidiary, with a summons before the Tribunal of Rome asking for damages equal to €20.5 million. The claim is related to an agreement between Lottomatica Scommesse and Soggea in accordance with which Lottomatica Scommesse allowed Soggea to be part of its tournament circuit for online gaming and shared liquidity.
The agreement was executed by the parties on February 2, 2010 and Soggea entered into the Lottomatica Scommesse circuit "PokerClub" through its trademark "Joka". The agreement had a duration of 2 years with a renewal clause unless termination of the agreement was communicated by one party to the other. Lottomatica Scommesse, using the termination clause provided for in the agreement, terminated the agreement with effect in April 2012.
Soggea, following termination of the agreement, has asked the Tribunal to ascertain the legitimacy of the termination by Lottomatica Scommesse and to impose on Lottomatica Scommesse a payment of approximately €20.5 million or as an alternative, a payment of approximately €12.3 million.
The first hearing was held on February 11, 2013 and was postponed to May 22, 2013 for the admissions of the means of proof. The judge decided to not admit requests for proofs and, having determined that the case is ready for a decision, established a final hearing date of July 1, 2015.
Lottomatica Scommesse is fully convinced of the legitimacy of the termination of the agreement.
7. Cogetech vs. Lottomatica Scommesse
On June 17, 2013, Cogetech S.p.A. served Lottomatica Scommesse, GTECH S.p.A., Boss Media AB and prof. Giovanni Puoti with a summons before the Tribunal of Rome in order to declare the termination of the contract signed by Cogetech and Lottomatica Scommesse on September 7, 2011 and ask for damages not yet quantified. Before this, Cogetech had filed a request for a precautionary injunction before the Tribunal of Rome in order to be re-admitted on the Circuit but the judge denied that request. The claim is related to an agreement between Lottomatica Scommesse and Cogetech in accordance with which Lottomatica allowed Cogetech to be part of its tournament circuit for online gaming and shared liquidity and is based on the fact that Lottomatica Scommesse contested with Cogetech the breach by Cogetech of its obligations of fairness and good faith according to Circuit Regulation, as confirmed by the Auditor (prof. Puoti). In accordance with that, on March 29, 2013 Lottomatica Scommesse communicated to Cogetech its termination of the agreement and the end of the shared liquidity. Lottomatica Scommesse has submitted its brief contesting all Cogetech's claims and has asked for payment of the damages caused by Cogetech by virtue of its behavior.
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At the first hearing of May 14, 2014, the judge ordered the joinder of a third request by prof. Puoti, rescheduling the hearing for October 16, 2014. At the hearing on October 16, 2014, the judge adjourned the case until April 9, 2015 for the admission of evidence.
In January 1997, Caixa Economica Federal ("CEF"), the operator of Brazil's National Lottery, and Racimec Informática Brasileira S.A. ("Racimec"), the predecessor of GTECH Brazil, entered into a four-year contract pursuant to which GTECH Brazil agreed to provide on-line lottery services and technology to CEF (the "1997 Contract"). In May 2000, CEF and GTECH Brazil terminated the 1997 Contract and entered into a new agreement (the "2000 Contract") obliging GTECH Brazil to provide lottery goods and services and additional financial transaction services to CEF for a contract term that, as subsequently extended, was scheduled to expire in April 2003. In April 2003, GTECH Brazil entered into an agreement with CEF (the "2003 Contract Extension") pursuant to which: (a) the term of the 2000 Contract was extended into May 2005, and (b) fees payable to GTECH Brazil under the 2000 Contract were reduced by 15%. On August 13, 2006, all agreements between GTECH and CEF terminated in accordance with their terms.
Criminal Allegations Against Certain Employees
a. In late March 2004, federal attorneys with Brazil's Public Ministry (the "Public Ministry Attorneys") recommended that criminal charges be brought against nine individuals, including four senior officers of CEF, Antonio Carlos Rocha, the former Senior Vice President of GTECH and President of GTECH Brazil, and Marcelo Rovai, then GTECH Brazil's marketing director and currently employed in GTECH's Latin America region ("Denuncia 1").
The Public Ministry Attorneys had recommended that Messrs. Rocha and Rovai be charged with offering an improper inducement in connection with the negotiation of the 2003 Contract Extension, and co-authoring, or aiding and abetting, certain allegedly fraudulent or inappropriate management practices of the CEF management who agreed to enter into the 2003 Contract Extension. Neither GTECH nor GTECH Brazil were the subject of this criminal investigation, and under Brazilian law, entities cannot be subject to criminal charges in connection with this matter.
In June 2004, the judge reviewing the charges in Denuncia 1 prior to their being filed refused to initiate the criminal charges against the nine individuals but instead granted a request by the Brazilian Federal Police to continue the investigation which had been suspended upon the recommendation of the Public Ministry Attorneys that criminal charges be brought. The Brazilian Federal Police subsequently ended their investigation and presented a report of their findings to the court. This report did not recommend that indictments be issued against Messrs. Rocha or Rovai, or against any current or former employee of GTECH or GTECH Brazil. The Public Ministry Attorneys then requested that the Brazilian Federal Police reopen their investigation. We understand that the Federal Police subsequently completed their investigation and, in August 2010 issued a report, based entirely upon the
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June 21, 2006 Brazilian congressional report described below, and sent the report to the Public Ministry Attorneys.
b. Notwithstanding the favorable resolution of the Brazilian Federal Police's initial investigation, on June 21, 2006, a special investigating panel of the Brazilian congress issued a report and voted, among other things, to ask the Public Ministry Attorneys to indict 84 individuals, including one current and three former employees of GTECH Brazil, alleging that the individuals helped GTECH Brazil to illegally obtain the 2003 Contract Extension. GTECH found nothing in the congressional report to cause it to believe that any present or former employee of GTECH or GTECH Brazil committed any criminal offence in connection with obtaining the 2003 Contract Extension.
c. GTECH conducted an internal investigation of the 2003 Contract Extension under the supervision of the independent directors of GTECH Holdings Corporation. GTECH found no evidence that GTECH, GTECH Brazil, or any of their current or former employees violated any law, or is otherwise guilty of any wrongdoing in connection with these matters.
The U.S. SEC began an informal inquiry in February 2004, which informal inquiry became a formal investigation in July 2004, into the Brazilian criminal allegations against Messrs. Rocha and Rovai, and GTECH's involvement in the facts surrounding the 2003 Contract Extension, to ascertain whether there has been any violation of United States law in connection with these matters. In addition, in May 2005, representatives of the United States Department of Justice asked to participate in a meeting with GTECH and the SEC. GTECH cooperated fully with the SEC and the United States Department of Justice with regard to these matters, including by responding to their requests for information and documentation. In August 2009, GTECH was advised by the SEC that the SEC had concluded its investigation and did not intend to recommend enforcement action.
d. These favorable developments notwithstanding, in September 2010, GTECH received a copy of new criminal charges that Public Ministry Attorneys recommend to a Brazilian Federal judge be filed against 16 individuals, including 14 current or former CEF officers and employees, Antonio Carlos Rocha and Marcos Andrade, a former officer of GTECH Brazil ("Denuncia 2"). The Public Ministry Attorneys assert that the defendants "swindled public money" through entering into successive illegal price changes, contract extensions and other amendments to CEF's contracts with Racimec and GTECH Brazil, and agreeing to reduce or eliminate contractual fines and penalties that should properly have been imposed upon Racimec and GTECH Brazil. Such allegations echo charges which have been made in the past by the: (i) Public Ministry Attorneys in their April 2004 civil action, and (ii) Federal Court of Accounts in their 2003 TCU Audit Report. The TCU matter has been dismissed (as previously reported by the Company) and the trial judge in the April 2004 matter (as also previously reported by the Company) ruled in GTECH's favor in November 2011. These more recent allegations by the Public Ministry Attorneys include the claim made in the April 2004 civil action that a consulting company in which a former CEF director held an interest served as an intermediary in contract negotiations between CEF and a Brazilian public utility pursuant to which CEF allowed the public utility to provide prepaid cellular phone cards through the CEF lottery network operated by GTECH Brazil. GTECH Brazil was not a party to this agreement, entered into in 1999. The Public Ministry Attorneys advance the theory that the consulting company received the 1999 contract in consideration for the former CEF director's assistance in influencing CEF negotiations to the advantage of GTECH Brazil. The Public Ministry Attorneys advance no facts (old or new) that would
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support this new allegation. In October 2014, the Company learned that the charges in Denuncia 2 were rejected by a Brazilian Federal judge who found that there was no evidence of or ground for a criminal prosecution. GTECH Brazil was advised that the Public Ministry Attorneys are likely to appeal this decision.
e. In November 2010, GTECH received a copy of criminal charges that Public Ministry Attorneys recommend to a Brazilian Federal judge be filed against nine individuals, including Antonio Carlos Rocha, Marcelo Rovai and Marcos Andrade ("Denuncia 3"). The Public Ministry Attorneys assert that the defendants be charged with corruption for using improper influence and offering undue advantage as a form of payment to obtain the 2003 Contract Extension. The Public Ministry Attorneys advance no new facts that would support this allegation.
GTECH finds nothing in these charges that would lead it to believe that any present or former employee of GTECH or GTECH Brazil committed any criminal offense involving any contract between Racimec or GTECH Brazil and CEF. Neither GTECH nor GTECH Brazil is named as a defendant in these criminal charges and, as noted above, under Brazilian law entities cannot be subject to criminal charges in connection with these matters.
The Brazilian Federal judge has approved the filing of the charges in Denuncia 3 to be brought against all but one defendant in this matter. The judge is allowing one defendant, because he was a former government employee, the opportunity to present a defense prior to determining whether to accept Denuncia 3. The Company understands that Mr. Rocha unsuccessfully appealed the decision to deny certain defendants from presenting a defense at this point in the process.
The Company has learned that Messrs. Rocha and Andrade have been served and presented their defenses.
GTECH believes that its two former employees and one current employee involved have strong substantive and procedural defenses and that the assertions made against them are groundless.
On July 26, 2005, the State of São Paulo challenged GTECH Brazil for classifying the remittances of printing ribbons, rolls of paper and wagering slips ("Consumables") to lottery outlets in Brazil as non-taxable shipments. The tax authorities disagree with that classification and argue that these Consumables would be subject to ICMS tax as opposed to the lower rate ISS tax that GTECH Brazil paid. The tax authorities argue that in order for printed matter to be considered non-taxable it has to be "personalized." To be considered personalized, the Consumables must be intended for the exclusive use of the one ordering them. GTECH Brazil filed its defense against the Tax Assessment Notice, which was dismissed. GTECH Brazil filed an Ordinary Appeal and a Special Appeal to the Court of Taxes and Fees, both of which were not granted. The State Treasury of São Paulo has filed a tax foreclosure to collect the tax obligation amounting to 22,910,722 Brazilian Reals (approximately €7.3 million at exchange rates in effect as of September 30, 2014) plus statutory interest, penalties and fees of approximately 102.2 million Brazilian Reals for a total obligation of approximately 125.1 million Brazilian Reals (approximately €39.9 million at exchange rates in effect as of September 30, 2014). GTECH Brazil is preparing to file an appeal of this matter with the First District Court of the State Treasury (Barueri). Prior to filing the appeal, it is likely that GTECH Brazil will be required to provide
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security for the tax obligation in the event it is unsuccessful in the appeal. GTECH Brazil has been advised by Brazilian counsel that these proceedings are likely to take several years, and could take longer than seven years to litigate through the appellate process to final judgment. In November 2012, GTECH Brazil filed a new action in São Paolo state court to annul the ICMS claim based upon the lack of merit of the tax authority's claim. GTECH Brazil believes that these claims are groundless.
31. International Financial Reporting Standards issued but not yet effective
The new and amended standards that were issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) but not yet effective as of September 30, 2014 are described below.
On July 24, 2014, the IASB published the final and complete version of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments , which replaces IAS 39 and supersedes the previous two IFRS 9 publications issued in November 2009 and November 2013. This standard includes requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets; new requirements on accounting for financial liabilities; a carryover from IAS 39 of the requirements for the derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities; a new general hedge accounting model, which allows the early adoption of the treatment of fair value changes due to own credit on liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss; incorporates a new expected loss impairment model; and introduces limited amendments to the classification and measurement requirements for financial assets. IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet performed an analysis of the impact the standard will have on the consolidated financial statements when adopted on January 1, 2018 and therefore has not yet quantified the extent of the impact.
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
IFRS 15 was issued in May 2014 and applies to an entity's annual reporting period beginning on or after January 1, 2017. IFRS 15 specifies how and when an entity will recognize revenue as well as requiring such entities to provide users of financial statements with more informative and relevant disclosures. The standard provides a single, principles based five-step model to be applied to all contracts with customers. The Company has not yet performed an analysis of the impact the standard will have on the consolidated financial statements when adopted on January 1, 2017 and therefore has not yet quantified the extent of the impact.
Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions - Amendments to IAS 19
These amendments were issued in November 2013 and are effective from July 1, 2014 with earlier application permitted. The amendments apply to contributions from employees or third parties to defined benefit plans. The objective of the amendments is to simplify the accounting for contributions that are independent of the number of years of employee service, for example, employee contributions that are calculated according to a fixed percentage of salary. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Company when adopted.
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31. International Financial Reporting Standards issued but not yet effective (Continued)
Amendments to IFRS 11: Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations
These amendments were issued in May 2014 and are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The amendments require an acquirer of an interest in a joint operation in which the activity constitutes a business (as defined in IFRS 3 Business Combinations ) to apply all of the business combinations accounting principles in IFRS 3 and other IFRSs, except for those principles that conflict with the guidance in IFRS 11, and to disclose the information required by IFRS 3 and other IFRSs for business combinations. The amendments apply both to the initial acquisition of an interest in a joint operation, and the acquisition of an additional interest in a joint operation. The Company has not yet performed an analysis of the impact the amendments will have on the consolidated financial statements when adopted on January 1, 2016 and therefore has not yet quantified the extent of the impact.
Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38: Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortization
These amendments were issued in May 2014 and are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The amendments, among other things, clarify the use of depreciation and amortization methods that are based on revenue that is generated by an activity. The Company has not yet performed an analysis of the impact the amendments will have on the consolidated financial statements when adopted on January 1, 2016 and therefore has not yet quantified the extent of the impact.
Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28: Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture
These amendments were issued in September 2014 and are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The amendments address an inconsistency between the requirements in IFRS 10 and those in IAS 28 in dealing with the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. The Company has not yet performed an analysis of the impact the amendments will have on the consolidated financial statements when adopted on January 1, 2016 and therefore has not yet quantified the extent of the impact.
Annual Improvements to IFRSs issued in December 2013
In December 2013 the IASB issued two cycles of Annual Improvements IFRSs - 2010-2012 Cycle and 2011-2013 Cycle , which contains amendments to its standards and the related basis for conclusions that provides a mechanism for making necessary, but non-urgent, amendments to IFRS. The effective date of the amendments is on or before July 1, 2014. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Company when adopted. The effect of each standard is described below:
F-69
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
31. International Financial Reporting Standards issued but not yet effective (Continued)
profit or loss whether or not it falls within the scope of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments . It also clarifies that joint arrangements are outside the scope of IFRS 3.
Annual Improvements to IFRSs issued in September 2014
In September 2014 the IASB issued Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle which contains amendments to its standards and the related basis for conclusions that provides a mechanism for making necessary, but non-urgent, amendments to IFRS. The effective date of the amendments is on or before January 1, 2016. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Company when adopted. The effect of each standard is described below:
32. Events after the reporting period
In October 2014, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program authorized by the Shareholders' Meeting of May 8, 2014 for up to 16,676,505 shares, or approximately 9.5% of the
F-70
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
32. Events after the reporting period (Continued)
Company's share capital (the "Program"). The Program is designed to ensure the regular trading of the Company's shares in the event that anomalous movements occur due to excess volatility or lack of liquidity, pending the acquisition of IGT. As of October 31, 2014, we acquired 230,798 shares through several purchases on the regulated market for €4.2 million under the Program.
In October 2014, in connection with the pending acquisition of IGT (the "Transaction"), noteholder meetings have been scheduled for November 2014 to obtain approvals on certain matters related to the Transaction from the holders of the 2010 Notes (due 2018) and the 2012 Notes (due 2020). The Company intends to exercise the call option provided for in the terms and conditions of both the 2010 Notes (due 2018) and the 2012 Notes (due 2020) if the extraordinary resolution is not approved. In addition, the Company intends to exercise the call option provided for in the terms and conditions of the 2009 Notes (due 2016).
In October 2014, following the solicitation of consents by IGT to amend the IGT indentures pursuant to which IGT's 7.50% Notes (due 2019) were issued, which concluded on October 20, 2014, our Bridge Facility has been reduced from approximately $10.7 billion (€8.5 billion at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate) to approximately $10.2 billion (€8.1 billion), as backstop financing for the IGT 2019 Notes is no longer required.
In November 2014, GTECH S.p.A. and GTECH Corporation entered into a USD 2.6 billion (€2.1 billion at the October 31, 2014 exchange rate) five-year senior facilities agreement (the "Agreement") with a syndicate of 20 banks. The Agreement provides for a USD 1.4 billion multicurrency revolving credit facility for GTECH Corporation and an €850 million multicurrency revolving credit facility for GTECH S.p.A. Upon completion of the pending acquisition of IGT, the US dollar facility will be increased to USD 1.5 billion. The revolving credit facilities will be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of any outstanding amounts under the Company's existing term loan facility and multicurrency revolving facilities (which are scheduled to expire in December 2015) and refinancing certain debt securities issued by GTECH S.p.A. Upon completion of the pending acquisition of IGT, the US dollar facility will also be used to repay any outstanding amounts under IGT's revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facilities will bear a variable interest rate based on certain credit ratings and are subject to standard covenants and restrictions. GTECH S.p.A. intends to redeem its €750 million 2009 Notes (due December 2016) on December 8, 2014 with proceeds from the revolving credit facilities.
F-71
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
GTECH S.p.A.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of GTECH S.p.A. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of GTECH S.p.A. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
/s/ RECONTA ERNST & YOUNG S.P.A.
Rome,
Italy
October 1, 2014
F-72
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
F-73
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
F-74
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
F-75
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Notes | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||||||
Income before income tax expense |
386,072 | 424,003 | 365,864 | |||||||||
Adjustments for: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation |
24 | 254,599 | 249,921 | 240,618 | ||||||||
Intangibles amortization |
25 | 189,774 | 186,001 | 188,048 | ||||||||
Interest expense |
27 | 163,074 | 155,364 | 168,019 | ||||||||
Share-based payment expense |
31 | 8,611 | 12,349 | 8,949 | ||||||||
Impairment loss, net |
26 | 6,058 | 6,227 | (4,074 | ) | |||||||
Non-cash foreign exchange loss, net |
938 | 1,159 | (7,557 | ) | ||||||||
Interest income |
(3,334 | ) | (2,462 | ) | (2,882 | ) | ||||||
Write-down of avaliable-for-sale financial investment |
| | 7,582 | |||||||||
Provisions |
(5,304 | ) | 9,141 | 22,752 | ||||||||
Other non-cash items |
15,015 | 7,376 | 5,184 | |||||||||
Cash foreign exchange loss, net |
1,372 | 55 | 1,597 | |||||||||
Income tax paid |
(170,943 | ) | (193,442 | ) | (74,345 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows before changes in operating assets and liabilities |
845,932 | 855,692 | 919,755 | |||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Inventories |
14,423 | (19,974 | ) | 26,872 | ||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
(108,594 | ) | (143,678 | ) | 50,871 | |||||||
Other current assets |
(13,021 | ) | (71,028 | ) | (28,611 | ) | ||||||
Accounts payable |
(45,220 | ) | 114,899 | (198,138 | ) | |||||||
Accrued expenses |
11,055 | (13,836 | ) | 24,101 | ||||||||
Deferred revenue |
22,265 | 16,298 | (883 | ) | ||||||||
Advance payments from customers |
(29,466 | ) | 18,811 | 6,748 | ||||||||
Other assets and liabilities |
(1,125 | ) | 6,145 | 49,305 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from operating activities |
696,249 | 763,329 | 850,020 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||||||
Purchases of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts |
(183,878 | ) | (211,833 | ) | (306,734 | ) | ||||||
Purchases of intangible assets |
(134,919 | ) | (30,336 | ) | (20,669 | ) | ||||||
Investment in associate |
11 | (19,800 | ) | | | |||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
(10,370 | ) | (10,193 | ) | (10,401 | ) | ||||||
Acquisition, net of cash acquired |
(7,345 | ) | | | ||||||||
Italy segment contingent consideration |
35 | (324 | ) | (2,693 | ) | (4,977 | ) | |||||
Cash proceeds related to impairment recovery |
3,807 | 4,455 | | |||||||||
Interest received |
7,307 | 5,101 | 5,065 | |||||||||
Other |
3,951 | (5,798 | ) | (663 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows used in investing activities |
(341,571 | ) | (251,297 | ) | (338,379 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||||||||
Interest paid |
(143,390 | ) | (184,479 | ) | (166,107 | ) | ||||||
Dividends paid |
32 | (125,920 | ) | (122,220 | ) | | ||||||
Principal payments on long-term debt |
(102,810 | ) | (320,423 | ) | (219,314 | ) | ||||||
Return of capital - non-controlling interest |
17 | (40,087 | ) | (42,562 | ) | (24,000 | ) | |||||
Dividends paid - non-controlling interest |
17 | (34,062 | ) | (32,116 | ) | (38,420 | ) | |||||
Repayments of short-term borrowings |
(170 | ) | (15,218 | ) | 5,688 | |||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
15,746 | 121 | | |||||||||
Capital increase - non-controlling interest |
71,973 | | | |||||||||
Capital increase - Northstar Lottery Group, LLC |
| | 8,440 | |||||||||
Cash paid on interest rate swaps |
| (15,901 | ) | (33,388 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt |
| 501,618 | 359 | |||||||||
Treasury shares purchased |
| | (2,940 | ) | ||||||||
Other |
(19,733 | ) | (12,356 | ) | (9,708 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows used in financing activities |
(378,453 | ) | (243,536 | ) | (479,390 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
(23,775 | ) | 268,496 | 32,251 | ||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
(12,869 | ) | (2,838 | ) | 6,019 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year |
455,762 | 190,104 | 151,834 | (a) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year |
419,118 | 455,762 | 190,104 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-76
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended December 31, 2013
|
Attributable to owners of the parent |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Issued
Capital (Note 17) |
Share
Premium |
Retained
Earnings |
Other
Reserves (Note 17) |
Total |
Non-Controlling
Interests (Note 18) |
Total
Equity |
|||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2013 |
172,455 | 1,703,923 | 235,858 | 155,565 | 2,267,801 | 374,464 | 2,642,265 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | 175,434 | | 175,434 | 29,801 | 205,235 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
| | 1,176 | (147,518 | ) | (146,342 | ) | (165 | ) | (146,507 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
| | 176,610 | (147,518 | ) | 29,092 | 29,636 | 58,728 | ||||||||||||||
Dividend distribution (€0.73 per share) |
| | (125,920 | ) | | (125,920 | ) | | (125,920 | ) | ||||||||||||
Return of capital (Note 17) |
| | | | | (40,087 | ) | (40,087 | ) | |||||||||||||
Dividend distribution (Note 17) |
| | | | | (34,062 | ) | (34,062 | ) | |||||||||||||
Capital increase (Note 17) |
| | | | | 75,009 | 75,009 | |||||||||||||||
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options |
1,198 | 13,338 | | | 14,536 | | 14,536 | |||||||||||||||
Share-based payment (Note 31) |
| | | 8,611 | 8,611 | | 8,611 | |||||||||||||||
Capital reallocation - Northstar Lottery Group, LLC (Note 17) |
| | 1,740 | | 1,740 | (1,740 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Shares issued under stock award plans |
339 | | | (339 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||
Appropriation of 2012 income in accordance with Italian law |
| | (63 | ) | 63 | | | | ||||||||||||||
Other movements in equity |
| | 4,622 | (570 | ) | 4,052 | 400 | 4,452 | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
173,992 | 1,717,261 | 292,847 | 15,812 | 2,199,912 | 403,620 | 2,603,532 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-77
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Continued)
For the year ended December 31, 2012
|
Attributable to owners of the parent |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Issued
Capital (Note 17) |
Share
Premium |
Retained
Earnings |
Other
Reserves (Note 17) |
Total |
Non-Controlling
Interests (Note 18) |
Total
Equity |
|||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2012 |
172,141 | 1,702,688 | 118,726 | 193,531 | 2,187,086 | 422,069 | 2,609,155 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | 233,136 | | 233,136 | 32,089 | 265,225 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss |
| | | (49,559 | ) | (49,559 | ) | (999 | ) | (50,558 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
| | 233,136 | (49,559 | ) | 183,577 | 31,090 | 214,667 | ||||||||||||||
Dividend distribution (€0.71 per share) |
| | (122,220 | ) | | (122,220 | ) | | (122,220 | ) | ||||||||||||
Return of capital (Note 17) |
| | | | | (42,562 | ) | (42,562 | ) | |||||||||||||
Dividend distribution (Note 17) |
| | | | | (32,116 | ) | (32,116 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share-based payment (Note 31) |
| | | 12,349 | 12,349 | | 12,349 | |||||||||||||||
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options |
95 | 1,235 | | | 1,330 | | 1,330 | |||||||||||||||
Capital reallocation - Northstar Lottery Group, LLC (Note 17) |
| | 4,032 | | 4,032 | (4,032 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Shares issued under stock award plans |
219 | | | (219 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||
Appropriation of 2011 income in accordance with Italian law |
| | (25 | ) | 25 | | | | ||||||||||||||
Other movements in equity |
| | 2,209 | (562 | ) | 1,647 | 15 | 1,662 | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
172,455 | 1,703,923 | 235,858 | 155,565 | 2,267,801 | 374,464 | 2,642,265 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-78
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Continued)
For the year ended December 31, 2011
|
Attributable to owners of the parent |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Issued
Capital |
Share
Premium |
Treasury
Shares |
Retained
Earnings (Deficit) |
Other
Reserves (Note 17) |
Total |
Non-Controlling
Interests |
Total
Equity |
|||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2011 |
172,015 | 1,705,628 | (60,113 | ) | (56,287 | ) | 153,150 | 1,914,393 | 444,492 | 2,358,885 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 173,142 | | 173,142 | 32,627 | 205,769 | |||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
| | | | 92,241 | 92,241 | 731 | 92,972 | |||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income |
| | | 173,142 | 92,241 | 265,383 | 33,358 | 298,741 | |||||||||||||||||
Return of capital (Note 17) |
| | | | | | (24,000 | ) | (24,000 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Dividend distribution |
| | | | | | (38,420 | ) | (38,420 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Treasury shares purchased (208,655 shares) |
| (2,940 | ) | (2,940 | ) | | 2,940 | (2,940 | ) | | (2,940 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share-based payment (Note 31) |
| | | | 8,949 | 8,949 | | 8,949 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital increase - Northstar Lottery Group, LLC |
| | | | | | 8,440 | 8,440 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital reallocation - Northstar Lottery Group, LLC (Note 17) |
| | | 3,076 | | 3,076 | (3,076 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||
Shares issued under stock award plans |
126 | | 64 | | (190 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Treasury shares (3,372,851 shares) issued in lieu of a cash dividend (Note 32) |
| | 62,989 | | (62,989 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Other movements in equity |
| | | (1,205 | ) | (570 | ) | (1,775 | ) | 1,275 | (500 | ) | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2011 |
172,141 | 1,702,688 | | 118,726 | 193,531 | 2,187,086 | 422,069 | 2,609,155 | |||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-79
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Corporate information
GTECH S.p.A. (formerly Lottomatica Group S.p.A.) is a leading commercial operator and provider of technology in the regulated worldwide gaming markets. Effective June 3, 2013, Lottomatica Group S.p.A. changed its name to GTECH S.p.A. as a further step in developing its businesses on a global scale by taking advantage of the positioning achieved by the GTECH brand in the worldwide gaming industry.
When used in these notes, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise indicates, all references to the terms "GTECH," "we," "us," "our," and the "Company" refer to GTECH S.p.A., the parent entity, and all entities included in our consolidated financial statements.
In January 2013, the Company announced a plan to further integrate its businesses on a global basis. These changes were aimed at supporting growth, improving efficiency and enhancing profitability across operations, stepping up the pace of internationalization of the Company to better capture its potential. The Company is now operated under a new unified, customer-facing organization structure aligned around three global geographic regions - Americas, International and Italy - and supported by a central products and services structure.
We operate and provide a full range of services and manufacture leading-edge technology products across all gaming segments, including lotteries, machine gaming, sports betting, and interactive games. We also provide high-volume processing of non-lottery commercial transactions. Our state-of-the-art information technology platforms and software enable distribution through land-based systems, Internet and mobile devices. Our principal activities are described in Note 5.
GTECH is a joint stock company incorporated and domiciled in the Republic of Italy, and its registered office is located at Viale del Campo Boario, Rome, Italy. GTECH is majority owned by De Agostini S.p.A., a century-old publishing, media, and financial services company and is listed on the Italian Stock Exchange managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. under the trading symbol "GTK". GTECH has a Sponsored Level 1 American Depository Receipt (ADR) program listed on the United States over the counter market under the trading symbol "GTKYY".
As required by US public company reporting requirements, these consolidated financial statements include two years of comparative information (for the years ending December 31, 2012 and 2011) for the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of cash flows, consolidated statement of changes in equity and related Notes.
The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 were approved for issuance by the Board of Directors on October 1, 2014.
2. Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards
The Company's accounting policies are consistent with those of the previous financial year except for the adoption of new International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) standards as of January 1, 2013 as described below.
The Company applied, for the first time, certain standards and amendments that require restatement of previous financial statements. These include IFRS 10, IFRS 11, IAS 19 Employee Benefits (Revised 2011), IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement and amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements. In addition, the application of IFRS 12 resulted in additional disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.
F-80
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (Continued)
Several other new standards and amendments apply for the first time in 2013. However, they do not impact the annual consolidated financial statements of the Company or the interim consolidated financial statements of the Company.
The nature and the impact of each new standard or amendments are described below.
IFRS 7 Disclosures - Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
The amendments to IFRS 7 require disclosure about rights of offset and related arrangements (such as collateral posting requirements) for financial instruments under an enforceable master netting agreement or similar arrangement. The amendment does not have an impact on the Company.
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements and IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements
IFRS 10 establishes a single control model that applies to all entities, including special purpose entities that may require management to exercise significant judgment to determine which entities are controlled, and therefore are required to be consolidated by a parent, compared with the requirements that were in IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements . IFRS 10 replaces the parts of previously existing IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements that dealt with consolidated financial statements and SIC-12 Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities . IFRS 10 had no impact on the consolidation of Company entities.
IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures
IFRS 11 replaces IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures and SIC-13 Jointly-Controlled Entities - Non-monetary Contributions by Venturers . In accordance with IFRS 11, joint arrangements are classified as joint operations or joint ventures, depending on the rights and obligations of the parties to the arrangements. In addition, joint ventures under IFRS 11 are required to be accounted for using the equity method of accounting, removing the option to account for them using proportionate consolidation.
The application of IFRS 11 impacted the financial position of the Company by replacing proportionate consolidation of the joint venture in CLS-GTECH Company Limited with the equity method of accounting, the effect of which is described in more detail in Note 11, including quantification of the effect on the financial statements. Because IFRS 11 is required to be applied retrospectively, the December 31, 2012 balances presented in the consolidated statement of financial position and all related footnotes have been restated to conform to the new presentation. The December 31, 2012 balances presented in the consolidated income statement were not adjusted because the effect was not significant.
IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities
IFRS 12 requires enhanced and new disclosures related to an entity's interest in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and structured entities. The requirements are more comprehensive than the previously existing disclosure requirements for subsidiaries. The Company has no unconsolidated structured entities. IFRS 12 disclosures for material non-controlling interests are provided in Note 18.
F-81
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (Continued)
Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12 Consolidated Financial Statements, Joint Arrangements and Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities: Transition Guidance
The amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12 Consolidated Financial Statements, Joint Arrangements and Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities: Transition Guidance provide additional transition relief on the application of IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12, limiting the requirement to provide adjusted comparative information to only the preceding comparative period. For disclosures related to unconsolidated structured entities, the amendments remove the requirement to present comparative information for periods before IFRS 12 is first applied. The amendment had no impact on the Company's financial position or performance.
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement
IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance under IFRS for all fair value measurements. It does not change when an entity is required to use fair value, but rather provides guidance on how to measure fair value under IFRS when fair value is required or permitted. IFRS 13 also requires specific disclosures on fair values, some of which replace existing disclosure requirements in other standards, including IFRS 7.
The application of IFRS 13 has not materially impacted the fair value measurements of the Company. Fair value disclosures are provided in Note 13.
IAS 1 Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income - Amendments to IAS 1
The amendments to IAS 1 introduce a grouping of items presented in other comprehensive income. Items that could be reclassified to profit or loss at a future point in time now have to be presented separately from items that will never be reclassified. The amendment affected presentation only and had no impact on the Company's financial position or performance.
IAS 19 Employee Benefits (Revised 2011) (IAS 19R)
IAS 19R includes a number of amendments to the accounting for defined benefit plans, including the immediate recognition of actuarial gains and losses in other comprehensive income; expected returns on plan assets that are no longer recognized in profit or loss; the recognition of interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset) in profit or loss, and; unvested past service costs are now recognized in profit or loss at the earlier of when the amendment occurs or when the related restructuring or termination costs are recognized. Other amendments include enhanced disclosures for defined benefit plans. Adoption of these amendments did not have a material effect on the financial position or performance of the Company. Although IAS 19R was required to be applied retrospectively, the December 31, 2012 balances were not restated because the effect was not significant.
Annual Improvements to IFRSs issued in May 2012
In May 2012 the IASB issued Annual Improvements 2009-2011 Cycle , which contains amendments to its standards and the related basis for conclusions that provides a mechanism for making necessary, but non-urgent, amendments to IFRS. The effect of each standard is described below, the adoption of which did not have a material effect on the financial position or performance of the Company:
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2. Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (Continued)
information. An opening statement of financial position (known as the "third balance sheet") must be presented when an entity applies an accounting policy retrospectively, makes retrospective restatements, or reclassifies items in its financial statements, provided any of those changes has a material effect on the statement of financial position at the beginning of the preceding period. The amendment clarifies that a third balance sheet does not have to be accompanied by comparative information in the related notes.
3. Significant accounting policies
3.1 Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IFRS").
3.2 Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, derivative financial instruments and available-for-sale financial investments that have been measured at fair value. The carrying values of recognized assets and liabilities that are designated as hedged items in fair value hedges that would otherwise be carried at amortized cost are adjusted to record changes in the fair values attributable to the risks that are being hedged in effective hedge relationships. The consolidated financial statements are presented in euros and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (€000) (except share and per share data) unless otherwise indicated.
Format of the consolidated financial statements
The Company presents assets and liabilities in its statement of financial position based on a current/non-current classification. An asset is current when it is:
All other assets are classified as non-current.
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A liability is current when:
The Company classifies all other liabilities as non-current.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current assets and liabilities.
The consolidated income statements are presented using a classification based on the nature of expenses, rather than based on their function of expense, as management believes this presentation provides information that is more relevant.
The consolidated statements of changes in equity include only details of transactions with owners, with non-owner changes in equity presented separately. Comprehensive income is presented in two statements; a separate consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
The consolidated statements of cash flows are presented using the indirect method.
The Company's principal accounting policies are described below.
3.3 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of GTECH and its subsidiaries as of December 31 each year. Control is achieved when the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Specifically, the Company controls an investee if and only if the Company has:
When the Company has less than a majority of the voting or similar rights of an investee, the Company considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether it has power over an investee, including:
The Company re-assesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control. Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Company loses control of the subsidiary. Assets, liabilities, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of
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during the year are included in the statement of comprehensive income from the date the Company gains control until the date the Company ceases to control the subsidiary.
Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income are attributed to the equity holders of the parent of the Company and to the non-controlling interests, even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with the Company's accounting policies. All intra-group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between members of the Company are eliminated in consolidation.
A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction. If the Company loses control over a subsidiary, it:
3.4 Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. For each business combination, the Company elects whether it measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree's identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and included in other expense in our consolidated income statement.
When the Company acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions at the acquisition date. This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts by the acquiree.
If the business combination is achieved in stages, the previously held equity interest is remeasured at its acquisition date fair value and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss. It is then considered in the determination of goodwill.
Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration classified as an asset or liability that is a financial instrument and within the scope of IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement , is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized either in profit or loss or as a change to other comprehensive income. If the contingent consideration is not within the scope of IAS 39, it is
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measured in accordance with the appropriate IFRS. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured and subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.
3.5 Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net and property, plant and equipment, net
The Company has two principle types of fixed assets (collectively, "Fixed Assets"):
Systems, equipment and other assets relating to contracts are assets that primarily support our Operating Contracts and Facilities Management Contracts.
Property, plant and equipment are assets used internally by the Company primarily in manufacturing, selling, general and administration, research and development and commercial service applications not associated with contracts.
Fixed Assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment loss, if any. The cost, excluding land, is depreciated over the shorter of the assets estimated useful life, or the contract term to which those assets relate, in either case using the straight-line method.
The estimated useful lives for systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts depends on the type of cost which is comprised of two categories:
Hard costs are generally depreciated over the base term of the contract plus extension years as defined in the contract but not to exceed 10 years. Soft costs are depreciated over the base term of the contract, but not to exceed 10 years.
The estimated useful lives for property plant and equipment are generally 40 years for buildings and five to 10 years for furniture and equipment.
Repair and maintenance costs are recognized in the income statement as incurred.
The Fixed Assets carrying values are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Fixed Assets are derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from the assets' use or disposal. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is included in the income statement when the asset is derecognized. The residual values, useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed, at a minimum, at each financial year end and adjusted prospectively if appropriate.
3.6 Goodwill
Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognized for non-controlling interest, and any previous interest held, over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If the fair value of the net assets acquired is in excess of the aggregate consideration transferred, the Company re-assesses whether it has correctly
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3. Significant accounting policies (Continued)
identified all of the assets acquired and all of the liabilities assumed and reviews the procedures used to measure the amounts to be recognized at the acquisition date. If the re-assessment still results in an excess of the fair value of net assets acquired over the aggregate consideration transferred, then the gain is recognized in profit or loss.
After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Company's cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units.
Where goodwill has been allocated to a cash-generating unit and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the disposed operation is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal. Goodwill disposed in this circumstance is measured based on the relative values of the disposed operation and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.
3.7 Intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in a business combination is their fair value at the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment loss, if any. Internally generated intangible assets, which do not meet the criteria for capitalization, are recognized in the income statement in the period in which the expenditure is incurred.
The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed to be either finite or indefinite. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful economic life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortization period and the amortization method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at least annually, during the fourth quarter ending on December 31. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset is accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates. Amortization expense on intangible assets with finite lives is recorded in our consolidated income statement.
Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually, as of December 31, either individually or at the cash generating unit level, as appropriate, and when circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. The assessment of indefinite life is reviewed annually to determine whether the indefinite life assessment continues to be supportable. If not, the change in the useful life assessment from indefinite to finite is made on a prospective basis.
Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognized in the income statement when the asset is derecognized.
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3. Significant accounting policies (Continued)
3.8 Investments in associates and joint ventures
An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee, but is not control or joint control over those policies.
A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement and have rights to the net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.
The considerations made in determining significant influence or joint control are similar to those necessary to determine control over subsidiaries.
The Company's investments in its associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method.
Under the equity method, the investment in an associate or a joint venture is initially recognized at cost. The carrying amount of the investment is adjusted to recognize changes in the Company's share of net assets of the associate or joint venture since the acquisition date. Goodwill relating to the associate or joint venture is included in the carrying amount of the investment and is neither amortized nor individually tested for impairment.
The income statement reflects the Company's share of the results of operations of the associate or joint venture. Any change in other comprehensive income of those investees is presented as part of the Company's other comprehensive income. Where there has been a change recognized directly in the equity of the associate or joint venture, the Company recognizes its share of any changes, when applicable, in the statement of changes in equity. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Company and the associate or joint venture are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the associate or joint venture.
The Company's share of profit or loss of an associate and a joint venture is included in equity income (loss) in the income statement and represents profit or loss after tax and non-controlling interests in the subsidiaries of the associate or joint venture.
The financial statements of the associate or joint venture is prepared for the same reporting period as the Company. Where necessary, adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies in line with those of the Company.
After application of the equity method, the Company determines whether it is necessary to recognize an impairment loss on its investment in its associate or joint venture. At each reporting date, the Company determines whether there is objective evidence that the investment in the associate or joint venture is impaired. If there is such evidence, the Company calculates the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate or joint venture and its carrying value and recognizes the loss in the income statement.
Upon loss of significant influence over the associate or joint control over the joint venture, the Company measures and recognizes any remaining investment at its fair value. Any difference between the carrying amount of the associate or joint venture upon loss of significant influence or joint control
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and the fair value of the remaining investment and proceeds from disposal is recognized in the income statement.
3.9 Interests in joint operations
A joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.
When a company entity undertakes its activities under joint operations, the Company as a joint operator recognizes in relation to its interest in a joint operation its:
The Company accounts for the assets, liabilities, revenues and expense relating to its interest in a joint operation in accordance with the IFRSs applicable to the particular assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.
3.10 Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (under the first in, first out method or specific cost basis as considered necessary in the specific circumstances) or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. Inventories include amounts we manufacture or assemble for our long-term service contracts, which are transferred to systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net upon shipment. Inventories also include amounts related to product sales contracts, including product sales under long-term contracts.
3.11 Trade and other receivables
Trade accounts receivable are reported net of allowances for doubtful accounts and liquidated damages (penalties incurred due to a failure to meet specified deadlines or performance standards). Allowances for doubtful accounts are generally recorded when there is objective evidence that we may not be able to collect the related receivables. Uncollectible receivables are written off when all reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted and it is determined that there is minimal chance of any kind of recovery. Allowances for liquidated damages are generally recorded when they are probable and estimable. Short-term receivables are not discounted because the effect of discounting cash flows is not material.
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3.12 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of financial position are comprised of cash at banks and on hand and short-term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.
3.13 Non-current assets held for sale or for distribution to equity holders of the parent
The Company classifies non-current assets and disposal groups as held for sale or for distribution to equity holders of the parent if their carrying amounts will be recovered principally through a sale or distribution rather than through continuing use. Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale or as held for distribution are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs of disposal or to distribute. Costs to distribute are the incremental costs directly attributable to the distribution, excluding the finance costs and income tax expense.
The criteria for held for distribution classification is regarded as met only when the distribution is highly probable and the asset or disposal group is available for immediate distribution in its present condition. Actions required to complete the distribution should indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the distribution will be made or that the distribution will be withdrawn. Management must be committed to the distribution expected within one year from the date of classification. Similar considerations apply to assets or a disposal group held for sale.
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are not depreciated or amortized once classified as held for sale or as held for distribution.
Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale or for distribution are presented separately as current items in the statement of financial position.
3.14 Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains a lease, is based on the substance of the arrangement at the inception date and whether the fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset or assets, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement.
Finance leases that transfer substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item to the Company, are capitalized at the commencement of the lease at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are recognized in the income statement.
Leased assets are depreciated over the useful life of the asset. However, if there is no reasonable certainty that the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term, the asset is depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term.
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Operating lease payments are recognized as an expense in the consolidated income statement on a straight line basis over the lease term.
3.15 Financial instruments - initial recognition and subsequent measurement
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity.
a) Financial assets
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition, as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables, held-to-maturity investments, available-for-sale financial assets, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate. All financial assets are recognized initially at fair value plus, in the case of financial assets not recorded at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset.
The Company's financial assets include cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, loans and other receivables, available-for-sale financial investments, and derivative financial instruments.
Purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within a time frame established by regulation or convention in the market place (regular way trades) are recognized on the trade date, which is the date that the Company commits to purchase or sell the asset.
For purposes of subsequent measurement, financial assets are classified in four categories:
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include financial assets held for trading and financial assets designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term. Derivatives, including separated embedded derivatives are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments as defined by IAS 39. Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with net changes in fair value recognized in the income statement.
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Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. After initial measurement, such financial assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less impairment. Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the effective interest method. The effective interest method amortization and losses arising from impairment are recognized in the consolidated income statement.
Non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive intention and ability to hold them to maturity. After initial measurement, held-to-maturity investments are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less impairment. Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the effective interest method. The effective interest method amortization and losses arising from impairment are recognized in the consolidated income statement. The Company did not have any held-to-maturity investments at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Available-for-sale financial investments
Available-for-sale financial investments include equity investments and debt securities. Equity investments classified as available-for-sale are those that are neither classified as held for trading nor designated at fair value through profit or loss. Debt securities in this category are those that are intended to be held for an indefinite period of time and that may be sold in response to needs for liquidity or in response to changes in the market conditions.
After initial measurement, available-for-sale financial investments are subsequently measured at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income in the net unrealized gain/(loss) reserve until the investment is derecognized, at which time the cumulative gain or loss is recognized in the income statement, or determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative loss is recognized in the income statement and removed from the net unrealized gain/(loss) reserve. Interest earned while holding available-for-sale financial investments is reported as interest income using the effective interest method.
The Company evaluates whether the ability and intention to sell its available-for-sale financial investments in the near term is still appropriate. When, in rare circumstances, the Company is unable to trade these financial assets due to inactive markets, the Company may elect to reclassify these financial assets if management has the ability and intention to hold the assets for the foreseeable future or until maturity.
For a financial asset reclassified from the available-for-sale category, the fair value carrying amount at the date of reclassification becomes its new amortized cost and any previous gain or loss on the asset that has been recognized in equity is amortized to profit or loss over the remaining life of the investment using the effective interest method. Any difference between the new amortized cost and the maturity amount is also amortized over the remaining life of the asset using the effective interest
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method. If the asset is subsequently determined to be impaired, then the amount recorded in equity is reclassified to the income statement.
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily derecognized (that is, removed from the Company's consolidated statement of financial position) when:
When the Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset or has entered into a pass-through arrangement, it evaluates if and to what extent it has retained the risks and rewards of ownership. When it has neither transferred nor retained substantially all of the risks and rewards of the asset, nor transferred control of the asset, the Company continues to recognize the transferred asset to the extent of the Company's continuing involvement. In that case, the Company also recognizes an associated liability. The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Company has retained.
b) Impairment of financial assets
The Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. An impairment exists if one or more events that has occurred since the initial recognition of the asset (an incurred "loss event"), has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or the group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated. Evidence of impairment may include indications that the debtors or a group of debtors is experiencing significant financial difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or principal payments, the probability that they will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization and observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows, such as changes in arrears or economic conditions that correlate with defaults.
Financial assets carried at amortized cost
For financial assets carried at amortized cost, the Company first assesses whether impairment exists individually for financial assets that are individually significant, or collectively for financial assets that are not individually significant. If the Company determines that no objective evidence of impairment exists for an individually assessed financial asset, whether significant or not, it includes the asset in a group of financial assets with similar credit risk characteristics and collectively assesses them for impairment. Assets that are individually assessed for impairment and for which an impairment loss is, or continues to be recognized, are not included in a collective assessment of impairment.
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The amount of any impairment loss identified is measured as the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future expected credit losses that have not yet been incurred). The present value of the estimated future cash flows is discounted at the financial asset's original effective interest rate.
The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account and the loss is recognized in the income statement. Interest income continues to be accrued on the reduced carrying amount and is accrued using the rate of interest used to discount the future cash flows for the purpose of measuring the impairment loss. Loans together with the associated allowance are written off when there is no realistic prospect of future recovery and all collateral has been realized or has been transferred to the Company. If, in a subsequent year, the amount of the estimated impairment loss increases or decreases because of an event occurring after the impairment was recognized, the previously recognized impairment loss is increased or reduced by adjusting the allowance account. If a write-off is later recovered, the recovery is recorded in the income statement.
Available-for-sale financial investments
For available-for-sale financial investments, the Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is objective evidence that an investment or a group of investments is impaired.
In the case of equity investments classified as available-for-sale, objective evidence would include a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the investment below its cost. 'Significant' is evaluated against the original cost of the investment and 'prolonged' against the period in which the fair value has been below its original cost. When there is evidence of impairment, the cumulative loss, measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment loss on that investment previously recognized in the income statement, is removed from other comprehensive income and recognized in the income statement. Impairment loss on equity investments is not reversed through the income statement; increases in their fair value after impairment are recognized in other comprehensive income.
In the case of debt instruments classified as available-for-sale, impairment is assessed based on the same criteria as financial assets carried at amortized cost. However, the amount recorded for impairment is the cumulative loss measured as the difference between the amortized cost and the current fair value, less any impairment loss on that investment previously recognized in the income statement.
Future interest income continues to be accrued based on the reduced carrying amount of the asset, using the rate of interest used to discount the future cash flows for the purpose of measuring the impairment loss. The interest income is recognized in the income statement. If, in a subsequent year, the fair value of a debt instrument increases and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized in the income statement, the impairment loss is reversed through the income statement.
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c) Financial liabilities
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, payables, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate.
Financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings and payables, net of directly attributable transaction costs.
The Company's financial liabilities include accounts and other payables, loans and borrowings including bank overdrafts, financial guarantee contracts, finance lease obligations, loan guarantees, and derivative financial instruments.
The measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification, as described below:
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss. Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term. This category also includes derivative financial instruments entered into by the Company that are not designated as hedging instruments in hedge relationships as defined by IAS 39. Separated embedded derivatives are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Gains or losses on liabilities held for trading are recognized in the income statement.
Financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit and loss are designated at the initial date of recognition, and only if the criteria of IAS 39 are satisfied. The Company has not designated any financial liability as at fair value through profit or loss.
After initial recognition, interest bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated income statement when the liabilities are derecognized as well as through the effective interest method amortization process. Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the effective interest method. The effective interest method amortization is included in interest expense in the consolidated income statement.
Financial guarantee contracts issued by the Company are those contracts that require a payment to be made to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs because the specified debtor fails to make a
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payment when due in accordance with the terms of a debt instrument. Financial guarantee contracts are recognized initially as a liability at fair value, adjusted for transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issuance of the guarantee. Subsequently, the liability is measured at the higher of the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the reporting date and the amount recognized less cumulative amortization.
A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the income statement.
d) Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the consolidated statement of financial position if there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.
e) Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
Initial recognition and subsequent measurement
The Company uses derivative financial instruments such as forward currency contracts and interest rate swaps to hedge its foreign currency risks and interest rate risks, respectively. Such derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.
Any gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of derivatives are taken directly to the income statement, except for the effective portion of cash flow hedges and hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation, which are recognized in other comprehensive income and later reclassified to profit or loss when the hedge item affects profit or loss.
For the purpose of hedge accounting, derivatives are classified as:
At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Company formally designates and documents the hedge relationship to which the Company wishes to apply hedge accounting and the risk management
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objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. The documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item or transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the entity will assess the effectiveness of changes in the hedging instrument's fair value in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item's fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. Such hedges are expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows and are assessed on an ongoing basis to determine that they actually have been highly effective throughout the financial reporting periods for which they were designated.
Hedges that meet the strict criteria for hedge accounting are accounted for as follows:
The change in the fair value of a hedging derivative is recognized in the income statement. The change in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk hedged is recorded as a part of the carrying value of the hedged item and is also recognized in the income statement.
For fair value hedges relating to items carried at amortized cost, any adjustment to the carrying value is amortized through the income statement over the remaining term of the hedge using the effective interest method. Effective interest rate amortization may begin as soon as an adjustment exists and no later than when the hedged item ceases to be adjusted for changes in its fair value attributable to the risk being hedged.
If the hedge item is derecognized, the unamortized fair value is recognized immediately in the income statement.
When an unrecognized firm commitment is designated as a hedged item, the subsequent cumulative change in the fair value of the firm commitment attributable to the hedged risk is recognized as an asset or liability with a corresponding gain or loss recognized in the income statement.
The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognized in other comprehensive income in the net unrealized gain/(loss) reserve, while any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the income statement.
Amounts recognized as other comprehensive income are transferred to the income statement when the hedged transaction affects income or loss, such as when the hedged financial income or financial expense is recognized or when a forecast sale occurs. Where the hedged item is the cost of a non-financial asset or non-financial liability, the amounts recognized as other comprehensive income are transferred to the initial carrying amount of the non-financial asset or liability.
If the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised without replacement or rollover (as part of the hedging strategy), or if its designation as a hedge is revoked, or when the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income remains separately in equity until the forecast transaction occurs or the foreign currency firm commitment is met.
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Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation
Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation, including a hedge of a monetary item that is accounted for as part of the net investment, are accounted for in a way similar to cash flow hedges. Gains or losses on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge are recognized as other comprehensive income while any gains or losses relating to the ineffective portion are recognized in the income statement. On disposal of the foreign operation, the cumulative value of any such gains or losses recorded in equity is transferred to the income statement.
3.16 Fair value measurement
The Company measures financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, derivative financial instruments, and available-for-sale financial investments at fair value at each balance sheet date.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible to the Company.
The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant's ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best use.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
For assets and liabilities that are recognized in the financial statements on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing
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categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Company has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as explained above.
3.17 Treasury shares
GTECH's equity instruments that are reacquired (treasury shares) are recognized at cost and deducted from equity. No gain or loss is recognized in the income statement on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Company's own equity instruments. If reissued, any difference between the carrying amount and the consideration is recognized in other reserves.
3.18 Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. When the Company expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, for example, under an insurance contract, the reimbursement is recognized as a separate asset, but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense relating to a provision is presented in the consolidated income statement net of any reimbursement.
Provisions for warranty-related costs are recognized when the product is sold or service is provided to the customer. Initial recognition is based on historical experience. The initial estimate of warranty-related costs is revised annually.
Contingent liabilities recognized in a business combination
A contingent liability recognized in a business combination is initially measured at its fair value. Subsequently, it is measured at the higher of the amount that would be recognized in accordance with the requirements for provisions above or the amount initially recognized less, when appropriate, cumulative amortization recognized in accordance with the requirements for revenue recognition.
3.19 Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Company and the amount of revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received, excluding discounts. Specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognized as discussed below.
We generally conduct our business under three types of contractual arrangements: Operating Contracts, Facilities Management Contracts and Product Sale Contracts.
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Certain of our revenue, primarily revenue from our Italy segment, are derived from operating contracts. Under operating contracts, we manage all the activities along the lottery value chain including collecting wagers, paying out prizes, managing all accounting and other back-office functions, running advertising and promotions, operating data transmission networks and processing centers, training staff, providing retailers with assistance and supplying materials for the game. We also provide sports pools and sports betting services. Under sports pools arrangements, we manage the sports pool whereby the sports pool prizes are divided among those players who select the correct outcome. There are no odds involved in sports pools and each winner's payoff depends on the number of players and the size of the pool. We also set odds and assume risks under fixed odds sports betting contracts.
Fees earned under operating contracts are recognized as revenue in the period earned and are classified as service revenue in our consolidated income statement when all of the following criteria are met:
Under sports pools arrangements, we collect the wagers, pay prizes, pay a percentage fee to retailers, withhold our fee, and remit the balance to the respective regulatory agency. We assume no risk associated with sports pool wagering. We record revenue net of prize payouts, taxes, retailer commissions and remittances to state authorities, because we are acting as an agent to the authorities.
In sports betting contracts, we establish and assume the risks related to the odds. Under fixed odds betting, the potential payout is fixed at the time bets are placed and we bear the risk of odds setting. We are responsible for collecting the wagers, paying prizes, and paying fees to retailers. We retain the remaining cash as profits. Under these arrangements, we record revenue net, calculated as total wagers less the estimated payout for prizes, because the betting contract is considered a derivative and is required to be recorded at fair value. Taxes and retailer commissions are shown as expenses.
Facilities management contracts
Under facilities management contracts, we construct, install, operate and retain ownership of the online system. These contracts generally provide for a variable amount of monthly or weekly service fees paid to us directly from our customer based on a percentage of sales or net machine income.
Fees earned under facilities management contracts are recognized as revenue in the period earned, throughout the service period, and are classified as service revenue in our consolidated income statement when all of the following criteria are met:
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In instances where customer acceptance of the product or system is required, revenue is deferred until all the acceptance criteria have been met.
Under multiple element product sales contracts, we generally construct, sell, deliver and install a turnkey system or deliver equipment, and license the computer software for a fixed price, and our customer subsequently operates the system. Product sale contracts generally include customer acceptance provisions and general customer rights to terminate the contract if we are in breach of the contract.
Because product sales contracts include significant customization, modification and other services prior to customer acceptance that are considered essential to the functionality of the software inherent in our systems, revenue is recognized using contract accounting upon customer acceptance as long as the cost to deliver remaining obligations or elements to the customer can be reasonably estimated. Upon revenue recognition, sufficient revenue is deferred associated with estimated costs to deliver any remaining elements to the customer. Multiple elements are generally recorded as a single unit of accounting at an overall blended margin. Customer acceptance milestones typically coincide with phases of delivery resulting in a percentage of completion recognition of product sales revenues. Amounts due to us and costs incurred by us in constructing the system prior to customer acceptance are deferred. We recognize losses, if any, on contracts when the amount of the loss is probable and determinable. Revenue attributable to the system is classified as product sales in our consolidated income statement and is recognized upon customer acceptance as long as there are no substantial doubts regarding collectibility.
In transactions subject to contract accounting, revenues attributable to any ongoing services (such as post contract support) provided subsequent to customer acceptance are classified as service revenue in our consolidated income statement in the period earned.
In certain product sale contracts (primarily the stand alone sale of lottery or video lottery terminals and software deliverables that do not involve significant customization of software) where we are not responsible for installation, we recognize revenue when all of the following criteria are met:
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In instances where customer acceptance of the product is required, revenue is deferred until any acceptance criteria have been met.
For those product sale contracts not recognized under contract accounting, in instances where post contract support (PCS) is included, up front revenue is deferred over the contracted PCS period if defined, or over the average expected customer relationship period if the PCS period is not defined or not substantial, unless a fair value of PCS revenue is determinable. In the cases where a fair value of PCS revenue is determinable, that amount is deferred and recognized over the remaining contracted PCS period.
Our typical payment terms under product sale contracts include customer progress payments based on specific contract milestones with final payment due on or shortly after customer acceptance.
In those cases where we provide extended payment terms to our customer, we consider the standard business environment of the customer and industry to determine if extended payment terms are a common practice. While extended payment terms are not our typical profile, terms that extend substantially beyond the date the product is delivered, may result in the necessity to defer revenue. In such cases, it is presumed that the fee is not fixed or determinable. In other cases where it is an industry practice to provide extended payment terms, we consider the impact of the extended payment terms on the ability to reliably measure revenue and costs due to the time value of money, credit risk associated with the extended payment terms, the potential for fee reductions, and the risk of future concessions. Depending on these considerations, revenue recognition for transactions with extended payment terms may be permitted whereby the revenue is recorded at a discount to take into consideration the time value of money.
Non-lottery commercial transaction processing services
We offer high-volume transaction processing services outside of our core market of providing online lottery services that consist of the acquiring, processing and transmission of commercial non-lottery transactions. Such transactions include bill payments, electronic tax payments, utility payments, prepaid cellular telephone recharges and retail-based programs.
We earn a fee for processing commercial non-lottery transactions that is transaction-based (a fixed fee per transaction or a fee based on a percentage of monetary volume processed). We recognize these fees as service revenue at the time a transaction is processed based on the net amount retained.
Deferred revenue and liquidated damage assessments
Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are recorded in other current liabilities in our consolidated statements of financial position. We generally record liquidated damage assessments, which are penalties incurred due to a failure to meet specified deadlines or performance standards, as a reduction of revenue in the period they become probable and estimable.
Revenue is recognized as interest accrues using the effective interest rate.
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3.20 Foreign currency translation
The Company's consolidated financial statements are presented in euros, which is the Company's functional and presentation currency. Each entity in the Company determines its own functional currency and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency.
Transactions in currencies other than the entity's functional currency (foreign currencies) are recognized by the Company entities at their respective functional currency rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. At the end of each reporting period, foreign currency monetary items are retranslated at the functional currency spot exchange rate in effect at the reporting date. The resulting foreign currency exchange differences are recorded in our consolidated income statement with the exception of differences that arise on monetary items that provide an effective hedge for a net investment in a foreign operation (such as intragroup loans where settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future). These are recognized in other comprehensive income until the disposal of the net investment, at which time they are recognized in the income statement. Tax charges and credits attributable to exchange differences on those monetary items are also recorded in equity.
Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as of the date of the initial transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value is determined.
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into euros at the rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date and their income statements are translated at average exchange rates for the period. The exchange differences arising on the translation are recognized in other comprehensive income. On disposal of a foreign operation, the component of other comprehensive income relating to that particular foreign operation is recognized in the income statement.
Any goodwill arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation and any fair value adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities arising on the acquisition are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated at the closing rate.
3.21 Income taxes
Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current period are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted, at the reporting date in the countries where the Company operates and generates taxable income.
Current income tax relating to items recognized directly in equity is recognized in equity and not in the consolidated income statement. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the income
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tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate.
Deferred income tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date.
Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable income will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized except:
The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable income will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred income tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable income will allow the deferred income tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred income tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except:
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred income tax relating to items recognized outside income or loss is recognized in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current income tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred income taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
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Tax benefits acquired as part of a business combination, but not satisfying the criteria for separate recognition at that date, are recognized subsequently if new information about facts and circumstances change. The adjustment is either treated as a reduction to goodwill (as long as it does not exceed goodwill) if it was incurred during the measurement period or recognized in the income statement.
3.22 Impairment of non-financial assets
The Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any indication exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the Company estimates the asset's recoverable amount. An asset's recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's or cash-generating unit's (CGU) fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets. When the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less costs of disposal, recent market transactions are taken into account. If no such transactions can be identified, an appropriate valuation model is used. These calculations are corroborated by valuation multiples, quoted share prices for publicly traded companies or other available fair value indicators.
For goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets, the Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecasts that are prepared separately for each of the Company's CGUs to which the individual assets are allocated. These budgets and forecasts generally cover a period of five years (the "base period"). For periods beyond the base period, a long term growth rate is applied to project future cash flows.
For assets excluding goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets, an assessment is made at each reporting date to determine whether there is an indication that a previously recognized impairment loss no longer exists or has decreased. If such indication exists, the Company estimates the asset's or CGU's recoverable amount. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the assumptions used to determine the asset's recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. The reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount, nor exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the income statement unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal is treated as a revaluation increase.
Impairment loss is recorded in the consolidated income statement.
The following criteria are also applied in assessing impairment of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets:
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, as of December 31, and when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.
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Impairment is determined for goodwill by assessing the recoverable amount of each CGU (or group of CGUs) to which the goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of the CGU is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. Impairment loss relating to goodwill cannot be reversed in future periods.
Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually, as of December 31, at the CGU level, as appropriate, and when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.
3.23 Share-based payments
Employees of the Company may receive remuneration in the form of share-based payments, whereby employees render services in consideration for equity instruments (equity-settled transactions). The cost of equity-settled transactions is determined by the fair value at the date when the grant is made using a binomial model.
The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognized, together with a corresponding increase in the share-based payment reserve in equity, over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled. The cumulative expense recognized for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired and the Company's best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The income statement expense or credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognized as of the beginning and end of that period and is recognized in personnel expense in the consolidated income statement.
No expense is recognized for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for equity-settled transactions where vesting is conditional upon a market or non-vesting condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market or non-vesting condition is satisfied, provided that all other performance and/or service conditions are satisfied.
When the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, the minimum expense recognized is the expense as if the terms had not been modified, if the original terms of the award are met. An additional expense is recognized for any modification that increases the total fair value of the share-based payment transaction, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee as measured at the date of modification.
When an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it vested on the date of cancellation, and any expense not yet recognized for the award is recognized immediately. This includes any award where non-vesting conditions within the control of either the entity or the employee are not met. However, if a new award is substituted for the cancelled award, and designated as a replacement award on the date that it is granted, the cancelled and new awards are treated as if they were a modification of the original award, as described in the previous paragraph.
The dilutive effect of outstanding options is reflected as additional share dilution in the computation of diluted earnings per share.
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3.24 Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalized as part of the cost of the respective assets. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period incurred. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.
3.25 Research and development costs
Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development expenditures on an individual project are recognized as an asset when the Company can demonstrate:
Following initial recognition of the development expenditure as an asset, the asset is carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment loss. Amortization of the asset begins when development is complete and the asset is available for use and is amortized over the period of expected future benefit. The carrying value of development costs is reviewed for impairment annually when the asset is not yet in use or more frequently when an indication of impairment arises during the year.
3.26 Post employment benefits
The Company has a defined benefit plan (staff severance fund) to provide certain post employment benefits to Italian employees following termination from the Company. Italian employees may choose to participate in an unfunded plan within the Company or transfer their plan balance to independent external funds. These benefits are funded only to the extent paid to the external funds. The cost of providing benefits under the plan, for those employees that participate in the unfunded plan within the Company, is determined using the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method. The cost of providing benefits for those employees that choose to transfer their plan to independent external funds are considered as defined contributions and are accrued as the employees render the related service.
Remeasurements, comprised of actuarial gains and losses, are recognized immediately in the statement of financial position with a corresponding debit or credit to retained earnings through other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods.
Past service costs are recognized in profit or loss on the earlier of:
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Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset. The Company recognizes the following changes in the net defined benefit obligation in personnel costs in the consolidated statement of income:
3.27 Cash dividend and non-cash distribution to equity holders of the parent
The Company recognizes a liability to make cash or non-cash distributions to equity holders of the parent when the distribution is authorized and the distribution is no longer at the discretion of the Company. A distribution is authorized when it is approved by the shareholders. A corresponding amount is recognized directly in equity.
Non-cash distributions are measured at the fair value of the assets to be distributed with fair value re-measurement recognized directly in equity.
Upon distribution of non-cash assets, any difference between the carrying amount of the liability and the carrying amount of the assets distributed is recognized in the income statement.
4. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and the accompanying disclosures, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or liabilities affected in future periods.
In the process of applying the Company's accounting policies, management has made the following judgment that has the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
Finance and operating lease commitments
The Company leases the GTECH Corporation world headquarters facility (land and building) in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. The Company determined that the present value of the future minimum lease payments for the building amounted to substantially all of the fair value relating to the Company's portion of the building and therefore accounts for its portion of the building as a finance lease. The Company also determined that since title to the land will never transfer to the Company, the land is accounted for as an operating lease.
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4. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions (Continued)
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below. The Company based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the consolidated financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
Impairment of Systems, Equipment and Other Assets Related to Contracts
The carrying values of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. This requires management to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the assets and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The carrying amount of systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was €899.5 million and €946.3 million, respectively. Further details are provided in Note 6.
The Company determines whether goodwill is impaired at least on an annual basis. This requires an estimation of the "fair value less costs of disposal" of the cash-generating units to which the goodwill is allocated. Goodwill is tested at the level at which management monitors goodwill. Estimating a fair value less costs of disposal amount requires management to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the cash-generating unit and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The carrying amount of goodwill at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was €3.1 billion and €3.2 billion, respectively. Further details are provided in Note 8.
Impairment of Intangible Assets
The Company determines whether intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are impaired at least on an annual basis. This requires management to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the assets and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The carrying amount of intangible assets at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was €1.3 billion and €1.3 billion, respectively. Further details are provided in Note 9.
Due to the nature of its business, the Company is involved in a number of legal, regulatory and arbitration proceedings regarding, among other matters, claims by and against it as well as injunctions by third parties arising out of the ordinary course of its business and is subject to investigations and compliance inquiries related to its ongoing operations. The outcome of these proceedings and similar future proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. It is difficult to accurately estimate the outcome of any proceeding. As such, the amounts of the Company's provision for litigation risk, which has been accrued on the basis of assessments made by external counsel, could vary significantly from the
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amounts the Company would ultimately pay in any such proceeding. In addition, unfavorable resolution of or significant delay in adjudicating such proceedings could require the Company to pay substantial monetary damages or penalties and/or incur costs which may exceed any provision for litigation risks or, under certain circumstances, cause the termination or revocation of the relevant concession, license or authorization and thereby have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, business, financial condition or prospects. Further details are provided in Note 38.
The Company measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments on the date they are granted. Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determination of the most appropriate valuation model, which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant, and incorporates assumptions to the valuation model inputs, including the expected life of the option, volatility, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate. The assumptions and models used for estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions are disclosed in Note 31.
Minimum profit level guarantees
In January 2011, the Northstar Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar"), a consortium in which GTECH Corporation holds an 80% controlling interest, entered into a 10-year agreement with the State of Illinois, acting through the Department of the Lottery (as the statutory successor to the Department of Revenue, Lottery Division (the "State")) whereby Northstar, subject to the State's oversight, manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions. Northstar guaranteed the State a minimum profit level for each fiscal year of the agreement, commencing with the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.
In October 2012, GTECH Indiana, LLC ("GTECH Indiana"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GTECH Corporation, entered into a 15-year agreement with the State Lottery Commission of Indiana (the "State") whereby GTECH Indiana manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions, subject to the State's control over all significant business decisions. GTECH Indiana guaranteed the State a minimum profit level in each year of the agreement, commencing with the contract year ending June 30, 2014.
In June 2013, Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar NJ"), a consolidated joint venture in which GTECH Corporation indirectly holds an approximate 41% interest, entered into an Agreement with the State of New Jersey (the "State"), Department of the Treasury, Division of Purchase and Property and Division of Lottery (the "Division of Lottery") whereby Northstar NJ will manage a wide range of the lottery's marketing, sales, and related functions which is subject to the Division of Lottery's continuing control and oversight over the conduct of lottery operations. Northstar NJ guaranteed the State a minimum profit level in each year of the agreement, commencing with the contract year ending June 30, 2014.
Further details of these guarantees, which require management to make estimates and assumptions concerning profit levels, are provided in Note 35.
F-110
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions (Continued)
Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation of complex tax regulations and the amount and timing of future taxable income. Given the Company's wide range of international business relationships and the long-term nature and complexity of existing contractual agreements, differences arising between the actual results and the assumptions made, or future changes to such assumptions, could necessitate future adjustments to taxable income and income tax expense already recorded. The Company establishes provisions, based on reasonable estimates, for possible consequences of audits by the tax authorities of the respective countries in which it operates. The amount of such provisions is based on various factors, such as experience of previous tax audits and differing interpretations of tax regulations by the taxable entity and the responsible tax authority. Such differences of interpretation may arise on a wide variety of issues depending on the conditions prevailing in the respective domicile of our companies.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses and tax credits to the extent that it is probable that taxable income will be available against which the losses and tax credits can be utilized. Significant management judgment is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognized, based upon the likely timing and level of future taxable income together with future tax planning strategies.
Based upon the consideration of these factors, the value of deferred tax assets related to operating losses and tax assets related to tax credits are as follows (in millions of euros):
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Recognized deferred tax assets related to operating losses |
96.1 | 112.2 | |||||
Unrecognized deferred tax assets related to operating losses |
53.6 | 48.6 | |||||
Recognized deferred tax assets related to tax credits |
1.8 | 0.8 | |||||
Unrecognized deferred tax assets related to tax credits |
18.7 | 19.5 |
Further details on income taxes are disclosed in Note 14.
Fair value measurement of financial instruments
When the fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the statement of financial position cannot be measured based on quoted prices in active markets, their fair value is measured using valuation techniques including the discounted cash flow model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgment is required in establishing fair values. The judgments include considerations of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.
Contingent consideration resulting from business combinations is valued at fair value at the acquisition date as part of the business combination. When the contingent consideration meets the definition of a financial liability, it is subsequently remeasured to fair value at each reporting date. The determination of the fair value is based on discounted cash flows. The key assumptions take into consideration the probability of meeting each performance target and the discount factor.
F-111
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. Operating segment information
Beginning with the second quarter of 2013, the Company changed the structure of its internal organization in order to align around three global geographic regions. Consequently, for management purposes, the Company's operating segments are organized geographically into three reportable operating segments based on those regions - Americas, International and Italy.
Each of these segments operate and provide a full range of gaming services including lottery management services, online and instant lotteries, sports betting, machine gaming and interactive games. They also provide high-volume processing of non-lottery commercial transactions.
No operating segments have been aggregated to form the above reportable operating segments.
Management monitors the operating results of its operating segments separately for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. Segment performance is evaluated based on operating income.
Prior period amounts have been restated to conform to the current year presentation.
Revenue and operating income for the Company's reportable operating segments are as follows:
|
Third-party revenue | Operating income | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||
Operating Segments |
|||||||||||||||||||
Americas |
994,085 | 872,429 | 698,515 | 122,164 | 88,684 | 51,570 | |||||||||||||
International |
331,117 | 386,969 | 382,399 | 50,655 | 55,578 | 82,573 | |||||||||||||
Italy |
1,737,090 | 1,815,931 | 1,892,561 | 499,661 | 541,552 | 512,916 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
3,062,292 | 3,075,329 | 2,973,475 | 672,480 | 685,814 | 647,059 | |||||||||||||
Corporate support |
|
|
|
(56,065 |
) |
(41,184 |
) |
(45,007 |
) |
||||||||||
Purchase accounting |
542 | 356 | 267 | (57,283 | ) | (61,483 | ) | (62,704 | ) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
3,062,834 | 3,075,685 | 2,973,742 | 559,132 | 583,147 | 539,348 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase accounting principally represents the depreciation and amortization of acquired tangible and intangible assets in connection with acquired companies including the August 2006 acquisition of GTECH Holdings Corporation by GTECH S.p.A.
F-112
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. Operating segment information (Continued)
Depreciation, amortization and impairment information for the Company's reportable operating segments are as follows:
|
Depreciation | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Operating Segments |
||||||||||
Americas |
136,566 | 133,980 | 121,336 | |||||||
International |
18,885 | 19,988 | 17,494 | |||||||
Italy |
75,395 | 71,714 | 76,106 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
230,846 | 225,682 | 214,936 | |||||||
Corporate support |
16,321 |
15,314 |
13,358 |
|||||||
Purchase accounting |
7,432 | 8,925 | 12,324 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
254,599 | 249,921 | 240,618 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Amortization | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Operating Segments |
||||||||||
Americas |
1,452 | | 141 | |||||||
International |
3 | 822 | 1,167 | |||||||
Italy |
139,977 | 132,288 | 134,795 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
141,432 | 133,110 | 136,103 | |||||||
Corporate support |
406 |
944 |
1,454 |
|||||||
Purchase accounting |
47,846 | 51,855 | 50,431 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
189,684 | 185,909 | 187,988 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Impairment loss (recovery), net | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Operating Segments |
||||||||||
Americas |
| | | |||||||
International |
3,445 | 5,145 | (4,352 | ) | ||||||
Italy |
| | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
3,445 | 5,145 | (4,352 | ) | ||||||
Corporate support |
|
|
|
|||||||
Purchase accounting |
2,613 | 1,082 | 278 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
6,058 | 6,227 | (4,074 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-113
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. Operating segment information (Continued)
The following table presents revenue information by geography regarding the Company's reportable operating segments. Revenue from external customers is based on the geographical location of the Company's customers. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Total Revenue |
||||||||||
Italy |
1,752,545 | 1,839,384 | 1,921,197 | |||||||
United States |
719,918 | 667,172 | 542,884 | |||||||
Canada |
117,860 | 52,585 | 18,757 | |||||||
United Kingdom |
66,448 | 87,837 | 71,331 | |||||||
Colombia |
42,062 | 47,387 | 35,915 | |||||||
Other |
364,001 | 381,320 | 383,658 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
3,062,834 | 3,075,685 | 2,973,742 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The following table presents non-current asset information by geography regarding the Company's reportable operating segments. Non-current assets are based on the geographical location of the Company's assets or, in the case of goodwill and intangible assets, net, location of the entity acquired.
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Non-Current Assets |
|||||||
United States |
3,298,051 | 3,421,419 | |||||
Italy |
1,784,834 | 1,834,803 | |||||
Sweden |
80,533 | 91,406 | |||||
United Kingdom |
60,177 | 55,608 | |||||
Other |
153,863 | 177,823 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
5,377,458 | 5,581,059 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Non-current assets consist of the following items in the consolidated statements of financial position:
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Non-Current Assets |
|||||||
Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net |
899,536 | 946,255 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
76,382 | 84,749 | |||||
Goodwill |
3,095,466 | 3,188,753 | |||||
Intangible assets, net |
1,257,297 | 1,333,948 | |||||
Other non-current assets |
48,777 | 27,354 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
5,377,458 | 5,581,059 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-114
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
6. Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net
(thousands of euros)
|
Land | Buildings |
Terminals
and Systems |
Furniture and
Equipment |
Contracts
in Progress |
Total | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net book value |
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2012 |
557 | 21,187 | 870,310 | 62,741 | 31,029 | 985,824 | |||||||||||||
Additions |
| 2,851 | 77,364 | 8,312 | 131,830 | 220,357 | |||||||||||||
Depreciation (Note 24) |
| (5,870 | ) | (215,508 | ) | (14,687 | ) | | (236,065 | ) | |||||||||
Impairment loss (Note 26) |
| | (480 | ) | | | (480 | ) | |||||||||||
Disposals |
| (32 | ) | (1,809 | ) | (107 | ) | (909 | ) | (2,857 | ) | ||||||||
Non-current assets classified as held for sale |
| | (11,345 | ) | | (718 | ) | (12,063 | ) | ||||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
(1 | ) | (4 | ) | (7,077 | ) | (2 | ) | (1,479 | ) | (8,563 | ) | |||||||
Transfers |
| | 97,519 | 4,494 | (102,371 | ) | (358 | ) | |||||||||||
Other |
| | 460 | | | 460 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
556 | 18,132 | 809,434 | 60,751 | 57,382 | 946,255 | |||||||||||||
Additions |
|
6,592 |
87,517 |
7,985 |
123,296 |
225,390 |
|||||||||||||
Depreciation (Note 24) |
| (6,191 | ) | (218,882 | ) | (16,184 | ) | | (241,257 | ) | |||||||||
Impairment loss (Note 26) |
| | (5,774 | ) | (539 | ) | | (6,313 | ) | ||||||||||
Disposals |
| (2 | ) | (4,495 | ) | (84 | ) | (4 | ) | (4,585 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
(5 | ) | (6 | ) | (29,172 | ) | (1,377 | ) | (867 | ) | (31,427 | ) | |||||||
Transfers |
| 9,181 | 119,074 | 6,707 | (134,730 | ) | 232 | ||||||||||||
Acquisition |
| 9,103 | 1,569 | 1,035 | | 11,707 | |||||||||||||
Other |
| | (466 | ) | | | (466 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
551 | 36,809 | 758,805 | 58,294 | 45,077 | 899,536 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Cost |
556 | 58,107 | 2,021,522 | 136,193 | 57,382 | 2,273,760 | |||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
| (39,975 | ) | (1,212,088 | ) | (75,442 | ) | | (1,327,505 | ) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net book value |
556 | 18,132 | 809,434 | 60,751 | 57,382 | 946,255 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Cost |
551 | 82,423 | 2,012,831 | 140,747 | 45,077 | 2,281,629 | |||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
| (45,614 | ) | (1,254,026 | ) | (82,453 | ) | | (1,382,093 | ) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net book value |
551 | 36,809 | 758,805 | 58,294 | 45,077 | 899,536 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-115
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. Property, plant and equipment, net
F-116
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. Goodwill
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Balance at beginning of year |
3,188,753 | 3,232,367 | |||||
Acquisition |
10,674 | | |||||
Foreign currency translation |
(103,961 | ) | (42,611 | ) | |||
Revisions to fair value of other assets and liabilities acquired |
| (1,003 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at end of year |
3,095,466 | 3,188,753 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at beginning of year |
|||||||
Cost |
3,304,615 | 3,346,221 | |||||
Accumulated impairment loss |
(115,862 | ) | (113,854 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
|
3,188,753 | 3,232,367 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at end of year |
|||||||
Cost |
3,209,232 | 3,304,615 | |||||
Accumulated impairment loss |
(113,766 | ) | (115,862 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
|
3,095,466 | 3,188,753 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Goodwill of €10.7 million resulted from the April 2013 acquisition of Big Easy S.r.l., an Italian entity that is engaged in the Machine Gaming market.
The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually, during its fourth quarter ending on December 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.
F-117
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. Intangible assets, net
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Balance at beginning of year |
1,333,948 | 1,501,261 | |||||
Intangible assets acquired during the year: |
|
|
|||||
Concessions and licenses |
106,078 | 9,562 | |||||
Software |
17,151 | 19,273 | |||||
Sports betting rights |
8,898 | 7 | |||||
Other |
7,229 | 1,494 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
139,356 | 30,336 | |||||
Amortization (Note 25) |
(189,774 | ) | (186,001 | ) | |||
Foreign currency translation |
(23,351 | ) | (8,029 | ) | |||
Impairment loss (Note 26) |
(2,613 | ) | (1,082 | ) | |||
Write-off and other |
(269 | ) | (2,537 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at end of year |
1,257,297 | 1,333,948 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at beginning of year |
|||||||
Cost |
2,120,883 | 2,121,817 | |||||
Accumulated amortization |
(786,935 | ) | (620,556 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
|
1,333,948 | 1,501,261 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance at end of year |
|||||||
Cost |
2,198,735 | 2,120,883 | |||||
Accumulated amortization |
(941,438 | ) | (786,935 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
|
1,257,297 | 1,333,948 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Intangible assets acquired during 2013 principally related to a $120 million (€91.7 million at the acquisition date) upfront payment required under the Services Agreement Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC signed with the State of New Jersey, Department of the Treasury, Division of Purchase and Property and Division of Lottery in June 2013 to manage a wide range of the lottery's marketing, sales, and related functions. See Note 35 for additional information.
Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are being amortized ratably over their estimated useful lives, with no estimated residual values. Certain trademarks were determined to have indefinite lives and are not subject to amortization. The Company expects to make use of the trademarks on
F-118
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. Intangible assets, net (Continued)
existing and future business, and no economic, legal or contractual limitation of their useful lives is anticipated. The following tables present detailed information for intangible assets.
|
As of December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Weighted Average
Amortization Period (Years) |
Gross
Carrying Amount |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net
Carrying Amount |
|||||||||
Subject to amortization |
|||||||||||||
Concessions and licenses |
9.9 | 1,104,316 | 360,181 | 744,135 | |||||||||
Customer contracts |
14.9 | 619,974 | 319,361 | 300,613 | |||||||||
Capitalized computer software |
6.2 | 228,483 | 158,812 | 69,671 | |||||||||
Sports and horse racing betting rights |
6.5 | 107,426 | 72,188 | 35,238 | |||||||||
Proprietary hardware |
13.9 | 19,923 | 10,521 | 9,402 | |||||||||
Networks |
3.0 | 11,209 | 7,263 | 3,946 | |||||||||
Trademarks |
4.1 | 6,297 | 3,416 | 2,881 | |||||||||
Patents |
3.5 | 3,966 | 3,966 | | |||||||||
Other |
11.9 | 10,835 | 5,730 | 5,105 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,112,429 | 941,438 | 1,170,991 | ||||||||||
Not subject to amortization |
|||||||||||||
Trademarks |
86,306 | | 86,306 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,198,735 | 941,438 | 1,257,297 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
As of December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Weighted Average
Amortization Period (Years) |
Gross
Carrying Amount |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net
Carrying Amount |
|||||||||
Subject to amortization |
|||||||||||||
Concessions and licenses |
9.0 | 1,003,219 | 247,841 | 755,378 | |||||||||
Customer contracts |
13.9 | 661,868 | 306,630 | 355,238 | |||||||||
Capitalized computer software |
6.5 | 215,021 | 143,196 | 71,825 | |||||||||
Sports and horse racing betting rights |
6.5 | 98,635 | 60,711 | 37,924 | |||||||||
Proprietary hardware |
13.9 | 20,815 | 9,488 | 11,327 | |||||||||
Networks |
1.1 | 10,756 | 7,428 | 3,328 | |||||||||
Patents |
3.5 | 4,138 | 4,138 | | |||||||||
Trademarks |
3.0 | 2,339 | 2,339 | | |||||||||
Other |
10.1 | 8,376 | 5,164 | 3,212 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,025,167 | 786,935 | 1,238,232 | ||||||||||
Not subject to amortization |
|||||||||||||
Trademarks |
95,716 | | 95,716 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2,120,883 | 786,935 | 1,333,948 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The net carrying amount of concessions and licenses includes €511 million and €600 million for the Italian Scratch & Win license renewal at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The gross carrying value of €800 million is being amortized over nine years beginning October 2010.
F-119
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. Impairment testing of goodwill and intangibles with indefinite lives
Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives have been allocated to the cash generating units for impairment testing as described below. As described in Note 1, the aggregation of assets for identifying the cash generating units changed in the second quarter of 2013, when the Company reorganized around three global geographic regions. Previously, the Company was organized into separate business units (Italian Operations, GTECH Lottery and SPIELO International segments) focused on their respective products, services, geographies and market segments.
As a consequence of the 2013 reorganization, the Company determined that it has six cash generating units comprised of four cash generating units in Italy and Americas and International each being a single cash generating unit. In accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets , goodwill was reallocated to the cash generating units based on the relative fair value of the cash generating units at the date of the reorganization. A portion of the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives could not be allocated to the individual cash generating units in Italy on a non-arbitrary basis and was therefore allocated (as permitted by IAS 36) to the group of four cash generating units in Italy (Italy region). This represents the lowest level within the Company at which this portion of the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives is monitored for internal management purposes. A separate impairment test of the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives is performed at the Italy region level in addition to the impairment test carried out for the six cash generating units identified at the date of the reorganization.
The carrying amount of goodwill and trademarks at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
(thousands of euros)
|
Goodwill | Trademarks | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Italy: |
|||||||
Italy region |
548,588 | 38,214 | |||||
Lottery |
445,175 | | |||||
Commercial Services |
218,266 | | |||||
Sports Betting |
63,216 | | |||||
Machine Gaming |
44,605 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
1,319,850 | 38,214 | |||||
Americas |
1,175,377 |
33,968 |
|||||
International |
600,239 | 14,124 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
3,095,466 | 86,306 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The recoverable amounts for the Italy cash generating units and group of cash generating units (Italy region) have been determined based on fair value less costs of disposal using the discounted cash flow method of the income approach to value. Under this method we utilized cash flow projections
F-120
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. Impairment testing of goodwill and intangibles with indefinite lives (Continued)
based on financial forecasts approved by senior management covering a period of five years. Cash flows beyond the base periods assume the following annual growth rates:
Italy region |
0.75 | % | ||
Lottery |
0.25 | % | ||
Commercial Services |
1.50 | % | ||
Sports Betting |
2.00 | % | ||
Machine Gaming |
0.50 | % |
The recoverable amounts for the Americas and International cash generating units have been determined based on fair value less costs of disposal using the discounted cash flow method of the income approach to value. Under this method we utilized cash flow projections based on financial forecasts approved by senior management covering a period of five years. Cash flows beyond the five year period were extrapolated using an annual growth rate of 3.5%, which reflects the estimated sustainable long-term growth rate of the Americas and International cash generating units.
Key assumptions used in the fair value less costs of disposal calculations
Discount rates were calculated based on the estimated cost of equity capital and debt capital considering data and factors relevant to the economy, the industry, and the cash generating units. The estimated cost of equity capital and debt capital were weighted in terms of a typical industry capital structure to arrive at a weighted average cost of capital. The after-tax discount rates applied to the cash flow projections for the cash generating units and group of cash generating units in Italy (Italy region) were as follows:
Italy: |
||||
Italy region |
10.50 | % | ||
Lottery |
10.70 | % | ||
Commercial Services |
8.90 | % | ||
Sports Betting |
8.55 | % | ||
Machine Gaming |
11.00 | % | ||
Americas |
7.65 |
% |
||
International |
8.95 | % |
Growth rates after 2018 used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the base forecast period are based on market data, input from management and considerations relevant to each of the cash generating units and group of cash generating units including their contracts.
Service revenue and related profit
Projected cash flows from service revenue assumes the continuation of recent historical trends adjusted for expected new contract wins, anticipated contract renewal pricing pressures, and the
F-121
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. Impairment testing of goodwill and intangibles with indefinite lives (Continued)
expected impact of sales and marketing initiatives that are being developed or expected to be developed.
Product sales and related profit
Projected cash flows from product sales assumes renewal orders from existing customers in connection with known upcoming procurements, along with orders from new or developing customers and markets at selling prices generally in line with historical experiences adjusted for expected competitive pressures.
The recoverable amounts and carrying amounts of the Company's cash generating units are summarized as follows (in thousands of euros):
|
Recoverable
Amount |
Carrying
Amount |
Excess | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Italy region |
3,430,000 | 2,695,508 | 734,492 | |||||||
Italy: |
|
|
|
|||||||
Lottery |
2,260,000 | 1,058,947 | 1,201,053 | |||||||
Commercial Services |
290,000 | 193,026 | 96,974 | |||||||
Sports Betting |
280,000 | 125,147 | 154,853 | |||||||
Machine Gaming |
790,000 | 301,965 | 488,035 | |||||||
Americas |
2,704,662 |
2,095,446 |
609,216 |
|||||||
International |
1,406,715 | 821,727 | 584,988 |
The percentage changes in key variables needed to render the recoverable amounts equal to the carrying amounts are as follows:
|
After-tax
discount rate |
Annual growth
rate after 2018 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Italy region |
30.30 | % | -634.70 | % | |||
Italy: |
|
|
|||||
Commercial Services |
47.80 | % | -310.70 | % | |||
Sports Betting |
82.00 | % | -400.00 | % | |||
Americas |
16.30 |
% |
-42.60 |
% |
|||
International |
43.80 | % | -157.10 | % |
Management believes that any reasonably possible change in any of the key assumptions on which the Italy Lottery and Italy Machine Gaming cash generating units are based would not cause the carrying amounts to exceed their recoverable amounts.
F-122
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. Impairment testing of goodwill and intangibles with indefinite lives (Continued)
The carrying amount of goodwill and trademarks at December 31, 2012 are as follows:
(thousands of euros)
|
Goodwill | Trademarks | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Italian Operations: |
|||||||
Lottery |
445,175 | | |||||
Commercial Services |
218,266 | | |||||
Sports Betting |
63,216 | | |||||
Machine Gaming |
33,931 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
760,588 | | |||||
GTECH Lottery |
2,193,391 | 75,575 | |||||
SPIELO International |
234,774 | 20,141 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
3,188,753 | 95,716 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The 2012 amounts are presented using the composition of cash generating units existing at December 31, 2012.
For Italian Operations, the recoverable amounts for the Lottery, Commercial Services, Sports Betting and Machine Gaming cash generating units have been determined based on a value in use calculation using cash flow projections from financial forecasts approved by senior management. These forecasts cover a period of approximately seven years for Lottery and five years for Commercial Services, Sports Betting and Machine Gaming, which are based on the weighted average contractual life of customer contracts in Lottomatica's portfolio. Cash flows beyond the base periods do not assume an annual growth rate.
For GTECH Lottery, the recoverable amounts have been determined based on fair value less costs of disposal using the discounted cash flow method of the income approach to value. Under this method we utilized cash flow projections based on financial forecasts approved by senior management covering a period of five years. Cash flows beyond the five year period were extrapolated using an annual growth rate of 3.5%, which reflects the estimated sustainable long-term growth rate of GTECH Lottery.
For SPIELO International, the recoverable amounts have been determined based on fair value less costs of disposal using the discounted cash flow method of the income approach to value. Under this method we utilized cash flow projections based on financial forecasts approved by senior management covering a period of five years. Cash flows beyond the five year period were extrapolated using an annual growth rate of 3.7% which reflects the estimated sustainable long-term growth rate of SPIELO International.
F-123
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. Investments in associates and joint ventures
The Company's investments in associates and joint ventures are as follows:
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Yeonama Holdings Co. Limited |
19,800 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Subtotal associate |
19,800 | | |||||
CLS-GTECH Company Limited |
6,435 |
9,363 |
|||||
Ringmaster S.r.l. |
632 | 773 | |||||
L-Gaming S.A. |
24 | 26 | |||||
Technology and Security Printing S.r.l. |
3 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Subtotal joint ventures |
7,094 | 10,162 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
26,894 | 10,162 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In December 2013, the Company invested €19.8 million in Yeonama Holdings Co. Limited ("Yeonama"), a shareholder in Emma Delta Limited ("Emma Delta"), the fund that holds a 33% interest in OPAP S.A., the Greek gaming and football betting operator. Our indirect minority interest in Emma Delta represents 7.2% of the total equity contributions of shareholders in Emma Delta and approximately 3% of Emma Delta's 33% interest in OPAP S.A. At December 31, 2013, the Company had a commitment to invest up to an additional €10.2 million in Yeonama, representing a total potential €30 million investment, or an approximate 5% indirect minority interest in Emma Delta.
Interest in a joint venture (transition to IFRS 11)
The Company has a 50% interest in CLS-GTECH Company Limited ("CLS-GTECH"), a joint venture that was formed to provide a nationwide KENO system for Welfare lotteries throughout China. Prior to the adoption of IFRS 11 on January 1, 2013, the Company's interest in CLS-GTECH was classified as a jointly controlled entity and the Company's share of the assets, liabilities, revenue, income and expense were proportionately consolidated in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IAS 31 Investment in Joint Ventures . Upon adoption of IFRS 11, the Company
F-124
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. Investments in associates and joint ventures (Continued)
determined its interest to be a joint venture which it accounts for using the equity method. The effect of applying IFRS 11 is as follows:
Impact on the Statement of Financial Position
|
December 31, 2012 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
As originally
reported |
IFRS 11
adjustment |
As Adjusted | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||||
Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net |
948,808 |
(2,553 |
) |
946,255 |
||||||
Goodwill |
3,189,191 | (438 | ) | 3,188,753 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net |
1,339,474 | (5,526 | ) | 1,333,948 | ||||||
Share of investments in an associate and a joint venture |
799 | 9,363 | 10,162 | |||||||
Other non-current assets |
27,365 | (11 | ) | 27,354 | ||||||
Trade and other receivables, net |
809,922 | (28 | ) | 809,894 | ||||||
Other current assets |
181,186 | (9 | ) | 181,177 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
456,333 | (571 | ) | 455,762 | ||||||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|||||||
Deferred income taxes |
140,065 | (1,310 | ) | 138,755 | ||||||
Accounts payable |
1,002,025 | (1,322 | ) | 1,000,703 | ||||||
Current financial liabilities |
7,761 | 2,859 | 10,620 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net impact on equity |
| |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
There was no significant impact on the consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2012.
F-125
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. Other assets (non-current and current)
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Other non-current assets |
|||||||
Minimum revenue guarantee |
28,430 | | |||||
Customer receivables |
5,781 | 7,997 | |||||
Deferred costs |
4,731 | 6,695 | |||||
Prepaid expenses |
4,535 | 4,967 | |||||
Deposits |
2,705 | 3,800 | |||||
Sales-type lease receivables |
1,399 | 2,414 | |||||
Other |
1,196 | 1,481 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
48,777 | 27,354 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Other current assets |
|||||||
Restricted cash |
88,553 | 74,527 | |||||
Concession fees receivable |
52,921 | 58,446 | |||||
Prepaid expenses |
14,948 | 15,397 | |||||
Value-added tax receivable |
11,262 | 15,486 | |||||
Other tax receivables |
8,356 | 9,072 | |||||
Other receivables |
8,300 | 2,392 | |||||
Other |
6,177 | 5,857 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
190,517 | 181,177 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In June 2013, we recorded an asset related to the minimum revenue guarantee in the State of Illinois, which is amortizing over the remaining term of our 10-year agreement with the State of Illinois ending January 17, 2021, as a reduction of service revenue in our consolidated income statement. See Note 35 for additional information.
F-126
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Financial assets and financial liabilities
Set out below is a comparison by class of the carrying amounts and fair values of our financial assets and financial liabilities.
|
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Carrying
Amount |
Fair
Value |
Carrying
Amount |
Fair
Value |
|||||||||
Loans and receivables |
|||||||||||||
Other loans and receivables |
10,528 | 10,528 | 6,665 | 6,665 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
10,528 | 10,528 | 6,665 | 6,665 | |||||||||
Derivatives |
|||||||||||||
Swap receivable |
6,498 | 6,498 | 10,714 | 10,714 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
6,498 | 6,498 | 10,714 | 10,714 | |||||||||
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss |
|||||||||||||
Call option |
480 | 480 | 480 | 480 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
480 | 480 | 480 | 480 | |||||||||
Available-for-sale financial investments |
|||||||||||||
Other available-for-sale financial investments |
11,380 | 11,380 | 5,536 | 5,536 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
11,380 | 11,380 | 5,536 | 5,536 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current financial assets |
28,886 | 28,886 | 23,395 | 23,395 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives |
|||||||||||||
Swap receivable |
4,070 | 4,070 | 4,128 | 4,128 | |||||||||
Foreign currency forward contracts |
859 | 859 | 1,788 | 1,788 | |||||||||
Fuel cost hedge |
34 | 34 | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
4,963 | 4,963 | 5,916 | 5,916 | |||||||||
Loans and receivables |
|||||||||||||
Other loans and receivables |
7,310 | 7,310 | 2,999 | 2,999 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
7,310 | 7,310 | 2,999 | 2,999 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current financial assets |
12,273 | 12,273 | 8,915 | 8,915 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-127
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Financial assets and financial liabilities (Continued)
|
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Carrying
Amount |
Fair
Value |
Carrying
Amount |
Fair
Value |
|||||||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
756,558 | 824,960 | 759,616 | 817,210 | |||||||||
Capital Securities |
743,803 | 767,726 | 741,148 | 737,039 | |||||||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
496,128 | 535,979 | 495,307 | 522,837 | |||||||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
492,851 | 504,161 | 491,842 | 511,917 | |||||||||
Facilities |
150,446 | 152,273 | 288,922 | 295,194 | |||||||||
Other |
1,474 | 1,474 | 1,929 | 1,929 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans and borrowings (Note 19) |
2,641,260 | 2,786,573 | 2,778,764 | 2,886,126 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other financial liabilities |
|||||||||||||
Finance leases |
58,925 | 61,001 | 41,993 | 41,707 | |||||||||
Other financial liabilities |
1,675 | 1,675 | 414 | 414 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current financial liabilities |
60,600 | 62,676 | 42,407 | 42,121 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Facilities |
125,901 | 127,424 | 105,267 | 106,314 | |||||||||
Capital Securities |
46,406 | 47,899 | 46,406 | 46,149 | |||||||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
24,549 | 26,521 | 24,549 | 25,913 | |||||||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
14,408 | 14,739 | 1,223 | 1,273 | |||||||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
2,926 | 3,190 | 2,926 | 3,148 | |||||||||
Short-term borrowings |
851 | 851 | 541 | 541 | |||||||||
Other |
306 | 306 | 905 | 905 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans and borrowings (Note 19) |
215,347 | 220,930 | 181,817 | 184,243 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives |
|||||||||||||
Foreign currency forward contracts |
4,055 | 4,055 | 1,483 | 1,483 | |||||||||
Net investment hedge |
240 | 240 | 45 | 45 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
4,295 | 4,295 | 1,528 | 1,528 | |||||||||
Other financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Finance leases |
12,977 | 13,665 | 6,216 | 6,173 | |||||||||
Other financial liabilities |
4,231 | 4,231 | 2,876 | 2,876 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
17,208 | 17,896 | 9,092 | 9,049 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current financial liabilities |
21,503 | 22,191 | 10,620 | 10,577 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Management assessed that the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, other current assets, accounts payable, and other current liabilities approximate their carrying amounts due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
F-128
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Financial assets and financial liabilities (Continued)
The fair values of our material financial assets and financial liabilities were determined using the following methods and assumptions:
Financial assets and financial liabilities for which fair value is either measured or disclosed are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
For financial assets and financial liabilities that are recognized at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
F-129
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Financial assets and financial liabilities (Continued)
The following tables provide the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities (in thousands of euros):
F-130
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Financial assets and financial liabilities (Continued)
F-131
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Financial assets and financial liabilities (Continued)
Reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements of financial assets and financial liabilities
(thousands of euros)
|
Financial assets
at fair value through profit or loss |
Available-for-sale
financial investments |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at January 1, 2012 |
480 | 3,839 | |||||
Purchases |
| 796 | |||||
Total losses recognized in other comprehensive income |
| (2 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
480 | 4,633 | |||||
Purchases |
|
2,941 |
|||||
Total losses recognized in other comprehensive income |
| (5 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
480 | 7,569 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
14. Income tax
Income before income tax expense consists of the following:
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Italy |
339,867 | 384,330 | 346,014 | |||||||
Foreign |
46,205 | 39,673 | 19,850 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
386,072 | 424,003 | 365,864 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The significant components of income tax expense are as follows:
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Current |
||||||||||
Italy |
132,646 | 125,903 | 133,904 | |||||||
Foreign |
43,394 | 31,897 | 18,057 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Current |
176,040 | 157,800 | 151,961 | |||||||
Deferred |
|
|
|
|||||||
Italy |
18,391 | 8,098 | (199 | ) | ||||||
Foreign |
(13,594 | ) | (7,120 | ) | 8,333 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Deferred |
4,797 | 978 | 8,134 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Income tax expense |
180,837 | 158,778 | 160,095 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-132
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
14. Income tax (Continued)
The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:
F-133
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
14. Income tax (Continued)
The effective income tax rate on income before income tax expense differed from the Italian statutory tax rate for the following reasons:
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Income before income tax expense |
386,072 | 424,003 | 365,864 | |||||||
Italian statutory tax rate |
27.50 | % | 27.50 | % | 27.50 | % | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Theoretical provision for income taxes |
106,170 | 116,601 | 100,613 |
Reconciliation of the theoretical and effective provision for income taxes:
At December 31, 2013, a €514.0 million deficit existed in undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Accordingly, no undistributed earnings existed that would have required the consideration of a deferred tax liability if such earnings were forecasted to be distributed in the foreseeable future. If undistributed earnings had existed at December 31, 2013, an associated deferred tax liability would not have been required because there is no intention by the Company to remit foreign earnings in the foreseeable future.
At December 31, 2013, the Company has recognized deferred tax assets related to operating losses of €96.1 million (United States, foreign, and Italian net operating losses) and recognized deferred tax assets related to tax credits of €1.8 million. The recognition of these assets is based on expectations that sufficient taxable income will be generated in future years to utilize the tax loss carry forwards. The Company also has €53.6 million of unrecognized deferred tax assets related to net operating losses and €18.7 million of unrecognized deferred tax assets related to tax credits. These deferred tax assets were not recorded because realization of these assets is uncertain.
At December 31, 2013, the Company also has United States ("US") federal net operating loss carry forwards of €212.6 million that expire at various dates through 2032. The Company also has Italian net operating loss carry forwards of €5.5 million which have no expiration date.
At December 31, 2013, the Company had US state net operating losses that will expire at various dates through 2033. The Company has recorded a deferred tax asset of €12.5 million for these state net operating losses.
At December 31, 2013, the Company had unrecognized foreign net operating losses of €118.1 million that expire at various dates through 2033. The Company also had unrecognized US tax credit carry forwards of €18.7 million that expire at various dates through 2017.
F-134
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
14. Income tax (Continued)
During 2012, the Company recorded income tax expense of €5.9 million related to unresolved disputes with taxation authorities which is included in income taxes payable in the consolidated statement of financial position at December 31, 2012. There was no income tax expense recorded in 2013 related to unresolved disputes with taxation authorities.
In December 2013, the Company reached an agreement with the Italian Tax Agency for the settlement of certain tax matters. In particular, the tax matters related to the corporate reorganization and subsequent restructuring of certain intercompany financing transactions related to the acquisition of GTECH Holdings Corporation in 2006; a proceeding regarding the Bingo game in Italy during 2002-2004; and the acquisitions in the gaming machine sector during 2007-2008. The agreement involved total charges of €34.7 million in 2013, while €6.3 million were previously provisioned by the Company. The matters settled were of an interpretative nature, and the Company agreed to the settlement taking into account the lengthy legal process involved in resolving such controversies, the related costs that further disputes would create, and the uncertainty of their outcomes.
At December 31, 2012, a €386.0 million deficit existed in undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Accordingly, no undistributed earnings existed that would have required the consideration of a deferred tax liability if such earnings were forecasted to be distributed in the foreseeable future. If undistributed earnings had existed at December 31, 2012, an associated deferred tax liability would not have been required because there is no intention by the Group to remit foreign earnings in the foreseeable future.
At December 31, 2012, the Group has recognized deferred tax assets related to operating losses of €112.2 million (United States, state and Italian net operating losses) and recognized deferred tax assets related to tax credits of €0.8 million. The recognition of these assets is based on expectations that sufficient taxable income will be generated in future years to utilize the tax loss carry forwards. The Group also has €48.6 million of unrecognized deferred tax assets related to net operating losses and €19.5 million of unrecognized deferred tax assets related to tax credits. These deferred tax assets were not recorded because realization of these assets is uncertain.
At December 31, 2012, the Group also has United States ("US") federal net operating loss carry forwards of €265.0 million that expire at various dates through 2032. The Group also has Italian net operating loss carry forwards of €7.4 million which has no expiration date.
On April 5, 2011, the US Internal Revenue Service completed an examination of the Group's consolidated income tax returns for 2006 to 2008 resulting in a signed Revenue Agent Report ("RAR"). As a result, the Group recorded €5.2 million of tax benefits in 2011. The Group received a €6.1 million cash refund in 2012 relating to this audit.
During 2012, the Group recorded income tax expense of €5.9 million related to unresolved disputes with taxation authorities which is included in income taxes payable in the consolidated statement of financial position at December 31, 2012. There was no income tax expense recorded in 2011 related to unresolved disputes with taxation authorities.
On April 5, 2011, the US Internal Revenue Service completed an examination of the Groups consolidated income tax returns for 2006 to 2008 resulting in a signed Revenue Agent Report ("RAR"). As a result, the Group recorded €5.2 million of tax benefits in 2011. The Group expects to receive a €5.3 million cash refund in 2012 relating to this audit.
F-135
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. Inventories
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Raw materials |
20,386 | 24,421 | |||||
Work in progress |
35,916 | 51,729 | |||||
Finished goods |
90,104 | 88,154 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
146,406 | 164,304 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
16. Trade and other receivables, net
|
December 31, 2013 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Trade and other
receivables (Gross) |
Allowance for
doubtful accounts |
Trade and other
receivables (Net) |
|||||||
Trade receivables |
951,745 | (72,263 | ) | 879,482 | ||||||
Related party receivables (Note 34) |
24,030 | | 24,030 | |||||||
Sales-type lease receivables |
736 | | 736 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
976,511 | (72,263 | ) | 904,248 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
December 31, 2012 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Trade and other
receivables (Gross) |
Allowance for
doubtful accounts |
Trade and other
receivables (Net) |
|||||||
Trade receivables |
847,340 | (70,969 | ) | 776,371 | ||||||
Related party receivables (Note 34) |
31,038 | | 31,038 | |||||||
Sales-type lease receivables |
2,485 | | 2,485 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
880,863 | (70,969 | ) | 809,894 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Trade receivables include receivables from intermediaries, which represent amounts due from point of sale facilities where the Company provides third-party processing services related to their commercial services networks. Trade receivables and receivables from intermediaries are non-interest bearing.
On December 18, 2013, three of our subsidiaries in the Italy segment entered into a master agreement (the "Agreement") with a major European financial institution to sell certain accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis. Such accounts receivable are derecognized upon cash receipt at a discount which is recorded within other expense in our consolidated income statements. The aggregate amount of outstanding accounts receivable is limited to a maximum amount of €150 million. At December 31, 2013, €82.1 million of receivables had been derecognized.
F-136
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Issued capital, reserves and non-controlling interests
|
December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Authorized shares
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Ordinary shares of €1 par value per share |
187,535,665 | 185,431,467 | 183,332,984 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ordinary shares outstanding, issued and fully paid
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Balance at beginning of year |
172,454,507 | 172,140,797 | 172,015,373 | |||||||
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options |
1,198,191 | 94,786 | 125,424 | |||||||
Shares issued under stock award plans |
339,470 | 218,924 | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at end of year |
173,992,168 | 172,454,507 | 172,140,797 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, approximately 0.6 million, 0.5 million and 0.5 million ordinary shares, respectively, were reserved to satisfy rights in respect of our various share-based payment plans.
F-137
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Issued capital, reserves and non-controlling interests (Continued)
(thousands of euros)
|
Legal
Reserve |
Stock
Option and Restricted Stock Reserve |
Share-Based
Payment Reserve |
Ex Art 2349
Reserve |
Net
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Reserve |
Translation
Reserve |
Other
Reserve |
Total | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at January 1, 2013 |
34,428 | 69,181 | 15,016 | 1,489 | (1,885 | ) | 40,406 | (3,070 | ) | 155,565 | |||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net loss on cash flow hedges |
| | | | (845 | ) | | | (845 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net gain on hedge of net investment in foreign operation |
| | | | 329 | | | 329 | |||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net loss on defined benefit plans |
| | | | (2,001 | ) | | | (2,001 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net gain on available-for-sale investment |
| | | | 2,127 | | | 2,127 | |||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
| | | | | (147,128 | ) | | (147,128 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive loss |
| | | | (390 | ) | (147,128 | ) | | (147,518 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Share-based payment |
| | 8,611 | | | | | 8,611 | |||||||||||||||||
Shares issued under stock award plans |
| 5,233 | (5,233 | ) | (339 | ) | | | | (339 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Appropriation of 2012 income in accordance with Italian law |
63 | | | | | | | 63 | |||||||||||||||||
Other movements in equity |
| | | | (570 | ) | | | (570 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
34,491 | 74,414 | 18,394 | 1,150 | (2,845 | ) | (106,722 | ) | (3,070 | ) | 15,812 | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(thousands of euros)
|
Legal
Reserve |
Stock
Option and Restricted Stock Reserve |
Share-Based
Payment Reserve |
Ex Art 2349
Reserve |
Net
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Reserve |
Translation
Reserve |
Other
Reserve |
Total | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at January 1, 2012 |
34,403 | 64,016 | 7,832 | 1,708 | 1,539 | 87,111 | (3,078 | ) | 193,531 | ||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net loss on derivative instruments |
| | | | (2,863 | ) | | | (2,863 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net gain on available-for-sale investment |
| | | | 9 | | | 9 | |||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
| | | | | (46,705 | ) | | (46,705 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive loss |
| | | | (2,854 | ) | (46,705 | ) | | (49,559 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Share-based payment |
| | 12,349 | | | | | 12,349 | |||||||||||||||||
Shares issued under stock award plans |
| 5,165 | (5,165 | ) | (219 | ) | | | | (219 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Appropriation of 2011 income in accordance with Italian law |
25 | | | | | | | 25 | |||||||||||||||||
Other movements in equity |
| | | | (570 | ) | | 8 | (562 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
34,428 | 69,181 | 15,016 | 1,489 | (1,885 | ) | 40,406 | (3,070 | ) | 155,565 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(thousands of euros)
|
Legal
Reserve |
Stock
Option and Restricted Stock Reserve |
Share-Based
Payment Reserve |
Ex Art 2349
Reserve |
Net
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Reserve |
Translation
Reserve |
Treasury
Share Reserve |
Other
Reserve |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at January 1, 2011 |
34,403 | 60,706 | 2,193 | 1,834 | (1,227 | ) | (1,794 | ) | 60,113 | (3,078 | ) | 153,150 | ||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net gain on derivative instruments |
| | | | 3,230 | | | | 3,230 | |||||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized net gain on available-for-sale investment |
| | | | 106 | | | | 106 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
| | | | | 88,905 | | | 88,905 | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income |
| | | | 3,336 | 88,905 | | | 92,241 | |||||||||||||||||||
Treasury shares purchased (208,655 shares) |
| | | | | | 2,940 | | 2,940 | |||||||||||||||||||
Share-based payment |
| | 8,949 | | | | | | 8,949 | |||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued under stock award plans |
| 3,310 | (3,310 | ) | (126 | ) | | | (64 | ) | | (190 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Treasury shares issued in lieu of a cash dividend (3,372,851 shares) |
| | | | | | (62,989 | ) | | (62,989 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Other movements in equity |
| | | | (570 | ) | | | | (570 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2011 |
34,403 | 64,016 | 7,832 | 1,708 | 1,539 | 87,111 | | (3,078 | ) | 193,531 | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-138
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Issued capital, reserves and non-controlling interests (Continued)
Nature and purpose of other reserves
The legal reserve is required by Italian law and must be increased by a minimum of 5% of net income for the year until the balance represents 20% of share capital.
Stock option and restricted stock reserve
The stock option and restricted stock reserve is used to record the fair value of stock options granted to employees that have been exercised and stock awards that vested during the year.
The share-based payment reserve represents the cumulative amount recorded for equity-settled share-based payment transactions that have not yet vested. Increases relate to the charge for goods or services that are received in equity-settled share-based payment transactions. Decreases relate to the fair value of stock awards that vested during the year.
The ex art 2349 reserve was established by shareholders' resolution in accordance with GTECH's by-laws, as appropriated from income of the Company, to serve share-based payment plans.
Net unrealized gain/(loss) reserve
The net unrealized gain/(loss) reserve is used to record:
The translation reserve is used to record:
F-139
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Issued capital, reserves and non-controlling interests (Continued)
Other reserve is used to record the purchase of a non-controlling interest and other equity transactions not included in a category above.
Activity with non-controlling interests during 2013 and 2012 was recorded in the consolidated statement of changes in equity as follows (in thousands of euro):
For the year ended December 31, 2013
|
Non-controlling interest | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name of subsidiary
|
Return of
capital |
Dividend
distribution |
Capital
contributions |
|||||||
Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. |
(22,203 | ) | (24,729 | ) | | |||||
SW Holding S.p.A. |
(14,739 | ) | (8,417 | ) | | |||||
Consorzio Lotterie Nazionali |
(3,145 | ) | (455 | ) | | |||||
GTECH Latin America Corporation |
| (461 | ) | 37 | ||||||
Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC |
| | 64,966 | |||||||
Northstar Lottery Group, LLC |
| | 10,006 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(40,087 | ) | (34,062 | ) | 75,009 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
For the year ended December 31, 2012
|
Non-controlling interest | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name of subsidiary
|
Return of
capital |
Dividend
distribution |
Capital
contributions |
|||||||
Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. |
(28,530 | ) | (24,006 | ) | | |||||
SW Holding S.p.A. |
(14,032 | ) | (6,070 | ) | ||||||
GTECH Czech Republic, LLC |
| (2,040 | ) | | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(42,562 | ) | (32,116 | ) | | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The return of capital paid to the non-controlling interests of Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l., SW Holding S.p.A. and Consorzio Lotterie Nazionali, arise from the agreement made on the formation of these companies, that capital reductions would be made in future periods. These capital reductions are performed in proportion to the shareholding and therefore do not impact the share ownership structure.
Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC capital contribution
In June 2013, Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar NJ"), a consolidated joint venture in which GTECH Corporation indirectly holds an approximate 41% interest, entered into an Agreement (the "Agreement") with the State of New Jersey, Department of the Treasury, Division of
F-140
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Issued capital, reserves and non-controlling interests (Continued)
Purchase and Property and Division of Lottery (the "Division of Lottery") whereby Northstar NJ manages a wide range of the Division of Lottery's marketing, sales, and related functions which is subject to the Division of Lottery's continuing control and oversight over the conduct of lottery operations. In connection with the Agreement, Northstar NJ paid the State an upfront payment of $120 million (€91.7 million at the acquisition date). $71.2 million, or €54.4 million of the €65.0 million capital contribution disclosed above was related to this upfront payment.
Capital reallocation - Northstar Lottery Group, LLC
Northstar Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar") is a consortium in which GTECH Corporation holds an 80% controlling interest. Under GTECH Corporation's operating agreement with the non-controlling shareholder in Northstar, Northstar profits and losses are allocated 80% to GTECH Corporation and 20% to the non-controlling shareholder, in accordance with their respective ownership interests, subject to the following:
During 2013 and 2012, €1.7 million and €4.0 million, respectively, of capital was reallocated between GTECH Corporation and the non-controlling shareholder in Northstar.
F-141
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. Information about subsidiaries and non-controlling interests
The material subsidiaries of the Company, whose principal activities are the provision of services and technology in the regulated worldwide gaming markets, are as follows:
|
|
Equity interest
held |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Country of
Incorporation and Operation |
||||||||
Name
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
GTECH Corporation |
United States | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | ||||
GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited |
Cyprus | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | ||||
Spielo International Canada ULC |
Canada | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | ||||
Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A. |
Italy | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | ||||
Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. |
Italy | 51.50 | % | 51.50 | % | ||||
SW Holding S.p.A. |
Italy | 71.43 | % | 71.43 | % |
A complete listing of the subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company, along with jurisdiction and ownership interest, is provided in the "List of Subsidiaries and Affiliates" section of this report.
The Company has not made any significant judgments or assumptions in determining that it has control of subsidiaries of the Company.
Financial information of subsidiaries that have material non-controlling interests ("NCI") is as follows:
|
Proportion of
equity interest held by NCI |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. |
49.50 | % | 49.50 | % | |||
SW Holding S.p.A. |
28.57 | % | 28.57 | % |
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
Accumulated balances of NCI |
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. |
243,840 | 266,692 | |||||
SW Holding S.p.A. |
77,745 | 94,499 | |||||
All other NCI's |
82,035 | 13,273 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
403,620 | 374,464 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
Profit allocated to NCI |
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. |
24,245 | 24,408 | |||||
SW Holding S.p.A. |
6,402 | 8,467 | |||||
All other NCI's |
(846 | ) | (786 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
|
29,801 | 32,089 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-142
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. Information about subsidiaries and non-controlling interests (Continued)
The summarized financial information of these subsidiaries is provided below. This information is based on amounts before intercompany eliminations.
Summarized income statement for 2013
(thousands of euros)
|
Lotterie
Nazionali S.r.l. |
SW
Holding S.p.A. |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue |
377,292 | 30,053 | |||||
Costs |
273,371 | 143 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Operating income |
103,921 | 29,910 | |||||
Other income and deductions |
(3,831 |
) |
1 |
||||
| | | | | | | |
Income before income tax |
100,090 | 29,911 | |||||
Income tax expense |
(32,742 |
) |
(386 |
) |
|||
| | | | | | | |
Net income |
67,348 | 29,525 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Attributable to non-controlling interests |
24,245 | 6,402 | |||||
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests |
24,729 |
8,417 |
|||||
Capital returned to non-controlling interests |
22,203 | 14,739 |
Summarized income statement for 2012
(thousands of euros)
|
Lotterie
Nazionali S.r.l. |
SW
Holding S.p.A. |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue |
382,169 | 29,174 | |||||
Costs |
273,726 | 65 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Operating income |
108,443 | 29,109 | |||||
Other income and deductions |
(6,119 |
) |
183 |
||||
| | | | | | | |
Income before income tax |
102,324 | 29,292 | |||||
Income tax expense |
(33,632 |
) |
(440 |
) |
|||
| | | | | | | |
Net income |
68,692 | 28,852 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Attributable to non-controlling interests |
24,408 | 8,467 | |||||
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests |
24,006 |
6,070 |
|||||
Capital returned to non-controlling interests |
28,530 | 14,032 |
F-143
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. Information about subsidiaries and non-controlling interests (Continued)
Summarized statement of financial position at December 31, 2013
(thousands of euros)
|
Lotterie
Nazionali S.r.l. |
SW
Holding S.p.A. |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-current assets |
525,544 | 259,181 | |||||
Current assets |
480,008 | 32,331 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
1,005,552 | 291,512 | |||||
Equity |
659,349 |
291,422 |
|||||
Current liabilities |
346,203 |
90 |
|||||
| | | | | | | |
Total Equity and Liabilities |
1,005,552 | 291,512 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Attributable to owners of the parent |
761,712 | 213,767 | |||||
Non-controlling interest |
243,840 | 77,745 |
Summarized statement of financial position at December 31, 2012
F-144
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. Debt
The key terms of our material borrowings are summarized as follows:
Borrowing
|
Initial
Principal Amount |
Interest Rate (Per Annum) | Maturity | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
€750 million | 5.375% (a) | December 2016 | |||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
€500 million | 5.375% (a) | February 2018 | |||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
€500 million | 3.5% (a) | March 2020 | |||
Capital Securities |
€750 million |
8.25% through March 2016
Six-month EURIBOR + 505 basis points thereafter |
March 2066 | |||
Term Loan Facility |
$700 million | LIBOR + margin | December 2015 | |||
Revolving Facilities |
€900 million (b) | LIBOR or EURIBOR + margin | December 2015 |
Debt issuance costs, which are net against amounts borrowed, are amortized to interest expense through the maturity dates with the exception of the Capital Securities that are amortized through April 2016.
F-145
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. Debt (Continued)
GTECH S.p.A. issued notes in December 2009, December 2010, and December 2012 which are all unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by GTECH Corporation, GTECH Holdings Corporation, GTECH Rhode Island LLC and Invest Games S.A. (collectively, the "Notes"). The Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and have received ratings of Baa3 and BBB - by Moody's Investors Service Inc. and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, respectively. GTECH Holdings Corporation, GTECH Rhode Island LLC and Invest Games S.A. are collectively referred to as the "Other Guarantors".
The Notes may be redeemed by GTECH S.p.A. in whole, but not in part, as follows:
Holders of each issuance of the Notes may require GTECH S.p.A. to redeem such issuance in whole or in part at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest following the occurrence of certain specified events.
Interest is payable at fixed interest rates that are subject to a 1.25% per annum adjustment in the event of a step up or step down rating change. The adjustment is subject to a 6.625% ceiling and a 5.375% floor for the 2009 and 2010 Notes and a 4.75% ceiling and a 3.5% floor for the 2012 Notes. On July 16, 2014, after the close of the second quarter of 2014, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered our corporate credit rating to BBB - from BBB, which did not impact the interest rates on the Notes. See Note 40 for additional information.
Interest is payable annually in arrears as follows:
Borrowing
|
Payment Date | |
---|---|---|
2009 Notes (due 2016) | December 5 | |
2010 Notes (due 2018) | February 2 | |
2012 Notes (due 2020) | March 5 |
GTECH S.p.A. issued Capital Securities in May 2006 which are redeemable at maturity, at par value after March 31, 2016, or at any interest payment date thereafter, upon the occurrence of certain tax events, through open market purchases, by public cash tender offer or if a change of control event occurs. The Capital Securities are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and have received ratings of Ba2 and BB by Moody's Investors Service Inc. and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, respectively.
Interest is payable annually at a fixed interest rate through March 31, 2016 and thereafter has a variable interest rate payable semi-annually.
The terms of the Capital Securities allow GTECH S.p.A. to optionally defer interest payments and mandates deferral of interest payments if GTECH S.p.A. is in breach of the coverage ratio as defined in the agreement. Under certain specified circumstances, GTECH S.p.A. is required to settle deferred
F-146
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. Debt (Continued)
interest payments with cash and in some circumstances from the proceeds of an issue, offer and sale of equity. GTECH S.p.A. paid €61.9 million of interest on the Capital Securities in March 2013 and March 2012.
GTECH S.p.A. is required to authorize the issuance of ordinary shares in accordance with a resolution approved by its shareholders. At each annual general meeting, the value of the ordinary shares authorized for issuance must be at least equivalent to the interest payments due during the following two-year period. As of December 31, 2013, the authorization was in place for the issuance of capital up to €125 million. Interest payments over the next two years are approximately €124 million.
We have the following unsecured and unsubordinated facilities:
Facility
|
Borrower | |
---|---|---|
$700 million term loan (the "Term Loan Facility") |
GTECH Corporation | |
€500 million multi-currency revolving credit facility ("Revolving Facility A") |
GTECH Corporation | |
€400 million multi-currency revolving credit facility ("Revolving Facility B") |
GTECH S.p.A. |
Revolving Facility A and Revolving Facility B are collectively referred to as the "Revolving Facilities" and the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Facilities are collectively referred to as the "Facilities".
The Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility A are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by GTECH S.p.A. and the Other Guarantors. Revolving Facility B is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by GTECH Corporation and the Other Guarantors.
Principal payments remaining under the Term Loan Facility are as follows:
(in thousands)
|
US dollars |
December 31,
2013 euro equivalent |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 |
175,000 | 126,894 | |||||
2015 |
210,000 | 152,273 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
385,000 | 279,167 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Interest is generally payable between one and six months in arrears at a variable interest rate plus a margin based on our ratio of total net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and our senior unsecured long-term debt rating. At December 31, 2013, the effective interest rate on the Facilities was 1.25%.
F-147
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. Debt (Continued)
Certain other fees are payable quarterly as follows:
Fee
|
Terms | |
---|---|---|
Facility | 37.5% of margin per annum on the total available commitment under the Revolving Facilities | |
Utilization |
|
Between 0% and 0.4% per annum based on the average daily amount outstanding under the Revolving Facilities |
The agreement for the Facilities contains, among other terms:
Violation of these terms may result in the full principal amounts of the Facilities being immediately payable upon written notice. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we were in compliance with all covenants and limitations.
In connection with certain customer contracts, we are required to issue letters of credit for the benefit of certain customers that primarily secure our performance under the customer contracts.
|
Letters of Credit Outstanding |
|
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Outside the
Revolving Facilities |
Under the
Revolving Facilities |
Total |
Weighted Average
Annual Cost |
|||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
689,602 | 1,194 | 690,796 | 1.05 | % | ||||||||
December 31, 2012 |
713,731 | 2,239 | 715,970 | 0.98 | % |
F-148
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
20. Provisions
(thousands of euros)
|
Legal
Matters |
Tax
Matters |
Other | Total | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Long-term provisions |
|||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2013 |
32,483 | 4,861 | 7,860 | 45,204 | |||||||||
Arising during the year |
2,609 | | 1,381 | 3,990 | |||||||||
Utilized |
(15,974 | ) | | (1,333 | ) | (17,307 | ) | ||||||
Unused amounts reversed |
(10,009 | ) | | | (10,009 | ) | |||||||
Reclassification |
| (3,530 | ) | | (3,530 | ) | |||||||
Foreign currency translation |
(624 | ) | (225 | ) | | (849 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
8,485 | 1,106 | 7,908 | 17,499 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Short-term provisions |
|||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2013 |
| | 1,900 | 1,900 | |||||||||
Arising during the year |
| | 1,414 | 1,414 | |||||||||
Utilized |
| | (1,308 | ) | (1,308 | ) | |||||||
Unused amounts reversed |
| | (699 | ) | (699 | ) | |||||||
Foreign currency translation |
| | (122 | ) | (122 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
| | 1,185 | 1,185 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provisions relate primarily to the legal matters discussed in Note 38 and are calculated based on management's expectations of settlement determined with the assistance of legal counsel.
Tax matters (other than income taxes)
Provisions relate primarily to disputed tax assessments and reserves for regulatory audits and are calculated based on assessed taxes and expected payment of tax based on statutory rates.
Provisions primarily consist of warranty and penalty provisions associated with the Italy segment and warranty provisions in the Americas and International segments which generally extend for 12 months on equipment sales and are calculated based on historical cost information.
F-149
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
21. Other liabilities (non-current and current)
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Other non-current liabilities |
|||||||
Deferred revenue |
42,595 | 29,565 | |||||
Staff severance fund (Note 33) |
7,888 | 7,023 | |||||
Contingent liabilities related to GTECH Corporation acquisition |
7,395 | 9,436 | |||||
Other |
4,220 | 5,035 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
62,098 | 51,059 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Other current liabilities |
|||||||
Accrued expenses |
93,204 | 82,395 | |||||
Employee compensation |
80,554 | 80,481 | |||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
72,560 | 77,137 | |||||
Deferred revenue |
56,738 | 53,736 | |||||
Minimum revenue guarantee |
30,455 | | |||||
Advance payments from customers |
12,252 | 44,023 | |||||
Advance billings |
7,975 | 12,097 | |||||
Other |
8,002 | 5,799 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
361,740 | 355,668 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Included in accrued expenses at December 31, 2013 is approximately €8 million of costs related to the outsourcing of technical operations services in Sweden that were previously performed in-house.
In June 2013, we recorded a liability related to the minimum revenue guarantee in the State of Illinois. See Note 35 for additional information.
22. Raw materials, services and other costs
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Operating expenses |
813,594 | 845,091 | 919,478 | |||||||
Outside services |
234,603 | 231,416 | 193,024 | |||||||
Cost of product sales |
161,176 | 144,445 | 116,343 | |||||||
Consumables |
125,664 | 132,908 | 127,804 | |||||||
Insurance, miscellaneous taxes and other |
100,817 | 112,888 | 114,242 | |||||||
Occupancy |
59,161 | 56,216 | 52,987 | |||||||
Telecommunications |
57,794 | 55,962 | 52,510 | |||||||
Travel |
31,246 | 31,060 | 30,562 | |||||||
Write-down of inventories |
1,248 | 1,187 | 2,045 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
1,585,303 | 1,611,173 | 1,608,995 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-150
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
23. Personnel
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Payroll |
413,306 | 385,188 | 351,012 | |||||||
Incentive compensation |
53,536 | 55,450 | 54,535 | |||||||
Statutory benefits |
42,543 | 39,751 | 34,845 | |||||||
Company benefits |
35,288 | 32,804 | 28,472 | |||||||
Share-based payment (Note 31) |
8,611 | 12,349 | 8,949 | |||||||
Net benefits for staff severance fund (Note 33) |
4,887 | 4,529 | 4,268 | |||||||
Other |
10,095 | 9,275 | 9,105 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
568,266 | 539,346 | 491,186 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
24. Depreciation
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net (Note 6) |
241,257 | 236,065 | 227,736 | |||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 7) |
13,342 | 13,856 | 12,882 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
254,599 | 249,921 | 240,618 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
25. Amortization
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Intangibles amortization recognized in: |
||||||||||
Amortization expense |
189,684 | 185,909 | 187,988 | |||||||
Service revenue (contra-revenue) |
90 | 92 | 60 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
189,774 | 186,001 | 188,048 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
26. Impairment loss (recovery), net
Impairment loss (recovery), net was recorded by the Company in the International segment as detailed below:
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net (Note 6) |
6,313 | 480 | | |||||||
Intangible assets, net (Note 9) |
2,613 | 1,082 | 278 | |||||||
Investments in associates and joint ventures |
939 | 4,481 | 246 | |||||||
Recovery |
(3,807 | ) | 184 | (4,598 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
6,058 | 6,227 | (4,074 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-151
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
26. Impairment loss (recovery), net (Continued)
The 2013 asset impairment loss principally relates to a €6.3 million loss in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net due to the lower expected profitability of an international lottery contract over its remaining term. The impairment loss represents the write-down of the assets to their recoverable amount which was based on a value in use calculation determined using a weighted average after-tax discount rate of 11.9%. The impairment recovery of €3.8 million resulted from the receipt of cash associated with an impairment loss recorded in 2008 related to a lottery system we deployed for an international customer which has not launched due to a sustained period of political instability.
The 2012 asset impairment loss of €6.2 million principally relates to the lower expected profitability of an equity method joint venture due to a delay in governmental approval of an increase in prize payout levels. The impairment loss represents the write-down of the investment to its recoverable amount which was based on value in use determined using a weighted average after-tax discount rate of 18.7%.
The 2011 net impairment recovery principally related to the receipt of cash associated with an impairment loss recorded in 2008 associated with a lottery system we deployed for an international customer which has not launched due to sustained period of political instability.
27. Interest expense
The Company incurred interest expense on the following:
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Capital Securities |
(64,531 | ) | (64,319 | ) | (64,531 | ) | ||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
(37,395 | ) | (38,634 | ) | (38,995 | ) | ||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
(27,696 | ) | (27,652 | ) | (27,610 | ) | ||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
(18,509 | ) | (1,292 | ) | | |||||
Facilities |
(11,360 | ) | (16,703 | ) | (25,580 | ) | ||||
Other |
(3,583 | ) | (6,764 | ) | (11,303 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(163,074 | ) | (155,364 | ) | (168,019 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
See Note 19 for details of the debt related components.
28. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share/ADRs is calculated by dividing net income for the year attributable to owners of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted earnings per share/ADRs is calculated by dividing net income for the year attributable to owners of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year along with the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued upon the conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares into ordinary shares.
GTECH's American depositary receipts (ADRs) are negotiable certificates representing ordinary shares of GTECH. The ratio of GTECH shares to ADRs is 1:1.
F-152
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
28. Earnings per share (Continued)
Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated as follows:
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Numerator (thousands of euros) |
||||||||||
Net income for the year attributable to owners of the parent |
175,434 | 233,136 | 173,142 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share |
175,434 | 233,136 | 173,142 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Denominator (in thousands) |
||||||||||
Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares |
173,234 | 172,267 | 172,053 | |||||||
Potential dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares |
| 73 | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares |
173,234 | 172,340 | 172,053 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings per share/ADRs |
€ | 1.01 | € | 1.35 | € | 1.01 | ||||
Diluted earnings per share/ADRs |
€ | 1.01 | € | 1.35 | € | 1.01 |
There were approximately 0.5 million, 0.6 million and 3.9 million potential ordinary shares at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, that were excluded from the weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
29. Components of other comprehensive income
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Cash flow hedges: |
||||||||||
Gains (losses) arising during the year |
(1,322 | ) | (2,810 | ) | 3,861 | |||||
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in the income statement |
(171 | ) | (1,145 | ) | 962 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
(1,493 | ) | (3,955 | ) | 4,823 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
30. Research and development costs
The aggregate amount of research and development expenditures recognized as expense during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was €77.6 million, €72.2 million and €58.8 million, respectively.
31. Share-based payments
Stock options and restricted shares are granted annually to key employees of the Company as approved by the Board of Directors under two types of equity-settled share-based payment plans as described below.
The Company grants stock options under a performance based plan with an exercise price that is equal to the average price of GTECH S.p.A.'s ordinary shares one month prior to the grant date. The
F-153
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
31. Share-based payments (Continued)
maximum term of an option is six years (eight years for plans prior to 2009) and there are no cash settlement alternatives.
The Company grants restricted shares under a performance based plan and recipients of the shares do not pay any cash consideration for the shares. The maximum term of the shares is five years and they may be settled in cash at the Company's option. The Company does not have a past practice of cash settlement and does not plan to cash settle shares in the future.
The stock options and restricted shares vest subject to the satisfaction of the following:
Stock options and restricted shares partially vest upon achievement of 90% or more of the performance conditions and if the performance conditions are not met, they are forfeited.
Stock option movements in the year
The movement in the number of stock options outstanding and the related weighted average exercise prices are as follows:
The weighted average share price for stock options exercised during 2013 and 2012 was €20.29 and €17.19 respectively. There were no stock options exercised during 2011.
F-154
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
31. Share-based payments (Continued)
The range of exercise prices and weighted average remaining contractual life for stock options outstanding are as follows:
|
As of December 31, 2013 | As of December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exercise Price or
Range of Exercise Prices |
Stock
Options Outstanding |
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
Stock
Options Outstanding |
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
|||||||||
€10.89 - €15.25 | 3,707,534 | 3.57 | 5,661,887 | 4.12 | |||||||||
€20.05 | 1,611,731 | 5.33 | | | |||||||||
€29.45 | 486,167 | 0.33 | 622,485 | 1.33 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
5,805,432 | 6,284,372 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fair value of grants during the year
The fair value of stock options granted is estimated at the date of grant using a binomial model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the stock options were granted. The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was €3.49 per share, €3.12 per share and €1.54 per share, respectively.
Inputs to the binomial model used to estimate the fair value are as follows:
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dividend yield (%) |
4.27 | 3.55 | 4.07 | |||||||
Expected volatility (%) |
28.09 | 28.27 | 26.77 | |||||||
Risk-free interest rate (%) |
0.58 | 1.35 | 3.25 | |||||||
Expected life of the stock option (in years) |
4.54 | 4.50 | 4.50 | |||||||
Weighted average share price (€) |
21.46 | 16.34 | 11.32 | |||||||
Exercise price (€) |
20.05 | 15.25 | 12.87 |
The expected volatility assumes the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may not be the actual outcome. The expected life of the stock option is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. No other features of stock option grants were incorporated into the measurement of fair value.
Performance based restricted shares granted during 2013, 2012 and 2011 and their weighted average fair value at the date of grant, which represents the average share price during the employee grant acceptance period, are as follows:
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Granted during the year |
618,005 | 794,571 | 855,358 | |||||||
Weighted average fair value at the date of grant |
€ | 21.46 | € | 16.34 | € | 11.32 |
F-155
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
31. Share-based payments (Continued)
Expense charged to the income statement
The expense recognized during the period arising from employee share-based payment plans and included in personnel in our consolidated income statement was as follows:
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Performance based stock options |
2,163 | 3,487 | 2,436 | |||||||
Performance based restricted shares |
6,448 | 8,862 | 5,508 | |||||||
Time based restricted shares |
| | 1,005 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
8,611 | 12,349 | 8,949 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
32. Dividends paid
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Cash dividend declared and paid on ordinary shares: |
||||||||||
Dividend for 2013: €0.73 per share (2012: €0.71 per share) |
125,920 | 122,220 | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
In 2011, the Group's Board of Directors recommended, and the shareholders' approved, a new dividend policy that will allocate no more than 50% of annual levered free cash flow for the payment of dividends. In order to transition to the new policy, in May 2011, 3,372,851 treasury shares with a value of €63.0 million were distribuited to Lottomatica shareholders in lieu of a 2010 cash dividend, which equated to one share of Lottomatica stock for every 50 shares owned.
33. Employee benefits
The Company has a defined benefit plan (staff severance fund) to provide certain post employment benefits to Italian employees following termination from the Company. Italian employees may choose to participate in an unfunded plan within the Company or transfer their plan balance to independent external funds. These benefits are funded only to the extent paid to the external funds. The cost of providing benefits under the plan, for those employees that participate in the unfunded plan within the Company, is determined using the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method. The cost of providing benefits for those employees that choose to transfer their plan to independent external funds are considered as defined contributions and are accrued as the employees render the related service. The defined benefit liability represents the present value of the Company's defined benefit obligation.
F-156
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
33. Employee benefits (Continued)
The following table summarizes the components of net benefit expense recognized during the year for the staff severance fund, which is included in personnel in our consolidated income statement.
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Current service cost |
4,887 | 4,593 | 4,413 | |||||||
Actuarial gain |
| (64 | ) | (145 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net benefit expense |
4,887 | 4,529 | 4,268 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Balance at beginning of year |
7,023 | 7,300 | |||||
Current service cost |
4,887 | 4,593 | |||||
Remeasurement gains in other comprehensive income |
922 | | |||||
Acquisition |
46 | | |||||
Actuarial gain |
| (64 | ) | ||||
Benefits paid |
(4,990 | ) | (4,806 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at end of year |
7,888 | 7,023 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The present value of the defined benefit obligation for the years ended 2011, 2010, and 2009 was €7.3 million, €7.5 million, and €8.1 million, respectively.
The principal assumptions used in determining the defined benefit obligation are shown below:
|
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Managers |
Other
employees |
Managers |
Other
employees |
|||||||||
Assumed inflation rate |
2.00 | % | 2.00 | % | 2.00 | % | 2.00 | % | |||||
Discount rate |
3.50 | % | 3.50 | % | 3.50 | % | 3.50 | % | |||||
Future salary increases: |
|||||||||||||
Up to age 40 |
2.75 | % | 2.50 | % | 2.75 | % | 2.50 | % | |||||
Age between 40 and 55 |
2.50 | % | 2.25 | % | 2.50 | % | 2.25 | % | |||||
Age greater than 55 |
2.25 | % | 2.00 | % | 2.25 | % | 2.00 | % |
Termination benefits expense, primarily related to salary continuation and continued medical benefits coverage for employees who were terminated during the year, was €11.2 million, €3.3 million and €7.0 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively.
F-157
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
34. Related party disclosures
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Accounts receivable |
|||||||
De Agostini Group |
23,783 | 30,957 | |||||
Ringmaster S.r.l. |
247 | 81 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
24,030 | 31,038 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Accounts payable |
|||||||
De Agostini Group |
89,781 | 96,530 | |||||
Ringmaster S.r.l. |
2,399 | 3,644 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
92,180 | 100,174 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
GTECH S.p.A. is majority owned by De Agostini S.p.A. Outstanding accounts receivable balances from De Agostini S.p.A. and subsidiaries of De Agostini S.p.A. ("De Agostini Group") at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are non-interest bearing.
On May 8, 2013, GTECH S.p.A. entered into a framework agreement with De Agostini S.p.A whereby De Agostini S.p.A. may make short-term loans to GTECH S.p.A. and GTECH S.p.A. may deposit cash with De Agostini S.p.A. on a short-term basis. Any such transactions will be in compliance with existing third party loan covenants and concluded on an arm's length basis.
|
As of December 31, 2013 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Amounts
Outstanding |
Maximum
Outstanding |
|||||
Loans |
| 134,118 | |||||
Deposits |
| 23,000 |
F-158
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
34. Related party disclosures (Continued)
The maximum amount of loans that can be outstanding is equal to 5% of the lesser of consolidated net equity and current market capitalization.
The Company has a 50% interest in Ringmaster S.r.l., an Italian joint venture, which is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Ringmaster S.r.l. provides software development services for the interactive gaming business. During 2012, Ringmaster S.r.l. provided software development services to the Italy segment totaling €5.3 million which were capitalized to intangible assets, net in our consolidated statement of financial position.
The Company has a 50% interest in CLS-GTECH Company Limited ("CLS-GTECH"), which is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. CLS-GTECH is a joint venture that was formed to provide a nationwide KENO system for Welfare lotteries throughout China.
Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. ("Generali") owns approximately 3% of the Company's outstanding shares at December 31, 2013. Generali is a related party of the Company as the Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors also serves on Generali's Board of Directors. The Company leases its headquarters facility in Rome, Italy from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Generali.
Lottomatica International Greece S.r.l., which is 84% owned by GTECH S.p.A., has a 50% interest in L-Gaming S.A., a joint venture that is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. L-Gaming S.A., which is expected to participate in the gaming machine market in Greece, was not active at December 31, 2013.
On November 2011, GTECH jointly with De Agostini S.p.A. and other of its subsidiaries, signed a letter of intent concerning an investment in Connect Ventures CLP, a venture capital fund which targets "early stage" investment operations, with the legal status of limited partnership under English law. The fund has an initial duration of seven years, subject to an additional two year extension.
The fund is considered a related party due to the control exercised over the fund by De Agostini S.p.A., as a result of the size of its investment and the fact that at least one key figure in the fund's management is related to a number leading representatives of De Agostini S.p.A., as well as directors of GTECH.
Since the beginning of 2013, GTECH, through its subsidiary Lottomatica Scommesse S.r.l., has been party to an agreement with 2BCOM S.r.l. and ALL-IN ADV S.r.l. regarding the launch of a TV channel dedicated generally to gambling. 2BCOM and ALL-IN ADV are both subsidiaries of De Agostini S.p.A. and are therefore considered related parties of GTECH. The venture is not considered significant to GTECH's business.
F-159
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
34. Related party disclosures (Continued)
Compensation of Key Management Personnel
The amounts recognized as expense during the year related to key management personnel are as follows:
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Short-term employee benefits |
9,457 | 7,840 | 7,424 | |||||||
Share-based payments |
4,726 | 7,632 | 4,249 | |||||||
Post-employment benefits |
292 | 248 | 232 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
14,475 | 15,720 | 11,905 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
35. Commitments and contingencies
Acquisitions in the Italy segment
The Company has made a number of acquisitions in the Italy segment consisting of strategic investments to exploit growth opportunities in the Sports Betting and Machine Gaming markets. Some of these acquisitions include provisions for the payment of contingent consideration if certain wager or network performance conditions are achieved. Contingent consideration of €0.3 million and €2.7 million was paid during 2013 and 2012, respectively. If the performance conditions continue to be achieved, the Company expects to pay the following additional amounts:
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Within one year |
722 | 461 | |||||
After one year but not more than five years |
472 | 1,057 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
1,194 | 1,518 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The Company has a capital commitment to CLS-GTECH in the form of a non-interest bearing promissory note to be repaid at the discretion of the CLS-GTECH board of directors. At December 31, 2013, the outstanding commitment was US$3.8 million (€2.7 million at the December 31, 2013 exchange rate), which is included in current financial liabilities in our consolidated statement of financial position.
On August 28, 2008, the Company entered into a 20-year contract with Loto Real Del Cibao, C.X.A. ("Loto Real") to be the exclusive technology provider to Loto Real for an online lottery system, terminals, and future commercial services and other gaming opportunities in the Dominican Republic. The contract has a provision that allows the Company the right to acquire 35% of the outstanding capital of Loto Real within sixty days after receiving audited financial statements and applicable due diligence for the year ended December 31, 2012 at a price equal to 4.5 times calendar 2012 EBITDA.
F-160
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
35. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
The Company received audited financial statements on April 23, 2013 and upon completion of applicable due diligence, did not exercise its right to acquire 35% of the outstanding capital of Loto Real.
In December 2013, the Company invested €19.8 million in Yeonama Holdings Co. Limited ("Yeonama"), a shareholder in Emma Delta Limited ("Emma Delta"), the fund that holds a 33% interest in OPAP S.A., the Greek gaming and football betting operator. At December 31, 2013, the Company had a commitment to invest up to an additional €10.2 million in Yeonama, representing a total potential €30 million investment, or an approximate 5% indirect minority interest in Emma Delta.
Guarantees and indemnifications
In January 2011, Northstar Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar"), a consortium in which GTECH Corporation holds an 80% controlling interest, entered into a 10-year agreement (the "Illinois Agreement"), subject to early termination provisions, with the State of Illinois, acting through the Department of the Lottery (as the statutory successor to the Department of Revenue, Lottery Division (the "State")). Under the Illinois Agreement, Northstar, subject to the State's oversight, manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions.
The State may terminate the Illinois Agreement early under several scenarios such as (a) for convenience with a 90 day notice, (b) for a change in control of Northstar not approved by the State, (c) under an "Event of Default" (as such term is defined in the Illinois Agreement) by Northstar, or (d) in the event that Net Income Shortfall (as defined below) is more than 10% of the applicable Net Income Targets (as defined below) for any consecutive two contract year period, or any three contract years in a five contract year period. Should the State terminate the Illinois Agreement for convenience, the State would be obligated to pay Northstar a termination fee based on the terms outlined in the Illinois Agreement. Northstar may also terminate the Illinois Agreement under limited circumstances, as described in the Illinois Agreement.
As compensation for its management services, Northstar receives reimbursement of certain operating expenses, which is recorded as service revenue in the consolidated income statement. Northstar is also entitled to receive annual incentive compensation to the extent the net income earned by the State in a given fiscal year (as adjusted for certain expenses that the State has agreed to retain; hereinafter "Adjusted Net Income") exceeds the State established net income levels ("Net Income Levels") for such fiscal year. Under the terms of the Illinois Agreement, Northstar may request adjustments to Net Income Levels and Net Income Targets (as defined below) in the event that the State acts (or fails to act) in a manner the effect of which is reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the State's Adjusted Net Income and Northstar's ability to earn and collect incentive compensation. The State may also request adjustments to Net Income Levels and Net Income Targets should there be a material change in the gaming environment.
In its bid, Northstar guaranteed the State a minimum level of Adjusted Net Income ("Net Income Targets") for each fiscal year of the Illinois Agreement commencing with the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2012. Northstar has proposed to the State Net Income Targets for each of the first seven fiscal years of the Illinois Agreement, with the remaining three fiscal years to be proposed during the State's
F-161
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
35. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
and Northstar's annual budget process. As described above and pursuant to the terms of the Illinois Agreement, Northstar may request adjustments to Net Income Levels and Net Income Targets. Under the terms of the Illinois Agreement, to the extent that Adjusted Net Income in a given fiscal year falls short of the Net Income Target in such fiscal year (such shortfall, a "Net Income Shortfall"), the Illinois Agreement provides a formula to determine the amount that Northstar owes the State ("Shortfall Payment").
The incentive compensation Northstar may earn can be reduced by a Shortfall Payment in the event Northstar's performance does not achieve the Net Income Target it has guaranteed. For each fiscal year, Northstar may receive from the State incentive compensation net of Shortfall Payments ("Net Incentive Compensation") or Northstar will pay the State a Shortfall Payment net of any incentive compensation earned ("Net Shortfall Payment"). The annual Net Incentive Compensation or the Net Shortfall Payment may not exceed 5% of Adjusted Net Income for such fiscal year.
The Illinois Agreement provides for a resolution process to resolve disputes between Northstar and the State. In November 2012, Northstar and the State received a final determination from a third-party neutral for certain disputes. The third party neutral's final determination entitled Northstar to several downward adjustments to Net Income Targets totaling $28.4 million (€20.6 million at the December 31, 2013 exchange rate) for the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 and $2.9 million (€2.1 million at the December 31, 2013 exchange rate) for the State's fiscal year ended June 30, 2013. Under the terms of the Illinois Agreement, any adjustment by a third-party neutral that is less than 5% of Net Income Targets, as is the case with each of these adjustments, is binding on the parties. Other matters that could impact Net Income Levels and Net Income Targets identified by the parties are yet to be resolved.
A fundamental disagreement exists between Northstar and the State regarding the methodology used by the State to calculate Net Income. The State's methodology to calculate Net Income remains unclear and is inconsistent with the methodology used by the Lottery's independent auditors in the audited financial statements. As a result of such disagreement, on August 16, 2013, Northstar formally requested a downward adjustment to each of the Net Income Levels and Net Income Target for fiscal year 2012. This was one of the several adjustments that will be part of the non-binding mediation process referred to below.
In addition to the above disputes, Northstar has proposed several additional downward adjustments to the Net Income Levels and/or Net Income Targets in multiple fiscal years for various State actions, each of which Northstar believes is reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Adjusted Net Income and Northstar's ability to earn and collect incentive compensation. Further, the State has proposed several upward adjustments to the Net Income Levels and the Net Income Targets for each of the first five fiscal years of the Illinois Agreement for what the State believes are material changes in the gaming environment. The parties attempted to resolve the adjustments through the non-binding mediation process contemplated by the Illinois Agreement. The parties met in November 2013 with a mediator in an attempt to resolve outstanding differences but no agreement was reached. The parties continue to discuss a potential resolution of the unresolved downward and upward adjustments. If the parties remain unsuccessful, then resolution of the unresolved adjustments are subject to the determination of an independent third party neutral.
Despite the matters to be resolved, Northstar's best estimate of its Net Shortfall Payment obligations to the State as of December 31, 2013 related to the first three fiscal years of the Illinois
F-162
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
35. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
Agreement remains the same as previously recorded by the Company in the second quarter of 2013, at approximately $42 million (€30.5 million at the December 31, 2013 exchange rate). This amount is included in other current liabilities, with an offset to other non-current assets, in our consolidated statement of financial position. Assuming that Northstar is successful in its claims for adjustments, it currently expects to be in a Net Incentive Compensation position for the State's fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 through the end of the contract.
As stated above, a fundamental disagreement exists between Northstar and the State regarding several unresolved disputes. The State claims that Northstar's Net Shortfall Payment obligation for the State's fiscal year 2012 is $21.8 million. Northstar strongly disagrees with the State's assessment, including the methodology used in certain of its Adjusted Net Income calculations. If Northstar is successful in its claims for adjustments, based on Northstar's interpretation of the Illinois Agreement, Northstar believes that the Adjusted Net Income for the State's fiscal year 2012 could result in Net Incentive Compensation to Northstar. However, on August 1, 2013, the State submitted written notification to Northstar that the State would offset the amount owed against outstanding payables to Northstar pursuant to the Illinois Agreement. Subsequently, on August 8, 2013, the State offset the $21.8 million against its payment to Northstar. On March 11, 2014, the State submitted written notification to Northstar stating that Northstar's Net Shortfall Payment obligation for the State's fiscal year 2013 is $38.6 million, and that the State will offset this amount against outstanding payables to Northstar. The State provided no explanation as to the methodology used for determining Net Income to arrive at such Net Shortfall Payment amount. Northstar believes that the State's calculation for fiscal year 2013 results in a Net Shortfall Payment limited to 5% of Adjusted Net Income and is included in Northstar's $42 million Net Shortfall Payment estimate.
In October 2012, GTECH Indiana, LLC ("GTECH Indiana"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GTECH Corporation, entered into a 15-year agreement (the "Indiana Agreement"), with the State Lottery Commission of Indiana (the "State") that ends June 30, 2028, subject to early termination provisions, with transition services that commenced immediately, and with full services that began on July 1, 2013. Under the Indiana Agreement, GTECH Indiana manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions subject to the State's control over all significant business decisions. The Indiana Agreement may be extended through June 30, 2038, with such extensions based on economic performance metrics identified in the Indiana Agreement.
The State may terminate the Indiana Agreement early under several scenarios such as (a) for convenience with a 90 day notice, (b) for a change in control of GTECH Indiana not approved by the State, (c) under an event of default by GTECH Indiana, or (d) in the event that Net Income Shortfalls (as defined below) equal more than 10% of the applicable Bid Net Income (as defined below) for any consecutive two contract year periods, or any three contract years in a five contract year period. Should the State terminate the Indiana Agreement for convenience, the State would be obligated to pay GTECH Indiana a termination fee based on the terms outlined in the Indiana Agreement. GTECH Indiana may also terminate the Indiana Agreement under limited circumstances, as described in the Indiana Agreement.
F-163
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
35. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
Commencing with the contract year starting July 1, 2013, to the extent that the actual net income earned by the State each year exceeds the net income guaranteed by GTECH Indiana for such year ("Bid Net Income"), GTECH Indiana will earn incentive compensation for each dollar in excess of Bid Net Income, up to an annual maximum of 5% of the actual net income earned by the State in such contract year. In the event actual net income is less than Bid Net Income in a contract year ("Net Income Shortfall"), GTECH Indiana will be required to pay the State for such Net Income Shortfall, provided that the Net Income Shortfall payment may not exceed 5% of Bid Net Income in such contract year.
GTECH Indiana receives reimbursement for certain costs in connection with the Indiana Agreement, including those related to managing the lottery such as its personnel costs and other overhead expenses, as well as lottery expenses incurred by GTECH Indiana for fees paid to subcontractors for the provision of goods and services. These reimbursements are recorded as service revenue in the consolidated income statement.
As of December 31, 2013, management's best estimate is that the financial impact of a Net Income Shortfall is not material, and therefore the Company has not recorded any amounts in its consolidated financial statements related to the guarantee.
Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC
On June 20, 2013, Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar NJ"), a consolidated joint venture in which GTECH Corporation indirectly holds an approximate 41% interest, entered into an agreement (the "New Jersey Agreement") with the State of New Jersey (the "State"), Department of the Treasury, Division of Purchase and Property and Division of Lottery (the "Division of Lottery"), which ends June 30, 2029, subject to early termination provisions, with transition services commencing immediately, and with base services that began on October 1, 2013. Under the New Jersey Agreement, Northstar NJ manages a wide range of the Division of Lottery's marketing, sales and related functions, which is subject to the Division of Lottery's continuing control and oversight over the conduct of lottery operations.
The State may terminate the New Jersey Agreement early under several scenarios such as (a) for convenience with a 90 day notice, (b) for a change in control of Northstar NJ not approved by the State, (c) under an event of default by Northstar NJ, or (d) in the event that Net Income Shortfalls (as defined below) equal more than 10% of the applicable net income targets (as defined below) for any consecutive two contract year periods, or any three contract years in a five contract year period. Should the State terminate the New Jersey Agreement for convenience, the State would be obligated to pay Northstar NJ a termination fee based on the terms outlined in the New Jersey Agreement. Northstar NJ may also terminate the New Jersey Agreement under limited circumstances, as described in the New Jersey Agreement.
To the extent that the net income earned by the Division of Lottery each year exceeds the base level income for such year set by the Division of Lottery, Northstar NJ will earn incentive compensation that is awarded based on various levels of performance, up to an annual maximum of 5% of the actual net income earned by the Division of Lottery in such year. The incentive compensation that Northstar NJ may earn in an applicable year under the New Jersey Agreement could be reduced by a Net Income Shortfall (defined below) in the event Northstar NJ's performance does not achieve the net income target it guaranteed for the applicable year. Northstar NJ will be responsible for
F-164
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
35. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
payments to the Division of Lottery, based on a formula provided by the New Jersey Agreement, should net income targets set forth in Northstar NJ's bid are not achieved (a "Net Income Shortfall"), and to the extent that such Net Income Shortfall amounts exceed incentive compensation earned by Northstar NJ in such contract year, with any such payment further subject to a cap of 2% of the applicable contract year's actual net income (a "Net Income Shortfall Payment"). Further, over the term of the New Jersey Agreement, Northstar NJ has a credit of up to $20 million (€14.5 million at the December 31, 2013 exchange rate), which is available to offset any Net Income Shortfall Payment due to the Division of Lottery.
Northstar NJ receives reimbursement monthly for certain manager and operating expenses, including personnel costs and other overhead expenses. Certain costs, which include fees to subcontractors, including GTECH Corporation (for online and instant ticket services to be provided to Northstar NJ) and Scientific Games International, Inc. (for instant ticket and other related services to be provided to Northstar NJ), are also reimbursed to Northstar NJ by the State. Third-party reimbursements are recorded as service revenue in the consolidated income statement.
Northstar NJ made a $120 million (€91.7 million at the acquisition date) payment to the Division of Lottery upon execution of the New Jersey Agreement, and it has committed to ensuring that 30% of total revenues accruing from lottery ticket sales will be transferred to State institutions and State aid for education on an annual basis. The 2% downside cap and $20 million (€14.5 million at the December 31, 2013 exchange rate) credit set forth above are not applicable with respect to Northstar NJ's 30% contribution requirement.
As of December 31, 2013, management's best estimate is that the financial impact of a Net Income Shortfall is not material, and therefore the Company has not recorded any amounts in its consolidated financial statements related to the guarantee.
Loxley GTECH Technology Co., LTD guarantee
The Company has a 49% interest in Loxley GTECH Technology Co., LTD ("LGT"), which is accounted for as an asset held for sale with a de minimis value. LGT is a joint venture that was formed to provide an online lottery system in Thailand.
At December 31, 2013, the Company guaranteed, along with the 51% shareholder in LGT, performance bonds from trade finance facilities made to LGT by an unrelated commercial lender. The Company is jointly and severally liable with the other shareholder in LGT for this guarantee. There is no scheduled termination date for the Company's guarantee obligation. At December 31, 2013, the maximum amount guaranteed and outstanding is Baht 375 million (€8.3 million).
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania indemnification
GTECH Corporation will indemnify the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and any related state agencies for claims made relating to the state's approval of GTECH Corporation's manufacturer's license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
F-165
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
35. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
In connection with certain contracts and procurements, we have been required to deliver performance bonds for the benefit of our customers and bid and litigation bonds for the benefit of potential customers, respectively. These bonds give the beneficiary the right to obtain payment and/or performance from the issuer of the bond if certain specified events occur. In the case of performance bonds, which generally have a term of one year, such events include our failure to perform our obligations under the applicable contract. We are required to indemnify the bond issuers against costs they would incur if a beneficiary exercises their rights, although we do not currently anticipate any exercise of these rights. The following table provides information related to potential commitments for bonds outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in thousands of euros):
|
Total bonds | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Performance bonds |
266,126 | |||
Litigation bonds |
28,602 | |||
All other bonds |
1,694 | |||
| | | | |
|
296,422 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under operating leases that expire at various dates through 2027. Certain of these leases have escalation clauses and renewal options. We are generally required to pay all maintenance costs, taxes and insurance premiums relating to our leased assets. There are no restrictions placed upon us by entering into these leases.
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Within one year |
34,776 | 26,099 | |||||
After one year but not more than five years |
69,327 | 66,381 | |||||
More than five years |
9,690 | 16,151 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
113,793 | 108,631 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Rental expense for operating leases was €30.3 million and €27.7 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
World Headquarters finance lease
The Company has a finance lease for the GTECH world headquarters facility in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. GTECH has the right to cancel the lease after June 30, 2023 if its facilities
F-166
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
35. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
management contract with the State of Rhode Island is not renewed, in exchange for a termination fee equal to six months of base rent plus operating expenses. The lease includes two ten year extension options. GTECH has the unilateral right to extend the lease under the two extension options under the same terms as in the base term. The lease contains a restriction which does not allow GTECH to assign the lease or sublease its portion of the building without the lessor's approval, which is not to be unreasonably withheld. As of December 31, 2013, GTECH had no sublease arrangements.
Future minimum lease payments under the World Headquarters finance lease together with the present value of the minimum lease payments are as follows:
|
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Minimum
Payments |
Present
Value of Payments |
Minimum
Payments |
Present
Value of Payments |
|||||||||
Within one year |
2,291 | 927 | 2,350 | 852 | |||||||||
After one year but not more than five years |
9,610 | 5,039 | 9,855 | 4,684 | |||||||||
More than five years |
14,103 | 11,413 | 17,324 | 13,481 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current |
23,713 | 16,452 | 27,179 | 18,165 | |||||||||
Total minimum lease payments |
26,004 | 17,379 | 29,529 | 19,017 | |||||||||
Less amounts representing finance charges |
(8,625 | ) | | (10,512 | ) | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Present value of minimum lease payments |
17,379 | 17,379 | 19,017 | 19,017 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the net carrying amount of the World Headquarters finance lease asset is €11.9 million and €13.7 million, respectively, which is included in property, plant and equipment, net in the consolidated statements of financial position. The carrying amount of the liability is recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position as follows:
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Non-current financial liabilities |
16,452 | 18,165 | |||||
Current financial liabilities |
927 | 852 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Present value of minimum lease payments |
17,379 | 19,017 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Communication equipment finance leases
The Company has finance leases for certain communication equipment that expire between 2019 and 2022. The leases have terms of renewal, options to purchase the equipment and there are no escalation clauses. There are no restrictions placed upon us by entering into these leases.
F-167
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
35. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
Future minimum lease payments under the communication equipment finance leases together with the present value of the minimum lease payments are as follows:
|
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Minimum
Payments |
Present
Value of Payments |
Minimum
Payments |
Present
Value of Payments |
|||||||||
Within one year |
1,984 | 1,245 | 1,955 | 1,163 | |||||||||
After one year but not more than five years |
7,937 | 5,882 | 7,674 | 5,333 | |||||||||
More than five years |
5,226 | 4,735 | 7,265 | 6,394 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current |
13,163 | 10,617 | 14,939 | 11,727 | |||||||||
Total minimum lease payments |
15,147 | 11,862 | 16,894 | 12,890 | |||||||||
Less amounts representing finance charges |
(3,285 | ) | | (4,004 | ) | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Present value of minimum lease payments |
11,862 | 11,862 | 12,890 | 12,890 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the net carrying amount of the communication equipment finance lease assets are €11.5 million and €12.8 million, respectively, which is included in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net in the consolidated statements of financial position. The carrying amount of the liability is recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position as follows:
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Non-current financial liabilities |
10,617 | 11,727 | |||||
Current financial liabilities |
1,245 | 1,163 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Present value of minimum lease payments |
11,862 | 12,890 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The Company has finance leases for certain point of sale equipment that expire in 2017. There are no restrictions placed upon us by entering into these leases.
Future minimum lease payments under the point of sale finance leases together with the present value of the minimum lease payments are as follows:
|
December 31, 2013 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
Minimum
Payments |
Present
Value of Payments |
|||||
Within one year |
6,286 | 5,651 | |||||
After one year but not more than five years |
18,857 | 16,952 | |||||
More than five years |
| | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Non-current |
18,857 | 16,952 | |||||
Total minimum lease payments |
25,143 | 22,603 | |||||
Less amounts representing finance charges |
(2,540 | ) | | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Present value of minimum lease payments |
22,603 | 22,603 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-168
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
35. Commitments and contingencies (Continued)
At December 31, 2013, the net carrying amount of the point of sale finance lease assets are €22.6 million which is included in systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts, net in the consolidated statement of financial position. The carrying amount of the liability is recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position as follows:
(thousands of euros)
|
December 31,
2013 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Non-current financial liabilities |
16,952 | |||
Current financial liabilities |
5,651 | |||
| | | | |
Present value of minimum lease payments |
22,603 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
Sale and Leaseback Transaction
GTECH sold its technology center facility in December 2006 and entered into a sale-leaseback agreement with the new owners that expires in November 2019, including renewal options but no escalation clause.
The lease is accounted for as an operating lease and future minimum lease payments are included in the operating leases section above.
36. Financial risk management objectives and policies
Our principal financial instruments, other than derivatives, are comprised of debt and cash and cash equivalents. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to fund the capital needs of the Company's operations. We have various other financial assets and liabilities, such as trade receivables and trade payables, which arise directly from operations.
The primary risk inherent in our financial instruments is the market risk arising from adverse changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We enter into derivative transactions, including principally interest rate swaps and forward currency contracts, for the purpose of managing interest rate and currency risks arising from our operations and its sources of financing. It is, and has been throughout the year, our policy not to engage in currency or interest rate speculation. Our accounting policies regarding derivatives are set out in Note 3.15.
The Company's primary credit risk is derived from cash and trade accounts receivable balances. We maintain cash deposits and trade with only recognized, creditworthy third parties. We evaluate the collectibility of trade accounts and sales-type lease receivables on a customer-by-customer basis and we believe our reserves are adequate. A significant amount of our trade accounts receivable is from government lottery entities from which we have historically experienced insignificant write-offs. Trade accounts receivable are reported net of allowances for doubtful accounts and liquidated damages. Allowances for doubtful accounts are generally recorded when there is objective evidence we will not be able to collect the receivable. Uncollectible receivables are written off when all reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted and it is determined that there is minimal chance of any kind of recovery.
F-169
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
36. Financial risk management objectives and policies (Continued)
The Company does not have significant credit risk exposure to any single customer. Geographically, credit risk is concentrated in Italy. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, approximately 71% of total trade and other receivables, net are from Italy and approximately 69% and 49%, respectively of these receivables relate to our lottery instant ticket business.
With respect to credit risk arising from the other financial assets which comprise cash, available-for-sale financial investments, and certain derivative instruments, our exposure to credit risk arises from default of the counterparty, with a maximum exposure equal to the carrying amount of these instruments (see Note 13). We manage our exposure to counterparty credit risk by entering into financial instruments with major, financially sound counterparties with high-grade credit ratings, and by limiting exposure to any one counterparty.
The following is an analysis of the Company's past due financial assets which are comprised entirely of trade and other receivables, net of related allowance for doubtful accounts.
|
December 31,
2013 |
December 31,
2012 |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
€ | % | € | % | |||||||||
Current |
816,638 | 90.3 | % | 650,392 | 80.3 | % | |||||||
Past due: |
|||||||||||||
1 - 30 days |
40,950 | 4.5 | % | 121,890 | 15.1 | % | |||||||
31 - 60 days |
15,472 | 1.7 | % | 20,885 | 2.6 | % | |||||||
61 - 90 days |
4,206 | 0.5 | % | 7,376 | 0.9 | % | |||||||
Over 90 days |
26,982 | 3.0 | % | 9,351 | 1.2 | % | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
87,610 | 9.7 | % | 159,502 | 19.7 | % | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total trade and other receivables, net |
904,248 | 100.0 | % | 809,894 | 100.0 | % | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Balance at beginning of year |
(70,969 | ) | (74,612 | ) | |||
Provisions, net |
(12,279 | ) | (12,760 | ) | |||
Amounts written off as uncollectible |
10,693 | 16,383 | |||||
Foreign currency translation |
300 | (190 | ) | ||||
Other |
(8 | ) | 210 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at end of year (Note 16) |
(72,263 | ) | (70,969 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The Company's primary liquidity risk is derived from required debt service on debt and on-going working capital needs. The Company's objective in managing this risk is to maintain adequate liquidity and flexibility through the use of cash generated from operating activities and bank facilities. We
F-170
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
36. Financial risk management objectives and policies (Continued)
believe our ability to generate cash from operations to reinvest in our business is one of our fundamental financial strengths and combined with our committed borrowing capacity, we expect to meet our financial obligations and operating needs in the foreseeable future. We expect to use cash generated primarily from operating activities to meet contractual obligations, invest in our business and to pay dividends. Our future growth is expected to be financed through a combination of cash generated from operating activities, existing sources of committed liquidity, access to capital markets, and other sources of capital. Our corporate debt ratings of Baa3 (stable outlook) from Moody's Investors Service Inc. and BBB- (positive outlook) from Standard and Poor's Ratings Services contribute to our ability to access capital markets at attractive prices, therefore, we do not believe the Company is exposed to a significant concentration of liquidity risk.
The following tables set out the contractual maturities of the Company's financial liabilities based on contractual undiscounted payments:
For the year ended December 31, 2013
(thousands of euros)
|
Within
1 year |
1 - 2 years | 2 - 3 years | 3 - 4 years |
More than
4 years |
Total | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fixed rate |
|||||||||||||||||||
Capital Securities |
46,406 | | | | 750,000 | 796,406 | |||||||||||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
2,926 | | 750,000 | | | 752,926 | |||||||||||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
24,549 | | | | 500,000 | 524,549 | |||||||||||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
14,408 | | | | 500,000 | 514,408 | |||||||||||||
World Headquarters finance lease |
2,291 | 2,335 | 2,379 | 2,425 | 16,574 | 26,004 | |||||||||||||
Point of sale finance leases |
6,286 | 6,286 | 6,286 | 6,285 | | 25,143 | |||||||||||||
Communication equipment finance leases |
1,984 | 1,984 | 1,984 | 1,984 | 7,211 | 15,147 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
98,850 | 10,605 | 760,649 | 10,694 | 1,773,785 | 2,654,583 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Floating rate |
|||||||||||||||||||
Facilities |
127,423 | 152,273 | | | | 279,696 | |||||||||||||
Other |
1,158 | 147 | 147 | 73 | | 1,525 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
128,581 | 152,420 | 147 | 73 | | 281,221 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
227,431 | 163,025 | 760,796 | 10,767 | 1,773,785 | 2,935,804 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-171
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
36. Financial risk management objectives and policies (Continued)
For the year ended December 31, 2012
(thousands of euros)
|
Within
1 year |
1 - 2 years | 2 - 3 years | 3 - 4 years |
More than
4 years |
Total | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fixed rate |
|||||||||||||||||||
Capital Securities |
46,406 | | | | 750,000 | 796,406 | |||||||||||||
2009 Notes (due 2016) |
2,926 | | | 750,000 | | 752,926 | |||||||||||||
2010 Notes (due 2018) |
24,549 | | | | 500,000 | 524,549 | |||||||||||||
2012 Notes (due 2020) |
1,223 | | | | 500,000 | 501,223 | |||||||||||||
World Headquarters finance lease |
2,350 | 2,395 | 2,440 | 2,487 | 19,857 | 29,529 | |||||||||||||
Communication equipment finance leases |
1,955 | 1,918 | 1,918 | 1,918 | 9,185 | 16,894 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
79,409 | 4,313 | 4,358 | 754,405 | 1,779,042 | 2,621,527 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Floating rate |
|||||||||||||||||||
Facilities |
106,314 | 132,636 | 159,163 | | | 398,113 | |||||||||||||
Other |
1,160 | 569 | 189 | 147 | 73 | 2,138 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
107,474 | 133,205 | 159,352 | 147 | 73 | 400,251 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
186,883 | 137,518 | 163,710 | 754,552 | 1,779,115 | 3,021,778 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Our exposure to changes in market interest rates relates primarily to our net debt obligations with floating interest rates. Our definition of net debt is variable rate debt less variable rate cash investments. Our policy is to manage interest cost using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We use various techniques to mitigate the risks associated with future changes in interest rates, including entering into interest rate swap and treasury rate lock agreements. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were €150 million (notional value) in interest rate swaps and approximately 15% and 18% of our net debt portfolio was exposed to interest rate fluctuations at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The following demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, of the Company's income before income tax expense and equity associated with our floating rate debt over the next year:
|
Increase (decrease)
in basis points |
Effect on income
before income tax expense (€000s) |
Effect on
equity (€000s) |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2013 |
10 | (429 | ) | | ||||||
|
(10 | ) | 429 | | ||||||
2012 |
10 |
(548 |
) |
|
||||||
|
(10 | ) | 548 | |
F-172
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
36. Financial risk management objectives and policies (Continued)
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
As a result of significant operations worldwide, our consolidated statement of financial position can be affected significantly by movements in exchange rates due to the translation of foreign currency balance sheet accounts into euro balance sheet accounts. We also have transactional currency exposures arising from current and anticipated transactions denominated in currencies other than our functional currency, which is the euro. Translation amounts in other reserves (Note 17) in our consolidated statements of financial position are derived primarily from our US dollar functional currency subsidiaries.
We seek to manage our foreign exchange risk by securing payment from our customers in euros, by sharing risk with our customers, by utilizing foreign currency borrowings, by netting receipts and payments, and by entering into foreign currency forward and option contracts. In addition, a significant portion of the costs attributable to our foreign currency revenues are payable in the local currencies. In limited circumstances, but whenever possible, we negotiate clauses into our contracts that allow for price adjustments should a material change in foreign exchange rates occur.
From time to time, we enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts to reduce the exposure associated with certain firm commitments, variable service revenues, and certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, but we do not engage in foreign currency speculation. These contracts generally have average maturities of 12 months or less and are regularly renewed to provide continuing coverage throughout the year. It is our policy to negotiate the terms of the hedge derivatives to match the terms of the hedged item to maximize hedge effectiveness.
As of December 31, 2013, we had forward contracts for the sale of approximately US$352 million of foreign currency (primarily euro, British pounds, and Swedish krona) and the purchase of approximately US$501.4 million of foreign currency (primarily euro and Swedish krona). We also had foreign currency option contracts for the sale of approximately US$8.5 million and the purchase of approximately US$8.8 million.
As of December 31, 2012, we had forward contracts for the sale of approximately US$257.9 million of foreign currency (primarily euro, Swedish krona and British pounds) and the purchase of approximately US$445.8 million of foreign currency (primarily euro and Swedish krona). We also had foreign currency option contracts for the sale of approximately US$25.3 million and the purchase of approximately US$26.1 million.
The following demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in the euro to US dollar exchange rate, with all other variables held constant, of the Company's income before income tax expense and equity associated with our foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and foreign currency forward contracts:
|
Favorable
(unfavorable) change in exchange rate |
Effect on income
before income tax expense (€000s) |
Effect on
equity (€000s) |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2013 |
10 | % | 5,717 | 271,534 | ||||||
|
(10 | )% | (5,717 | ) | (271,534 | ) | ||||
2012 |
10 |
% |
4,568 |
287,720 |
||||||
|
(10 | )% | (4,568 | ) | (287,720 | ) |
F-173
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
36. Financial risk management objectives and policies (Continued)
Our exposure to commodity price changes is not considered material and is managed through our procurement and sales practices.
Hedging activities and derivatives
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to manage some of its transaction exposures and future foreign currency net cash flows that the Company expects to generate through its operations. These foreign currency forward contracts are not designated as cash flow, fair value, or net investment hedges and are typically matched with current transactions or forecasted foreign currency transactions to be derived from operations. The aggregate fair value loss of the contracts at December 31, 2013 was €0.6 million. The aggregate fair value of the contracts at December 31, 2012 was €1.3 million.
Foreign exchange contracts
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedges of future foreign currency net cash flows that the Company expects to generate through its operations. The terms of the contracts are typically matched with the forecasted foreign currency transactions to be derived from operations up to a period of 12 months. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the aggregate fair value loss of these contracts was €2.6 million and €1.0 million, respectively.
Net unrealized gains (losses) from foreign currency cash flow hedges of (€1.0) million, (€1.8) million and €2.1 million were included in other comprehensive income during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Net realized gains (losses) of €0.2 million, €1.1 million and (€1.0) million were reclassified from other comprehensive income and included in the income statement in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The amounts retained in other comprehensive income at December 31, 2013 are expected to mature and affect the income statement in 2014. Reclassification adjustments for gains included in the income statement and losses included in other comprehensive income are disclosed in Note 29.
Interest rate swaps
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not hold any interest rates swaps designated as cash flow hedges.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held €150 million notional amount of interest rate swaps ("swaps"), which were designated as hedges of fixed interest rates on the €750 million of senior notes due 2016 (the "2009 Notes"). These swaps effectively convert €150 million of the 2009 Notes fixed interest rate debt to variable rate debt. Under the terms of these swaps, the Company is required to make variable rate interest payments based on a 6 month floating Euribor plus a flat spread rate, and receives fixed interest payments from its counterparties based on a fixed rate of 5.375%. The Euribor rate resets on a semi-annual basis, but settlement occurs annually. Because these swaps convert
F-174
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
36. Financial risk management objectives and policies (Continued)
fixed rate debt to variable rate debt they are considered fair value hedges. With fair value hedges, both the swaps and the hedged item (the 2009 Notes) are recorded at fair value, with the offset being recorded in interest expense. The key terms of the fair value hedges are as follows:
|
December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Aggregate fair value | 10,569 | 14,841 | 9,748 | |||||||
6 month floating Euribor range |
|
|
2.572% - 2.612% |
|
|
2.582% - 2.622% |
|
|
3.937% - 3.977% |
|
Unrealized gain (loss) recorded on swaps |
|
|
(4,272 |
) |
|
5,093 |
|
|
6,567 |
|
Unrealized gain (loss) recorded on 2009 Notes | 4,198 | (4,920 | ) | (6,583 | ) |
Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held SEK 222.5 million and SEK 445.0 million (€25.1 million and €51.9 million at the December 31, 2013 and 2012 exchange rates, respectively) of foreign currency forward contracts designated as a hedge against the net investment in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Boss Media AB. At December 31, 2013 the aggregate fair value loss of these contracts was €0.2 million. At December 31, 2012, the aggregate fair value of these contracts was not material. At December 31, 2011, the contracts had an aggregate fair value loss of €1.5 million.
The primary goal of the Company's capital management strategy is to ensure strong credit ratings and healthy financial ratios in order to support its business while maximizing corporate value and reducing the Company's financial risks. We consider all equity and debt to be managed capital of the Company.
The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments based on long term strategy decisions in light of changes in economic conditions. Additionally, the Company seeks to preserve an optimal weighted average cost of capital and maintain sufficient financial flexibility to pursue growth opportunities. There were no changes in the objectives, policies, or processes during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
F-175
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
37. Supplemental cash flow information
Non-cash investing and financing activities are excluded from the consolidated statement of cash flows and are summarized as follows:
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of euros)
|
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Accrued systems, equipment and other assets related to contracts |
29,481 | 30,630 | 29,178 | |||||||
Accrued intangible assets |
4,437 | | | |||||||
Accrued property, plant and equipment |
570 | | 3,249 | |||||||
Communication equipment acquired under a finance lease |
| 1,573 | 7,573 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
34,488 | 32,203 | 40,000 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
38. Litigation
1. Lotto Game Concession: Lottomatica/AAMS Arbitration - Stanley International Betting Limited Appeal - Sisal Appeal
Pursuant to the arbitration clause set out in article 30 of the Lotto Concession, on January 24, 2005 Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (now GTECH S.p.A.) (hereinafter, "GTECH") initiated an arbitration proceeding to ascertain the effective initial date of said Concession. GTECH asked the Board of Arbitrators to ascertain and state that the initial starting date of the Lotto Concession was June 8, 1998 (the date on which the European Commission in Brussels notified the Italian Government that the infringement procedure no. 91/0619 was closed) and that, as a result, the final expiration date of the Lotto Concession is June 8, 2016. GTECH's conclusion had been confirmed by an opinion given by Professor Guarino and declared in the 2001 GTECH Listing Prospectus.
The Arbitration Award issued by the Board of Arbitrators accepted GTECH's request by lodging its award on August 1, 2005 stating that the Lotto Concession became operative only once the infringement procedure initiated by the European Commission was closed. In addition the Board of Arbitrators stated that during the European Litigation there was a so-called stand still period and that the approval by the European Commission was a so-called " condicio juris ". AAMS (now Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) ("ADM") challenged the Arbitration Award before the Rome Court of Appeal (pursuant to art. 828 of the Italian code of civil procedure) by serving a deed to defending counsel on December 15, 2005, and to GTECH on December 30, 2005.
Stanley International Betting Limited ("Stanley") intervened in the appeal, seeking the annulment of the Arbitration Award issued on August 1, 2005.
The closing hearing was held on October 6, 2011. On March 6, 2012, the Rome Court of Appeal rejected the appeal presented by ADM against the arbitration award of August 1, 2005 that had ascertained that the initial starting date for the Lotto Concession was June 8, 1998 and that, consequently, the final expiration date of the Lotto Concession is June 8, 2016.
On May 29, 2012, ADM notified GTECH of its appeal before the Supreme Court of Cassation seeking the annulment of the ruling issued by the Rome Court of Appeal. The ADM appeal is based
F-176
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
38. Litigation (Continued)
on the assumption that such ruling would be invalid for lack of motivation because the Court of Appeal, rejecting all arguments filed by ADM, failed to explain the grounds of its judgment.
In addition, on May 28, 2012, Stanley provided notice of its appeal before the Supreme Court of Cassation, asking for the annulment of the part of the ruling issued by the Rome Court of Appeal that ordered Stanley to pay, jointly and severally with ADM, the litigation costs, and of the part of the ruling that declared inadmissible Stanley's intervention in the judgment.
GTECH filed its defense against the ADM and Stanley appeals, seeking that they be found inadmissible and groundless and asking the Supreme Court of Cassation to confirm the Court of Appeal ruling. GTECH also filed an appeal asking the Court of Cassation for a new examination. On October 21, 2013, after the close of the third quarter, the Company was served with the decree setting the date of the hearing for December 11, 2013. On February 3, 2014 by decision n. 2323/14, the Supreme Court of Cassation definitively rejected all of ADM's arguments and declared inadmissible Stanley's intervention in the judgment.
Stanley International Betting Limited Appeal - Sisal Appeal
On June 18, 2007 Stanley served upon ADM and GTECH a summons before TAR of Lazio seeking the annulment and/or the non-application of the note of April 19, 2007, as well as the acts of the Lotto Concession, in connection with which ADM, on the assumption that the Concession is still in force in favor of GTECH, has rejected the request of the plaintiff's co-management of the service of the Lotto. Similar summons were also served by Sisal S.p.A., which also intervened in the appeal of Stanley Betting. GTECH appeared in the proceeding and demanded the dismissal of appeals.
TAR of Lazio rejected the two appeals for procedural reasons. Notice of the judgment of the TAR of Lazio was provided by GTECH to both Sisal and Stanley on June 24, 2010. Stanley Betting appealed against the decision before the Council of State (Consiglio di Stato) and GTECH appeared in the proceeding while Sisal did not, and so for that company the term for the appeal expired on October 8, 2010 (60 days from notification). The decision is now final for Sisal.
Stanley's appeal was discussed before the Council of State at a hearing on December 4, 2012. In the ruling lodged on January 7, 2013, the Council of State rejected the appeal filed by Stanley, stating that the note of April 2007 was not an administrative deed, and decided to postpone the decision regarding the duration of the Lotto Concession until after the decision of the Supreme Court of Cassation on the same issue. (See the previous discussion of GTECH's appeal.) Thus the proceeding before the Council of State shall be resumed within 60 days of the decision by the Court of Cassation.
Stanley has also presented an administrative appeal before the President of the Republic (Ricorso straordinario al Capo dello Stato) against ADM decrees of January 23, 2013 and March 14, 2013 regarding the introduction of remote collection of Lotto, based on the same issues and bases of the appeal on illegitimacy of the Lotto concession renewal. On July 12, 2013, GTECH requested a discussion of this administrative appeal before the administrative judge with a specific act of notice to ADM and Stanley. Stanley has resumed the appeal before TAR Lazio but the hearing date has not yet been set.
F-177
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
38. Litigation (Continued)
2. "LAS VEGAS" Instant Lottery Petition
Non-winning "Las Vegas" instant lottery (Scratch & Win) tickets have been presented to the Consorzio Lotterie Nazionali ("Consorzio") for payment starting in April 2006.
As of December 31, 2013, the Consorzio received petitions and requests for injunctive payments for alleged prizes and liquidated damages, for a total sum of about €5.7 million. There have also been numerous requests for out-of-court payments with the same demand.
The claims relate to:
a) payment of prizes for non-winning tickets. In particular, the players claim that, according to their interpretation of the Rules of the games established by Decree of the Ministry of Economy and Finance dated February 16, 2005, the amounts corresponding to the prizes listed in the various areas of the game tickets are to be paid every time the cards from 10 to K appear assuming that these cards have the same value. The Consorzio considers unfounded the claims of the applicants, being contrary to the Rules of the games that are explicit regarding the qualification of the winning ticket; and
b) claims for damages, since the Consorzio, following the bulk of the judgments undertaken by players referred to in subparagraph a), has released a series of tickets bearing the words "The card K, Q, J, A have different scores" and so changing the rules. Consorzio contends that the wording inserted later on tickets released for sale is merely a clarification, not an amendment.
The Consorzio filed its appeals against the unfavorable rulings and many of the appeal judgments were already issued in favor of the Consorzio by the Courts, overruling the first degree judgments made by the "Judges of the Peace" and ordering the reimbursement of the sums paid by the Consorzio. The Consorzio has initiated the procedures necessary for the recovery of said sums.
3. TOTOBIT - Navale Assicurazione Arbitration
Totobit Informatica Software e Sistemi S.p.A. ("Totobit"), a subsidiary of GTECH S.p.A., within the scope of its business activities enters into contracts regarding IT services (cellular phone top-ups) with third party retailers.
On January 23, 2002 Totobit executed with Navale Assicurazioni S.p.A. an insurance policy in order to guarantee the fulfillment of payment obligations under the corresponding contracts regarding the above mentioned activities performed by the retailers. The insurance policy had a 3 year duration beginning from January 28, 2002. According to the policy provisions, any breach on the part of the retailers may be reported by Totobit to Navale Assicurazioni within and not later than 3 months of the policy's annual expiration; the guarantee outside this deadline would no longer be valid.
On November 22, 2004 Navale Assicurazioni sent Totobit a notice informing the same that the policy would be terminated effective as of January 28, 2005, thus blocking the settlement of claims allegedly reported late by Totobit for a total of €1.5 million. In view of said missed payment, the arbitration proceeding was initiated on November 8, 2005.
The Arbitration Board approved the expert witness Mr. Enrico Proia to make a technical-accounting review of the documents produced by Totobit on request by Navale Assicurazioni.
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On January 22, 2007 the Arbitration Award partly accepted the requests made by Totobit and ruled Navale Assicurazioni S.p.A. to pay the sum of €239,811.66. The amount referred exclusively to enforcement actions prior to April 28, 2005. The Arbitration Award partly accepted the counterclaim of Navale Assicurazioni S.p.A. regarding some requests of payment made by Totobit and for this reason ordered Totobit to pay the sum of €200,654.19.
Totobit and its counsels filed the appeal against the arbitration award. At the June 6, 2008 hearing the Court of Appeals of Rome set the pre-trial evidentiary hearing to November 18, 2011. Due to the replacement of the reporting judge, the hearing was postponed to January 25, 2013, and has since been further postponed to April 11, 2014.
4. Request for Conclusions from the Audit Department on the Setting-Up and Operation of a Screen-Based Gaming Management Network
On June 1, 2007, the Regional Public Prosecutor of the Government Audit Department (Corte dei Conti) served Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A. ("Videolot") and all other nine concessionaires, an invitation to submit their briefs with regard to an investigation on possible damages to the State Treasury.
The Regional Prosecutor contested that Videolot, in conjunction with some ADM officials, inaccurately did not fulfill a number of obligations relating to the concession and failed to comply with certain service levels.
The damage to the State Treasury supposedly caused by Videolot, in conjunction with said ADM officials, was alleged to add up to approximately €4.0 billion.
On January 8, 2008, the Regional Public Prosecutor for the Audit Department served notice to Videolot regarding the charges brought forth which partially reduced the penalties to approximately €3 billion, breaking down to:
In the meantime, in the proceeding before the Audit Department, Videolot filed before the Supreme Court a motion whether the application of the penalties provided for the concession fall within the "administrative reserve" of ADM in order to confirm the Audit Department's jurisdiction. On December 4, 2009 the Supreme Court declared the jurisdiction to be that of the Audit Department. After the judgment of the Supreme Court, Videolot was notified of the resumption of the proceedings before the Audit Department.
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With a partial ruling and order notified to Videolot on November 17, 2010, the Auditors Court sued Sogei and appointed Digit PA as consultant. Sogei filed an appeal against such a partial decision and consequently all of the 10 concessionaires filed their partial appeal against the ruling by asking for a dismissal of the case. Videolot filed its appeal against the same partial decision requesting its annulment, asserting that the ruling issued by the Auditors Court is affected by various flaws, asserting also that no damages arising from SLA breaches of the Concession exist and denouncing that the liquidated damages requested by the Auditors Court are an illegal duplication with the fines claimed by ADM against the concessionaires.
Regarding the main proceeding, Digit PA filed its report and the final hearing was held on November 24, 2011.
On February 17, 2012 the Audit Government Department, Lazio Regional Office, handed down the first ruling against all 10 Italian gaming machine concessionaires. The Audit Department quantified Videolot's responsibility at €100 million.
On May 4, 2012, Videolot filed its appeal against the court ruling (which appeal suspends the ruling by law), requesting its annulment for the same reasons presented in the appeal against the partial decision mentioned above and because the ruling does not take into consideration numerous and essential elements contained in the report filed by Digit PA favorable to the concessionaires. Further, the ruling does not in any way recognize that there is evidence of loss of revenue for the State because Videolot has always consistently stated and demonstrated the full compliance of its business and operations management and has always paid PREU.
The same ruling was also appealed by the Regional Prosecutor, ADM management and other concessionaires, including HBG, Cirsa Italia, Gmatica, Codere Network and SNAI. In particular, the Regional Prosecutor in his appeal claimed that the liability of the concessionaires is not attributable to gross negligence, but to a willful misconduct, and that liquidated damages should consider also the damages related to all the higher costs and waste of resources resulting from violation of the principles of legality, efficiency and productivity. For the above reasons the Regional Prosecutor, in his appeal, asked to order the parties to pay the above higher costs, to be added to the responsibility calculated by the Audit Department and to be determined as follows: (i) 1% of the amounts requested by the Regional Prosecutor in the notice served on January 2008 (for Videolot, 30,000,000.00 Euros); or (ii) not less than 50% of the responsibility quantified by the Audit Department ruling issued on March 2012 (for Videolot, 50,000,000.00 Euros).
On August 31, 2013, the Italian Government issued an emergency law (IMU Decree no. 102/2013) allowing the concessionaires the opportunity to settle any first decree ruling of the Audit Department (the "Court") by offering a payment of a minimum of 25% of the amount assessed in the first decree ruling.
On October 15, 2013, after the close of the third quarter of 2013,Videolot filed a request according to the above-mentioned emergency decree. At the October 30 th hearing, the Court decided to accept the request filed by Videolot by increasing the amount due to 30% (the maximum amount allowed by law), with a deadline for payment set on November 15, 2013. The decision was published on November 4 th .
On October 29, 2013, the emergency decree was converted into law with amendments allowing a settlement by paying an amount equal to 20% of the first decree ruling, provided that the settlement
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request was submitted together with the payment confirmation before November 4 th and that the Court decision had already been issued and was positive. Considering the above, Videolot submitted a new request asking for settlement at 20%. The case was decided at a hearing on November 8, 2013, at which the Court rejected the new request for settlement and confirmed the previous one rendered on October 30, 2013, setting the date for final closure of the judgment on January 31, 2014. At this final hearing, the Court, having checked the correctness of the payment, declared the closure of the judgment with decision n. 52/2014 on February 7, 2014. With regard to the total €30 million paid for the settlement as explained above, Videolot considered such a settlement amount deductible for tax purposes. Given the specific nature of such settlement, Videolot received an external third party legal opinion which substantially confirmed its position.
On April 24, 2013 another hearing was held for the discussion of the appeal filed by Videolot against the court order issued by the Audit Department on June 3, 2010. With such court order, the Audit Department rejected the action filed by Videolot on May 25, 2012, in order to obtain a declaration that the legal action brought by the Prosecutor of the Audit Department was void pursuant to Art. No. 17, par. 30 of Law no. 102/2009 which provides that "the Prosecutor of the Audit Department is entitled to bring a legal action to the extent that the damage was the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct and after having obtained a specific and detailed notice of damage". The decision, published on July 29, 2013, rejected the appeal filed by Videolot recognizing the existence of a "specific and detailed notice of damage" and the lawfulness of the Prosecutor's action.
In parallel with the proceedings before the Audit Department, Videolot also filed appeals before the administrative judge against ADM's request regarding penalties for the failure to comply with the obligations to complete the activation of the online network and the failure to comply with service levels.
The TAR of Lazio dismissed the motions filed by Videolot on November 30, 2009 and in January 2010 Videolot filed the appeal before the State Council. In rulings issued on August 22, 2011, the State Council upheld the appeals filed by Videolot. The Appeals Judge said that there was no damage (and in addition no proof of damage) and also considered that the breach of contract ascribed to the concessionaires did not have any impact on the eventual delay of the start of the public service under the concession.
On February 23, 2012, ADM notified Videolot of the definitive calculation of the fourth penalty, rejecting all the conclusions filed by Videolot and confirming the amount of €9,737,625.44. Videolot, considering that the ADM request is illegitimate, filed its appeal against the fourth penalty, asking to suspend the execution as a matter of law until the case is resolved.
On May 24, 2012 Tar Lazio issued a court order suspending the fourth penalty and setting the hearing for discussion on February 20, 2013. On June 17, 2013, the ruling was published annulling the ADM request regarding the fourth penalty, already suspended. On January 27, 2014, AAMS notified Videolot of an appeal against this ruling before the State Council. The hearing date has not yet been set. Videolot has filed its defense against the ADM appeal.
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5. Auditing Court - Judicial Account Appeals (years 2004-2005 and 2004-2009)
The Regional Public Prosecutor of the Auditing Court ("Corte dei Conti") served Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A ("Videolot") and the other nine concessionaires, a summons for the rendering of the judicial accounts related to 2004-2005 years.
Videolot appeared before the Court on March 2, 2009 by submitting a regulation of jurisdiction in order to challenge the Auditing Court's jurisdiction due to the fact that Videolot is not an accounting agent but a "fiscal passive subject" as so also qualified by the rules in PREU ("Prelievo Erariale Unico") sector.
On April 20, 2010 the Supreme Court of Cassation declared the jurisdiction of the Auditing Court.
On April 13, 2010 the Regional Prosecutor of the Auditing Court (irrespective of the fact that at that time was still pending the decision of the Supreme Court), having considered definitely expired the term for delivery of the rendering of accounts (May 2009), notified Videolot with a new summons ordering Videolot to pay a penalty of €80 million because of its failure to submit the rendering of account.
The hearing was held on October 7, 2010 after the parties filed their written defenses and also the judicial accounts related to 2004-2009 years duly approved by ADM.
With a ruling notified to Videolot on November 18, 2010, the Auditors Court rejected the instance of the Prosecutor and acquitted Videolot, ordering the liquidation of legal costs of €1,000 in favor of Videolot.
The Regional Prosecutor at the Auditors Court, on April 13, 2011, appealed the ruling of the Judicial Section of the Lazio Region Auditors Court which rejected, for gross negligence, the motion to rule negatively against Videolot for failing to pay the penalties as provided by Article 46 of Decree 1214 of 1934.
As of the date of this report, a hearing date was not yet set for the said appeal. It must be mentioned that the appeal has already been ruled on for other concessionaires. In these cases, the Court has reverted the decision of first degree and has ordered the concessionaires to pay a fine equal to 5,000.00 Euro.
On August 3, 2012 the Regional Prosecutor served Videolot with a Relation on the reliability of the judicial accounts related to the years 2004-2009 that were duly approved by ADM and submitted to Videolot in 2010. The reporting judge has determined the inability to verify the correctness of the judicial accounts due to the fact that according to the evidence of the ruling of the Audit Government Department in February 2012 (see previous litigation item 5), most of the amusement with prize machines were installed but not properly connected to the central system. On December 28, 2012, Videolot filed its brief and documents giving evidence of the correctness of the judicial accounts deposited and of the way the relevant amounts were calculated. ADM also filed a brief confirming the above. The hearing, originally set for January 17, 2013, was postponed to May 16, 2013 as a consequence of the opinion issued by the Auditors Court in relation to the new judicial account model that all concessionaires are required to examine.
In decision n. 447/2013, the Court ruled that the accounts produced cannot be considered as judicial accounts. The Regional Prosecutor must decide if there is some administrative responsibility.
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On January 31, 2014, Videolot filed its appeal against decision n. 447/2013. The hearing has been set for January 15, 2015.
6. Soggea vs. Lottomatica Scommesse
On October 17, 2012, Soggea S.p.A. served Lottomatica Scommesse, a wholly-owned GTECH subsidiary, with a summons before the Tribunal of Rome asking for damages equal to Euro 20,500,000. The claim is related to an agreement between Lottomatica Scommesse and Soggea in accordance with which Lottomatica Scommesse allowed Soggea to be part of its tournament circuit for online gaming and shared liquidity.
The agreement was executed by the parties on February 2, 2010 and Soggea entered into the Lottomatica Scommesse circuit "PokerClub" through its trademark "Joka". The agreement had a duration of 2 years with a renewal clause unless termination of the agreement was communicated by one party to the other. Lottomatica Scommesse, using the termination clause provided for in the agreement, terminated the agreement with effect in April 2012.
Soggea, following termination of the agreement, has asked the Tribunal to ascertain the legitimacy of the termination by Lottomatica Scommesse and to impose on Lottomatica Scommesse a payment of about €20,500,000 or as an alternative, a payment of about €12,300,000.
The first hearing was held on February 11, 2013 and was postponed to May 22, 2013 for the admissions of the means of proof. The judge decided to not admit requests for proofs and, having determined that the case is ready for a decision, established a final hearing date of July 1, 2015.
Lottomatica Scommesse is fully convinced of the legitimacy of the termination of the agreement.
7. Cogetech vs. Lottomatica Scommesse
On June 17, 2013, Cogetech S.p.A. served Lottomatica Scommesse, GTECH S.p.A., Boss Media AB and prof. Giovanni Puoti, as an expert, with a summons before the Tribunal of Rome in order to declare the termination of the contract signed by Cogetech and Lottomatica Scommesse on September 7, 2011 and ask for damages not yet quantified. Before this, Cogetech had filed a request for a precautionary injunction before the Tribunal of Rome in order to be re-admitted on the Circuit but the judge denied that request. The claim is related to an agreement between Lottomatica Scommesse and Cogetech in accordance with which Lottomatica allowed Cogetech to be part of its tournament circuit for online gaming and shared liquidity. The agreement had a duration of 2 years with a renewal clause unless termination of the agreement was communicated by one party to the other. On March 14, 2013 Lottomatica Scommesse contested with Cogetech the breach by Cogetech of its obligations of fairness and good faith according to Circuit Regulation, as confirmed by the Auditor (prof. Puoti). In accordance with that, on March 29, 2013 Lottomatica Scommesse communicated to Cogetech its termination of the agreement and the end of the shared liquidity. The first hearing shall be held on May 14, 2014.
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In January 1997, Caixa Economica Federal ("CEF"), the operator of Brazil's National Lottery, and Racimec Informática Brasileira S.A. ("Racimec"), the predecessor of GTECH Brazil, entered into a four-year contract pursuant to which GTECH Brazil agreed to provide on-line lottery services and technology to CEF (the "1997 Contract"). In May 2000, CEF and GTECH Brazil terminated the 1997 Contract and entered into a new agreement (the "2000 Contract") obliging GTECH Brazil to provide lottery goods and services and additional financial transaction services to CEF for a contract term that, as subsequently extended, was scheduled to expire in April 2003. In April 2003, GTECH Brazil entered into an agreement with CEF (the "2003 Contract Extension") pursuant to which: (a) the term of the 2000 Contract was extended into May 2005, and (b) fees payable to GTECH Brazil under the 2000 Contract were reduced by 15%. On August 13, 2006, all agreements between GTECH and CEF terminated in accordance with their terms.
Criminal Allegations Against Certain Employees
a. In late March 2004, federal attorneys with Brazil's Public Ministry (the "Public Ministry Attorneys") recommended that criminal charges be brought against nine individuals, including four senior officers of CEF, Antonio Carlos Rocha, the former Senior Vice President of GTECH and President of GTECH Brazil, and Marcelo Rovai, then GTECH Brazil's marketing director and currently employed in GTECH's Latin America region ("Denuncia 1").
The Public Ministry Attorneys had recommended that Messrs. Rocha and Rovai be charged with offering an improper inducement in connection with the negotiation of the 2003 Contract Extension, and co-authoring, or aiding and abetting, certain allegedly fraudulent or inappropriate management practices of the CEF management who agreed to enter into the 2003 Contract Extension. Neither GTECH nor GTECH Brazil were the subject of this criminal investigation, and under Brazilian law, entities cannot be subject to criminal charges in connection with this matter.
In June 2004, the judge reviewing the charges in Denuncia 1 prior to their being filed refused to initiate the criminal charges against the nine individuals but instead granted a request by the Brazilian Federal Police to continue the investigation which had been suspended upon the recommendation of the Public Ministry Attorneys that criminal charges be brought. The Brazilian Federal Police subsequently ended their investigation and presented a report of their findings to the court. This report did not recommend that indictments be issued against Messrs. Rocha or Rovai, or against any current or former employee of GTECH or GTECH Brazil. The Public Ministry Attorneys then requested that the Brazilian Federal Police reopen their investigation. We understand that the Federal Police subsequently completed their investigation and, in August 2010 issued a report, based entirely upon the June 21, 2006 Brazilian congressional report described below, and sent the report to the Public Ministry Attorneys.
b. Notwithstanding the favorable resolution of the Brazilian Federal Police's initial investigation, on June 21, 2006, a special investigating panel of the Brazilian congress issued a report and voted, among other things, to ask the Public Ministry Attorneys to indict 84 individuals, including one current and three former employees of GTECH Brazil, alleging that the individuals helped GTECH Brazil to
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illegally obtain the 2003 Contract Extension. GTECH found nothing in the congressional report to cause it to believe that any present or former employee of GTECH or GTECH Brazil committed any criminal offence in connection with obtaining the 2003 Contract Extension.
c. GTECH conducted an internal investigation of the 2003 Contract Extension under the supervision of the independent directors of GTECH Holdings Corporation. GTECH found no evidence that GTECH, GTECH Brazil, or any of their current or former employees violated any law, or is otherwise guilty of any wrongdoing in connection with these matters.
The U.S. SEC began an informal inquiry in February 2004, which informal inquiry became a formal investigation in July 2004, into the Brazilian criminal allegations against Messrs. Rocha and Rovai, and GTECH's involvement in the facts surrounding the 2003 Contract Extension, to ascertain whether there has been any violation of United States law in connection with these matters. In addition, in May 2005, representatives of the United States Department of Justice asked to participate in a meeting with GTECH and the SEC. GTECH cooperated fully with the SEC and the United States Department of Justice with regard to these matters, including by responding to their requests for information and documentation. In August 2009, GTECH was advised by the SEC that the SEC had concluded its investigation and did not intend to recommend enforcement action.
d. These favorable developments notwithstanding, in September 2010, GTECH received a copy of new criminal charges that Public Ministry Attorneys recommend to a Brazilian Federal judge be filed against 16 individuals, including 14 current or former CEF officers and employees, Antonio Carlos Rocha and Marcos Andrade, a former officer of GTECH Brazil ("Denuncia 2"). The Public Ministry Attorneys assert that the defendants "swindled public money" through entering into successive illegal price changes, contract extensions and other amendments to CEF's contracts with Racimec and GTECH Brazil, and agreeing to reduce or eliminate contractual fines and penalties that should properly have been imposed upon Racimec and GTECH Brazil. Such allegations echo charges which have been made in the past by the: (i) Public Ministry Attorneys in their April 2004 civil action, and (ii) Federal Court of Accounts in their 2003 TCU Audit Report. The TCU matter has been dismissed (as previously reported by the Company) and the trial judge in the April 2004 matter (as also previously reported by the Company) ruled in GTECH's favor in November 2011. These more recent allegations by the Public Ministry Attorneys include the claim made in the April 2004 civil action that a consulting company in which a former CEF director held an interest served as an intermediary in contract negotiations between CEF and a Brazilian public utility pursuant to which CEF allowed the public utility to provide prepaid cellular phone cards through the CEF lottery network operated by GTECH Brazil. GTECH Brazil was not a party to this agreement, entered into in 1999. The Public Ministry Attorneys advance the theory that the consulting company received the 1999 contract in consideration for the former CEF director's assistance in influencing CEF negotiations to the advantage of GTECH Brazil. The Public Ministry Attorneys advance no facts (old or new) that would support this new allegation. The charges in Denuncia 2 must be approved by a Brazilian Federal judge prior to their being filed. As part of this process, the judge has allowed each of the defendants, including Messrs. Rocha and Andrade, an opportunity to present a defense prior to his decision to accept or reject Denuncia 2.
e. In November 2010, GTECH received a copy of criminal charges that Public Ministry Attorneys recommend to a Brazilian Federal judge be filed against nine individuals, including Antonio Carlos Rocha, Marcelo Rovai and Marcos Andrade ("Denuncia 3"). The Public Ministry Attorneys
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assert that the defendants be charged with corruption for using improper influence and offering undue advantage as a form of payment to obtain the 2003 Contract Extension. The Public Ministry Attorneys advance no new facts that would support this allegation.
GTECH finds nothing in these charges that would lead it to believe that any present or former employee of GTECH or GTECH Brazil committed any criminal offense involving any contract between Racimec or GTECH Brazil and CEF. Neither GTECH nor GTECH Brazil is named as a defendant in these criminal charges and, as noted above, under Brazilian law entities cannot be subject to criminal charges in connection with these matters.
The Brazilian Federal judge has approved the filing of the charges in Denuncia 3 to be brought against all but one defendant in this matter. The judge is allowing one defendant, because he was a former government employee, the opportunity to present a defense prior to determining whether to accept Denuncia 3. The Company understands that Mr. Rocha unsuccessfully appealed the decision to deny certain defendants from presenting a defense at this point in the process.
The Company has learned that Messrs. Rocha and Andrade have been served and presented their defenses.
GTECH believes that its two former employees and one current employee involved have strong substantive and procedural defenses and that the assertions made against them are groundless.
On July 26, 2005, the State of São Paulo challenged GTECH Brazil for classifying the remittances of printing ribbons, rolls of paper and wagering slips ("Consumables") to lottery outlets in Brazil as non-taxable shipments. The tax authorities disagree with that classification and argue that these Consumables would be subject to ICMS tax as opposed to the lower rate ISS tax that GTECH Brazil paid. The tax authorities argue that in order for printed matter to be considered non-taxable it has to be "personalized." To be considered personalized, the Consumables must be intended for the exclusive use of the one ordering them. GTECH Brazil filed its defense against the Tax Assessment Notice, which was dismissed. GTECH Brazil filed an Ordinary Appeal and a Special Appeal to the Court of Taxes and Fees, both of which were not granted. The State Treasury of São Paulo has filed a tax foreclosure to collect the tax obligation amounting to 22,910,722 Brazilian Reals (approximately €7.03 million at exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2013) plus statutory interest, penalties and fees of approximately 98.1 million Brazilian Reals for a total obligation of approximately 121.07 million Brazilian Reals (approximately €37.1 million at exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2013). GTECH Brazil is preparing to file an appeal of this matter with the First District Court of the State Treasury (Barueri). Prior to filing the appeal, it is likely that GTECH Brazil will be required to provide security for the tax obligation in the event it is unsuccessful in the appeal. GTECH Brazil has been advised by Brazilian counsel that these proceedings are likely to take several years, and could take longer than seven years to litigate through the appellate process to final judgment. In November 2012, GTECH Brazil filed a new action in São Paolo state court to annul the ICMS claim based upon the lack of merit of the tax authority's claim. GTECH Brazil believes that these claims are groundless.
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39. International Financial Reporting Standards issued but not yet effective
The new and amended Standards and Interpretation that were issued by the IASB but not yet effective as of December 31, 2013 are described below.
On July 24, 2014, the IASB published the final and complete version of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments , which replaces IAS 39 and supersedes the previous two IFRS 9 publications issued in November 2009 and November 2013. This standard includes requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets; new requirements on accounting for financial liabilities; a carryover from IAS 39 of the requirements for the derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities; a new general hedge accounting model, which allows the early adoption of the treatment of fair value changes due to own credit on liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss; incorporates a new expected loss impairment model; and introduces limited amendments to the classification and measurement requirements for financial assets. IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet performed an analysis of the impact the standard will have on the consolidated financial statements when adopted on January 1, 2018 and therefore has not yet quantified the extent of the impact.
Investment Entities (Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27)
These amendments were issued in October 2012 and will be applied retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014. These amendments provide an exception to the consolidation requirement for entities that meet the definition of an investment entity under IFRS 10. The exception to consolidation requires investment entities to account for subsidiaries at fair value through profit or loss. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Company when adopted on January 1, 2014.
Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions (Amendments to IAS 19)
The amendments to IAS 19 were issued in November 2013 and are effective from July 1, 2014 with earlier application permitted. The amendments apply to contributions from employees or third parties to defined benefit plans. The objective of the amendments is to simplify the accounting for contributions that are independent of the number of years of employee service, for example, employee contributions that are calculated according to a fixed percentage of salary. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Company when adopted on July 1, 2014.
IAS 32 Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
The amendments to IAS 32 were issued in December 2011 and will be applied retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014. The amendments clarify the meaning of "currently has a legally enforceable right of set-off" and the criteria for non-simultaneous settlement mechanisms of clearing houses to qualify for offsetting. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Company when adopted on January 1, 2014.
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IAS 36 Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets
The amendments to IAS 36 were issued in May 2013 and will be applied retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014, with earlier application permitted for periods when the entity has already applied IFRS 13. The amendments address the disclosure of information about the recoverable amount of impaired assets if that amount is based on fair value less costs of disposal. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Company when adopted on January 1, 2014.
IAS 39 Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting -Amendments to IAS 39
The amendments to IAS 39 were issued in June 2013 and will be applied retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014, with earlier application permitted. The amendments provide relief from discontinuing hedge accounting when novation of a derivative designated as a hedging instrument meets certain criteria. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Company when adopted on January 1, 2014.
IFRIC Interpretation 21 Levies
IFRIC Interpretation 21 was issued in May 2013 and will be applied retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014, with earlier application permitted. The interpretation clarifies that an entity recognizes a liability for a levy when the activity that triggers payment, as identified by the relevant legislation, occurs. For a levy that is triggered upon reaching a minimum threshold, the interpretation clarifies that no liability should be anticipated before the specified minimum threshold is reached. The adoption of this interpretation is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Company when adopted on January 1, 2014.
Annual Improvements to IFRSs issued in December 2013
In December 2013 the IASB issued two cycles of Annual Improvements IFRSs2010-2012 Cycle and 2011-2013 Cycle , which contains amendments to its standards and the related basis for conclusions that provides a mechanism for making necessary, but non-urgent, amendments to IFRS. The effective date of the amendments is on or before July 1, 2014, with the exception of the amendments to IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement and IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards which are effective immediately. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or performance of the Company when adopted on July 1, 2014. The effect of each standard is described below:
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39. International Financial Reporting Standards issued but not yet effective (Continued)
40. Events after the reporting period
On March 13, 2014, the Board of Directors proposed to distribute a cash dividend of €0.75 per share, or €130.5 million, which was paid to the shareholders on May 22, 2014.
On March 25, 2014, we acquired from UniCredit S.p.A. ("UniCredit"), through the exercise of a call option, the entire 12.5% interest held by UniCredit in SW Holding S.p.A. ("SW") for cash consideration of €72.2 million. In 2010, through its investment in SW, UniCredit had made an indirect equity investment in Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l. ("LN"), a majority-owned GTECH subsidiary that holds an instant ticket concession license in Italy. GTECH's direct and indirect ownership in LN has increased from 51.5% to 64% as a result of the buyout of UniCredit's interest.
On May 2, 2014, we acquired 100% of the shares of Probability Plc ("Probability"), a mobile gaming solutions company that will provide GTECH with immediate access to a mobile solution in slots and table games, as well as enhance player acquisition and retention experience. The cash purchase price was approximately £18 million (€19.7 million net of cash acquired).
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GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
40. Events after the reporting period (Continued)
Merger agreement with International Game Technology
On July 15, 2014, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation ("IGT"), a global leader in casino and social gaming entertainment, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.
Under the terms of the transaction, GTECH and IGT will combine under a newly formed holding company organized in the United Kingdom ("Holdco") - the corporate headquarters, with operating headquarters in each of Las Vegas, Providence and Rome. In particular, the Merger Agreement provides for (i) the merger of GTECH with and into Holdco pursuant to which each issued and outstanding ordinary share of GTECH will be converted into the right to receive one ordinary share of Holdco ("Holdco Shares"), and immediately thereafter, (ii) the merger of a U.S. subsidiary of Holdco ("Sub") with and into IGT with IGT surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco. Subject to election and adjustment, IGT shareholders will be entitled to receive a combination of $13.69 in cash plus 0.1819 Holdco Shares for each share of IGT common stock, equal to an aggregate value of $18.25 per IGT share. The aggregate transaction value is approximately $6.4 billion (€4.7 billion at the June 30, 2014 exchange rate) inclusive of the assumption of approximately $1.75 billion (€1.3 billion) in existing IGT net debt. Holdco will apply to list the Holdco Shares issued in the mergers on the New York Stock Exchange.
Closing of the mergers is subject to certain closing conditions, including among others (i) IGT and GTECH shareholder approvals, (ii) expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and certain other antitrust approvals, (iii) certain gaming regulatory approvals, (iv) effectiveness of the registration statement for the Holdco Shares, (v) NYSE listing approval for the Holdco Shares, (vi) the expiration or early termination of a sixty-day GTECH creditor opposition period, (vii) the absence of any order prohibiting or restraining the mergers, (viii) subject to certain materiality exceptions, the accuracy of each party's representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement and performance by each party of their respective obligations under the Merger Agreement; (ix) the receipt of a merger order from the High Court of England and Wales and (x) in the case of IGT's obligation to close the IGT Merger, receipt of a tax opinion by IGT.
The Merger Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants by IGT and GTECH, including covenants regarding the operation of their respective businesses prior to the closing of the mergers and prohibitions on the solicitation of competing proposals.
IGT may terminate the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, including among others in order to enter into an agreement with respect to a proposal that is determined by the IGT board of directors to be superior to the Merger Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement (including an opportunity for GTECH to match any such proposal). GTECH may also terminate the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, including among others (i) if GTECH shareholders exercise rescission rights under Italian law in respect of more than 20% of GTECH's shares outstanding as of the date of the Merger Agreement, (ii) if Holdco would, as a result of a change in applicable law, be treated as a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes as of or after the closing or (iii) if the special voting shares described below cannot be implemented under certain circumstances. In connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, (x) IGT may be required to pay GTECH a termination fee of $135.3 million (€99.1 million), (y) IGT may be required to reimburse GTECH for certain regulatory expenses it incurs
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GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
40. Events after the reporting period (Continued)
and (z) GTECH may be required to pay IGT a termination fee of $270.6 million (€198.1 million) or, under the circumstances described in clause (ii) of this paragraph, $135.3 million (€99.1 million).
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Holdco board of directors will have 13 members, including, for a period of three years after the closing: (i) the chief executive officer of GTECH, (ii) five directors designated by IGT, including IGT's chairman and its chief executive officer, (iii) six directors designated by GTECH's principal shareholders and (iv) one director mutually agreed to by IGT and GTECH. The Holdco board of directors will be compliant with the corporate governance standards of the NYSE applicable to non-controlled domestic issuers. GTECH's chief executive officer will be the chief executive officer of Holdco. In addition, for a period of three years following the transactions, IGT's chairman will be chairman of the Holdco board of directors, IGT's chief executive officer will be a vice-chairman and one of the directors designated by GTECH's principal shareholders would also be a vice-chairman. Holdco's articles of association will include a loyalty share program, under which shareholders that hold Holdco Shares continuously for at least three years will have the right to receive 0.9995 (non-transferable) special voting shares per Holdco Share.
The transaction, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is currently expected to be completed in the first half of 2015. We expect to finance the cash portion of the consideration through a combination of cash on hand and new financing. In connection with entering into the transaction, we have received binding commitments totaling $10.7 billion (€7.8 billion) from Credit Suisse, Barclays and Citigroup to finance the transaction, including refinancing certain existing indebtedness.
In connection with the Merger Agreement, IGT entered into a Support Agreement and a Voting Agreement with GTECH's principal shareholders, who held approximately 59% of the outstanding shares of GTECH as of August 31, 2014. Under the terms of the Support Agreement, GTECH's principal shareholders have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and against any competing transaction. Under the Voting Agreement, such shareholders have agreed to vote their shares in accordance with the post-closing governance provisions set forth in the Merger Agreement and described above for a period of three years after the closing of the Mergers.
In July 2014, Standard & Poor's Rating Services ("S&P") lowered our corporate credit rating to BBB- from BBB, and also lowered our short-term rating to A-3 from A-2. S&P also lowered its ratings on our senior unsecured debt to BBB- from BBB, and lowered its ratings on our subordinated debt to BB from BB+. The downgrades, which did not impact the interest rates on our Notes, follow our announcement that the Company intends to acquire IGT.
In July 2014, Lottomatica Italia Servizi S.p.A. executed an ongoing business concern transfer agreement whereby it transferred its sports and events ticketing business to the international operator TicketOne, CTS Eventim Group.
F-191
GTECH S.P.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
40. Events after the reporting period (Continued)
In August 2014, in connection with the acquisition financing of IGT, the Company successfully fully syndicated a 364-day committed senior bridge term loan credit facility of up to $10.7 billion (€8.1 billion at the August 31, 2014 exchange rate), of which approximately 45 percent is in Euros and approximately 55 percent is in U.S. dollars. The bridge facility commitment is available to the Company for 15 months in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement.
Northstar Illinois Contract Termination
As further described in Note 35, in January 2011, Northstar Lottery Group, LLC ("Northstar"), a consortium in which GTECH Corporation holds an 80% controlling interest entered into a 10-year agreement (the "Illinois Agreement"), subject to early termination provisions, with the State of Illinois, acting through the Department of the Lottery (as the statutory successor to the Department of Revenue, Lottery Division (the "State")). Under the Illinois Agreement, Northstar, subject to the State's oversight, manages the day-to-day operations of the lottery and its core functions.
In August 2014, the Illinois Governor's Office directed the Illinois Department of Lottery (the "Lottery") to end its relationship with Northstar.
Northstar believes that the combined amounts of the expected settlement for the State's fiscal year 2012, 5% Net Shortfall Payment for the State's fiscal year 2013, and estimated Net Shortfall for the State's fiscal year 2014, result in a combined Net Shortfall of $82 million, an increase of $40 million with respect to the position at December 31, 2013. Consistent with the accounting treatment at December 31, 2013, the estimated incremental Net Shortfall of $40 million has been recorded in other current liabilities, with an offset to other non-current assets.
The State offset $21.8 million and $38.6 million against amounts owed to Northstar for the State's fiscal years 2012 and 2013, respectively. On August 18, 2014 the State submitted written notification to Northstar stating that Northstar's Net Shortfall Payment obligation for the State's fiscal year 2014 is $37.1 million, and the State intends to offset this amount against amounts owed to Northstar. The State provided no explanation as to the methodology used for determining Net Income to arrive at such Net Shortfall Payment amount.
Northstar and the Lottery are working to address the Governor's Office concerns in accordance with the process set forth in the Illinois Agreement, which may include an agreement to terminate the Illinois Agreement. As of the date of approval of these financial statements, a final decision regarding Northstar's relationship with the State of Illinois has not been reached.
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
among
GTECH S.p.A.,
GTECH CORPORATION,
GEORGIA WORLDWIDE LIMITED,
GEORGIA WORLDWIDE CORPORATION
and
INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY
Dated as of
July 15, 2014
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A-ii
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of July 15, 2014 (this " Agreement "), by and among GTECH S.p.A., a joint stock company organized under the Laws of Italy (" Gold "), solely with respect to Section 5.02(a) and Article VIII , GTECH Corporation, a Delaware corporation (" Gold US Sub "), Georgia Worldwide Limited, a private limited company organized under the Laws of England and Wales (" Holdco "), Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a Nevada corporation and wholly owned by Holdco (" Sub "), and International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation (the " Company "). Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in Annex I and other capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined elsewhere in this Agreement.
WHEREAS, the Holdco board of directors and, the Gold board of directors, have each approved this Agreement and the proposed merger of Gold with and into Holdco (the " Holdco Merger ") upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in accordance with the Laws of England and Wales and Italy, whereby each issued and outstanding ordinary share, par value €1.00 per share, of Gold (the " Gold Shares "), other than Gold Shares owned by Holdco, Sub, Gold, the Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive the Holdco Merger Consideration;
WHEREAS, following the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the board of directors of each of Holdco and Gold desires to adopt cross-border merger terms for the Holdco Merger to reflect the terms of this Agreement (the " Holdco Merger Terms ") pursuant to the Directive on Cross-Border Mergers of Limited Liability Companies (2005/56/EC) of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union and, in the case of Holdco, the Companies (Cross-Border Mergers) Regulations 2007 (as amended) (the " UK Merger Regulations ") and, in the case of Gold, Articles 2501 ff. of the Italian Civil Code and the Italian Legislative Decree 30 May 2008, No. 108 (the " Italian Merger Regulations ");
WHEREAS, the Holdco board of directors and the Gold board of directors have each (i) determined that this Agreement and the Holdco Merger are advisable and in the best interests of such company, (ii) approved this Agreement and (iii) proposed that the Gold shareholders approve the Holdco Merger and the Holdco shareholder approve the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
WHEREAS, Gold US Sub will derive substantial benefits from the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of each of Holdco, Sub and the Company has approved the merger of Sub with and into the Company (the " Company Merger " and, together with the Holdco Merger, the " Mergers ") upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in accordance with the Nevada Revised Statutes (the " NRS "), whereby each issued and outstanding share of Common Stock, par value $0.00015625 per share, of the Company (the " Company Common Stock "), other than shares of Company Common Stock owned by Holdco, Sub, Gold, the Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive the Company Merger Consideration;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of each of Sub and the Company has (i) determined that this Agreement and the Company Merger are advisable and in the best interests of such corporation, (ii) adopted this Agreement and the Company Merger and (iii) recommended that its stockholders approve this Agreement;
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company, Holdco and certain shareholders of Gold (the " Principal Gold Shareholders ") are entering into
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agreements pursuant to which such shareholders will agree to take specified actions in furtherance of the Merger; and
WHEREAS, each of Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco, Sub and the Company desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the Merger and also to prescribe various conditions to the Merger.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties and covenants and subject to the conditions set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1.01 The Mergers. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement (i) at the Holdco Merger Effective Time, Gold shall be merged with and into Holdco in accordance with the Laws of England and Wales and Italy, whereupon the separate existence of Gold shall cease, and Holdco shall continue as the surviving company (the " Holdco Merger Surviving Company "), and (ii) at the Company Merger Effective Time, Sub shall be merged with and into the Company in accordance with the NRS, whereupon the separate existence of Sub shall cease, and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation (the " Company Merger Surviving Corporation "). The Holdco Merger shall have the effects set forth in the applicable provisions of the Laws of England and Wales and Italy, and the Company Merger shall have the effects set forth in the applicable provisions of the NRS. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and subject thereto, (a) at the Holdco Merger Effective Time, all the property, rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises of Holdco and Gold shall vest in Holdco as the Holdco Merger Surviving Company, and all debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of Holdco and Gold shall become the debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of the Holdco Merger Surviving Company, and (b) at the Company Merger Effective Time, all the property, rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises of the Company and Sub shall vest in the Company as the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of the Company and Sub shall become the debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation.
SECTION 1.02
Closing.
The closing of the Mergers (the "
Closing
") will take place on a date to be agreed by Gold and the Company, but no
later than the third Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in
Article VI
(other than those conditions that by
their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing but subject to the satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver of such conditions at such time) at the offices of Sidley Austin LLP, One South
Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60603, unless another time, date or place is agreed to in writing by the parties hereto. The date on which the Closing actually occurs is referred to as the
"
Closing Date
."
SECTION 1.03
Effective Times.
Holdco and Gold shall use their
respective reasonable best efforts to obtain an order as promptly as practicable from the High Court of England and Wales
approving the Holdco Merger (the "
Holdco Merger Order
") and specifying the Closing Date as the date on which the Holdco Merger is to become effective
(the "
Holdco Merger Effective Time
"). Concurrently with the Closing, the Company shall file articles of merger with respect to the Company Merger (the
"
Articles of Company Merger
") with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada in such form as required by, and executed in accordance with, the
applicable provisions of the NRS. The Company Merger shall become effective on the date and time at which the Articles of Company Merger have been duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State
of Nevada, which shall be immediately after the Holdco Merger Effective Time, or at such later date and time permitted under the NRS as is agreed
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between the parties and specified in the Articles of Company Merger (such date and time, the " Company Merger Effective Time " and, together with the Holdco Merger Effective Time, the " Effective Times ").
SECTION 1.04
Organizational Documents, Directors and Officers of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation.
(a) Organizational Documents. Holdco shall procure that, effective as of the Holdco Merger Effective Time, the shareholders of Holdco adopt the Articles of Association of the Holdco Merger Surviving Company, substantially in the form set forth as Exhibit A-1 (the " Holdco Charter "), the final form of which shall be subject to the consent of the Company, not to be unreasonably withheld, which shall remain in effect as of the Company Merger Effective Time; provided , however , that if an SVS Denial occurs, and Gold does not exercise its right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01(m) within the period set forth in Section 7.01(m) , the form of the Holdco Charter shall be revised to remove all provisions relating to the Special Voting Shares (the " SVS Provisions "). At the Company Merger Effective Time (i) the articles of incorporation of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, as in effect immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, shall be amended and restated in the form set forth as Exhibit A-2 , and (ii) the bylaws of Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, shall be the bylaws of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation (except that references therein to the name of Sub shall be replaced by references to the name of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation) until thereafter amended in accordance with the NRS and the applicable provisions of the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation.
(b) Directors of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation. Subject to applicable Law, as of the Company Merger Effective Time, the members of the board of directors of Sub immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time shall be the members of the board of directors of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation.
(c) Officers of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation. As of the Company Merger Effective Time, the officers of Sub immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time shall be the officers of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation.
SECTION 2.01 Conversion of Securities in the Holdco Merger. At the Holdco Merger Effective Time, by virtue of the Holdco Merger and without any action on the part of Holdco, Gold or the holders of any Gold Shares:
(a) Conversion of Gold Shares. In accordance with the Holdco Merger Terms and subject to the granting by the High Court of England and Wales of the Holdco Merger Order, Holdco shall, at the Holdco Merger Effective Time, allot for each Gold Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, other than any Excluded Gold Shares, one (1) (the " Holdco Exchange Ratio ") validly issued and fully paid Holdco Share (the " Holdco Merger Consideration ") and all such Gold Shares shall cease to be outstanding, shall be cancelled and shall cease to exist, and each certificate representing Gold Shares (a " Gold Certificate ") or non-certificated Gold Share represented by book-entry (other than Excluded Gold Shares) shall thereafter represent only the right to receive the Holdco Merger Consideration.
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(b) Cancellation of Excluded Gold Shares. All Gold Shares that are held in the treasury of Gold or owned of record by Gold US Sub, Holdco, Sub or the Company, or any of their respective wholly owned Subsidiaries as of immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time (the " Excluded Gold Shares ") shall immediately following the Holdco Merger Effective Time be cancelled and shall cease to exist, with no consideration being paid with respect thereto.
(c) Cancellation of Holdco Shares. Each Holdco Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time shall immediately following the Holdco Merger Effective Time be cancelled and shall cease to exist, with no consideration being paid with respect thereto. The parties shall discuss in good faith any alternative treatment proposed by Gold in respect of this Section 2.01(c) to the extent such treatment is permitted under applicable Law.
SECTION 2.02
Conversion of Securities in the Company Merger.
At the
Company Merger Effective Time, by virtue of the Company Merger and without any action on the part of Holdco, Sub, the Company or the holders of any capital
stock of the Company or Sub:
(a) Conversion of Company Common Stock. Subject to Sections 2.03, 2.05 and 2.10 , each share of Company Common Stock (each, a " Company Share ") issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, other than Excluded Company Shares, shall automatically be converted into the right to receive the following consideration (such consideration, including any cash paid in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) , the " Company Merger Consideration ") and all such Company Shares shall cease to be outstanding, shall be cancelled and shall cease to exist, and each certificate representing Company Shares (a " Company Certificate ") or non-certificated Company Share represented by book-entry (" Company Book-Entry Share ") (other than Excluded Company Shares) shall thereafter represent only the right to receive the Company Merger Consideration, subject to Sections 2.05 and 2.10 :
(i) each Company Share with respect to which an election to receive Holdco Shares and cash (a " Mixed Election ") has been effectively made and not revoked or lost pursuant to Section 2.06 (each, a " Mixed Consideration Electing Company Share ") and each Non-Electing Company Share shall be converted into the right to receive consideration consisting of:
(A) $13.69 minus (y) an amount equal to (I) the Special Dividend divided by (II) the number of Company Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, in cash, without interest (the " Per Company Share Cash Amount "), and
(B) a number of validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Holdco Shares determined by dividing (I) $4.56 by (II) the Gold Share Trading Price (such quotient, the " Mixed Election Exchange Ratio "); provided , however , that (x) if such quotient is less than 0.1582, the Mixed Election Exchange Ratio shall be 0.1582 and (y) if such quotient is greater than 0.1819, the Mixed Election Exchange Ratio shall be 0.1819, and
(C) if the Mixed Election Exchange Ratio without giving effect to the proviso set forth in clause (B) above would exceed 0.1819 and be less than or equal to 0.2140, the Per Company Share Cash Amount shall be increased by an amount equal to the product of (i) the difference between the Mixed Election Exchange Ratio without giving effect to the proviso set forth in clause (B) above and 0.1819, multiplied by (ii) the Gold Share Trading Price, and
(D) if the Mixed Election Exchange Ratio without giving effect to the proviso set forth in clause (B) above would exceed 0.2140, the Per Company Share Cash Amount shall be increased by an amount equal to the product of (i) the Gold Share Trading Price and (ii) 0.0321.
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(ii) each Company Share with respect to which an election to receive only cash (a " Cash Election ") has been effectively made and not revoked or lost pursuant to Section 2.06 (each, a " Cash Electing Company Share ") shall be converted into the right to receive in cash, without interest, an amount (rounded to two decimal places) (the " Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration ") equal to the sum of (i) the Per Company Share Cash Amount and (ii) the product of the Mixed Election Exchange Ratio and the Gold Share Trading Price; provided , however , that if (x) the product of the number of Cash Electing Company Shares and the Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration (such product being the " Cash Election Amount ") exceeds (y) the amount by which (I) the product of the Per Company Share Cash Amount and the total number of Company Shares (other than Excluded Company Shares) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time exceeds (II) the product of the number of Mixed Consideration Electing Company Shares (including any Non-Electing Company Shares) and the Per Company Share Cash Amount (the amount of such excess being the " Available Cash Election Amount "), then each Cash Electing Company Share shall, instead of being converted into the right to receive the Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration, be converted into a right to receive (1) an amount of cash, without interest, equal to the product (rounded to two decimal places) of (p) the Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration and (q) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Available Cash Election Amount and the denominator of which shall be the Cash Election Amount (such fraction being the " Cash Fraction ") and (2) a number of validly issued and fully paid Holdco Shares equal to the product of (r) the Exchange Ratio and (s) one (1) minus the Cash Fraction; and
(iii) each Company Share with respect to which an election to receive only Holdco Shares (a " Share Election ") is properly made and not revoked or lost pursuant to Section 2.06 (each, a " Share Electing Company Share ") shall be converted into a number of validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Holdco Shares (the " Exchange Ratio ") equal to (i) the Mixed Election Exchange Ratio plus (ii) the quotient (rounded to four decimal places) obtained by dividing the Per Company Share Cash Amount by the Gold Share Trading Price; provided , however , that if the Available Cash Election Amount exceeds the Cash Election Amount, then each Share Electing Company Share shall, instead of being converted into the right to receive the Exchange Ratio, be converted into the right to receive (1) an amount of cash (without interest) equal to the amount (rounded to two decimal places) of such excess divided by the number of Share Electing Company Shares and (2) a number of validly issued and fully paid Holdco Shares equal to the product (rounded to four decimal places) of (x) the Exchange Ratio and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration minus the amount calculated in clause (1) of this paragraph and the denominator of which shall be the Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration;
provided , in each case, that no certificates or scrip representing fractional entitlements in respect of Holdco Shares shall be issued upon the conversion of Company Common Stock pursuant to this Article II ; no Holdco dividend or other distribution or share split shall relate to any fractional entitlements; and no fractional entitlement shall entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any other rights of a securityholder of Holdco. In lieu of any such fractional entitlement, each holder of Company Common Stock will be paid an amount in cash (without interest), rounded down to the nearest cent, determined by multiplying (i) the Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration by (ii) the fractional entitlement. The parties acknowledge that payment of cash in lieu of fractional entitlements does not represent separately bargained-for consideration. As promptly as practicable after the determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be paid to holders of fractional entitlements, the Exchange Agent shall so notify the Holdco Merger Surviving Company, and the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall deposit such amount with the Exchange Agent
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and shall cause the Exchange Agent to forward payments to such holders of fractional entitlements, without interest.
(b) Cancellation of Excluded Company Shares. All Company Shares that are held in the treasury of the Company or owned of record by Gold, Holdco or Sub, or any of their respective wholly owned Subsidiaries (the " Excluded Company Shares ") shall be cancelled and shall cease to exist, with no consideration being paid with respect thereto.
(c) Conversion of Capital Stock of Sub. Each of the 1,000 issued and outstanding share of common stock of Sub shall be automatically converted into and become one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation.
(d) Issuance of Shares of Company Merger Surviving Corporation. Immediately following the Company Merger Effective Time, the Company Merger Surviving Corporation shall issue to Holdco 10,000,000 shares of Company Merger Surviving Corporation in consideration for the payment by Holdco of the Company Merger Consideration (or any portion thereof) to the extent contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 2.03
Merger Consideration Adjustment.
Notwithstanding anything
in this Agreement to the contrary, if, from the date of this Agreement until the Holdco Merger Effective Time, the outstanding Gold
Shares or Company Shares or the securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for Gold Shares or Company Shares shall have been changed into a different number of shares or a different
class by reason of any reclassification, share split (including a reverse share split), recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange of shares, readjustment or other similar transaction, or a
share dividend or share distribution thereon shall be declared with a record date within said period, the Company Merger Consideration shall be appropriately adjusted, without duplication, to provide
the holders of Company Shares the same economic effect as contemplated by this Agreement prior to such event.
SECTION 2.04
Exchange of Gold Shares.
Gold Shares shall be exchanged
for Holdco Shares in accordance with the Holdco Merger Terms, the rules and procedures of any depositary or clearing agency through
which such Gold Shares are held or traded, and applicable Law.
SECTION 2.05
Exchange of Company Certificates; Payment for Company Shares
.
(a) Exchange Agent. Prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, (i) Holdco shall deposit, or shall procure the deposit prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, with a U.S.-based nationally recognized financial institution designated by Gold and reasonably acceptable to the Company (the " Exchange Agent ") for the benefit of the holders of Company Shares, for exchange in accordance with this Article II , through the Exchange Agent, the full number of Holdco Shares issuable pursuant to Section 2.02 , and (ii) Gold, Holdco, Sub or the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall deposit with the Exchange Agent for the benefit of the holders of Company Shares all of the cash necessary to pay the cash portion of the Company Merger Consideration, and the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall, after the Company Merger Effective Time on the appropriate payment date, if applicable, provide or cause to be provided to the Exchange Agent any dividends or other distributions (such Holdco Shares and cash provided to the Exchange Agent being hereinafter referred to as the " Exchange Fund "). Gold, Holdco, Sub or the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall make available to the Exchange Agent, for addition to the Exchange Fund, from time to time as needed, cash sufficient to pay cash in lieu of fractional entitlements in accordance with Section 2.02(a) . In the event the Exchange Fund shall be insufficient to make the payments contemplated by Section 2.02 , Gold, Holdco, Sub or the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall promptly deposit, or cause to be deposited, additional funds with the Exchange Agent in an amount sufficient to make such payments. Funds made available to the Exchange
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Agent shall be held in cash in a non-interest bearing bank account by the Exchange Agent at a commercial bank with capital exceeding $1 billion, or, if directed in writing by Gold, invested in (i) short-term obligations of, or short-term obligations fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the United States of America with maturities of no more than thirty (30) days or (ii) short-term commercial paper rated the highest quality by either Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Standard and Poor's Ratings Services, in the case of the foregoing (i) and (ii), pending payment thereof by the Exchange Agent to the holders of Company Shares pursuant to this Article II ; provided that no investment of such deposited funds directed by Gold, Holdco, Sub or the Holdco Merger Surviving Company in writing shall relieve Gold, Holdco, Sub the Holdco Merger Surviving Company or the Exchange Agent from promptly making the payments required by this Article II , and following any losses from any such investment, Gold, Holdco, Sub or the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall promptly provide additional funds to the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the holders of Company Shares, in the amount of such losses, which additional funds will be held and disbursed in the same manner as funds initially deposited with the Exchange Agent. Gold, Holdco, Sub or the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall direct the Exchange Agent to hold the Exchange Fund for the benefit of the former holders of Company Shares and to make payments from the Exchange Fund in accordance with Section 2.02 . The Exchange Fund shall not be used for any purpose other than to fund payments pursuant to Section 2.02 , except as expressly provided for in this Agreement.
(b) Procedures for Surrender. As promptly as reasonably practicable after the Company Merger Effective Time, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of a Company Certificate or Company Book-Entry Share, in each case whose Company Shares were converted into the right to receive the Company Merger Consideration at the Company Merger Effective Time pursuant to this Agreement: (i) a letter of transmittal, which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Company Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of such Company Certificates (or affidavits of loss in lieu thereof) to the Exchange Agent, and shall otherwise be in such form and have such other provisions as the Holdco Merger Surviving Company may reasonably specify after consultation with the Company; and (ii) instructions for effecting the surrender of the Company Certificates or Company Book-Entry Shares in exchange for payment of the Company Merger Consideration. Upon surrender of Company Certificates (or affidavits of loss in lieu thereof) for cancellation to the Exchange Agent, and upon delivery of a letter of transmittal, duly executed and in proper form, with respect to such Company Certificates or Company Book-Entry Shares, the record holder of such Company Certificates or Company Book-Entry Shares shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor the Company Merger Consideration into which the Company Shares formerly represented by such Company Certificates or such Company Book-Entry Shares were converted pursuant to Article II , and the Company Certificates so surrendered shall forthwith be cancelled. The Exchange Agent shall accept such Company Certificates (or affidavits of loss in lieu thereof) or Company Book-Entry Shares upon compliance with such reasonable terms and conditions as the Exchange Agent may impose to effect an orderly exchange thereof in accordance with normal exchange practices. In the event of a transfer of ownership of Company Common Stock that is not registered in the transfer records of the Company, payment of the Company Merger Consideration may be made to a person other than the person in whose name the Company Certificate so surrendered is registered, if such Company Certificate shall be properly endorsed or shall otherwise be in proper form for transfer and the person requesting such payment shall pay to the Exchange Agent any transfer and other similar Taxes required by reason of the payment of the Company Merger Consideration, as applicable, to a person other than the registered holder of the Company Certificate so surrendered or shall establish to the satisfaction of the Holdco Merger Surviving Company that such Taxes either have been paid or are not required to be paid. Payment of the Company Merger Consideration with respect to Company Book-Entry
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Shares shall only be made to the person in whose name such Company Book-Entry Shares are registered. No interest shall be paid or accrue on any cash payable upon surrender of any Company Certificate or Company Book-Entry Share.
(c) Transfer Books; No Further Ownership Rights in Shares. As of the respective Effective Times, the stock transfer books of Gold and the Company shall be closed and thereafter there shall be no further registration of transfers of Gold Shares or Company Shares on the records of Gold or the Company. The Holdco Merger Consideration and the Company Merger Consideration paid in accordance with the terms of this Article II with respect to any Gold Shares or Company Shares shall be deemed to have been paid in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining thereto. From and after the Holdco Merger Effective Time or the Company Merger Effective Time, as applicable, the holders of Gold Shares and Company Shares outstanding immediately prior thereto shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto except as otherwise provided for herein or by applicable Law. Subject to Section 2.05(b) , if, after the Holdco Merger Effective Time or Company Merger Effective Time, as applicable, Gold Certificates or Company Certificates are presented to the Holdco Merger Surviving Company or the Company Merger Surviving Corporation for any reason, they shall be cancelled and exchanged as provided in this Agreement.
(d) Termination of Exchange Fund; Abandoned Property; No Liability. At any time following the first anniversary of the Company Merger Effective Time (or such earlier date immediately prior to such time when the amounts would otherwise escheat to or become property of any Governmental Entity), the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall be entitled to require the Exchange Agent to deliver to it any portion of the Exchange Fund (including any interest or investment income received with respect thereto) not disbursed to holders of Company Shares, and thereafter such holders shall be entitled to look only to the Holdco Merger Surviving Company (subject to abandoned property, escheat or other similar Laws) as general creditors thereof with respect to the Company Merger Consideration payable upon due surrender of their Company Shares and compliance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.05(b) , without interest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of Holdco, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company or the Exchange Agent shall be liable to any holder of a Gold Share or Company Share for Holdco Merger Consideration or Company Merger Consideration, as applicable, delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Law.
(e) Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. If any Gold Certificate or Company Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Exchange Agent or the Holdco Merger Surviving Company, as applicable, shall issue in exchange therefor upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof, the Holdco Merger Consideration or Company Merger Consideration into which such Gold Shares or Company Shares formerly represented thereby were converted pursuant to Article II ; provided , however , that the Exchange Agent may, in its reasonable discretion and as a condition precedent to the payment of such Holdco Merger Consideration or Company Merger Consideration, as applicable, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed Gold Certificate or Company Certificate to deliver a customary indemnity agreement or provide a bond in a customary amount.
SECTION 2.06
Company Election Procedures
.
(a) Each person who, on or prior to the Election Deadline, is a record holder of Company Shares other than Excluded Company Shares shall be entitled to specify the number of such holder's Company Shares with respect to which such holder makes a Cash Election, a Share Election or a Mixed Election.
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(b) Holdco shall prepare a form of election (the " Form of Election ") in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Gold and the Company. The Form of Election shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to any Company Certificates shall pass only upon proper delivery of the Form of Election and any Company Certificates in accordance with Section 2.05 . The Company shall mail the Form of Election on a date to be mutually agreed by Gold and the Company that is not more than forty-five (45) nor less than thirty (30) days prior to the anticipated Closing Date or such other date as Gold and the Company shall mutually agree (the " Mailing Date ") to all persons who are record holders of Company Shares as of the close of business on the fifth (5 th ) Business Day prior to the Mailing Date (the " Election Form Record Date "). The Form of Election shall be used by each record holder of Company Shares (or, in the case of nominee record holders, the beneficial owner through proper instructions and documentation) to make a Cash Election, a Share Election or a Mixed Election. In the event that a holder fails to properly make a Cash Election, a Share Election or a Mixed Election with respect to any shares of Company Common Stock held or beneficially owned by such holder by the Election Deadline, then such holder shall be deemed to have made a Mixed Election with respect to those shares (each such share, other than Excluded Company Shares, a " Non-Electing Company Share "). Holdco shall use its reasonable best efforts to make the Form of Election available as may be reasonably requested from time to time by all persons who become record holders of Company Shares during the period between the Election Form Record Date and the Election Deadline, and the Company shall provide to the Exchange Agent all information reasonably necessary for Holdco and the Exchange Agent to perform as specified herein.
(c) Any holder's election shall have been properly made only if the Exchange Agent shall have received at its designated office by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the twenty-fifth (25 th ) day following the Mailing Date (or such other time and date as Gold and the Company may agree) (the " Election Deadline "), a Form of Election properly completed and signed and accompanied by (i) Company Certificates representing the Company Shares to which such Form of Election relates, duly endorsed in blank or otherwise in form acceptable for transfer on the books of the Company (or by an appropriate guarantee of delivery of such Company Certificates as set forth in such Form of Election from a firm that is an "eligible guarantor institution" (as defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act); provided that such Company Certificates are in fact delivered to the Exchange Agent by the time set forth in such guarantee of delivery) or (ii) in the case of Company Book-Entry Shares, any additional documents required by the procedures set forth in the Form of Election. After a Cash Election, a Share Election or a Mixed Election is properly made with respect to any Company Shares, no further registration of transfers of such Company Shares shall be made on the stock transfer books of the Company, unless and until such Cash Election, Share Election or Mixed Election is properly revoked.
(d) Gold and the Company shall publicly announce the anticipated Election Deadline at least three (3) Business Days prior to the anticipated Election Deadline. If the Closing Date is delayed to a subsequent date, the Election Deadline shall be similarly delayed to a subsequent date, and Gold and the Company shall promptly announce any such delay and, when determined, the rescheduled Election Deadline.
(e) Any Cash Election, Share Election or Mixed Election may be revoked with respect to all or a portion of the Company Shares subject thereto by the holder who submitted the applicable Form of Election by written notice received by the Exchange Agent prior to the Election Deadline. In addition, all Cash Elections, Share Elections and Mixed Elections shall automatically be revoked if this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article VII . If a Cash Election or Share Election is revoked, the shares as to which such election previously applied shall be treated as Mixed Consideration Electing Company Shares unless a contrary election is properly made by the holder within the period during which elections are permitted to be made pursuant to
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Section 2.06(c) . Company Certificates will not be returned to holders in the event an election is revoked unless the holder so requests.
(f) Subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Form of Election, the reasonable, good-faith determination of the Exchange Agent (or the joint determination of Gold and the Company, in the event that the Exchange Agent declines to make any such determination) shall be conclusive and binding as to whether or not Cash Elections, Mixed Elections and Share Elections shall have been properly made or revoked pursuant to this Section 2.06 (and to disregard any immaterial defects in the Forms of Election) and as to when Cash Elections, Mixed Elections, Share Elections and revocations were received by the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent (or Gold and the Company jointly, in the event that the Exchange Agent declines to make the following computation) shall also make all computations contemplated by Section 2.02(a) , and absent manifest error this computation shall be conclusive and binding. The Exchange Agent may, with the written agreement of Gold (subject to the consent of the Company, not to be unreasonably withheld), make any rules as are consistent with this Section 2.06 for the implementation of the Cash Elections, Mixed Elections and Share Elections provided for in this Agreement as shall be necessary or desirable to effect these Cash Elections, Mixed Elections and Share Elections. None of Holdco, Gold, the Company or the Exchange Agent shall be under any obligation to notify any person of any defect in a Form of Election.
SECTION 2.07
Treatment of Company Options, Company Stock Unit Awards and Equity Plans.
(a) Treatment of Company Options. Prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, the Company's board of directors (or, if appropriate, any committee thereof) shall adopt appropriate resolutions to provide that, immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, each outstanding option to purchase Company Shares granted under a Company Stock Plan (the " Company Options ") shall be fully vested and cancelled and, in exchange therefor, each holder of any such cancelled Company Option shall be entitled to receive, in consideration of the cancellation of such Company Option and in settlement therefor, a payment in cash of an amount equal to the product of (i) the total number of Company Shares subject to such cancelled Company Option and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration (determined without regard to the proviso in Section 2.02(a)(ii) ) over the exercise price per Company Share subject to such cancelled Company Option, without interest (such amounts payable hereunder, the " Option Payments "); provided , however , that (A) any such Company Option with respect to which the exercise price per Company Share subject thereto is greater than the Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration (determined without regard to the proviso in Section 2.02(a)(ii)) shall be cancelled in exchange for no consideration and (B) in addition to the Option Payments made to holders of Company Options granted under the terms of the Company's Savings-Related Share Option Scheme, each such holder shall receive from the Company all amounts deducted from such holder's compensation with respect to such Company Options (to the extent such payment will not result in a duplication of benefits). From and after the Company Merger Effective Time, no Company Option shall be exercisable, and each Company Option shall only entitle the holder thereof to the payment of the Option Payment, if any, in respect thereof.
(b) Treatment of Company Stock Unit Awards.
(i) Prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, the Company's board of directors (or, if appropriate, any committee thereof) shall adopt appropriate resolutions to provide that immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, each outstanding award (each, a " Company Stock Unit Award ") of restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units) or deferred stock units with respect to Company Shares (each, a " Company Stock Unit ") granted under a Company Stock Plan either (A) prior to July 1, 2013 or pursuant to
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the Retention Plan to an employee of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries or (B) to a non-employee director of the Company shall be fully vested and cancelled and, in exchange therefor, each holder of any such cancelled Company Stock Unit Award shall be entitled to receive, in consideration of the cancellation of such Company Stock Unit Award and in settlement therefor, an amount in cash equal to the product of (I) the Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration (determined without regard to the proviso in Section 2.02(a)(ii) ) and (II) the applicable Stock Unit Share Number, without interest (such amounts payable hereunder, the " Stock Unit Payments ").
(ii) Prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, the Company's board of directors (or, if appropriate, any committee thereof) shall adopt appropriate resolutions to provide that immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, each Company Stock Unit Award granted under a Company Stock Plan on or following July 1, 2013 (other than an award to a non-employee director of the Company or an award to an employee pursuant to the Retention Plan) shall, by virtue of the occurrence of the Company Merger Effective Time and without any action on the part of the holders thereof, be converted into an award (a " Rollover Stock Unit Award ") with respect to a number of Holdco Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the Exchange Ratio by (B) the applicable Stock Unit Share Number. Each such Rollover Stock Unit Award shall vest on the earlier of (x) the date the corresponding Company Stock Unit Award would have otherwise vested or (y) the first anniversary of the Closing Date, in each case, subject to the holder's continued employment with Holdco or its Subsidiaries through the applicable vesting date. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.07(b)(ii) , each Rollover Stock Unit Award assumed and converted pursuant to this Section 2.07(b)(ii) shall continue to have, and shall be subject to, the same terms and conditions as applied to the corresponding Company Stock Unit Award immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time (including any terms and conditions providing for the acceleration of vesting upon a qualifying termination following a "change in control event," but taking into account any changes thereto provided for in the applicable Company Stock Plan or in any applicable award agreement and any restrictions on replicating such terms and conditions under the Laws of England and Wales or Italy). Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Company Stock Unit Award granted between July 1, 2013 and the date hereof that is subject to performance-based vesting conditions and held as of immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time by an individual who is (or will, prior to the year during which the applicable performance period concludes, become) eligible for retirement (as such term is defined in the applicable award agreement for such Company Stock Unit Award) shall be fully vested and cancelled in consideration for an amount in cash on the terms set forth in Section 2.07(b)(i) .
(c) Company Actions; Assumption of Company Stock Plans. Prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, the Company and Holdco shall take all actions necessary to effectuate the treatment of the Company Options and Company Stock Unit Awards contemplated by this Section 2.07 and to ensure that neither any holder of any such award nor any other participant in any Company Stock Plan shall have any right thereunder to acquire any securities of the Company or the Company Merger Surviving Corporation or, except as provided in this Section 2.07 , to receive any payment or benefit with respect to any award previously granted under the Company Stock Plan. At the Company Merger Effective Time, Holdco shall assume all the obligations of the Company under the Company Stock Plans and each outstanding Rollover Stock Unit Award and the agreements evidencing the grant thereof, and the number and kind of shares available for issuance under each Company Stock Plan shall be adjusted to reflect Holdco Shares in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Company Stock Plan.
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(d) Funding. Gold or the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall cause Sub or the Company Merger Surviving Corporation to make the payments required under Section 2.07(a) and Section 2.07(b)(i) as promptly as practicable following the Company Merger Effective Time. The Company Merger Surviving Corporation shall pay the applicable Option Payments and Stock Unit Payments, if any, to the holders of Company Options and Company Stock Unit Awards, respectively, subject to Section 2.10 .
(e) Holdco Actions. Holdco shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for issuance a sufficient number of Holdco Shares for delivery with respect to the Rollover Stock Unit Awards assumed by it in accordance with Section 2.07(b)(ii) . Holdco shall, no later than the tenth day following the Company Merger Effective Time, file a registration statement on Form S-8 (or any successor or other appropriate form) with respect to the Holdco Shares subject to such Rollover Stock Unit Awards pursuant Section 2.07(b)(ii) .
SECTION 2.08
Assumption of Gold Stock Plans; Treatment of Gold Equity Awards.
(a) Assumption of Gold Stock Plans. As of the Holdco Merger Effective Time, Holdco or, as a consequence of the Italian Reorganization, one or more Subsidiaries of Holdco, shall assume all Gold Stock Plans and the awards granted thereunder in accordance with this Section 2.08 and Holdco shall be able to grant stock awards, to the extent permissible by applicable Laws and NYSE regulations, under the terms of the Gold Stock Plans covering the reserved but unissued Gold Shares, except that (i) Gold Shares covered by such awards will be Holdco Shares and (ii) all references to a number of Gold Shares will be changed to references to Holdco Shares. Prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, Gold and Holdco shall adopt such resolutions and take such other actions as may be reasonably required to effectuate the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.08(a) , subject to any adjustments that may be required by the Laws of England and Wales or Italy.
(b) Treatment of Gold Equity Awards. The Gold board of directors shall take all action necessary so that:
(i) Gold Options. Each option or stock appreciation right to acquire Gold Shares or to receive a cash payment based on the value thereof granted under any Gold Stock Plan (each, a " Gold Option ") that is outstanding immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time shall, as of the Holdco Merger Effective Time, cease to represent an option or stock appreciation right based on Gold Shares and shall be converted, at the Holdco Merger Effective Time, into an option or stock appreciation right, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under the Gold Option (but taking into account any changes thereto provided for in the applicable Gold Stock Plan or in any applicable award agreement and any restrictions on replicating such terms and conditions under the Laws of England and Wales or Italy), based on that number of Holdco Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the number of Gold Shares subject to such Gold Option immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time by (ii) the Holdco Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per share equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the per share exercise price specified in such Gold Option immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time by (B) the Holdco Exchange Ratio;
(ii) Restricted Gold Shares. Each Gold Share subject to vesting or other lapse restrictions pursuant to the Gold Stock Plans immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time (each, a " Restricted Gold Share ") shall, as of the Holdco Merger Effective Time, cease to represent a right to acquire a Gold Share and shall be converted into the right to receive a number of Holdco Shares equal to the Holdco Exchange Ratio, subject to the same terms and conditions (but taking into account any changes thereto provided for in the applicable Gold Stock Plan or in any applicable award agreement and any restrictions on
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replicating such terms and conditions under the Laws of England and Wales or Italy) as were applicable to the Restricted Gold Share in respect of which it was issued; and
(iii) Other Gold Equity-Based Awards. Each equity-based right or award, other than a Gold Option or Restricted Gold Share (each, an " Other Gold Equity-Based Award "), granted under any Gold Stock Plan and outstanding immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time shall, as of the Holdco Merger Effective Time, cease to represent an award based on Gold Shares and shall be converted into an award based on a number of Holdco Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the number of Gold Shares covered by such Other Gold Equity-Based Award by (ii) the Holdco Exchange Ratio, which converted equity-based right or award shall be subject to the same terms and conditions (but taking into account any changes thereto provided for in the applicable Gold Stock Plan or in any applicable award agreement and any restrictions on replicating such terms and conditions under the Laws of England and Wales or Italy) as were applicable to such Other Gold Equity-Based Award in respect of which it was issued.
(c) Notices. As soon as practicable after the Holdco Merger Effective Time, Holdco shall deliver to the holders of Gold Options, Restricted Gold Shares and Other Gold Equity-Based Awards appropriate notices setting forth such holders' rights pursuant to the Gold Stock Plans, and the agreements evidencing the grants of such Gold Options, Restricted Gold Shares and Other Gold Equity-Based Awards, as the case may be, shall continue in effect on the same terms and conditions (subject to the adjustments required by this Section 2.08 after giving effect to the Holdco Merger and the assumption by Holdco as set forth above).
(d) Holdco Actions. Holdco shall take all corporate action necessary to ensure that a sufficient number of Holdco Shares can be delivered with respect to Gold Options, Restricted Gold Shares and Other Gold Equity-Based Awards assumed by it in accordance with this Section 2.08 . If requested by Gold prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, Holdco shall, no later than the tenth day following the Holdco Merger Effective Time, file a registration statement on Form S-8 (or any successor or other appropriate form) with respect to the Holdco Shares subject to such converted Gold equity awards. With respect to those individuals who subsequent to the Holdco Merger will be subject to the reporting requirements under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, where applicable, Holdco shall administer the Gold Stock Plans assumed pursuant to this Section 2.08 in a manner that complies with Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act to the extent the applicable Gold Stock Plan complied with such rule prior to the Holdco Merger.
SECTION 2.09
Gold Rescission Shares.
If the Holdco Merger is
consummated pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Gold Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Holdco Merger
Effective Time and held by a holder who has exercised and perfected his or her rescission rights in accordance with Italian Law (the "
Gold Rescission
Shares
"), and to be reallocated to other shareholders or third parties who have purchased such Gold Shares in accordance with Article 2437-quater of the Italian Civil
Code, shall be converted into or exchanged for the Holdco Merger Consideration effective on or about the Holdco Merger Effective Time or at any other time determined by Gold and Holdco in accordance
with applicable Law, and such Holdco Merger Consideration shall be promptly allotted to such other shareholders or third parties. The holders of Gold Rescission Shares shall be entitled to receive an
amount of cash per Gold Share to the extent required by Article 2437-ter (3) of the Italian Civil Code. Gold shall deliver prompt notice to the Company of any purported exercise of
rescission rights of any Gold Shares, to the extent permitted by applicable Law.
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SECTION 2.10
Withholding Rights.
(a) Each of Gold, Holdco, Sub, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company, the Company Merger Surviving Corporation and the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement, such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any other applicable state, local or foreign Tax Law. Any such withheld amounts (i) shall be remitted by Gold, Holdco, Sub, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company, the Company Merger Surviving Corporation or the Exchange Agent, as applicable, to the applicable Governmental Entity, and (ii) shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of Gold Shares, Company Shares, Company Options or Company Stock Unit Awards in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by Gold, Holdco, Sub, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company, the Company Merger Surviving Corporation or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be.
(b) On or before (but not more than thirty (30) days prior to) the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Gold a statement in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.1445-2(c)(3) certifying that the Company is not a United States real property holding corporation for purposes of Sections 897 and 1445 of the Code.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except (a) as disclosed in the Company SEC Documents filed prior to the date hereof and since September 30, 2012 (but excluding any forward looking disclosures set forth in any "risk factors" section, any disclosures in any "forward looking statements" section and any other disclosures included therein to the extent they are predictive or forward-looking in nature), or (b) as disclosed in the separate disclosure letter which has been delivered by the Company to Gold prior to the execution of this Agreement, including the documents attached to or expressly incorporated by reference in such disclosure letter (the " Company Disclosure Letter ") (it being agreed that disclosure of any item in any section or subsection of the Company Disclosure Letter shall also be deemed to be disclosed with respect to any other section or subsection in this Agreement to which the relevance of such item is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure), the Company hereby represents and warrants to Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco and Sub as follows:
SECTION 3.01
Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.
(a) The Company and each Company Subsidiary is a corporation or other legal entity duly incorporated or organized and validly existing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization. The Company and each Company Subsidiary has requisite corporate or other legal entity, as the case may be, power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to have such power and authority would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company and each Company Subsidiary is duly qualified to do business and, where relevant, is in good standing in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its properties or assets or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except in each case where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
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(b) The Company has made available to Gold true and complete copies of the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of the Company (the " Company Charter "), the Amended and Restated Code of Bylaws of the Company (the " Company Bylaws ") and the articles of incorporation and bylaws, or equivalent organizational documents, of each Company Significant Subsidiary, in each case as amended through, and in full force and effect, as of the date hereof, and neither the Company nor any such Company Significant Subsidiary is in violation of any of the provisions of such documents.
(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 1,280,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock. As of the close of business on July 14, 2014, (i) 247,153,937 shares of Company Common Stock were issued and outstanding, all of which are (and all such shares which may be issued prior to the Company Merger Effective Time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement will be when issued) duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free of preemptive rights, and (ii) 27,414,086 shares of Company Common Stock were held in treasury.
(b) As of the close of business on July 14, 2014, the Company had no shares of Company Common Stock reserved for issuance, except for 58,400,315 shares of Company Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company Stock Plans (including 7,533,903 shares for outstanding Company Options and 6,345,016 shares for outstanding Company Stock Unit Awards, 806,797 shares of which are in respect of Company Stock Unit Awards subject to performance-based vesting conditions, assuming a target level of performance) and 687,602 shares of Company Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company Stock Purchase Plan.
(c) The Company has made available to Gold a list of each Company Option or Company Stock Unit Award, the number of Company Shares issuable thereunder (or, in the case of Company Stock Unit Awards subject to performance-based vesting conditions, the target number of Company Shares issuable thereunder) and the expiration date and exercise or conversion price relating thereto (if applicable), which list is true and complete as of the date hereof. The per share exercise price or purchase price for each Company Option was equal to or greater than the fair market value of the underlying Company Shares determined as prescribed by the applicable Company Stock Plan on the effective date of the corporate action effectuating the grant of such Company Option.
(d) As of the date hereof, except as provided in Sections 3.02(a) , (b) and (c) , there are no (i) shares of capital stock of, or other equity or voting interest in, the Company issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding, (ii) securities of the Company or any Company Subsidiary convertible into or exchangeable for one or more shares of capital stock of, or other equity or voting interests in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary, in each case issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding, (iii) options, warrants or other rights relating to or based on the value of the equity securities of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (iv) agreements, commitments or arrangements of any character that are binding on the Company or any Company Subsidiary that obligate the Company or any Company Subsidiary to issue, deliver, acquire or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered, acquired or sold, any capital stock of, or other equity or voting interests in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (v) obligations of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to grant, extend or enter into a subscription, warrant, right, convertible or exchangeable security or other similar Contract relating to any capital stock of, or other equity or voting interest in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or (vi) outstanding restricted shares, restricted share units, 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 other voting securities or ownership interests in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary (the items in clauses (i) - (vi) , together with the capital
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stock of, or other equity interest in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary, being referred to collectively as " Company Securities "). Since the close of business on July 14, 2014 through the date hereof, the Company has not issued any Company Securities (other than Company Shares issued in respect of Company Options and Company Stock Unit Awards that were outstanding as of July 14, 2014).
(e) Except with respect to the Company Options, Company Stock Unit Awards and the related award agreements, there are no outstanding obligations of the Company or any Company Subsidiary (i) requiring the repurchase, redemption, acquisition or disposition of, or containing any right of first refusal with respect to, (ii) requiring the registration for sale of or (iii) granting any antidilutive rights or other similar rights with respect to any Company Securities.
(f) There are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other Indebtedness of the Company or any Company Subsidiary having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matter on which stockholders of the Company or any Company Subsidiary may vote be entitled to vote. There are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party with respect to the voting of capital stock of or equity interests in the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
(g) The Company or another Company Subsidiary owns, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interests of each of the Company Subsidiaries, free and clear of any Liens (other than transfer and other restrictions under applicable federal and state securities Laws), and all of such outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interests are (and all such shares or interests which may be issued prior to the Company Merger Effective Time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement will be when issued) duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights (other than preemptive rights provided under applicable Law). Except for equity interests in the Company Subsidiaries and as set forth in Section 3.02(g) of the Company Disclosure Letter, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary owns, directly or indirectly, any shares of capital stock or other equity interests in any person, or has any material obligation to acquire any such shares of capital stock or equity interests, or to provide material funds to or make any material investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any Company Subsidiary or any other person. There are no outstanding material obligations to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party (i) restricting the transfer of or (ii) limiting the exercise of voting rights with respect to any shares of capital stock or equity interests in any Company Subsidiary.
(a) The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject in the case of the Company Merger to receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Company Merger). The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company's board of directors and, other than the Company Stockholder Approval and the filing of the Articles of Company Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, no additional corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and (assuming the valid authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by Gold, Holdco and Sub) constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except that (i) such enforcement may be subject to
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applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Laws, now or hereafter in effect, affecting creditors' rights generally and (ii) the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.
(b) Except as permitted by Section 5.03 after the date hereof, Company's board of directors, by resolutions unanimously adopted at a meeting duly called and held, has (i) determined that the Mergers are in the best interests of the Company, adopted and declared advisable this Agreement and the Company Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and resolved to recommend approval of this Agreement to the holders of the Company Common Stock, (ii) directed that the Company Merger contemplated by this Agreement be submitted to the holders of the Company Common Stock for their approval and (iii) resolved to recommend that the stockholders of the Company approve this Agreement, which resolutions have not been rescinded, modified or withdrawn in any way as of the date hereof.
SECTION 3.04
No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) None of the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by the Company or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Mergers) will: (i) subject to obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval, conflict with or violate any provision of the Company Charter or Company Bylaws or any equivalent organizational or governing documents of any Company Significant Subsidiary; (ii) assuming that all consents, approvals and authorizations described in Section 3.04(b) have been obtained and all filings and notifications described in Section 3.04(b) have been made and any waiting periods thereunder have terminated or expired, conflict with or violate any Law applicable to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any of their respective properties or assets; or (iii) require any consent or approval under, violate, conflict with, result in any breach of or any loss of any benefit under, or constitute a default under (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both), or result in termination or give to others any right of termination, vesting, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) upon any of the respective properties or assets of the Company or any Company Subsidiary pursuant to, any Company Material Contract to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or by which any property or asset of the Company or any Company Subsidiary is bound or affected or any Company Permit, except (x) with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii) , for any such conflicts, violations, consents, breaches, losses, changes of control, defaults, other occurrences or Liens that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect or (y) as may arise as a result of facts or circumstances relating to Gold or its affiliates or Laws or Contracts binding on Gold or its affiliates.
(b) None of the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by the Company or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Mergers) will require (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing or registration with or notification to, any Governmental Entity with respect to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any of their respective assets, other than (i) the filing of the Articles of Company Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, (ii) the filing of a premerger notification and report form under the HSR Act and the receipt, termination or expiration, as applicable, of waivers, consents, approvals, waiting periods or agreements required under the HSR Act, the Competition Act or any other applicable U.S. or foreign competition, antitrust, merger control or investment Laws (together with the HSR Act and the Competition Act, " Antitrust Laws "), (iii) the licenses, findings of suitability, approvals, consents, registrations, declarations, notices or filings required to be made or obtained under Gaming Laws (collectively, " Gaming Approvals "), (iv) compliance with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act, (v) filings as may be required under the rules and regulations of the NYSE,
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(vi) where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or permits of, or to make such filings, registrations with or notifications to, any Governmental Entity would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, and (vii) as may arise as a result of facts or circumstances relating to Gold or its affiliates or Laws or Contracts binding on Gold or its affiliates.
(c) As of the date hereof, to the knowledge of the Company, there are no facts or circumstances with respect to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any of their respective affiliates insofar as such affiliate-owned interest would be attributable to the Company or any Company Subsidiary under any applicable Gaming Law that would prevent or materially delay receipt of any Gaming Approvals.
SECTION 3.05
Permits; Compliance with Laws.
(a) The Company and each Company Subsidiary is in possession of all material authorizations, licenses, franchises, grants, permits, certificates, variances, exemptions, approvals, findings of suitability, consents, approvals, orders, registrations and clearances of any Governmental Entity (each, a " Permit ") under Gaming Laws which are necessary for the Company and each Company Subsidiary to own, lease and operate its properties and assets, and to carry on and operate its businesses as currently conducted (the " Company Material Gaming Permits "). The Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a true, correct and complete list, as of the date hereof, of all Company Material Gaming Permits. To the knowledge of the Company, all Company Material Gaming Permits are in full force and effect, and none of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries is in default or violation of any such Company Material Gaming Permit. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any written notice during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement from any Governmental Entity threatening to suspend, revoke, withdraw, modify or limit in any material and adverse respect any Company Material Gaming Permit. The Company and each Company Subsidiary is in possession of all other Permits (other than Company Material Gaming Permits) necessary for the Company and each Company Subsidiary to own, lease and operate its properties and assets, and to carry on and operate its businesses as currently conducted (the " Company Permits "), except where the failure to possess such Company Permits would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. All Company Permits are in full force and effect, except where the failure to have, or the failure to be in full force and effect of, any Company Permits would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, and none of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries is in default or violation of any such Company Permit, except where such default or violation would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any written notice during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement from any Governmental Entity threatening to suspend, revoke, withdraw, modify or limit in any material and adverse respect any Company Permit, except where such notice would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is, or during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement has been, in violation of any Law (other than Gaming Laws) applicable to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or by which any property or asset of the Company or any Company Subsidiary is bound or affected, except for any violations that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company and the Company Subsidiaries are in compliance with, and, during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement, have not received written notice of any default or violation of, any Gaming Laws
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applicable to the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries or by which any property or asset of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries is bound or affected, except in each of the foregoing cases as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Company and Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. To the knowledge of the Company, no investigation by any Governmental Entity with respect to the Company or any Company Subsidiary is pending or threatened, except for such investigations the outcomes of which would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(c) The Company and the Company Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Laws relating to (i) the privacy of users of the Company products or services and all Internet websites owned, maintained or operated by the Company or any Company Subsidiary and (ii) the collection, storage, processing, use and transfer of, and provision of notice of breach regarding, any personally identifiable information, except in the case of each of clause (i) and (ii) , where the failure to be in compliance with such applicable Laws would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. No claims are pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, are threatened in writing against the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries by any person alleging a violation of such applicable Laws referred to in the foregoing sentence or by any person alleging a violation of such person's privacy or confidentiality rights or rights relating to personal information, except for any such claim that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.06
Company SEC Documents; Financial Statements.
(a) Since September 30, 2012, the Company has filed with or otherwise furnished to (as applicable) the SEC all registration statements, prospectuses, forms, reports, definitive proxy statements, schedules and documents required to be filed or furnished by it under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, together with all certifications required pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the " Sarbanes-Oxley Act ") (such documents and any other documents filed by the Company with the SEC, as have been supplemented, modified or amended since the time of filing, collectively, the " Company SEC Documents "). As of their respective filing dates or, if supplemented, modified or amended since the time of filing, as of the date of the most recent supplement, modification or amendment, the Company SEC Documents (i) did not at the time each such document was filed contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (ii) complied in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, as the case may be, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, in each case as in effect on the date each such document was filed. The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of the Company (including, in each case, any notes thereto) and the consolidated Company Subsidiaries included in or incorporated by reference into the Company SEC Documents (collectively, the " Company Financial Statements ") (x) complied as of their respective dates of filing in all material respects with the then applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, (y) were prepared in all material respects in accordance with GAAP (as in effect in the United States on the date of such Company Financial Statement) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of interim financial statements, for normal and recurring year-end adjustments and as may be permitted by the SEC on Form 10-Q, Form 8-K or any successor or like form under the Exchange Act) and (z) present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position and the consolidated comprehensive income, cash flows and equity of the Company and the consolidated Company Subsidiaries as of the dates and for the periods referred
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to therein (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of interim financial statements, for normal and recurring year-end adjustments and as may be permitted by the SEC on Form 10-Q, Form 8-K or any successor or like form under the Exchange Act). As of the date of this Agreement, to the knowledge of the Company there are no outstanding or unresolved comments in any comment letters received by the Company from the SEC. As of the date of this Agreement, to the knowledge of the Company, none of the Company SEC Documents is the subject of any ongoing review by the SEC. No Company Subsidiary is, or since September 30, 2012 has been, required to file periodic reports with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act.
(b) From September 30, 2012 to the date hereof, (i) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received, in writing, any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries or their respective internal accounting controls, and (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, no attorney representing the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries has reported evidence of a material violation of securities Laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents to the Company's board of directors or any committee thereof pursuant to the rules of the SEC adopted under Section 307 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
(c) The Company (a) has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures over financial reporting (as such terms are defined in paragraphs (e) and (f), respectively, of Rule 13a-15 promulgated under the Exchange Act) as required by Rule 13a-15 promulgated under the Exchange Act designed to ensure that (i) all material information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and (ii) material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated Company Subsidiaries, is made known to the management of the Company by others within those entities, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the certifications required pursuant to Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Since September 30, 2012 to the date hereof, has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation of internal controls prior to the date hereof, to the Company's auditors and the audit committee of the Company's board of directors (i) any "significant deficiencies" or "material weakness" in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect in any material respect the Company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company's internal controls. As and to the extent described in the Company SEC Documents, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have devised and maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
SECTION 3.07
Information Supplied.
None of the information supplied
or to be supplied by the Company specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement or the
proxy statement relating to the Company Stockholder Meeting (such proxy statement, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the "
Proxy
Statement
") will (a) in the case of the Registration Statement, at the time it becomes effective, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading or (b) in the case of the Proxy Statement, at the time the Proxy Statement is
first mailed to the Company's stockholders or at the time of the Company Stockholder Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading, except that no representation or warranty is made by the Company
with
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respect to statements made or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement based on information supplied by Gold, Holdco or Sub or any of their representatives specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.
SECTION 3.08
Absence of Certain Changes.
(a) From March 29, 2014 through the date of this Agreement, except as otherwise contemplated or permitted by this Agreement, (i) the businesses of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have been conducted in all material respects in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, and (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action that, if taken after the date of this Agreement without Gold's consent, would constitute a breach of Section 5.01(a) (vi) , (vii) , (viii) , (ix) (xiv) or, with respect to the foregoing, (xvi) .
(b) Since September 28, 2013, there has not been any event, effect, development or circumstances that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.09
Undisclosed Liabilities.
Neither the Company nor any of
the Company Subsidiaries is subject to any liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or
otherwise) required by GAAP to be set forth on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries or in the notes thereto, other than liabilities and obligations
(a) disclosed, reserved against or provided for in the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of March 29, 2014 or in the notes thereto, (b) incurred since March 29,
2014 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (c) incurred under this Agreement or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or (d) that otherwise
would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.10
Litigation.
There is no suit, claim, litigation,
arbitration, mediation, action, proceeding or investigation (each, a
"
Proceeding
") to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened that would reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is subject to any outstanding order, writ, injunction, judgment or
decree of any Governmental Entity that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Immediately prior to the execution of this Agreement,
to the knowledge of the Company, there are no Proceedings pending or threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries challenging or seeking to prohibit the execution, delivery or performance
of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 3.11
Employee Benefits.
(a) Section 3.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list of each material "employee benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (" ERISA "), and each other material compensation or benefit plan, policy, program, agreement or arrangement, in each case, sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, other than any such plan, policy, program, agreement or arrangement which is required to be maintained by applicable Law (each such compensation or benefit plan, policy, program, agreement or arrangement, without regard to materiality, a " Company Benefit Plan "). With respect to each material Company Benefit Plan, the Company has made available to Gold true and complete copies of (i) such Company Benefit Plan, including any amendment thereto, (ii) each trust, insurance annuity or other funding Contract related thereto, and (iii) in the case of the Company's 401(k) plan, the most recent financial statement.
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(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Company Benefit Plan has been administered in compliance with its terms and all applicable Laws, including ERISA and the Code, (ii) the Company and each Company Subsidiary is in compliance with all Laws applicable to the Company Benefit Plans, including ERISA and the Code, and (iii) there are no claims, actions, suits, proceedings, investigations, arbitrations, audits or hearings (other than for routine claims for benefits) pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened with respect to any Company Benefit Plan. Each Company Benefit Plan which is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code has either received a favorable determination letter from the IRS as to its qualified status, which has been provided to Gold, or has timely filed an application for a favorable determination letter, or may rely upon an opinion letter for a prototype or volume submitter plan, and, to the knowledge of the Company, no circumstance exists that would materially jeopardize the qualified status of any such Company Benefit Plan, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Section 3.11(c) of the Company Disclosure Letter lists each material Company Benefit Plan that provides health, life insurance or other welfare benefits after retirement or other termination of employment, other than (i) as required by Law, (ii) coverage or benefits the full cost of which is borne by the employee or former employee (or any beneficiary of the employee or former employee) or (iii) benefits provided for a period of less than eighteen (18) months following termination of employment or during any period during which the former employee is receiving severance pay.
(d) None of the Company, any Company Subsidiary or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates maintains or has any actual or contingent liability (i) under any employee benefit subject to Section 302 or Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law or that is otherwise a defined benefit pension plan, or (ii) to any "multiemployer plan" (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA).
(e) None of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the Mergers or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement (alone or in conjunction with any other event, including any termination of employment) will (i) entitle any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor to any material compensation or benefit, (ii) trigger any other obligation under any material Company Benefit Plan or (iii) result in any breach or violation of or default under, or limit the Company's right to amend or terminate, any Company Benefit Plan. The Company has made available to Gold information and cost estimates (including with respect to the impact of Section 280G of the Code), prepared in reasonable good faith, relating to each payment (whether in cash or property or the vesting of property) or benefit that is conditioned on or accelerated by the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Mergers, to any "disqualified individual" (as such term is defined in proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1) that is reasonably expected to be characterized as an "excess parachute payment" (as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code). Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has any obligation to indemnify, hold harmless or gross-up any Participant with respect to any Tax, penalty or interest under Section 280G, 409A or 4999 of the Code.
(f) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, all Company Benefit Plans subject to the Laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States (i) have been maintained in accordance with all applicable requirements, (ii) if such Company Benefit Plans are intended to qualify for special Tax treatment, meet all the requirements for such treatment, and (iii) if such Company Benefit Plans are intended or required to be funded and/or book-reserved, are fully funded and/or book reserved, as
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appropriate, based upon reasonable actuarial assumptions and in accordance with any applicable requirements.
(a) There is no labor strike, dispute or lockout, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threat thereof, against or with respect to employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, except, in each case, as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. As of the date hereof, (i) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is a party to, or bound by, any collective bargaining agreement or similar agreement or arrangement with any labor union, organization or association and (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, no union or other labor organizational campaign is in progress with respect to the employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) there is no unfair labor practice, labor dispute (other than routine individual grievances) or labor arbitration proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, and (ii) the Company and each Company Subsidiary is in compliance with all applicable Laws pertaining to employment, employment practices and the employment of labor, including all such Laws relating to labor relations, payment of wages, classification of employees, immigration, health and safety and workers' compensation.
(a) The Company and each Company Subsidiary has timely filed (taking into account any valid extension of time within which to file) all Tax Returns required to be filed by it and all such filed Tax Returns are correct, complete and accurate, and has paid all Taxes due (whether or not shown as due on such filed Tax Returns), subject in each case to such exceptions as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. All Taxes which the Company or any Company Subsidiary has been required by law to withhold or to collect for payment on or prior to the date hereof have been duly withheld and collected and have been paid to the appropriate Governmental Entity, subject to such exceptions as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. There are no material Liens related to Taxes upon any property or assets of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, except for Permitted Liens.
(b) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has in effect any waiver of any statute of limitations with respect to any material amount of Taxes. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has agreed to any extension of time with respect to an assessment or deficiency for Taxes. As of the date hereof there is no action, suit, investigation, audit, claim, assessment or other proceeding pending with respect to Taxes for which the Company or any Company Subsidiary may be liable that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. No material deficiency with respect to Taxes has been asserted or assessed in writing against the Company or any Company Subsidiary which has not been fully paid or adequately reserved in the Company Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP.
(c) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has been a member of an affiliated group of corporations filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return (other than a group the common parent of which is the Company) or has any liability for Taxes of another person (other than the Company or a Company Subsidiary) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law) as a transferee or successor or otherwise.
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(d) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has been a "controlled corporation" or a "distributing corporation" in any distribution occurring during the two-year period ending on the date of this Agreement that was purported or intended to be governed by Section 355 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law).
(e) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is a party to, or bound by, or has any obligation under, any Tax sharing, indemnification or similar Contract other than (i) Contracts solely among the Company and the Company Subsidiaries and (ii) customary Tax indemnification provisions in Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business and the primary purpose of which does not relate to Taxes.
(f) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has participated in any "reportable transaction" required to be disclosed by any of them on any Tax Return in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(a).
(a) Section 3.14(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list of all material real property owned in fee by the Company or any Company Subsidiary (the " Company Owned Real Property "). Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Company or a Company Subsidiary has good and marketable title to the Company Owned Real Property, in each case free and clear of all Liens except for Permitted Liens, and (ii) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is obligated or bound by any option, obligation or right of first refusal or contractual right to purchase or acquire any real property or interest therein.
(b) Section 3.14(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list of all real property that is leased, subleased or licensed by the Company or any Company Subsidiary with expected annual payments in 2014 exceeding $1 million (the " Company Leased Real Property "). Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company or a Company Subsidiary has a valid leasehold estate in each Company Leased Real Property, in each case free and clear of all Liens except for Permitted Liens. Each Contract of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries for any material Company Leased Real Property is valid and binding on the Company and each Company Subsidiary that is a party thereto and, to the knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto and is in full force and effect, except that (i) such enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Laws, now or hereafter in effect, affecting creditors' rights generally and (ii) the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought, and except for such failures to be valid and binding or to be in full force and effect that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, and neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is in breach of or default under, or has received written notice of any breach of or default under, any lease of Company Leased Real Property where such breach or default would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company has made available to Gold a true and complete copy of all Contracts for Company Leased Real Property.
SECTION 3.15
Environmental Matters.
Except as would not reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect:
(a) The Company and each Company Subsidiary is, and has been during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement, in compliance with those Environmental Laws applicable to their respective assets, properties and operations (including
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possessing and complying with any required Environmental Permits), and there are no administrative or judicial proceedings, actions or investigations pending against the Company or any Company Subsidiary and none of the Company or any Company Subsidiary has received any written notice, demand, letter or claim, in either case, alleging that the Company or such Company Subsidiary is in violation of, or has liability under, any Environmental Law.
(b) To the knowledge of the Company, there are no Hazardous Substances present in, at, on, under any Company Owned Real Property, Company Leased Real Property or any other location or in any product or equipment designed or manufactured of the Company or any Company Subsidiary that, in either case, would reasonably be expected to result in a liability under Environmental Laws on the part of the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
SECTION 3.16
Intellectual Property.
(a) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (i) own all right, title and interest in or (ii) have the valid right or license to use all Patents, Trademarks (including for the avoidance of doubt third-party brands), Copyrights (including for the avoidance of doubt Copyrights in third-party software), Internet domain names and Trade Secrets (the " Intellectual Property Rights ") that are used in the conduct of the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as currently conducted (the " Company Intellectual Property Rights "). The Company has made available to Gold a list of all Company Intellectual Property Rights that are both owned by the Company or a Company Subsidiary and registered with any Governmental Entity (the " Company Registered Intellectual Property Rights "), which list is, to the knowledge of the Company, true and complete in all material respects as of the date hereof. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries are the sole and exclusive owners of all applications and registrations included in the Company Registered Intellectual Property Rights, free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, all Company Registered Intellectual Property Rights are subsisting and, to the Company's knowledge, valid and enforceable.
(b) As of the date of this Agreement, there is no pending, or to the knowledge of the Company, threatened Proceeding against the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries concerning the validity, enforceability or ownership of any Company Intellectual Property Rights or the right of the Company to use or otherwise exploit any Company Intellectual Property Rights, except for such Proceedings that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, the Company is not subject to any order pertaining to Company Intellectual Property Rights restricting in any material manner the use, transfer, licensing or other exploitation by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries of any Company Intellectual Property Rights or the Company's (or the applicable Company Subsidiary's) ownership thereof. Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has received, during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement, any written charge, complaint, claim, demand or notice challenging the validity of any of the Company Intellectual Property Rights, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Neither the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Mergers and other transactions contemplated by this Agreement will impair the right of the Company to use, develop, make, have made, offer for sale, sell, import, copy, modify, create derivative works of, perform, display, distribute, license, or dispose of any Company Intellectual Property Rights or any portion thereof as currently used or exploited by the Company
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and the Company Subsidiaries, except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to be material to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(d) To the Company's knowledge, the conduct of the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as currently conducted does not infringe upon any Intellectual Property Rights of any other person, except for any such infringement that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. None of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries has received, during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement, any written charge, complaint, claim, demand or notice alleging any such infringement by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries that has not been settled or otherwise fully resolved, except for any such infringement that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. To the Company's knowledge, no other person is infringing, or has infringed during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement, any Company Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Company, except for any such infringement as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(e) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has taken commercially reasonable steps to protect, preserve and maintain the secrecy and confidentiality of all Trade Secrets included in the Company Intellectual Property Rights that are both owned by the Company or the Company Subsidiaries and material to the business of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries as currently conducted. To the Company's knowledge, there have been no breaches of security that resulted in the disclosure of any such material Trade Secrets, except for any such disclosure that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(a) Section 3.17(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list of all Company Material Contracts in effect as of the date hereof. For the purposes of this Agreement, " Company Material Contract " means each Contract to which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party or by which it is bound (other than any of the foregoing between the Company and any of the Company Subsidiaries or between any wholly owned Company Subsidiaries) that:
(i) is required to be filed by the Company with the SEC pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act;
(ii) relates to a material partnership or joint venture of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries;
(iii) relates to outstanding Indebtedness of the Company or any Company Subsidiary in an amount in excess of $20 million;
(iv) is a definitive agreement providing for the acquisition from another person or disposition to another person, directly or indirectly (by merger, purchase or similar transaction), of assets or capital stock or other equity interests of another person (A) that involves aggregate consideration (alone or as a series of related Contracts) in excess of $10 million (other than acquisitions or dispositions of inventory in the ordinary course of business) and which have not been consummated or (B) under which the Company or any Company Subsidiary has outstanding "earn-out" or other similar contingent payment obligations;
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(v) other than Contracts that require the Company to operate only in a geographic location where wager-based gaming is permitted by Law, or with a person properly licensed to sell or otherwise place wager-based games, prohibits the Company or any of its affiliates (including the Holdco Merger Surviving Company and its affiliates from and after the Closing) from (A) engaging or competing in any line of business in any geographical location or with any person or (B) selling any products or services (including Company Products or Services) of or to any other person or in any geographic region (other than licenses, agreements, approvals that are limited to specified jurisdictions), in each of cases (A) and (B), to the extent such restrictions or prohibitions are material to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(vi) involves any exchange traded, over-the-counter or other swap, cap, floor, collar, futures contract, forward contract, option or any other derivative financial instrument or contract, based on any commodity, security, instrument, asset, rate or index of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether tangible or intangible, including commodities, emissions allowances, renewable energy credits, currencies, interest rates, foreign currency and other indices, in each case that is material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole;
(vii) obligates the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries to make any capital expenditures (including pursuant to any development project or joint venture) in excess of $15 million in any fiscal year;
(viii) obligates the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to provide indemnification or a guarantee (other than in the ordinary course of business in connection with sales of products or services to customers) that, to the knowledge of the Company, would reasonably be expected to result in payments in excess of $10 million as of the date hereof;
(ix) constitutes a Contract for Company Intellectual Property Rights (other than with respect to licenses for commercially available software or hardware) that would reasonably be expected to result in payments by the Company in excess of $20 million per fiscal year; or
(x) is a Contract of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries that grants "most favored nation" status to any third party to the extent such status is material to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(b) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is in breach of or default under the terms of any Company Material Contract (nor, to the knowledge of the Company, is there any condition or event which, with notice or lapse or time or both, would constitute such a breach or default) where such breach or default would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, no other party to any Company Material Contract is in breach of or default (nor, to the knowledge of the Company, is there any condition or event which, with notice or lapse or time or both, would constitute such a breach or default) under the terms of any Company Material Contract where such breach or default would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Each Company Material Contract is a valid and binding obligation of, and enforceable in accordance with its terms against, the Company or the relevant Company Subsidiary party thereto, as applicable, and, to the knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto and is in full force and effect, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect; provided , however , that (i) such enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar Laws, now or hereafter in effect, relating to creditors' rights generally and (ii) the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may
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be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.
SECTION 3.18
Insurance.
Except as would not reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (a) all insurance policies
maintained by the Company and the Company Subsidiaries are in full force and effect and provide insurance in such amounts and against such risks as the management of the Company reasonably has
determined to be prudent in accordance with industry practices or as is required by Law or regulation, and all premiums due and payable thereon have been paid; and (b) neither the Company nor
any Company Subsidiary is in breach or default of any of the insurance policies, and neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has taken any action or failed to take any action which, with notice
or the lapse of time, would constitute such a breach or default or permit termination or material modification of any of the insurance policies. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company has not received any notice of termination or cancellation or denial of coverage with respect to any insurance policy.
SECTION 3.19
Gaming Approvals and Licensing Matters.
In the five
(5) years prior to the date of this Agreement, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors
or, or to the knowledge of the Company, other affiliates of the Company, has been denied a gaming license, or suitability approval by any Gaming Authority, or had any gaming license or suitability
approval revoked or suspended.
SECTION 3.20
Anti-Money Laundering and Economic Sanctions Laws.
(a) None of the Company, the Company Subsidiaries, any of their respective officers, directors, employees or, to the knowledge of the Company agents designated by the Company to act on behalf of the Company and solely when acting in such capacity (collectively, the " Company Group ," it being acknowledged and agreed that any representation or warranty in this Agreement with respect to the Company Group shall, to the extent it applies to such agents, be deemed made to the knowledge of the Company and solely when acting in such capacity), (i) is in violation of any applicable anti-money laundering law or (ii) engages in any transaction, investment, undertaking or activity that conceals the identity, source or destination of the proceeds from any category of offenses designated in any applicable law, regulation or other binding measure implementing the "Forty Recommendations" and "Nine Special Recommendations" published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering.
(b) Except as otherwise authorized by OFAC, no member of the Company Group (i) conducts any business or engages in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Embargoed Person, (ii) deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction related to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to any applicable Economic Sanctions Laws or (iii) engages in or conspires to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the applicable prohibitions set forth in any Economic Sanctions Laws.
SECTION 3.21
FCPA and Anti-Corruption.
(a) No member of the Company Group has in the five (5) years prior to the date of this Agreement, in connection with the business of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, itself or, to the knowledge of the Company, any other third party, in each case, acting on behalf of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, taken any action in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the " FCPA "), or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption related provisions in criminal and anti-competition laws (collectively, " Bribery Legislation ").
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(b) No member of the Company Group is, or in the five (5) years prior to the date of this Agreement has been, subject to any actual, pending, or threatened civil, criminal, or administrative actions, suits, demands, claims, hearings, notices of violation, investigations, proceedings, demand letters, settlements, or enforcement actions, or made any voluntary disclosures to any Governmental Entity, involving the Company or any Company Subsidiary in any way relating to applicable Bribery Legislation, including the FCPA.
SECTION 3.22
Customers.
To the knowledge of the Company, as of the
date of this Agreement neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries (a) has been notified in writing
of any breach of any Contract with any of the Company's top ten (10) customers (the "
Company Material Customers"
), measured by revenue generated
in fiscal year 2013, that would be material and adverse to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (b) has been notified in writing by any such Company Material Customers
that it intends to terminate or otherwise materially and adversely alter the terms of its business with the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries, in each case, in a manner that would be material
and adverse to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. As of the date of this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has notified any such Company
Material Customers in writing of any material breach of any material Contract by such Company Material Customers.
SECTION 3.23
Opinion of Financial Advisor.
The Company's board of
directors has received the opinion of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC on or prior to the date of this Agreement, to the
effect that, as of the date of such opinion and subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth therein, the Company Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of shares
of the Company Common Stock, taken in the aggregate, pursuant to this Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to the holders of shares of the Company Common Stock. The Company will make a
true and complete copy of such opinion available to Gold, for informational purposes only, after receipt of such opinion by the Company's board of directors, and it is agreed and understood that such
opinion may not be relied on by Gold, Holdco or Sub.
SECTION 3.24
Anti-Takeover Provisions.
Assuming the accuracy of the
representation contained in
Section 4.02(g)
, the Company has taken all actions
necessary to render inapplicable to this Agreement and the Company Merger, and inapplicable to Holdco, Sub and the Company's capital stock in connection with this Agreement and the Company Merger, any
and all "fair price," "moratorium," no "control share acquisition," business combination" and other similar laws of the State of Nevada or any other state or jurisdiction, including the "Acquisition
of Controlling Interest" statutes set forth in NRS 78.378 through 78.3793, inclusive, and the "Combinations With Interested Stockholders" statutes set forth in NRS 78.411 - 78.444,
inclusive (collectively, "
Takeover Statutes
"), and no such Takeover Statute applies or will apply to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect
to the Company Merger.
SECTION 3.25
Vote Required.
The affirmative vote of the holders of
shares having a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock entitled to vote at the
Company Stockholder Meeting is the only vote required (under applicable Law, the Company Charter, the Company Bylaws, or otherwise) of the holders of any class or series of capital stock or other
equity securities of the Company to approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Mergers) (the "
Company Stockholder
Approval
").
SECTION 3.26
No Dissenters' Rights.
No holder of any shares of
Company Common Stock will have or be entitled to assert dissenter's rights or any other rights of appraisal, pursuant to the NRS or
otherwise, as a result of or in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Mergers.
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SECTION 3.27
Brokers.
No broker, finder or
investment banker other than Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission
from the Company or any Company Subsidiary in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 3.28
Acknowledgement of No Other Representations or Warranties.
Except for the representations and warranties contained in
Article IV
, the Company acknowledges and agrees
that none of Gold, Holdco, Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries or affiliates, or their respective directors, officers, investment bankers, financial advisors and counsel (collectively, the
"
Gold Representatives
") makes or has made any representation or warranty, either express or implied, concerning Gold, Holdco, Sub or any of their
respective Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets or properties or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Company and its representatives have received from Gold or its
representatives certain estimates, projections and other forecasts for Gold and its Subsidiaries and certain estimates, plans and budget information. The Company acknowledges and agrees that there are
uncertainties inherent in attempting to make such projections, forecasts, estimates, plans and budgets; that Gold makes no representations or warranties with respect thereto; that the Company is
familiar with such uncertainties; and that the Company is taking full responsibility for making its own evaluation of the adequacy and accuracy of all estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and
budgets so furnished to it or its representatives.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GOLD
Except (a) as disclosed in the Gold CONSOB Documents filed prior to the date hereof and since December 31, 2012 (but excluding any forward looking disclosures set forth in any "risk factors" section, any disclosures in any "forward looking statements" section and any other disclosures included therein to the extent they are predictive or forward-looking in nature), or (b) as disclosed in the separate disclosure letter which has been delivered by Gold to the Company prior to the execution of this Agreement, including the documents attached to or expressly incorporated by reference in such disclosure letter (the " Gold Disclosure Letter ") (it being agreed that disclosure of any item in any section or subsection of the Gold Disclosure Letter shall also be deemed to be disclosed with respect to any other section or subsection in this Agreement to which the relevance of such item is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure), Gold hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:
SECTION 4.01
Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.
(a) Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco, Sub and each of their respective Subsidiaries is a corporation duly incorporated or organized and validly existing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation. Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco, Sub and each of their respective Subsidiaries has requisite corporate, power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to have such power and authority would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. Gold, Holdco, Sub and each of their respective Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business and, where relevant, is in good standing in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its properties or assets or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except in each case where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Gold has made available to the Company true and complete copies of the Charter of the Board of Directors ( Regolamento Del Consiglio Di Amministrazione ), as amended, of Gold (the " Gold Charter "), the Bylaws of Gold (the " Gold Bylaws ") and the charter and bylaws, or equivalent organizational documents, of Gold US Sub and each Gold Significant Subsidiary and of
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Holdco and Sub, in each case as amended through, and in full force and effect as of, the date hereof, and neither Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco, Sub nor any of their respective Subsidiaries is in material violation of any of the provisions of such documents.
(a) The share capital authorized to be issued pursuant to Gold Bylaws in force as of the date hereof (" capital sociale deliberato "), is equal to an amount of 188,428,896.00 Euros of which 174,805,024.00 Euros have been issued, fully paid and registered in the form of 174,805,024 Gold Shares. As of the close of business on July 14, 2014, (i) 174,860,311 Gold Shares were issued and fully paid, all of which are (and all such shares which may be issued prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement will be when issued) duly authorized, validly issued and free of preemptive rights (other than preemptive rights provided under applicable Law) and not issued in violation of any preemptive rights under applicable Law, the Gold Charter or the Gold Bylaws in effect at the time of such issuance or any Gold Material Contract, of which 173,779,311 Gold Shares were issued and outstanding (excluding treasury shares) and 1,081,000 Gold Shares were held in treasury. As of the date of this Agreement, the share capital of Holdco consists of one (1) Holdco Share, which is validly issued and outstanding and held of record by Gold, and the authorized share capital of Sub consists of 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, all of which are validly issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding share capital of Sub is, and at the Company Merger Effective Time will be, owned by Holdco. Each of Holdco and Sub was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated hereby, and it has not conducted any business prior to the date hereof and has no, and prior to the Effective Times will have no, assets, liabilities or obligations of any nature other than those incident to its formation and pursuant to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) Pursuant to the resolutions adopted at the Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting of Gold as of April 28, 2011, the board of directors of Gold was granted the power to increase the share capital up to the maximum nominal amount of 17,201,537 Euros for potential extraordinary transactions and pursuant to Gold Stock Plans, of which 2,789,651 have been issued and registered in the form of Gold Shares from April 28, 2011 to the close of business on July 14, 2014 pursuant to Gold Stock Plans. Pursuant to the resolutions adopted at the Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting of Gold as of April 28, 2011, the board of directors of Gold was granted the power to increase the share capital up to the maximum nominal amount of 125,000,000 Euros in connection with issuance of Gold Shares required under certain provisions of 750,000,000 Euros Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066 issued by Gold.
(c) As of the date hereof, except as provided in Sections 4.02(a) , (b) and (f) , there are no (i) shares of capital stock of, or other equity or voting interest in, Gold, Holdco, Sub or any Gold Subsidiary issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding, (ii) securities of Gold, Holdco, Sub or any Gold Subsidiary convertible into or exchangeable for one or more shares of capital stock of, or other equity or voting interests in, Gold, Holdco, Sub or any Gold Subsidiary, in each case issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding, (iii) options, warrants or other rights relating to or based on the value of the equity securities of Gold, Holdco, Sub or any Gold Subsidiary to which any of Gold, Holdco, Sub or any Gold Subsidiary is party, (iv) agreements, commitments or arrangements of any character that are binding on Gold, Holdco, Sub or any Gold Subsidiary that obligate Gold, Holdco, Sub or any Gold Subsidiary to issue, deliver, acquire or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered, acquired or sold, any capital stock of, or other equity or voting interests in, Gold, Holdco, Sub or any Gold Subsidiary, (v) obligations of Gold, Holdco, Sub or any Gold Subsidiary to grant, extend or enter into a subscription, warrant, right, convertible or exchangeable security or other similar Contract relating to any capital stock of, or other equity or voting interest in, Gold, Holdco, Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or (vi) outstanding restricted shares, restricted
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share units, share appreciation rights, performance shares, contingent value rights, "phantom" shares or similar securities or rights issued or granted by Gold, Holdco, Sub or any Gold Subsidiary that are derivative of, or provide economic benefits based, directly or indirectly, on the value or price of, any capital stock of, or other voting securities or ownership interests in, Gold, Holdco, Sub or any Gold Subsidiary (the items in clauses (i) - (vi) , together with the capital stock of, or other equity interest in, Gold, Holdco, Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries, being referred to collectively as " Gold Securities "). Since the close of business on July 14, 2014 through the date hereof, Gold has not issued any Gold Securities (other than Gold Shares issued in respect of Gold Options and Restricted Gold Shares that were outstanding as of July 14, 2014).
(d) Except with respect to Gold Options, Restricted Gold Shares and Other Gold Equity-Based Awards and the related award agreements, there are no outstanding obligations of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary (i) requiring the repurchase, redemption, acquisition or disposition of, or containing any right of first refusal with respect to, (ii) requiring the registration for sale of or (iii) granting any antidilutive rights or other similar rights with respect to any Gold Securities.
(e) There are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other Indebtedness of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) at shareholders' meetings on any matter on which shareholders of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary maybe entitled to vote at any shareholder meeting of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary. There are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which Gold, Holdco, Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries is a party with respect to the voting of capital stock of or equity interests in any such entity.
(f) Gold or another Gold Subsidiary owns, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interests of each of the Gold Subsidiaries, and Holdco owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity securities of Sub, in each case free and clear of any Liens (other than transfer and other restrictions under applicable federal and state securities Laws), and all of such outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interests are (and all such shares or interests which may be issued prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement will be when issued) duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and, where applicable, nonassessable. Except for equity interests in the Gold Subsidiaries and as set forth in Section 4.02(f) of the Gold Disclosure Letter, neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary owns, directly or indirectly, any shares of capital stock or other equity interests in any person, or has any material obligation to acquire any such shares of capital stock or other equity interests, or to provide material funds to or make any material investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any Gold Subsidiary or any other person. There are no outstanding material obligations to which Gold or any Gold Subsidiary is a party (i) restricting the transfer of or (ii) limiting the exercise of voting rights with respect to any shares of capital stock or other equity interests in any Gold Subsidiary.
(g) None of Gold, Holdco, Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries or affiliates, or any persons acting in association with them (each a " Control Act Person ") beneficially owns (as defined by Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) any Company Shares or any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Company Shares, or holds any rights to acquire or vote any Company Shares, other than pursuant to this Agreement. None of Gold, Holdco, Sub, any of their respective Subsidiaries, or the "affiliates" or "associates" of any such person (each a " Combinations Act Person ") is, and at no time during the last two (2) years has been, an "interested stockholder" of the Company, in each case as such terms are defined in NRS 78.412, 78.413 and 78.423, respectively.
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(a) Each of Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco and Sub has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and, following the approval of the Holdco Merger Terms by the respective board of directors of Gold and Holdco and subject to the receipt of Gold Shareholder Approval, the Holdco Shareholder Approval and the Sub Shareholder Approval, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Mergers). The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco and Sub and the consummation by Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco and Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Gold's, Holdco's and Sub's respective board of directors and, other than the approval of the Holdco Merger Terms by the respective boards of directors of Gold and Holdco, the Gold Shareholder Approval, the Holdco Shareholder Approval and the Sub Shareholder Approval, no additional corporate proceedings on the part of Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco or Sub are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco and Sub, and (assuming the valid authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company) constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco and Sub enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms, except that (i) such enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Laws, now or hereafter in effect, affecting creditors' rights generally and (ii) the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.
(b) Gold's board of directors has, by resolutions unanimously adopted at a meeting duly called and held, (i) determined that the Mergers are in the best interests of Gold, adopted and declared advisable this Agreement and the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby, which resolutions have not been rescinded, modified or withdrawn in any way after the date of its adoption, and (ii) prior to the Gold Shareholder Meeting will have directed that the Holdco Merger contemplated by this Agreement be submitted to the holders of Gold Shares for their approval, and (iii) proposed that the Gold shareholders approve the Holdco Merger.
SECTION 4.04
No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) None of the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by Gold or the consummation by Gold of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Mergers) will: (i) subject to obtaining Gold Shareholder Approval, conflict with or violate any provision of the Gold Charter or the Gold Bylaws or any equivalent organizational or governing documents of Gold US Sub or any Gold Significant Subsidiary; (ii) assuming that all consents, approvals and authorizations described in Section 4.04(b) have been obtained and all filings and notifications described in Section 4.04(b) have been made and any waiting periods thereunder have terminated or expired, conflict with or violate any Law applicable to Gold or any Gold Subsidiary or any of their respective properties or assets; or (iii) require any consent or approval under, violate, conflict with, result in any breach of or any loss of any benefit under, or constitute a default under (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both), or result in termination or give to others any right of termination, vesting, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) upon any of the respective properties or assets of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary pursuant to any Gold Material Contract to which Gold or any Gold Subsidiary is a party or by which any property or asset of the Gold, Holdco, Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries is bound or affected or any Gold Permit, except (x) for any such conflicts, violations, consents, breaches, losses, changes of control, defaults, other occurrences or Liens that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold
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Material Adverse Effect or (y) as may arise as a result of facts or circumstances relating to the Company or its affiliates or Laws or Contracts binding on the Company or its affiliates.
(b) None of the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by Gold, Holdco or Sub or the consummation by Gold, Holdco or Sub of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Mergers) will require (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing or registration with or notification to, any Governmental Entity with respect to Gold or any Gold Subsidiary or any of their respective assets, other than (i) the filings required to effect the Holdco Merger with the relevant UK and Italian authorities, (ii) the filing of a premerger notification and report form under the HSR Act and the receipt, termination or expiration, as applicable, of waivers, consents, approvals, waiting periods or agreements required under applicable Antitrust Laws, (iii) any Gaming Approvals, (iv) compliance with the applicable requirements of securities Laws in Italy, (v) filings as may be required under the rules and regulations of the MSE, (vi) filings as may be required under the rules of any banking or other regulatory authority in Italy, (vii) where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or permits of, or to make such filings, registrations with or notifications to, any Governmental Entity would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, and (viii) as may arise as a result of facts or circumstances relating to the Company or its affiliates or Laws or Contracts binding on the Company or its affiliates.
(c) As of the date hereof, to the knowledge of Gold, there are no facts or circumstances with respect to Gold or any Gold Subsidiary or any of their respective affiliates insofar as such affiliate-owned interest would be attributable to Gold or any Gold Subsidiary under any applicable Gaming Law that would prevent or materially delay receipt of any Gaming Approvals.
SECTION 4.05
Permits; Compliance with Laws.
(a) Gold and each Gold Subsidiary is in possession of all material Permits under Gaming Laws which are necessary for Gold and each Gold Subsidiary to own, lease and operate its properties and assets, and to carry on and operate its businesses as currently conducted (the " Gold Material Gaming Permits "). To the knowledge of Gold, all Gold Material Gaming Permits are in full force and effect, and none of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries is in default or violation of any such Gold Material Gaming Permit. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any written notice during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement from any Governmental Entity threatening to suspend, revoke, withdraw, modify or limit in any material and adverse respect any Gold Material Gaming Permit. Gold and each Gold Subsidiary is in possession of all other Permits (other than Gold Material Gaming Permits) necessary for Gold and each Gold Subsidiary to own, lease and operate its properties and assets, and to carry on and operate its businesses as currently conducted (the " Gold Permits "), except where the failure to possess such Permits would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. All Gold Permits are in full force and effect, except where the failure to have, or the failure to be in full force and effect of, any Gold Permits would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, and none of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries is in default or violation of any such Gold Permit, except where such default or violation would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. Neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary has received any written notice during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement from any Governmental Entity threatening to suspend, revoke, withdraw, modify or limit in any material and adverse respect any Gold Permit, except where such notice would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
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(b) Neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary is, or during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement has been, in violation of any Law (including Gaming Laws) applicable to Gold or any Gold Subsidiary or by which any property or asset of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary is bound or affected, except for any violations that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries are in compliance with, and, during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement, have not received written notice of any default or violation of, any Gaming Laws applicable to Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries or by which any property or asset of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries is bound or affected, except in each of the foregoing cases as would not reasonably be expected to be material to Gold and Gold Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. To the knowledge of Gold, no investigation by any Governmental Entity with respect to Gold or any Gold Subsidiary is pending or threatened, except for such investigations the outcomes of which would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Laws relating to (i) the privacy of users of the Gold products or services and all Internet websites owned, maintained or operated by Gold or any Gold Subsidiary and (ii) the collection, storage, processing, use and transfer of, and provision of notice of breach regarding, any personally identifiable information, except in the case of each of clause (i) and (ii) ,where the failure to be in compliance with such applicable Laws would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. No claims are pending, or, to the knowledge of the Gold, are threatened in writing against Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries by any person alleging a violation of such applicable Laws referred to in the foregoing sentence or by any person alleging a violation of such person's privacy or confidentiality rights or rights relating to personal information, except for any such claim that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.06
Gold CONSOB Documents; Financial Statements.
(a) Since December 31, 2012, Gold has filed with or otherwise furnished to (as applicable) the CONSOB and/or the MSE, all registration statements, prospectuses, forms, reports, definitive proxy statements, schedules and other documents required to be filed or furnished by it under securities Laws of Italy, as applicable (such documents and any other documents filed by Gold with the CONSOB and/or the MSE, as have been supplemented, modified or amended since the time of filing, collectively, the " Gold CONSOB Documents "). As of their respective filing dates or, if supplemented, modified or amended since the time of filing, as of the date of the most recent supplement, modification or amendment, Gold CONSOB Documents (i) did not at the time each such document was filed contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (ii) complied in all material respects with all applicable requirements of securities Laws of Italy, in each case as in effect on the date each such document was filed. The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of Gold (including, in each case, any notes thereto) and the consolidated Gold Subsidiaries included in or incorporated by reference into Gold CONSOB Documents (collectively, the " Gold Financial Statements ") (x) complied as of their respective dates of filing in all material respects with the then applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations of the CONSOB with respect thereto, (y) were prepared in all material respects in accordance with IFRS (as adopted by the European Union and in accordance with legislative decree in effect in Italy on the date of such Gold Financial Statement) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of interim financial statements, for normal and
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recurring year-end adjustments) and (z) present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position and the consolidated comprehensive income, results of their operations, cash flows and equity of Gold and the consolidated Gold Subsidiaries as of the dates and for the periods referred to therein (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of interim financial statements, for normal and recurring year-end adjustments). As of the date of this Agreement, to the knowledge of Gold there are no outstanding or unresolved comments in any comment letters received by the Gold from the CONSOB. As of the date of this Agreement, to the knowledge of Gold, none of the Gold CONSOB Documents is the subject of any ongoing review by the CONSOB. No Gold Subsidiary is, or since September 30, 2012 has been, required to file periodic reports with the SEC or CONSOB pursuant to applicable securities Laws.
(b) From September 30, 2012 to the date hereof, (i) neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary has received, in writing, any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of Gold or Gold Subsidiary or their respective internal accounting controls, and (ii) to the knowledge of Gold, no attorney representing Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries has reported evidence of a material violation of securities Laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents to the board of Gold or any committee thereof.
(c) Gold has established and maintains internal control mechanisms and internal audit procedures in compliance with Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998 and the Italian Corporate Governance Code issued by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. (to the extent described in the Gold Corporate Governance Report as of December 31, 2013) designed to ensure that (i) all material information required to be disclosed by Gold in the reports that it files or submits with the CONSOB is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of CONSOB and (ii) material information relating to Gold, including its consolidated Gold Subsidiaries, is made known to the directors of Gold as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to prepare the documentation required pursuant to the securities Laws of Italy. Since September 30, 2012 to the date hereof, Gold has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation of internal controls prior to the date hereof, to Gold's auditors and the audit committee of Gold (i) any significant weakness in the internal control reviews system in relation to the financial reporting process which are reasonably likely to adversely affect in any material respect Gold's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company's internal controls. As and to the extent described in the Gold CONSOB Documents, Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries have devised and maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS.
SECTION 4.07
Information Supplied.
None of the information supplied
or to be supplied by Gold, Holdco or Sub specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement,
the Proxy Statement or the Gold Information Document will (a) in the case of the Registration Statement, at the time it becomes effective, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, (b) in the case of the Proxy Statement and the Gold
Information Document, will, at the time the Proxy Statement is first mailed to the Company's stockholders or the Gold Information Document is first mailed to Gold's shareholders, as applicable, or at
the time of the Company Stockholder Meeting or the Gold Shareholder Meeting, as applicable, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading, except that no representation or warranty is made by Gold with
respect to
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statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by the Company or any of their representatives specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.
SECTION 4.08
Absence of Certain Changes.
(a) From March 31, 2014 through the date of this Agreement, except as otherwise contemplated or permitted by this Agreement, (i) the businesses of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries have been conducted in all material respects in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, and (ii) neither Gold nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action that, if taken after the date of this Agreement without the Company's consent, would constitute a breach of Section 5.01(b)(vi) , (vii) , (viii) , or, with respect to the foregoing, (x) .
(b) Since December 31, 2013, there has not been any event, effect, development of state or circumstances that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.09
Undisclosed Liabilities.
Neither Gold nor any of the
Gold Subsidiaries is, subject to any liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise)
required by IFRS to be set forth on a consolidated balance sheet of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries or in the notes thereto, other than liabilities and obligations (a) disclosed, reserved
against or provided for in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Gold as of March 31, 2014 or in the notes thereto, (b) incurred since March 31, 2014 in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice, (c) incurred under this Agreement or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or (d) that otherwise would not reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.10
Litigation.
There is no Proceeding to which Gold, Holdco,
Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries is a party pending or, to the knowledge of Gold, threatened that would
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. Neither Gold, Holdco, Sub nor any of their respective Subsidiaries is subject to any outstanding
order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any Governmental Entity that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. Immediately prior to
the execution of this Agreement, to the knowledge of Gold, there are no Proceedings pending or threatened against Gold or any of its Subsidiaries challenging or seeking to prohibit the execution,
delivery or performance of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 4.11
Employee Benefits.
(a) For purposes of this Agreement, "Gold Benefit Plan" shall mean each compensation or benefit plan, policy, program, agreement or arrangement, in each case, sponsored, maintained or contributed to by Gold or any Gold Subsidiary, other than any plan, policy, program, agreement or arrangement which is required to be maintained by applicable Law.
(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Gold Benefit Plan has been administered in compliance with its terms and all applicable Laws, (ii) Gold and each Gold Subsidiary is in compliance with all Laws applicable to the Gold Benefit Plans, including ERISA and the Code, and (iii) there are no claims, actions, suits, proceedings, investigations, arbitrations, audits or hearings (other than for routine claims for benefits) pending or, to the knowledge of Gold, threatened with respect to any Gold Benefit Plan.
(c) None of Gold, any Gold Subsidiary or any of their respective affiliates or ERISA Affiliates maintains or has any actual or contingent liability (i) under any employee benefit subject to Section 302 or Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or any similar provision of state,
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local or foreign law or that is otherwise a defined benefit pension plan, or (ii) to any "multiemployer plan" (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA).
(d) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, all Gold Benefit Plans subject to the Laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States (i) have been maintained in accordance with all applicable requirements, (ii) if such Gold Benefit Plans are intended to qualify for special Tax treatment, meet all the requirements for such treatment, and (iii) if such Gold Benefit Plans are intended or required to be funded and/or book-reserved, are fully funded and/or book reserved, as appropriate, based upon reasonable actuarial assumptions and in accordance with any applicable requirements.
(a) There is no labor strike, dispute, or lockout, or, to the knowledge of Gold, threat thereof, against or with respect to any employee of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary, except, in each case, as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, (i) there is no unfair labor practice, labor dispute (other than routine individual grievances) or labor arbitration proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, and (ii) Gold and each Gold Subsidiary is in compliance with all applicable Laws pertaining to employment, employment practices and the employment of labor, including all such Laws relating to labor relations, payment of wages, classification of employees, immigration, health and safety and workers' compensation.
(a) Gold and each Gold Subsidiary properly maintains the mandatory tax books and accounts and has timely filed (taking into account any valid extension of time within which to file) all Tax Returns required to be filed by it and all such filed Tax Returns are correct, complete and accurate and has paid all Taxes due (whether or not shown as due on such filed Tax Returns), subject in each case to such exceptions as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. All Taxes which Gold or any Gold Subsidiary has been required by law to withhold or to collect for payment on or prior to the date hereof have been duly withheld and collected and have been paid to the appropriate Governmental Entity, subject to such exceptions as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. There are no material Liens related to Taxes upon any property or assets of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary, except for Permitted Liens.
(b) As of the date hereof there is no action, suit, investigation, audit, claim, assessment or other proceeding pending with respect to Taxes for which Gold or any Gold Subsidiary may be liable that, if determined adversely, would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. No material deficiency with respect to Taxes has been asserted or assessed in writing against Gold or any Gold Subsidiary which has not been fully paid or adequately reserved in Gold Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS.
SECTION 4.14
Environmental Matters.
Except as would not reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect:
(a) Gold and each Gold Subsidiary is, and has been during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement, in compliance with those Environmental Laws applicable to their respective assets, properties and operations (including possessing and complying with any required Environmental Permits), and there are no administrative or judicial proceedings, actions or investigations pending against Gold or any Gold Subsidiary and none of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary has received any written notice, demand, letter or claim, in either case, alleging that Gold or such Gold Subsidiary is in violation of, or has liability under, any Environmental Law.
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(b) To the knowledge of Gold, there are no Hazardous Substances present in, at, on, under any Gold Owned Real Property, Gold Leased Real Property, or any other location or in any product or equipment designed or manufactured by the operations of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary, that, in either case, would reasonably be expected to result in a liability under Environmental Laws on the part of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary.
SECTION 4.15
Intellectual Property.
(a) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries (i) own all right, title and interest in or (ii) have the valid right or license to use all Intellectual Property Rights that are used in the conduct of the business of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries as currently conducted (the " Gold Intellectual Property Rights "). Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries are the sole and exclusive owners of all applications and registrations included in the Gold Registered Intellectual Property Rights, free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, all Gold Registered Intellectual Property Rights are subsisting and, to Gold's knowledge, valid and enforceable.
(b) As of the date of this Agreement, there is no pending, or to the knowledge of Gold, threatened Proceeding against Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries concerning the validity, enforceability or ownership of any Gold Intellectual Property Rights or the right of Gold to use or otherwise exploit any Gold Intellectual Property Rights, except for such Proceedings that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of Gold, none of Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries are subject to any order pertaining to the Gold Registered Intellectual Property Rights restricting in any material manner the use, transfer, licensing or other exploitation by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries of any Gold Intellectual Property Rights or Gold's (or the applicable Gold Subsidiary's) ownership thereof. Neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries has received, during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement, any written charge, complaint, claim, demand or notice challenging the validity of any of the Gold Intellectual Property Rights, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Neither the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Mergers and other transactions contemplated by this Agreement will impair the right of Gold to use, develop, make, have made, offer for sale, sell, import, copy, modify, create derivative works of, perform, display, distribute, license, or dispose of any Gold Intellectual Property Rights or any portion thereof as currently used or exploited by Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to be material to Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(d) To Gold's knowledge, the conduct of the business of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries as currently conducted does not infringe upon any Intellectual Property Rights of any other person, except for any such infringement that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. None of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries has received, during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of this Agreement, any written charge, complaint, claim, demand or notice alleging any such infringement by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries that has not been settled or otherwise fully resolved, except for any such infringement that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. To Gold's knowledge, no other person is infringing, or has infringed during the period beginning on the date that is two (2) years prior to the date of
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this Agreement, any Gold Intellectual Property Rights owned by Gold, except for any such infringement as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(e) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, each of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries has taken commercially reasonable steps to protect, preserve and maintain the secrecy and confidentiality of all Trade Secrets included in the Gold Intellectual Property Rights that are both owned by Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries and material to the business of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries as currently conducted. To Gold's knowledge, there have been no breaches of security that resulted in the disclosure of any such material Trade Secrets, except for any such disclosure that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.16
Insurance.
Except as would not reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, (a) all insurance policies maintained
by Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries are in full force and effect and provide insurance in such amounts and against such risks as the management of Gold reasonably has determined to be prudent in
accordance with industry practices or as is required by law or regulation, and all premiums due and payable thereon have been paid; and (b) neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary is in breach or
default of any of the insurance policies, and neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary has taken any action or failed to take any action which, with notice or the lapse of time, would constitute such a
breach or default or permit termination or material modification of any of the insurance policies. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material
Adverse Effect, Gold has not received any notice of termination or cancellation or denial of coverage with respect to any insurance policy.
(a) For the purposes of this Agreement, " Gold Material Contract " means the Contract set forth on Section 4.17 of the Gold Disclosure Letter.
(b) Neither Gold, Holdco, Sub nor any of their respective Subsidiaries is in breach of or default under the terms of any Gold Material Contract where such breach or default would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of Gold, no other party to any Gold Material Contract is in breach of or default under the terms of any Gold Material Contract where such breach or default would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. Each Gold Material Contract is a valid and binding obligation of, and enforceable in accordance with its terms against, Gold or the relevant Gold Subsidiary party thereto, as applicable, and, to the knowledge of Gold, each other party thereto and is in full force and effect, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect; provided , however , that such enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar Laws, now or hereafter in effect, relating to creditors' rights generally.
SECTION 4.18
Opinion of Financial Advisor.
Gold's board of directors
has received the opinion of Credit Suisse on or prior to the date of this Agreement, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion
and subject to the assumptions and limitations set forth therein, the Holdco Exchange Ratio, after giving effect to the aggregate Company Merger Consideration to be paid to holders of Company Shares
in the Company Merger, is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Gold Shares. Gold will make a true and complete copy of such opinion available to the Company, for informational
purposes only, after receipt of such opinion by Gold's board of directors.
SECTION 4.19
Gaming Approvals and Licensing Matters.
In the five
(5) years prior to the date of this Agreement, none of Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers,
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directors or, or to the knowledge of Gold, other affiliates of Gold, has been denied a gaming license or suitability approval, by any Gaming Authority, or had any gaming license or suitability approval revoked or suspended.
SECTION 4.20
Anti-Money Laundering and Economic Sanctions Laws.
(a) None of Gold, the Gold Subsidiaries, any of their respective officers, directors, employees or, to the knowledge of Gold, agents designated by Gold to act on behalf of Gold and solely when acting in such capacity (collectively, the " Gold Group ," it being acknowledged and agreed that any representation or warranty in this Agreement with respect to the Gold Group shall, to the extent it applies to such agents, be deemed made to the knowledge of Gold and solely when acting in such capacity), (i) is in violation of any applicable anti-money laundering law or (ii) engages in any transaction, investment, undertaking or activity that conceals the identity, source or destination of the proceeds from any category of offenses designated in any applicable law, regulation or other binding measure implementing the "Forty Recommendations" and "Nine Special Recommendations" published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering.
(b) Except as otherwise authorized by OFAC, no member of the Gold Group (i) conducts any business or engages in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Embargoed Person, (ii) deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction related to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to any applicable Economic Sanctions Laws or (iii) engages in or conspires to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the applicable prohibitions set forth in any Economic Sanctions Laws.
SECTION 4.21
FCPA and Anti-Corruption
.
(a) No member of the Gold Group has in the five (5) years prior to the date of this Agreement, in connection with the business of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary, itself or, to the knowledge of Gold, any other third party, in each case, acting on behalf of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary, taken any action in violation of the FCPA or any Bribery Legislation.
(b) No member of the Gold Group is, or in the five (5) years prior to the date of this Agreement has been, subject to any actual, pending, or threatened civil, criminal, or administrative actions, suits, demands, claims, hearings, notices of violation, investigations, proceedings, demand letters, settlements, or enforcement actions, or made any voluntary disclosures to any Governmental Entity, involving Gold or any Gold Subsidiary in any way relating to applicable Bribery Legislation, including the FCPA.
SECTION 4.22
Customers.
To the knowledge of Gold, as of the date of
this Agreement neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries (a) has been notified in writing of any breach of
any Contract with any of Gold's top ten (10) customers (the "
Gold Material Customers
"), measured by revenue generated in fiscal year 2013, that
would be material and adverse to Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (b) has been notified in writing by any such Gold Material Customers that it intends to terminate or
otherwise materially and adversely alter the terms of its business with Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries, in each case, in a manner that would be material and adverse to Gold and the Gold
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. As of the date of this Agreement, neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries has notified any such Gold Material Customers in writing of any material breach of any
material Contract by such Gold Material Customers.
SECTION 4.23
Anti-Takeover Provisions.
Assuming the accuracy of the
representation contained in
Section 3.02(g)
, Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco and Sub
have taken all actions necessary to render inapplicable to this Agreement and the Holdco Merger, and inapplicable to Holdco, Sub and Gold's share capital in connection with this Agreement and the
Holdco Merger, any and all Takeover Statutes,
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and no such Takeover Statute applies or will apply to Gold, Holdco, Sub, any of their respective Subsidiaries, with respect to the Holdco Merger.
SECTION 4.24
Vote Required.
The affirmative vote of the holders of
two-thirds of the Gold Shares in attendance and able to vote on first call at the Gold Shareholder Meeting
("
Gold Shareholder Approval
"), approval of Gold, as the sole shareholder of Holdco (the "
Holdco Shareholder
Approval
") and approval of the sole shareholder of Sub (the "
Sub Shareholder Approval
") are the only votes required (under
applicable Law, Gold Charter, Gold Bylaws or otherwise) of the holders of any class or series of capital stock or other equity securities of Gold, Holdco and Sub to approve, as the case may be, this
Agreement, the Holdco Merger Terms and the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Mergers). The Principal Gold Shareholders will be entitled to vote all Gold Shares held by them at the Gold
Shareholder Meeting, and such Gold Shares will be counted in determining whether the Gold Shareholder Approval is obtained.
SECTION 4.25
Brokers.
No broker, finder or investment banker other
than Credit Suisse is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission from Gold or any Gold Subsidiary
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(a) Gold has delivered to the Company a true and complete copy of the executed commitment letter, dated as of the date hereof (the " Debt Commitment Letter "), subject to the terms thereof, to lend the amounts set forth therein (including any replacement or refinancing credit facilities or debt securities contemplated therein, the " Debt Financing "). Gold has also delivered to the Company true and complete copies (with the fees, economic flex terms, securities demand (other than provisions regarding the timing thereof and the result of non-compliance therewith) and other proprietary economic terms therein redacted) of any fee letter relating to the Debt Commitment Letter (any such fee letter, a " Fee Letter ").
(b) Assuming the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.01 and 6.02 (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied (or if permitted, waived) at the Closing; but subject to the satisfaction (or, if applicable, waiver) of such conditions at such time), the aggregate amount of funds contemplated to be provided pursuant to the Debt Commitment Letter, together with cash on hand, is sufficient to fund all required payments, including the payment of fees and expenses, that are payable at the Closing in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the repayment of indebtedness contemplated by paragraph 2 of the Debt Commitment Letter (collectively, the " Financing Uses ").
(c) The Debt Commitment Letter is in full force and effect and has not been withdrawn, rescinded or terminated or otherwise amended, supplemented or modified in any respect (except to the extent amended or replaced in accordance with the terms of this Agreement). The Debt Commitment Letter, in the form so delivered, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Gold and, to the knowledge of Gold, the other parties thereto, enforceable against Gold (and, to the knowledge of Gold, such other parties) in accordance with its terms, except that (i) such enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Laws, now or hereafter in effect, affecting creditors' rights generally and (ii) the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no side letters or other agreements, contracts or arrangements (except for any Fee Letters delivered to the Company) relating to the Debt Financing and Debt Commitment Letter, except as expressly set forth in the Debt Commitment Letter. As of the date of this Agreement, no event has occurred which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or breach on the part of Gold under any term, or a failure of any condition, of the Debt Commitment Letter or otherwise result in any portion of the Debt
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Financing contemplated thereby required for the Financing Uses to be unavailable. Gold has no reason to believe that, assuming the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.01 and 6.02 (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied (or if permitted, waived) at the Closing; but subject to the satisfaction (or, if applicable, waiver) of such conditions at such time), it could be unable to satisfy on a timely basis any term or condition of the Debt Commitment Letter required to be satisfied by it. Gold has fully paid any and all commitment fees or other fees required by the Debt Commitment Letter to be paid on or before the date of this Agreement. There are no conditions precedent related to the funding or investing, as applicable, of the full amount of the Debt Financing, other than as expressly set forth in the Debt Commitment Letter.
(d) Neither Gold, Holdco nor Sub has entered into an exclusivity, lock-up or other similar agreement, arrangement or binding understanding with any bank or investment bank or other potential provider of debt or equity financing that prohibits such provider from providing or seeking to provide services, including debt or equity financing, to any third party in connection with a transaction relating to the Company or the Company Subsidiaries (including in connection with the making of any Company Competing Proposal) in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 4.27
Absence of Certain Arrangements.
Other than this
Agreement, there are no Contracts or any commitments to enter into any Contract between Gold, Holdco, Sub or any of their respective affiliates,
on the one hand, and any director, officer, employee or stockholder of the Company, on the other hand, relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the operations of the Holdco
Merger Surviving Company or the Company Merger Surviving Corporation after the Effective Times.
SECTION 4.28
Acknowledgement of No Other Representations or Warranties.
Except for the representations and warranties contained in
Article III
, each of Gold, Holdco and Sub
acknowledges and agrees that none of the Company, the Company Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates or the Company Representatives makes or has made any representation or warranty, either
express or implied, concerning the Company or the Company Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets or properties or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Gold, Holdco and Sub and
their respective representatives have received from the Company or its representatives certain estimates, projections and other forecasts for the Company and its Subsidiaries and certain estimates,
plans and budget information. Each of Gold, Holdco and Sub acknowledges and agrees that there are uncertainties inherent in attempting to make such projections, forecasts, estimates, plans and
budgets; that the Company makes no representations or warranties with respect thereto; that Gold, Holdco and Sub are familiar with such uncertainties; and that Gold, Holdco and Sub are each taking
full responsibility for making their own evaluation of the adequacy and accuracy of all estimates, projections, forecasts, plans and budgets so furnished to them or their representatives.
SECTION 5.01 Conduct of Business Pending the Mergers .
(a) Conduct of Business by the Company. The Company agrees that between the date of this Agreement and the Company Merger Effective Time, except as set forth in Section 5.01(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter, as expressly provided for, permitted or required by any other provision of this Agreement or as required by applicable Law, by a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction or by the rules or requirements of the NYSE, unless Gold shall otherwise consent in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), the Company will, and will cause each Company Subsidiary to, (x) conduct its business and operations
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in all material respects in the ordinary course of business and (y) use commercially reasonable efforts to (I) preserve substantially intact its business organization, keep available the services of its current officers and employees and preserve its relationships with significant Governmental Entities (including applicable Gaming Authorities), customers, suppliers, licensors, licensees, distributors, wholesalers, lessors and others having significant business dealings with it; and (II) maintain in effect all material Company Permits; provided, however, that no action by the Company or its Subsidiaries with respect to matters specifically addressed by any provision of this Section 5.01(a) shall be deemed a breach of clause (x) or clause (y) unless such action would constitute a breach of such specific provision. Without limiting the foregoing, except as set forth in Section 5.01(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter, as expressly provided for, permitted or required by any other provision of this Agreement or as required by applicable Law, by a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction or by the rules or requirements of the NYSE, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Company Subsidiary to, between the date of this Agreement and the Company Merger Effective Time, do any of the following without the prior written consent of Gold (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned):
(i) amend its articles of incorporation, bylaws or equivalent organizational documents;
(ii) issue, sell, pledge, dispose, encumber or grant any shares of capital stock or other equity interests in the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or options, warrants or other securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, any such shares of capital stock or other equity interests, any rights of any kind to acquire any such shares of capital stock or other equity interests or such options, warrants or other convertible or exchangeable securities or any rights relating to or based on the value of such capital stock or other equity interests, other than (A) grants of purchase rights under the Company Stock Purchase Plan (subject to Section 5.12(e) ) (B) pursuant to the Retention Plan in accordance with Section 5.12(f) or (C) the issuance of Company Shares upon the exercise of Company Options or purchase rights under the Company Stock Purchase Plan, or upon the vesting and settlement of Company Stock Unit Awards, in each case, outstanding as of the date hereof or otherwise permitted to be granted hereunder;
(iii) sell, pledge, dispose of, transfer, lease, license or encumber any material property or material assets (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, sales, pledges, disposals, transfers, leases, licenses or encumbrances of inventory, supplies, materials, products in the ordinary course of business) of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries taken as a whole, other than pursuant to Contracts in effect on the date hereof;
(iv) (A) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution (whether payable in cash, stock, property or a combination thereof) with respect to any Company Securities (other than (I) the Company's ordinary course quarterly dividends to holders of Company Shares in a per share amount no greater than the Company's most recently declared quarterly dividend, with record and payment dates in accordance with the Company's customary dividend schedule (II) dividends paid by a wholly owned Company Subsidiary to the Company or another wholly owned Company Subsidiary and (III) the Special Dividend) (B) split, combine, reclassify or amend the terms of any shares of capital stock or other equity interests of the Company or any Company Subsidiary; or (C) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock or other equity interests of the Company, except for any repurchases in connection with exercises of Company Options or Tax withholdings upon the vesting or payment of Company Stock Unit Awards;
(v) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for a complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of the Company or any Company Subsidiary (other than a merger of one or
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more Company Subsidiaries with or into, or the transfer of one or more Company Subsidiaries to, one or more other Company Subsidiaries);
(vi) acquire (including by merger, consolidation or acquisition of stock or assets) any interest in any person or any division or material amount of assets thereof, except with respect to acquisitions of interests in any person or any division or material amount of assets for consideration that is individually not in excess of $20 million and in the aggregate not in excess of $50 million;
(vii) incur any Indebtedness or issue any debt securities, or assume or guarantee the obligations of any person (other than a wholly owned Company Subsidiary), except (A) for borrowings in the ordinary course of business under the Company's existing credit facilities, (B) Indebtedness for borrowed money that is prepayable at any time without penalty or premium, in an amount not to exceed $20 million in the aggregate or (C) borrowings permitted pursuant to Section 5.16(b) ;
(viii) make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other person (other than any wholly owned Company Subsidiary) in excess of $20 million in the aggregate;
(ix) materially modify, amend, cancel or terminate or waive, release or assign any material rights or claims with respect to, any Company Material Contract or enter into any Contract which, if entered into prior to the date hereof, would be a Company Material Contract, in each case, other than in the ordinary course of business or, for the avoidance of doubt, as permitted by any other clause of this Section 5.01(a) ;
(x) except to the extent required by Law or the terms of any Company Benefit Plan as in effect as of the date of this Agreement or as specifically contemplated by this Agreement: (A) other than in the ordinary course of business, increase the compensation or benefits payable or to become payable to its directors, officers or employees; (B) other than in the ordinary course of business, grant any rights to severance or termination pay, enter into any employment or severance agreement, or establish, adopt, enter into or amend any collective bargaining agreement or Company Benefit Plan; (C) take any action to amend or waive any performance or vesting criteria or accelerate vesting, exercisability or funding under any Company Benefit Plan; or (D) pay or award, or commit to pay or award, any bonuses or incentive compensation, other than at times and in amounts in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice;
(xi) change (or file a request to change) any material method of Tax accounting, any annual Tax accounting period, make, change or revoke any material Tax election, settle or compromise any material liability for Taxes or file any material amended Tax Return;
(xii) make any material change in accounting policies or procedures in effect as of March 29, 2014, other than as required by GAAP (or any interpretation or enforcement thereof), Regulation S-X of the Exchange Act or a Governmental Entity or quasi-Governmental Entity (including the Financial Accounting Standards Board or any similar organization) or applicable Law;
(xiii) make any capital expenditures (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, capitalized software development costs) after the date hereof that exceed the amounts contemplated by the Company's capital expenditure budget previously made available to Gold by more than $15 million in the aggregate; provided , however , that the Company and any Company Subsidiary shall be permitted to make emergency capital expenditures in any amount that the Company determines is necessary in its reasonable judgment to maintain its ability to operate its business in the ordinary course;
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(xiv) waive, release, assign, settle or compromise any Proceeding, affecting the Company or any Company Subsidiary (other than any Proceeding concerning this Agreement), other than any such waiver, release, assignment, settlement or compromise of a Proceeding (a) where the amounts paid or to be paid (A) do not exceed established reserves for such Proceedings as of the date hereof by more than $15 million or (B) are funded, subject to payment of a deductible, by insurance coverage maintained by the Company or its Subsidiaries and (b) that does not include any equitable relief that would be material and adverse to the conduct of the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(xv) fail to maintain insurance consistent with past practice and of a size and scope that is reasonable for the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; or
(xvi) authorize, commit to or enter into any Contract to do any of the foregoing.
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Gold, Holdco or Sub, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of the Company prior to the Company Merger Effective Time. Prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, the Company shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete unilateral control and supervision over its business operations.
(b) Conduct of Business by Gold, Holdco and Sub. Between the date hereof and the Company Merger Effective Time, Gold, Holdco and Sub shall not, and shall not permit any of their respective Subsidiaries or affiliates to, take or agree to take any action that would (i) be reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect or (ii) prevent or materially delay the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Article VI . Except as expressly set forth in Section 5.01(b) of the Gold Disclosure Letter, as provided for, permitted or required by any other provision of this Agreement or as required by applicable Law, by a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction or by the rules or requirements of the MSE, Gold shall not, and shall not permit any Gold Subsidiary to, between the date of this Agreement and the Holdco Merger Effective Time, do any of the following without the prior written consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned):
(i) amend its articles of incorporation, bylaws or equivalent organizational documents in a manner materially adverse to the future shareholders of Holdco;
(ii) issue, sell, pledge, dispose, encumber or grant Gold Shares, or options, warrants or other securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Gold Shares, other than (x) issuances, sales, pledges, dispositions, encumbrances or grants of up to an aggregate of ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding Gold Shares outstanding as of the date hereof in consideration of acquisitions permitted pursuant to Section 5.01(b)(vii) , (y) grants under the Gold Stock Plans in the ordinary course of business and (z) issuance of Gold Shares upon the exercise of Gold Options or the vesting or settlement of Gold Stock Unit Awards or Other Gold Equity-Based Awards, in each case outstanding as of the date hereof or otherwise permitted to be granted hereunder;
(iii) sell, pledge, dispose of, transfer, lease, license or encumber any assets (x) if such action would reasonably be expected to materially delay or prevent the satisfaction of any of the conditions to closing set forth in Article VI or (y) that constitute more than ten percent (10%) of the assets of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries (based on the fair market value thereof), taken as a whole, or comprise ten percent (10%) or more of the consolidated revenues or EBITDA of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, sales, pledges, disposals, transfers, leases, licenses or encumbrances of
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inventory, supplies, materials, products in the ordinary course of business), other than pursuant to Contracts in effect on the date hereof;
(iv) (x) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution (whether payable in cash, stock, property or a combination thereof) with respect to any Gold Securities (other than (A) Gold's ordinary course dividends to holders of Gold Shares in a per share amount no greater than Gold's most recently declared dividend, with record and payment dates in accordance with Gold's customary dividend schedule and (B) dividends paid by a wholly owned Gold Subsidiary to Gold or another wholly owned Gold Subsidiary) (y) split, combine, reclassify or amend the terms of any shares of capital stock or other equity interests of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary; or (z) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock or other equity interests of Gold, except for repurchases of Gold Shares of an employee prior to the lapse of any vesting period upon termination of such employee's employment and any other repurchases in connection with the exercises of Gold Options or Tax withholdings on the vesting or payment of Gold Stock Unit Awards or any other Gold Stock Plans;
(v) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for a complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary (other than a merger of one or more Gold Subsidiaries with or into, or the transfer of one or more Gold Subsidiaries to, one or more other Gold Subsidiaries and other than in furtherance of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise not materially adverse to the shareholders of Holdco);
(vi) incur any Indebtedness or issue any debt securities, or assume or guarantee the obligations of any person (other than a wholly owned Gold Subsidiary) except (x) as contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letter or any New Debt Commitment Letter, (y) for borrowings in the ordinary course of business or (z) for borrowings in respect of acquisitions permitted pursuant to Section 5.01(b)(vii) ;
(vii) merge or consolidate with any other person or acquire a material amount of the stock or assets of any other person or effect any business combination, recapitalization or similar transaction (other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) (x) if such action would reasonably be expected to materially delay or prevent the satisfaction of any of the conditions to closing set forth in Article VI or (y) for consideration that is individually or in the aggregate in excess of the fair market value of ten percent (10%) of the assets of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or assets comprising ten percent (10%) or more of the consolidated revenues or EBITDA of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, measured as of the date hereof;
(viii) make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other person (other than any wholly owned Gold Subsidiary) in excess of the fair market value of ten percent (10%) of the assets of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or assets comprising ten percent (10%) or more of the consolidated revenues or EBITDA of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, measured as of the date hereof;
(ix) enter into any Contract involving consideration in excess of $500,000 and that would be required to be disclosed by Gold pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act if Gold were subject to such disclosure obligation; or
(x) authorize, commit to or enter into any Contract to do any of the foregoing.
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Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give the Company, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of Gold prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time. Prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, Gold shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete unilateral control and supervision over its business operations.
SECTION 5.02
Agreements Concerning Gold US Sub, Holdco and Sub
.
(a) Gold US Sub hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the due, prompt and faithful payment by Gold of all of the amounts required to be paid by them pursuant to this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. To the extent Gold fails to pay: (a) any undisputed amounts required to be paid pursuant to this Agreement or (b) any amount due under a final and nonappealable court order of a court of competent jurisdiction when due, Gold US Sub shall make such payment within five Business Days of the Company's written demand.
(b) Gold hereby guarantees the due, prompt and faithful payment, performance and discharge by Holdco and Sub of, and the compliance by Holdco and Sub with, all of the covenants, agreements, obligations and undertakings of Holdco and Sub to be performed at or prior to the Company Merger Effective Time under this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and covenants and agrees to take all actions necessary or advisable to ensure such payment, performance and discharge by Holdco and Sub hereunder.
(c) Holdco shall, immediately following execution of this Agreement, approve this Agreement in its capacity as sole stockholder of Sub in accordance with applicable Law and the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Sub. Prior to the Effective Times, Gold shall take all necessary actions to ensure that the shareholders of Holdco provide promptly all necessary consents and approvals with respect to this Agreement and the consummation of the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby.
(d) During the period from the date of this Agreement through the Company Merger Effective Time, Holdco and Sub shall not, and Gold shall not permit Holdco or Sub to, engage in any activity of any nature except (i) as provided in or expressly contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii) with the Company's prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 5.03
No Solicitation by Company; Change of Company Recommendation
.
(a) Subject to Section 5.03(b) , (i) the Company shall, and shall cause the Company Subsidiaries to, and shall direct its and their directors, officers, investment bankers, financial advisors, counsel and other representatives (collectively, the " Company Representatives ") to, immediately cease any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any persons that may be ongoing with respect to any Company Competing Proposal, or any inquiry or proposal that may reasonably be expected to lead to a Company Competing Proposal, and (ii) from the execution of this Agreement until the Company Merger Effective Time, the Company shall not, shall cause the Company Subsidiaries to not, and shall not direct or authorize any Company Representative to, (A) initiate, solicit or knowingly facilitate or encourage, directly or indirectly, the submission of any inquiries regarding, or the making of any proposal or offer that constitutes a Company Competing Proposal, (B) furnish any non-public information regarding the Company or any Company Subsidiary to any third person in connection with, for the purpose of encouraging or facilitating, or in response to, a Company Competing Proposal, (C) participate in any discussions or negotiations with respect to any Company Competing Proposal or any inquiry or proposal that may reasonably be expected to lead to a Company Competing Proposal; provided , however , that the Company may ascertain facts from the party making such Company Competing Proposal for the sole purpose of
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the Company board of directors informing itself about the Company Competing Proposal and the party making it, (D) waive, terminate, modify or release any person (other than Gold, Holdco, Sub and their respective affiliates) from any provision of or grant any permission, waiver or request under any "standstill" or similar agreement or obligation or (E) execute or enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement or other similar agreement relating to any Company Competing Proposal (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement) or requiring the Company to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Promptly following execution of this Agreement, the Company shall request the prompt return or destruction of all confidential information previously furnished to any person in connection with a potential Company Competing Proposal and terminate all physical and electronic dataroom access previously granted to any such person or its representatives.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 5.03(a) , if, at any time following the execution of this Agreement and prior to the Company obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval, (i) the Company has received a bona fide written Company Competing Proposal, which Company Competing Proposal did not result from any breach of this Section 5.03 (it being agreed that the board of directors of the Company may correspond in writing with any person making such a written Company Competing Proposal solely to request clarification of the terms and conditions thereof so as to determine whether such Company Competing Proposal constitutes or would reasonably be expected to lead to, after the taking of the actions referred to in either of clause (A) and (B) below, a Superior Proposal), and (ii) the Company's board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside financial advisors and outside counsel, that such Company Competing Proposal constitutes or would reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal, then the Company may, subject to compliance with this Section 5.03 , (A) furnish information with respect to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries to the person making such Company Competing Proposal and its representatives and (B) participate in discussions or negotiations with the person making such Company Competing Proposal and its representatives regarding such Company Competing Proposal; provided , however , that the Company (x) will not, will not permit or authorize the Company Subsidiaries to and will instruct the Company Representatives not to, disclose any information to such person without first entering into an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement with such person and (y) will as promptly as practicable (and in any event within 24 hours thereafter) provide to Gold any material information concerning the Company or the Company Subsidiaries provided or made available to such other person (or its representatives) that was not previously provided or made available to Gold. The Company will promptly advise Gold in the event the Company, any Company Subsidiary or any Company Representative receives a Company Competing Proposal and shall (1) provide to Gold a summary of the material terms and conditions of such Company Competing Proposal or the nature of the request for nonpublic information (including the identity of the person making the Company Competing Proposal or request for nonpublic information) and (2) keep Gold reasonably informed of any material change to the material terms or conditions thereof. The Company shall not, and shall cause the Company Subsidiaries not to, enter into any confidentiality or similar agreement with any person that prohibits the Company from providing to Gold any of the information required to be provided to Gold under this Section 5.03 within the time periods contemplated hereby.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 5.03(d) or 5.03(e) , neither the Company's board of directors nor any committee thereof shall (i) authorize, approve or recommend, or publicly propose to authorize, approve or recommend, any Company Competing Proposal, (ii) withhold, qualify or withdraw (or modify or amend in a manner adverse to Gold), or publicly propose to withhold, qualify or withdraw (or modify or amend, in a manner adverse to Gold, the Company Recommendation (any action set forth in the foregoing clauses (i) or (ii) , a " Change of Company
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Recommendation ") or (iii) execute or enter into, or cause or allow the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries to execute or enter into, any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement or other similar agreement relating to any Company Competing Proposal (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement) or requiring the Company to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (each a " Company Acquisition Agreement ").
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, at any time prior to obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval, the board of directors of the Company may:
(i) (I) make a Change of Company Recommendation or (II) cause the Company to enter into a Company Acquisition Agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal not solicited in violation of this Section 5.03 and terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01(g)(ii) , if (A) a bona fide, written Company Competing Proposal is made to the Company by a third person, and such Company Competing Proposal is not withdrawn, and the Company's board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside financial advisors and outside counsel, that such Company Competing Proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal, (B) the Company did not breach this Section 5.03 , (C) the Company provides Gold a four (4) Business Day prior written notice of its intention to take such action (a " Notice of Change of Recommendation "), which notice shall include the identity of the person making such Superior Proposal and the material terms and conditions of such Superior Proposal and, if applicable, shall attach the proposed definitive agreement providing for such Superior Proposal (it being agreed that, in each case, neither the delivery of such notice by the Company nor any public announcement thereof that the Company's board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with outside counsel, that it is required to make under applicable Law shall constitute a Change of Company Recommendation), (D) the Company has negotiated, and has caused the Company Representatives to negotiate in good faith with Gold with respect to any changes to the terms of this Agreement proposed by Gold for at least four (4) Business Days following receipt by Gold of such Notice of Change of Recommendation (it being understood and agreed that, in the case of any Notice of Change of Recommendation delivered in connection with a Company Competing Proposal, any amendment to any material term of such Company Competing Proposal shall require a new Notice of Change of Recommendation and an additional three (3) Business Day period from the date of such notice), and (E) taking into account any changes to the terms of this Agreement proposed by Gold to the Company, the Company's board of directors has determined in good faith, after consultation with its outside financial advisors and outside legal counsel, that such Company Competing Proposal would continue to constitute a Superior Proposal if such changes offered in writing by Gold were to be given effect.
(ii) (I) make a Change of Company Recommendation in response to a Company Intervening Event if (A) the Company provides Gold a four (4) Business Day prior written notice of its intention to take such action (a " Notice of Change of Recommendation "), which notice shall specify, in reasonable detail, the reasons therefor (including the material facts and circumstances related to the applicable Company Intervening Event) (it being agreed that, in each case, neither the delivery of such Notice of Change of Recommendation by the Company nor any public announcement thereof that the Company's board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with outside counsel, that it is required to make under applicable Law shall constitute a Change of Company Recommendation), (B) the Company has negotiated, and has caused the Company Representatives to negotiate in good faith with Gold with respect to any changes to the terms of this Agreement proposed by Gold for at least four (4) Business Days following receipt by Gold of such Notice of Change of Recommendation, and (C) taking into account any changes to the terms of this Agreement
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proposed by Gold to the Company, the Company's board of directors has determined in good faith after consultation with the Company's outside legal counsel that the failure to take such action would reasonably be likely to be inconsistent with the fiduciary duties of the members of the Company's board of directors under applicable Law.
(e) Nothing contained in this Section 5.03 shall prohibit the Company or the Company's board of directors from (i) disclosing to the stockholders of the Company a position contemplated by Rule 14e-2(a), Rule 14d-9 or Item 1012(a) of Regulation M-A promulgated under the Exchange Act or (ii) making any disclosure to the stockholders of the Company if the Company's board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with outside counsel, that the failure to make such disclosure would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties to the stockholders of the Company under applicable Law; provided that making such disclosure shall not in any way limit or modify the effect, if any, that any such action has under this Section 5.03 (for the avoidance of doubt, it being agreed that the issuance by the Company or the Company's board of directors of a "stop, look and listen" statement pending disclosure of its position, as contemplated by Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act, shall not constitute a Change of Company Recommendation).
SECTION 5.04
Gold Board Recommendation; No Solicitation by Gold
.
(a) (i) Gold shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and Gold Representatives to, cease any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any persons that may be ongoing with respect to any Gold Competing Proposal and (ii) from the execution of this Agreement until the Holdco Merger Effective Time, Gold shall not, shall cause the Gold Subsidiaries to not, and shall not direct any Gold Representative to, (A) initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage the submission of any Gold Competing Proposal, (B) furnish any nonpublic information regarding Gold or any Gold Subsidiary to any third person in connection with or in response to a Gold Competing Proposal or (C) participate in any discussions or negotiations with respect to any Gold Competing Proposal. Gold shall promptly advise the Company of any Gold Competing Proposal, provide to the Company a reasonably detailed summary of the material terms and conditions of such Gold Competing Proposal and keep the Company reasonably informed of any material change to the material terms or conditions of any such Gold Competing Proposal (including the identity of any person making such Gold Competing Proposal).
(b) The Gold board of directors has reached the conclusion that, taking into account the current circumstances, the Holdco Merger is fair to the shareholders of Gold from a financial point of view and will propose the Holdco Merger for approval at the Gold Shareholder Meeting.
SECTION 5.05
Registration Statements; Gold Information Document; Proxy Statement; NYSE Listing Application; Holdco
Filings; Gold Filings; Meetings
.
(a) As promptly as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, (i) the Company and Gold shall jointly prepare the Proxy Statement, (ii) Holdco shall prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 or F-4, as applicable (together with all amendments thereto, the " Registration Statement "), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the Holdco Shares to be issued to the holders of Gold Shares and Company Common Stock, as applicable, in connection with the Mergers, and in which the Proxy Statement will be included as a prospectus, (iii) Gold shall prepare, file and publish in accordance with applicable Law an information document relating to the Gold Shareholder Meeting (together with any amendments thereof or supplements thereto, the " Gold Information Document ", it being understood and agreed that the Gold Information Document and all other documents required under Italian law (such as the plan of merger) to effect the transactions contemplated hereby, including obtaining the Gold Shareholder Approval and completing the Holdco Merger, shall comply with Italian law and the parties shall cooperate in good faith to ensure that the intent of
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the parties, as set forth in this Agreement, is reflected as nearly as possible in such other documents), (iv) Holdco shall prepare and file with the NYSE a listing application (the " NYSE Listing Application ") for the listing of the Holdco Shares on the NYSE; (v) Holdco shall prepare and file with the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales (the " Registrar ") the Holdco Merger Terms, with any other customary terms approved with the prior written consent of the Company (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) in compliance with Regulation 7 of the UK Merger Regulations and a report from the directors of Holdco compliant with Regulation 8 of the UK Merger Regulations, which shall have been approved by the Holdco board of directors in accordance with the Laws of England and Wales, and which filing shall be made in sufficient time for a notice of receipt of the documents to be published in the London Gazette by the Registrar not later than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the Gold Shareholder Meeting; and (vi) Gold shall prepare and file with Gold's Companies Register: (x) the Holdco Merger Terms, with any other customary terms approved with the prior written consent of the Company (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) in compliance with the Laws of Italy, (y) a report of the Gold board of directors, compliant with the Laws of Italy, and (z) the Gold Expert Report, which shall have been approved by the Gold board of directors as provided by the Laws of Italy. Gold, Holdco and the Company shall provide each other with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such documents and any amendment or supplement thereto (which comments shall be reasonably considered) prior to their filing. No filing of, or amendment or supplement to, such documents shall be made by Gold, Holdco or the Company, as applicable, without the prior consent of Gold and the Company, as applicable (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned). Subject to Section 5.03 , the Proxy Statement shall include the Company Recommendation. Each of Gold, Holdco, Sub and the Company shall cooperate in the preparation of the Registration Statement, the Gold Information Document and the NYSE Listing Application, and shall furnish all information concerning Gold, Holdco, Sub and the Company, as applicable, and their respective affiliates and holders of shares and provide such other assistance that is reasonably requested or necessary or appropriate in connection with the preparation, filing and distribution of such documents. Each of Gold and the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to Holdco and each other a "comfort letter" of its independent auditors, dated the date that is two (2) Business Days prior to the date on which the Registration Statement becomes effective. The parties shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to (i) cause the Registration Statement to become effective as promptly as practicable following such filing (including by responding to comments of the SEC) and to keep the Registration Statement effective as long as is necessary to consummate the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) satisfy prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement any applicable foreign or state securities laws in connection with the issuance of Holdco Shares pursuant to the Mergers (iii) cause the Proxy Statement to be cleared by the SEC as promptly as reasonably practicable, and (iv) prepare, file and obtain any necessary approvals of the Gold Information Document, in each case as promptly as reasonably practicable. Gold, Holdco and the Company shall notify each other promptly of the receipt of any comments from the SEC or its staff or any written comments from any other Governmental Entity and of any request by the SEC or its staff or any written request by any other Governmental Entity for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement or the Gold Information Document, or for additional information, and will supply each other with copies of all correspondence between Holdco or the Company, as applicable, and the SEC or its staff or any other Governmental Entity with respect to the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement, the Gold Information Document or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) If at any time prior to the Company Merger Effective Time any information relating to Gold, Holdco, Sub or the Company, or any of their respective affiliates, officers or directors, should be discovered by Gold, Holdco, Sub or the Company which should be set forth in an
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amendment or supplement to any of the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement or the Gold Information Document, so that any of such documents would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the party which discovers such information shall promptly notify the other parties and the parties shall cooperate as appropriate to prepare and promptly file an appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information and, to the extent required by applicable Law, disseminate such amendment or supplement to the stockholders of Gold or the Company, as applicable. Nothing in this Section 5.05(b) shall limit the obligations of any party under Section 5.05(a) .
(c) Gold, Holdco and the Company shall provide each other with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such documents and any amendment or supplement thereto prior to their filing. No filing of, or amendment or supplement to, such documents shall be made by Gold, Holdco or the Company, as applicable, without the prior consent of Gold and the Company, as applicable (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned).
(d) Holdco shall promptly advise Gold and the Company when the Registration Statement has become effective and of any supplements or amendments thereto. Subject to Section 5.05(f) , the Company shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable after (i) the Registration Statement is declared effective in accordance with Section 5.05(a) , (ii) the SEC (or the staff of the SEC) confirms that it has no further comments to the Proxy Statement and (iii) the earlier to occur of (A) the expiration of the ten (10)-Business Day period contemplated by Section 7.01(k) without exercise of Gold's right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01(k) or (B) the receipt by the Company of an irrevocable waiver by Gold in writing of its right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01(k) , distribute the Proxy Statement to its stockholders and duly call, give notice of and mail the Proxy Statement to the holders of Company Common Stock as of the record date established for, convene and hold a meeting of its stockholders (the " Company Stockholder Meeting "). Subject to Section 5.03 , the Company's board of directors shall recommend that the Company's stockholders approve this Agreement (the " Company Recommendation "), and the Company shall, unless there has been a Change of Company Recommendation as permitted by this Agreement, use its reasonable best efforts to solicit from its stockholders proxies in favor of the approval of this Agreement, and to take all other action reasonably necessary or advisable to secure the Company Stockholder Approval.
(e) Gold shall, in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations of the MSE and Italian Law, call and hold an extraordinary general meeting of its shareholders (the " Gold Shareholder Meeting "), for the purpose of obtaining the Gold Shareholder Approval as promptly as practicable, and shall submit the Holdco Merger Terms and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby to the shareholders of Gold at the Gold Shareholder Meeting for the purpose of obtaining the Gold Shareholder Approval. Gold shall use reasonable best efforts to obtain the Gold Shareholder Approval, and shall propose the Holdco Merger for approval at the Gold Shareholder Meeting. Gold shall file the Gold Shareholder Approval with Gold's relevant Companies Register promptly following the approval of the Holdco Merger Terms by its shareholders.
(f) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated to hold the Company Stockholder Meeting prior to the fifteenth (15th) Business Day following the end of the withdrawal period for rescission rights held by Gold shareholders in accordance with Italian Law (and shall be entitled to mail the Proxy Statement a customary amount of time prior to the Company Stockholder Meeting).
(g) Gold shall use reasonable best efforts to avoid, or obtain the early termination of, the right of creditors of Gold to exercise creditor opposition rights under the Laws of Italy, and shall
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take any other actions necessary or advisable to resolve any exercise of such rights as promptly as practicable.
(h) Holdco and Gold will use commercially reasonable efforts to take all necessary steps so as to ensure that the issuance and subsequent trading of Holdco Shares do not attract a charge to stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax in the United Kingdom, provided , however , that Holdco and Gold shall be treated as having so used commercially reasonably efforts for purposes of this Section 5.05(h) so long as the Holdco Shares are put into a clearance system or depositary receipts system, including the Depository Trust Company.
SECTION 5.06
Access to Information.
From the date of this Agreement
to the Company Merger Effective Time, Gold and the Company shall, and shall cause each of their respective Subsidiaries, Company
Representatives and Gold Representatives, as applicable, to: (i) provide to each other and their respective representatives reasonable access during normal business hours in such a manner as
not to unreasonably interfere with the operation of any business conducted by it, upon prior written notice, and to its officers, employees, properties, offices, other facilities and books and
records; and (ii) furnish promptly such information concerning its business, properties, contracts, assets and liabilities as Gold or the Company or their respective representatives may
reasonably request;
provided
,
however
, that Gold and the Company shall not be required to (or to cause
any of their respective Subsidiaries to) afford such access or furnish such information (x) to the extent that it believes in good faith that doing so would: (A) result in the loss of
attorney-client privilege; (B) violate any of its obligations with respect to confidentiality to any third party or otherwise breach, contravene or violate any then effective Contract to which
it is party; or (C) breach, contravene or violate any applicable Law (including the HSR Act or any other antitrust or competition Law) (it being agreed that the Company and Gold shall use their
respective reasonable best efforts to take any reasonable action to reduce the scope of or eliminate the applicable restriction) or (y) if the Company or any of its affiliates, on the one hand,
and Gold or any of its affiliates, on the other hand, are adverse parties in any Proceeding, any information that is reasonably pertinent thereto;
provided
,
further
, that the Company shall use such access and information solely for the purpose of
reasonably verifying the accuracy of Gold's representations and warranties and compliance with the terms of this Agreement. Gold and the Company shall, and shall cause each of their respective
Subsidiaries and their respective Representatives to, hold all information provided or furnished pursuant to this
Section 5.06
confidential in
accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement.
SECTION 5.07
Appropriate Action; Consents; Filings
.
(a) Subject to Section 5.03 , and otherwise on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of Gold, Holdco and the Company shall (and shall cause each of their respective affiliates to) use its reasonable best efforts (unless, with respect to any action, another standard of performance is expressly provided for herein) to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated hereby and to cause the conditions set forth in Article VI to be satisfied, in each case as promptly as practicable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, but subject to the other terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of Gold, Holdco and the Company shall (and shall cause each of their respective affiliates to) use its reasonable best efforts to (i) promptly obtain all actions or nonactions, consents, licenses, permits (including Environmental Permits), waivers, approvals, authorizations and orders from Governmental Entities or other persons necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including any certifications or orders from the High Court of England and Wales, Italian notary public and competent Italian court, (ii) as promptly as practicable, (and, in the case of the HSR Act, in any event within ten (10) Business Days after the date hereof), make all registrations and filings, and thereafter make any other required submissions, and pay any fees due in connection therewith, with any Governmental Entity or other persons necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the filings
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required of them or their "ultimate parent entities" under the HSR Act, but excluding any filings or notifications with respect to any Gaming Laws, which shall be governed by Section 5.07(a)(iii) , (iii) file all notifications required under any Gaming Law and all notifications under any other Antitrust Law, in each case with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Mergers (including all required initial applications and documents in respect of officers and directors and affiliates in connection with obtaining the Gaming Approvals (and where appropriate indications of further information to come by supplementary filing)) as soon as reasonably practicable (and in any event within sixty (60) days following the date hereof with respect to any Gaming Approvals or other applicable approvals), (iv) defend all lawsuits or other legal, regulatory or other proceedings to which it is a party challenging or affecting this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in each case until the issuance of a final, non-appealable order with respect to each such lawsuit or other proceeding, (v) seek to have lifted or rescinded any injunction or restraining order which may adversely affect the ability of the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, in each case until the issuance of a final, non-appealable order with respect thereto, and (vi) execute and deliver any additional instruments necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 5.07(a) , Gold, Holdco and Sub agree to take (and to cause their affiliates to take) promptly any and all steps necessary or advisable to avoid or eliminate each and every impediment and obtain all consents under any Antitrust Laws or Gaming Laws that may be required by any foreign or U.S. federal, state or local Governmental Entity or any Gaming Authority, in each case with competent jurisdiction, so as to enable the parties to close the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as promptly as practicable, including accepting operational restrictions or limitations and committing to or effecting, by consent decree, hold separate orders, trust, or otherwise, the sale, license, disposition or holding separate of such assets or businesses as are required (and the entry into agreements with, and submission to orders of, the relevant Governmental Entity) in order to avoid the entry of, or to effect the dissolution of or vacate or lift, any order, that would otherwise have the effect of preventing or materially delaying the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Further, and for the avoidance of doubt, each of Gold, Holdco and Sub shall take (and shall cause each of its affiliates to take) any and all actions necessary or advisable in order to ensure that (x) no requirement for any non-action by or consent or approval of the Antitrust Division, the FTC or other foreign or U.S. Governmental Entity with respect to any Antitrust Laws, or of any Gaming Authority with respect to any Gaming Laws, (y) no decree, judgment, injunction, temporary restraining order or any other order in any suit or proceeding with respect to any Antitrust Laws or Gaming Laws, and (z) no other matter relating to any Antitrust Laws or Gaming Laws would prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) Without limiting the generality of anything contained in this Section 5.07 , each party hereto shall: (i) give the other parties prompt notice of the making or commencement of any request, inquiry, investigation, action or legal proceeding by or before any Governmental Entity with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (in the case of any request, inquiry, investigation, action or legal proceeding relating to any Gaming Approval, to the extent material); (ii) keep the other parties informed as to the status of any such request, inquiry, investigation, action or legal proceeding; and (iii) promptly inform the other parties, and if in writing, promptly furnish the outside legal counsel for the other parties with copies of (or, in the case of oral communications, advise as to the contents of) any communication (in the case of any communication to or from any Gaming Authority, to the extent material) to or from the FTC, the Antitrust Division, any Gaming Authority or any other Governmental Entity regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each party hereto will consult and cooperate with the other parties and will consider in good faith and in advance the views of the other parties in
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connection with any filing, analysis, appearance, presentation, memorandum, brief, argument, opinion or proposal made or submitted to any Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In addition, except as may be prohibited by any Governmental Entity or by any Law, in connection with any such request, inquiry, investigation, action or legal proceeding, each party hereto will, upon reasonable request, permit authorized representatives of the other parties to be present at each telephonic or in-person meeting or conference relating to such request, inquiry, investigation, action or legal proceeding and to have access to and be consulted in advance (and consider in good faith any comments made by others) in connection with any document, opinion or proposal made or submitted to any Governmental Entity in connection with such request, inquiry, investigation, action or legal proceeding (in the case of any such document, opinion or proposal related to any Gaming Approval, to the extent material, and in any case other than any entity or individual applications for Gaming Approvals or with respect to any private or personal information pertaining to any individual with respect to any of the foregoing under Gaming Laws or in connection with any Gaming Approval). Gold, Holdco, and the Company agree that Gold shall, on behalf of the parties, control strategy and all communications (other than required filings and investigative responses) relating to obtaining all consents required under any Antitrust Laws, provided that the parties shall consult and cooperate with one another as provided in this Section 5.07(c) . Each party hereto may, as each deems advisable and necessary, reasonably designate any competitively sensitive information provided to the other under this Section 5.07(c) as "outside counsel only." Such materials and information contained therein shall be given only to the outside legal counsel for the other parties and will not be disclosed by such outside legal counsel to employees, officers, or directors of the receiving parties unless express permission is obtained in advance from the disclosing party; provided , however , that materials provided pursuant to this Section 5.07(c) may be redacted (i) to remove references to the valuation of the Company, (ii) as necessary to comply with contractual arrangements, and (iii) as necessary to address reasonable privilege concerns.
(a) Gold shall use its reasonable best efforts to arrange and obtain the Debt Financing on or prior to the Closing Date on the terms and conditions (including the "flex" provisions) described in the Debt Commitment Letter (which, for purposes of this Section 5.08 , shall include any Fee Letter), including using reasonable best efforts to (i) satisfy on a timely basis all conditions and covenants applicable to Gold and in its control in the Debt Commitment Letter, (ii) enter into definitive agreements with respect thereto on the terms and conditions (as such terms may be modified or adjusted in accordance with the terms of, and within the limits of, the flex provisions contained in any Fee Letter) no less favorable to Gold and the Company, taken as a whole, than those contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letter, including for the avoidance of doubt the "flex" provisions of any Fee Letter, and which terms and conditions will not expand the conditions to the Closing to the funding on the Closing Date of the Debt Financing in a manner that could delay or prevent or the funding thereof, and (iii) enforce its rights under the Debt Commitment Letter and, if applicable, the definitive agreements with respect thereto. Gold shall not agree to any amendments or modifications to, or grant any waivers of, any condition or other provision under the Debt Commitment Letter without the prior written consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) if such amendment or modification would reasonably be expected to (i) reduce the aggregate amount of the Debt Financing in a manner that would adversely impact the ability of Gold, Holdco or Sub to consummate the Mergers or to provide for the Financing Uses, (ii) impose new or additional conditions in a manner that would adversely impact the ability of Gold, Holdco or Sub to obtain the Debt Financing or (iii) make it less likely that the Debt Financing would be funded. Gold shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain in effect the Debt Commitment Letter (including any definitive agreements relating thereto) until the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are
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consummated; provided that, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5.08(b) , Gold may amend the Debt Commitment Letter to add lenders, lead arrangers, bookrunners, syndication agents or similar entities who had not executed the Debt Commitment Letter as of the date hereof and may otherwise amend, modify or restate the Debt Commitment Letter in any manner not inconsistent with this paragraph.
(b) In no event shall Gold or any of its affiliates (i) award any agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or person any financial advisory role on an exclusive basis, or (ii) engage any bank or investment bank or other potential provider of debt or equity financing on an exclusive basis, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) in connection with the Mergers or the other transactions contemplated hereby.
(c) If any portion of the Debt Financing expires or otherwise becomes unavailable on the terms and conditions (including any "flex" provisions) contemplated in the Debt Commitment Letter, Gold shall, as promptly as practicable following the occurrence of such event, use its reasonable best efforts to arrange and obtain a new debt commitment letter (a " New Debt Commitment Letter ") and related fee letter (with the fees, economic flex terms, securities demand (other than provisions regarding the timing thereof and the result of non-compliance therewith) and other proprietary economic terms therein redacted) (a " New Fee Letter ") from the same sources or alternative sources providing for debt financing in an amount sufficient to satisfy the Financing Uses, on terms and conditions (including any "flex" provisions) that are at least as favorable, with respect to enforceability, financing structure and conditionality, to Gold and the Company in the aggregate as those contained in the Debt Commitment Letter. Gold shall deliver to the Company true, correct and complete copies of any New Debt Commitment Letter and New Fee Letter. In the event Gold enters into any such New Debt Commitment Letter, (i) any reference in this Agreement to the "Debt Financing" shall mean the debt financing contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letter as modified pursuant to clause (ii) below, and (ii) any reference in this Agreement to the "Debt Commitment Letter" shall be deemed to include the Debt Commitment Letter and any Fee Letter to the extent not superseded by a New Debt Commitment Letter or New Fee Letter, as the case may be, at the time in question and any New Debt Commitment Letter or New Fee Letter to the extent then in effect.
(d) Gold shall keep the Company reasonably informed as promptly as practicable of the status of its efforts to arrange the Debt Financing and promptly provide copies of all initial drafts and substantially final drafts of documents provided to or from the lenders or otherwise related to the Debt Financing to the Company. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Gold shall (i) furnish the Company complete, correct and executed copies of any amendments to the Debt Commitment Letter promptly upon their execution, (ii) give the Company prompt notice of any breach or threatened breach by any party of the Debt Commitment Letter, or of any condition not likely to be satisfied, in each case of which Gold, Holdco or Sub becomes aware, and of any termination or threatened termination thereof, and (iii) promptly provide the Company with any additional information reasonably requested by the Company from time to time relating to Gold's efforts to arrange the Debt Financing.
(e) Prior to the Closing, the Company shall, and shall cause the Company Subsidiaries and use reasonable best efforts to cause the Company Representatives to, provide to Gold all cooperation reasonably requested by Gold in connection with the Debt Financing, including using reasonable best efforts to (i) participate in a reasonable number of meetings, presentations, road shows, due diligence sessions and sessions with rating agencies, (ii) assist with the preparation of customary materials for rating agency presentations, offering documents, consent solicitation statements and/or tender offer documentation, private placement memoranda, bank information memoranda, prospectuses and similar documents, (iii) execute and deliver customary definitive financing documents and closing documents, including secretary's certificates, corporate documents or evidence
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of authorization, in each case to be effective as of the Company Merger Effective Time, but, for the avoidance of doubt, no solvency certificate, (iv) furnish Gold and the Financing Sources with customary financial and other pertinent information regarding the Company as may be reasonably requested by Gold, including, without limitation, all financial statements and financial data of the type required by Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K under the Securities Act and of type and form customarily included in private placements under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, to consummate the offerings of any debt securities contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letter; provided , however , that the Company shall not be required to furnish any such financial statements or financial data prior to the date the Company is required to file such financial statements and financial data with the SEC, (v) obtain customary accountants' comfort letters, authorization letters to Financing Sources with respect to the absence of material non-public information and legal opinions as reasonably requested by Gold, (vi) furnish Gold with reasonable documents or other information required by the Financing Sources with respect to the Debt Financing under applicable "know your customer" and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2011, in each case, at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing if such information was requested at least ten (10) days prior to the Closing, (vii) cooperate with the customary marketing efforts of Gold and its Financing Sources for all or any portion of the Debt Financing or any New Debt Commitment, (viii) cooperate with the Financing Sources' customary securities underwriting and secured lending due diligence investigation, to the extent customary and reasonable, (ix) cooperate with Gold in any consent solicitation or offer process involving the Company's existing publicly traded debt securities (including, without limitation, by assisting with the launch of consent solicitations with respect to such securities and/or offering to purchase such securities), in each case, solely to the extent any such process is managed by and paid for by Gold and (x) otherwise take reasonable actions within its control to cooperate in satisfying the conditions precedent set forth in any definitive document related to the Financing; provided, however, that nothing herein shall require such cooperation to the extent it would interfere unreasonably with the business or operations of the Company or its Subsidiaries; provided , further , that neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to commit to take any action or otherwise bind the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in any way to any obligation under an agreement or document related to the Debt Financing that is (a) not contingent upon the Closing (including the entry into any purchase agreement) or that would be effective prior to the Company Merger Effective Time or (b) prohibited by applicable Law. None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to pay any commitment fee or other similar fee or make any other payment other than reasonable out-of-pocket costs or incur any other liability or provide or agree to provide any indemnity in connection with the Debt Financing or any of the foregoing prior to the Company Merger Effective Time. Gold shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Company Subsidiaries and the Company Representatives from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs, expenses, interest, awards, judgments and penalties suffered or incurred by them in connection with the arrangement of the Debt Financing (including any action taken in accordance with this Section 5.08(e) ) and any information utilized in connection therewith (other than historical information relating to the Company or the Company Subsidiaries); in each case, except to the extent that any such liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs, expenses, interest, awards, judgments and penalties are suffered or incurred as a result of the Company's, the Company Subsidiaries' or the Company Representatives' gross negligence, or willful misconduct, as applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the condition set forth in Section 6.02(b) , as it applies to the Company's obligations under this Section 5.08(e) , shall be deemed satisfied unless the Debt Financing (or any alternative financing) has not been obtained primarily as a result of the Company's or its Subsidiaries' willful breach of their obligations under this Section 5.08(e) . Gold shall, promptly upon request by the Company, reimburse the Company for all documented and reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Company or its Subsidiaries in connection with such cooperation.
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(f) The Company shall deliver all customary notices and take all other reasonable actions solely in the Company's control required to cause, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to otherwise effect, the repayment in full on the Closing Date (or in the case of letters of credit, cash collateralization, to the extent that Gold shall not have entered into an alternative arrangement with the issuing bank) of all obligations then outstanding under, and the termination on the Closing Date of, that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated April 23, 2013, among the Company, as borrower, the lenders party thereto and The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc, as administrative agent (it being understood that the payment of such amounts and the provision of any cash collateral or backstop or replacement letters of credit shall be made or provided by Gold).
(g) The Company hereby consents to the use of its and the Company's Subsidiaries' logos in connection with the Debt Financing; provided , that, such logos are used solely in a manner that is not intended to or reasonably likely to harm or disparage the Company or any Company Subsidiary or the reputation or goodwill of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any of their respective products, services, offerings or intellectual property rights.
SECTION 5.09
Certain Notices.
Subject to applicable
Laws and the instructions of any Governmental Entity as well as the limitations set forth in
Section 5.06(c)
with respect to information sharing in connection with filings related to Gaming
Approvals, each of the Company, Holdco and Gold
shall keep the other apprised of the status of matters relating to completion of the transactions contemplated hereby, including promptly furnishing the other with copies of material notices or other
communications received by Gold, Holdco, Sub or the Company, as the case may be, or any of its Subsidiaries, from any third person and/or any Governmental Entity with respect to the Mergers and the
other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 5.10
Public Announcements.
The initial press release issued
by Gold and the Company concerning this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be a joint press release, and
thereafter Gold and the Company shall consult with each other before issuing, and, to the extent practicable, give each other a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on, any press release or
other public statement with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall not issue any such press release or make any such public statement prior to such consultation, except
as may be required by applicable Law, fiduciary duties or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with the NYSE or the MSE, as applicable, or by any Governmental Entity with jurisdiction over
such party. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this
Section 5.10
do not apply to (i) any announcement, document or publication
in connection with a Company Competing Proposal, Superior Proposal or Change of Company Recommendation or (ii) any disclosure by the Company or Gold of any information concerning this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated hereby in connection with any dispute between the parties regarding this Agreement, the Mergers or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 5.11
Directors & Officers Indemnification and Insurance
.
(a) From and after the Company Merger Effective Time, each of the Holdco Merger Surviving Company and the Company Merger Surviving Corporation agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law (and the Holdco Merger Surviving Company or the Company Merger Surviving Corporation shall also advance expenses as incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, provided that the person to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification), each present and former director, officer and employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, settlement amounts, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or
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investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or related to such person's service as a director, officer or employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or services performed by such persons at the request of the Company or any Company Subsidiary at or prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Company Merger Effective Time, including the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and including any expenses incurred in enforcing such person's rights under this Section 5.11 .
(b) For not less than six (6) years from and after the Company Merger Effective Time, the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Company Merger Surviving Corporation and each Company Subsidiary shall contain provisions no less favorable with respect to exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors, officers and employees of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries for periods at or prior to the Company Merger Effective Time than are set forth in the Company Charter, the Company Bylaws or the equivalent organizational documents of any Company Subsidiary as of the date hereof, except as may be required by applicable Law. The contractual indemnification rights, if any, in existence on the date of this Agreement with any of the directors, officers or employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary shall be assumed by the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, without any further action, and shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms following the Company Merger Effective Time.
(c) For the benefit of the Company's present and former directors and officers, the Company shall be permitted, prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, and if the Company fails to do so, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall cause the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, to obtain and fully pay the premium for a directors' and officers' liability insurance and indemnification policy that provides coverage for a period of six (6) years from and after the Company Merger Effective Time for events occurring prior to the Company Merger Effective Time (the " Company D&O Insurance ") that is no less favorable in the aggregate than the Company's existing policy, and that has a cost not in excess of 300% of the last annual premium paid by the Company prior to the date of this Agreement for the Company D&O Insurance in place in effect as of the date hereof. If the Company and the Company Merger Surviving Corporation for any reason fail to obtain such "tail" insurance policy as of the Company Merger Effective Time, the Company Merger Surviving Corporation shall, and the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall cause the Company Merger Surviving Corporation to, continue to maintain in effect for a period of at least six (6) years from and after the Company Merger Effective Time the Company D&O Insurance in place as of the date hereof with terms, conditions, retentions and limits of liability that are at least as favorable as provided in the Company's existing policies as of the date hereof, or the Company Merger Surviving Corporation shall, and the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall cause the Company Merger Surviving Corporation to, purchase comparable Company D&O Insurance for such six-year period with terms, conditions, retentions and limits of liability that are at least as favorable as provided in the Company's existing policies as of the date hereof; provided , however , in no event shall the Holdco Merger Surviving Company or the Company Merger Surviving Corporation be required to pay an annual premium for the Company D&O Insurance that is in excess of 300% of the annual premium paid as of the date hereof by the Company for such insurance; and provided , further , that if the annual premiums of such insurance coverage exceed such amount, the Company Merger Surviving Corporation shall obtain a policy with the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding such amount.
(d) For six (6) years from and after the Holdco Merger Effective Time, each of the Holdco Merger Surviving Company or one of its Subsidiaries, to the extent required by applicable Law, will indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law (and the Holdco Merger Surviving Company or one of its Subsidiaries shall also advance expenses as
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incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, provided that the person to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification), each present and former director, officer and employee of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, settlement amounts, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or related to such person's service as a director, officer or employee of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary or services performed by such persons at the request of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary at or prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Holdco Merger Effective Time, including the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and including any expenses incurred in enforcing such person's rights under this Section 5.11 .
(e) For not less than six (6) years from and after the Holdco Merger Effective Time, the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Holdco Merger Surviving Company and each Gold Subsidiary shall contain provisions no less favorable with respect to exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors, officers and employees of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries for periods at or prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time than are set forth in the Gold Charter, the Gold Bylaws or the equivalent organizational documents of any Gold Subsidiary as of the date hereof, except as may be required by applicable Law. The contractual indemnification rights, if any, in existence on the date of this Agreement with any of the directors, officers or employees of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary shall be assumed by the Holdco Merger Surviving Company, without any further action, and shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms following the Holdco Merger Effective Time, except as may be required by applicable Law.
(f) For the benefit of Gold's present and former directors and officers, Gold shall be permitted, prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, and if Gold fails to do so, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall, obtain and fully pay the premium for a directors' and officers' liability insurance and indemnification policy that provides coverage for a period of six (6) years from and after the Holdco Merger Effective Time for events occurring prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time (the " Gold D&O Insurance ") that is no less favorable in the aggregate than the Company's existing policy, except as may be required by applicable Law, and that has a cost not in excess of 300% of the last annual premium paid by Gold prior to the date of this Agreement for the Gold D&O Insurance in place in effect as of the date hereof. If Gold and the Holdco Merger Surviving Company for any reason fail to obtain such "tail" insurance policy as of the Holdco Merger Effective Time, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall continue to maintain in effect for a period of at least six (6) years from and after the Holdco Merger Effective Time the Gold D&O Insurance in place as of the date hereof with terms, conditions, retentions and limits of liability that are at least as favorable as provided in Gold's existing policies as of the date hereof, except as may be required by applicable Law, or the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall purchase comparable Gold D&O Insurance for such six-year period with terms, conditions, retentions and limits of liability that are at least as favorable as provided in Gold's existing policies as of the date hereof, except as may be required by applicable Law; provided , however , in no event shall the Holdco Merger Surviving Company be required to pay an annual premium for the Gold D&O Insurance that is in excess of 300% of the annual premium paid as of the date hereof by Gold for such insurance; and provided , further , that if the annual premiums of such insurance coverage exceed such amount, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall obtain a policy with the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding such amount.
(g) In the event Holdco Merger Surviving Company or the Company Merger Surviving Corporation (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and shall not be the continuing
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or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any person, then proper provision shall be made so that such continuing or surviving corporation or entity or transferee of such assets, as the case may be, shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 5.11 .
(h) The persons to whom this Section 5.11 applies are express third-party beneficiaries of this Section 5.11 .
(i) The rights of each such director, officer and employee under this Section 5.11 shall be in addition to any rights such person may have under the organizational documents of Gold, the Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries, as the case may be, or under any applicable Laws or contractual indemnification rights.
SECTION 5.12
Employee Benefit Matters
.
(a) From and after the Company Merger Effective Time and for a period ending on the first anniversary of the Company Merger Effective Time, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall provide or cause its Subsidiaries, including the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, to provide (i) base salary, wages and commission opportunities to each individual who is an employee of the Company or a Company Subsidiary immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time (each, a " Company Employee ") at a rate that is no less favorable than the rate of base salary, wages or commission opportunities provided to such Company Employee immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, (ii) an annual bonus opportunity to each Company Employee that is not less favorable than the annual bonus opportunity provided to such Company Employee immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, (iii) severance benefits to each Company Employee that are no less favorable than the severance benefits provided to such Company Employee immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time and (iv) other compensation and benefits (including paid-time off) to each Company Employee that are substantially comparable, in the aggregate, to the other compensation and benefits provided to such Company Employee immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time (excluding any retention arrangements implemented in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or on or after the date of this Agreement).
(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 5.12(a) , from and after the Company Merger Effective Time, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall, or shall cause its Subsidiaries, including the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, to, assume, honor and continue all of the Company's and the Company Subsidiaries' employment, severance, retention and termination plans, policies, programs, agreements and arrangements (including any change in control or severance agreement between the Company or any Company Subsidiary and any Company Employee), in each case, in accordance with their terms as in effect immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, including with respect to any payments, benefits or rights arising as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (either alone or in combination with any other event), it being understood that, subject to Section 5.12(a) , the foregoing shall not be construed to limit the right of the Holdco Merger Surviving Company and its Subsidiaries to amend or terminate any such plans, policies, programs, agreements or arrangements, to the extent permitted by the terms of such plans, policies, programs, agreements or arrangements.
(c) For all purposes (including for purposes of determining eligibility to participate, level of benefits, vesting, and benefit accruals) under any "employee benefit plan" (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, but without regard to whether the applicable plan is subject to ERISA) and any other employee benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement maintained by the Holdco Merger Surviving Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, including any vacation, paid time off and severance plans (in each case, solely to the extent that Gold or any of its Subsidiaries makes such plan available to employees of the Holdco
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Merger Surviving Company or the Company Merger Surviving Corporation), each Company Employee's service with or otherwise credited by the Company or any Company Subsidiary shall be treated as service with the Holdco Merger Surviving Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including the Company Merger Surviving Corporation; provided , however , that such service shall not be recognized to the extent that such recognition would result in any duplication of benefits or for purposes of benefit accruals under any defined benefit pension plan.
(d) The Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall, or shall cause its Subsidiaries, including the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, to waive, or cause to be waived, any pre-existing condition limitations, exclusions, actively at work requirements and waiting periods under any welfare benefit plan maintained by the Holdco Merger Surviving Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, in which Company Employees (and their eligible dependents) will be eligible to participate from and after the Company Merger Effective Time, except to the extent that such pre-existing condition limitations, exclusions, actively-at-work requirements and waiting periods would not have been satisfied or waived under the comparable Company Benefit Plan immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time. To the extent permitted by applicable Law, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall, or shall cause its Subsidiaries, including the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, to recognize, or cause to be recognized, the dollar amount of all co-payments, deductibles and similar expenses incurred by each Company Employee (and his or her eligible dependents) during the calendar year in which the Company Merger Effective Time occurs for purposes of satisfying such year's deductible, co-payment and out-of-pocket maximum limitations under the relevant welfare benefit plans in which such Company Employee (and dependents) will be eligible to participate from and after the Company Merger Effective Time.
(e) Effective as of February 28, 2015 (the last day of the purchase period pending as of the date of this Agreement), the Company shall suspend all payroll deductions under the Company Stock Purchase Plan such that no Company Shares may be purchased with respect to purchase periods beginning on or after the date of this Agreement. As of the Company Merger Effective Time, the Company Stock Purchase Plan shall terminate.
(f) Prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, the Company may, in consultation with Gold, implement a retention plan (the " Retention Plan ") for the benefit of employees of the Company and Company Subsidiaries, which shall provide for cash- and equity-based retention benefits to such employees in an aggregate amount not to exceed $35,000,000 (the " Retention Plan Amount "). Cash-based awards granted pursuant to the Retention Plan shall vest on the Closing Date, subject to the award recipient's continuous employment with the Company or the Company Subsidiaries through such date. Equity-based awards granted pursuant to the Retention Plan shall be in the form of time-vesting Company Stock Unit Awards that shall vest on the Closing Date, subject to the award recipient's continuous employment with the Company or the Company Subsidiaries through such date, and shall be cancelled at the Company Merger Effective Time on the terms set forth in Section 2.07(b)(i) . Gold agrees to consider in good faith any request by the Company subsequent to the date hereof to increase the Retention Plan Amount.
(g) Without limiting Section 8.06 , this Section 5.12 shall be binding upon and shall inure solely to the benefit of each of the parties to this Agreement, and nothing in this Section 5.12 , express or implied, is intended to confer upon any other person (including for the avoidance of doubt any current or former directors, officers, employees, contractors or consultants of any of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries, or on or after the Effective Times, the Company Merger Surviving Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and the Holdco Merger Surviving Company or any of its Subsidiaries) any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Section 5.12 . Nothing contained herein shall (i) be treated as an amendment of any Company Benefit Plan or employee benefit plan of Holdco, Gold, the Holdco
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Merger Surviving Company or the Company Merger Surviving Corporation, or (ii) obligate the Holdco Merger Surviving Company, the Company Merger Surviving Corporation or any of their respective affiliates to (A) maintain any particular benefit plan, except in accordance with the terms of such plan, or (B) retain the employment of any particular employee.
SECTION 5.13
Takeover Statutes.
Gold, Holdco and Sub shall not cause
or permit any of its affiliates that is a Control Act Person or Combinations Act Person, or, to the extent within the
reasonable control of Gold, Holdco or Sub, permit any other Control Act Person or Combinations Act Person to take any action which would cause any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to
be prohibited or materially impeded by a Takeover Statute. If any Takeover Statute is or may become applicable to either Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each of
Holdco, Sub, Gold, the Company and their respective boards of directors or similar governing bodies shall grant such approvals and take such actions as are necessary so that such transactions may be
consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated by this Agreement and otherwise act to eliminate or minimize (to the greatest extent practicable) the effects of such Takeover Statute
on such transactions.
SECTION 5.14
Expenses.
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Mergers and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such expense;
provided
,
however
,
that all HSR Act and other Antitrust Law filing fees and all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the printing, filing and mailing of the Proxy Statement, the Registration Statement
(including the applicable SEC filing fees), the Gold Information Document, the NYSE Listing Application or the Gaming Approvals shall be paid by Gold (such expenses in this proviso being the
"
Regulatory Expenses
");
provided
,
further
,
however
, that in
the event this Agreement is terminated by Gold pursuant to
Section 7.01(h)
, the
Company shall promptly reimburse Gold for such Regulatory Expenses. The Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall, or shall cause the Company Merger Surviving Corporation to, pay all charges and expenses,
including those of the Exchange Agent, in connection with the transactions contemplated in
Article II
. All transfer, documentary, sales, use,
stamp, registration and other similar Taxes incurred in connection with the Mergers shall be paid when due by Gold or, after the Closing, the Holdco Merger Surviving Company.
SECTION 5.15
Rule 16b-3 Matters.
Prior to the Company Merger
Effective Time, the Company, Holdco, Gold and the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall take such further actions, if any, as may be
reasonably necessary or appropriate to ensure that the dispositions of equity securities of the Company (including derivative securities) and the acquisition of Holdco Shares (including derivative
securities) pursuant to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by any individual who is an officer or director of the Company and is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act with
respect to the Company or will become subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to the Holdco Merger Surviving Company are exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the
Exchange Act.
SECTION 5.16
Special Dividend.
Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Agreement:
(a) the Company shall be authorized (but shall in no event be required) to declare one or more special cash dividends, share repurchases or redemptions (such aggregate amount, the " Special Dividend "), provided that the amount of the Special Dividend that is funded through the incurrence by the Company of Indebtedness shall not exceed the amount of Indebtedness that the Company is able to incur on a standalone basis and without giving effect to the Company Merger;
(b) the Company may take any reasonable actions necessary to fund the Special Dividend, including, without limitation, the incurrence of Indebtedness or the pledging of certain Company assets; provided , that (i) the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to ensure that any such Indebtedness shall first be incurred under existing Company facilities (it being understood that the Company shall be entitled to consider its reasonable working capital needs as part of its reasonable
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best efforts) and (ii) to the extent the amount of the Special Dividend exceeds the amount that, pursuant to the Company's reasonable best efforts, can be incurred under existing Company facilities, (A) such excess Indebtedness must be prepayable without penalty or premium and cannot materially impair the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (B) the incurrence of such excess Indebtedness must be subject to Gold's review and consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, (C) to the extent such excess Indebtedness is proposed to be marketed and/or sold within six (6) months of the date hereof (unless, if the Company and Gold agree in writing that the Closing is likely to occur on a date (the " Expected Closing Date ") within six (6) months of the date hereof, and such excess Indebtedness is proposed to be marketed and/or sold within six (6) weeks prior to the Expected Closing Date), the Company must obtain the express prior written consent of Gold and (D) the Company must keep Gold reasonably informed in the arrangement of any such excess Indebtedness;
(c) Gold shall cooperate as needed to effectuate the Special Dividend; and
(d) any amounts actually received by holders of Company Common Stock pursuant to the Special Dividend shall reduce, on a dollar for dollar basis, the Company Merger Consideration payable at the Company Merger Effective Time pursuant to Section 2.02(a)(i)(A) of this Agreement.
(a) Each of Gold and Holdco shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Holdco Shares to be issued in the Mergers to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time and the Company Merger Effective Time, including, prior to the earlier of the mailing of the Gold Information Document or the Proxy Statement, the resolution of any issues communicated by the NYSE relating to the SVS Provisions.
(b) (i) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the de-listing of the Company Common Stock from the NYSE and the deregistration of the Company Common Stock under the Exchange Act promptly after the Company Merger Effective Time, and (ii) Gold shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the de-listing of the Gold Shares from the MSE and any listing or quotation of ADRs with respect to Gold Shares promptly after the Holdco Merger Effective Time.
SECTION 5.18
Pre-Merger Certificates.
Gold and Holdco shall use their
respective reasonable best efforts to satisfy the pre-merger requirements as set out in the UK Merger Regulations (including the
requirements as further specified in
Section 5.05
) and Italian Merger Regulations (including the requirements as further specified in
Section 5.05
) and to obtain, and to take such action as is necessary to obtain, an order from the High Court of England and Wales and the Italian
notary public certifying that such pre-merger requirements as set out in the UK Merger Regulations and Italian Merger Regulations have been complied with (the "
Pre-Merger
Certificates
"). The parties shall reasonably cooperate to determine the appropriate time at which Gold and Holdco will seek to obtain the Pre-Merger Certificates, so that such
time shall be no more than six (6) months prior to the expected Holdco Merger Effective Time. Gold and Holdco will make a joint application to the High Court of England and Wales, and shall use
their respective reasonable best efforts, to obtain the Holdco Merger Order as promptly as practicable after the receipt of the Pre-Merger Certificates and satisfaction of the conditions in
Section 6.01
(other than
Section 6.01(i)
), the effective date of which will be the Holdco
Merger Effective Time. Following receipt of the Holdco Merger Order, Gold and Holdco will comply with all necessary filing requirements under the laws of England and Wales and the laws of Italy.
SECTION 5.19
Report on Holdco Merger Consideration.
Solely to the
extent required by mandatory provision of English or Italian Law, Gold and Holdco shall apply to the applicable courts to appoint on or two eligible
accounting firms (each, an "
Accounting Firm
") to issue a report regarding
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the fairness of the Holdco Merger Consideration (the " Gold Expert Report "), or, if required by mandatory provision of English or Italian Law, another reputable accounting firm appointed by the applicable court upon request of Gold or Holdco, to issue a report regarding the Holdco Merger Consideration, each in accordance with applicable provisions of English and Italian Law. Gold shall use reasonable best efforts to cooperate with the Accounting Firm in order to obtain a favorable report on the Holdco Merger Consideration and, in the event that the Accounting Firm provides, or indicates an intention to provide, an unfavorable report, work in good faith with the Accounting Firm to seek to address the auditors' concerns with a view to obtaining a favorable report for a period of at least thirty (30) days unless the Accounting Firm has advised the parties finally that it will be unable to provide a favorable report. Gold shall keep the Company and the Company Representatives informed on a reasonably prompt basis regarding the preparation of such reports and any communications with respect thereto, and shall promptly provide to the Company a copy of each such report, any drafts thereof, and shall permit the Company Representatives to participate in the preparation of such reports and any proceedings with respect thereto, to the extent permitted by applicable Law.
SECTION 5.20
Corporate Governance Matters.
(a) Prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, Holdco and Gold shall take all actions within their power as may be necessary to cause (i) the number of directors constituting the Holdco board of directors as of the Holdco Merger Effective Time and the Company Merger Effective Time to be thirteen (13) and (ii) the Holdco board of directors as of the Holdco Merger Effective Time and the Company Merger Effective Time, and for a period of three (3) years thereafter, to be composed as follows: (A) the Chief Executive Officer of Gold, (B) five (5) directors on the Company's board of directors as of the date hereof and designated by the Company prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time and the Company Merger Effective Time (at least four (4) of whom shall meet the independence standards of the NYSE) (including the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Chairman of the Company), (C) six (6) directors designated by the Principal Gold Shareholders (at least four (4) of whom shall meet the independence standards of the NYSE) and (D) one (1) director mutually agreed to by Gold and the Company, who shall meet the independence standards of the NYSE applicable to non-controlled domestic U.S. issuers. Holdco shall take all actions within its power as may be necessary to elect the persons designated pursuant to the foregoing clause (B) to a term concluding at the third anniversary of the Company Merger Effective Time.
(b) Prior to the Effective Times, Holdco shall take all corporate actions as may be necessary to cause, effective as of the Holdco Merger Effective Time and Company Merger Effective Time, as the case may be: (i) the Chief Executive Officer of Gold as of immediately prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Holdco Merger Surviving Company immediately following the Holdco Merger Effective Time, (ii) the Chairman of the Company board of directors as of immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time to serve as the Chairman of the Holdco board of directors for a period of three (3) years following the Company Merger Effective Time, (iii) the Chief Executive Officer of the Company as of immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time to serve as a Vice Chairman of the Holdco board of directors for a period of three (3) years following the Company Merger Effective Time, and (iv) one of the persons designated by the Principal Gold Shareholders pursuant to clause (C) of Section 5.20(a) to serve as a Vice Chairman of the Holdco board of directors for a period of three (3) years following the Holdco Merger Effective Time.
(c) For as long as the Holdco Shares are listed on the NYSE, Holdco shall comply with all NYSE corporate governance standards set forth in Section 3 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual applicable to non-controlled domestic U.S. issuers, regardless of whether Holdco is a foreign private issuer.
(d) Prior to the Closing, Gold and Holdco shall procure the passing of resolutions of the shareholders of Holdco providing for the reregistration of Holdco as a public limited company.
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ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGERS
SECTION 6.01 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Mergers. The respective obligations of each party to effect the Mergers shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permitted) at or prior to the Closing of each of the following conditions:
(a) Company Stockholder Approval. The Company shall have obtained the Company Stockholder Approval.
(b) Gold Shareholder Approval. Gold shall have obtained the Gold Shareholder Approval.
(c) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC under the Securities Act. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued by the SEC and remain in effect, and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or, to the knowledge of Holdco, Gold or the Company, threatened by the SEC.
(d) NYSE Listing. The Holdco Shares issuable in the Mergers shall have been authorized for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
(e) Expiration or Satisfaction of Gold Creditor Claims. The sixty (60) day period following the date upon which the resolutions of the Gold Shareholder Meeting have been filed with the Companies' Register at the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Rome shall have expired or have been earlier terminated by the posting of a bond by Gold sufficient to satisfy Gold's creditors' claims, if any.
(f) Antitrust Approvals. (i) The waiting period (and any extensions thereof) applicable to the Company Merger under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated; (ii) the Competition Act Clearance applicable to the consummation of the Mergers shall have been received; and (iii) the waiting periods and approvals applicable to the consummation of the Mergers described in Section 6.01(f) of the Company Disclosure Letter shall have expired, been terminated or been obtained, as applicable.
(g) Required Gaming Approvals. The Gaming Approvals set forth on Section 6.01(g) of the Company Disclosure Letter and Section 6.01(g) of the Gold Disclosure Letter shall have been obtained and shall be in full force and effect; provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Gold may in its sole discretion waive any such Gaming Approval on behalf of both the Company and Gold if consummation of the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated hereby in the absence of such Gaming Approval would not constitute a violation of applicable Law, on the written advice of outside counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company and Gold; provided that (i) Gold has confirmed in an irrevocable written notice delivered to the Company that all of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.01 and 6.02 have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied or waived at the Closing, provided that such conditions are reasonably capable of being satisfied), (ii) the Closing shall occur immediately following any such waiver and (iii) no such waiver shall otherwise affect the obligations of Gold, Sub and Holdco hereunder.
(h) No Injunction. No Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued, enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced any Law that is in effect and renders either Merger illegal, or prohibits, enjoins or otherwise prevents either Merger; provided , however , that the condition in this Section 6.01(h) shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill its obligations pursuant to Section 5.05 , Section 5.07 or Section 5.17 directly results in the failure of the condition to be satisfied.
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(i) UK Merger Approval. The Holdco Merger Order shall have been issued by the High Court of England and Wales and shall have been in full force and effect for at least twenty-one (21) days.
(j) Italian and UK Securities Filing. If Gold or Holdco determines (acting reasonably and in good faith) that a prospectus or equivalent document is required to be prepared by Gold and/or Holdco in connection with the Mergers, formal approval by the relevant competent authority in respect of such document shall have been obtained.
SECTION 6.02
Additional Conditions to Obligations of Gold, Holdco and Sub.
The obligations of Gold, Holdco and Sub to effect the Mergers are also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Gold at or prior to the Closing of each of the
following additional conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. (i) Each of the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Sections 3.02(a) , 3.02(b), 3.08(b) , 3.23 , 3.24 , 3.25, 3.26 , and 3.27 ), without regard to materiality or Company Material Adverse Effect qualifiers contained within such representations and warranties, shall be true and correct, except for any failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect; (ii) the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Sections 3.02(a) , 3.02(b) and 3.27 shall be true and correct in all respects (except for any de minimis inaccuracy); (iii) the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 3.24 shall be true and correct other than as would not materially impede or prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement; and (iv) the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Sections 3.08(b) , 3.23 , 3.25 and 3.26 shall be true and correct in all respects; in each case of clauses (i) , (ii) , (iii) and (iv) , as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent expressly made as of a specific date, in which case as of such specific date).
(b) Agreements and Covenants. The Company shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) Officer's Certificate. Gold shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by an executive officer of the Company as to the satisfaction of the conditions in Sections 6.02(a) and 6.02(b) .
SECTION 6.03
Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company.
The
obligations of the Company to effect the Company Merger are also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Company at or prior to the Closing of each of
the following additional conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. (i) Each of the representations and warranties of Gold contained in this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties of Gold set forth in Sections 4.02(a) , 4.02(b), 4.08(b) , 4.18 , 4.23 , 4.24 and 4.25 ), without regard to materiality or Gold Material Adverse Effect qualifiers contained within such representations and warranties, shall be true and correct, except for any failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Gold Material Adverse Effect; (ii) the representations and warranties of Gold set forth in Sections 4.02(a) , 4.02(b) and 4.25 shall be true and correct in all respects (except for any de minimis inaccuracy); (iii) the representations and warranties of Gold set forth in Section 4.23 shall be true and correct other than as would not materially impede or prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement; and (iv) the representations and warranties of Gold set forth in Sections 4.08(b) , 4.18 and 4.24 shall be true and correct in all respects; in each case of
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clauses (i) , (ii) , (iii) and (iv) , as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent expressly made as of a specific date, in which case as of such specific date).
(b) Agreements and Covenants. Each of Holdco, Sub and Gold shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) Officers' Certificate. The Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Gold by an authorized officer of Gold as to the satisfaction of the conditions in Sections 6.03(a) and 6.03(b) .
(d) Tax Opinion. The Company shall have received an opinion of a law firm of international standing provided by Gold confirming that the Holdco Merger and any related transactions, including the issue of shares in favor of the relevant shareholders but excluding any withdrawal from Gold (i) will be tax neutral for Gold shareholders for the purposes of the EU Council Directive 90/434 of July 23, 1990, as implemented in Capo III and Capo IV, Titolo III, of Italian Presidential Decree No. 917 of December 22nd, 1986, as amended, (ii) will not trigger any Italian Taxes for Holdco, Gold (except for the Italian exit tax which, based on current estimates and representations of Gold, should not exceed fifty (50) million Euros) or their shareholders or the Company and its shareholders (assuming that the latters are neither tax residents in Italy nor acting from an Italian permanent establishment), and will not reasonably expose Gold, Holdco or their shareholders to material future tax liabilities in Italy in respect of the Holdco Merger, and in the case of material tax claims the risk that the tax authorities could succeed is remote, and (iii) will not trigger any United Kingdom Taxes for Holdco, Gold, the Company or their shareholders.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
SECTION 7.01 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, whether before or after receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval or the Gold Shareholder Approval:
(a) by mutual written consent of Gold and the Company;
(b) by either the Company or Gold, if the Closing shall not have occurred on or before July 15, 2015 (the " Outside Date "); provided , however , that if all of the conditions to Closing, other than the conditions set forth in (i) any of Section 6.01(f) , 6.01(g) or 6.01(h) , and (ii) 6.01(i) , shall have been satisfied or shall be capable of being satisfied at least three Business Days prior to such time, the Outside Date may be extended by either the Company or Gold from time to time by written notice to the other party up to a date not beyond October 15, 2015, the latest of any of which dates shall thereafter be deemed to be the Outside Date; provided , further that if all of the conditions to Closing, other than the condition set forth in Section 6.01(i) , shall have been satisfied or shall be capable of being satisfied at least three Business Days prior to such time, the Outside Date may be extended by the Company from time to time by written notice to Gold up to a date not more than sixty (60) days after the date all such other conditions shall have been satisfied; provided , further , that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.01(b) shall not be available to any party if the failure of the Closing to occur on or before the Outside Date is the result of such party having materially breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement;
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(c) by either the Company or Gold, if the Company Stockholder Approval shall not have been obtained upon a vote taken thereon at the Company Stockholder Meeting, including any adjournment or postponement thereof;
(d) by either the Company or Gold, if the Gold Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained upon a vote taken thereon at the Gold Shareholder Meeting, including any adjournment or postponement thereof;
(e) by either the Company or Gold, if any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued, enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced any Law permanently enjoining, restraining or prohibiting either of the Mergers and that is final and nonappealable; provided , that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.01(e) shall not be available to any party that has failed to comply with its obligations under Section 5.07 and 5.17 in any material respect; provided, further, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.01(e) shall not be available to Gold if the issuance, enactment, entrance, promulgation or enforcement of such Law would entitle Gold to terminate this Agreement under Section 7.01(m) ;
(f) by Gold, at any time prior to the receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval, if the Company's board of directors shall have effected a Change of Company Recommendation;
(g) by the Company, at any time prior to the receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval, (i) if the Company's board of directors shall have effected a Change of Company Recommendation in accordance with Section 5.03 or (ii) in connection with entering into a Company Acquisition Agreement in accordance with Section 5.03 ; provided in each case that prior to or concurrently with such termination the Company pays the amounts due under Section 7.02(b)(i) ;
(h) by Gold, if: (i) the Company has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, in any case, which would give rise to the failure of a condition contained in Section 6.02(a) or 6.02(b) ; (ii) Gold shall have delivered to the Company written notice of such breach or failure to perform; and (iii) either such breach or failure to perform is not capable of cure prior to the Outside Date or, if capable of being so cured, at least 30 days shall have elapsed since the date of delivery of such written notice to the Company and such breach or failure to perform shall not have been cured; provided , however , that Gold shall not be permitted to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.01(h) if Holdco, Sub or Gold has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, in any case, such that which would give rise to the failure of a condition contained in Section 6.03(a) or 6.03(b) ;
(i) by the Company, if (i) Holdco, Sub or Gold has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, in any case, which would give rise to the failure of a condition contained in Section 6.03(a) or 6.03(b) ; (ii) the Company shall have delivered to Gold written notice of such breach or failure to perform; and (iii) either such breach or failure to perform is not capable of cure prior to the Outside Date or, if capable of being so cured, at least 30 days shall have elapsed since the date of delivery of such written notice to Gold and such breach or failure to perform shall not have been cured; provided , however , that the Company shall not be permitted to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.01(i) if the Company has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, in any case, which would give rise to the failure of a condition contained in Section 6.02(a) or 6.02(b) ;
(j) by the Company, if (i) all of the conditions in Sections 6.01 and 6.02 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing) have been satisfied or waived, (ii) the Company has notified Gold in writing that all conditions set forth in Section 6.03 have
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been satisfied (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing) or that it is willing to waive any unsatisfied conditions in Section 6.03 and the Company is otherwise ready, willing and able to consummate the Closing, and (iii) Holdco, Sub or Gold shall have failed to consummate the Closing on the date by which the Closing is required to have occurred pursuant to Section 1.02 ; provided that for purposes of this Section 7.01(j) only, the condition in Section 6.01(i) shall be deemed to be satisfied if (A) all of the other conditions set forth in Sections 6.01 and 6.02 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing but that would be satisfied if the Closing were to occur at such time) have been satisfied or waived, (B) the Company has notified Gold in writing that all conditions set forth in Section 6.03 have been satisfied (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing) or that it is willing to waive any unsatisfied conditions in Section 6.03 and the Company is otherwise ready, willing and able to consummate the Closing and (C) the condition set forth in Section 6.01(i) is not satisfied within forty-five (45) days thereafter;
(k) by Gold, within ten (10) Business Days following the date of the final determination (as provided under applicable Law) of the number of Gold Shares for which holders of Gold Shares have exercised the rescission rights described in Section 2.09 , if the number of Gold Shares for which such rescission rights have been exercised exceeds twenty percent (20%) of the Gold Shares issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement;
(l) by Gold if Holdco would, as a result of any adoption, implementation, promulgation, repeal, modification, amendment or change of any applicable Law following the date hereof and prior to the Closing Date, be treated as a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes as of or after the Closing Date; or
(m) by Gold, within ten (10) Business Days following the date of an SVS Denial.
SECTION 7.02
Effect of Termination
.
(a) In the event of termination of this Agreement by either the Company or Gold as provided in Section 7.01 , this Agreement shall forthwith become void and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of Holdco, Sub, Gold or the Company or their respective Subsidiaries, officers or directors, in either case, except (i) with respect to Section 5.14 , this Section 7.02 , Article VIII and the final sentence of each of Sections 5.06 and 5.08(e) and (ii) with respect to any liabilities or damages incurred or suffered by a party as a result of the willful breach by another party of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement.
(b) In the event that this Agreement is terminated:
(i) by (A) Gold pursuant to Section 7.01(f) or (B) the Company pursuant to Section 7.01(g) , then the Company shall pay to Gold or its designee, within two (2) Business Days following the date of such termination by Gold pursuant to clause (A) , or concurrently with such termination by the Company pursuant to clause (B) , the Company Termination Fee by wire transfer of immediately available funds;
(ii) (A) by either Gold or the Company pursuant to Section 7.01(b) (but only if the Company Stockholder Meeting has not been held by the Outside Date) or by Gold or the Company pursuant to Section 7.01(c) , (B) prior to such termination (in the case of termination pursuant to Section 7.01(b) ) or the Company Stockholder Meeting (in the case of termination pursuant to Section 7.01(c) ), a Company Competing Proposal shall have been publicly disclosed (or otherwise become publicly known) and not withdrawn, and (C) within nine (9) months after the termination of this Agreement, the Company shall have entered into a definitive agreement with respect to any Company Competing Proposal or any Company Competing Proposal is consummated, then the Company shall pay to Gold or its designee,
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within two (2) Business Days after the earlier to occur of the entrance into the agreement providing for such Company Competing Proposal or the consummation of such Company Competing Proposal, the Company Termination Fee by wire transfer of immediately available funds; provided that for purposes of this Section 7.02(b)(ii) , the term "Company Competing Proposal" shall have the meaning assigned to such term, except that all percentages therein shall be changed to "50%";
(iii) (A) by either Gold or the Company pursuant to Section 7.01(b) (but only if the Gold Shareholder Meeting has not been held prior the Outside Date or the condition set forth in Section 6.01(i) shall not have been satisfied prior to the Outside Date) or by Gold or the Company pursuant to Section 7.01(d) , (B) prior to such termination (in the case of termination pursuant to Section 7.01(b) ) or the Gold Shareholder Meeting (in the case of termination pursuant to Section 7.01(d) ), a Gold Competing Proposal shall have been publicly disclosed (or otherwise become publicly known) and not withdrawn, and (C) within nine (9) months after the termination of this Agreement, Gold shall have entered into a definitive agreement with respect to any Gold Competing Proposal or any Gold Competing Proposal is consummated, then Gold shall pay to the Company or its designee, within two (2) Business Days after the earlier to occur of the entrance into the agreement providing for such Gold Competing Proposal or the consummation of such Gold Competing Proposal, the Gold Termination Fee by wire transfer of immediately available funds; provided that for purposes of this Section 7.02(b)(iii) , the term "Gold Competing Proposal" shall have the meaning assigned to such term, except that all percentages therein shall be changed to "50%";
(iv) by the Company pursuant to Section 7.01(j) , then Gold shall promptly pay to the Company or its designee, within two (2) Business Days following the date of such termination, the Gold Termination Fee by wire transfer of immediately available funds; provided that the Company shall forfeit its right to collect the Gold Termination Fee under this Section 7.02(b)(iv) if it has not exercised such termination right within forty-five (45) days after the date that Gold irrevocably confirms in writing that the Company is entitled to terminate the Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01(j) and receive the Gold Termination Fee pursuant to this Section 7.02(b)(iv) ;
(v) by (A) either the Company or Gold pursuant to Section 7.01(b) and as of the time of such termination, one or more of the conditions set forth in Section 6.01(f) , Section 6.01(g) or, as a result of an order issued pursuant to Antitrust Laws or Gaming Laws, Section 6.01(h) , has not been satisfied, or (B) either the Company or Gold pursuant to Section 7.01(e) as a result of an order issued pursuant to Antitrust Laws or Gaming Laws, then, in each case, Gold shall promptly pay to the Company or its designee, within two (2) Business Days following the date of such termination, the Gold Termination Fee by wire transfer of immediately available funds; provided that the Company shall forfeit its right to collect the Gold Termination Fee under this Section 7.02(b)(v) with respect to a termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01(b) or Section 7.01(e) , as applicable, if it has not exercised such termination right (and Gold has not terminated this Agreement pursuant to such provisions) within forty-five (45) days after the date that Gold irrevocably confirms in writing that the Company is entitled to terminate the Agreement pursuant to such provision and receive the Gold Termination Fee pursuant to this Section 7.02(b)(v) ;
(vi) by Gold pursuant to Section 7.01(k) , 7.01(l) or 7.01(m) , then Gold shall pay to the Company or its designee, concurrently with such termination, the applicable Gold Termination Fee by wire transfer of immediately available funds; or
(vii) by either the Company or Gold pursuant to Section 7.01(b) and as of the date of such termination any of the conditions in Sections 6.01(a) , 6.01(b) , 6.01(c) , 6.01(d) , 6.01(e) ,
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6.01(h) , 6.01(i) or 6.01(j) shall have not been satisfied solely (other than any causal factors resulting from the occurrence of the SVS Event itself) as a result of an SVS Event, then Gold shall pay the Company or its designee the applicable Gold Termination Fee by wire transfer of immediately available funds, concurrently with such termination in the case of a termination by Gold, or within two (2) Business Days following the date of such termination in the case of a termination by the Company.
(c) Each of the Company, Holdco, Sub and Gold acknowledges that (i) the agreements contained in this Section 7.02 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) without these agreements, Gold, Holdco, Sub and the Company would not enter into this Agreement. It is acknowledged and agreed that neither the Company Termination Fee nor the Gold Termination Fee is a penalty, but rather is liquidated damages in a reasonable amount that will compensate the Company or Gold, Holdco and Sub, as applicable, in the circumstances in which the Company Termination Fee or Gold Termination Fee is payable; provided , however , that the foregoing shall not limit any party's rights with respect to any liabilities or damages incurred or suffered by such party as a result of the willful breach by another party of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement. In the event that this Agreement is terminated under circumstances in which the Company receives the Gold Termination Fee, together with reimbursement of any applicable expenses pursuant to the final sentence of Sections 5.07(e) , the receipt of the Gold Termination Fee together with such expenses shall be the sole and exclusive monetary remedy for any and all losses or damages suffered or incurred by the Company or any other person in connection with this Agreement (and the termination hereof), the Debt Commitment Letter or any New Debt Commitment Letter, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and the abandonment or termination thereof) or any matter forming the basis for such termination, and neither the Company nor any other person shall be entitled to bring or maintain any claim, action or proceeding against Gold and its Subsidiaries (including Holdco, Gold Sub and Sub) or any of their respective former, current or future general or limited partners, stockholders, members, managers, directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, assignees, representatives or Financing Sources (collectively, the " Gold Related Parties ") arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the Debt Commitment Letter or any New Debt Commitment Letter, any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (or the abandonment or termination thereof) or any matters forming the basis for such termination (but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the Confidentiality Agreement); provided that nothing in this Section 7.02 shall limit the right of the Company, its Subsidiaries and the Company Representatives to be indemnified and reimbursed for expenses in accordance with the last sentence of Section 5.07(e) , or limit the Company's rights with respect to any losses or damages incurred or suffered as a result of the willful breach by Gold, Holdco or Sub of any of their respective representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement. In the event that this Agreement is terminated under circumstances in which Gold receives the Company Termination Fee, the receipt of the Company Termination Fee shall be the sole and exclusive monetary remedy for any and all losses or damages suffered or incurred by any Gold Related Party in connection with this Agreement (and the termination hereof), the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and the abandonment or termination thereof) or any matter forming the basis for such termination, and neither Gold nor any other person shall be entitled to bring or maintain any claim, action or proceeding against the Company, the Company Subsidiaries or any of their respective former, current or future general or limited partners, stockholders, members, managers, directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, assignees or representatives arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (or the abandonment or termination thereof) or any matters forming the basis for such termination (but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the Confidentiality Agreement); provided that nothing in this Section 7.02 shall limit Gold's rights with respect to any losses or damages incurred or suffered
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as a result of the willful breach by the Company of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement. In no event shall the Company be required to pay to Gold more than one Company Termination Fee or Gold be required to pay to the Company more than one Gold Termination Fee pursuant to Section 7.02(b) . For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 7.02(c) shall survive the Company Merger Effective Time.
SECTION 7.03
Amendment.
This Agreement may be amended by the Company
and Gold by action taken by or on behalf of their respective boards of directors at any time prior to the Holdco
Merger Effective Time and the Company Merger Effective Time;
provided
,
however
, that, after receipt of
the Company Stockholder Approval or Gold Shareholder Approval, as applicable, no amendment may be made which, by Law or in accordance with the rules of any relevant stock exchange, requires further
approval by the Company's or Gold's stockholders or shareholders, as applicable, without obtaining such further approval. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by
each of the parties hereto;
provided
that notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein,
Section 7.02(c)
, this
Section 7.03
,
Section 8.06
,
Section 8.08, Section 8.11
and
Section 8.12
(in each case, together with any related definitions and other provisions of this Agreement to the extent a modification or
termination would serve to modify the substance or provisions or such Sections) may not be amended, modified, waived or terminated in a manner that is materially adverse to interests of the Financing
Sources without the prior written consent of the Financing Sources. For the avoidance of doubt, this
Section 7.03
shall survive the Company
Merger Effective Time.
SECTION 7.04
Waiver.
At any time prior to the Effective Times, Gold,
Holdco and Sub, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, may (a) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other, (b) waive any breach of the representations and warranties of the other contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant
hereto and (c) waive compliance by the other with any of the covenants or conditions contained herein;
provided
,
however
, that after receipt of the
Company Stockholder Approval or the Gold Shareholder Approval, as applicable, there may not be any extension or
waiver of this Agreement which decreases the Holdco Merger Consideration or Company Merger Consideration, as applicable, or which adversely affects the rights of the Company's stockholders or Gold's
shareholders hereunder, without the approval of the Company's stockholders or Gold's shareholders at a duly convened meeting of such stockholders or shareholders called to obtain approval of such
extension or waiver if such further approval is required by Law or in accordance with the rules of any relevant stock exchange;
provided
,
further
, that
notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein,
Section 7.02(c)
,
Section 7.03
,
Section 8.06
,
Section 8.08
,
Section 8.11
and
Section 8.12
(in each case, together with any related definitions and other provisions of this Agreement to the extent a modification or
termination would serve to modify the substance or provisions of such Sections) may not be waived in a manner that is materially adverse to interests of the Financing Sources without the prior written
consent of the Financing Sources (and, for the avoidance of doubt, this
Section 7.04
shall survive the Company Merger Effective Time). Any such
extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties to be bound thereby, but such extension or waiver or failure to insist on strict
compliance with an obligation, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure.
ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 8.01 Non-Survival of Representations and Warranties. None of the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Closing. Except for any covenant or agreement that by its terms contemplates performance after the Holdco Merger Effective Time or the Company Merger Effective Time, as applicable, none of the covenants and agreements of the parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Company Merger Effective Time.
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SECTION 8.02
Notices.
All notices and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given (a) when delivered personally, (b) when sent by
reputable overnight courier service or (c) when faxed or emailed (which is confirmed by copy sent within one (1) Business Day by a reputable overnight courier service) to the parties at
the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
If to Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco or Sub:
GTECH S.p.A.
Viale del Campo Boario 56/D
00154 RomaItaly
Fax: 0039 06 5189 4216
Attention: Marco Sala
with a copy to (for information purposes only):
Wachtell,
Lipton, Rosen & Katz
51 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
Fax: (212) 403-2000
Attention: Andrew R. Brownstein, Esq.
Benjamin M. Roth, Esq.
If to the Company:
International
Game Technology
6355 South Buffalo Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89113
Fax: (702) 669-7904
Attention: General Counsel and Secretary
with copies to (for information purposes only):
Sidley
Austin LLP
One South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Fax: (312) 853-7036
Attention: Thomas A. Cole
Paul L. Choi
Gary D. Gerstman
Thomas M. Thesing
and to:
Allen &
Overy LLP
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Fax: (212) 610-6399
Attention: Dave Lewis
SECTION 8.03
Severability.
If any term or other provision of this
Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any
rule of Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect 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 determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the
parties hereto shall negotiate in
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good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.
SECTION 8.04
Entire Agreement.
This Agreement (together with the
Annexes, Exhibits, the Company Disclosure Letter, the Gold Disclosure Letter and the other documents delivered pursuant hereto)
and the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with
respect to the subject matter hereof and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, are not intended to confer upon any other person any rights or remedies hereunder.
SECTION 8.05
Assignment.
Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned or transferred, in whole or in part, by operation of
Law or otherwise by any of the parties hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties. Any assignment or transfer in violation of the preceding sentence shall be void.
SECTION 8.06
Parties in Interest.
This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and assigns, and nothing in this
Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, other than
(a)
Article II
, which shall be for the benefit of any person entitled to payment thereunder, and
(b)
Section 5.11
, which shall be for the benefit of any persons entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses thereunder, each of
whom shall be entitled to enforce their rights under this Agreement as third-party beneficiaries, and (c)
Sections 7.02(c)
,
Section 7.03
,
this
Section 8.06
,
Section 8.08
,
Section 8.11
and
Section 8.12
, as to which the Financing Sources (and/or Released Financing Source Entities, in the case of
Section 8.12
) are intended third-party
beneficiaries. The parties hereto further agree that the rights of third-party beneficiaries under
Article II
and
Section 5.11
shall not arise
unless and until the occurrence of the Holdco
Merger Effective Time or the Company Merger Effective Time, as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt, this
Section 8.06
shall survive the
Company Merger Effective Time.
SECTION 8.07
Interpretation.
Each party hereto has participated in
the drafting of this Agreement, which each party acknowledges is the result of extensive negotiations between the parties.
If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or
disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision. For purposes of this Agreement, whenever the context requires the singular number shall include the plural, and vice versa. As used
in this Agreement, the words "include" and "including," and words of similar meaning, shall not be deemed to be terms of limitation, but rather shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without
limitation." Except as otherwise indicated, all references in this Agreement to "Sections," "Annexes" and "Exhibits," are intended to refer to Sections of this Agreement and the Annexes and Exhibits
to this Agreement. All references in this Agreement to "$" are intended to refer to U.S. dollars. Unless otherwise specifically provided for herein, the term "or" shall not be deemed to be exclusive.
The words "hereof," "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.
References herein to "as of the date hereof," "as of the date of this Agreement" or words of similar import shall be deemed to mean "as of immediately prior to the execution and delivery of this
Agreement." The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION 8.08
Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Trial by Jury
.
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to Laws that may be applicable under conflicts of Laws principles that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of
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Delaware (except that (i) the provisions of the Laws of the State of Nevada shall apply with respect to (A) the Company Merger, fiduciary duties of the Company board of directors and general corporation law with respect to the Company and (B) any provisions set forth herein that are required to be governed by such Laws or where such Laws are otherwise mandatorily applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby), (ii) the provisions of the Laws of Italy shall apply with respect to (A) the fiduciary duties of the Gold board of directors and general company law with respect to Gold and (B) any provisions set forth herein that are required to be governed by such Laws or where such Laws are otherwise mandatorily applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby, and (iii) the provisions of the Laws of England and Wales shall apply with respect to (A) the Holdco Merger, fiduciary duties of the Holdco board of directors and general company law with respect to Holdco and (B) any provisions set forth herein that are required to be governed by such Laws or where such Laws are otherwise mandatorily applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby).
(b) Each of the parties irrevocably agrees that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought by any other party or its successors or assigns shall be brought and determined in any Delaware state or federal court, and each of the parties hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts for itself and with respect to its property, generally and unconditionally, with regard to any such action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Gold, Holdco and Sub each irrevocably agree that any equitable action or proceeding, including the seeking of specific performance under Section 8.10 of the Merger Agreement and damages claims in connection with such equitable action or proceeding, may be brought by the Company, in its discretion, in any Delaware state or federal court, any court of England or any court of Italy. Subject to the preceding sentence, each of the parties agrees not to commence any action, suit or proceeding relating thereto except in the courts described above in Delaware, other than actions in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce any judgment, decree or award rendered by any such court as described herein. Each of the parties further agrees that notice as provided herein shall constitute sufficient service of process and the parties further waive any argument that such service is insufficient. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion or as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in Delaware as described herein for any reason, (b) 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 (c) that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in any such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper or (iii) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such courts.
(c) EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING (I) ARISING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR (II) ARISING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, UNDER THE DEBT FINANCING, THE DEBT COMMITMENT LETTER, ANY NEW DEBT COMMITMENT LETTERS OR THE PERFORMANCE OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING.
For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 8.08 shall survive the Company Merger Effective Time.
SECTION 8.09
Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be
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deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. The exchange of a fully executed Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by facsimile or by electronic delivery in .pdf format shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
SECTION 8.10
Specific Performance
.
(a) The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that the parties hereto do not perform the provisions of this Agreement in accordance with its terms or otherwise breach such provisions. Accordingly, subject to Section 8.10(c) , the parties acknowledge and agree that Gold and the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at Law or in equity.
(b) Subject to Section 8.10(c) , each of the parties agrees that it will not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief as provided herein on the basis that (i) it has an adequate remedy at Law or (ii) an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at Law or equity. Any party seeking an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such order or injunction.
(c) In no event shall the Company's or Gold's right to seek specific performance pursuant to this Section 8.10 reduce, restrict or otherwise limit any right of such party to terminate this Agreement and to be paid the Company Termination Fee or Gold Termination Fee, as and if applicable; provided that in no event shall the Company or Gold be entitled to specific performance pursuant to this Section 8.10 and payment of the Gold Termination Fee or the Company Termination Fee, as applicable.
SECTION 8.11
Agreements Relating to Financing Sources.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each of the parties hereto expressly agrees (a) that it will not, and will not permit any of its
controlled affiliates to, bring or support any lawsuit, claim, complaint, action, formal investigation or proceeding before any Governmental Entity (each, an
"
Action
"), whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against any Financing Source arising out of or relating to the
transactions contemplated hereby in any forum other than any state or federal court sitting in the borough of Manhattan, New York, New York, and any appellate court thereof, (b) to waive and
hereby waives any right to trial by jury in respect of any such Action, (c) that any such Action shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of New York,
without regard to the conflicts of Law rules of such state that would result in the application of the Laws of any other jurisdiction, (d) that the Financing Sources (and their respective
affiliates) are express third-party beneficiaries of this
Section 8.11
and (e) that each of
Section 7.02(c)
,
Section 7.03
,
Section 8.06
,
Section 8.08
, this
Section 8.11
and
Section 8.12
can be directly enforced by each of the Financing Sources.
For the avoidance of doubt, this
Section 8.11
shall survive the Company Merger Effective Time.
SECTION 8.12
Non-Recourse to Financing Sources.
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, no Releasing Entity shall have any rights, remedies or claims against any Released Financing Source
Entity, and no Released Financing Source Entity shall have any rights, remedies or claims against any Releasing Entity (other than following the Closing Date or, if earlier, the date of any funding of
any of the Debt Financing, but any Released Financing Source Entity that has failed to comply (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment) with its initial
funding obligations under, and in accordance with, the Debt Commitment Letter or any New Debt Commitment Letter, as the case may be, shall not have any rights, remedies or claims against any
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Releasing Entity), in connection with this Agreement, the Mergers, the Debt Financing (or the use or the proposed use of the proceeds thereof), the Debt Commitment Letter (including, but not limited to, with respect to any termination thereof) or any New Debt Commitment Letter (including, but not limited to, with respect to any termination thereof) or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, whether at law or equity, in contract, in tort or otherwise and each of the Releasing Entities further agrees that it shall not institute any litigation, suit, claim, charge, action, proceeding or investigation against any of the Released Financing Source Entities with respect to or relating to any of the foregoing (unless in response to any of the foregoing brought against or undertaken in respect of a Releasing Entity by a Released Financing Source Entity); provided that, following consummation of the Mergers, the foregoing sentence will not limit the rights of any parties under any agreements with the Released Financing Source Entities. In addition, in no event will any Released Financing Source Entity be liable for consequential, special, exemplary, punitive or indirect damages (including any loss of profits, business or anticipated savings) or damages of a tortious nature (it being expressly agreed that the Released Financing Source Entities in their capacities as such shall be third-party beneficiaries of this Section 8.12 and shall be entitled to the protections of the provisions contained in this Section 8.12 as if they were a party to this Agreement); provided , however, that nothing contained in this Section 8.12 shall release any party from liability for fraud. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 8.12 shall survive the Company Merger Effective Time.
* * * * * * * *
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco, Sub and the Company have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized all as of the date first written above.
GTECH S.p.A. | ||||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ LORENZO PELLICIOLI |
||
Name: | Lorenzo Pellicioli | |||||
Title: | Chairman of the Board of Directors | |||||
|
|
GTECH Corporation (solely with respect to Section 5.02(a) and Article VIII) |
||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ MICHAEL PRESCOTT |
||
Name: | Michael Prescott | |||||
Title: | SVP and General Counsel | |||||
|
|
Georgia Worldwide Limited |
||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ DECLAN HARKIN |
||
Name: | Declan Harkin | |||||
Title: | Director | |||||
|
|
Georgia Worldwide Corporation |
||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ MARCO SALA |
||
Name: | Marco Sala | |||||
Title: | Director | |||||
|
|
International Game Technology |
||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ PATTI S. HART |
||
Name: | Patti S. Hart | |||||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Signature page to Merger Agreement
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" Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement " means a confidentiality agreement that contains confidentiality provisions of the relevant person that has made a Company Competing Proposal that are no less favorable in the aggregate to the Company than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement.
" affiliate " means, with respect to any person, any other person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the first-mentioned person.
" Antitrust Division " means the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice.
" Business Day " means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday or a day on which banks are required or authorized by Law to close in New York, New York, Las Vegas, Nevada, London, UK and Milan, Italy.
" Code " means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
" Company Competing Proposal " means any proposal or offer (other than a proposal or offer by Gold or any of its Subsidiaries) made by any person or group after the date hereof relating to, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, any direct or indirect (i) acquisition (whether by merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, equity investment, joint venture or otherwise) by any person or group (or the stockholders of any person) of more than twenty percent (20%) of the assets of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (based on the fair market value thereof), taken as a whole, or assets comprising twenty percent (20%) or more of the consolidated revenues or EBITDA of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, including in any such case through the acquisition of one or more Company Subsidiaries; or (ii) acquisition in any manner (including through a tender offer or exchange offer) by any person or group of more than twenty percent (20%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock.
" Company Intervening Event " means a material event, development, occurrence, state of facts or change that was not known to the board of directors of the Company on the date of this Agreement, which event, development, occurrence, state of facts or change becomes known to the board of directors of the Company before the Company Stockholder Approval; provided , however , that none of the following shall constitute a Company Intervening Event: (i) the receipt, existence of or terms of a any Company Competing Proposal or any inquiry relating thereto or the consequences thereof; (ii) any action taken by either party pursuant to and in compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 5.07 , and the consequence of any such action; (iii) any changes in the market price or trading volume of the Company's or Gold's securities or the Company's or Gold's credit ratings (provided that the exception in this clause (iii) shall not prevent the underlying cause of any such change from constituting a Company Intervening Event) and (iv) any change, development, circumstance, event, occurrence or effect relating to Gold that is not a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
" Company Material Adverse Effect " means any change, development, circumstance, event, occurrence or effect (each an " Effect ") that, when considered either individually or in the aggregate together with all other Effects, is materially adverse to the financial condition, business, assets or results of operations of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided , however , that in no event shall any of the following Effects or any Effects resulting therefrom, in each case individually or in the aggregate with all other such Effects, be deemed to constitute, or taken into account in determining whether there has been, a "Company Material Adverse Effect": (a) the announcement or pendency of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, including any loss or threatened loss of, or adverse change or threatened adverse change in, the relationship of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with its customers, employees, financing sources, suppliers or
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business partners, in each case to the extent attributable to, arising out of or resulting from the announcement or pendency of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (b) any Effect attributable to changes in financial, economic, social or political conditions or the securities, credit or financial markets in general in the United States or other countries in which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries conduct operations or any Effect generally that is the result of factors affecting any principal industry in which the Company and the Company Subsidiaries operate, (c) any change in the market price or trading volume of the equity securities of the Company or of the ratings or the ratings outlook for the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries by any applicable rating agency, (d) the suspension of trading in securities generally on the NYSE or the NASDAQ Stock Market, (e) any adoption, implementation, proposal or change in any applicable Law or GAAP or interpretation of any of the foregoing after the date hereof, (f) any action taken by the Company or any Company Subsidiary that is expressly permitted or required by this Agreement (other than pursuant to its obligation to conduct its business in all material respects in the ordinary course of business under Section 5.01(a) ) or taken or not taken at the written direction of Gold, (g) the failure of the Company to meet any internal or public projections, budgets, forecasts or estimates of revenues, earnings or other financial results for any period ending on or after the date of this Agreement, (h) the identity of Gold or Sub or Gold's ability to obtain the Gaming Approvals; (i) the commencement, occurrence, continuation or escalation of any war, armed hostilities or acts of terrorism, (j) any actions or claims made or brought by any of the current or former stockholders of the Company (or on their behalf or on behalf of the Company, but in any event only in their capacities as current or former stockholders) arising out of this Agreement or the Mergers; or (k) the existence, occurrence or continuation of any force majeure events, including any earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tropical storms, fires or other natural disasters or any national, international or regional calamity; provided that (1) the exceptions in clauses (c) and (g) hereof shall not prevent the underlying cause of any such change, decline or failure referred to therein (if not otherwise falling within any of the exceptions provided by clauses (a) through (k) hereof) from constituting a Company Material Adverse Effect or being taken into account in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred and (2) any Effect referred to in clauses (b) , (e) , (i) or (k) hereof may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would be, a Company Material Adverse Effect to the extent such Effect has a disproportionate adverse effect on the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other participants in the principal industries in which the Company and the Company Subsidiaries operate.
" Company Stock Plans " means the Company's 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, including the Company's U.K. Stock Option Sub-Plan and Savings-Related Share Option Scheme.
" Company Stock Purchase Plan " means the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
" Company Significant Subsidiary " means a Subsidiary of the Company that would constitute a "significant subsidiary" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 1.02(w) of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the SEC.
" Company Subsidiary " means each Subsidiary of the Company.
" Company Termination Fee " means an amount equal to $135,317,000, in cash.
" Competition Act " means the Competition Act (Canada), as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
" Competition Act Clearance " means (a) the issuance of an Advance Ruling Certificate; (b) Gold, Holdco, and the Company have given the notice required under section 114 of the Competition Act with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the applicable waiting period under section 123 of the Competition Act has expired or has been terminated in accordance with the Competition Act; or (c) the obligation to give the requisite notice has been waived pursuant to
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paragraph 113(c) of the Competition Act; and in the case of (b) or (c), Gold and Holdco have been advised in writing by the Commissioner that he does not, at such time, intend to make an application under section 92 of the Competition Act in respect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement ("no-action letter").
" Confidentiality Agreement " means the letter regarding confidentiality between the Company and Gold dated May 13, 2013, as amended.
" CONSOB " means Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa.
" Contract " means any agreement, contract, lease (whether for real or personal property), power of attorney, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, loan, evidence of Indebtedness, purchase order, letter of credit, settlement agreement, franchise agreement, covenant not to compete, employment agreement, license, purchase and sales order or other legal commitment to which a person is a party or to which the properties or assets of such person are subject.
" Copyrights " means United States and non-U.S. copyrights and mask works (as defined in 17 U.S.C. §901) and pending applications to register the same.
" Embargoed Person " means any party that (i) is publicly identified on the most current list of "Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons" published by OFAC or any similar list maintained by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, or Her Majesty's Treasury of the United Kingdom; or (ii) resides, is organized or chartered, or has a place of business in a country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive territory-wide or country-wide Economic Sanctions Laws.
" Environmental Laws " means all Laws which (a) regulate or relate to the protection or clean up of the environment, occupational safety and health, or the use, treatment, storage, transportation, handling, exposure to, disposal or release of Hazardous Substances or (b) impose liability or standards of care with respect to any of the foregoing.
" Environmental Permits " means any permit, registration, identification number, license and other authorization required under any applicable Environmental Law.
" ERISA Affiliate " means any entity, trade or business, which together with another entity, trade or business, would be treated as a single employer under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA.
" Exchange Act " means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
" Financing Sources " means any person (other than Gold or any of its affiliates) that has committed to provide or otherwise entered into agreements in connection with the Debt Financing, each together with their respective affiliates and permitted successors and assigns.
" FTC " means the Federal Trade Commission.
" GAAP " means generally accepted accounting principles as applied in the United States.
" Gaming Authority " means any Governmental Entity with regulatory control or jurisdiction over the manufacture, sale, software, testing, distribution or operation of gaming equipment (including gaming systems), the design, operation or distribution of internet gaming services or products, the ownership or operation of any current or contemplated casinos, or any other gaming activities and operations.
" Gaming Laws " means, with respect to any person, any Law governing or relating to the manufacture, sale, software, testing, distribution or operation of gaming equipment (including gaming systems), the design, operation or distribution of internet gaming services or products, the ownership or
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operation of any current or contemplated casino, or online gaming products and services or other gaming activities and operations of such person and its Subsidiaries, including the rules and regulations established by any Gaming Authority.
" Gold Competing Proposal " means any proposal or offer (other than a proposal or offer by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the Italian Reorganization) made by any person after the date hereof relating to, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, any direct or indirect (i) acquisition (whether by merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, equity investment, joint venture or otherwise) by any person or group (or the stockholders of any person) of more than twenty percent (20%) of the assets of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries (based on the fair market value thereof), taken as a whole, or assets comprising twenty percent (20%) or more of the consolidated revenues or EBITDA of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, including in any such case through the acquisition of one or more Gold Subsidiaries; or (ii) acquisition in any manner (including through a tender offer or exchange offer) by any person or group of more than twenty percent (20%) of the issued and outstanding Gold Shares.
" Gold Material Adverse Effect " means any Effect that, when considered either individually or in the aggregate together with all other Effects, is materially adverse to the financial condition, business, assets or results of operations of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided , however , that in no event shall any of the following Effects or any Effects resulting therefrom, in each case individually or in the aggregate with all other such Effects, be deemed to constitute, or taken into account in determining whether there has been, a "Gold Material Adverse Effect": (a) the announcement or pendency of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, including any loss or threatened loss of, or adverse change or threatened adverse change in, the relationship Gold or any of its Subsidiaries with its customers, employees, financing sources, suppliers or business partners, (b) any Effect affecting financial, economic, social or political conditions or the securities, credit or financial markets in general in the Italy or other countries in which Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries conduct operations or any Effect generally affecting the industry in which Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries operate, (c) any change in the market price or trading volume of the equity securities of Gold or of the ratings or the ratings outlook for Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries by any applicable rating agency, (d) the suspension of trading in securities generally on the MSE, (e) any adoption, implementation, proposal or change in any applicable Law or IFRS or interpretation of any of the foregoing after the date hereof, (f) any action taken by Gold or any Gold Subsidiary that is expressly permitted or required by this Agreement (other than pursuant to its obligation to conduct its business in all material respects in the ordinary course of business under Section 5.01(b) ) or or not taken taken at the written direction of the Company, (g) the failure of Gold to meet any internal or public projections, budgets, forecasts or estimates of revenues, earnings or other financial results for any period ending on or after the date of this Agreement, (h) the identity of the Company; (i) the commencement, occurrence, continuation or escalation of any war, armed hostilities or acts of terrorism, (j) any actions or claims made or brought by any of the current or former shareholders of Gold (or on their behalf or on behalf of Gold, but in any event only in their capacities as current or former shareholders) arising out of this Agreement or the Mergers; or (k) the existence, occurrence or continuation of any force majeure events, including any earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tropical storms, fires or other natural disasters or any national, international or regional calamity; provided that (1) the exceptions in clauses (c) and (g) hereof shall not prevent the underlying cause of any such change, decline or failure referred to therein (if not otherwise falling within any of the exceptions provided by clauses (a) through (k) hereof) from constituting a Gold Material Adverse Effect or being taken into account in determining whether a Gold Material Adverse Effect has occurred and (2) any Effect referred to in clauses (b) , (e) , (i) or (k) hereof may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would be, a Gold Material Adverse Effect to the extent such Effect has a materially
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disproportionate adverse effect on Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other participants in the industry in which Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries operate.
" Gold Registered Intellectual Property Rights " means all Gold Intellectual Property Rights that are both owned by Gold or a Gold Subsidiary and registered with any Governmental Entity.
" Gold Share Trading Price " means the average of the volume-weighted average prices, rounded to four decimal points, of Gold Shares on the MSE for ten individual (10) trading days within the twenty (20) consecutive trading days ending on (and including) the second full trading day prior to the Company Merger Effective Time (with such ten (10) trading days to be selected by random lottery in the presence of senior executives of each of Gold and the Company), in each case as reported by Bloomberg Financial Markets, or any successor thereto, through its "Volume Weighted Average Price" function (or, if not reported therein, in another authoritative source mutually selected by Gold and the Company), subject to appropriate adjustments for any stock dividend, stock split or other similar transactions that occur during such period. If the volume-weighted average price cannot be calculated for Gold Shares on any such date, the volume-weighted average price for such date shall be the fair market value as mutually agreed upon by Gold and the Company. The volume weighted average of the trading prices of the Gold Shares for each trading day shall be converted from Euros to the U.S. dollar equivalent calculated at the end of each such trading day by reference to the WM Reuters Fix rate as of 4:00 p.m. (London time) for such trading day.
" Gold Significant Subsidiary " means a Subsidiary of Gold that would constitute a "significant subsidiary" of Gold within the meaning of Rule 1.02(w) of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the SEC.
" Gold Subsidiary " means each Subsidiary of Gold.
" Gold Stock Plans " means any stock- or equity-based incentive plan under which Gold may issue Gold Options, Restricted Gold Shares or Other Gold Equity-Based Awards to directors, officers, employees or consultants of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries.
" Gold Termination Fee " means an amount equal to $270,634,000, in cash; provided that in the case of a termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01(l) , the Gold Termination Fee payable pursuant to Section 7.02(b)(vi) shall be an amount equal to $135,317,000, in cash.
" Governmental Entity " means any United States or non-United States national, federal, state, county, municipal or local government, or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, taxing or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.
" Hazardous Substances " means any toxic, reactive, corrosive, ignitable or flammable chemical, or chemical compound, or hazardous substance, material or waste, whether solid, liquid or gas, that is subject to regulation, control or remediation under any Environmental Laws.
" Holdco Shares " means the ordinary shares, par value £1.00 per share, of Holdco.
" HSR Act " means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
" IFRS " means International Financial Reporting Standards.
" Indebtedness " means, with respect to any person, without duplication (i) indebtedness of such person or its Subsidiaries for borrowed money (including the aggregate principal amount thereof and the aggregate amount of any accrued but unpaid interest thereon), (ii) obligations of such person or any of its Subsidiaries evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures, letters of credit or similar instruments, (iii) obligations of such person or any of its Subsidiaries under capitalized leases, (iv) obligations in respect of interest rate and currency obligation swaps, hedges or similar arrangements and (v) all obligations of such person or any of its Subsidiaries to guarantee any of the foregoing types of payment obligations on behalf of any person other than such person or any of its Subsidiaries.
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" IRS " means the Internal Revenue Service.
" Italian Reorganization " has the meaning set forth in the Gold Disclosure Letter.
" knowledge " means, (i) with respect to the Company, the actual (but not constructive or imputed) knowledge of the individuals listed in Section 1.1 of the Company Disclosure Letter, and (ii) with respect to Gold, Holdco and Sub, the actual (but not constructive or imputed) knowledge of the individuals listed in Section 1.1 of the Gold Disclosure Letter.
" Law " means any federal, state, local or foreign law, statute, code, directive, ordinance, rule, regulation, order, judgment, writ, stipulation, award, injunction or decree.
" Lien " means any lien, mortgage, pledge, conditional or installment sale agreement, encumbrance, covenant, restriction, option, right of first refusal, easement, security interest, deed of trust, right-of-way, easements, charges, title defects, encroachment, community property interest or other claim or restriction of any nature, whether voluntarily incurred or arising by operation of Law.
" MSE " means the Milan Stock Exchange.
" NYSE " means the New York Stock Exchange.
" Patents " means United States and non-U.S. patents, provisional patent applications, patent applications, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisions, reissues, patent disclosures, industrial designs, inventions (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice) and improvements thereto.
" Permitted Liens " means (a) statutory Liens for Taxes, assessments or other charges by Governmental Entities not yet due and payable or the amount or validity of which is being contested in good faith or for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (b) mechanics', materialmen's, carriers', workmen's, warehouseman's, repairmen's, landlords' and similar Liens granted or which arise in the ordinary course of business, (c) Liens securing indebtedness or liabilities that are reflected in the Company SEC Documents filed on or prior to the date hereof, (d) easements whether or not shown by the public records, overlaps, encroachments and any matters not of record that would be disclosed by an accurate survey or a personal inspection of the property, (e) title to any portion of the premises lying within the right of way or boundary of any public road or private road, (f) rights of parties in possession, (g) Liens imposed or promulgated by Law with respect to real property and improvements, including zoning regulations, (h) in the case of Company Leased Real Property, Liens to which the fee or other superior interest are subject, and (i) such other Liens that are not material in amount or do not materially detract from the value of or materially impair the existing use of the property affected by such Lien, or would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect; provided that in the case of clauses (d) , (e) , (f) , (g) and (h) , such Liens are not material in amount or do not materially detract from the value of or materially impair the existing use of the property affected by such Lien.
" person " means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Entity or other entity (including any person as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act).
" Released Financing Source Entity " means any of the Financing Sources or their respective affiliates or its or their respective former, current or future general or limited partners, stockholders, shareholders, equity holders, members, managers, directors, principals, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, assignees, representatives and/or advisors.
" Releasing Entity " means the Company, Company Subsidiaries, Company Representatives or any of their respective affiliates, officers, directors, brokers, agents or shareholders (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, Gold or any of its affiliates, officers, directors, brokers, agents or shareholders).
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" SEC " means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
" Securities Act " means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
" Special Voting Shares " has the meaning set forth in the Holdco Charter.
" Stock Unit Share Number " means (a) with respect to a Company Stock Unit Award that is not subject to performance measures, the number of Shares subject to such Company Stock Unit Award, and (b) with respect to a Company Stock Unit Award that is subject to performance measures, the number of Shares the holder of such Company Stock Unit Award is deemed to have earned as of the Company Merger Effective Time, based on the performance measures achieved or deemed to have been achieved pursuant to the terms of the holder's applicable Company Stock Unit Award agreement.
" Subsidiary " of any person means another person, of which at least a majority of the securities or ownership interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar functions is owned or controlled directly or indirectly by such first person and/or by one or more of its Subsidiaries.
" Superior Proposal " means a bona fide written Company Competing Proposal (with all percentages in the definition of Company Competing Proposal increased to fifty percent (50%)) made by any person or group on terms that the Company's board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with outside financial advisors and outside legal counsel, and considering such factors as the board of directors of the Company considers to be appropriate (including the conditionality and the timing and likelihood of consummation of such proposal), are more favorable from a financial point of view to the Company than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (after giving effect to all adjustments to the terms thereof that may be offered by Gold in writing pursuant to Section 5.03(d) ).
" SVS Denial " shall mean (a) the NYSE has issued a final and nonappealable determination that it will not authorize the Holdco Shares for listing solely as a result of any of the SVS Provisions; or (b) a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction has issued, enacted, entered or promulgated a final and nonappealable Law that (i) prohibits, enjoins or otherwise prevents either of the Mergers solely as a result of any of the SVS Provisions or (ii) renders the issuance of Special Voting Shares illegal, or prohibits, enjoins or otherwise prevents the issuance of the Special Voting Shares.
" SVS Event " shall mean (a) the NYSE has issued a final and nonappealable determination that it will not authorize the Holdco Shares for listing, or has otherwise not approved the Holdco Shares for listing, solely as a result of any of the SVS Provisions; (b) the NYSE authorization for the listing of Holdco Shares occurs on a date that prevents the satisfaction of any of the other conditions to Closing set forth in Article VI prior to the Outside Date (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing ( provided that such conditions are then capable of being satisfied if the Closing were to occur at such time) or are otherwise waived by the applicable party), and the delay in obtaining such authorization results solely from the existence of any of the SVS Provisions; or (c) a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction has issued, enacted, entered or promulgated a final and nonappealable Law that (i) prohibits, enjoins or otherwise prevents either of the Mergers solely as a result of any of the SVS Provisions or (ii) renders the issuance of Special Voting Shares illegal, or prohibits, enjoins or otherwise prevents the issuance of the Special Voting Shares.
" Tax " and " Taxes " means any federal, state, local or foreign net income, gross income, gross receipts, windfall profit, severance, property, production, value added, sales, use, license, excise, stamp, transfer, financial transaction, gaming, franchise, employment, payroll, withholding, social security (or similar, including FICA), alternative or add-on minimum or any other tax, custom, duty, governmental fee or other like assessment or charge, together with any interest or penalty, addition to tax or additional amount imposed by any Governmental Entity.
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" Tax Return " means any corporate, local, gaming and VAT return, report or similar statement filed or required to be filed with respect to any Tax including any information return, claim for refund, amended return or declaration of estimated Tax.
" Trademarks " means United States, state and non-U.S. trademarks, service marks, trade names, designs, logos, slogans and general intangibles of like nature, and pending registrations and applications to register the foregoing.
" Trade Secrets " means trade secrets and confidential ideas, know-how, concepts, methods, processes, formulae, technology, algorithms, models, reports, data, customer lists, supplier lists, mailing lists, business plans and other proprietary information, all of which derive value, monetary or otherwise, from being maintained in confidence.
Each of the following terms is defined in the Section set forth opposite such term:
Term
|
Section | |
---|---|---|
Accounting Firm | 5.19 | |
Action | 8.11 | |
Agreement | Preamble | |
Antitrust Laws | 3.04(b) | |
Articles of Company Merger | 1.03 | |
Available Cash Election Amount | 2.02(a)(ii) | |
Bribery Legislation | 3.21(a) | |
Cash Electing Company Share | 2.02(a)(ii) | |
Cash Election | 2.02(a)(ii) | |
Cash Election Amount | 2.02(a)(ii) | |
Cash Fraction | 2.02(a)(ii) | |
Change of Company Recommendation | 5.03(c) | |
Closing | 1.02 | |
Closing Date | 1.02 | |
Combinations Act Person | 4.02(g) | |
Company | Preamble | |
Company Acquisition Agreement | 5.03(c) | |
Company Benefit Plan | 3.11(a) | |
Company Book-Entry Share | 2.02(a) | |
Company Bylaws | 3.01(b) | |
Company Certificate | 2.02(a) | |
Company Charter | 3.01(b) | |
Company Common Stock | Recitals | |
Company Disclosure Letter | Article III | |
Company D&O Insurance | 5.11(c) | |
Company Employee | 5.12(a) | |
Company Financial Statements | 3.06 | |
Company Group | 3.20(a) | |
Company Intellectual Property Rights | 3.16(a) | |
Company Leased Real Property | 3.14(b) | |
Company Material Contract | 3.17(a) | |
Company Material Customers | 3.22 | |
Company Material Gaming Permits | 3.05(a) | |
Company Merger | Recitals | |
Company Merger Consideration | 2.02(a) | |
Company Merger Effective Time | 1.03 |
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Term
|
Section | |
---|---|---|
Company Merger Surviving Corporation | 1.01 | |
Company Options | 2.07(a) | |
Company Owned Real Property | 3.14(a) | |
Company Permits | 3.05(a) | |
Company Recommendation | 5.05(d) | |
Company Registered Intellectual Property Rights | 3.16(a) | |
Company Representatives | 5.03(a) | |
Company SEC Documents | 3.06 | |
Company Securities | 3.02(d) | |
Company Share | 2.02(a) | |
Company Stock Unit | 2.07(b)(i) | |
Company Stock Unit Award | 2.07(b)(i) | |
Company Stockholder Approval | 3.25 | |
Company Stockholder Meeting | 5.05(d) | |
Control Act Person | 4.02(g) | |
Debt Commitment Letter | 4.26(a) | |
Debt Financing | 4.26(a) | |
Effective Times | 1.03 | |
Election Form Record Date | 2.06(b) | |
Election Deadline | 2.06(c) | |
ERISA | 3.11(a) | |
Exchange Agent | 2.05(a) | |
Exchange Fund | 2.05(a) | |
Exchange Ratio | 2.02(a)(iii) | |
Excluded Company Shares | 2.02(b) | |
Excluded Gold Shares | 2.01(b) | |
Expected Closing Date | 5.16(a) | |
FCPA | 3.21(a) | |
Financing Uses | 4.26(b) | |
Fee Letter | 4.26(a) | |
Form of Election | 2.06(b) | |
Gaming Approvals | 3.04(b) | |
Gold | Preamble | |
Gold Benefit Plan | 4.11(a) | |
Gold Bylaws | 4.01(b) | |
Gold Certificate | 2.01(a) | |
Gold Charter | 4.01(b) | |
Gold CONSOB Documents | 4.06(a) | |
Gold Disclosure Letter | Article IV | |
Gold D&O Insurance | 5.11(f) | |
Gold Expert Report | 5.19 | |
Gold Financial Statements | 4.06(a) | |
Gold Group | 4.20(a) | |
Gold Information Document | 5.05(a) | |
Gold Intellectual Property Rights | 4.15(a) | |
Gold Material Contract | 4.17(a) | |
Gold Material Customers | 4.22 | |
Gold Material Gaming Permits | 4.05(a) | |
Gold Option | 2.08(b)(i) | |
Gold Owned Real Property | 4.14(a) |
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Term
|
Section | |
---|---|---|
Gold Permits | 4.05(a) | |
Gold Registered Intellectual Property Rights | 4.15(a) | |
Gold Related Parties | 7.02(c) | |
Gold Representatives | 3.28 | |
Gold Rescission Shares | 2.09 | |
Gold Securities | 4.02(c) | |
Gold Shares | Recitals | |
Gold Shareholder Approval | 4.24 | |
Gold Shareholder Meeting | 5.05(e) | |
Gold US Sub | Preamble | |
Holdco | Preamble | |
Holdco Charter | 1.04(a) | |
Holdco Exchange Ratio | 2.01(a) | |
Holdco Merger | Recitals | |
Holdco Merger Consideration | 2.01(a) | |
Holdco Merger Effective Time | 1.03 | |
Holdco Merger Order | 1.03 | |
Holdco Merger Surviving Company | 1.01 | |
Holdco Merger Terms | Recitals | |
Holdco Shareholder Approval | 4.24 | |
Intellectual Property Rights | 3.16(a) | |
Italian Merger Regulations | Recitals | |
Mailing Date | 2.06(b) | |
Mergers | Recitals | |
Mixed Consideration Electing Company Share | 2.02(a)(i) | |
Mixed Election | 2.02(a)(i) | |
Mixed Election Exchange Ratio | 2.02(a)(i) | |
New Debt Commitment Letter | 5.08(c) | |
New Fee Letter | 5.08(c) | |
Notice of Change of Recommendation | 5.03(d) | |
Non-Electing Company Share | 2.06(b) | |
NRS | Recitals | |
NYSE Listing Application | 5.05(a) | |
Option Payments | 2.07(a) | |
Other Gold Equity-Based Award | 2.08(b)(iii) | |
Outside Date | 7.01(b) | |
Per Company Share Cash Amount | 2.02(a)(i) | |
Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration | 2.02(a)(ii) | |
Permit | 3.05(a) | |
Pre-Merger Certificates | 5.18 | |
Principal Gold Shareholders | Recitals | |
Proceeding | 3.10 | |
Proxy Statement | 3.07 | |
Registrar | 5.05(a) | |
Registration Statement | 5.05(a) | |
Regulatory Expenses | 5.14 | |
Restricted Gold Share | 2.08(b)(ii) | |
Retention Plan | 5.12(f) | |
Retention Plan Amount | 5.12(f) | |
Rollover Stock Unit Award | 2.07(b)(ii) |
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Term
|
Section | |
---|---|---|
Sarbanes-Oxley Act | 3.06 | |
Share Electing Company Share | 2.02(a)(iii) | |
Share Election | 2.02(a)(iii) | |
Special Dividend | 5.16(a) | |
Stock Unit Payments | 2.07(b)(i) | |
Sub | Preamble | |
Sub Shareholder Approval | 4.24 | |
SVS Provisions | 1.04 | |
Takeover Statute | 3.24 | |
UK Merger Regulations | Recitals |
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[Form of Articles of Association of Holdco Merger Surviving Company]
|
|
Company No. [09127533]
[FORM OF ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION]
THE COMPANIES ACT 2006
PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
of
[ HOLDCO ] PLC
Adopted on [ ]
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PART 1
INTERPRETATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
" Act " means the Companies Act 2006;
" articles " means the Company's articles of association;
" associate " means any body corporate in which a company is interested directly or indirectly so that it is able to exercise or control the exercise of 20 per cent. or more of the votes eligible to be cast at general meetings on all, and substantially all, matters;
" auditors " means the auditors from time to time of the Company;
" bankruptcy " includes individual insolvency proceedings in a jurisdiction other than England and Wales or Northern Ireland which have an effect similar to that of bankruptcy;
" business day " means a day (not being a Saturday or Sunday) on which clearing banks are open for business in London, New York, Rome and Milan;
" call " has the meaning given in article 75.1;
" call notice " has the meaning given in article 75.1;
" certificate " means a paper certificate evidencing a person's title to specified shares or other securities;
" chairman " means the person appointed to that role pursuant to article 13.1;
" chairman of the meeting " has the meaning given in article 40.4;
" clear days " means, in relation to a period of notice, that period excluding the day when the notice is given or deemed to be given and the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect;
" company " includes any body corporate (not being a corporation sole) or association of persons, whether or not a company within the meaning of the Act;
" Company " means [Holdco PLC], a company incorporated in England and Wales, with registered number [09127533];
" Companies Acts " means the Companies Acts (as defined in section 2 of the Act), in so far as they apply to the Company;
" company's lien " has the meaning given in article 73.1;
" corporate representative " has the meaning given in article 55.1;
" director " means a director of the Company, and includes any person occupying the position of director, by whatever name called;
" Disclosure and Transparency Rules " means the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority made pursuant to Part VI of FSMA, as revised from time to time;
" distribution recipient " has the meaning given in article 95.2;
" document " includes, unless otherwise specified, any document sent or supplied in electronic form;
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" fully paid " in relation to a share, means that the nominal value and any premium to be paid to the Company in respect of that share has been paid to the Company;
" Group " means the Company and its subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings from time to time;
" holder " in relation to a share means the person whose name is entered in the register of members as the holder of that share;
" instrument " means a document in hard copy form;
" lien enforcement notice " has the meaning given in article 74;
" member " means a member of the Company;
" Model Articles " means the model articles for public companies limited by shares contained in Schedule 3 of the Companies (Model Articles) Regulations 2008 (SI 2009/3229) as amended prior to the date on which the Company was incorporated;
" Nominee " means any person appointed by the Company to hold Special Voting Shares for future delivery to members in accordance with article 64.6;
" NYSE " means the New York Stock Exchange;
" Ordinary Shares " means ordinary shares of [US$][ ] in the capital of the Company, having the rights and restrictions set out in article 64.1;
" paid " and " paid up " mean paid or credited as paid;
" participate ", in relation to a directors' meeting, has the meaning given in article 11.1 and " participating director " shall be construed accordingly;
" partly paid " in relation to a share means that part of that share's nominal value and any premium at which it was issued which has not been paid to the Company;
" proxy notice " has the meaning given in article 53.1;
" qualifying person " means an individual who is a member of the Company, a corporate representative in relation to a meeting or a person appointed as proxy of a member in relation to a meeting;
" register " means [the register of members of the Company kept under section 113 of the Act and, where the context requires, any register maintained by the Company of persons holding any renounceable right of allotment of a share]; 1
" seal " means the common seal of the Company or any official or securities seal that the Company may have or may be permitted to have under the Act;
" secretary " means the secretary of the Company and includes any joint, assistant or deputy secretary and a person appointed by the directors to perform the duties of the secretary;
" senior holder " means, in the case of a share held by two or more joint holders, whichever of them is named first in the register;
" shares " means any shares in the Company;
" Significant Shareholder " means any person (except the Nominee) entitled to exercise or control the exercise of at least [20] per cent. of the votes able to be cast on all or substantially all matters at general meetings of the Company;
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" Special Voting Shares " means special voting shares with [a [nominal] value of in aggregate, €57,100] in the capital of the Company, having the rights and restrictions set out in article 63.7;
" subsidiary undertaking " or " parent undertaking " is to be construed in accordance with section 1162 (and Schedule 7) of the Act and for the purposes of this definition, a subsidiary undertaking shall include any person the shares or ownership interests in which are subject to security and where the legal title to the shares or ownership interests so secured are registered in the name of the secured party or its nominee pursuant to such security;
" transmittee " means a person entitled to a share by reason of the death or bankruptcy of a shareholder or otherwise by operation of law; and
" writing " means the representation or reproduction of words, symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.
No model articles or regulations contained in any statute or subordinate legislation, including those contained in the Model Articles, apply as the articles of association of the Company.
The liability of the members is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares held by them.
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PART 2
DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS' POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
For as long as the Ordinary Shares are listed on the NYSE, the Company shall comply with all NYSE corporate governance standards set forth in Section 3 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual applicable to non-controlled domestic U.S. issuers, regardless of whether the Company is a foreign private issuer.
The directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or part of the undertaking, property and assets (present or future) and uncalled capital of the Company and, subject to the Act, to issue debentures and other securities, whether outright or as collateral security for a debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of a third party.
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as they think fit.
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However, to the extent that his relationship with that other person gives rise to a conflict of interest or possible conflict of interest, this article 17.1 applies only if the existence of that relationship has been authorised by the directors under article 16.1 (subject, in any such case, to any terms and conditions upon which such authorisation was given).
for so long as he reasonably believes such conflict of interest (or possible conflict of interest) subsists.
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nor shall the receipt of any such remuneration or other benefit constitute a breach of his duty under section 176 of the Act. No transaction or arrangement authorised or permitted under articles 16.1 or 19 or otherwise under these articles shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any such interest or benefit.
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Subject to the articles, the directors may make any rule which they think fit about how they take decisions, and about how such rules are to be recorded or communicated to directors.
Unless and until otherwise decided by the board (where, for the period of three years from the date of adoption of these articles, not less than three-quarters of the directors shall have voted in favour of such decision), the number of directors will be 13. The composition of the board (and, if applicable, each director) will satisfy the requirements of applicable law and any securities exchange on which the Company's securities are listed.
The directors in office on the effective date of adoption of these articles shall be appointed for a term of three years from such date.
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shall be valid notwithstanding that it is discovered afterwards that there was a defect in the appointment of a person or persons acting or that any of them were disqualified from holding office, had ceased to hold office or were not entitled to vote on the matter in question.
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to any person who is or who was a director of:
or to a member of his family including a spouse, former spouse or a person who is (or was) dependent on him.
This salary or remuneration may be in addition to or instead of a fee payable to him for his services as a director under these articles.
or otherwise in connection with the exercise of their powers and the discharge of his responsibilities in relation to the Company.
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PART 3
DECISION-MAKING BY MEMBERS
ORGANISATION OF GENERAL MEETINGS
then two or more members may call a general meeting (or instruct the secretary to do so) for the purpose of appointing one or more directors.
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must appoint a director or member to chair the meeting. If only one director is present and willing and able to act, he shall be the chairman. The appointment of the chairman of the meeting must be the first business of the meeting.
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to attend and speak at a general meeting if he considers it will assist the deliberations of the meeting.
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Except in these circumstances it is not necessary to give notice of a general meeting adjourned under article 44 or of the business to be transacted at the adjourned meeting.
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in which case, the proxy has one vote for and one vote against the resolution (save that if any of those members hold Special Voting Shares, the proxy shall have, in aggregate, 1.9995 votes for and/or, in aggregate, 1.9995 votes against the resolution (as applicable)); and
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A demand so withdrawn validates the result of a show of hands declared before the demand was made. If a poll is demanded before the declaration of the result of a show of hands and the demand is duly withdrawn, the meeting will continue as if the demand had not been made.
must be taken immediately.
Unless the contrary is stated in it, the appointment of a proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to exercise all such rights, as the proxy thinks fit.
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the proxy notice must be received by not later than the adjourned meeting or the meeting at which the poll was demanded.
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the proxy notice must be received at a proxy notification address not less than 24 hours (excluding any part of a day that is not a working day) before the time appointed for the holding of the adjourned meeting or the taking of the poll.
unless the Company receives notice of the termination at the proxy notification address not later than the last time at which a proxy notice should have been received in order to be valid for use at the relevant meeting or adjourned meeting or (in the case of a poll taken otherwise than at or on the same day as the general meeting or adjourned meeting) for use on the holding of the poll at which the vote is cast.
If an amendment proposed to a resolution under consideration is ruled out of order by the chairman of the meeting the proceedings on the substantive resolution are not invalidated by an error in his ruling.
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RESTRICTIONS ON MEMBERS' RIGHTS
Unless the directors decide otherwise, no voting rights (or other rights conferred by membership in relation to a meeting or poll) attached to a share may be exercised at any general meeting, at any adjournment of it, or on any poll called at or in relation to it, unless all amounts payable to the Company in respect of that share have been paid.
APPLICATION OF RULES TO CLASS MEETINGS AND RIGHTS
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Each member must comply with the notification obligations to the Company contained in Chapter 5 ( Vote Holder and Issuer Notification Rules ) of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (including, without limitation, the provisions of DTR 5.1.2) as if the Company were an issuer whose home member state is the United Kingdom, save that the obligation to notify the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules shall arise if the percentage of voting rights reaches, exceeds or falls below one per cent. and each one per cent. threshold thereafter (up or down) up to one hundred per cent. The provisions of this article apply in addition to any other obligations which may arise under any other applicable law or regulation.
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PART 4
SHARES AND DISTRIBUTIONS
ISSUE OF SHARES
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Ordinary Shares
Dividend
Return of capital
Votes
Transfer
Further Rights
Special Voting Shares
Dividend
Return of capital
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Voting
Transfer
Redemption or repurchase
Mandatory transfer, redemption or repurchase
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and in each case from the date of the transfer of the Ordinary Share(s), the Special Voting Share(s) associated with those Ordinary Share(s) will cease to confer on such member any rights, including any rights to vote, whether exercisable at any general meeting or at any separate meeting of the class in question or otherwise.
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in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by it in its capacity as the Nominee otherwise than by reason of its own fraud, negligence or wilful default.]
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Except as required by law or the articles, no person is to be recognised by the Company as holding any share upon any trust and the Company is not in any way to be bound by or recognise any interest in a share other than the holder's absolute ownership of it and all the rights attaching to it.
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were, immediately before the reduction, represented by the same certificate.
that member is entitled to be issued with a replacement certificate in respect of the same shares.
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which has not been paid to the Company, and which is payable immediately or at some time in the future, whether or not a call notice has been sent in respect of it.
the Company may sell that share in such manner as the directors decide.
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by a further notice in writing to the member in respect of whose shares the call is made.
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each a " due date for payment ".
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If a notice of intended forfeiture is not complied with before the date by which payment (including interest, costs, charges and expenses) of the call is required in the notice of intended forfeiture, the directors may decide that any share in respect of which it was given is forfeited, and the forfeiture is to include all dividends or other moneys payable in respect of the forfeited shares and not paid before the forfeiture.
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but no interest is payable to such a person in respect of such proceeds and the Company is not required to account for any money earned on them.
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TRANSFERS AND TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
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CONSOLIDATION/DIVISION OF SHARES
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The directors may for this purpose decide that different methods of payment may apply to different distribution recipients or groups of distribution recipients.
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then the dividend or other distribution shall be treated as unclaimed for the purposes of these articles.
they may, instead of issuing a lien enforcement notice, deduct from any dividend or other sum payable in respect of the share any sum of money which is payable to the Company in respect of that share to the extent that they are entitled to require payment under a lien enforcement notice.
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may be invested or otherwise made use of by the directors for the benefit of the Company until claimed.
the distribution recipient is no longer entitled to that dividend or other sum and it ceases to remain owing by the Company.
and reasonable enquiries have failed to establish another address or account of the distribution recipient, the Company is not obliged to send or transfer a dividend or other sum payable in respect of that share to that person until he notifies the Company of an address or account to be used for that purpose. If the cheque, warrant or money order is returned undelivered or left uncashed or transfer not accepted on two consecutive occasions, the Company may exercise this power without making any such enquiries.
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the notice is not effective unless it is expressed to be given, and signed, by all the holders or persons otherwise entitled to the share.
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CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS AND RESERVES
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PART 5MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
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that member ceases to be entitled to receive notices from the Company.
The directors may change the name of the Company.]
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not less than 21 clear days before the date of the meeting at which copies of those documents are to be laid in accordance with the Act. This article does not require copies of the documents to which it applies to be sent or supplied to:
The directors may decide to make provision for the benefit of persons (other than a director or former director or shadow director) employed or formerly employed by the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings (or any member of his family, including a spouse or former spouse, or any person who is or was dependent on him) in connection with the cessation or transfer to any person of the whole or part of the undertaking of the Company or that subsidiary undertaking.
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DIRECTORS' INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE
An appeal is disposed of:
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For the purposes of this article, a reference to a conviction is to the final decision in the proceedings. The provisions of article 115.2 shall apply in determining when a conviction becomes final.
indemnifying him and keeping him indemnified against liability for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust or other liability which may lawfully be insured against by the Company.
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[Form of Articles of Incorporation of Company Merger Surviving Corporation]
AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
[ ]
The undersigned individuals acting as incorporators of a corporation (the "Corporation") under the provisions of Chapter 78 of the Nevada Revised Statutes adopt the following Articles of Incorporation.
The name of the Corporation is [ ].
ARTICLE II
Principal Office and Initial Resident Agent
ARTICLE III
Nature of Business
The Corporation may engage in any lawful activity.
Name
|
Address | |
---|---|---|
Jaymin B. Patel |
[] | |
|
[] | |
|
[] |
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ARTICLE VI
Period of Existence
The period of existence of the Corporation is perpetual.
The foregoing Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation hereby supersede the existing Articles of Incorporation.
DATED: [ ].
|
/s/
|
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Amendment No. 1 to Merger Agreement
AMENDMENT NO. 1, dated as of September 23, 2014 (this " Amendment "), to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 15, 2014 (the " Agreement "), by and among GTECH S.p.A., a joint stock company organized under the Laws of Italy (" Gold "), solely with respect to Section 5.02(a) and Article VIII, GTECH Corporation, a Delaware corporation (" Gold US Sub "), Georgia Worldwide PLC, a public limited company organized under the Laws of England and Wales (" Holdco "), Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a Nevada corporation and wholly owned by Holdco (" Sub "), and International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation (the " Company ").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of Gold has determined that this Amendment is advisable and in the best interests of Gold and has approved this Amendment;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company has determined that this Amendment is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and has adopted this Amendment;
WHEREAS, the Principal Gold Shareholders have delivered their prior written consent to this Amendment to the parties;
WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Amendment, the parties desire to amend the Agreement by entering into this Amendment in accordance with Section 7.03 of the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing recitals and of the mutual covenants contained in this Amendment, the parties do hereby agree as follows:
1.
Conversion of Company Common Stock.
(a) Section 2.02(a) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
"(a) Conversion of Company Common Stock . Subject to Sections 2.03 , 2.05 and 2.10 , each share of Company Common Stock (each, a " Company Share ") issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, other than Excluded Company Shares, shall automatically be converted into the right to receive the following consideration (such consideration, including any cash paid in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) , the " Company Merger Consideration ") and all such Company Shares shall cease to be outstanding, shall be cancelled and shall cease to exist, and each certificate representing Company Shares (a " Company Certificate ") or non-certificated Company Share represented by book-entry (" Company Book-Entry Share ") (other than Excluded Company Shares) shall thereafter represent only the right to receive the Company Merger Consideration, subject to Sections 2.05 and 2.10 :
(i) $13.69 minus (y) an amount equal to (I) the Special Dividend divided by (II) the number of Company Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, in cash, without interest (the " Per Company Share Cash Amount "), and
(ii) a number of validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Holdco Shares determined by dividing (I) $4.56 by (II) the Gold Share Trading Price (such quotient, the " Exchange Ratio "); provided , however , that (x) if such quotient is less than 0.1582, the Exchange Ratio shall be 0.1582 and (y) if such quotient is greater than 0.1819, the Exchange Ratio shall be 0.1819, and
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(iii) if the Exchange Ratio without giving effect to the proviso set forth in clause (ii) above would exceed 0.1819 and be less than or equal to 0.2140, the Per Company Share Cash Amount shall be increased by an amount equal to the product of (x) the difference between the Exchange Ratio without giving effect to the proviso set forth in clause (ii) above and 0.1819, multiplied by (y) the Gold Share Trading Price, and
(iv) if the Exchange Ratio without giving effect to the proviso set forth in clause (ii) above would exceed 0.2140, the Per Company Share Cash Amount shall be increased by an amount equal to the product of (x) the Gold Share Trading Price and (y) 0.0321.
provided , in each case, that no certificates or scrip representing fractional entitlements in respect of Holdco Shares shall be issued upon the conversion of Company Common Stock pursuant to this Article II ; no Holdco dividend or other distribution or share split shall relate to any fractional entitlements; and no fractional entitlement shall entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any other rights of a securityholder of Holdco. In lieu of any such fractional entitlement, each holder of Company Common Stock will be paid an amount in cash (without interest), rounded down to the nearest cent, determined by multiplying (A) the Gold Share Trading Price by (B) the fractional entitlement. The parties acknowledge that payment of cash in lieu of fractional entitlements does not represent separately bargained-for consideration. As promptly as practicable after the determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be paid to holders of fractional entitlements, the Exchange Agent shall so notify the Holdco Merger Surviving Company, and the Holdco Merger Surviving Company shall deposit such amount with the Exchange Agent and shall cause the Exchange Agent to forward payments to such holders of fractional entitlements, without interest."
(b) Section 2.06 of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety, and the heading thereof is hereby replaced with the word " Reserved ."
(c) The first reference to "the Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration (determined without regard to the proviso in Section 2.02(a)(ii) )" in Section 2.07(a) of the Agreement is hereby replaced with "the sum of (A) the Per Company Share Cash Amount and (B) the product of the Exchange Ratio and the Gold Share Trading Price (the " Cash Amount ")", and the second reference to "the Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration (determined without regard to the proviso in Section 2.02(a)(ii) )" in Section 2.07(a) of the Agreement" is hereby replaced with "the Cash Amount".
(d) The reference to "the Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration (determined without regard to the proviso in Section 2.02(a)(ii) )" in Section 2.07(b)(i) of the Agreement is hereby replaced with "the Cash Amount".
(e) The reference to "the Exchange Ratio" in Section 2.07(b)(ii) of the Agreement is hereby replaced with "the (x) Exchange Ratio plus (y) the quotient (rounded to four decimal places) obtained by dividing the Per Company Share Cash Amount by the Gold Share Trading Price".
(f) The reference to " Section 2.02(a)(i)(A) " in Section 5.16(d) of the Agreement is hereby replaced with " Section 2.02(a)(i) ".
2.
Governance.
Section 5.20(a) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
"(a) Prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, Holdco and Gold shall take all actions within their power as may be necessary to cause (i) the number of directors constituting the Holdco board of directors as of the Holdco Merger Effective Time and the Company Merger Effective Time to be thirteen (13) and (ii) the Holdco board of directors as of the Holdco Merger Effective Time and the Company Merger Effective Time, and for a period of three (3) years thereafter, to be composed as follows: (A) the Chief Executive Officer of Gold, (B) five (5) directors on the
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Company's board of directors as of the date hereof and designated by the Company prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time and the Company Merger Effective Time (at least four (4) of whom shall meet the independence standards of the NYSE) (including the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Chairman of the Company), (C) six (6) directors designated by the Principal Gold Shareholders (at least three (3) of whom shall meet the independence standards of the NYSE) and (D) one (1) director mutually agreed to by Gold and the Company, who shall meet the independence standards of the NYSE applicable to non-controlled domestic U.S. issuers. Holdco shall take all actions within its power as may be necessary to elect the persons designated pursuant to the foregoing clause (B) to a term concluding at the third anniversary of the Company Merger Effective Time."
3.
Required Gaming Approvals Condition.
Section 6.01(g) of the Company Disclosure Letter is
hereby amended and restated in the form attached hereto as
Schedule I
. Section 6.01(g) of the Gold Disclosure Letter is hereby amended and restated in the form attached hereto as
Schedule II
.
4.
Certain Defined Terms.
The references to the terms "Available Cash Election Amount", "Cash
Electing Company Share", "Cash Election", "Cash Election Amount", "Cash Fraction", "Election
Deadline", "Election Form Record Date", "Form of Election", "Mailing Date", "Mixed Consideration Electing Company Share", "Mixed Election", "Mixed Election Exchange Ratio", "Non-Electing Company
Share", "Per Company Share Cash Election Consideration", "Share Electing Company Share" and "Share Election", and their corresponding Section numbers, are hereby deleted from Annex I to the
Agreement. The Section number corresponding to the term "Exchange Ratio" in Annex I to the Agreement is hereby amended to refer to "Section 2.02(a)(ii)".
5.
Other.
The references to "Section 5.07(e)" in Section 7.02(c) of the Agreement are
hereby replaced with "Section 5.08(e)".
(a) Modification; Full Force and Effect. Except as expressly modified and superseded by this Amendment, the terms and provisions of the Agreement are and shall continue to be in full force and effect.
(b) Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Agreement.
(c) Miscellaneous. Section 8.02 through 8.10 of the Agreement shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Amendment.
[ Signature page follows ]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Gold, Gold US Sub, Holdco, Sub and the Company have caused this Amendment to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized all as of the date first written above.
GTECH S.p.A. | ||||
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By: |
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/s/ MARCO SALA Name: Marco Sala Title: Chief Executive Officer |
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GTECH Corporation (solely with respect to Section 5.02(a) and Article VIII) |
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By: |
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/s/ MICHAEL PRESCOTT Name: Michael Prescott Title: SVP and General Counsel |
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Georgia Worldwide PLC |
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By: |
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/s/ DECLAN HARKIN Name: Declan Harkin Title: Director |
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Georgia Worldwide Corporation |
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By: |
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/s/ MARCO SALA Name: Marco Sala Title: Director |
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International Game Technology |
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By: |
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/s/ PAUL C. GRACEY, JR. Name: Paul C. Gracey, Jr. Title: General Counsel and Secretary |
B-4
SUPPORT AGREEMENT, dated as of July 15, 2014 (this " Agreement "), by and among International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation (the " Company "), and the individuals and other parties listed on Schedule A attached hereto (each, a " Shareholder " and, collectively, the " Shareholders ").
WHEREAS GTECH S.p.A., , a joint stock company organized under the Laws of Italy (" Gold "), GTECH Corporation, a Delaware corporation, Georgia Worldwide Limited, a private limited company organized under the Laws of England and Wales (" Holdco "), Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdco, and the Company propose to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of the date hereof (as the same may be amended or supplemented, the " Merger Agreement "); capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement;
WHEREAS each Shareholder owns, beneficially or of record, and is entitled to vote (or cause to be voted) the number of Ordinary Shares, par value €1.00 per share, of Gold (" Ordinary Shares ") set forth opposite such Shareholder's name on Schedule A attached hereto (such Ordinary Shares, together with any other shares or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries acquired by such Shareholder after the date hereof and during the term of this Agreement, being collectively referred to herein as the " Covered Gold Shares " of such Shareholder); and
WHEREAS, as a condition to its willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, the Company has requested that each Shareholder enter into this Agreement, and the Shareholders desire to enter into this Agreement to induce the Company to enter into the Merger Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1.01.
Representations and Warranties of Each Shareholder.
The
Shareholders hereby, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to the Company as of the date hereof as follows:
(a) Organization. In the case of any Shareholder that is a trust, such Shareholder is a trust duly formed and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation, pursuant to a declaration of trust or similar trust formation document currently in effect and the person executing this Agreement on behalf of such Shareholder is the trustee of such Shareholder or is otherwise authorized to act on behalf of such Shareholder. In the case of any Shareholder that is not a natural person or a trust, such Shareholder is duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation.
(b) Authority; Execution and Delivery. Each Shareholder has all requisite power and authority (including, in the case of any Shareholder that is a trust, the requisite power under its trust documents and, in the case of any Shareholder that is a partnership, foundation or other entity, the requisite power under its governing documents), and, in the case of any Shareholder that is a natural person, is competent, to execute and deliver this Agreement, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby to be undertaken by such Shareholder and to comply with the provisions of this Agreement. If such Shareholder is not a natural person, the execution and delivery by such Shareholder of this Agreement, consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby to be undertaken by such Shareholder and compliance with the provisions of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such Shareholder (including, in the case of any Shareholder that is a trust, all necessary approvals of this Agreement by any trustee and any beneficiary of such Shareholder and, in the case of any Shareholder that is a partnership or a foundation, all necessary approvals of this Agreement by any partner or under its governing documents), and no other action or proceeding on the part of such Shareholder (including, in the case of any Shareholder that is a trust, on the part of any trustee or beneficiary of such Shareholder and, in the case of any Shareholder that is a partnership or a foundation, on
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the part of any partner or under its governing documents) is necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby to be undertaken by such Shareholder. Each Shareholder has duly executed and delivered this Agreement and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Shareholder, enforceable against such Shareholder in accordance with its terms.
(c) Enforceability. The execution and delivery by each Shareholder of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the transactions to be undertaken by such Shareholder contemplated hereby (alone or in combination with any other event) and compliance with the terms hereof will not, conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of, or a default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation, any obligation to make an offer to purchase or redeem any indebtedness or shares, voting securities or other equity interests or any loss of a benefit under, or result in the creation of any Lien in or upon any of the properties or assets of such Shareholder (including the Covered Gold Shares) under, any provision of (i) its organizational documents, if applicable, (ii) any Contract to which such Shareholder is a party or any of the properties or assets of such Shareholder is subject or (iii) subject to the governmental filings and other matters referred to in the immediately following sentence, any (A) statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to such Shareholder or the properties or other assets of such Shareholder (including the Covered Gold Shares) or (B) order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment or stipulation, in each case applicable to such Shareholder or the properties or other assets of such Shareholder (including the Covered Gold Shares). No consent, approval, order or authorization of, action by or in respect of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by or with respect to such Shareholder in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby to be undertaken by such Shareholder (alone or in combination with any other event) or the compliance by such Shareholder with the provisions of this Agreement, save for the mandatory publication and filings required by the law with respect to shareholders' agreements regarding issuers of shares listed on MSE.
(d) The Covered Gold Shares. Each Shareholder is the record and beneficial owner of, or is the trustee of a trust that is the record holder of, and whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, and has good and marketable title to, the Covered Gold Shares set forth opposite his, her or its name on Schedule A attached hereto, free and clear of any Liens. Other than the Covered Gold Shares set forth opposite his, her or its name on Schedule A attached hereto, each Shareholder does not own, of record or beneficially, (i) any shares or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any securities of Gold or any of its Subsidiaries convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire from Gold or any of its Subsidiaries any shares or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries or (iv) any rights issued by, or other obligations of, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries that are linked in any way to the price of any shares or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries, the value of Gold or any of its Subsidiaries or any part of Gold or any of its Subsidiaries or any dividends or other distributions declared or paid on any shares or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries. Each Shareholder has the sole right to vote (or cause to be voted) such Covered Gold Shares or shares power to vote (or cause to be voted) solely with one or more other Shareholders with respect to the Covered Gold Shares denoted on Schedule A attached hereto and none of such Covered Gold Shares is subject to any voting trust or other agreement, arrangement or restriction with respect to the voting of such Covered Gold Shares, except as contemplated by this Agreement.
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SECTION 1.02.
Representations and Warranties of the Company.
The
Company hereby represents and warrants to the Shareholders as follows:
(a) Authority; Execution and Delivery. The Company has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to comply with the provisions of this Agreement. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and no other action or proceeding on the part of the Company is necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company has duly executed and delivered this Agreement and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by each of the Shareholders, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.
(b) Enforceability. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (alone or in combination with any other event) and compliance with the terms hereof will not, conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation, any obligation to make an offer to purchase or redeem any indebtedness or shares, voting securities or other equity interests or any loss of a benefit under, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or other assets of the Company under, any provision of (i) its organizational documents, (ii) any Contract to which the Company is a party or any of the properties or assets of the Company is subject or (iii) subject to the governmental filings and other matters referred to in the immediately following sentence, any statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation or order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment or stipulation applicable to the Company or the properties or other assets of the Company. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, action by or in respect of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 1.03.
Pre-Closing Covenants of Each Shareholder.
Prior to the
Holdco Merger Effective Time, the Shareholders, jointly and severally, covenant and agree as follows:
(a) At any meeting of the shareholders of Gold called to seek the Gold Shareholder Approval or in any other circumstances upon which a vote, consent or other approval with respect to the Merger Agreement, the Mergers or any other transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement is sought, each Shareholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) all of the Covered Gold Shares of such Shareholder in favor of granting the Gold Shareholder Approval and any other actions presented to shareholders of Gold that are necessary and desirable in furtherance of the Mergers, the Gold Shareholder Approval or any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
(b) At any meeting of shareholders of Gold or at any adjournment thereof or in any other circumstances upon which their vote, consent or other approval is sought, each Shareholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Covered Gold Shares against (and shall not otherwise Transfer (as defined below) any Covered Gold Shares with respect to) (i) any Gold Competing Proposal or any action which is a component of any Gold Competing Proposal and (ii) any amendment of the Gold Charter or Gold Bylaws or other proposal or transaction involving Gold or any Subsidiary, which amendment or other proposal or transaction would in any manner impede, frustrate, prevent or nullify any provision of the Merger Agreement or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or change in any manner the voting rights of the Gold Ordinary Shares. Such Shareholder shall not commit or agree to take any action inconsistent with the foregoing.
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(c) Each Shareholder hereby agrees that, in the event (i) of any share dividend, share split, recapitalization, reclassification, combination or exchange of shares or other equity interests or voting securities of Gold of, or affecting, the Covered Gold Shares, (ii) that such Shareholder purchases or otherwise acquires beneficial ownership of or an interest in any shares or other equity interests or voting securities of Gold after the execution of this Agreement (including by conversion, exercise or exchange) or (iii) that such Shareholder voluntarily acquires the right to vote or share in the voting of any shares or other equity interests or voting securities of Gold other than the Covered Gold Shares (collectively, the " New Shares "), such New Shares acquired or purchased by such Shareholder shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement, including the representations and warranties set forth in Section 1.01 and the covenants set forth in Section 1.03, and shall constitute Covered Gold Shares to the same extent as if those New Shares were owned by such Shareholder on the date of this Agreement.
(d) Except pursuant to this Agreement, prior to the Holdco Merger Effective Time, each Shareholder shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) sell, transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise dispose of (including by gift), hedge or utilize a derivative to transfer the economic interest in (collectively, " Transfer "), or enter into any Contract, option or other arrangement or understanding (including any profit sharing arrangement) with respect to the Transfer of, any Covered Gold Shares to any person other than pursuant to the Mergers, (ii) enter into any voting arrangement, whether by proxy, voting agreement or otherwise, with respect to any Covered Gold Shares, (iii) take any other action that would make any representation or warranty of such Shareholder herein untrue or incorrect or would in any way restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of such Shareholder's obligations hereunder or the transactions contemplated hereby or (iv) commit or agree to take any of the foregoing actions, if, in the case of (i) - (iv) such action would have the effect of reducing the number of Ordinary Shares or Covered Gold Shares subject to the obligations set forth in Section 1.03 or otherwise preventing such Shareholder from complying with its obligations pursuant to this Section 1.03 (determined as if such Shareholder had not taken such action). Each Shareholder shall remain responsible for the obligations of such Shareholder set forth in this Section 1.03 despite any such action.
(e) Each Shareholder shall, and shall direct its directors, officers, investment bankers, financial advisors, counsel and other representatives to (i) cease any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any persons that may be ongoing with respect to any Gold Competing Proposal and (ii) from the execution of this Agreement until the Effective Times, not (A) initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage the submission of any Gold Competing Proposal, (B) furnish any non-public information regarding Gold or any Gold Subsidiary to any third person in connection with or in response to a Gold Competing Proposal or (C) participate in any discussions or negotiations with respect to any Gold Competing Proposal. Each Shareholder shall promptly advise the Company of any Gold Competing Proposal of which it becomes aware, provide to the Company a reasonably detailed summary of the material terms and conditions of such Gold Competing Proposal and keep the Company reasonably informed of any material change to the material terms or conditions of any such Gold Competing Proposal (including the identity of any person making such Gold Competing Proposal).
(f) Each Shareholder shall use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, in each case solely to the extent under such Shareholder's reasonable control and in its capacity as a Shareholder, and to assist and cooperate with the other parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the Mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Such Shareholder shall consult with the Company before issuing, and give the Company the opportunity to review and comment upon, any press release or other public statements with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger
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Agreement, including the Mergers, and shall not issue any such press release or make any such public statement prior to such consultation, except as required by applicable Law. Each Shareholder hereby agrees to permit the Company and Gold to publish and disclose in the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement (including all documents and schedules filed with the SEC), the Information Document and in any press release or other disclosure document which the Company or Gold reasonably determines to be necessary or desirable to comply with all applicable Laws or the rules and regulations of the NYSE, the CONSOB or the MSE in connection with the Mergers and any transactions related thereto, the Shareholder's identity and ownership of the Covered Gold Shares and the nature of the Shareholder's commitments, arrangements and understandings under this Agreement and a copy of this Agreement.
(g) No Acquisitions of Gold Rescission Shares. The Shareholders shall not acquire, directly or indirectly, any Gold Rescission Shares (provided that purchases of Gold Rescission Shares by Gold shall not be deemed to be an indirect acquisition of Gold Rescission Shares by the Shareholders for purposes of this Section 1.03(g)).
SECTION 1.04.
Termination.
The Shareholders' obligations under
Section 1.03 of this Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of (i) the Holdco Merger Effective Time,
(ii) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms and (iii) any amendment to the Merger Agreement that (x) increases the Company Merger Consideration or
(y) modifies, in a manner material and adverse to the Shareholders, the rights associated with the Special Voting Shares, in the case of each of clauses (x) and (y), without the prior
written consent of the Shareholders, other than with respect to the liability of any party for breach hereof prior to such termination.
SECTION 1.05.
Additional Matters.
Each Shareholder shall, from time
to time, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such additional or further consents, documents and other
instruments as the Company may reasonably request for the purpose of effectively carrying out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 1.06.
General Provisions.
(a) Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
(b) Notice. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given (a) when delivered personally, (b) when sent by reputable overnight courier service or (c) when faxed or emailed (which is confirmed by copy sent within one Business Day by a reputable overnight courier service) to a party at its address set forth on Schedule A attached hereto (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice).
(c) Interpretation. Each party hereto has participated in the drafting of this Agreement, which each party acknowledges is the result of extensive negotiations between the parties. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision. For purposes of this Agreement, whenever the context requires the singular number shall include the plural, and vice versa. As used in this Agreement, the words "include" and "including," and words of similar meaning, shall not be deemed to be terms of limitation, but rather shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation." Except as otherwise indicated, all references in this Agreement to "Sections," and "Schedules" are intended to refer to Sections of this Agreement and the Schedules to this Agreement. Unless otherwise specifically provided for herein, the term "or" shall not be deemed to be exclusive. The words "hereof," "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. References herein to "as of the date hereof," "as of the date of this Agreement"
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or words of similar import shall be deemed to mean "as of immediately prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement." The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(d) 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 the transactions contemplated hereby 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 an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.
(e) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. The exchange of a fully executed Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by facsimile or by electronic delivery in .pdf format shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(f) Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, are not intended to confer upon any other person any rights or remedies hereunder.
(g) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware (except with respect to such matters as to which the application of the Laws of England and Wales or Italy is mandatory, in which case, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, such Laws) without regard to Laws that may be applicable under conflicts of laws principles that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. Each of the parties irrevocably agrees that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought by any other party or its successors or assigns shall be brought and determined in any state or federal court in Delaware, and each of the parties hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts for itself and with respect to its property, generally and unconditionally, with regard to any such action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Shareholders each irrevocably agree that any equitable action or proceeding, including the seeking of specific performance, and damages claims in connection with such equitable action or proceeding may be brought by the Company, in its discretion, in any Delaware state or federal court, any court of England or any court of Italy. Subject to the preceding sentence, each of the parties agrees not to commence any action, suit or proceeding relating thereto except in the courts described above in Delaware, other than actions in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce any judgment, decree or award rendered by any such court in Delaware as described herein. Each of the parties further agrees that notice as provided herein shall constitute sufficient service of process and the parties further waive any argument that such service is insufficient. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion or as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in Delaware as described herein for any reason, (b) 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
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execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) and (c) that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in any such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper or (iii) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such courts.
(h) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (i) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE EITHER OF SUCH WAIVERS, (ii) IT UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH WAIVERS, (iii) IT MAKES SUCH WAIVERS VOLUNTARILY AND (iv) IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 1.06.
(i) Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned or transferred, in whole or in part, by operation of Law or otherwise by any of the parties hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties. Any assignment or transfer in violation of the preceding sentence shall be void.
(j) Specific Enforcement. The Shareholders agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that the parties hereto do not perform the provisions of this Agreement in accordance with its terms or otherwise breach such provisions. Accordingly, the parties acknowledge and agree that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Each of the parties agrees that it will not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief as provided herein on the basis that (i) it has an adequate remedy at law or (ii) an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or equity. Any party seeking an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such order or injunction.
[Signatures are on the following pages]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has duly executed this Agreement, all as of the date first written above.
International Game Technology | ||||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ PATTI S. HART |
||
Name: | Patti S. Hart | |||||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
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De Agostini S.p.A. | ||||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ LORENZO PELLICIOLI |
||
Name: | Lorenzo Pellicioli | |||||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |||||
|
|
DeA Partecipazioni S.p.A. |
||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ PAOLO CERETTI |
||
Name: | Paolo Ceretti | |||||
Title: | CEO |
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Name and Address of Shareholder
|
Number of Gold Ordinary
Shares Owned |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
De Agostini S.p.A. |
92,556,318 | |||
DeA Partecipazioni S.p.A. |
10,073,006 |
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given (a) when delivered personally, (b) when sent by reputable overnight courier service or (c) when faxed or emailed (which is confirmed by copy sent within one (1) Business Day by a reputable overnight courier service) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
If to either Shareholder:
De
Agostini S.p.A.
Via G. da Verrazano 15
28100 NovaraItaly
Fax: +39 0321 424681
Attention: Paolo Ceretti
DeA
Partecipazioni S.p.A.
Via G. da Verrazano 15
28100 NovaraItaly
Fax: +39 0321 424681
Attention: Paolo Ceretti
with a copy to (for information purposes only):
Wachtell,
Lipton, Rosen & Katz
51 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
Fax: (212) 403-2000
Attention: Andrew R. Brownstein, Esq.
Benjamin M. Roth, Esq.
Lombardi
Molinari Segni
Via del Plebiscito, 102 - 00186 Roma
Italy
Fax: +39 02.89.622.333
Attention: Antonio Segni
If to the Company:
International
Game Technology
6355 South Buffalo Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89113
Fax: 702-669-7904
Attention: General Counsel and Secretary
with copies to (for information purposes only):
Sidley
Austin LLP
One South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Fax: (312) 853-7036
Attention: Thomas A. Cole
Paul L. Choi
Gary D. Gerstman
Thomas M. Thesing
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and to:
Allen &
Overy LLP
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Fax: (212) 610-6399
Attention: Dave Lewis
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VOTING AGREEMENT, dated as of July 15, 2014 (this " Agreement "), by and among International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation (the " Company "), Georgia Worldwide Limited, a private limited company organized under the Laws of England and Wales (" Holdco "), and the individuals and other parties listed on Schedule A attached hereto (each, a " Shareholder " and, collectively, the " Shareholders ").
WHEREAS GTECH S.p.A., a joint stock company organized under the Laws of Italy (" Gold "), GTECH Corporation, a Delaware corporation, Holdco, Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdco, and the Company propose to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of the date hereof (as the same may be amended or supplemented, the " Merger Agreement "); capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement;
WHEREAS each Shareholder owns, beneficially or of record, and is entitled to vote (or cause to be voted) the number of Ordinary Shares, par value €1.00 per share, of Gold (" Ordinary Shares ") set forth opposite such Shareholder's name on Schedule A attached hereto (such Ordinary Shares, together with any other shares or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries acquired by such Shareholder after the date hereof and during the term of this Agreement, being collectively referred to herein as the " Covered Gold Shares " of such Shareholder); and
WHEREAS, as a condition to its willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, the Company has requested that each Shareholder enter into this Agreement, and the Shareholders desire to enter into this Agreement to induce the Company to enter into the Merger Agreement, and the parties desire that from and after the Closing, this Agreement shall be enforceable against the Shareholders by Holdco.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1.01.
Representations and Warranties of Each Shareholder.
The
Shareholders hereby, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to the Company and Holdco as of the date hereof as follows:
(a) Organization. In the case of any Shareholder that is a trust, such Shareholder is a trust duly formed and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation, pursuant to a declaration of trust or similar trust formation document currently in effect and the person executing this Agreement on behalf of such Shareholder is the trustee of such Shareholder or is otherwise authorized to act on behalf of such Shareholder. In the case of any Shareholder that is not a natural person or a trust, such Shareholder is duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation.
(b) Authority; Execution and Delivery. Each Shareholder has all requisite power and authority (including, in the case of any Shareholder that is a trust, the requisite power under its trust documents and, in the case of any Shareholder that is a partnership, foundation or other entity, the requisite power under its governing documents), and, in the case of any Shareholder that is a natural person, is competent, to execute and deliver this Agreement, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby to be undertaken by such Shareholder and to comply with the provisions of this Agreement. If such Shareholder is not a natural person, the execution and delivery by such Shareholder of this Agreement, consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby to be undertaken by such Shareholder and compliance with the provisions of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such Shareholder (including, in the case of any Shareholder that is a trust, all necessary approvals of this Agreement by any trustee and any beneficiary of such Shareholder and, in the case of any Shareholder that is a partnership or a foundation, all necessary approvals of this Agreement by any partner or under
D-1
its governing documents), and no other action or proceeding on the part of such Shareholder (including, in the case of any Shareholder that is a trust, on the part of any trustee or beneficiary of such Shareholder and, in the case of any Shareholder that is a partnership or a foundation, on the part of any partner or under its governing documents) is necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby to be undertaken by such Shareholder. Each Shareholder has duly executed and delivered this Agreement and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company and Holdco, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Shareholder, enforceable against such Shareholder in accordance with its terms.
(c) Enforceability. The execution and delivery by each Shareholder of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the transactions to be undertaken by such Shareholder contemplated hereby (alone or in combination with any other event) and compliance with the terms hereof will not, conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of, or a default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation, any obligation to make an offer to purchase or redeem any indebtedness or shares, voting securities or other equity interests or any loss of a benefit under, or result in the creation of any Lien in or upon any of the properties or assets of such Shareholder (including the Covered Gold Shares) under, any provision of (i) its organizational documents, if applicable, (ii) any Contract to which such Shareholder is a party or any of the properties or assets of such Shareholder is subject or (iii) subject to the governmental filings and other matters referred to in the immediately following sentence, any (A) statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to such Shareholder or the properties or other assets of such Shareholder (including the Covered Gold Shares) or (B) order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment or stipulation, in each case applicable to such Shareholder or the properties or other assets of such Shareholder (including the Covered Gold Shares). No consent, approval, order or authorization of, action by or in respect of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by or with respect to such Shareholder in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby to be undertaken by such Shareholder (alone or in combination with any other event) or the compliance by such Shareholder with the provisions of this Agreement, save for the mandatory publication and filings required by the law with respect to shareholders' agreements regarding issuers of shares listed on MSE.
(d) The Covered Gold Shares. Each Shareholder is the record and beneficial owner of, or is the trustee of a trust that is the record holder of, and whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, and has good and marketable title to, the Covered Gold Shares set forth opposite his, her or its name on Schedule A attached hereto, free and clear of any Liens. Other than the Covered Gold Shares set forth opposite his, her or its name on Schedule A attached hereto, each Shareholder does not own, of record or beneficially, (i) any shares or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any securities of Gold or any of its Subsidiaries convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire from Gold or any of its Subsidiaries any shares or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries or (iv) any rights issued by, or other obligations of, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries that are linked in any way to the price of any shares or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries, the value of Gold or any of its Subsidiaries or any part of Gold or any of its Subsidiaries or any dividends or other distributions declared or paid on any shares or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Gold or any of its Subsidiaries. Each Shareholder has the sole right to vote (or cause to be voted) such Covered Gold Shares or shares power to vote (or cause to be voted) solely with one or more other Shareholders with respect to the Covered Gold Shares denoted on Schedule A attached
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hereto and none of such Covered Gold Shares is subject to any voting trust or other agreement, arrangement or restriction with respect to the voting of such Covered Gold Shares, except as contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 1.02.
Representations and Warranties of the Company.
The
Company hereby represents and warrants to the Shareholders as follows:
(a) Authority; Execution and Delivery. The Company has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to comply with the provisions of this Agreement. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and no other action or proceeding on the part of the Company is necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company has duly executed and delivered this Agreement and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by each of the Shareholders and Holdco, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.
(b) Enforceability. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (alone or in combination with any other event) and compliance with the terms hereof will not, conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation, any obligation to make an offer to purchase or redeem any indebtedness or shares, voting securities or other equity interests or any loss of a benefit under, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or other assets of the Company under, any provision of (i) its organizational documents, (ii) any Contract to which the Company is a party or any of the properties or assets of the Company is subject or (iii) subject to the governmental filings and other matters referred to in the immediately following sentence, any statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation or order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment or stipulation applicable to the Company or the properties or other assets of the Company. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, action by or in respect of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 1.03.
Post-Closing Covenants of Each Shareholder.
From and
after the Holdco Merger Effective Time, the Shareholders, jointly and severally, covenant and agree as follows:
(a) Until the date that is three (3) years following the Company Merger Effective Time, at any shareholder meeting of the Holdco Merger Surviving Company or in any other circumstances upon which a vote, consent or other approval is sought, each Shareholder shall vote (or cause to be voted), all of the Holdco Shares of each Shareholder then owned by such Shareholder (the " Covered Holdco Shares ") so as to effect the provisions of Section 5.20 of the Merger Agreement and, for the avoidance of doubt, against any removal of any person specified in Section 5.20(a)(ii)(B) of the Merger Agreement.
(b) Each Shareholder hereby agrees that, in the event (i) of any share dividend, share split, recapitalization, reclassification, combination or exchange of shares or other equity interests or voting securities of Holdco of, or affecting, such Shareholder's Covered Holdco Shares, (ii) that such Shareholder purchases or otherwise acquires beneficial ownership of or an interest in any shares or other equity interests or voting securities of Holdco after the execution of this Agreement (including by conversion, exercise or exchange) or (iii) that such Shareholder voluntarily acquires the right to vote or share in the voting of any shares or other equity interests or voting securities of Holdco (collectively, the " New Holdco Shares "), such New Holdco Shares
D-3
acquired or purchased by such Shareholder shall henceforth be considered Covered Holdco Shares and shall be subject to this Section 1.03.
(c) Each Shareholder shall not, directly or indirectly (i) sell, transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise dispose of (including by gift), hedge or utilize a derivative to transfer the economic interest in (collectively, " Transfer "), or enter into any Contract, option or other arrangement or understanding (including any profit sharing arrangement) with respect to the Transfer of, such Shareholder's Covered Holdco Shares (A) to any affiliate of such Shareholder prior to the three-year anniversary of the Company Merger Effective Time unless such affiliate delivers an executed joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Holdco Merger Surviving Corporation or (B) to any other person prior to the two-month anniversary of the Company Merger Effective Time, (ii) prior to the three-year anniversary of Company Merger Effective Time, enter into any voting arrangement, whether by proxy, voting agreement or otherwise, with respect to any such Shareholder's Covered Holdco Shares, (iii) take any other action that would in any way restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of such Shareholder's obligations under this Section 1.03 or (iv) commit or agree to take any of the foregoing actions, if (and only if), in the case of the foregoing (i) - (iv), such action would have the effect of preventing such Shareholder from complying with its obligations pursuant to this Section 1.03 (determined as if such Shareholder had not taken such action). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, nothing will prevent a Shareholder from Transferring its Covered Holdco Shares to third parties following the two-month anniversary of the Company Merger Effective Time or to an affiliate of such Shareholder following the three-year anniversary of the Company Merger Effective Time.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any agreement contemplated hereby to the contrary, in the event that, after the Effective Times (a) there is any action, suit, proceeding, litigation or arbitration between any Shareholder and the Company Merger Surviving Corporation or the Holdco Merger Surviving Company with respect to this Agreement, or (b) there is any disputed claim or demand (including any claim or demand relating to enforcing any remedy under this Agreement or any agreement contemplated hereby) by the Company Merger Surviving Corporation or the Holdco Merger Surviving Company against any Shareholder or its affiliates, or by any Shareholder or its affiliates against the Company Merger Surviving Corporation or the Holdco Merger Surviving Company, in each case with respect to this Agreement, all determinations of Holdco relating to such action, suit, proceeding, litigation, arbitration, claim, demand (including all determinations by Holdco whether to institute, compromise or settle any such action, suit, proceeding, litigation, arbitration, claim or demand and all determinations by Holdco relating to the prosecution or defense thereof), shall be made by Holdco in accordance with the directions of a committee of the Holdco board of directors composed solely of all of the independent directors of Holdco who are not directors, officers or employees of either of the Shareholders or their respective affiliates (other than Holdco).
SECTION 1.04.
Termination.
The Shareholders' obligations under this
Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of (i) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its
terms, (ii) any amendment to the Merger Agreement that (x) increases the Company Merger Consideration or (y) modifies, in a manner material and adverse to the Shareholders, the
rights associated with the Special Voting Shares, in the case of each of clauses (x) and (y), without the prior written consent of the Shareholders, and (iii) three (3) years
after the Company Merger Effective Time, other than with respect to the liability of any party for breach hereof prior to such termination.
SECTION 1.05.
Additional Matters.
Each Shareholder shall, from time
to time, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such additional or further consents, documents and other
instruments as the Company or Holdco may reasonably request for the purpose of giving effect
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to the voting obligations set forth in this Agreement. Subject to Section 1.03(d), from and after the Closing, this Agreement shall be enforceable against the Shareholders by Holdco.
SECTION 1.06.
General Provisions.
(a) Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
(b) Notice. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given (a) when delivered personally, (b) when sent by reputable overnight courier service or (c) when faxed or emailed (which is confirmed by copy sent within one Business Day by a reputable overnight courier service) to a party at its address set forth on Schedule A attached hereto (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice).
(c) Interpretation. Each party hereto has participated in the drafting of this Agreement, which each party acknowledges is the result of extensive negotiations between the parties. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision. For purposes of this Agreement, whenever the context requires the singular number shall include the plural, and vice versa. As used in this Agreement, the words "include" and "including," and words of similar meaning, shall not be deemed to be terms of limitation, but rather shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation." Except as otherwise indicated, all references in this Agreement to "Sections," and "Schedules" are intended to refer to Sections of this Agreement and the Schedules to this Agreement. Unless otherwise specifically provided for herein, the term "or" shall not be deemed to be exclusive. The words "hereof," "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. References herein to "as of the date hereof," "as of the date of this Agreement" or words of similar import shall be deemed to mean "as of immediately prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement." The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(d) 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 the transactions contemplated hereby 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 an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.
(e) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. The exchange of a fully executed Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by facsimile or by electronic delivery in .pdf format shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(f) Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, are not intended to confer upon any other person any rights or remedies hereunder.
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(g) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware (except with respect to such matters as to which the application of the Laws of England and Wales is mandatory, in which case, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, such Laws) without regard to Laws that may be applicable under conflicts of laws principles that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. Each of the parties irrevocably agrees that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought by any other party or its successors or assigns shall be brought and determined in any state or federal court in Delaware, and each of the parties hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts for itself and with respect to its property, generally and unconditionally, with regard to any such action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Shareholders each irrevocably agree that any equitable action or proceeding, including the seeking of specific performance, and damages claims in connection with such equitable action or proceeding may be brought by the Company or Holdco, in its discretion, in any Delaware state or federal court, any court of England or any court of Italy. Subject to the preceding sentence, each of the parties agrees not to commence any action, suit or proceeding relating thereto except in the courts described above in Delaware, other than actions in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce any judgment, decree or award rendered by any such court in Delaware as described herein. Each of the parties further agrees that notice as provided herein shall constitute sufficient service of process and the parties further waive any argument that such service is insufficient. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion or as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in Delaware as described herein for any reason, (b) 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 (c) that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in any such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper or (iii) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such courts.
(h) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (i) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE EITHER OF SUCH WAIVERS, (ii) IT UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH WAIVERS, (iii) IT MAKES SUCH WAIVERS VOLUNTARILY AND (iv) IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 1.06.
(i) Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned or transferred, in whole or in part, by operation of Law or otherwise by any of the parties hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties. Any assignment or transfer in violation of the preceding sentence shall be void.
(j) Specific Enforcement. The Shareholders agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that the parties hereto do not perform the provisions of this Agreement in accordance
D-6
with its terms or otherwise breach such provisions. Accordingly, the parties acknowledge and agree that the Company and Holdco shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Each of the parties agrees that it will not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief as provided herein on the basis that (i) it has an adequate remedy at law or (ii) an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or equity. Any party seeking an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such order or injunction.
[Signatures are on the following pages]
D-7
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has duly executed this Agreement, all as of the date first written above.
INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY | ||||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ PATTI S. HART |
||
Name: | Patti S. Hart | |||||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
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GEORGIA WORLDWIDE LIMITED | ||||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ DECLAN HARKIN |
||
Name: | Declan Harkin | |||||
Title: | Director |
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De Agostini S.p.A. | ||||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ LORENZO PELLICIOLI |
||
Name: | Lorenzo Pellicioli | |||||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |||||
|
|
DeA Partecipazioni S.p.A. |
||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ PAOLO CERETTI |
||
Name: | Paolo Ceretti | |||||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
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Name and Address of Shareholder
|
Number of Gold Ordinary
Shares Owned |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
De Agostini S.p.A. |
92,556,318 | |||
DeA Partecipazioni S.p.A. |
10,073,006 |
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given (a) when delivered personally, (b) when sent by reputable overnight courier service or (c) when faxed or emailed (which is confirmed by copy sent within one (1) Business Day by a reputable overnight courier service) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
If to Holdco:
GTECH S.p.A.
Viale del Campo Boario 56/D
00154 RomaItaly
Fax: 0039 06 5189 4216
Attention: Marco Sala
with copies to (for information purposes only):
Wachtell,
Lipton, Rosen & Katz
51 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
Fax: (212) 403-2000
Attention: Andrew R. Brownstein, Esq.
Benjamin M. Roth, Esq.
Lombardi
Molinari Segni
Via del Plebiscito, 102 - 00186 Roma
Italy
Fax: +39 02.89.622.333
Attention: Antonio Segni
If to either Shareholder:
De
Agostini S.p.A.
Via G. da Verrazano 15
28100 NovaraItaly
Fax: +39 0321 424681
Attention: Paolo Ceretti
DeA
Partecipazioni S.p.A.
Via G. da Verrazano 15
28100 NovaraItaly
Fax: +39 0321 424681
Attention: Paolo Ceretti
with a copy to (for information purposes only):
Wachtell,
Lipton, Rosen & Katz
51 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
Fax: (212) 403-2000
Attention: Andrew R. Brownstein, Esq.
Benjamin M. Roth, Esq.
D-A-1
Lombardi
Molinari Segni
Via del Plebiscito, 102 - 00186 Roma
Italy
Fax: +39 02 89 622-333
Attention: Antonio Segni
If to the Company:
International
Game Technology
6355 South Buffalo Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89113
Fax: 702-669-7904
Attention: General Counsel and Secretary
with copies to (for information purposes only):
Sidley
Austin LLP
One South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Fax: (312) 853-7036
Attention: Thomas A. Cole
Paul L. Choi
Gary D. Gerstman
Thomas M. Thesing
and to:
Allen &
Overy LLP
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Fax: (212) 610-6399
Attention: Dave Lewis
D-A-2
July 15, 2014
The
Board of Directors
International Game Technology
655 South Buffalo Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89113
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We understand that International Game Technology ("IGT" or the "Company"), GTECH S.p.A. (the "Buyer"), GTECH Corporation ("Gold US Sub"), Georgia Worldwide Limited ("Holdco"), and Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco ("Acquisition Sub"), propose to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, substantially in the form of the draft dated July 15, 2014 (the "Agreement"), which provides, among other things, for the merger (the "Merger") of Acquisition Sub with and into the Company. The Agreement also provides that, immediately prior to the Merger, the Buyer will effect a reorganization, pursuant to which the Buyer will be merged with and into Holdco, with Holdco continuing as the surviving company. Pursuant to the Merger, the Company will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco, and each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.00015625 per share (the "Company Common Stock") of the Company, other than shares held in treasury or owned by Holdco, Acquisition Sub, Gold or the Company or any of their respective subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive $13.69 per share in cash (the "Mixed Cash Consideration") and that number of ordinary shares (the "Mixed Exchange Ratio"), par value £1.00 per share, of Holdco ("Holdco Shares") based upon the average of the volume-weighted average prices per share of ordinary shares, par value €1.00 per share, of the Buyer ("Buyer Shares") as reported on the Milan Stock Exchange (the "Buyer Trading Price") as more fully set forth in the Agreement (collectively, the "Mixed Consideration"), subject to adjustment and proration and those certain other procedures and limitations contained in the Agreement. Holders of Company Common Stock may alternatively elect, with respect to all or a portion of their shares of Company Common Stock, to convert such shares of Company Common Stock into the right (i) to be paid an amount in cash equal to (A) the Mixed Cash Consideration plus (B) the product of the Mixed Exchange Ratio and the Buyer Trading Price as more fully set forth in the Agreement (collectively, the "Cash Consideration") or (ii) to receive that number of Holdco Shares equal to (A) the Mixed Exchange Ratio plus (B) the quotient obtained by dividing the Mixed Cash Consideration by the Buyer Trading Price as more fully set forth in the Agreement (collectively, the "Stock Consideration"), subject in all cases to adjustment and proration and those certain other procedures and limitations contained in the Agreement. The Mixed Consideration, the Cash Consideration and the Stock Consideration are collectively referred to herein as the "Merger Consideration". The terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in the Agreement.
You have asked for our opinion as to whether the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of shares of the Company Common Stock, taken in the aggregate, pursuant to the Agreement is fair, as of the date hereof, from a financial point of view to the holders of shares of the Company Common Stock.
For purposes of the opinion set forth herein, we have:
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We have assumed and relied upon, without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of the information that was publicly available or supplied or otherwise made available to us by the Company and the Buyer, and formed a substantial basis for this opinion. With respect to the financial projections, including information relating to certain strategic, financial and operational benefits anticipated by the managements of the Company and the Buyer to result from the Merger, we have assumed, with your consent, that they have been reasonably prepared in good faith on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the respective managements of the Company and the Buyer of the future financial performance of the Company and the Buyer. In addition, we have assumed that the Merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms set forth in the Agreement without any waiver, amendment or delay of any terms or conditions, and that the Buyer will obtain financing in accordance with the terms set forth in the Commitment Letter. Morgan Stanley has assumed that in connection with the receipt of all the necessary governmental, regulatory or other approvals and consents required for the Merger, no delays, limitations, conditions or restrictions will be imposed that would have a material adverse effect on the contemplated benefits expected to be derived in the Merger. We are not legal, tax, or regulatory advisors. We are financial advisors only and have relied upon, without independent verification, the assessment of the Buyer and the Company and their legal, tax, and regulatory advisors with respect to legal, tax, and regulatory matters. We express no
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opinion with respect to the fairness of the amount or nature of the compensation to any of the Company's officers, directors or employees, or any class of such persons, relative to the consideration to be received by the holders of shares of the Company Common Stock in the Merger. We have not made any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of the Company or the Buyer, nor have we been furnished with any such valuations or appraisals. Our opinion is necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. Events occurring after the date hereof may affect this opinion and the assumptions used in preparing it, and we do not assume any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm this opinion.
We have acted as financial advisor to the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with the Merger and will receive a fee for our services, a substantial portion of which is contingent upon the closing of the Merger, and the Company has agreed to reimburse our expenses arising, and indemnify us against certain liabilities that may arise, out of our engagement. In the two years prior to the date hereof, we have provided financial advisory and financing services for the Company and have received fees in connection with such services. Morgan Stanley may also seek to provide such services to the Buyer and the Company in the future and expects to receive fees for the rendering of these services.
Please note that Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm engaged in the securities, investment management and individual wealth management businesses. Our securities business is engaged in securities underwriting, trading and brokerage activities, foreign exchange, commodities and derivatives trading, prime brokerage, as well as providing investment banking, financing and financial advisory services. Morgan Stanley, its affiliates, directors and officers may at any time invest on a principal basis or manage funds that invest, hold long or short positions, finance positions, and may trade or otherwise structure and effect transactions, for their own account or the accounts of its customers, in debt or equity securities or loans of the Buyer, the Company, or any other company, or any currency or commodity, that may be involved in the Merger, or any related derivative instrument.
This opinion has been approved by a committee of Morgan Stanley investment banking and other professionals in accordance with our customary practice. This opinion is for the information of the Board of Directors of the Company only and may not be used for any other purpose without our prior written consent, except that (i) a copy of this opinion may be included in its entirety in any filing the Company is required to make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or applicable filings in Italy or the United Kingdom, in connection with the Merger if such inclusion is required by applicable law, provided that, if required by applicable law, any description of or reference to Morgan Stanley or this opinion in such filing is reasonably acceptable to Morgan Stanley and its counsel and (ii) a copy of this opinion may be shared with Buyer for informational purposes only, but may not be relied upon by Buyer, Holdco or Acquisition Sub. In addition, this opinion does not in any manner address the prices at which the Holdco Shares will trade following consummation of the Merger or at any time and Morgan Stanley expresses no opinion or recommendation to any stockholders of the Company or Gold as to how to vote at any stockholders' meetings to be held in connection with the Merger or to any stockholders of the Company in respect of making any election with respect to the Merger.
Based on and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion on the date hereof that the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of shares of the Company Common Stock, taken in the
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aggregate, pursuant to the Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to the holders of shares of the Company Common Stock.
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Very truly yours, | |||
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MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC |
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By: |
/s/ JEFFREY N. HOGAN
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E-4
September 15, 2014
The
Board of Directors
International Game Technology
655 South Buffalo Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89113
Reference is made to (i) our opinion letter, dated July 15, 2014 (the "Opinion Letter"), with respect to the fairness from a financial point of view to the holders of common stock, par value $0.00015625 per share, of International Game Technology (the "Company") of the Merger Consideration (as defined in the Opinion Letter) to be paid to such holders pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 15, 2014 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among the Company, GTECH S.p.A. (the "Buyer"), GTECH Corporation ("Gold US Sub"), Georgia Worldwide Limited ("Holdco"), and Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco ("Acquisition Sub") and (ii) the amendment to the Merger Agreement, substantially in the form of the draft dated September 12, 2014 ("Amendment No. 1"), which we understand that the Company, Buyer, Gold US Sub, Holdco and Acquisition Sub propose to enter into.
You have requested that we confirm that, had we issued the Opinion Letter on July 15, 2014 on the basis of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement, as amended by Amendment No. 1, and excluding any circumstances, developments or events subsequent to July 15, 2014, other than the execution of Amendment No. 1, the conclusion set forth in the Opinion Letter would not have changed.
You have advised us, and with your permission we have assumed, that the final terms of Amendment No. 1 will not vary materially from those set forth in the draft reviewed by us, and that Amendment No. 1 and the transactions contemplated thereby do not affect the financial projections prepared by the managements of the Company and the Buyer, including information relating to certain strategic, financial and operational benefits anticipated by the managements of the Company and the Buyer to result from the Merger (as defined in the Opinion Letter). This letter does not address any circumstances, developments or events occurring after the date of the Opinion Letter, other than the execution of Amendment No. 1, and our opinion set forth in the Opinion Letter is provided only as of such date. We have not reviewed any information or documents for purposes of providing this letter of confirmation other than the Amendment.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we confirm that, had we issued the Opinion Letter on July 15, 2014 on the basis of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement, as amended by Amendment No. 1, the conclusion set forth in the Opinion Letter would not have changed.
This letter is for the information of the Board of Directors of the Company only and may not be used for any other purpose without our prior written consent, except that a copy of this letter may be included in its entirety in any filing the Company or Holdco is required to make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or applicable filings in Italy or the United Kingdom, in connection with the Merger if such inclusion is required by applicable law, provided that, if required by applicable law, any description of or reference to Morgan Stanley or this letter in such filing is reasonably acceptable to Morgan Stanley and its counsel.
Very truly yours, | ||||
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MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC | ||||
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By: |
/s/ JEFFREY N. HOGAN
Jeffrey N. Hogan Managing Director |
F-1
Credit Suisse Fairness Opinion
[CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (EUROPE) LIMITED]
July 15,
2014
Board
of Directors
GTECH S.p.A.
Viale del Campo Boario 56/D
00154 Roma
Italy
Members of the Board:
You have asked us to advise you with respect to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of ordinary shares, par value €1.00 per share (the " GTECH Shares "), of GTECH S.p.A., a joint stock company organized under the laws of Italy (" GTECH ") (such holders, the " Shareholders "), of the Exchange Ratio (as defined below) set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the " Merger Agreement ") to be entered into among GTECH, GTECH Corporation, a Delaware corporation, Georgia Worldwide Limited, a private limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales (" Holdco "), Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a Nevada corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco (" Sub "), and International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation (" IGT "). The Merger Agreement provides for, among other things, (i) the merger of GTECH with and into Holdco (the " Holdco Merger "), pursuant to which the separate existence of GTECH will cease and Holdco will continue as the surviving company, and each outstanding GTECH Share, other than any Excluded GTECH Shares (as defined in the Merger Agreement), will be converted into the right to receive one ordinary share (a " Holdco Share "), of Holdco (the " Exchange Ratio "); and (ii) the subsequent merger of Sub with and into IGT (the " IGT Merger " and, together with the Holdco Merger, the " Transaction "), pursuant to which the separate existence of Sub will cease and IGT will continue as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco, and each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.00015625 per share (an " IGT Share "), of IGT, other than Company Excluded Shares (as defined in the Merger Agreement) will be converted into the right to receive the Company Merger Consideration (as defined in the Merger Agreement).
In arriving at our opinion, we have reviewed a draft of the Merger Agreement dated July 15, 2014, a draft of the related GTECH Disclosure Letter, dated July 15, 2014, a draft of the related IGT Disclosure Letter, dated July 15, 2014, a draft of the related Support Agreement, dated July 12, 2014, to be entered into among IGT and the individuals and other parties listed on Schedule A to such agreement and a draft of the related Voting Agreement, dated July 12, 2014, to be entered into among IGT and the individuals and other parties listed on Schedule A to such agreement, as well as certain publicly available business and financial information relating to GTECH and IGT. We have also reviewed certain other information relating to GTECH and IGT, including financial forecasts for GTECH and IGT based on the business plans prepared by and provided to us by GTECH, and have met with GTECH's and IGT's management to discuss the business and prospects of GTECH and IGT, respectively.
We have also considered certain financial and stock market data of GTECH and IGT, and we have compared that data with similar data for other publicly held companies in businesses which we deemed similar to those of GTECH and IGT, and we have considered, to the extent publicly available, the financial terms of certain other business combinations and other transactions which have been effected
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or announced. We also considered such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations and financial, economic and market criteria which we deemed relevant.
In connection with our review, we have not assumed any responsibility for independent verification of any of the foregoing information and have assumed and relied on such information being complete and accurate in all material respects. Without limitation to the foregoing, with respect to the financial forecasts for GTECH and IGT referred to above, the management of GTECH have advised us, and we have assumed with your consent, that such forecasts have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of GTECH's management as to the future financial performance of GTECH and IGT, respectively, and we express no opinion with respect to such forecasts or the assumptions on which they are based. With respect to the estimates provided to us by the management of GTECH with respect to the cost savings and synergies, including revenue synergies and tax benefits, anticipated to result from the Transaction, we have been advised by the management of GTECH, and we have assumed with your consent, that they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of GTECH as to such cost savings and synergies and will be realized in the amounts and the times indicated thereby. In addition, we have assumed, with your consent, that in the course of obtaining necessary regulatory or third party consents, approvals or agreements in connection with the Transaction, no modification, delay, limitation, restriction or condition will be imposed that will have an adverse effect on GTECH, IGT or the contemplated benefits of the Transaction, and that the Transaction will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, without waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement therein. Representatives of GTECH have advised us, and we have also assumed, with your consent, that the terms of the Merger Agreement, when signed, will conform in all material respects to the terms reflected in the draft Merger Agreement reviewed by us. In addition, we have not been requested to make, and have not made, an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of GTECH or IGT, nor have we been furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals.
Our opinion addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date hereof, to the Shareholders of the Exchange Ratio (after giving effect to the aggregate Company Merger Consideration to be paid to holders of IGT Shares in the IGT Merger) and does not address any other aspect or effect of the Transaction or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into in connection with the Transaction or otherwise, including, without limitation, the form or structure of the Transaction or any other aspect relating to any compensation to any officers, directors or employees of any party to the Transaction, or class of such persons, relative to the Exchange Ratio or otherwise.
Our opinion is necessarily based upon information made available to us on the date hereof and upon financial, economic, regulatory (including tax), market and other conditions as they exist and can be evaluated on the date hereof. We understand that the Holdco Shares will be listed and traded solely on the New York Stock Exchange. We are not expressing any opinion as to what the value of the Holdco Shares actually will be when issued to the Shareholders pursuant to the Transaction or the prices at which such Holdco Shares will trade subsequent to the Transaction, nor are we expressing any opinion as to the prices at which GTECH Shares or IGT Shares will trade at any time. Our opinion does not address the relative merits of the Transaction as compared to alternative transactions or strategies that might be available to GTECH, nor does it address the underlying business decision of GTECH to proceed with the Transaction.
We have acted as financial advisor to GTECH in connection with the Transaction and will receive a fee for our services, a significant portion of which is contingent upon the consummation of the Transaction. We will also receive a fee upon approval of the Transaction by the Shareholders and a fee for rendering this opinion. In addition, we will receive fees for structuring, arranging and providing financing for the Transaction. Furthermore, GTECH has agreed to indemnify us and certain related parties for certain liabilities and other items arising out of our engagement. From time to time, we and
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our affiliates have in the past provided, are currently providing and in the future we and our affiliates may provide, investment banking and other financial services to GTECH and IGT, for which we and our affiliates have received, and would expect to receive, compensation. We are a full service securities firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities and we also provide investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, we and our affiliates may acquire, hold or sell, for our and our affiliates' own accounts and the accounts of customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of GTECH, IGT and any other company that may be involved in the Transaction, as well as provide investment banking and other financial services to such companies.
It is understood that this letter is for the information of the Board of Directors of GTECH in connection with its consideration of the Transaction and does not constitute advice or a recommendation to any shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote or act on any matter relating to the proposed Transaction or otherwise.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio, after giving effect to the aggregate Company Merger Consideration to be paid to holders of IGT Shares in the IGT Merger, is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Shareholders.
Yours faithfully, | ||||
CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (EUROPE) LIMITED |
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By: |
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/s/ GIUSEPPE MONARCHI |
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By: |
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/s/ LAURENCE VAN LANCKER |
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Credit Suisse Bring-down Opinion
October 1,
2014
Board
of Directors
GTECH S.p.A.
Viale del Campo Boario 56/D
00154 Roma
Italy
Members of the Board:
With reference to our fairness opinion dated 15 July 2014 provided pursuant to our engagement letter dated 23 June 2014 (the " Fairness Opinion "), we hereby confirm, on the basis of:
that, as of the date hereof, nothing has come to our attention which would cause us to alter our opinion that the Exchange Ratio, after giving effect to the aggregate Company Merger Consideration to be paid to holders of IGT Shares in the IGT Merger, is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Shareholders (as such capitalised terms are defined in the Fairness Opinion).
Yours faithfully, | ||||
CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (EUROPE) LIMITED |
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By: |
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/s/ GIUSEPPE MONARCHI |
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By: |
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/s/ LAURENCE VAN LANCKER |
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Company No. 09127533 |
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AGREED FORM ARTICLES
THE COMPANIES ACT 2006
PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
of
GEORGIA WORLDWIDE PLC
Adopted on [ ]
CONTENTS
I-i
I-ii
I-iii
I-iv
PART 1
INTERPRETATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
" Act " means the Companies Act 2006;
" articles " means the Company's articles of association;
" associate " means any body corporate in which a company is interested directly or indirectly so that it is able to exercise or control the exercise of 20 per cent. or more of the votes eligible to be cast at general meetings on all, and substantially all, matters;
" auditors " means the auditors from time to time of the Company;
" bankruptcy " includes individual insolvency proceedings in a jurisdiction other than England and Wales or Northern Ireland which have an effect similar to that of bankruptcy;
" business day " means a day (not being a Saturday or Sunday) on which clearing banks are open for business in London, New York, Rome and Milan;
" call " has the meaning given in article 75.1;
" call notice " has the meaning given in article 75.1;
" certificate " means a paper certificate evidencing a person's title to specified shares or other securities;
" chairman " means the person appointed to that role pursuant to article 13.1;
" chairman of the meeting " has the meaning given in article 40.4;
" clear days " means, in relation to a period of notice, that period excluding the day when the notice is given or deemed to be given and the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect;
" company " includes any body corporate (not being a corporation sole) or association of persons, whether or not a company within the meaning of the Act;
" Company " means Georgia Worldwide PLC, a company incorporated in England and Wales, with registered number 09127533;
" Companies Acts " means the Companies Acts (as defined in section 2 of the Act), in so far as they apply to the Company;
" company's lien " has the meaning given in article 73.1;
" corporate representative " has the meaning given in article 55.1;
" director " means a director of the Company, and includes any person occupying the position of director, by whatever name called;
" Disclosure and Transparency Rules " means the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority made pursuant to Part VI of FSMA, as revised from time to time;
" distribution recipient " has the meaning given in article 96.2;
" document " includes, unless otherwise specified, any document sent or supplied in electronic form;
I-1
" fully paid " in relation to a share, means that the nominal value and any premium to be paid to the Company in respect of that share has been paid to the Company;
" Group " means the Company and its subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings from time to time;
" holder " in relation to a share means the person whose name is entered in the register of members as the holder of that share;
" independent director " means a director who meets the independence standards of the NYSE applicable to non-controlled domestic US issuers;
" instrument " means a document in hard copy form;
" lien enforcement notice " has the meaning given in article 74;
" member " means a member of the Company;
" Loyalty Plan " means the loyalty plan relating to the Special Voting Shares;
" Model Articles " means the model articles for public companies limited by shares contained in Schedule 3 of the Companies (Model Articles) Regulations 2008 (SI 2009/3229) as amended prior to the date on which the Company was incorporated;
" Nominee " means any person appointed by the Company to hold Special Voting Shares in accordance with these articles;
" NYSE " means the New York Stock Exchange;
" Ordinary Shares " means ordinary shares of US$0.10 each in the capital of the Company, having the rights and restrictions set out in article 64.1;
" paid " and " paid up " mean paid or credited as paid;
" participate ", in relation to a directors' meeting, has the meaning given in article 11.1 and " participating director " shall be construed accordingly;
" partly paid " in relation to a share means that part of that share's nominal value and any premium at which it was issued which has not been paid to the Company;
" proxy notice " has the meaning given in article 53.1;
" qualifying person " means an individual who is a member of the Company, a corporate representative in relation to a meeting or a person appointed as proxy of a member in relation to a meeting;
" register " means the register of members of the Company kept under section 113 of the Act and, where the context requires, any register maintained by the Company of persons holding any renounceable right of allotment of a share;
" seal " means the common seal of the Company or any official or securities seal that the Company may have or may be permitted to have under the Act;
" secretary " means the secretary of the Company and includes any joint, assistant or deputy secretary and a person appointed by the directors to perform the duties of the secretary;
" senior holder " means, in the case of a share held by two or more joint holders, whichever of them is named first in the register;
" shares " means any shares in the Company;
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" Special Voting Shares " means special voting shares with a nominal value of US$0.000001 each in the capital of the Company, having the rights and restrictions set out in article 64.7;
" Sterling Non-Voting Shares " means the sterling non-voting shares of the Company with a nominal value of £1 each, having the rights and restrictions set out in article 64.17;
" Sterling Shareholder " means any person appointed by the Company to hold the Sterling Non-Voting Shares;
" subsidiary undertaking " or " parent undertaking " is to be construed in accordance with section 1162 (and Schedule 7) of the Act and for the purposes of this definition, a subsidiary undertaking shall include any person the shares or ownership interests in which are subject to security and where the legal title to the shares or ownership interests so secured are registered in the name of the secured party or its nominee pursuant to such security;
" transmittee " means a person entitled to a share by reason of the death or bankruptcy of a shareholder or otherwise by operation of law; and
" writing " means the representation or reproduction of words, symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.
No model articles or regulations contained in any statute or subordinate legislation, including those contained in the Model Articles, apply as the articles of association of the Company.
The liability of the members is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares held by them.
I-3
PART 2
DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS' POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
For as long as the Ordinary Shares are listed on the NYSE, the Company shall comply with all NYSE corporate governance standards set forth in Section 3 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual applicable to non-controlled domestic U.S. issuers, regardless of whether the Company is a foreign private issuer.
The directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or part of the undertaking, property and assets (present or future) and uncalled capital of the Company and, subject to the Act, to issue debentures and other securities, whether outright or as collateral security for a debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of a third party.
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as they think fit.
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However, to the extent that his relationship with that other person gives rise to a conflict of interest or possible conflict of interest, this article 17.1 applies only if the existence of that relationship has been authorised by the directors under article 16.1 (subject, in any such case, to any terms and conditions upon which such authorisation was given).
for so long as he reasonably believes such conflict of interest (or possible conflict of interest) subsists, provided that if a majority of the independent directors of the Company so determine
I-7
(excluding any independent director who is conflicted in respect of the particular matter), such conflicted director may be permitted to participate in the relevant meeting (or part thereof), and to receive documents and information relating to the matter, but not to vote (save to the extent that such participation or access to such documents and information would constitute a breach of applicable competition law or regulation).
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nor shall the receipt of any such remuneration or other benefit constitute a breach of his duty under section 176 of the Act. No transaction or arrangement authorised or permitted under articles 16.1 or 19 or otherwise under these articles shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any such interest or benefit.
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responsibility in whole or in part, either alone or jointly with others, under a guarantee or indemnity or by the giving of security;
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Subject to the articles, the directors may make any rule which they think fit about how they take decisions, and about how such rules are to be recorded or communicated to directors.
Unless and until otherwise decided by the board (where, for the period of three years from the date of adoption of these articles, not less than three-quarters of the directors shall have voted in favour of such decision), the number of directors will be 13. The composition of the board (and, if applicable, each director) will satisfy the requirements of applicable law and any securities exchange on which the Company's securities are listed.
The directors in office immediately following the unconditional adoption of these articles shall be appointed for a term of three years from such date.
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shall be valid notwithstanding that it is discovered afterwards that there was a defect in the appointment of a person or persons acting or that any of them were disqualified from holding office, had ceased to hold office or were not entitled to vote on the matter in question.
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this way is at the directors' discretion. The amount of the fee will be applied to purchase or subscribe for shares on behalf of the director.
to any person who is or who was a director of:
or to a member of his family including a spouse, former spouse or a person who is (or was) dependent on him.
This salary or remuneration may be in addition to or instead of a fee payable to him for his services as a director under these articles.
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or otherwise in connection with the exercise of their powers and the discharge of his responsibilities in relation to the Company.
PART 3
DECISION-MAKING BY MEMBERS
ORGANISATION OF GENERAL MEETINGS
then two or more members may call a general meeting (or instruct the secretary to do so) for the purpose of appointing one or more directors.
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must appoint a director or member to chair the meeting. If only one director is present and willing and able to act, he shall be the chairman. The appointment of the chairman of the meeting must be the first business of the meeting.
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matters of procedure or arising incidentally from the business of the meeting will be final, as will be his decision as to whether any matter is of such a nature.
to attend and speak at a general meeting if he considers it will assist the deliberations of the meeting.
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Except in these circumstances it is not necessary to give notice of a general meeting adjourned under article 44 or of the business to be transacted at the adjourned meeting.
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in which case, the proxy has one vote for and one vote against the resolution; and
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A demand so withdrawn validates the result of a show of hands declared before the demand was made. If a poll is demanded before the declaration of the result of a show of hands and the demand is duly withdrawn, the meeting will continue as if the demand had not been made.
must be taken immediately.
Unless the contrary is stated in it, the appointment of a proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to exercise all such rights, as the proxy thinks fit.
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appointment was last validly delivered or received, none of them shall be treated as valid in respect of that share.
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the proxy notice must be received by not later than the adjourned meeting or the meeting at which the poll was demanded.
the proxy notice must be received at a proxy notification address not less than 24 hours (excluding any part of a day that is not a working day) before the time appointed for the holding of the adjourned meeting or the taking of the poll.
unless the Company receives notice of the termination at the proxy notification address not later than the last time at which a proxy notice should have been received in order to be valid for use at the relevant meeting or adjourned meeting or (in the case of a poll taken otherwise than at or on the same day as the general meeting or adjourned meeting) for use on the holding of the poll at which the vote is cast.
If an amendment proposed to a resolution under consideration is ruled out of order by the chairman of the meeting the proceedings on the substantive resolution are not invalidated by an error in his ruling.
I-24
RESTRICTIONS ON MEMBERS' RIGHTS
Unless the directors decide otherwise, no voting rights (or other rights conferred by membership in relation to a meeting or poll) attached to a share may be exercised at any general meeting, at any adjournment of it, or on any poll called at or in relation to it, unless all amounts payable to the Company in respect of that share have been paid.
APPLICATION OF RULES TO CLASS MEETINGS AND RIGHTS
I-25
Each member must comply with the notification obligations to the Company contained in Chapter 5 ( Vote Holder and Issuer Notification Rules ) of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (including, without limitation, the provisions of DTR 5.1.2) as if the Company were an issuer whose home member state is the United Kingdom, save that the obligation to notify the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules shall arise if the percentage of voting rights reaches, exceeds or falls below one per cent. and each one per cent. threshold thereafter (up or down) up to one hundred per cent. The provisions of this article apply in addition to any other obligations which may arise under any other applicable law or regulation.
I-26
PART 4
SHARES AND DISTRIBUTIONS
ISSUE OF SHARES
I-27
I-28
I-29
I-30
I-31
in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by it in its capacity as the Nominee or Sterling Shareholder (as the case may be) otherwise than by reason of its own fraud, negligence or wilful default.
I-32
as may be determined by the directors. The directors, in making such determination shall act in good faith and in the best interests of the Company, and their decision shall be final and binding.
I-33
Except as required by law or the articles, no person is to be recognised by the Company as holding any share upon any trust and the Company is not in any way to be bound by or recognise any interest in a share other than the holder's absolute ownership of it and all the rights attaching to it.
I-34
were, immediately before the reduction, represented by the same certificate.
I-35
that member is entitled to be issued with a replacement certificate in respect of the same shares.
which has not been paid to the Company, and which is payable immediately or at some time in the future, whether or not a call notice has been sent in respect of it.
the Company may sell that share in such manner as the directors decide.
I-36
I-37
by a further notice in writing to the member in respect of whose shares the call is made.
each a " due date for payment ".
I-38
If a notice of intended forfeiture is not complied with before the date by which payment (including interest, costs, charges and expenses) of the call is required in the notice of intended forfeiture, the directors may decide that any share in respect of which it was given is forfeited, and the forfeiture is to include all dividends or other moneys payable in respect of the forfeited shares and not paid before the forfeiture.
I-39
I-40
but no interest is payable to such a person in respect of such proceeds and the Company is not required to account for any money earned on them.
I-41
TRANSFERS AND TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
I-42
case of a share held jointly by two or more persons, the Company may recognise only the survivor or survivors as being entitled to it.
CONSOLIDATION/DIVISION OF SHARES
I-43
I-44
I-45
an address specified by the distribution recipient in writing or as the directors otherwise decide;
The directors may for this purpose decide that different methods of payment may apply to different distribution recipients or groups of distribution recipients.
then the dividend or other distribution shall be treated as unclaimed for the purposes of these articles.
I-46
relevant system or by another method at the direction of the distribution recipient, the Company is not responsible for amounts lost or delayed in the course of making that payment.
they may, instead of issuing a lien enforcement notice, deduct from any dividend or other sum payable in respect of the share any sum of money which is payable to the Company in respect of that share to the extent that they are entitled to require payment under a lien enforcement notice.
may be invested or otherwise made use of by the directors for the benefit of the Company until claimed.
I-47
the distribution recipient is no longer entitled to that dividend or other sum and it ceases to remain owing by the Company.
and reasonable enquiries have failed to establish another address or account of the distribution recipient, the Company is not obliged to send or transfer a dividend or other sum payable in respect of that share to that person until he notifies the Company of an address or account to be used for that purpose. If the cheque, warrant or money order is returned undelivered or left uncashed or transfer not accepted on two consecutive occasions, the Company may exercise this power without making any such enquiries.
the notice is not effective unless it is expressed to be given, and signed, by all the holders or persons otherwise entitled to the share.
I-48
I-49
CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS AND RESERVES
I-50
fractions as they think fit (including the issuing of fractional certificates, disregarding fractions or selling shares or debentures representing the fractions to a person for the best price reasonably obtainable and distributing the net proceeds of the sale in due proportion amongst the members (except that if the amount due to a member is less than $5, or such other sum as the directors may decide, the sum may be retained for the benefit of the Company));
PART 5MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
I-51
I-52
that member ceases to be entitled to receive notices from the Company.
I-53
The directors may change the name of the Company.
I-54
I-55
not less than 21 clear days before the date of the meeting at which copies of those documents are to be laid in accordance with the Act. This article does not require copies of the documents to which it applies to be sent or supplied to:
The directors may decide to make provision for the benefit of persons (other than a director or former director or shadow director) employed or formerly employed by the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings (or any member of his family, including a spouse or former spouse, or any person who is or was dependent on him) in connection with the cessation or transfer to any person of the whole or part of the undertaking of the Company or that subsidiary undertaking.
I-56
DIRECTORS' INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE
I-57
An appeal is disposed of:
For the purposes of this article, a reference to a conviction is to the final decision in the proceedings. The provisions of article 116.2 shall apply in determining when a conviction becomes final.
indemnifying him and keeping him indemnified against liability for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust or other liability which may lawfully be insured against by the Company.
I-58
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Members of the Holdco Board, as well as certain senior management members, are insured under Holdco's Directors and Officers Insurance Policy. Although the insurance policy provides for wide coverage, the directors and officers may incur uninsured liabilities.
The Holdco Articles provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by the U.K. Companies Act 2006 and without prejudice to any indemnity to which he or she may otherwise be entitled, every person who is or was a director or other officer of Holdco or any of its associates (other than any person (whether or not an officer of Holdco or any of its associates) engaged by Holdco of any of its associates as auditor) shall be and shall be kept indemnified out of the assets of Holdco against all costs, charges, losses and liabilities incurred by him (whether in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by him or otherwise as a director or such other officer of Holdco or any of its associates) in relation to Holdco or any of its associates or its/their affairs. This is subject to the exceptions set out in the U.K. Companies Act 2006, which are reflected in the Holdco Articles.
Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
The exhibits listed below in the "Exhibit Index" are part of this registration statement and are numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other Items of the applicable form.
The registrant undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (h)(1) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415 (§230.415 of this chapter), will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-1
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.
II-2
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Providence, State of Rhode Island, on November 21, 2014.
Georgia Worldwide PLC | ||||
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|
By: |
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/s/ DECLAN JAMES HARKIN |
Name: Declan James Harkin | ||||
Title: Director |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated, on November 21, 2014.
Signature
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Title
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|
|
|
|
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/s/ ALBERTO FORNARO
Name: Alberto Fornaro |
Director | |||
/s/ DECLAN JAMES HARKIN Name: Declan James Harkin |
|
Director (Authorized Representative in the United States) |
II-3
Exhibit No. | Description of Document | ||
---|---|---|---|
2.1 | * | Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 15, 2014, by and among by and among GTECH S.p.A., a joint stock company organized under the laws of Italy, solely with respect to Section 5.02(a) and Article VIII, GTECH Corporation, a Delaware corporation, Georgia Worldwide PLC (f/k/a Georgia Worldwide Limited), a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales, Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a Nevada corporation and wholly owned by Holdco, and International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation (included as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus forming a part of this registration statement and incorporated herein by reference) | |
|
2.2 |
* |
Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 15, 2014, by and among by and among GTECH S.p.A., a joint stock company organized under the laws of Italy, solely with respect to Section 5.02(a) and Article VIII, GTECH Corporation, a Delaware corporation, Georgia Worldwide PLC (f/k/a Georgia Worldwide Limited), a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales, Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a Nevada corporation and wholly owned by Holdco, and International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation (included as Annex B to the proxy statement/prospectus forming a part of this registration statement and incorporated herein by reference) |
|
3.1 |
|
Form of Articles of Association of Georgia Worldwide PLC (included as Annex I to the proxy statement/prospectus forming a part of this registration statement and incorporated herein by reference) |
|
5.1 |
|
Opinion of Clifford Chance, as to the validity of the securities being registered |
|
8.1 |
|
Opinion of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, as to certain U.S. federal income tax matters |
|
8.2 |
|
Opinion of Ludovici & Partners, as to certain Italian tax matters |
|
8.3 |
** |
Opinion of Jones Day LLP, as to certain U.K. tax matters |
|
8.4 |
** |
Opinion of Allen & Overy LLP, as to certain U.S. federal income tax matters |
|
10.1 |
|
Trust Deed dated May 17, 2006 between GTECH S.p.A. (f/k/a Lottomatica S.p.A.) as Issuer and BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited (f/k/a J.P. Morgan Corporate Trustee Services Limited), as Trustee, with respect to €750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due March 31, 2066 |
|
10.2 |
|
Trust Deed dated December 3, 2009 among GTECH S.p.A. (f/k/a Lottomatica Group S.p.A.) as Issuer; certain subsidiaries of GTECH S.p.A., as Guarantors; and BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited (f/k/a BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited), as Trustee, with respect to €750,000,000 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due December 5, 2016 |
|
10.3 |
|
Trust Deed dated December 2, 2010 among GTECH S.p.A. (f/k/a Lottomatica Group S.p.A.) as Issuer; certain subsidiaries of GTECH S.p.A., as Guarantors; and BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited (f/k/a BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited), as Trustee, with respect to €500,000,000 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due February 2, 2018 |
|
10.4 |
|
Trust Deed dated December 5, 2012 among GTECH S.p.A. (f/k/a Lottomatica Group S.p.A.) as Issuer; certain subsidiaries of GTECH S.p.A., as Guarantors; and BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited, as Trustee, with respect to €500,000,000 3.500% Guaranteed Notes due March 5, 2020 |
II-4
Exhibit No. | Description of Document | ||
---|---|---|---|
10.5 | Commitment Letter dated July 15, 2014, as amended, among Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Credit Suisse AG (acting through its Cayman Islands Branch), Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Citibank N.A., London Branch, and GTECH S.p.A. with respect to approximately US$10,700,000,000 bridge facilities | ||
|
10.6 |
|
Senior Facilities Agreement dated November 4, 2014 for the US$1,500,000,000 and €850,000,000 multicurrency revolving credit facilities among GTECH S.p.A., as GTECH and a Borrower; GTECH Corporation, as a Borrower; J.P. Morgan Limited and MediobancaBanca di Credito Finanziario S.p.A., as the Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers; the entities listed in Part III of Schedule I thereto, as the Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers, the entities listed in Part IV of Schedule I thereto, as the Mandated Lead Arrangers; the entities listed in Part V of Schedule I thereto, as the Arrangers, the financial institutions listed in Part II of Schedule I thereto, as the Original Lenders; The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as the Agent; The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as the Issuing Agent; and the other parties thereto |
|
10.7 |
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The Lotto Concession for the activation and operation of the network for the national lotto game between the Ministry of Finance and Lottomatica S.c.p.A, issued March 17, 1993, expiring June 8, 2016 |
|
10.8 |
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Instant Ticket Concession for the operation of the national instant ticket lottery games between the Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato (now known as Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) and Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l., issued and effective from October 1, 2010, expiring September 30, 2019 |
|
10.9 |
|
Video Lottery Concession for the activation and operation of the network for managing legalized gaming machinesincluding amusement with prize machines "AWP" and (video lottery terminals) "VLT" between Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato (now known as Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) and Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A. issued March 20, 2013 expiring March 19, 2022 |
|
16.1 |
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Letter Regarding Change in Certifying Accountant |
|
23.1 |
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Consent of Reconta Ernst & Young S.p.A. concerning the financial statements of GTECH |
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23.2 |
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Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP concerning the financial statements of International Game Technology |
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23.3 |
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Consent of Clifford Chance (included in Exhibit 5.1) |
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23.4 |
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Consent of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz (included in Exhibit 8.1) |
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23.5 |
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Consent of Ludovici & Partners (included in Exhibit 8.2) |
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23.6 |
** |
Consent of Jones Day LLP (included in Exhibit 8.3) |
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23.7 |
** |
Consent of Allen & Overy LLP (included in Exhibit 8.4) |
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99.1 |
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Form of International Game Technology Proxy Card |
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99.2 |
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Consent of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC |
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99.3 |
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Consent of Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited |
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99.4 |
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Consent of Paget L. Alves |
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99.5 |
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Consent of Paolo Ceretti |
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99.6 |
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Consent of Alberto Dessy |
II-5
Exhibit No. | Description of Document | ||
---|---|---|---|
99.7 | | Consent of Marco Drago | |
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99.8 |
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Consent of Sir Jeremy Hanley |
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99.9 |
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Consent of Patti S. Hart |
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99.10 |
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Consent of James F. McCann |
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99.11 |
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Consent of Lorenzo Pellicioli |
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99.12 |
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Consent of Vincent L. Sadusky |
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99.13 |
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Consent of Marco Sala |
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99.14 |
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Consent of Philip G. Satre |
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99.15 |
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Consent of Gianmario Tondato da Ruos |
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99.16 |
|
Consent of Tracey D. Weber |
II-6
6 November 2014
Dear Sirs
Georgia Worldwide PLC (the "Company")Acquisition of International Game Technology ("IGT ") by GTECH S.p.A. ("GTECH")
We have acted as English legal advisers to the Company, an English public limited company, and the Company's parent, GTECH, an Italian joint stock company, in connection with the mergers of (a) GTECH with the Company; and (b) IGT with a newly incorporated subsidiary of the Company (the " Mergers "), and in connection with the preparation and filing of the draft joint proxy statement/prospectus included in the registration statement on Form F-4 (File No. 333-199096) (such draft registration statement including the documents incorporated by reference therein, the " Registration Statement ") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the " Securities Act "). In connection with the Mergers, it is proposed that the Company will issue up to:
(together, the " Shares ").
In connection with the giving of this Opinion:
1
This Opinion is governed by English law, relates only to English law as applied by the English courts as at today's date and does not extend to the laws of any other jurisdiction. All non-contractual obligations and any other matters arising out of or in connection with this Opinion are governed by English law.
We express no opinion on any taxation matter, and none is implied or may be inferred.
This Opinion is given on the basis of the assumptions set out in Schedule 2 ( Assumptions ) and is subject to the reservations set out in Schedule 3 ( Reservations ). This Opinion is strictly limited to the matters stated in paragraph 2 and does not extend to any other matters.
We are of the opinion that subject to:
the Shares when issued by the Company will be duly issued in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and will be fully paid or credited as fully paid and no further amounts will be payable to the Company in respect of the issue of those shares (subject to the transfer of valid consideration to the Company at least equal to the aggregate nominal value of the Shares for the issue thereof).
2
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to all references to our firm included or made a part of the Registration Statement in respect thereto. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Yours faithfully
Clifford Chance LLP
3
SCHEDULE 1
DOCUMENTS, SEARCHES AND ENQUIRIES
For these purposes "certified" means certified by the company secretary or a director of the Company as a true and complete copy of the relevant original document or a true and complete extract from the relevant original document, as the case may be.
4
There has been and will be prior to the date of allotment of the Shares no alteration in the status or condition of the Company as disclosed by the searches and enquiries referred to in Schedule 1 ( Documents, Searches and Enquiries ) and those searches and enquiries are complete and accurate in all aspects. However, it is our experience that the searches and enquiries referred to in paragraphs 2(a) and 2(b) in Schedule 1 ( Documents, Searches and Enquiries ) may be unreliable. In particular, they are not conclusively capable of disclosing whether or not insolvency proceedings have been commenced in England, nor do they indicate whether or not insolvency proceedings have begun elsewhere.
All acts, conditions or things required to be fulfilled, performed or effected in connection with the Shares under the laws of any jurisdiction other than England have been duly fulfilled, performed and effected.
5
6
[WLRK LETTERHEAD]
November 21, 2014
GTECH S.p.A.
Viale del Campo Boario 56/D
00154 RomaItaly
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Registration Statement on Form F-4 (as amended or supplemented through the date hereof, the " Registration Statement ") of Georgia Worldwide Limited, a public limited company organized under the Laws of England and Wales (" Holdco "), including the joint proxy statement/prospectus forming a part thereof, relating to the proposed merger of GTECH S.p.A., a joint stock company organized under the Laws of Italy, with and into Holdco, and the proposed merger of Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a Nevada corporation that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco, with and into International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation.
We have participated in the preparation of the discussion set forth in the sections entitled "MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONSThe Holdco Merger," "Section 7874," "Ownership of Holdco Ordinary Shares" and "Special Voting Shares" in the Registration Statement. In our opinion, such discussion, insofar as it summarizes United States federal income tax law, and subject to the qualifications, exceptions, assumptions and limitations described in the Registration Statement, is accurate in all material respects.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and to the references therein to us. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Very truly yours, | ||
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Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz |
[Letterhead of Ludovici & Partners]
Milan, 5 November 2014
Georgia
Worldwide Plc
11 Old Jewry, 6th Floor
London EC2R 8DU
United Kingdom
GTECH S.p.A.
Viale del Campo Boario 56/D
00154 Roma
Italy
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Reference is made to the Registration Statement on Form F-4 (as amended or supplemented through the date hereof, the " Registration Statement ") of Georgia Worldwide Plc, a company incorporated under the Laws of England and Wales, relating to the proposed business combination among Georgia Worldwide Plc, GTECH S.p.A., a joint stock company organized under the Laws of Italy, and International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation.
We have participated in the preparation of the discussion set forth in the sections entitled "Material Italian Tax Considerations" and "Risk Factors", to the extent Italian tax law is concerned, in the Registration Statement. We confirm that the descriptions pertaining to Italian tax matters given in these sections are our opinion, and, subject to the qualifications, exceptions, assumptions and limitations described therein, are accurate in all material respects and fairly reflect Italian law as in force as of the date hereof.
We express no opinion as to, and have not made any investigation of, the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of Italy.
We hereby consent to the use of our name under the caption "Material Italian Tax Considerations" in the Registration Statement and the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references therein to us. In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours. /s/ PAOLO LUDOVICI Paolo Ludovici Ludovici & Partners |
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Exhibit 10.1
CONFORMED COPY
Dated May 17, 2006
LOTTOMATICA S.p.A.
(the
Issuer
)
and
J.P. MORGAN CORPORATE TRUSTEE SERVICES LIMITED
(the
Trustee
)
TRUST DEED
constituting
750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066
CONTENTS
Clause |
|
Page |
|
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|
|
|
1. |
Definitions and Interpretation |
|
1 |
2. |
Covenant to Pay |
|
5 |
3. |
Form and Issue of the Securities and Further Issues |
|
7 |
4. |
Stamp Duties and Taxes |
|
9 |
5. |
Covenant of Compliance |
|
9 |
6. |
Amounts due to the Trustee |
|
9 |
7. |
Proceedings, Action and Indemnification |
|
9 |
8. |
Application of Moneys received by the Trustee |
|
10 |
9. |
Partial Payments |
|
11 |
10. |
Covenants by the Issuer |
|
11 |
11. |
Remuneration and Indemnification of Trustee |
|
16 |
12. |
Supplement to the Trustee Acts |
|
17 |
13. |
Trustees Liability |
|
22 |
14. |
Trustee Entering into Contracts |
|
22 |
15. |
Waiver and Modification |
|
22 |
16. |
Currency Indemnity |
|
23 |
17. |
Appointment, Retirement and Removal of the Trustee |
|
24 |
18. |
Securityholders Representative |
|
25 |
19. |
Intercreditor Agreement |
|
25 |
20. |
Notes Held in Clearing Systems |
|
26 |
21. |
Notices |
|
26 |
22. |
Governing Law and Submission to Jurisdiction |
|
26 |
23. |
Counterparts |
|
27 |
SCHEDULE 1 Forms of Global Certificates |
|
28 |
|
SCHEDULE 2 Form of Definitive Certificate |
|
41 |
|
SCHEDULE 3 Terms and Conditions |
|
46 |
|
SCHEDULE 4 Provisions for Meetings of Securityholders |
|
76 |
|
SCHEDULE 5 Form of Officers Certificate |
|
85 |
|
SCHEDULE 6 Form of Officers Certificate relating to Mandatory Deferral Event |
|
86 |
|
SIGNATORIES |
|
87 |
THIS TRUST DEED is made on May 17, 2006 BETWEEN :
(1) LOTTOMATICA S.p.A. a company incorporated as a joint stock company in Italy whose registered office is at Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00153 Rome, Italy (the Issuer ); and
(2) J.P. MORGAN CORPORATE TRUSTEE SERVICES LIMITED acting through its registered office at Trinity Tower, 9 Thomas More Street, London E1W 1YT as trustee for the Securityholders (in such capacity, the Trustee , which expression shall, wherever the context so admits, include such company and all other persons or companies for the time being the Trustee or Trustees under this Trust Deed).
WHEREAS:
(A) By a resolution of the board of directors of the Issuer passed on April 27, 2006, the Issuer has resolved to issue 750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066, such Securities to be constituted in the manner hereinafter appearing.
(B) The Trustee has agreed to act as trustee of this Trust Deed upon and subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter contained.
NOW THIS TRUST DEED WITNESSES AND IT IS HEREBY AGREED AND DECLARED as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions
Terms defined in the Conditions shall, unless otherwise defined herein or the context requires otherwise, bear the same meanings herein (including in the recitals hereto).
In addition, in this Trust Deed:
Agents means the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent, any other Paying and Transfer Agent, the Registrar and the Agent Bank;
Appointee means any delegate, agent, attorney, manager, nominee or custodian appointed by the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of this Trust Deed;
Auditors means the auditors for the time being of the Issuer or, if they are unable or unwilling to carry out any action requested of them under this Trust Deed, such other firm of accountants as may be nominated by the Issuer and approved in writing by the Trustee for the purpose, or failing such nomination, as selected by the Trustee for the purpose;
Capital Securities Liabilities has the meaning given to it in the Intercreditor Agreement;
Clearstream, Luxembourg means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ;
Conditions means the terms and conditions in the form set out in Schedule 3 hereto, as the same may from time to time be modified in accordance with this Trust Deed and any reference in this Trust Deed to a particular specified Condition shall be construed accordingly;
Definitive Certificate means a registered certificate issued in the name of the holder of one or more Securities, being in or substantially in the form set out in Schedule 2;
Euroclear means Euroclear Bank, S.A./N.V.;
Extraordinary Resolution has the meaning given to it in Schedule 4;
Global Certificates means the Restricted Global Certificate and the Unrestricted Global Certificate;
Insolvency Event means (i) the commencement of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up due to corporate action or an administrative and/or court order, or (ii) the occurrence of any Insolvency Proceedings (as defined in the Conditions), subject to applicable bankruptcy law;
Issue Date means May 17, 2006;
Liabilities means, in respect of any person, any losses, damages, costs, charges, awards, claims, demands, expenses, judgments, decrees, actions, proceedings or other liabilities whatsoever including legal fees and any taxes and penalties incurred by that person, including any value added tax or similar tax charged or chargeable in respect thereof and legal fees and expenses on a full indemnity basis;
Obligors has the meaning given to it in the Intercreditor Agreement;
Officers Certificate has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
outstanding means, in relation to the Securities, all of the Securities issued other than:
(a) those Securities which have been redeemed or purchased and cancelled pursuant to Condition 6 or otherwise pursuant to this Trust Deed;
(b) those Securities in respect of which the date for redemption in full in accordance with the Conditions has occurred and the redemption moneys for which (including all Scheduled Interest Amounts, Optionally Deferred Interest and Equity Funded Deferred Interest payable thereon) have been duly paid to the Trustee or to the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent in the manner provided in the Paying Agency Agreement (and, where appropriate, notice to that effect has been given to the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15) and remain available for payment against presentation of the relevant Securities;
(c) those Securities which have become void pursuant to Condition 10;
(d) those mutilated or defaced Securities which have been surrendered and cancelled and in respect of which replacements have been issued pursuant to Condition 11;
(e) (for the purpose only of ascertaining the principal amount outstanding of the Securities and without prejudice to the status for any other purpose of the relevant Securities) those Securities which are alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed and in respect of which replacements have been issued pursuant to Condition 11; and
(f) the Global Certificates to the extent that they shall have been exchanged for Definitive Certificates pursuant to the provisions contained therein,
PROVIDED THAT for each of the following purposes, namely:
(i) for ascertaining the right to attend and vote at any meeting of the Securityholders or any of them and any direction or request by the Securityholders;
(ii) the determination of how many and which Securities are for the time being outstanding for the purposes of Conditions 9 and 12 and Schedule 4; and
(iii) the exercise of any discretion, power or authority contained in this Trust Deed which the Trustee is required, expressly or impliedly, to exercise in or by reference to the interests of any of the Securityholders,
those Securities (if any) which are for the time being held by (1) the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries or (2) any person for the benefit of the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries shall (unless and until no longer so held), be deemed not to remain outstanding;
Paying Agency Agreement means the agreement appointing the initial Paying and Transfer Agents, Registrar and Agent Bank and any other agreement for the time being in force appointing successor paying and transfer agents, or a successor registrar or agent bank together with any agreement for the time being in force amending or modifying with the prior written approval of the Trustee any of the aforesaid agreements;
powers in relation to the Trustee and any Appointee appointed by it under this Trust Deed means their respective powers, authorities and discretions under this Trust Deed or the general law;
Refinanced Senior Liabilities has the meaning given to it in the Intercreditor Agreement;
Relevant Documents means this Trust Deed, the Paying Agency Agreement, the Intercreditor Agreement and any other document which is designated as such by the Issuer and the Trustee from time to time;
Restricted Global Certificate means the registered global certificate representing the Securities sold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, in or substantially in the form set out in Schedule 1, Part 2;
Rule 144A Legend means the transfer restriction legend set out on the Restricted Global Certificate and any Definitive Certificate issued in respect thereof;
Securities means the securities in registered form comprising the said 750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066 of the Issuer hereby constituted or the principal amount thereof for the time being outstanding or, as the context may require, a specific number thereof;
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended;
Senior Agent means Bank of America, N.A. as agent for the Senior Creditors under the Intercreditor Agreement;
Senior Creditors has the meaning given to it in the Intercreditor Agreement;
Senior Discharge Date has the meaning given to it in the Intercreditor Agreement;
Senior Liabilities has the meaning given to it in the Intercreditor Agreement;
Senior Notes means the 360,000,000 4.80% Senior Notes due 2008 issued by the Issuer;
tax shall be construed so as to include any present or future tax, levy, impost, duty, charge, fee, deduction or withholding of any nature whatsoever (including any penalty or interest payable in connection with any failure to pay or any delay in paying any of the same) imposed or levied by or on behalf of a tax authority and taxes, taxation and taxable and comparable expressions shall be construed accordingly;
this Trust Deed means this Trust Deed and the Schedules and any trust deed supplemental hereto and the Schedules (if any) thereto, the Securities and the Conditions, all as from time to time modified in accordance with the provisions herein or therein contained;
Trust Corporation means a trust corporation (as defined in the Law of Property Act 1925) or a corporation entitled to act as a trustee pursuant to applicable foreign legislation relating to trustees;
Trustee Acts means the Trustee Act 1925 and the Trustee Act 2000; and
Unrestricted Global Certificate means the registered global certificate representing the Securities sold pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act, in or substantially in the form set out in Schedule 1, Part 1.
1.2 Interpretation
References to:
(a) principal in respect of the Securities shall be deemed also to include a reference to any premium which may be payable in respect of the Securities, and references to principal and/or interest in respect of the Securities shall be deemed also to include references to any Additional Amounts which may be payable under Condition 8;
(b) interest in respect of the Securities shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be deemed also to include a reference to Optionally Deferred Interest and Equity Funded Deferred Interest;
(c) Liabilities or remuneration shall include any amount in respect of any withholding, value added, turnover or similar tax charged in respect thereof;
(d) or euros are references to the lawful single currency for the time being of the European Union;
(e) any action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings for the enforcement of rights of creditors shall include, in respect of any jurisdiction other than England and Wales, references to such action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings for the enforcement of rights of creditors available or appropriate in such jurisdiction as shall most nearly approximate thereto and any other similar, analogous or corresponding event under the insolvency laws of any applicable jurisdiction;
(f) words denoting the singular number only shall include the plural number also and vice versa ;
(g) words denoting one gender only shall include the other gender;
(h) words denoting persons only shall include firms and corporations and vice versa ;
(i) Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall, wherever the context so admits, be deemed to include references to any additional or alternative clearing system approved by the Issuer and the Trustee;
(j) any provision of any statute shall be deemed also to refer to any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof or any statutory instrument, order or regulation made thereunder or under such modification or re-enactment; and
(k) approval not to be unreasonably withheld or like references mean, in relation to the Trustee, that, in determining whether to give such approval, the Trustee shall have regard to the interests of the Securityholders only and any determination as to whether or not its approval is unreasonably withheld shall be made on that basis.
1.3 Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
Unless otherwise provided herein, a person who is not a party to this Trust Deed has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Trust Deed. The parties to this Trust Deed shall have the right to amend, vary or rescind any provisions of this Trust Deed without the consent of any such third party.
1.4 Headings
Headings shall be ignored in construing this Trust Deed.
1.5 Schedules
The Schedules are part of this Trust Deed and shall have effect accordingly.
1.6 Enforceability
If at any time any provision of this Trust Deed is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the law of any jurisdiction, neither the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Trust Deed nor the legality, invalidity or enforceability of such provision under the law of any other jurisdiction shall in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
2. COVENANT TO PAY
2.1 Amount of Securities
The initial aggregate principal amount of the Securities is 750,000,000.
2.2 Covenant to Pay
The Issuer covenants with the Trustee that it will, in accordance with this Trust Deed, on the due date for the final maturity of the Securities provided for in the Conditions or on such earlier date as the same or any part thereof may become due and repayable thereunder, pay or procure to be paid unconditionally to or to the order of the Trustee in euros in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System in immediately available funds, the principal amount of the Securities repayable on that date and shall in the meantime and until such date (both before and after any judgment or other order of a court of competent jurisdiction) pay or procure to be paid unconditionally to or to the order of the Trustee as aforesaid interest (which shall accrue from day to day) on the principal amount outstanding of the Securities at the rates specified in, or calculated from time to time in accordance with, the Conditions and when payable in accordance with the Conditions, provided that :
(a) every payment of principal or interest in respect of the Securities or any of them made to or to the account of the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent in the manner provided in the Paying Agency Agreement shall satisfy, to the extent of such payment, the relevant covenant by the Issuer contained in this Clause except to the extent that there is default in the subsequent payment thereof in accordance with the Conditions to the Securityholders;
(b) if any payment of principal or interest in respect of the Securities or any of them is made after the date on which such amount is payable in accordance with the Conditions, payment shall be deemed not to have been made until either the full amount is paid to the Securityholders or, if earlier, the seventh day after notice has been given to the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 that the full amount has been received by the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent or the Trustee except, in the case of payment to the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent, to the extent that there is default in the subsequent payment thereof in accordance with the Conditions to the Securityholders; and
(c) in any case where payment of the whole or any part of the principal amount of any Security is improperly withheld or refused upon due presentation thereof, interest shall continue to accrue on the whole or such part of such principal amount at the rates aforesaid or, if higher, the rate of interest on judgment debts for the time being provided by English law subject, in each case to the maximum rate permitted by applicable Italian law from (and including) the date of such withholding or refusal up to (and including) the date either on which the full amount (including interest as aforesaid) is paid to the Securityholders or, if earlier, the seventh day after notice has been given to the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 that the full amount (including interest as aforesaid) payable in respect of such Security is available for payment, provided that, upon further presentation thereof being duly made, such payment is in fact made.
The Trustee will hold the benefit of this covenant on trust for the Securityholders in accordance with this Trust Deed.
2.3 Settlement of Equity Funded Deferred Interest
(a) The Issuer covenants with the Trustee that, so long as any Equity Funded Deferred Interest has arisen and remains unpaid, it will:
(i) to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to Condition 5.3, promptly fund the full settlement in cash of such Equity Funded Deferred Interest using the proceeds raised from the issue, offer and sale or contribution of Authorised Equity (as defined in the Conditions) in accordance with the provisions of Condition 5.2; and
(ii) pay or procure to be paid such proceeds (less any expenses relating thereto) unconditionally to or to the order of the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent in euros in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System in immediately available funds as soon as practicable, but in any event within twenty business days following the settlement of the relevant issue, offer and sale or contribution of Authorised Equity. Notice of such payment shall be given to the Trustee and the Principal Paying Agent and the Securityholders (in accordance with Condition 15) five business days prior to the date on which such payment is made.
(b) The Trustee will hold the benefit of this covenant on trust for the Securityholders in accordance with this Trust Deed.
(c) Any amounts received by the Trustee pursuant to this Clause 2.3 shall forthwith be paid by it to the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent for payment to the Securityholders in the manner provided in the Paying and Transfer Agency Agreement.
2.4 Subordination
(a) Subordination of Securityholders: Upon the occurrence of any Insolvency Event in relation to the Issuer, the rights and claims of the Securityholders against the Issuer under this Trust Deed and in relation to the Securities are subordinated to the extent set out in Condition 2 ( Status ).
(b) Additional Limitations: If upon or following the occurrence of any Insolvency Event save to the extent prohibited by applicable law and subject to Clause 15.6 of the Intercreditor Agreement, in relation to the Issuer and at any time prior to the Senior Discharge Date, the Trustee receives any distribution in cash or in kind in respect of the Capital Securities Liabilities, the Trustee shall notify the Senior Agent and hold such amount in a separate account on trust for the Senior Agent and promptly pay such amount to the Senior Agent (after deducting from such amount any amount owing to the Trustee pursuant to Clause 11). Thereupon, such payment or distributions shall be deemed not to have been made or received by the Trustee.
2.5 Discharge
Subject to Clause 2.6, any payment to be made in respect of the Securities by the Issuer or the Trustee may be made as provided in the Conditions and any payment so made will (subject to Clause 2.6), to such extent, be a good discharge to the Issuer or the Trustee, as the case may be.
2.6 Following certain Enforcement Events
Upon the occurrence of an Enforcement Event, the Trustee may:
(a) by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Agents require the Agents, until notified by the Trustee to the contrary, so far as permitted by applicable law:
(i) to act thereafter as Agents of the Trustee under this Trust Deed and the Securities on the terms of the Paying Agency Agreement (with consequential amendments as necessary save that the Trustees liability for the indemnification, remuneration and all other out-of-pocket expenses of the Agents shall be limited to the amounts for the time being held by the Trustee in respect of the Securities on the trusts of this Trust Deed and available for such purpose) and thereafter to hold all Securities and all sums, documents and records held by them in respect of Securities on behalf of the Trustee; and/or
(ii) to deliver up all Securities and all sums, documents and records held by them in respect of Securities to the Trustee or as the Trustee shall direct in such notice provided that such notice shall be deemed not to apply to any documents or records which the relevant Agent is obliged not to release by any law or regulation; and
(b) by notice in writing to the Issuer require it to make all subsequent payments in respect of the Securities to or to the order of the Trustee and not to the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent; with effect from the issue of any such notice to the Issuer and until such notice is withdrawn proviso (a) to Clauses 2.2 and (so far as it concerns payments by the Issuer) Clause 2.5 shall cease to have effect.
2.7 Calculation of Rate of Interest
References in proviso (b) to Clause 2.2 to the rates aforesaid shall, in respect of any Securities bearing interest at a floating rate, in the event of such Securities having become due and repayable, with effect from the expiry of the Interest Period during which such Securities become due and repayable, be construed as references to the rates of interest calculated mutatis mutandis in accordance with the Conditions and notices thereof shall be published in accordance with the Conditions unless the Trustee otherwise agrees.
3. FORM AND ISSUE OF THE SECURITIES AND FURTHER ISSUES
3.1 Form and Denomination
The Securities are issued in registered form in an initial aggregate principal amount of 750,000,000, each with a minimum denomination of 50,000 and integral multiples of 1,000 above such amount.
3.2 The Global Certificates
(a) On issue of the Securities, the Unrestricted Global Certificate and the Restricted Global Certificate will be issued representing the aggregate principal amount of the Securities and the Issuer shall procure that the appropriate entries be made in the register of Securityholders by the Registrar to reflect the issue of such Securities.
(b) The Unrestricted Global Certificate and the Restricted Global Certificate will be issued in the name of a nominee for a common depositary for Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg. The Securities represented by the Global Certificates shall be subject to their terms in all respects and entitled to the same benefits under this Trust Deed as individual Securities represented by Definitive Certificates.
(c) Interests in the Global Certificates shall be exchangeable for Definitive Certificates as set out in the Global Certificates.
(d) The Unrestricted Global Certificate and the Restricted Global Certificate shall be in or substantially in the forms set out in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 1 respectively, and the Restricted Global Certificate shall bear the Rule 144A Legend.
3.3 Definitive Certificates
(a) The Global Certificates are exchangeable for Definitive Certificates in the limited circumstances set out therein. The Definitive Certificates may be printed or typed and need not be security printed unless otherwise required by applicable stock exchange requirements. The Definitive Certificates will be endorsed with the Conditions.
(b) The Definitive Certificates, if issued, shall be in or substantially in the form set out in Schedule 2.
3.4 Signature
The Global Certificates and Definitive Certificates (if issued) will be signed manually or in facsimile by a director of the Issuer duly authorised for the purpose and will be authenticated manually by or on behalf of the Registrar. The Issuer may use the facsimile signature of any person who at the date of this Trust Deed is an authorised director of the Issuer even if at the time of issue of any Security (including the Global Certificates) he no longer holds such office or is so authorised. Securities (including the Global Certificates) so executed and authenticated will be valid evidence of binding and valid obligations of the Issuer.
3.5 Entitlement to treat Holder as Owner
The Issuer, the Trustee and any Agent may deem and treat the registered holder of any Security as the absolute owner of such Security for all purposes, free of any equity, set-off or counterclaim on the part of the Issuer against the original or any intermediate holder of such Security (whether or not it is overdue and regardless of any notice of ownership, trust or any interest in it or any writing on, or the theft or loss of, the related Certificate issued in respect of it (other than a duly executed transfer thereof)) for all purposes and, except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by applicable law, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Agents shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary. All payments made to any such holder shall be valid and, to the extent of the sums so paid, effective to satisfy and discharge the liability for the moneys payable on the Securities.
3.6 Further Issues
(a) The Issuer may from time to time without the consent of the Securityholders create and issue further securities having the same terms and conditions as the Securities in all respects (or in all respects except for the first payment of interest on them) and so that such further issue shall be consolidated and form a single series with, and have the same International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) and common code number as, the Securities.
(b) Any further securities forming a single series with the Securities shall be constituted by a deed supplemental to the Trust Deed. The Issuer shall prior to the issue of any further securities to be so constituted execute and deliver to the Trustee a deed supplemental to this Trust Deed (if applicable duly stamped) and containing covenants by the Issuer in the form mutatis mutandis of Clause 2 in relation to the principal amount and interest in respect of such further securities and such other provisions (corresponding to any of the provisions contained in this Trust Deed) as the Trustee shall require and effecting other modifications to this Trust Deed as the Trustee shall require in order to reflect the issue of such further securities.
(c) A memorandum of every such supplemental deed shall be endorsed by the Trustee on this Trust Deed and by the Issuer on the duplicate(s) of this Trust Deed.
(d) Whenever it is proposed to create and issue any further securities, the Issuer shall give to the Trustee not less than 14 days notice in writing of its intention so to do, stating the amount of the further securities proposed to be created and issued.
4. STAMP DUTIES AND TAXES
4.1 Stamp Duties
The Issuer will pay any stamp, issue, registration, documentary and other similar duties and taxes, including interest and penalties, payable on or in connection with (i) the execution and delivery of this Trust Deed and (ii) the constitution, issue and offering of the Securities. The Issuer will also pay (or, if the same are required to be paid in the Republic of Italy by the Trustee, the Issuer shall pay the necessary amount to the Trustee to enable the Trustee to pay) all stamp, issue, registration, documentary or other similar duties and taxes payable in any jurisdiction in relation to which the liability to pay arises directly as a result of any action taken by or on behalf of the Trustee or, as the case may be, (where entitled under Condition 9 to do so, and subject to Clause 2.4) the Securityholders to enforce the obligations of the Issuer under this Trust Deed or the Securities.
4.2 Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction
If the Issuer shall become subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of any country or any political subdivision thereof or therein that has the power to tax (each an Additional Taxing Jurisdiction ) other than or in addition to a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction , it shall immediately notify the Trustee upon becoming aware thereof and (if the Trustee so requires) shall enter into a trust deed supplemental hereto, giving to the Trustee an undertaking or covenant in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee in terms corresponding to the terms of Condition 8 in respect of such Additional Taxing Jurisdiction. Condition 8 shall be deemed to apply as if references in such provision to Taxes included taxes imposed by way of withholding or deduction by any such Additional Taxing Jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof or therein).
5. COVENANT OF COMPLIANCE
The Issuer hereby covenants with the Trustee that it will comply with and perform and observe all the provisions of this Trust Deed which are expressed to be binding on it. The Conditions shall be binding on the Issuer and the Securityholders. The Trustee shall be entitled to enforce the obligations of the Issuer under the Securities and the Conditions as if the same were set out and contained in this Trust Deed which shall be read and construed as one document therewith. The provisions contained in Schedule 3 shall have effect in the same manner as if herein set forth.
6. AMOUNTS DUE TO THE TRUSTEE
In respect of amounts due to the Trustee in its personal capacity under this Trust Deed (including all amounts due pursuant to Clause 11), the Trustee may at any time, at its discretion and without notice, take such proceedings and/or other steps as it may think fit against or in relation to the Issuer to obtain payment of the amounts due.
7. PROCEEDINGS, ACTION AND INDEMNIFICATION
7.1 Proof of Default
Should the Trustee take legal proceedings against the Issuer to enforce any of the provisions of the Securities or this Trust Deed, proof therein that as regards any specified Security the Issuer has made default in paying any principal or interest payable in respect of such Security shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that the Issuer has made the like default as regards all other Securities which are then payable.
7.2 Securityholders directions or requests
Subject to mandatory provisions of applicable law and the Intercreditor Agreement, upon the occurrence of an Enforcement Event or upon the breach by the Issuer of any of its obligations under this Trust Deed (other than any of its obligation set out in the Conditions), the Trustee may at any time, at its discretion and without further notice, institute such proceedings or take such other action against the Issuer as permitted by Condition 9 to recover any amounts due in respect of the Securities or to enforce any of its obligations under this Trust Deed or the Conditions, but the Trustee shall not be bound to take any such action or proceedings or any other action under this Trust Deed unless:
(a) instructed to do so by Securityholders holding not less than 25 per cent. in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities; or
(b) so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution,
subject in each case to it being indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction against all actions, proceedings, claims and demands to which it may thereby render itself liable and all Liabilities which it may incur by so doing.
7.3 Enforcement by Trustee only
In accordance with Condition 9.7, no Securityholder shall, subject to mandatory provisions of applicable law (including, without limitation, Article 2419 of the Italian Civil Code), be entitled to proceed directly against the Issuer unless the Trustee, having become bound as aforesaid so to proceed, fails to do so within a reasonable period and such failure is continuing.
7.4 Notification to the Trustee
The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing immediately upon becoming aware of any action or proceedings to enforce the terms of this Trust Deed and/or the Securities being taken directly against the Issuer by any Securityholder or Securityholders.
8. APPLICATION OF MONEYS RECEIVED BY THE TRUSTEE
8.1 Declaration of Trust
All moneys received by the Trustee in respect of the Securities or amounts payable under this Trust Deed will be held by the Trustee (subject to the provisions of Clause 8.2 and Clause 8.3) on trust to apply them:
(a) first, in payment of all Liabilities properly incurred by the Trustee or any Appointee (including all amounts payable to it pursuant to Clause 11) in carrying out its functions under this Trust Deed;
(b) secondly, subject to the provisions of Clause 2.4, in payment of any amounts owing in respect of the Securities pari passu and rateably; and
(c) thirdly, in payment of the balance (if any) to the Issuer for itself.
Without prejudice to this Clause 8.1, if the Trustee holds any moneys which represent principal or interest or other sums in respect of Securities which have become void or in respect of which claims have become prescribed under Condition 9, the Trustee will hold such moneys upon the above trusts.
8.2 Suspense Accounts
Any amount received or recovered by the Trustee (otherwise than as a result of a payment by the Issuer to the Trustee in accordance with Clause 2) in respect of any sum payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed or the Securities may be placed in a suspense account and kept there for so long as the Trustee thinks fit.
8.3 Accumulation
If the amount of the moneys at any time available for payment in respect of the Securities under Clause 8.1 is less than 10 per cent. of the principal amount of the Securities then outstanding, the Trustee may, at its discretion, invest such moneys. The Trustee may retain such investments and accumulate the resulting income until the investments and the accumulations, together with any other funds for the time being under the control of the Trustee and available for such payment, amount to at least 10 per cent. of the principal amount of the Securities then outstanding. The accumulated investments (after deduction of, or provision for, any applicable taxes) will be applied as specified in Clause 8.1. All interest and other income deriving from such investments shall be applied first in payment or satisfaction of all amounts then due and unpaid under Clause 11 to the Trustee and/or any Appointee and otherwise held for the benefit of and paid to the Securityholders.
8.4 Investment
Any moneys held by the Trustee may be invested in the name or under the control of the Trustee in any investments or other assets in any part of the world whether or not they produce income or by placing the same on deposit in the name or under the control of the Trustee at such bank or other financial institution and in such currency as the Trustee may, in its absolute discretion, think fit. If that bank or institution is the Trustee or a subsidiary, holding or associated company of the Trustee, it shall not be liable to account for interest at a rate greater than that payable by it to an independent customer on a deposit of the type made. The Trustee may at any time vary any such investments for or into other investments or convert any moneys so deposited into any other currency and shall not be responsible for any resulting loss, whether due to depreciation in value, fluctuation in exchange rates or otherwise.
9. PARTIAL PAYMENTS
Upon any payment under Clause 2.2 or Clause 2.3 (other than (a) a payment which is made in full or (b) a payment which is made in full except to the extent of any withholding or deduction made therefrom for or on account of Taxes or duties as permitted by the Conditions against surrender of a Security), the Security in respect of which such payment is made shall be produced to the Trustee or the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent and the Trustee shall or shall cause the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent to enface thereon a memorandum of the amount paid and the date of such payment, but the Trustee may dispense with such production and enfacement upon such indemnity being given as it shall think sufficient.
10. COVENANTS BY THE ISSUER
So long as any of the Securities remains outstanding the Issuer shall:
(a) Conduct: at all times carry on and conduct its affairs, and procure that its subsidiaries carry on and conduct their respective affairs, in a proper manner in accordance with good business practice;
(b) Information: so far as permitted by applicable law, give to the Trustee such information, opinions, certificates and other evidence as it shall require and in such form as it shall require (including, without limitation, the certificates called for by the Trustee pursuant to Clause 10(e)) for the performance of its functions;
(c) Books of Account: at all times keep, and procure that each of its subsidiaries keeps, proper books of account and, after an Enforcement Event has occurred and at any other time upon reasonable notice being given to the Issuer, allow the Trustee and any person appointed by it to whom the Issuer and/or the relevant subsidiary has no reasonable objection, access to all books of record and account and other relevant records of the Issuer and/or the relevant subsidiary, respectively, at all reasonable times during normal business hours;
(d) Notice of Events: give notice in writing to the Trustee immediately upon becoming aware of the occurrence of any Enforcement Event or any breach of any of the provisions of this Trust Deed or any Change of Control Event or any Mandatory Redemption Event, and without waiting for the Trustee to take any further action;
(e) Officers Certificate: send to the Trustee, within ten business days of any request by the Trustee and (without the need for any request) at the time of the despatch to the Trustee of its year end consolidated financial statements as provided for in Clause 10(f) below, and in any event not later than 30 days after its year end consolidated financial statements are approved by its shareholders, an Officers Certificate (in the form or substantially in the form set out in Schedule 5) certifying that up to a specified date being not more than five days before the date of such certificate (the Certification Date ), the Issuer and each subsidiary, as applicable, has complied with all the provisions relating to it as specified under this Trust Deed and/or the Conditions (or, if such is not the case, giving details of the circumstances of such non-compliance) and that as at such date there did not exist nor had there existed at any time prior thereto since the Certification Date of the last such certificate (or, in the case of the first such certificate, the date of this Trust Deed), any Enforcement Event or other matter which would affect the Issuers ability to perform its obligations hereunder (or, if such is not the case, specifying the same);
(f) Financial Statements etc.: send to the Trustee in the English language (i) as soon as the same become available and in any event no later than 30 days following the approval of the year end consolidated financial statements of the Issuer by its shareholders, two copies of its consolidated financial statements for such year, approved by its shareholders and audited by an internationally recognised firm of independent auditors and (ii) as soon as the same become available and in any event no later than 30 days following the approval of the semi-annual interim consolidated financial statements of the Issuer by its board of directors, two copies of its consolidated financial statements for such six-month period, approved by its board of directors and subject to a limited review by an internationally recognised firm of independent auditors, together with (iii) two copies in English of every report or other notice, statement or circular issued, or that legally or contractually should be issued, to the members or creditors (or any class of them) of the Issuer generally in their capacity as such at the time of the actual (or legally or contractually required) publication or issue thereof, and procure that the same are made available for inspection by Securityholders at the specified offices of the Paying and Transfer Agents as soon as practicable thereafter;
(g) Further Acts: insofar as is permitted by applicable law, at all times execute and/or do all such further documents, acts and things as may be necessary in the opinion of the Trustee to give effect to this Trust Deed;
(h) Maintenance of Agents: at all times maintain a Registrar, a Principal Paying and Transfer Agent, an Agent Bank and Paying and Transfer Agents in accordance with the Conditions;
(i) Change of Agents: give, or procure that there be given, notice to the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 of any appointment, resignation or removal of any Agent (other than the appointment of the initial Agents) or change of any Agents specified office and not make any such appointment or removal without the written approval of the Trustee;
(j) Obligations of Agents: observe and comply with its obligations and use all reasonable endeavours to procure that the Agents observe and comply with their obligations under the Paying Agency Agreement and notify the Trustee immediately it becomes aware of any material breach of such obligations, or failure by a Paying and Transfer Agent to comply with such obligations, in relation to the Securities;
(k) Notification of Late Payment: procure the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent to notify the Trustee forthwith in the event that it does not, on or before the date any amount becomes payable in respect of the Securities or any of them, receive unconditionally pursuant to the Paying Agency Agreement payment of a sufficient amount in euros to discharge the amount of moneys payable in respect thereof on such date;
(l) Notification of Unconditional Payment: in the event of the unconditional payment to the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent of any amount payable in respect of the Securities or any of them being made after the date for payment thereof in accordance with the Conditions forthwith give or procure to be given notice to the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15, that such payment has been made;
(m) Notices relating to Optional Deferral: give or procure to be given: (i) in the event it elects to optionally defer payment of any Scheduled Interest Amounts pursuant to Condition 4.1, an Optional Deferral Notice (as defined in Condition 4.1) to the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate) and to the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent, the Registrar and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15, not less than ten business days prior to an Interest Payment Date; (ii) while any Optionally Deferred Interest remains outstanding, notice to the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate) and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the occurrence of any of the events specified in Condition 4.1(b); (iii) at least seven business days notice to the Trustee, the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent, the Registrar and the Securityholders of its intention to pay any Optionally Deferred Interest in cash pursuant to Condition 4.1(b), specifying the date of such payment; and (iv) in the event that any Optionally Deferred Interest becomes Old Optionally Deferred Interest in accordance with Condition 4.1, notice to the Trustee and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 no later than seven business days thereafter;
(n) Notices relating to Mandatory Deferral: give or procure to be given not less than five business days prior to any Interest Payment Date, notice of the occurrence of any Mandatory Deferral Event as of the relevant Test Date, and the amount of any available cash proceeds which may be used as provided in Condition 4.2 to pay any Scheduled Interest Amount payable on the following Interest Payment Date to the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate in the form or substantially in the form set out in Schedule 6) and to the Agent Bank, the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent, the Registrar and Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15; or, if no Mandatory Deferral Event occurred as of the relevant Test Date, notice to the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate in the form or substantially in the form set out in Schedule 6) certifying that no Mandatory Deferral Event occurred as of the relevant Test Date, and setting out the details of the relevant Coverage Ratio and, if so requested by the Trustee, the amount of any Capital Expenditure, EBITDA, ESOP Cashflow, Interest Expense or Taxes Paid;
(o) Notices relating to Equity Funding of Deferred Interest: in the event that any unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest is to be settled by way of the issue, offer or sale of ordinary shares (pursuant to the provisions of Condition 5.2), give or procure to be given notice to the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate) and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15:
(i) if the Issuer does not have a sufficient amount of authorised ordinary shares available for issue, (x) notice that all or part, as the case may be, of the relevant Equity Funded Deferred Interest cannot be settled for such reason, and (y) promptly following approval and adoption by the shareholders of the Issuer of any resolution relating to the authorisation for issuance of a sufficient amount of ordinary shares to settle such unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest, notice of such approval and adoption; or
(ii) in the event of the issue, offer and sale or contribution of Authorised Equity and the payment of the proceeds thereof to the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of Condition 5.2, the amount of such proceeds and the relevant Equity Funded Deferred Interest Settlement Date in respect thereof;
(p) Notices relating to Equity Funded Deferred Interest: in the event that any Equity Funded Deferred Interest remains unpaid, (i) give or procure to be given to the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate) notice of the occurrence of any of the events specified in Conditions 4.3 and 5.4; (ii) give or procure to be given to the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate) and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15, as soon as practicable after becoming aware thereof, of the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event; and, following the termination or cessation of such Market Disruption Event, notice of such termination or cessation; and (iii) every month following the date on which such Equity Funded Deferred Interest first arose, until the date on which such unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest is settled in full, give or procure to be given to the Trustee information on the best endeavours being undertaken by the Issuer to fund such unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest;
(q) Notice relating to Mandatory Redemption: give or procure to be given to the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate) and the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent, the Registrar and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 of the occurrence of a Mandatory Redemption Event with five business days of the occurrence of such event, and of the Mandatory Redemption Date;
(r) Notice of Shareholders Withdrawal Rights: in the event of the occurrence of any event entitling shareholders of the Issuer to exercise withdrawal rights in respect of their shares, or in the event it receives notice from any shareholder of exercise of its withdrawal rights, give or procure to be given notice to the Trustee and the Securityholders of such event in accordance with Condition 15;
(s) Listing: use its best endeavours to obtain and maintain the listing of the Securities on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange for as long as any Security is outstanding. If, however, it is unable to do so, having used such endeavours, or if the maintenance of such listing is agreed by the Trustee to be unduly onerous, the Issuer will instead use its best endeavours promptly to obtain and thereafter to maintain a listing for the Securities on such other stock exchange approved by the Trustee (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld);
(t) Notice to Securityholders: send to the Trustee for its approval (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), not less than three business days prior to the date on which any such notice is to be given to Securityholders, a copy of each notice to be given to the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 and not give such notice without such approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and, upon publication, two copies of each such notice (such approval, unless so expressed, not to constitute approval of such notice for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000);
(u) Securities held by the Issuer etc.: send to the Trustee promptly after being so requested by it an Officers Certificate setting out the total number and aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Securities which:
(i) up to and including the date of such certificate, have been purchased or redeemed by the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries ; and
(ii) at the date of such certificate are held by or on behalf of the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries;
(v) Notification of Early Redemption or Payment: not less than the number of days specified in the relevant Condition prior to the redemption or repayment date in respect of any Security, give to the Trustee notice in writing of the amount of such redemption or repayment pursuant to the Conditions, specify the date fixed for such redemption or prepayment and duly proceed to redeem or repay such Securities accordingly;
(w) Tax Redemption : if the Issuer gives notice to the Trustee that it intends to redeem the Securities pursuant to Condition 6.3, the Issuer shall, prior to giving such notice to the Securityholders, provide such information to the Trustee as the Trustee requires in order to satisfy itself of the matters referred to in such Condition;
(x) Maintaining Current Ratings of the Securities: furnish, or procure that there is furnished, from time to time, any and all documents, instruments, information and undertakings that may be reasonably necessary in order to maintain the current ratings of the Securities by the Rating Agencies (save that when any such document, instrument, information and/or undertaking is not within the possession or control of the Issuer or is not to be given by the Issuer, the Issuer agrees only to use its best endeavours to furnish, or procure that there is furnished, from time to time any such documents, instruments, information and undertakings as may be reasonably necessary in order to maintain the then current ratings of the Securities by the Rating Agencies);
(y) Inspection of Documents: procure that each of the Paying and Transfer Agents makes available for inspection by Securityholders at its specified office copies of each of the Relevant Documents and the then latest audited balance sheet and profit and loss account of the Issuer;
(z) Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear: use its best endeavours to procure that Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or Euroclear (as the case may be) issue(s) any certificate or other document called for by the Trustee under Clause 12 as soon as practicable after such request;
(aa) Calculation pursuant to the Conditions: do, or procure that there are done on its behalf, all calculations required pursuant to the Conditions;
(bb) Documents in connection with Meetings of Securityholders: insofar as provided under applicable Italian law, from time to time as required or contemplated by this Trust Deed or as requested by the Trustee, make available through the Paying and Transfer Agents or otherwise such documents as may be required by the Securityholders in connection with meetings of Securityholders and 14 days before any such meeting, confirm to the Trustee as to whether any law requires the translation into Italian of any Block Voting Instruction, Voting Certificate or any other document in connection with Schedule 4;
(cc) Modifications: prior to making any modification or amendment or supplement to this Trust Deed, procure the delivery of legal opinion(s) as to English and Italian and any other relevant law, addressed to the Trustee, dated the date of such modification or amendment or supplement, as the case may be, and in a form acceptable to the Trustee from legal advisers acceptable to the Trustee;
(dd) By-laws : (i) give notice in writing to the Trustee forthwith of any amendment made to its by-laws since the date hereof which may in any way affect the provisions of Schedule 4, and which might give rise to any event entitling the shareholders of the Issuer to exercise their withdrawal rights, and provide the Trustee upon request with a copy of its current by-laws in force, and (ii) provide the Trustee promptly upon request with such information regarding the Issuers by-laws as it may require, including without limitation informing the Trustee of the applicable number of days required for the purposes of the definition of Block Voting Instruction and Voting Certificate (both as defined in Schedule 4), as well as details of the relevant newspaper for the purposes of publishing notices for any meeting of Securityholders;
(ee) Changes to the Laws of Italy: give notice in writing to the Trustee promptly upon becoming aware of any amendment to the laws, rules and regulations of Italy applicable to the provisions for meetings of the Securityholders as set out in Schedule 4;
(ff) Certificate as to Proxies: prior to any meeting, provide the Trustee with an Officers Certificate confirming (i) its outstanding share capital as at that date and (ii) the corresponding maximum number of Securityholders on whose behalf a single proxy may attend or vote at such meeting under Article 2372 of the Italian Civil Code;
(gg) Rule 144A(d)(4): for so long as any of the Securities are restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, the Issuer will, during any period in which it is neither subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, nor exempt from the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) thereunder, provide to the holder or beneficial owner of such restricted securities or to any prospective purchaser of such restricted securities designated by such holder or beneficial owner, in each case upon the request of such holder, beneficial owner or prospective purchaser, the information required to be provided by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act;
(hh) Recordation as Subordinated Debt: record its payment obligations in respect of the Securities as subordinated indebtedness in its financial statements; and
(ii) Senior Notes: on the occurrence of a Change of Control Event, launch a tender offer for its then outstanding Senior Notes (which tender offer shall be made available, subject to applicable laws, to all holders of outstanding Senior Notes) at 100% of their aggregate principal amount within a period of 20 days from the occurrence of such Change of Control Event.
11. REMUNERATION AND INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEE
11.1 Normal Remuneration
As from the date of this Trust Deed, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee as remuneration for its services as trustee, such sum at such rate on such dates in each case as may be agreed between them from time to time. Such remuneration shall accrue from day to day from the date of this Trust Deed. However, if any payment to a Securityholder of any moneys payable in respect of any Security is improperly withheld or refused, such remuneration shall continue to accrue as from the date of such withholding or refusal until payment to such Securityholder is duly made.
11.2 Additional Remuneration
At any time after the occurrence of an Enforcement Event or any breach of the provisions of this Trust Deed, or if the Trustee considers it expedient in the interests of Securityholders, or is requested by the Issuer, to undertake duties which they both agree to be of an exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the normal duties of the Trustee under this Trust Deed, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee such additional remuneration as shall be agreed between them or, failing such agreement as to any of the matters in this Clause (or as to such sums referred to in Clause 11.1), as determined by a person(acting as an expert) selected by the Trustee and approved in writing by the Issuer or, failing such approval, nominated by the President for the time being of The Law Society of England and Wales. The expenses involved in such nomination and such persons fee shall be paid by the Issuer. The determination of such person shall be conclusive and binding on the Issuer, the Trustee and the Securityholders.
11.3 Expenses
Subject to Clause 13 below, the Issuer shall also on demand by the Trustee pay or discharge all Liabilities properly incurred by the Trustee and any Appointee in the preparation and execution of this Trust Deed and the performance of its functions under this Trust Deed and/or the Intercreditor Agreement including, but not limited to, legal and travelling expenses and any stamp, documentary or other taxes or duties paid by the Trustee in connection with any legal proceedings brought or contemplated by the Trustee against the Issuer to enforce any provision of this Trust Deed or the Securities. Such Liabilities shall:
(a) in the case of payments made by the Trustee before such demand, carry interest from the date of the demand at the rate of 3 per cent. per annum over the base rate of J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. on the date on which the Trustee made such payments; and
(b) in other cases, carry interest at such rate from 30 days after the date of the demand or (where the demand specifies that payment is to be made on an earlier date) from such earlier date.
11.4 Indemnity
Subject to Clause 13 below, the Issuer will indemnify the Trustee in respect of all Liabilities paid or properly incurred by it in the fulfilment of its obligations, rights, authorities and discretions under this Trust Deed and the Intercreditor Agreement or by any Appointee in the carrying out its functions in the fulfilment of its obligations under this Trust Deed and the Intercreditor Agreement and against any Liability (including, but not limited to, all Liabilities paid or incurred in disputing or defending any of the foregoing) which any of them may incur or which may be made against any of them arising out of or in relation to or in connection with, its appointment or the exercise of its functions.
11.5 Claims of the Trustee unaffected
The provisions of Clause 2.4 apply only in respect of amounts payable pursuant to Clauses 2.2 and 2.3, and under any Security, and nothing set out in Clause 2.4. shall affect or prejudice any claim by the Trustee against the Issuer in respect of amounts payable under this Clause.
11.6 Provisions Continuing
The provisions of Clauses 11.3, 11.4 and 11.5 shall continue in full force and effect in relation to the Trustee even if it may have ceased to be the Trustee in relation to claims which arose during the period of its appointment as Trustee.
11.7 No withholding
The Issuer hereby further undertakes to the Trustee that all monies payable by the Issuer to the Trustee under this Clause shall be made without set-off, counterclaim, deduction or withholding unless compelled by law in which event the Issuer will pay such additional amounts as will result in the receipt by the Trustee of the amounts which would otherwise have been payable by the Issuer to the Trustee under this Clause in the absence of any such set-off, counterclaim, deduction or withholding.
12. SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRUSTEE ACTS
The Trustee shall have all the powers conferred upon trustees by the Trustee Acts and by way of supplement thereto it is expressly declared as follows:
(a) Advice: The Trustee may act on the advice or opinion of, or any information obtained from, any expert, or a certificate or report or confirmation of the Auditors, or of any accountants, financial advisers, investment banks, lawyers or experts in each case whether or not addressed to the Trustee, and whether their liability in relation thereto is limited (by its terms or by any engagement letter relating thereto entered into by the Trustee or in any other manner) by reference to a monetary cap, methodology or otherwise, whether obtained by certificate or report and shall not be responsible to anyone for any Liability occasioned by so acting. Any such advice, opinion, information, certificate or report may be sent or obtained by letter, facsimile transmission, e-mail or cable and the Trustee shall not be liable to anyone for acting in good faith on any advice, opinion, information, certificate or report purporting to be conveyed by such means although the same shall contain some error or shall not be authentic. The Trustee shall be entitled to accept and be entitled to rely on any such advice, opinion, information, certificate or report and, if so relied on, such advice, opinion, information, certificate or report shall be conclusive and binding on the Issuer, the Trustee and the Securityholders in the absence of manifest error.
(b) Trustee to Assume Due Performance: The Trustee need not notify anyone of the execution of this Trust Deed or do anything to ascertain whether any Enforcement Event or other event, condition or act or breach of the provisions of this Trust Deed, the happening of which would cause a right or remedy to become exercisable by the Trustee under this Trust Deed or Change of Control Event or Mandatory Redemption Event has occurred or to monitor or supervise the performance and observance by the Issuer of its obligations hereunder or under any Relevant Document and, until it has actual knowledge or express notice pursuant to this Trust Deed to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no such event, condition or act has occurred and that the Issuer is performing all its obligations under this Trust Deed and the Securities.
(c) Resolutions of Securityholders: The Trustee shall not be liable to any person by reason of having acted upon any Extraordinary Resolution in writing or any Extraordinary or other resolution purporting to have been passed at any meeting of Securityholders in respect whereof minutes have been made and signed or any direction or request of Securityholders even though subsequent to its acting it may be found that there was some defect in the constitution of the meeting or the passing of the resolution or (in the case of an Extraordinary Resolution in writing) that not all Securityholders had signed the Extraordinary Resolution or (in the case of a direction or request) it was not signed by the requisite number of Securityholders or that for any reason the resolution, direction or request was not valid or binding upon such Securityholders.
(d) Officers Certificate: The Trustee may call for and accept as sufficient evidence of any fact or matter or of the expediency of any act an Officers Certificate as to any fact or matter upon which the Trustee may, in the exercise of any of its functions require to be satisfied or have information to the effect that, in the opinion of the persons so certifying, any particular act is expedient and the Trustee need not call for further evidence and shall not be responsible for any Liability that may be occasioned by it or any other person acting on such certificate.
(e) Deposit of Documents: The Trustee shall be at liberty to hold this Trust Deed and any other documents or to deposit them in any part of the world with any banker or banking company or company whose business includes undertaking the safe custody of documents or lawyer or firm of lawyers considered by it to be of good repute and the Trustee shall not be responsible for or required to insure against any Liability incurred in connection with any such holding or deposit, and may pay all sums required to be paid on account of or in respect of any such deposit.
(f) Custodians/Nominees: The Trustee may appoint and pay any person to act as a custodian or nominee on any terms in relation to such assets of the trusts constituted by this Trust Deed as the Trustee may determine, including for the purposes of depositing with a custodian this Trust Deed or any document relating to the trusts constituted by this Trust Deed; the Trustee is not obliged to appoint a custodian if the Trustee invests in securities payable to bearer.
(g) Discretion of Trustee: Save as expressly otherwise provided in this Trust Deed, the Trustee shall have absolute and uncontrolled discretion as to the exercise or non-exercise of its trusts, powers, authorities and discretions under this Trust Deed (the exercise or non-exercise of which as between the Trustee and the Securityholders shall be conclusive and binding on the Securityholders) and shall not be responsible for any Liability which may result from their exercise or non-exercise, and in particular the Trustee shall not be bound to act at the request or direction of the Securityholders or otherwise under any provision of this Trust Deed or to take at such request or direction or otherwise any other action under any provision of this Trust Deed unless it shall first be indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction against all Liabilities to which it may render itself liable or which it may incur by so doing.
(h) Agents: Whenever it considers it expedient in the interests of the Securityholders, the Trustee may, in the conduct of its trust business, instead of acting personally, employ and pay an agent selected by it, whether or not a lawyer or other professional person, to transact or conduct, or concur in transacting or conducting, any business and to do or concur in doing all acts required to be done by the Trustee (including the receipt and payment of money).
(i) Delegation: Whenever it considers it expedient in the interests of the Securityholders, the Trustee may delegate to any person and on any terms (including power to sub-delegate) all or any of its functions provided that the Trustee may not delegate the right to determine whether an Enforcement Event has occurred unless prior to such delegation the Trustee provides to the Issuer confirmation in writing that the Trustee has been advised by its legal advisers that it should delegate that right (with or without any other rights, trusts, powers, authorities and discretions) to another person or fluctuating body of persons because of a conflict of interest or possible conflict of interest and/or other similar circumstances which the Trustee might face, or be subjected to, as the trustee of this Trust Deed if it were not to delegate that right.
(j) Forged Securities: The Trustee shall not be liable to any person by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any Security purporting to be such and subsequently found to be forged or not authentic.
(k) Responsibility for Appointees: If the Trustee exercises reasonable care in selecting any Appointee appointed under this Clause, it will not have any obligation to supervise such Appointee or be responsible for any Liability incurred by reason of the misconduct of such Appointee, or the default or misconduct or default of any substitute appointed by such Appointee.
(l) Confidentiality: The Trustee shall not (unless and to the extent ordered so to do by a court of competent jurisdiction) be required to disclose to any Securityholder any information (including, without limitation, information of a confidential, financial or price sensitive nature) made available to the Trustee by the Issuer or any other person in connection with this Trust Deed and no Securityholder shall be entitled to take any action to obtain from the Trustee any such information.
(m) Determinations Conclusive: The Trustee may determine all questions and doubts arising in relation to any of the provisions of this Trust Deed or the Intercreditor Agreement. Every such determination, whether or not relating in whole or in part to the acts or proceedings of the Trustee, shall be conclusive and shall bind the Trustee and the Securityholders.
(n) Breach of Provisions of the Trust Deed: The Trustee may determine whether or not any breach by the Issuer of any provision of this Trust Deed is in its opinion capable of remedy and/or whether or not any event is in its opinion materially prejudicial to the interests of the Securityholders. Any such determination will be conclusive and binding upon the Issuer and the Securityholders.
(o) Currency Conversion: Where it is necessary or desirable for any purpose in connection with this Trust Deed or the Conditions to convert any sum from one currency to another, it shall (unless otherwise provided herein or required by law) be converted at such rate or rates, in accordance with such method and as at such date, as may be specified by the Trustee but having regard to current rates of exchange. Any rate, method and date so specified shall be binding on the Issuer and the Securityholders.
(p) Payment for and Delivery of Securities: The Trustee shall not be responsible for the receipt or application by the Issuer of the proceeds of the issue of the Securities, the exchange of the interests between the Securities represented by any Global Certificate or the delivery of any Global Certificate or Definitive Certificate to the person(s) entitled to it or them.
(q) Securities held by the Issuer, etc.: Unless notified to the contrary, the Trustee shall be entitled to assume without enquiry (other than requesting a certificate pursuant to Clause 10(v)) that no Securities are held by, for the benefit of, or on behalf of, the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries.
(r) Legal opinions: The Trustee shall not be responsible to any person for failing to request, require or receive any legal opinion relating to the Securities or for checking or commenting upon the content of any such legal opinion.
(s) Interests of Securityholders: In connection with the exercise or performance by it of any right, power, trust, authority, duty or discretion under or in relation to this Trust Deed or the Intercreditor Agreement (including, without limitation, any modification, waiver, authorisation of any breach or proposed breach of any of the Conditions or this Trust Deed), the Trustee shall have regard to the general interests of the Securityholders (whatever their number) as a class and shall not have regard to any interests arising from circumstances particular to individual Securityholders (whatever their number) and, in particular but without limitation, shall not have regard to the consequences of any such exercise or performance for individual Securityholders resulting from their being for any purpose domiciled or resident in, or otherwise connected with, or subject to the jurisdiction of, any particular territory or any political sub-division thereof and the Trustee shall not be entitled to require, nor shall any Securityholder be entitled to claim, from the Issuer, the Trustee or any other person, any indemnification or payment in respect of any tax consequence of any such exercise upon individual Securityholders except to the extent already provided for in Condition 8 and/or any undertaking given in addition thereto or in substitution therefor under this Trust Deed.
(t) Consents and Approvals: Any consent or approval given by the Trustee for the purposes of this Trust Deed or the Intercreditor Agreement may be given on such terms and subject to such condition (if any) as the Trustee thinks fit, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Trust Deed may be given retrospectively. The Trustee may give any consent or approval, exercise any power, authority or discretion or take any similar action (whether or not such consent, approval, power, authority, discretion or action is specifically referred to in this Trust Deed) if it is satisfied that the interests of the Securityholders will not be materially prejudiced thereby. For the avoidance of doubt, the Trustee shall not have any duty to the Securityholders in relation to such matters other than that which is contained in the preceding sentence.
(u) Reliance of Certification of Clearing System: The Trustee may call for any certificate or other document to be issued by Clearstream, Luxembourg, or Euroclear or any other relevant clearing system as to the principal amount of Securities represented by a Global Certificate standing to the account of any person. Any such certificate or other document shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding for all purposes. Any such certificate or other document may comprise any form of statement or print out of electronic records provided by the relevant clearing system (including Euroclears EUCLID or Clearstream, Luxembourgs Cedcom system) in accordance with its usual procedures and in which the holder of a particular principal amount of Securities is clearly identified together with the amount of such holding. The Trustee shall not be liable to any person by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any certificate or other document to such effect purporting to be issued by Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear and subsequently found to be forged or not authentic.
(v) Right to Deduct or Withhold: Notwithstanding anything contained in this Trust Deed, to the extent required by any applicable law, if the Trustee is or will be required to make any deduction or withholding from any distribution or payment made by it hereunder or if the Trustee is or will be otherwise charged to, or is or may become liable to, tax as a consequence of performing its duties hereunder whether as principal, agent or otherwise, and whether by reason of any assessment, prospective assessment or other imposition of liability to taxation of
whatsoever nature and whensoever made upon the Trustee, and whether in connection with or arising from any sums received or distributed by it or to which it may be entitled under this Trust Deed (other than in connection with its remuneration as provided for herein) or any investments or deposits from time to time representing the same, including any income or gains arising therefrom or any action of the Trustee in connection with the trusts of this Trust Deed (other than the remuneration herein specified) or otherwise, then the Trustee shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding or, as the case may be, to retain out of sums received by it an amount sufficient to discharge any liability to tax which relates to sums so received or distributed or to discharge any such other liability of the Trustee to tax from the funds held by the Trustee upon the trusts of this Trust Deed. The Trustee shall pay such sums over to the appropriate taxing authority within the period of time required by applicable law.
(w) Responsibility for Statements etc.: The Trustee shall not be responsible for, or for investigating any matter which is the subject of, any recital, statement, representation, warranty or covenant of any person contained in this Trust Deed, the Intercreditor Agreement or any other agreement or document relating to the transactions contemplated in this Trust Deed or under such other agreement or document.
(x) Professional Charges: Any Trustee of this Trust Deed being a lawyer, accountant, broker or other person engaged in any profession or business shall be entitled to charge and be paid all usual professional and other charges for business transacted and acts done by him or his firm in connection with the trusts of this Trust Deed, and also his proper charges in addition to disbursements for all other work and business done and all time spent by him or his firm in connection with matters arising in connection with this Trust Deed.
(y) Not Bound to Act: The Trustee shall not be bound to take any action in connection with this Trust Deed or the Intercreditor Agreement or any obligations arising pursuant hereto, including, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, forming any opinion or employing any financial adviser, where it is not satisfied that it will be indemnified against all Liabilities which may be incurred in connection with such action, and may demand prior to taking any such action that there be paid to it in advance such sums as it considers (without prejudice to any further demand) shall be sufficient so to indemnify it.
(z) Compliance: No provision of this Trust Deed shall require the Trustee to do anything which may (i) be illegal or contrary to applicable law or regulation; or (ii) cause it to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any Liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights, powers or discretions, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or Liability is not assured to it.
(aa) No Responsibility for Rating: The Trustee shall have no responsibility whatsoever to the Issuer, any Securityholder or any other person for the maintenance of or failure to maintain any rating of any of the Securities by any rating agency.
(bb) Reliance on Information relating to Meetings: The Trustee may rely without further investigation on (i) an Officers Certificate and/or (ii) the confirmation, opinion, certificate, advice or any other information obtained from any lawyer, consultant or other expert the Trustee deems appropriate regarding any matter governing the procedure for calling and holding a meeting, including without limitation whether a Securityholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) has been appointed by order of a competent court and whether any party is a Statutory Auditor ( sindaco ) of the Issuer. The Trustee shall be entitled at any time to obtain and rely on such legal advice as it may deem necessary in respect of all applicable Italian laws and regulations governing the procedure for calling and holding any meeting, and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any delay occasioned in obtaining such advice, and all proper costs and expenses incurred for such legal advice shall be borne by the Issuer upon respect of proper evidence thereof. In the absence of written notification, the Trustee shall be entitled to assume without liability, that no amendments have been made to any applicable laws or regulations or the by-laws of the Issuer which may affect the governing of the procedure for calling and holding meetings as set out in Schedule 4.
(cc) No obligation to holders of Senior Notes: The Trustee in its capacity as trustee for the Securityholders shall not act as trustee or agent on behalf of the holders of the Senior Notes, and has no obligation to enforce the terms of the covenant in Clause 10(ii) on their behalf, or to act on any instructions received from any holder of Senior Notes in its capacity as such.
13. TRUSTEES LIABILITY
Section 1 of the Trustee Act 2000 shall not apply to the duties of the Trustee in relation to the trusts contained in this Trust Deed, provided that if the Trustee fails to show the degree of care and diligence required of it as Trustee having regard to the provisions of this Trust Deed conferring on it any powers, authorities or discretions, nothing in this Trust Deed shall relieve or indemnify it from or against any liability for breach of trust or any liability which by virtue of any rule of law would otherwise attach to it in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which it may be guilty in relation to its duties hereunder.
Where there are any inconsistencies between the Trustee Acts and the provisions of this Trust Deed, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall, to the extent allowed by law, prevail and, in the case of any such inconsistency with the Trustee Act 2000, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall constitute a restriction or exclusion for the purposes of that Act.
The powers conferred upon the Trustee by this Trust Deed shall be in addition to any powers which may from time to time be vested in the Trustee by general law or as a holder of any of the Securities.
14. TRUSTEE ENTERING INTO CONTRACTS
Neither the Trustee, nor any director or officer of a corporation acting as Trustee under this Trust Deed, whether acting for itself or in any other capacity shall, by reason of its or his fiduciary position, be in any way precluded from entering into or being interested in any contract or financial or other transaction or arrangement with the Issuer and/or any of its subsidiaries or associated companies, from accepting or holding the trusteeship of any other trust deed constituting or securing any other securities issued by or relating to or the trusteeship of any shares in the Issuer or any such person or company as aforesaid, or any other office of profit under the Issuer or any such person or company as aforesaid or from becoming the owner of, or acquiring any interest in, or holding, or disposing, of any Securities or ordinary shares or securities of the Issuer or any such person or company as aforesaid and shall be entitled (a) to exercise and enforce its rights, comply with its obligations and perform its duties, under or in relation to any such transactions, any such trusteeship or, as the case may be, such Securities, ordinary shares or securities, in each case with the same rights as it would have had if the Trustee were not the Trustee and (b) to retain and shall not be in any way liable to account for any profit made or share of brokerage or commission or remuneration or other amount or benefit received thereby or in connection therewith.
15. WAIVER AND MODIFICATION
15.1 Waiver, Authorisation and Determination
The Trustee may, without the consent of Securityholders and without prejudice to its rights in respect of any subsequent breach, from time to time and at any time, but only and in so far as in its opinion the interests of the Securityholders shall not be materially prejudiced thereby, on such terms and subject to such conditions as to it shall seem fit and proper, waive or authorise any breach, continuing breach or proposed breach by the Issuer of any of the covenants or provisions contained in this Trust Deed, or determine that any condition, event or act which constitutes, or which with the giving of notice and/or the lapse of time would constitute an Enforcement Event shall not be treated as such for the purposes of
this Trust Deed provided always that the Trustee shall not exercise any powers conferred on it by this Clause 15 in contravention of any express direction given by Extraordinary Resolution or by request in writing made by the holders of not less than 25 per cent. in aggregate principal amount of Securities then outstanding, but so that no such direction shall affect any waiver, authorisation or determination previously given or made, or so as to authorise or waive any such breach or proposed breach relating to any of the matters the subject of the Reserved Matters as specified and defined in Schedule 4. Any such waiver, authorisation or determination shall be binding on the Securityholders and, if the Trustee so requires, shall be notified to the Securityholders as soon as practicable in accordance with Condition 15.
15.2 Modification
The Trustee may without, the consent of the Securityholders from time to time and at any time concur with the Issuer in making any modification to this Trust Deed or the Securities or any of the Relevant Documents or any documents supplemental hereto or thereto which in the opinion of the Trustee (a) is of a formal, minor or technical nature or is made to correct a manifest error and (b) any other modification (except in relation to the Reserved Matters set out in Schedule 4 hereto) which is not, in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interests of the Securityholders. Any such modification shall be binding upon the Securityholders and if the Trustee so requires, shall be notified by the Issuer to the Securityholders as soon as practicable in accordance with Condition 5.
16. CURRENCY INDEMNITY
16.1 Currency of Account and Payment
Euro is the sole currency of account and payment for all sums payable by the Issuer under or in connection with this Trust Deed and the Securities, including damages.
16.2 Extent of Discharge
An amount received or recovered in a currency other than euro (whether as a result of, or of the enforcement of, a judgment or order of a court of any jurisdiction, in the insolvency, winding-up or dissolution of the Issuer or otherwise), by the Trustee or any Securityholder in respect of any sum expressed to be due to it from the Issuer shall only discharge the Issuer to the extent of the euro amount that the recipient is able to purchase with the amount so received or recovered in that other currency on the date of that receipt or recovery (or, if it is not practicable to make that purchase on that date, on the first date on which it is practicable to do so). If the euro amount so received or recovered is less than euro amount expressed to be due to the recipient under this Trust Deed or the Securities, the Issuer shall indemnify such recipient against any loss sustained by it as a result. In any event, the Issuer shall indemnify the recipient against the cost of making any such purchase.
16.3 Indemnities Separate
The indemnities in this Clause constitute separate and independent obligations from the other obligations in this Trust Deed, shall give rise to separate and independent causes of action, shall apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by the Trustee and/or any Securityholder and shall continue in full force and effect despite any judgment, order, claim or proof for a liquidated amount in respect of any sum due under this Trust Deed and/or the Securities or any other judgment or order. Any such Liability as referred to in this Clause 16 shall be deemed to constitute a Liability constituted by the Trustee and the Securityholders and no proof or evidence of any actual Liability shall be required by the Issuer or its liquidator or liquidators.
17. APPOINTMENT, RETIREMENT AND REMOVAL OF THE TRUSTEE
17.1 Appointment
The Issuer shall have the power to appoint a new Trustee but no person shall be appointed who shall not previously have been approved by an Extraordinary Resolution. One or more persons may hold office as Trustee or Trustees but such Trustee or Trustees shall be or include a Trust Corporation. Whenever there shall be more than two Trustees of this Trust Deed the majority of such Trustees shall be competent to execute and exercise all or any of the Trustees functions.
17.2 Appointment of separate or co-trustees
Notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 17.1, the Trustee may by notice in writing to the Issuer (but without the consent of the Issuer or the Securityholders), appoint any person to act either as a separate trustee or as a co-trustee jointly with the Trustee:
(a) if the Trustee considers such appointment to be in the interests of the Securityholders; or
(b) for the purposes of conforming to any legal requirements, restrictions or conditions in any jurisdictions in which any particular act or acts is or are to be performed; or
(c) for the purposes of obtaining a judgment in any jurisdiction or the enforcement in any jurisdiction of either a judgment already obtained or any of the provisions of this Trust Deed against the Issuer.
Subject to the provisions of this Trust Deed the Trustee may confer on any person so appointed such functions as it thinks fit. The Trustee may by written notice to the Issuer and that person remove that person. At the Trustees request, the Issuer shall forthwith do all things as may be required to perfect such appointment or removal and it irrevocably appoints the Trustee as its attorney in its name and on its behalf to do so.
17.3 Retirement and removal
The Trustee may retire at any time on giving not less than 60 days prior written notice to the Issuer without assigning any reason and without being responsible for any costs occasioned by such retirement and the Securityholders shall have the power exercisable by Extraordinary Resolution to remove any Trustee, provided that in the event of the only trustee of this Trust Deed which is a Trust Corporation giving notice or being removed under this Clause, the retirement or removal of such sole Trust Corporation shall not become effective until a new Trust Corporation is appointed. If a sole Trust Corporation gives notice of retirement or an Extraordinary Resolution is passed for its removal, the Issuer shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure that another Trust Corporation be appointed as Trustee. If in such circumstances no appointment of a new Trustee has become effective within 60 days of the date of such notice or Extraordinary Resolution, the Trustee shall be entitled to appoint a Trust Corporation as trustee of this Trust Deed.
17.4 Merger
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted, any corporation with which the Trustee may be consolidated or amalgamated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, amalgamation, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, any corporation to which the Trustee shall sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets or any corporation to which the Trustee shall sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its corporate trust business, shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law and provided that such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Clause, be the successor Trustee under this Trust Deed without the execution or delivery of any papers or any further act on the part of the parties hereto whereupon the Issuer and such successor shall acquire and become subject to the same rights and obligations between themselves as if they had entered into a trust deed in the same form mutatis mutandis of this Trust Deed. Notice of any such merger, amalgamation, conversion, consolidation, sale or transfer shall forthwith be given by the Trustee to the Issuer and, as soon as practicable, to the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15.
18. SECURITYHOLDERS REPRESENTATIVE
18.1 Meetings of Securityholders
Subject to mandatory provisions of Italian law, for the purposes of paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 to this Trust Deed, the Issuer shall, at the request of the Trustee, convene a meeting of the Securityholders.
18.2 Notification to the Trustee
The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing immediately upon becoming aware of any action or proceedings to enforce the terms of this Trust Deed and/or the Securities being taken directly against the Issuer by any Securityholder or Securityholders.
18.3 Securityholders Representative
Subject to mandatory provisions of Italian law, and to the extent that the Trustee accepts the appointment of Securityholders Representative pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Condition 12.2 and/or Schedule 4 of this Trust Deed, it shall, as of and from the time of such appointment and in its capacity as Securityholders Representative, not be obliged to take any action or proceedings under, or in relation to, this Trust Deed or the Securities unless directed to do so by a resolution of the Securityholders. In its capacity as Securityholders Representative as aforesaid, it may refrain from taking any action or exercising any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it under, or in relation to, the Trust Deed or the Securities unless and until it shall have been indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction against any and all Liabilities (including legal and other professional fees incurred in disputing or defending the same) which might be brought, made or confirmed against or suffered, incurred or sustained by it as a result and, subject to mandatory provisions of Italian law, nothing contained in this Trust Deed or the Securities shall require the Securityholders Representative to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of its duties or the exercise of any right, power, authority or discretion under this Trust Deed or the Securities if it has reasonable grounds for believing the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or Liability is not assured to it.
19. INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
19.1 Consent of Securityholders
Each Securityholder, by accepting such Security, agrees to all of the terms and provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement, and authorises the Trustee to execute and deliver, and to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effect the terms of, the Intercreditor Agreement.
19.2 Refinancing of Senior Liabilities
Each Securityholder, by accepting such Security, authorises and consents to the entry by the Trustee of any agreement or agreements with the other parties to the Intercreditor Agreement and/or the holders of any Refinanced Senior Liabilities, and/or their agents and trustees, whether by way of supplement, amendment or restatement of the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement or by a separate agreement:
(a) to ensure that the Refinanced Senior Liabilities benefit from the same provisions in relation to the Securities under the Intercreditor Agreement as set out therein in relation to the Senior Liabilities as of the date of the Intercreditor Agreement; and
(b) to enable the holders of any indebtedness which becomes Senior Liabilities in accordance with the terms of the Senior Facilities Agreement, to become parties to the Intercreditor Agreement with the rights in relation to the Securities as contemplated by the Intercreditor Agreement.
20. NOTES HELD IN CLEARING SYSTEMS
So long as any Global Certificate is, or any Securities represented by a Global Certificate are, held on behalf of a clearing system, in considering the interests of Securityholders, the Trustee may have regard to any information provided to it by such clearing system or its operator as to the identity (either individually or by category) of its accountholders or participants with entitlements to any such Global Certificate or the Securities and may consider such interests on the basis that such accountholders or participants were the holder(s) thereof.
21. NOTICES
Any communication shall be by letter or facsimile transmission as follows:
to the Issuer:
Lottomattica S.p.A.
Viale del Campo Boario, 56
00153 Rome
Italy
Attention:
Claudia Richetti, Legal Counsel
Tel:
+39 06 5189 9977
Fax:
+39 06 5189 4217
to the Trustee:
J.P. Morgan Corporate Trustee Services Limited
Trinity Tower
9 Thomas More Street
London E1W 9YT
England
Attention:
Manager, Trust Administration
Tel:
+44 207 777 2734
Fax:
+44 207 777 5410
Any such communication will take effect, in the case of delivery, at the time of delivery or, in the case of facsimile transmission, at the time of despatch, provided that any such notice or other communication which would otherwise take effect after 4.00 p.m. on any particular day shall not take effect until 10.00 a.m. on the immediately succeeding business days in the place of the addressee.
22. GOVERNING LAW AND SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION
22.1 Governing Law
This Trust Deed (except for Clause 2.4 (a)) is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with English law. Clause 2.4(a) of this Trust Deed is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Italy.
22.2 Jurisdiction
The Issuer irrevocably agrees for the benefit of the Trustee and the Securityholders that the courts of England are to have non-exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Trust Deed, and accordingly any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Trust Deed or the Securities may be brought in such courts. The Issuer irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and waives any objection to Proceedings in such courts on the ground of venue or on the ground that the Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient or inappropriate forum. This submission shall not limit the right of the Trustee and the Securityholders to take any Proceedings against the Issuer in any other court of competent jurisdiction or concurrent Proceedings in any number of jurisdictions.
22.3 Process Agent
The Issuer irrevocably and unconditionally appoints Clifford Chance Secretaries Limited at 10 Upper Bank Street, London E14 5JJ to accept the service of process on its behalf in England in respect of any such legal action or proceedings. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to such process agent (whether or not it is forwarded to and received by the Issuer). If for any reason any such process agent ceases to be able to act as such or no longer has an address in England, the Issuer irrevocably agrees to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Trustee and shall immediately notify the Trustee of such appointment. Nothing shall affect the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
23. COUNTERPARTS
This Trust Deed and any trust deed supplemental hereto may be executed and delivered in any number of counterparts, all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same deed and any party to this Trust Deed or any trust deed supplemental hereto may enter into the same by executing and delivering a counterpart.
IN WITNESS whereof this Trust Deed has been executed by the Issuer and the Trustee and entered into the day and year first above written.
SCHEDULE 1
FORMS OF GLOBAL CERTIFICATES
PART 1
FORM OF UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL CERTIFICATE
Common Code: 025409566 |
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ISIN: XS0254095663 |
LOTTOMATICA S.p.A.
(Incorporated with limited liability in Italy)
UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL CERTIFICATE
representing up to
750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066
Lottomatica S.p.A., with registered office at Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00153 Rome, Italy, registered at the company register ( Registro delle Imprese ) in Rome with number 08028081001, corporate purpose as set forth in article 4 of its by-laws, share capital as at the Issue Date of 91,877,714 and reserves as at the Issue Date of 369,293,538. The issue was approved by resolution of the Issuers Board of Directors on April 27, 2006 (and registered at the company register in Rome on May 5, 2006). An offering circular dated May 10, 2006 was prepared by the Issuer in connection with the issue and sale of the Securities.
The Securities in respect of which this Unrestricted Global Certificate is issued form part of the series designated as specified in the title (the Securities ) of Lottomatica S.p.A. (the Issuer ).
The Issuer hereby certifies that Chase Nominees Limited is, at the date hereof, entered in the Register as the holder of Securities in the principal amount of
[ ]
([ ] euros)
or such other amount as is shown on the register of Securityholders as being represented by this Unrestricted Global Certificate and is duly endorsed (for information purposes only) in the third column of Schedule A to this Unrestricted Global Certificate. For value received, the Issuer promises to pay the person who appears at the relevant time on the register of Securityholders as holder of the Securities in respect of which this Unrestricted Global Certificate is issued, such amount or amounts as shall become payable from time to time in respect of such Securities and otherwise to comply with the Conditions referred to below.
The Securities are constituted by a Trust Deed dated May 17, 2006 (the Trust Deed ) between the Issuer and J.P. Morgan Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee (the Trustee ) and are subject to the Trust Deed and the terms and conditions (the Conditions ) set out in Schedule B hereto and as modified by the provisions of this Unrestricted Global Certificate. Terms defined in the Trust Deed have the same meaning when used herein.
This Unrestricted Global Certificate is evidence of entitlement only.
Title to the Securities passes only on due registration of Securityholders and only the duly registered holder is entitled to payments on Securities in respect of which this Unrestricted Global Certificate is issued.
The statements set out in the legend above are an integral part of the Security or Securities in respect of which this Unrestricted Global Certificate is issued and by acceptance hereof each holder or beneficial owner of the Securities evidenced by this Unrestricted Global Certificate or any owner of an interest in such Securities agrees to be subject to and bound by the terms of such legend.
The Conditions are modified as follows in so far as they apply to the Securities represented by this Unrestricted Global Certificate.
Exchange
Owners of beneficial interests in the Securities in respect of which this Unrestricted Global Certificate is issued will be entitled to have title to the Securities registered in their names and to receive individual definitive registered certificates ( Definitive Certificates ) if (a) either Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg (or any other clearing system as shall have been designated by the Issuer and approved by the Trustee on behalf of which the Securities evidenced by this Unrestricted Global Certificate may be held) is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announces an intention permanently to cease business or does in fact do so or notifies the Issuer that it is no longer willing or able to act as a depositary for this Unrestricted Global Certificate and a successor depositary is not appointed by the Issuer within 120 days of such notice, or (b) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Enforcement Event or (c) instructions have been given for the transfer of an interest in the Securities evidenced by this Unrestricted Global Certificate to a person who would otherwise take delivery thereof in the form of an interest in the Securities evidenced by the Restricted Global Certificate where the Restricted Global Certificate has been exchanged for Definitive Certificates.
In such circumstances, the Issuer will cause sufficient Definitive Certificates to be executed and delivered to the Registrar for completion, authentication and despatch to the relevant Securityholders within 21 days following a request therefor by the holder of this Unrestricted Global Certificate. A person with an interest in the Securities represented by this Unrestricted Global Certificate must provide the Registrar with (i) a written order containing instructions and other such information as the Issuer and the Registrar may require to complete, execute and deliver such individual Definitive Certificates and (ii) a certificate to the effect that (other than in the case of (c) above) such person is not transferring its interest in this Unrestricted Global Certificate.
Meetings
At any meeting of the Securityholders the holder hereof shall be treated as having one vote in respect of each 1,000 principal amount of Securities represented by this Unrestricted Global Certificate. The Trustee may allow to attend and speak (but not to vote) at any meeting of Securityholders any accountholder (or the representative of any such person) of a clearing system with an interest in the Securities represented by this Unrestricted Global Certificate on confirmation of entitlement and proof of his identity.
Redemption at the Option of the Issuer and Mandatory Redemption
The option of the Issuer provided for in Conditions 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4 shall be exercised by the Issuer giving notice to the Securityholders within the time limits set out in, and containing the information required by, those Conditions. The Issuer shall, on the occurrence of a Mandatory Redemption Event as specified in Condition 6.5, give the required notice within the time limits specified therein.
Trustees Powers
In considering the interests of Securityholders the Trustee may, to the extent it considers it appropriate to do so in the circumstances, (a) have regard to such information as may have been made available to it by or on behalf of the relevant clearing system or its operator as to the identity of its accountholders (either individually or by way of category) with entitlements in respect of Securities and (b) consider such interests on the basis that such accountholders were the holders of the Securities represented by this Unrestricted Global Certificate.
Enforcement
For the purposes of enforcement of the provisions of the Trust Deed against the Trustee, the persons named in a certificate of the holder of the Securities represented by this Unrestricted Global Certificate shall be recognised as the beneficiaries of the trusts set out in the Trust Deed to the extent of the principal amount of their interest in the Securities set out in the certificate of the holder as if they were themselves the holders of Securities in such principal amounts.
Purchase and Cancellation
Cancellation of any Security following its purchase will be effected by reduction in the principal amount of the Securities in the Register.
Payments
Payments of principal in respect of Securities represented by this Unrestricted Global Certificate will be made against presentation and, if no further payment falls to be made in respect of the Securities, surrender of this Unrestricted Global Certificate to or to the order of the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent or such other Paying and Transfer Agent as shall have been notified to the holder of this Unrestricted Global Certificate for such purpose.
Transfers
Transfers of interests in the Securities represented by this Unrestricted Global Certificate for interests in the Restricted Global Certificate shall be made in accordance with the Paying Agency Agreement and in accordance with the operating procedures of the relevant clearing system.
Notices
So long as Securities are represented by this Unrestricted Global Certificate and this Unrestricted Global Certificate is held on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, notices to the holders of such Securities may be given by delivery of the relevant notice to the relevant clearing system for communication by it to entitled accountholders in substitution for notification as required by the Conditions.
This Unrestricted Global Certificate shall not be valid for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Registrar.
This Unrestricted Global Certificate is governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law.
In Witness whereof the Issuer has caused this Unrestricted Global Certificate to be signed manually or in facsimile on its behalf.
Dated May 17, 2006
LOTTOMATICA S.p.A. |
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Certificate of Authentication
Certified by or on behalf of the Registrar that the above-named holder is at the date hereof entered in the Register as holder of the above-mentioned principal amount of Securities.
J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg, S.A. |
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Authorised Signatory |
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Dated: |
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SCHEDULE A
SCHEDULE OF INCREASE OR REDUCTION IN PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL CERTIFICATE
The following increases or reductions in the principal amount of the Securities represented by this Unrestricted Global Certificate have been made as a result of (i) redemption or purchase and cancellation of Securities or (ii) transfer of Securities (including transfers of interests between the Global Certificates):
Date of Redemption/
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PART 2
FORM OF RESTRICTED GLOBAL CERTIFICATE
THE RESTRICTED SECURITIES EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT) AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, ENCUMBERED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT (1) IN THE UNITED STATES IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (RULE 144A) TO A PERSON THAT IS (A) A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A) OR A PURCHASER THAT THE SELLER AND ANY PERSON ACTING ON THE SELLERS BEHALF REASONABLY BELIEVE IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER, IN EACH CASE PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER, AND (B) AWARE THAT THE OFFER, SALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A (IN WHICH CASE ADDITIONAL TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY), (2) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (REGULATION S), (3) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (4) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), IN EACH CASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS AND SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF THE ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (2) OR (4) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS SECURITY MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. EACH HOLDER AND BENEFICIAL OWNER, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESTRICTED SECURITIES EVIDENCED HEREBY, REPRESENTS THAT IT UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES TO THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS AND THAT NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 FOR RESALES OF THIS RESTRICTED GLOBAL CERTIFICATE AND AGREES THAT IT WILL NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO ABOVE.
THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE EARLIER OF (A) THE TRANSFER OF THE RESTRICTED SECURITIES EVIDENCED HEREBY PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (3) ABOVE OR (B) THE DATE WHICH IS TWO YEARS AFTER THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF SUCH SECURITIES, OR ANY SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS PERMITTED BY RULE 144(k) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.
Common Code: 025409574 |
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ISIN: XS0254095747 |
LOTTOMATICA S.p.A.
(Incorporated with limited liability in Italy)
RESTRICTED GLOBAL CERTIFICATE
representing up to
750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066
Lottomatica S.p.A., with registered office at Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00153 Rome, Italy, registered at the company register ( Registro delle Imprese ) in Rome with number 08028081001, corporate purpose as set forth in article 4 of its by-laws, share capital as at the Issue Date of 91,877,714 and reserves as at the Issue Date of 369,293,538. The issue was approved by resolution of the Issuers Board of Directors on April 27, 2006 (and registered at the company register in Rome on May 5, 2006). An offering circular dated May 10, 2006 was prepared by the Issuer in connection with the issue and sale of the Securities.
The Securities in respect of which this Restricted Global Certificate is issued form part of the series designated as specified in the title (the Securities ) of Lottomatica S.p.A. (the Issuer ).
The Issuer hereby certifies that Chase Nominees Limited is, at the date hereof, entered in the Register as the holder of Securities in the principal amount of
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([ ] euros)
or such other amount as is shown on the register of Securityholders as being represented by this Restricted Global Certificate and is duly endorsed (for information purposes only) in the third column of Schedule A to this Restricted Global Certificate. For value received, the Issuer promises to pay the person who appears at the relevant time on the register of Securityholders as holder of the Securities in respect of which this Restricted Global Certificate is issued, such amount or amounts as shall become due and payable from time to time in respect of such Securities and otherwise to comply with the Conditions referred to below.
The Securities are constituted by a Trust Deed dated May 17, 2006 (the Trust Deed ) between the Issuer and J.P. Morgan Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee (the Trustee ) and are subject to the Trust Deed and the terms and conditions (the Conditions ) set out in Schedule B hereto, as modified by the provisions of this Restricted Global Certificate. Terms defined in the Trust Deed have the same meaning when used herein.
This Restricted Global Certificate is evidence of entitlement only.
Title to the Securities passes only on due registration of Securityholders and only the duly registered holder is entitled to payments on Securities in respect of which this Restricted Global Certificate is issued.
The statements set out in the legend above are an integral part of the Security or Securities in respect of which this Restricted Global Certificate is issued and by acceptance hereof each holder or beneficial owner of the Securities evidenced by this Restricted Global Certificate or any owner of an interest in such Securities agrees to be subject to and bound by the terms of such legend.
The Conditions are modified as follows in so far as they apply to the Securities represented by this Restricted Global Certificate is issued.
Exchange
Owners of beneficial interests in the Securities in respect of which this Restricted Global Certificate is issued will be entitled to have title to the Securities registered in their names and to receive individual definitive certificates ( Definitive Certificates ) if (a) either Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg (or any other clearing system as shall have been designated by the Issuer and approved by the Trustee on behalf of which the Securities evidenced by this Restricted Global Certificate may be held) is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announces an intention permanently to cease business or does in fact do so or notifies the Issuer that it is no longer willing or able to act as a depositary for this Unrestricted Global Certificate and a successor depositary is not appointed by the Issuer within 120 days of such notice, or (b) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Enforcement Event or (c) instructions have been given for the transfer of an interest in the Securities evidenced by this Restricted Global Certificate to a person who would otherwise take delivery thereof in the form of an interest in the Securities evidenced by the Unrestricted Global Certificate where the Unrestricted Global Certificate has been exchanged for Definitive Certificates.
In such circumstances, the Issuer will cause sufficient Definitive Certificates to be executed and delivered to the Registrar for completion, authentication and despatch to the relevant Securityholders within 21 days following a request therefor by the holder of this Restricted Global Certificate. A person with an interest in the Securities represented by this Restricted Global Certificate must provide the Registrar with (i) a written order containing instructions and other such information as the Issuer and the Registrar may require to complete, execute and deliver such individual definitive registered Securities and (ii) a certificate to the effect that (other than in the case of (c) above) such person is not transferring its interest in this Restricted Global Certificate.
Meetings
At any meeting of Securityholders, the holder hereof shall be treated as having one vote in respect of each 1,000 principal amount of Securities represented by this Restricted Global Certificate. The Trustee may allow to attend and speak (but not to vote) at any meeting of Securityholders any accountholder (or the representative of any such person) of a clearing system with an interest in the Securities represented by this Restricted Global Certificate on confirmation of entitlement and proof of his identity.
Redemption at the Option of the Issuer and Mandatory Redemption
The option of the Issuer provided for in Conditions 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4 shall be exercised by the Issuer giving notice to the Securityholders within the time limits set out in, and containing the information required by, those Conditions. The Issuer shall, on the occurrence of a Mandatory Redemption Event as specified in Condition 6.5, give the required notice within the time limits specified therein.
Trustees Powers
In considering the interests of Securityholders the Trustee may, to the extent it considers it appropriate to do so in the circumstances, (a) have regard to such information as may have been made available to it by or on behalf of the relevant clearing system or its operator as to the identity of its accountholders (either individually or by way of category) with entitlements in respect of Securities and (b) consider such interests on the basis that such accountholders were the holders of the Securities represented by this Restricted Global Certificate.
Enforcement
For the purposes of enforcement of the provisions of the Trust Deed against the Trustee, the persons named in a certificate of the holder of the Securities represented by this Restricted Global Certificate shall be recognised as the beneficiaries of the trusts set out in the Trust Deed to the extent of the principal amount of their interest in the Securities set out in the certificate of the holder as if they were themselves the holders of Securities in such principal amounts.
Purchase and Cancellation
Cancellation of any Security following its purchase will be effected by reduction in the principal amount of the Securities in the Register.
Payments
Payments of principal in respect of Securities represented by this Restricted Global Certificate will be made against presentation and, if no further payment falls to be made in respect of the Securities, surrender of this Restricted Global Certificate to or to the order of the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent or such other Paying and Transfer Agent as shall have been notified to the holder of this Restricted Global Certificate for such purpose.
Transfers
Transfers of interests in the Securities represented by this Restricted Global Certificate for interests in the Unrestricted Global Certificate shall be made in accordance with the Paying Agency Agreement and in accordance with the operating procedures of the relevant clearing system and any such transfers may only be made upon presentation of a certificate as provided in the Paying Agency Agreement.
Notices
So long as Securities are represented by this Restricted Global Certificate and this Restricted Global Certificate is held on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, notices to the holders of such Securities may be given by delivery of the notice to the relevant clearing system for communication by it to entitled accountholders in substitution for notification as required by the Conditions.
This Restricted Global Certificate shall not be valid for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Registrar.
This Restricted Global Certificate is governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law.
In Witness whereof the Issuer has caused this Restricted Global Certificate to be signed manually or in facsimile on its behalf.
Dated May 17, 2006
LOTTOMATICA S.p.A. |
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Certificate of Authentication
Certified by or on behalf of the Registrar that the above-named holder is at the date hereof entered in the Register as holder of the above-mentioned principal amount of Securities.
J.P. MORGAN BANK LUXEMBOURG S.A. |
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(as Registrar) |
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By: |
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Authorised Signatory |
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Dated: |
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SCHEDULE A
SCHEDULE OF INCREASE OR REDUCTION IN PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS RESTRICTED GLOBAL CERTIFICATE
The following increases or reductions in the principal amount of the Securities represented by this Restricted Global Certificate have been made as a result of (i) redemption or purchase and cancellation of Securities or (ii) transfer of Securities (including transfers of interests between the Global Certificates):
Date of Redemption/
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Amount of increase or
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Principal amount of
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Notation made by or on
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SCHEDULE 2
FORM OF DEFINITIVE CERTIFICATE
[THE RESTRICTED SECURITIES EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT) AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, ENCUMBERED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT (1) IN THE UNITED STATES IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (RULE 144A) TO A PERSON THAT IS (A) A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A) OR A PURCHASER THAT THE SELLER AND ANY PERSON ACTING ON THE SELLERS BEHALF REASONABLY BELIEVE IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER, IN EACH CASE PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER, AND (B) AWARE THAT THE OFFER, SALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (2) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 903 OR RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (REGULATION S) TO A PERSON OTHER THAN A U.S. PERSON (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S), (3) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (4) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), IN EACH CASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS AND SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF THE ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (2) OR (4) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS SECURITY MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. EACH HOLDER AND BENEFICIAL OWNER, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESTRICTED SECURITIES EVIDENCED HEREBY, REPRESENTS THAT IT UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES TO THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS AND THAT NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 FOR RESALES OF THE RESTRICTED SECURITIES EVIDENCED HEREBY AND AGREES THAT IT WILL NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO ABOVE.
THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE EARLIER OF (A) THE TRANSFER OF THE RESTRICTED SECURITIES EVIDENCED HEREBY PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (3) ABOVE OR (B) THE DATE WHICH IS TWO YEARS AFTER THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF SUCH SECURITIES, OR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS PERMITTED BY RULE 144(k) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.](1)
LOTTOMATICA S.p.A.
(Incorporated with limited liability in Italy)
750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066
Lottomatica S.p.A., with registered office at Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00153 Rome, Italy, registered at the company register ( Registro delle Imprese ) in Rome with number 08028081001, corporate purpose as set forth in article 4 of its by-laws, share capital as at the Issue Date of 91,877,714 and reserves as at the Issue Date of
(1) Legend to be borne on any Restricted Definitive Certificate.
369,293,538. The issue was approved by resolution of the Issuers Board of Directors on April 27, 2006 (and registered at the company register in Rome on May 5, 2006). An offering circular dated May 10, 2006 was prepared by the Issuer in connection with the issue and sale of the Securities.
The Securities represented by this certificate form part of a series of Securities designated as specified in the title (the Securities ) of Lottomatica S.p.A. (the Issuer ). The Securities are constituted by a Trust Deed (the Trust Deed ) dated May 17, 2006 made between the Issuer and J.P. Morgan Corporate Trustee Services Limited as Trustee. The Securities are subject to, and have the benefit of, the Trust Deed and the terms and conditions (the Conditions ) endorsed hereon. Terms defined in the Trust Deed have the same meanings when used herein.
The Issuer hereby certifies that of is, at the date hereof, entered in the Register as the holder of Securities in the principal amount of ( euros). For value received, the Issuer promises to pay the person who appears at the relevant time on the Register as holder of the Securities in respect of which this Definitive Certificate is issued such amount or amounts as shall become due and payable from time to time in respect of such Securities and otherwise to comply with the Conditions.
[The statements set forth in the legend above are an integral part of the Securities in respect of which this certificate is issued and by acceptance thereof each holder agrees to be subject to and bound by the terms and provisions set forth in such legend.](2)
This Definitive Certificate is evidence of entitlement only. Title to the Securities passes only on due registration on the Register and only the duly registered holder is entitled to payments in respect of this Definitive Certificate.
This Definitive Certificate shall not be valid for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Registrar.
This Definitive Certificate is governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law.
IN WITNESS whereof this certificate has been executed on behalf of the Issuer.
LOTTOMATICA S.p.A. |
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By: |
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Authorised Director |
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Dated [ ] |
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(2) Delete if there is no Rule 144A Legend.
Certificate of Authentication
Certified by or on behalf of the Registrar that the above-named holder is at the date hereof entered in the Register as holder of the above-mentioned principal amount of Securities.
J. P. MORGAN BANK LUXEMBOURG S.A. |
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(as Registrar) |
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By: |
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Authorised Signatory |
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On the back: |
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[Terms and Conditions of the Securities to be inserted]
FORM OF TRANSFER
For value received the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) to
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(Please print or type name and address (including postal code) of transferee)
[ ] principal amount of the Securities represented by this Definitive Certificate and all rights in respect thereof.
[NOTE: INSERT FOR TRANSFERS OF SECURITIES BEARING THE RULE 144A LEGEND TO TRANSFEREES THAT TAKE DELIVERY OF SECURITIES NOT BEARING THE RULE 144A LEGEND.]
[In connection with such request and in respect of such Securities, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) such transfer has been effected in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Securities and in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any other jurisdiction and (ii) either:
(1) such transfer has been effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act ), and accordingly the undersigned hereby further certifies that:
(a) the offer and sale of the Securities was not made to a person in the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person and such offer and sale was not targeted to an identifiable group of U.S. citizens abroad;
(b) either:
(i) at the time the buy order was originated, the transferee was outside the United States or the undersigned and any person acting on its behalf reasonably believed that the transferee was outside the United States, or
(ii) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market (as defined in Regulation S) and neither the undersigned nor any person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was pre-arranged with a buyer in the United States;
(c) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or 904(b) of Regulation S, as applicable;
(d) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act; and
(e) if the undersigned is an officer or director of the Issuer or a distributor, who is an affiliate of the Issuer or distributor solely by holding such position, such sale is made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Rule 904(b)(2) of Regulation S; or
(2) the transfer has been effected pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 144 thereunder.](3)
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Certifying Signature |
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Date: |
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Signed |
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N.B.
1. This form of transfer must be accompanied by such documents, evidence and information as the Registrar may require and must be executed under the hand of the transferor or, if the transferor is a corporation, either under its common seal or under the hand of two of its officers duly authorised in writing.
2. The signature(s) on this form of transfer must correspond with the name(s) as it/they appear(s) on the face of this Definitive Certificate in every particular. In the case of joint holders, each of the joint holders named on the Register must sign this form of transfer.
3. A representative of the Securityholder should state the capacity in which he signs e.g. executor.
4. The signature of the person(s) effecting a transfer shall conform to any list of duly authorised specimen signatures supplied by the registered holder or be certified by a recognised bank, notary public or in such other manner as the Registrar may require.
(3) Insert for transfers of Securities bearing the Rule 144A Legend to transferees that take delivery of Securities not bearing the Rule 144A Legend.
SCHEDULE 3
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SECURITIES
The following, except for the paragraphs in italics, are the terms and conditions of the Securities substantially in the form in which they will be endorsed on any certificates representing the Securities:
The issue of the 750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066 (the Securities , which expression shall include any further securities issued pursuant to Condition 14 and forming a single series with the Securities) was authorised by a resolution of the Board of Directors of Lottomatica S.p.A., (the Issuer ) on April 27, 2006 and registered with the company register of Rome on May 5, 2006. The Securities are constituted by a Trust Deed dated May 17, 2006 (the Trust Deed ) between the Issuer and J.P. Morgan Corporate Trustee Services Limited (the Trustee which expression shall include all persons for the time being the trustee or trustees under the Trust Deed) as trustee for the Securityholders (as defined below). These terms and conditions (the Conditions ) include summaries of, and are subject to, the detailed provisions of the Trust Deed. Capitalised terms used in these Conditions and not defined herein shall have the meaning given to them in the Trust Deed. The Trust Deed shall also set out the forms of the Global Certificates and Definitive Certificates (each as defined below) from time to time representing the Securities. Copies of the Trust Deed and of the Paying and Transfer Agency Agreement dated May 17, 2006 (the Paying Agency Agreement ) relating to the Securities between the Issuer, the Trustee, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as agent bank (the Agent Bank which expression includes any bank appointed as the Agent Bank from time to time), J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. as registrar (the Registrar which expression includes any bank appointed as the Registrar from time to time), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as the initial principal paying and transfer agent (the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent ) and the other paying and transfer agents named therein (together with the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent, the Paying and Transfer Agents ) are available for inspection during usual business hours at the principal office of the Trustee (presently at Trinity Tower, 9 Thomas More Street, London E1W 1YT) and at the specified offices of the Registrar and the Paying and Transfer Agents. The Securityholders are entitled to the benefit of, are bound by, and are deemed to have notice of, all the provisions of the Trust Deed and an intercreditor agreement dated May 17, 2006 (the Intercreditor Agreement ) and entered into among the Issuer, the Trustee, the Bank of America, N.A., as senior agent (the Senior Agent ) and the other parties named therein, and are deemed to have notice of those provisions applicable to them of the Paying Agency Agreement.
The Intercreditor Agreement will provide that in the event of (i) the commencement of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Issuer due to corporate action or an administrative and/or court order, or (ii) the occurrence of any Insolvency Proceedings, subject to applicable bankruptcy law, the payment rights of the Securityholders and the Trustee (except in respect of the Trustees rights to receive its fees, costs and expenses and its remuneration) in respect of the Securities are subordinated to the claims in respect of the Senior Liabilities (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) and any amounts received by the Trustee (except as aforesaid) prior to the discharge in full of the Senior Liabilities shall be paid to the Senior Agent for application towards the Senior Liabilities.
1. FORM AND DENOMINATION, TITLE AND TRANSFERS
23.1 Form and denomination
The Securities are issued in registered form in an initial aggregate principal amount of 750,000,000, each in the denomination of 50,000 and integral multiples of 1,000 above such amount (each, an Authorised Denomination ).
The Securities are being offered and sold in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act, and may be offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (including the exemption provided by Rule 144A).
Securities sold in reliance on Regulation S shall be known as Unrestricted Securities. The Unrestricted Securities are initially evidenced by a single global certificate in registered form without interest coupons (the Unrestricted Global Certificate ). The Unrestricted Global Certificate shall be deposited with a common depositary (the Common Depositary ) of Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. ( Euroclear ) and Clearstream Banking, soci´et´e anonyme ( Clearstream, Luxembourg ) and registered in the name of a nominee of the Common Depositary.
Securities sold to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (including the exemption provided by Rule 144A) shall be known as Restricted Securities . Restricted Securities are initially evidenced by a single global certificate in registered form without interest coupons (the Restricted Global Certificate and, together with the Unrestricted Global Certificate, the Global Certificates ). The Restricted Global Certificate shall be deposited with the Common Depositary of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg and registered in the name of a nominee of the Common Depositary. The Restricted Global Certificate is subject to certain restrictions on transfer set forth therein and in the Paying Agency Agreement and bears the legend regarding such restrictions as set out in the Trust Deed.
Except in the limited circumstances set out therein, the Global Certificates shall not be exchangeable for definitive certificates (Definitive Certificates and, together with the Global Certificates, the Certificates).
23.2 Title
Title to the Securities passes only by transfer and registration in the Register as described below. The registered holder of any Security shall (except as otherwise required by law or as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction) be treated as its absolute owner for all purposes (whether or not it is overdue and regardless of any notice of ownership, trust or any interest in it or any writing on, or the theft or loss of, the related Certificate issued in respect of it (other than a duly executed transfer thereof)) and no person (including, without limitation, the Issuer and the Trustee) shall be liable for so treating the holder. In these Conditions, Securityholders and holder means the persons or person in whose name a Security is registered.
23.3 Register
The Issuer will cause to be kept at the specified office of the Registrar and in accordance with the terms of the Paying Agency Agreement, a register (the Register ) on which shall be entered the names and addresses of the holders and the particulars of the Securities held by them and of all transfers of, and payments on, the Securities. If Definitive Certificates are issued, each Securityholder will be entitled to receive only one Definitive Certificate in respect of its entire holding.
23.4 Transfers
Subject to the provisions contained herein and in the Paying Agency Agreement, and mandatory provisions of applicable law, the Securities may be transferred, in whole or in part in an Authorised Denomination, by the delivery of the Certificate issued in respect of such Security, with the form of transfer on the back duly completed and signed by the holder or his attorney duly authorised in writing, to the specified office of the Registrar or any Paying and Transfer Agent. No transfer of title shall be valid unless entered on the Register.
Ownership of interests in the Global Certificates ( Book-Entry Interests ) shall be limited to persons that have accounts with Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg, or persons that may hold interests through their participants. Book-Entry Interests shall be shown on, and transfers thereof shall be effected only through, records maintained in book-entry form by Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg and their participants. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Securities will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg and their respective direct or indirect participants, which rules and procedures may change from time to time.
23.5 Delivery of Certificates
Each new Certificate to be issued upon a transfer of Securities will, within seven business days (at the place of the specified office of the Registrar or the relevant Paying and Transfer Agent) of receipt by the Registrar or the relevant Paying and Transfer Agent of the form of transfer (duly completed), be mailed by uninsured mail at the risk of the holder entitled to the Securities to the address specified in the form of transfer. For the purposes of this Condition 1.5 and Condition 1.6, unless otherwise specified, business day means a day which is both a day on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payment and are open for general business (including dealing in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in London and Milan and the city in which the specified office of the Registrar or the relevant Paying and Transfer Agent with whom a Certificate is deposited in connection with a transfer is located.
Where some but not all the Securities in respect of which a Certificate is issued are to be transferred, a new Certificate in respect of the Securities not so transferred shall, within seven business days of deposit or surrender of the original Certificate with or to the Registrar or the relevant Paying and Transfer Agent, be mailed free of charge to the holder of the Securities not so transferred at the Issuers expense by uninsured mail, at the risk of such holder, to the address of such holder appearing on the Register.
Registration of any transfer of Securities and the issuance of new Certificates will be effected without charge by or on behalf of the Issuer, the Registrar or any of the Paying and Transfer Agents, subject to (a) payment (or the giving of such indemnity as the Issuer, the Registrar or any of the Paying and Transfer Agents may require) in respect of any tax or other governmental charges which may be imposed in relation to such transfer, (b) the Registrar being satisfied with the documents of title and/or the identity of the person making the application for transfer and (c) the Registrar being satisfied that the regulations concerning transfer of the Securities have been complied with.
All transfers of Securities and entries on the Register will be made subject to the detailed regulations concerning the transfer of Securities set forth in the Paying Agency Agreement. These regulations may be changed by the Issuer from time to time, with the prior written approval of the Trustee and the Registrar to reflect changes in applicable laws. A copy of the current regulations will be mailed (at the Issuers expense) by the Registrar to any Securityholder who requests a copy.
23.6 Closed Periods
Neither the Issuer nor the Registrar will be required to register the transfer of any Security (or part thereof) (a) during the period of 15 days immediately prior to the Maturity Date or any earlier date fixed for redemption of the Securities pursuant to Condition 6 and (b) during the period of 15 days ending on (and including) the due date in respect of any payment of interest in respect of the Securities.
2. STATUS
The Securities constitute obbligazioni pursuant to Articles 2410-et seq. of the Italian Civil Code. The obligations of the Issuer under the Securities constitute its direct, unsecured and subordinated obligations as set out herein.
In the event of (i) the commencement of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Issuer due to corporate action or an administrative and/or court order, or (ii) the occurrence of any Insolvency Proceedings, subject to applicable bankruptcy law, the rights of the Securityholders and the Trustee to payments of principal, accrued but unpaid Scheduled Interest Amounts, Optionally Deferred Interest and Additional Amounts thereon, if any, payable in respect of the Securities (regardless of whether such amounts have become payable before, or as a result of, such event) will rank:
(a) pari passu and without any preference among themselves;
(b) pari passu with any other present or future obligations of the Issuer under any Liquidation Parity Securities;
(c) junior to the claims of all other unsubordinated and subordinated creditors (including any claims pursuant to Article 2411, first paragraph, of the Italian Civil Code) of the Issuer, other than holders of Liquidation Parity Securities; and
(d) in priority to (i) the claims of holders of ordinary shares of the Issuer, (ii) the claims of holders of any financial instruments ( strumenti finanziari ) issued by the Issuer pursuant to Article 2349 of the Italian Civil Code, (iii) any claims in respect of any savings shares and any preference shares of the Issuer and any other equity interest in the Issuer and (iv) any claims against the Issuer which, by their terms or by operation of law, rank pari passu with the claims described in (i), (ii) or (iii) above (together, Junior Obligations ).
In the event of (i) the commencement of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Issuer due to corporate action or an administrative and/or court order, or (ii) the occurrence of any Insolvency Proceedings, subject to applicable bankruptcy law, the rights of the Securityholders and the Trustee to payment of unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest and Additional Amounts thereon, if any, payable in respect of the Securities (regardless of whether such amounts have become payable before, or as a result of, such event) will rank:
(a) pari passu and without any preference among themselves;
(b) in priority to (i) the claims of holders of ordinary shares of the Issuer, (ii) the claims of holders of any financial instruments ( strumenti finanziari ) issued by the Issuer pursuant to Article 2349 of the Italian Civil Code, (iii) any claims in respect of any savings shares and any preference shares of the Issuer and any other equity interest in the Issuer to the extent that such claims relate to the nominal capital thereof and (iv) any claims against the Issuer which, by their terms or by operation of law, rank pari passu with the claims described in (i), (ii) or (iii) above; and
(c) junior to the claims of all unsubordinated and subordinated creditors (including any claims pursuant to Article 2411, first paragraph, of the Italian Civil Code) of the Issuer, including holders of Liquidation Parity Securities and the holders of any preference shares and any savings shares of the Issuer and any other equity interest (other than ordinary shares) in the Issuer (to the extent that such claims do not relate to the nominal capital thereof).
A Securityholder may not, subject to mandatory provisions of applicable law, set-off any claims arising under the Securities against any claims the Issuer may have against it.
As at the date of this Offering Circular no Liquidation Parity Securities, savings shares, preference shares or other equity instruments which may be issued by the Issuer pursuant to Article 2349 of the Italian Civil Code were outstanding.
3. INTEREST
3.1 Fixed Rate Payment Dates
Subject to Condition 6.4, the Securities bear interest on their aggregate principal amount, on a daily basis, at a rate of 8.25% per annum (the Fixed Interest Rate ) from (and including) the Issue Date to (but excluding) the Reset Date payable (subject to Condition 4) annually in arrear on March 31 in each year (each, a Fixed Rate Payment Date ), commencing on March 31, 2007 and ending on (and including) the Reset Date.
The period beginning on (and including) the Issue Date and ending on (but excluding) the first Fixed Rate Payment Date and each successive period beginning on (and including) a Fixed Rate Payment Date and ending on (but excluding) the next succeeding Fixed Rate Payment Date, regardless of any deferral of
payments in accordance with Condition 4, is called a Fixed Rate Interest Period . The amount of interest payable for the Fixed Rate Interest Period or part thereof on each Security determined in accordance with this Condition 3.1 is called a Fixed Rate Interest Amount . The Fixed Rate Interest Amount scheduled to be paid (subject to Condition 4) in respect of each full Fixed Rate Interest Period shall be 4,125 per 50,000 in principal amount of the Securities, except that the first Fixed Rate Interest Amount scheduled to be paid (subject to Condition 4) on March 31, 2007 in respect of the period from (and including) May 17, 2006 to (but excluding) March 31, 2007, shall be 3,593.84 per 50,000 in principal amount of the Securities. Where, prior to the Reset Date, interest is to be calculated in respect of a period which is shorter than a Fixed Rate Interest Period, the day-count fraction used will be the number of days in the relevant period, from (and including) the date from which interest begins to accrue to (but excluding) the date on which it becomes payable, divided by the number of days in the Fixed Rate Interest Period in which the relevant period falls.
3.2 Floating Rate Payment Dates
Subject to Condition 6.4, the Securities bear interest on their aggregate principal amount from (and including) the Reset Date to (but excluding) the Maturity Date at the rates determined in accordance with Conditions 3.3 and 3.4, but in any case, will be no greater than the maximum rate in respect of each Floating Rate Interest Period (as defined below) permitted by then applicable Italian law (the Floating Interest Rate ) payable (subject to Condition 4) semi-annually in arrear on or about March 31 and September 30 in each year (each a Floating Rate Payment Date and together with the Fixed Rate Payment Dates, the Interest Payment Dates ) commencing on the Floating Rate Payment Date falling in September, 2016 and ending on (and including) the Maturity Date. If any Floating Rate Payment Date would otherwise fall on a day which is not a business day, it shall be postponed to the next day which is a business day unless it would thereby fall into the next calendar month in which event it shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding business day.
The period beginning on (and including) the Reset Date and ending on (but excluding) the first Floating Rate Payment Date and each successive period beginning on (and including) a Floating Rate Payment Date and ending on (but excluding) the next succeeding Floating Rate Payment Date, regardless of any deferral of payments in accordance with Condition 4, is called a Floating Rate Interest Period and, together with each Fixed Rate Interest Period, an Interest Period . The amount of interest payable in respect of the relevant Floating Rate Interest Period or part thereof determined in accordance with this Condition 3.2 and Conditions 3.3 and 3.4 is called a Floating Rate Interest Amount , and, together with each Fixed Rate Interest Amount, a Scheduled Interest Amount (which shall include interest accrued which becomes payable in respect of part of an Interest Period).
3.3 Floating Interest Rate
The Floating Interest Rate in respect of the Securities will be determined by the Agent Bank on the following basis:
(a)
On the second business day before the beginning of each Floating Rate Interest Period (the
Interest Determination Date
) the Agent Bank will determine the Euro Interbank Offered Rate (
EURIBOR
) for six-month euro deposits as at 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time) on the relevant Interest Determination Date. Such offered rate will be that which appears on the display designated as page
248
on the Telerate Monitor (or such other page or service as may replace it for the purpose of displaying such rates). The Floating Interest Rate for such Floating Rate Interest Period shall be the aggregate of the Margin and the rate which so appears, as determined by the Agent Bank.
(b) If for any reason such offered rate does not so appear, or if the relevant page is unavailable, the Agent Bank will determine EURIBOR based on quotations from five major banks in the Euro-zone interbank market chosen by the Agent Bank (the Reference Banks) for a period of six months as at 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time) on the relevant Interest Determination Date. The Floating Interest Rate for such Floating Rate Interest Period shall be the aggregate of the Margin and the arithmetic mean (rounded, if necessary, to the nearest fifth decimal place, with 0.000005 being rounded upwards) of such quotations (or of such of them, being at least two, as are so provided), as determined by the Agent Bank.
(c) If the relevant Floating Interest Rate cannot be determined in accordance with the above provisions, the Floating Interest Rate for such Floating Rate Interest Period shall be the Floating Interest Rate determined as at the last preceding Interest Determination Date or, if none, the Fixed Interest Rate.
3.4 Determination of Floating Interest Rate and calculation of Floating Rate Interest Amount
The Agent Bank will, as soon as practicable after 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time) on each Interest Determination Date, determine the Floating Interest Rate and the Floating Rate Interest Amount for the relevant Floating Rate Interest Period. The Floating Rate Interest Amount shall be calculated by applying the Floating Interest Rate to each 50,000 in principal amount of the Securities, multiplying such product by the actual number of days in the Floating Rate Interest Period concerned (or, in respect of any shorter period, such shorter period) divided by 360 and rounding the resulting figure to the nearest 0.01 (0.005 being rounded upwards). The determination of the Floating Interest Rate and the Floating Rate Interest Amount by the Agent Bank shall (in the absence of manifest error, wilful default, bad faith and gross negligence) be final and binding upon all parties.
3.5 Publication of Floating Interest Rate and Floating Rate Interest Amount
The Agent Bank will cause the Floating Interest Rate and the corresponding Floating Rate Interest Amount for each Floating Rate Interest Period and the relevant Floating Rate Payment Date to be notified to the Issuer, the Trustee, the Registrar, each of the Paying and Transfer Agents and any stock exchange on which the Securities are for the time being listed and to be notified to Securityholders (in accordance with Condition 15) as soon as possible after their determination, but in no event later than the second business day thereafter. The Floating Rate Interest Amount and Floating Rate Payment Date so published may subsequently be amended (or appropriate alternative arrangements made by way of adjustment) without notice in the event of an extension or shortening of the Floating Rate Interest Period.
3.6 Determination or calculation by Trustee
If the Agent Bank does not at any time for any reason so determine the Floating Interest Rate or calculate the corresponding Floating Rate Interest Amount for a Floating Rate Interest Period, the Trustee (or an agent appointed by it) shall do so and such determination or calculation shall be deemed to have been made by the Agent Bank. In doing so, the Trustee shall apply the provisions of Conditions 3.2 to 3.4 (inclusive), with any necessary consequential amendments, to the extent that, in its opinion, it can do so, and, in all other respects it shall determine and/or calculate the same in such manner as it shall deem fair and reasonable in all the circumstances.
3.7 Scheduled Interest Amounts
Each Security will cease to bear interest from the due date for redemption thereof unless, upon due presentation of the relevant Certificate representing such Security, payment of principal is improperly withheld or refused. In such event, it shall continue to bear interest in accordance with this Condition 3 (both before and after judgment) until whichever is the earlier of (a) the day on which all sums payable in respect of such Security up to (but excluding) that day are received by or on behalf of the relevant Securityholder, and (b) the day seven days after the Trustee or the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent has notified Securityholders of receipt of all sums payable in respect of all the Securities up to (but excluding) that seventh day (except to the extent that there is failure in the subsequent payment to the relevant Securityholders under these Conditions).
3.8 Notifications etc. to be binding
All notifications, opinions, determinations, certifications, conditions, quotations and decisions given, expressed, made or obtained for the purposes of this Condition 3, whether by the Agent Bank or the Trustee (or its agent), shall (in the absence of wilful default, bad faith, gross negligence or manifest or proven error) be binding on the Issuer, the Agent Bank, the Trustee, the Registrar, the Paying and Transfer Agents and on all Securityholders and (in the absence of wilful default, bad faith and gross negligence) no liability to the Securityholders or the Issuer shall attach to the Agent Bank or the Trustee (or its agent) in connection with the exercise or non-exercise by them of any of their powers, duties or discretions.
4. DEFERRALS OF INTEREST
The Issuer shall pay each Scheduled Interest Amount on the relevant Interest Payment Date subject to and in accordance with these Conditions, in particular the provisions relating to interest deferral set out in this Condition 4.
a. Optional deferral of interest
(a) Subject to Conditions 4.1(b), 4.2 and 4.3, the Issuer may, by giving notice (an Optional Deferral Notice ) to the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent, the Registrar and the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate of the Issuer) and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15, not less than ten business days prior to an Interest Payment Date, at its sole discretion elect to defer payment of any Scheduled Interest Amount (or part thereof) on the Securities. Any Scheduled Interest Amount (or part thereof) not paid pursuant to the provisions of this Condition 4.1 ( Optionally Deferred Interest , which term does not include any Old Optionally Deferred Interest), shall be deemed accrued on the relevant Interest Payment Date notwithstanding deferral of the payment thereof, and shall remain accrued until paid in full but shall not itself accrue interest. Non-payment of any Scheduled Interest Amount (or part thereof) pursuant to the provisions of this Condition 4.1 shall not constitute an Enforcement Event or otherwise be subject to enforcement except as provided in Condition 9.
(b) Optionally Deferred Interest may be paid by the Issuer at its discretion in cash at any time (having given not less than seven business days notice thereof to the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent, the Registrar, the Trustee and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15) on or before the fifth anniversary of the Interest Payment Date on which payment thereof was first deferred in accordance with this Condition 4.1, and during such period will become immediately payable in cash on the date which is the earliest to occur of:
(i) the date on which the Issuer next pays any interest amount in respect of the Securities or any interest amount is payable in respect of the Securities (unless payment thereof is deferred by the Issuer pursuant to these Conditions);
(ii) the date on which a Capital Payment is next made;
(iii) the due date for redemption of the Securities, whether at their Maturity Date, any Early Redemption Date or the date on which the Securities become immediately due and repayable pursuant to Condition 9;
(iv) the date which is 180 days after the date on which any petition is filed by any third party in connection with any Insolvency Proceedings in respect of the Issuer, where such petition has not been dismissed by such 180th day; and
(v) the date on which an order is made or a resolution is passed for the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of, or an administrative and/or court order is made for any Insolvency Proceedings in respect of, the Issuer, or the date on which the Issuer takes any corporate action for the purposes of opening, or initiates or consents to, Insolvency Proceedings in respect of it.
Any Optionally Deferred Interest that has not been paid in full in cash by the Issuer on or before the fifth anniversary of the Interest Payment Date on which payment thereof was first deferred in accordance with this Condition 4.1 shall, from such fifth anniversary, no longer be referred to Optionally Deferred Interest but shall be referred to as Old Optionally Deferred Interest , and may only be paid pursuant to Conditions 4.3 and 5.
b. Mandatory deferral of interest
The Issuer shall not pay any Scheduled Interest Amount on an Interest Payment Date if, as at the relevant Test Date, a Mandatory Deferral Event has occurred, unless and to the extent that the Issuer has available cash proceeds raised from the offer, issue and sale or contribution of Issuer Equity during the six month period ending on such Interest Payment Date and specified at the time of such offer, issue and sale or contribution to be for the purpose of enabling the payment of all or part of such Scheduled Interest Amount. Any Scheduled Interest Amount (or part thereof) not paid pursuant to the provisions of this Condition 4.2 ( Mandatorily Deferred Interest ) shall be deemed accrued on the relevant Interest Payment Date notwithstanding deferral of the payment thereof, and shall remain accrued until paid in full but shall not itself accrue interest. Non-payment of any Scheduled Interest Amount (or part thereof) pursuant to this Condition 4.2 shall not constitute an Enforcement Event or otherwise be subject to enforcement except as provided in Condition 9. Mandatorily Deferred Interest may only be paid pursuant to Conditions 4.3 and 5.
A Mandatory Deferral Event shall be deemed to occur in respect of an Interest Payment Date if the Coverage Ratio as of the relevant Test Date is less than or equal to 1.35.
The Issuer will give to the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent, the Registrar and the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate of the Issuer) and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 notice not later than five business days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date of the occurrence of a Mandatory Deferral Event as at the relevant Test Date.
An Officers Certificate of the Issuer addressed to the Trustee as to the amount of Capital Expenditure, EBITDA, ESOP Cashflow, Interest Expense and Taxes Paid, as to the Coverage Ratio or as to whether a Mandatory Deferral Event has occurred or will occur or not occur at any time may, in the absence of manifest error be relied upon by the Trustee and, if so relied upon, shall be conclusive and binding on the Issuer and the Securityholders.
c. Equity Funded Deferred Interest
For so long as any Old Optionally Deferred Interest or Mandatorily Deferred Interest (together, Equity Funded Deferred Interest ) remains unpaid, the Issuer must take all steps necessary (in compliance with applicable law) to fund payment of the same pursuant to Condition 5.2, but such Equity Funded Deferred Interest will become immediately payable in cash on the date which is the earliest to occur of:
(a) 7 business days following the settlement of an issue, offer and sale or contribution of Issuer Equity in accordance with Condition 5, to the extent of the proceeds thereof received by the Issuer;
(b) the tenth anniversary of the Interest Payment Date on which such payment thereof was first deferred in accordance with these Conditions;
(c) the due date for redemption of the Securities, whether at the Maturity Date, any Early Redemption Date, or the date on which the Securities become immediately due and repayable pursuant to Condition 9.3;
(d) the date which is 180 days after the date on which any petition is filed by any third party in connection with any Insolvency Proceedings in respect of the Issuer, where such petition has not been dismissed by such 180th day; and
(e) the date on which an order is made or a resolution is passed for the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of, or an administrative and/or court order is made for any Insolvency Proceedings in respect of, the Issuer, or the date on which the Issuer takes any corporate action for the purposes of opening, or initiates or consents to, Insolvency Proceedings in respect of it.
5. EQUITY FUNDING OF EQUITY FUNDED DEFERRED INTEREST
5.1 Authorised Equity
For so long as any Securities are outstanding (as defined in the Trust Deed), the Issuer undertakes to take all steps necessary (in compliance with applicable law) to keep available, as of the date of each Annual General Meeting, Sufficient Authorised Equity.
Such steps shall include, but not be limited to the following:
(a) if, in the opinion of the board of directors of the Issuer prior to the date of each Annual General Meeting, the Issuer will not have available on the date of such Annual General Meeting a sufficient amount of Authorised Equity to fund the payment of all outstanding Equity Funded Deferred Interest, the board of directors of the Issuer shall, in compliance with any applicable law, propose a resolution at such Annual General Meeting for shareholders to resolve on the authorisation for the issuance of ordinary shares in such number as will enable the Issuer to pay in full all accrued and unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest pursuant to Condition 5.2 and (ii) after doing so, have available Sufficient Authorised Equity. The Issuer shall estimate the number of ordinary shares required for this purpose based on the prevailing market price for such ordinary shares on or around the time of proposing such resolution; and
(b) if any resolution relating to the authorisation and issuance of new ordinary shares for the payment of Equity Funded Deferred Interest proposed as provided in Condition 5.1(a) is not approved and adopted by the shareholders of the Issuer at such Annual General Meeting, the board of directors of the Issuer shall, in compliance with applicable law, propose a similar resolution at the next Annual General Meeting of the Issuer. This process shall be repeated, in compliance with applicable law, until the relevant resolution is approved and adopted.
If the Issuer does not have a sufficient number of ordinary shares available for issue, then the Issuer shall give notice thereof to the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate of the Issuer) and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15. The Issuer shall thereafter give notice to the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate signed of the Issuer) and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 of the subsequent approval and adoption by the shareholders of the Issuer of any resolution relating to the authorisation for issuance of ordinary shares to fund the payment of such unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest, promptly following the date of the Annual General Meeting at which such resolution is passed.
The shareholders of the Issuer have initially authorised for issuance Authorised Equity of up to 170 million in connection with these provisions.
5.2 Payment of Equity Funded Deferred Interest
For as long as any Equity Funded Deferred Interest (or part thereof) remains unpaid, the Issuer must, after obtaining all shareholder authorisations for the issue or creation of Issuer Equity, in compliance with any applicable law and subject to Condition 5.3, promptly fund the full payment in cash of such Equity Funded Deferred Interest, using the proceeds derived from the issue, offer and sale or contribution of Issuer Equity raised in accordance with this Condition 5.2.
Promptly following the date on which Mandatorily Deferred Interest or Old Optionally Deferred Interest, as the case may be, arises, the Issuer shall, after obtaining all shareholder authorisations for the issue or creation of Issuer Equity, in compliance with any applicable law and subject to Condition 5.3:
(i) procure the issue, offer and sale or contribution of such amount of Issuer Equity as will result in proceeds received by the Issuer, after any expenses relating thereto, of not less than the aggregate amount of unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest; and
(ii) deliver to the Trustee or to the Principal Paying Agent a cash amount equal to the amount of unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest as soon as practicable, but in any event within twenty business days following the settlement of the relevant issue, offer and sale or contribution of Issuer Equity. If such cash amount is received by the Trustee, the Trustee shall pay such amount to the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent. The Principal Paying and Transfer Agent shall pay the amount received by it to the Securityholders in respect of the relevant Equity Funded Deferred Interest within ten business days following receipt thereof by the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent (such date, the Equity Funded Deferred Interest Payment Date ).
If the proceeds of the issue, offer and sale or contribution of Issuer Equity received by the Issuer pursuant to paragraph (i) above are insufficient to pay in full all unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest on the relevant Equity Funded Deferred Interest Payment Date, then: (A) the Issuers obligations pursuant to this Condition 5.2 shall continue until all unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest has been paid in full; and (B) any payment in respect of Equity Funded Deferred Interest made to Securityholders on such Equity Funded Deferred Interest Payment Date will be applied pro rata to all Securityholders and the Issuer shall be released and discharged from its obligations under this Condition 5.2 only to the extent of such amount applied, and the Securityholders shall have no further claim against the Issuer to that extent (without prejudice to any claims in respect of any amount of Equity Funded Deferred Interest that remains unpaid).
5.3 Market Disruption Event
The Issuer shall not be obliged to pay Equity Funded Deferred Interest pursuant to Condition 5.2 if a Market Disruption Event has occurred and for so long as it is continuing, but the Issuers obligations contained in Condition 5.2 shall recommence immediately upon the cessation of such Market Disruption Event. The Issuer shall, as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event at any time whilst any Equity Funded Deferred Interest remains unpaid, notify the same to the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate of the Issuer) and to the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15. An Officers Certificate of the Issuer addressed to the Trustee as to the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event may be relied upon by the Trustee as sufficient evidence thereof and if so relied upon shall be conclusive and binding on the Issuer, the Trustee and the Securityholders.
5.4 Capital Restriction
Until such time as all unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest has been paid in full in cash in accordance with Conditions 4.3 and 5.2 (and, in the case of paragraph (c) below, for a period of one year thereafter) the Issuer:
(a) shall not declare or make a payment of, or resolve on the declaration or payment of, a distribution or any other similar payment with respect to any Junior Obligations (other than ordinary share capital) or Distribution Parity Securities, other than a payment in the form of Issuer Equity; and
(b) subject to paragraph (c) below, shall not redeem, repurchase or acquire any Junior Obligations or Parity Securities for any consideration, other than the purchase of fractional interests in Junior Obligations or Parity Securities pursuant to any conversion or exchange provisions of such Junior Obligations or Parity Securities; and
(c) shall not redeem, repurchase or acquire any Issuer Equity for any consideration, other than (i) in connection with any existing or future employee benefit plan, directors and senior managements stock based compensation, directors stock option plan or similar arrangement; or (ii) a reclassification of Issuer Equity or exchange or conversion of one class or series of Issuer Equity into another class or series of Issuer Equity; or (iii) the purchase of fractional interests in Issuer Equity pursuant to any conversion or exchange provisions of such Issuer Equity,
such restrictions shall be called the Capital Restriction .
As at the date of this Offering Circular, no Parity Securities or Junior Obligations falling within the exceptions to Condition 5.4(b) above were outstanding.
6. REDEMPTION AND PURCHASE
The Securities may not be redeemed at the option of the Issuer other than in accordance with this Condition 6.
6.1 Maturity date
If not redeemed or purchased and cancelled earlier, the Securities will be redeemed on the Maturity Date at their principal amount together with any accrued and unpaid Scheduled Interest Amount, any unpaid Optionally Deferred Interest and Equity Funded Deferred Interest (which Equity Funded Deferred Interest may only be paid from the proceeds of the issue, offer and sale or contribution of Issuer Equity as described in Condition 5) together with any Additional Amounts thereon (the Redemption Price ).
6.2 Redemption at the option of the Issuer
On giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Trustee and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 (which notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the date fixed for redemption) the Issuer may, at its option, redeem all but not some only of the Securities in cash on the Reset Date or on any Floating Rate Payment Date thereafter, at the Redemption Price.
Upon the expiry of any such notice, the Issuer shall be obliged to redeem the Securities in accordance with this Condition 6.2 and in accordance with mandatory provisions of applicable Italian law.
6.3 Redemption for taxation reasons
On giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Trustee and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 (which notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the date fixed for redemption), the Issuer may, at its option, redeem all but not some only of the Securities in cash on any date prior to the Reset Date:
(a) upon the occurrence of a Withholding Tax Event, at the Redemption Price; or
(b) upon the occurrence of a Tax Event, at the Make-Whole Price together with any accrued and unpaid Scheduled Interest Amount, any unpaid Optionally Deferred Interest and Equity Funded Deferred Interest (which Equity Funded Deferred Interest may only be paid from the proceeds of the issue, offer and sale or contribution of Issuer Equity as described in Condition 5) and any Additional Amounts thereon.
Prior to the publication of any notice of redemption pursuant to the above paragraphs, the Issuer shall deliver or procure that there is delivered to the Trustee:
(A) an Officers Certificate of the Issuer stating that the Issuer is entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to the right of the Issuer so to redeem have occurred (including, in the case of a Withholding Tax Event, that such obligation to pay Additional Amounts cannot be avoided by the Issuer taking reasonable measures available to it); and
(B) an opinion of an independent legal advisor of recognised standing under the laws of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction to the effect that either (1) the Issuer has or will become obliged to pay such Additional Amounts as a result of a Withholding Tax Event, or (2) that a Tax Event has occurred.
Upon the expiry of any such notice, the Issuer shall be obliged to redeem the Securities in accordance with this Condition 6.3 and in accordance with mandatory provisions of applicable Italian law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such notice of redemption will be given in respect of the occurrence of a Withholding Tax Event (a) earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer would be obliged to make such payment of Additional Amounts or withholding if any amounts in respect of the Securities were then payable and (b) unless at the time such notice is given, the obligation to pay Additional Amounts remains in effect.
6.4 Change of Control Call Event
(a) If at any time while the Securities are outstanding a Change of Control Event occurs prior to the Reset Date, the Issuer may, not later than 60 days following the occurrence of such Change of Control Event and on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Trustee and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 (which notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the date fixed for redemption), at its option, redeem all but not some only of the Securities in cash at the Make-Whole Price together with any accrued and unpaid Scheduled Interest Amount, any unpaid Optionally Deferred Interest and Equity Funded Deferred Interest (which Equity Funded Deferred Interest may only be paid from the proceeds of the issue, offer and sale or contribution of Issuer Equity as described in Condition 5) and any Additional Amounts thereon.
(b) If at any time while the Securities are outstanding a Change of Control Event occurs on or after the Reset Date, the Issuer may, on the next Floating Rate Payment Date thereafter or, if the next succeeding Floating Rate Payment Date falls less than 30 days from the date such Change of Control Event occurs, then on the next Floating Rate Payment Date thereafter), on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Trustee and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 (which notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the date fixed for redemption), at its option, redeem all but not some only of the Securities in cash at the Redemption Price.
Upon the expiry of any such notice, the Issuer shall be obliged to redeem the Securities in accordance with this Condition 6.4 and in accordance with mandatory provisions of applicable Italian law.
If a Change of Control Event occurs and the Issuer does not elect to redeem the Securities by giving notice to the Trustee and the Securityholders in accordance with the provisions of Condition 6.4(a) or (b), as the case may be, within the periods described therein, then the Securities shall, from the date on which the Change of Control Event occurred, bear interest on their aggregate principal amount at a rate which is prior to the Reset Date, equal to the Change of Control Fixed Rate or (b) from (and including) the Reset Date, equal to the Change of Control Floating Rate.
The Issuer has covenanted in the Trust Deed that, for so long as any Securities remain outstanding, on the occurrence of a Change of Control Event, the Issuer will launch a tender offer for its outstanding B 360 million 4.80% Senior Notes due 2008 (the Senior Notes ) at 100% of their aggregate principal amount. Such tender offer shall be launched within a period of 20 days from the occurrence of such Change of Control Event, and shall be made available, subject to applicable laws, to all holders of the Senior Notes.
6.5 Mandatory Redemption Event
If a Mandatory Redemption Event occurs, the Issuer shall redeem all, but not some only, of the Securities on the Mandatory Redemption Date at 101% of their aggregate principal amount together with any accrued and unpaid Scheduled Interest Amount and any Additional Amounts thereon. Any such redemption shall be in accordance with mandatory provisions of applicable Italian law.
The Issuer will, within five business days after a Mandatory Redemption Event occurs, give notice thereof to the Trustee (in an Officers Certificate of the Issuer) and the Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 and specifying the Mandatory Redemption Date.
Any failure by the Issuer to give notice as required by this Condition 6.5 shall not release the Issuer from its obligation to redeem the Securities on the Mandatory Redemption Date.
6.6 Purchase
The Issuer or any of its subsidiaries may, at any time, purchase Securities in the open market or otherwise at any price. Any purchase by tender shall be made available to all Securityholders alike, by means of a public cash tender offer bid or a public exchange tender offer, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Any Securities so purchased, pending cancellation in accordance with Condition 6.7, shall not entitle the holder to vote at any meetings of the Securityholders and shall not be deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of calculating quorums at meetings of the Securityholders or for the purposes of Condition 12.1.
6.7 Replacement
The Issuers intention is (other than in relation to a mandatory redemption pursuant to Condition 6.5 above) only to redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire the Securities for cash consideration prior to the Maturity Date if the Issuer has received from parties that are not members of the Issuer Group cash proceeds at least amounting to such consideration within a period of six months prior to such redemption, repurchase or other acquisition from the issue, offer and sale or contribution of (a) Issuer Equity or other securities which contain terms that are substantially the same as the Securities in respect of (i) enforcement rights and remedies of holders thereof, (ii) subordination of such holders claims in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up or Insolvency Proceedings in respect of the Issuer, initial maturity and any early redemption provisions, (iv) the payment, deferral or non-payment of scheduled distributions, (v) scheduled step up in distribution rate, if any, and (vi) replacement conditions pertaining to early redemption, repurchase or acquisition of such other securities.
6.8 Cancellation
All Securities so redeemed or purchased in accordance with this Condition 6 will be cancelled and may not be re-issued or resold.
7. PAYMENTS
7.1 Method of Payment
(a) Subject to Condition 4, payments of principal in respect of the Securities will be made to the person shown in the Register at the close of business on the seventh business day in London, Milan and the city in which the specified office of the Registrar is located before the due date for the relevant payment (the Record Date ), and against presentation and surrender (or, in the case of a partial payment, endorsement) of the relevant Certificate at the specified office of the Registrar or any Paying and Transfer Agent by euro cheque drawn on, or by transfer to a euro account maintained by the payee with, a bank in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System.
(b) Payments of interest due on an Interest Payment Date and payments in respect of Optionally Deferred Interest and Equity Funded Deferred Interest will be made to the person shown in the Register at the close of business on the relevant Record Date. Such payments on each Security shall be made by euro cheque drawn on, or by transfer to a euro account maintained by the payee with, a bank in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System.
(c) Where payment is to be made by cheque, the cheque will be mailed, on the business day in London, Milan and the city in which the specified office of the Registrar is located preceding the due date for payment or, in the case of payments referred to in Condition 7.1(a), if later, on the business day (in the city on which the specified office of the Registrar or the relevant Paying and Transfer Agent with whom the Certificate is deposited is located) on which the relevant Certificate is presented for surrender or endorsement, as applicable (at the risk and, if mailed at the request of the holder otherwise than by ordinary mail, at the expense of the holder) to the holder (or the first named of joint holders) of the Securities at its address appearing in the Register.
(d) Securityholders will not be entitled to any interest or other payment for any delay after the due date in receiving the amount due (i) as a result of the due date not being a business day, (ii) if the Securityholder is late in presenting the relevant Certificate for surrender (or endorsement, as applicable) or (iii) if a cheque mailed in accordance with this Condition 7.1 arrives after the date for payment.
7.2 Payments subject to laws
All payments are subject in all cases to any applicable fiscal or other laws and regulations in the place of payment, but without prejudice to the provisions of Condition 8. No commissions or expenses shall be charged to the Securityholders in respect of such payments.
7.3 Payments on business days
A Certificate may only be presented for payment on a day which is a business day in the place of presentation (and, in the case of payment by transfer to a euro account, in a city where banks have access to the TARGET System). No further interest or other payment will be made if the day on which the relevant Certificate may be presented for payment under this paragraph is a day falling after the due date. In this Condition 7 business day means a day on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payment and are open for general business (including dealing in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in the relevant city.
7.4 Agents
The initial Registrar, Paying and Transfer Agents and Agent Bank and their initial specified offices are listed below. The Issuer reserves the right at any time with the approval of the Trustee to vary or terminate the appointment of any Paying and Transfer Agent or the Agent Bank and appoint additional or other agents, provided that it will, at all times while any Security is outstanding, maintain (a) a Registrar, (b) a Principal Paying and Transfer Agent (and for so long as any amounts remain payable in respect of the Securities), (c) an Agent Bank, (d) Paying and Transfer Agents having specified offices in at least two major European cities approved by the Trustee (including Luxembourg, so long as the Securities are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange) and (e) a Paying and Transfer Agent with a specified office in a European Union member state that will not be obliged to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any other Directive implementing the conclusions of the ECOFIN Council meeting of November 26-27, 2000 on the taxation of savings income or any other law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive.
If any of the Registrar, Agent Bank or Principal Paying and Transfer Agent is unable or unwilling to act as such or if it fails to make any determination or calculation or otherwise fails to perform its duties under these Conditions or the Paying Agency Agreement, as the case may be, the Issuer shall appoint, on terms acceptable to the Trustee, an independent investment bank acceptable to the Trustee to act as such in its place.
7.5 Fractions
When making payments to Securityholders, if the relevant payment is not of an amount which is a whole multiple of 0.01, such payment will be rounded down to the nearest 0.01.
8. TAXATION
8.1 Additional Amounts
All payments in respect of principal, premium (if any) and interest (including, without limitation, any Optionally Deferred Interest and Equity Funded Deferred Interest) by or on behalf of the Issuer in respect of the Securities shall be made free and clear of, and without withholding or deduction for, any taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges (including, without limitation, any interest, penalties and other similar liabilities related thereto) of whatever nature imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by or within the Republic of Italy or the United States of America or any political subdivision thereof or therein that has the power to tax (each a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction ) (such amounts being hereafter referred to as Taxes ), unless such withholding or deduction is required by law (including, but not limited to, as a consequence of any change in tax law or any change in the interpretation of Tax law). In such event the Issuer shall pay such additional amounts ( Additional Amounts ) as will result in the receipt by the Securityholders (which for all purposes of this Condition 8 shall include the beneficial owners of the Securities) of the same amounts as would have been received by them had no such withholding or deduction been required; except that no such Additional Amounts shall be due from the Issuer to the extent that the relevant Tax is a direct result of one or more of the following circumstances:
(a) Other connection
in respect of any Securityholder who is liable to such Taxes by reason of his having some present or future connection with the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (other than by reason of (i) the mere receipt or holding of the Security or (ii) the mere receipt of payments under the Securities); or
(b) Declaration of non-residence or other exemption claim
in respect of any Securityholder who would not be liable or subject to the withholding or deduction by making a declaration (including, without limitation, a U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 BEN or W-9) of non-residence or other similar claim for exemption (in each case, which the relevant Securityholder was legally entitled to make) to the relevant tax authority after notification by the Issuer of the requirement to comply with the same (which notification shall be accomplished by providing written notice of the same to the Trustee, the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent and the relevant clearing systems and by publication of an appropriate notice in at least two international economic newspapers, which publication shall be made at a time which would enable the Securityholders, acting reasonably, to comply with such requirement, provided that Securityholders shall be deemed to have received notification of any such requirement to make a declaration or similar claim to the extent that such requirement is described under the heading Tax ConsiderationsItalian Tax Considerations in the Offering Circular dated May 10, 2006, in relation to the Securities); or
(c) Presentation more than 30 days after the Relevant Date
in respect of any Certificate presented for payment (where presentation is required) more than 30 days after the Relevant Date except to the extent that the Securityholder thereof would have been entitled to such Additional Amounts on presenting such Certificate for payment on the last day of such period of 30 days; or
(d) Imposta sostitutiva levied pursuant to Decree No. 239
where such withholding or deduction is in relation to the substitute tax ( imposta sostitutiva ), currently levied at the rate of 12.5%, regulated by Italian Legislative Decree No. 239 of April 1, 1996, as amended or supplemented ( Decree 239 ), except where the exemption provided for by Decree No. 239 is not applicable due to any action or omission of the Issuer; or
(e) European Council Directive
where such withholding or deduction is imposed on a payment to an individual and is required to be made pursuant to European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any Directive implementing the conclusions of the ECOFIN Council meeting of November 26-27, 2000 on the taxation of savings income or any other law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive; or
(f) Payment by another Paying and Transfer Agent
in respect of any Certificate presented for payment (where presentation is required) by or on behalf of a Securityholder who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction by presenting the relevant Certificate to another Paying and Transfer Agent in a Member State of the European Union; or
(g) U.S. Backup Withholding
where such withholding or deduction is in respect of backup withholding imposed under Section 3406 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code ) and the U.S. Treasury regulations thereunder.
Such Additional Amounts will also not be payable where, had the beneficial owner of the Security been the registered Securityholder, it would not have been entitled to payment of Additional Amounts by reason of Conditions 8.1(a) to (g) (inclusive) above.
The Issuer will (i) make such withholding or deduction required by applicable law and (ii) remit the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant taxing authority in accordance with applicable law.
At least 30 calendar days prior to each date on which any payment under or with respect to the Securities is payable, if the Issuer will be obliged to pay Additional Amounts with respect to such payment (unless such obligation to pay Additional Amounts arises after the 30th day prior to the date on which payment under or with respect to the Securities is payable, in which case it will be promptly thereafter), the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee an Officers Certificate of the Issuer stating that such Additional Amounts will be payable and the amounts so payable and will set forth such other information necessary to enable the Trustee, the Registrar or the Paying and Transfer Agent, as the case may be, to pay such Additional Amounts to Securityholders on the relevant payment date. The Trustee shall, without further investigation, be entitled to rely absolutely on each such Officers Certificate as conclusive proof that such payments are necessary. The Issuer will promptly publish a notice in accordance with the provisions set forth in Condition 15 stating that such Additional Amounts will be payable and describing the obligation to pay such amounts.
Upon request, the Issuer will make reasonable efforts to furnish to the Trustee or a Securityholder within a reasonable time certified copies of Tax receipts evidencing the payment by the Issuer of any Taxes imposed or levied by a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, in such form as provided in the normal course by the taxing authority imposing such Taxes and as is reasonably available to the Issuer. If, notwithstanding the efforts of the Issuer to obtain such receipts, the same are not obtainable, the Issuer will provide the Trustee or Securityholder with other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee or such Securityholder of such payments by the Issuer. The Issuer will attach to each copy a certificate stating that the amount of Taxes evidenced by the certified copy was paid in connection with payments in respect of the principal amount of Securities then outstanding.
The Trust Deed shall further provide that if the Issuer becomes subject to the taxing jurisdiction of any country or any political subdivision thereof or therein that has the power to tax (an Additional Taxing Jurisdiction ) other than or in addition to a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, this Condition 8 shall be deemed to apply as if references therein to Taxes included taxes imposed by way of withholding or deduction by any such Additional Taxing Jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof or therein).
In addition, the Issuer will pay (i) all present and future stamp, issue, registration, court, documentation, or any excise or property taxes or other similar taxes, charges and duties, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed by any Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction in respect of the execution, issue, delivery or registration of the Securities, the Trust Deed, or any other document or instrument referred to therein, and any such taxes, charges, or similar levies imposed by any jurisdiction as a result of, or in connection with, the enforcement of the Securities, the Trust Deed or any other such document or instrument, or (ii) any stamp, court, or documentary taxes (or similar charges or levies) imposed with respect to the receipt of any payments with respect to the Securities.
The preceding provisions will survive any termination, defeasance or discharge of the Trust Deed and redemption of the Securities and shall apply mutatis mutandis to any jurisdiction in which the Issuer is organised, incorporated or otherwise resident for tax purposes and any political subdivision or taxing authority or agency thereof or therein.
8.2 References
Any reference in these Conditions to principal, interest and/or any other amounts in respect of the Securities shall be deemed to include any Additional Amounts which may be payable under this Condition or any undertaking given in addition to or substitution for it under the Trust Deed.
9. ENFORCEMENT EVENTS
9.1 Enforcement Events
An Enforcement Event shall have occurred if:
(a) the Issuer fails to pay any Optionally Deferred Interest in respect of the Securities within fifteen business days of the due date for payment thereof;
(b) the Issuer fails to pay in full any Equity Funded Deferred Interest, in the manner described herein by the tenth anniversary of the Interest Payment Date on which payment of the relevant Scheduled Interest Amount was first deferred in accordance with these Conditions, or the Issuer breaches the Capital Restriction;
(c) the Issuer defaults in the performance or observance of any of its other obligations in respect of the Securities (other than any of its obligations under the Trust Deed) and such default (i) is, in the reasonable opinion of the Trustee, incapable of remedy or (ii) being a default which is, in the reasonable opinion of the Trustee, capable of remedy, remains unremedied for 60 days or such longer period as the Trustee may agree after the Trustee has given notice thereof to the Issuer;
(d) any petition is filed by any third party in connection with any Insolvency Proceedings in respect of the Issuer, and such petition is not dismissed within 180 days of such filing; or
(e) an order is made or a resolution is passed for the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of, or an administrative and/or court order is made for any Insolvency Proceedings in respect of, the Issuer, or the Issuer takes any corporate action for the purposes of opening, or initiates or consents to, Insolvency Proceedings in respect of it.
9.2 Enforcement in respect of Optionally Deferred Interest
Upon the occurrence of an Enforcement Event described in Condition 9.1(a) and subject to mandatory provisions of applicable law, the Trustee at its discretion may, and if so instructed by Securityholders holding not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed) shall, subject in each case to its being indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction, by written notice addressed to the Issuer, institute proceedings to obtain payment of the amounts due, provided that the Issuer shall not by virtue of the institution of any such proceedings be obliged to pay any sum or sums sooner than the same would otherwise have been payable by it and the Trustee shall not, in these circumstances, be entitled to declare the principal amount of the Securities due and payable.
The proviso to this Condition 9.2 shall not apply to amounts due to the Trustee in its personal capacity under the Trust Deed.
9.3 Enforcement in respect of Equity Funded Deferred Interest and Capital Restriction
Upon the occurrence of an Enforcement Event described in Condition 9.1(b) above and subject to Condition 12.1 and mandatory provisions of applicable law, the Trustee at its discretion may, and if so instructed by Securityholders holding not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution shall, subject in each case to it being indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction, (a) give notice to the Issuer that the Securities are, and they shall accordingly forthwith become, immediately due and repayable at their principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid Scheduled Interest Amount, any Deferred Interest and any Additional Amounts thereon, and/or (b) institute steps in order to obtain a judgment against the Issuer for any amounts due in respect of the Securities, including the institution of Insolvency Proceedings.
9.4 Enforcement in respect of Breach of Other Obligations
Upon the occurrence of an Enforcement Event described in Condition 9.1(c) above or upon the breach by the Issuer of any of its obligations under the Trust Deed and subject to mandatory provisions of applicable law, the Trustee at its discretion may, and if so instructed by Securityholders holding not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution shall, subject in each case to it being indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction, institute such proceedings and/or take any other action against the Issuer as it may think fit to enforce any obligation, condition, undertaking or provision binding on the Issuer under the Securities or the Trust Deed (other than as provided in Conditions 9.2 and 9.3); provided that the Issuer shall not by virtue of the institution of any such proceedings be obliged to pay any sum or sums sooner than the same would otherwise have been payable by it and the Trustee shall not, in these circumstances, be entitled to declare the principal amount of the Securities due and repayable.
The proviso to this Condition 9.4 shall not apply to amounts due to the Trustee in its personal capacity under the Trust Deed.
9.5 Enforcement in respect of Insolvency Proceedings
Upon the occurrence of an Enforcement Event described in Condition 9.1(d) or (e) above and subject to Condition 12.1 and mandatory provisions of applicable law, the Trustee at its discretion may, and if so instructed by Securityholders holding not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution shall, subject in each case to it being indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction, (a) give notice to the Issuer that the Securities are, and they shall accordingly forthwith become, immediately due and repayable at their principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid Scheduled Interest Amount, any Deferred Interest and any Additional Amounts thereon, and/or (b) institute steps in order to obtain a judgment against the Issuer for any amounts due in respect of the Securities, including filing a proof of claim and participating in the relevant Insolvency Proceedings or proceedings for the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Issuer.
9.6 Non-Payment of Principal
If the Issuer shall default in the payment of principal or premium in respect of any Security which has become due and repayable, or fails to redeem the Securities when obliged to do so, in each case in accordance with the terms hereof, the Trustee at its discretion may, and if so instructed by Securityholders holding not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed) shall, subject in each case to its being indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction, institute proceedings to obtain payment of the amounts due, including the institution of Insolvency Proceedings.
9.7 Other Remedies and Rights of Securityholders
No remedy against the Issuer other than the institution of the steps or the proceedings or taking of other action by the Trustee referred to in Conditions 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5 and 9.6, subject to mandatory provisions of applicable law (including, without limitation, Article 2419 of the Italian Civil Code), shall be available to the Trustee or the Securityholders whether for the recovery of amounts owing in respect of the Securities or in respect of any breach by the Issuer of any other obligation, condition, or provision binding on it under the Securities or the Trust Deed, provided that the second paragraph of Conditions 9.2 and 9.4 shall apply to this Condition 9.7.
9.8 Holders not entitled to proceed directly
No Securityholder shall, subject to mandatory provisions of applicable law (including, without limitation, Article 2419 of the Italian Civil Code), be entitled to proceed directly against the Issuer unless the Trustee, having become bound so to proceed, fails to do so within a reasonable period and such failure is continuing.
10. PRESCRIPTION
Claims against the Issuer for payment in respect of the Securities shall be prescribed and become void unless made within a period of 10 years (in the case of principal) or five years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date in respect of such payment and thereafter any principal, interest or other sums payable in respect of such Securities shall be forfeited and revert to the Issuer.
11. REPLACEMENT OF CERTIFICATES
If any Certificate is lost, stolen, mutilated, defaced or destroyed it may be replaced at the specified office of the Paying and Transfer Agent in Luxembourg (for so long as the Securities are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, otherwise at the specified office of the Registrar) subject to all applicable laws and stock exchange or other relevant authority requirements, upon payment by the claimant of the expenses incurred in connection with such replacement and on such terms as to evidence, security, indemnity and otherwise as the Issuer may require (provided that the requirement is reasonable in the light of prevailing market practice). Mutilated or defaced Certificates must be surrendered before replacements will be issued.
12. MEETINGS OF SECURITYHOLDERS, MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
12.1 Meetings of Securityholders
The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening meetings of Securityholders to consider any matter affecting their interests, including a modification of any of these Conditions or any provisions of the Trust Deed in accordance with Article 2415 of the Italian Civil Code and any other applicable provisions of law. Any such modification may be made if sanctioned by an Extraordinary Resolution. Such a meeting may be convened by the board of directors of the Issuer or by the Securityholders Representative and shall be convened upon the request in writing of Securityholders holding not less than 5% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities for the time being outstanding. Such a meeting will be validly held if (a) there are one or more persons present, being or representing Securityholders holding at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities for the time being outstanding, or (b) at any adjourned meeting, following
adjournment of the first meeting for lack of quorum, there are one or more persons present being or representing Securityholders holding more than one third of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities for the time being outstanding, or (c) in the case of a third meeting following a further adjournment for lack of quorum, there are one or more persons present being or representing Securityholders holding at least one-fifth of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities for the time being outstanding, provided, however, that if the business of such meeting includes consideration of proposals, inter alia , (i) to modify the Maturity Date or the dates on which, or manner in which, interest is payable in respect of the Securities, (ii) to reduce or cancel the principal amount of, or interest on or to vary the method of calculating the rate of interest on, the Securities, (iii) to change the currency of payment of the Securities, (iv) to modify the provisions relating to status, (v) to modify the provisions concerning the quorum required at any meeting of Securityholders or the majority required to pass an Extraordinary Resolution or (vi) relating to any other matters provided under Article 2415 paragraph 3, of the Italian Civil Code (each, a Reserved Matter ), the necessary quorum shall always be at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities for the time being outstanding. The majority required to pass a resolution at any meeting convened to vote on an Extraordinary Resolution (including any meeting convened following adjournment of the previous meeting for want of quorum) shall be one or more persons present being or representing Securityholders holding at least two thirds of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities represented at the meeting; provided, however, that a Reserved Matter may only be sanctioned by an Extraordinary Resolution passed at a meeting of Securityholders by one or more persons present being or representing Securityholders holding at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities for the time being outstanding. Any Extraordinary Resolution duly passed shall be binding on all Securityholders (whether or not they were present at the meeting at which such resolution was passed).
All Extraordinary Resolutions shall be recorded pursuant to Article 2415 of the Italian Civil Code.
12.2 Securityholders Representative
A representative of Securityholders (the Securityholders Representative , or rappresentante comune , who might, subject to mandatory provisions of Italian law, also be the same legal entity as the Trustee) can be appointed pursuant to Article 2417 of the Italian Civil Code. If the Securityholders Representative is not appointed by a meeting of Securityholders, the Securityholders Representative shall be appointed by a decree of the President of the Court where the Issuer has its registered office at the request of one or more Securityholders, or at the request of the board of directors of the Issuer. The Securityholders Representative shall remain appointed for a maximum period of three years, but may be re-appointed for a further three year period thereafter.
12.3 Modification and Waiver
The Trustee may agree, without the consent of the Securityholders, to (i) any modification of any of the provisions of the Trust Deed or the Intercreditor Agreement which, in its opinion, is of a formal, minor or technical nature or is made to correct a manifest error, and (ii) any other modification, and any waiver or authorisation of any breach or proposed breach, of any of the provisions of the Trust Deed (except a Reserved Matter) which is in the opinion of the Trustee not materially prejudicial to the interests of the Securityholders. Any such modification, authorisation or waiver shall be binding on the Securityholders and, if the Trustee so requires, such modification, authorisation or waiver shall be notified to the Securityholders as soon as practicable in accordance with Condition 15.
12.4 Entitlement of the Trustee
In connection with the exercise by it of any of its trusts, powers, authorities and discretions (including, without limitation, any modification, waiver, authorisation or determination), the Trustee shall have regard to the general interests of Securityholders as a class but shall not have regard to any interests arising from circumstances particular to individual Securityholders (whatever their number) and, in particular but without limitation, shall not have regard to the consequences of any such exercise for individual Securityholders (whatever their number) resulting from their being for any purpose domiciled or resident in, or otherwise connected with, or subject to the jurisdiction of, any particular territory or any political sub-division thereof
and the Trustee shall not be entitled to require, nor shall any Securityholder be entitled to claim, from the Issuer, the Trustee or any other person any indemnification or payment in respect of any tax consequence of any such exercise upon individual Securityholders except to the extent already provided for in Condition 8 and/or any undertaking given in addition to, or in substitution for, Condition 8 pursuant to the Trust Deed.
13. INDEMNIFICATION OF THE TRUSTEE
The Trust Deed contains provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee and for its relief from responsibility. The Trustee is entitled to enter into business transactions with the Issuer and any entity related to the Issuer without accounting for any profit.
14. FURTHER ISSUES
The Issuer may from time to time without the consent of the Securityholders create and issue further securities having the same terms and conditions as the Securities in all respects (or in all respects except for the first payment of interest on them) and so that such further issue shall be consolidated and form a single series with, and have the same ISIN and Common Code numbers as, the Securities. References in these Conditions to the Securities include (unless the context requires otherwise) any such securities and forming a single series with the Securities. Any further securities forming a single series with the Securities shall be constituted by a deed supplemental to the Trust Deed.
15. NOTICES
Notices to Securityholders shall be validly given when: (i) delivered in person or when sent by first class registered or certified mail, postage pre-paid, to them at their respective addresses as set out in the Register; or (ii) so long as the Securities are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and the rules of that stock exchange so require, notices will be published in a leading newspaper having general circulation in Luxembourg (which is expected to be dWort ) provided, however , that any notice relating to the calling of a meeting of Securityholders pursuant to Condition 12 shall also be published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale of the Republic of Italy or in a daily newspaper as specified in the by-laws of the Issuer and having general circulation in the Republic of Italy, at least 30 days prior to the meeting (exclusive of the day on which the notice is published and of the day on which the meeting is to be held). Any notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date of publication or, if published more than once or on different dates, on the first date on which publication is made in all required publications, provided that, if notices are mailed, such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the later of such publication and the fifth day after being so mailed. Failure to mail a notice or communication to any holder, or any defect in any such notice or communication, shall not affect its validity with respect to other holders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it shall be deemed validly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
While any Securities are represented by a Global Certificate, notices may be delivered to Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg, each of which shall give notice of such notice to holders of Book-Entry Interests instead of publication as described above.
16. CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT 1999
No person shall have any right to enforce any term or condition of the Securities under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
17. GOVERNING LAW
17.1 Governing Law
The Trust Deed and the Securities are governed by and shall be construed in accordance with English law, save that Conditions 2 and 12.1, and Clause 2.4 of the Trust Deed, are governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Italy, and are subject to mandatory provisions of Italian law.
17.2 Jurisdiction
The courts of England are to have non-exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with the Securities and accordingly any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with the Securities ( Proceedings ) may be brought in such courts. The Issuer has in the Trust Deed irrevocably submitted to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.
17.3 Agent for Service of Process
The Issuer has irrevocably appointed an agent in England to receive service of process in any Proceedings in England based on any of the Securities or the Trust Deed.
18. DEFINITIONS
Acquisition means the acquisition by Gold Acquisition Corp. of the all of the outstanding shares in the share capital of GTECH Holdings Corporation ( GTECH ) on the terms of the Merger Agreement and any other related documents. Additional Amounts has the meaning given to it in Condition 8.
Additional Taxing Jurisdiction has the meaning given to it in Condition 8.
Advance Capital Contributions means any irrevocable, unconditional and non-reimbursable (except upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of, the Issuer) capital contribution made or to be made by a shareholder of the Issuer ( versamento in conto futuro aumento di capitale ).
Agent Bank has the meaning given to it in the preamble.
Annual General Meeting means the shareholders meeting of the Issuer convened for the purpose of approving its annual financial statements and, in accordance with these Conditions, the authorisation and issuance of ordinary shares of the Issuer.
Audited Accounts means, as at a Test Date, the most recent annual consolidated audited financial statements of the Issuer Group taken as a whole, prepared in accordance with IFRS and having been approved by the board of directors of the Issuer and filed with the competent companies registrar.
Authorised Denomination has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.1.
Authorised Equity means from time to time, ordinary shares authorised for issuance pursuant to a resolution approved and adopted by the shareholders of the Issuer or, to the extent delegated by such resolution, the board of directors of the Issuer, in connection with the Securities.
Benchmark Rate means 0.75% plus the annualised offer yield to maturity, as calculated by the Agent Bank to be the average of three market quotations, of the then current Euro government benchmark security selected by the Agent Bank, after consultation with the Issuer, as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Securities to the Reset Date that would be used, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of a comparable maturity to the Reset Date.
Book-Entry Interests has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.
business day means, except in Conditions 1 and 7, a day which is both a day on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payment and are open for general business (including dealing in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in London and Milan and a day on which the TARGET System is operating.
Capital Expenditure means the amount in euros of capital expenditure incurred by the Issuer Group in respect of the annual financial period ending on the date of the relevant Audited Accounts, as determined in accordance with such Audited Accounts.
Capital Payment means:
(a) the redemption, repurchase or acquisition of any Parity Securities, or Junior Obligations for any consideration, other than (i) in connection with any existing or future employee benefit plan, directors and senior managements stock based compensation, directors stock option plan or similar arrangement; or (ii) a reclassification of Issuer Equity or exchange or conversion of one class or series of Issuer Equity into another class or series of Issuer Equity; or (iii) the purchase of fractional interests in Parity Securities or Junior Obligations pursuant to any conversion or exchange provisions of such Parity Securities or Junior Obligations; or
(b) the declaration or payment of, or the resolution of, a dividend or distribution or any other similar payment with respect to any Distribution Parity Securities or Junior Obligations, other than a payment in the form of Issuer Equity.
Capital Restriction has the meaning given to it in Condition 5.4.
A Change of Control will be deemed to have occurred if after the Issue Date any person or persons acting in concert or any person or persons acting on behalf of such persons(s) become a Majority Holder (whether or not any necessary approvals therefor have been obtained) provided that a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred if the Principal Shareholder continues, without interruption, to be the Majority Holder.
A Change of Control Downgrade shall be deemed to have occurred if a relevant Rating Agency publicly announces that in connection with, anticipation of or as a result of, a Change of Control occurring, the Corporate Credit Rating or Corporate Family Rating assigned to the Issuer by such Rating Agency is withdrawn, or downgraded to a rating of or below BB+ by S&P or Ba1 by Moodys (or their respective equivalents at such time).
A Change of Control Event shall be deemed to have occurred on the earliest date on which both a Change of Control Downgrade and the respective Change of Control have occurred.
Change of Control Fixed Rate means the Fixed Interest Rate plus an additional margin of 5% per annum or, if lower, the maximum rate permitted by then applicable Italian law.
Change of Control Floating Rate means, in respect of a Floating Rate Interest Period, the relevant Floating Interest Rate determined in accordance with Conditions 3.3 and 3.4, plus an additional margin of 5% per annum or, if lower, the maximum rate permitted by then applicable Italian law.
Clearstream, Luxembourg has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.
Code has the meaning given to it in Condition 8.
Common Depositary has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.
Corporate Credit Rating means the corporate credit rating assigned from time to time to the Issuer by S&P, representing the highest rating that S&P may assign to any unsecured obligation of any member of the Issuer Group, and being on the Issue Date, BBB.
Corporate Family Rating means the corporate family rating assigned from time to time to the Issuer by Moodys, representing the highest rating that Moodys may assign to any unsecured obligation of any member of the Issuer Group, and being on the Issue Date, Baa3.
Coverage Ratio means the ratio (to be calculated to the fourth decimal place, with 0.00005 being rounded upwards) of (a) Free Cash-flow Before Debt Service, divided by (b) Interest Expense, in each case in respect of the annual financial period ending on the date of the relevant Audited Accounts.
Decree 239 has the meaning given to it in Condition 8.
Definitive Certificates has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.
Deferred Interest means any unpaid Optionally Deferred Interest and any unpaid Equity Funded Deferred Interest.
Distribution Parity Securities means any securities (including Liquidation Parity Securities) or other instruments issued, entered into or guaranteed by the Issuer which, in each case, by their terms or by operation of law, constitute obligations of the Issuer to make periodic payments, taking into account provisions for the Issuer to suspend or defer such payments at its discretion or subject to certain conditions, that are substantially the same as those of the Securities.
Early Redemption Date means any date fixed for redemption of the Securities (other than the Maturity Date) in accordance with the provisions of Condition 6.
EBITDA means the amount in euros of the consolidated net pre-taxation profits of the Issuer Group, as adjusted by (without double counting):
(a) adding back the amount of Interest Expense;
(b) adding back the amount of depreciation and amortisation expense, if any;
(c) eliminating the effect of any extraordinary item or any non-cash items;
(d) eliminating the effect of any revaluation of an asset, or any loss or gain on the disposal of an asset (otherwise than in the ordinary course of trading); and
(e) excluding the amount of any EBITDA attributable to minority shareholders in members of the Issuer Group, in each case, in respect of the annual financial period ending on the date of the relevant Audited Accounts and as determined in accordance with such Audited Accounts.
Enforcement Event has the meaning given to it in Condition 9.1.
Equity Funded Deferred Interest has the meaning given to it in Condition 4.3.
Equity Funded Deferred Interest Payment Date has the meaning given to it in Condition 5.2(ii).
ESOP Cashflow means the cash amount, in euros, if any, received by the Issuer or any member of the Issuer Group in respect of the exercise of stock options by employees in respect of the annual financial period ending on the date of the relevant Audited Accounts, as determined in accordance with such Audited Accounts.
EURIBOR has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.3(a).
Euro-zone means the region comprised of Member States of the European Union that adopt or have adopted the single currency in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Community, as amended by the Treaty on the European Union.
Euroclear has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.
Fixed Interest Rate has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.1.
Fixed Rate Interest Amount has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.1.
Fixed Rate Interest Period has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.1.
Fixed Rate Payment Date has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.1.
Floating Interest Rate has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.2.
Floating Rate Interest Amount has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.2.
Floating Rate Interest Period has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.2.
Floating Rate Payment Date has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.2.
Free Cash-flow Before Debt Service means EBITDA plus ESOP Cashflow less Capital Expenditure less Taxes Paid, in each case in respect of the annual financial period ending on the date of the relevant Audited Accounts.
Global Certificates has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.
IFRS means the International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, as from time to time adopted by the European Commission for use in the European Union.
Insolvency Law means Royal Decree No. 267 of March 16, 1942, as amended and supplemented from time to time.
Insolvency Proceedings means any insolvency proceedings or proceedings equivalent or analogous thereto including, but not limited to, temporary extraordinary administration ( gestione provvisoria ), bankruptcy ( fallimento ), arrangement with creditors ( concordato preventivo ), adjustment of creditors claims ( concordat o fallimentare ), controlled administration ( amministrazione controllata ), forced administrative liquidation ( liquidazione coatta amministrativa ), extraordinary administration ( amministrazione straordinaria ) and extraordinary administration of large companies in insolvency ( amministrazione straordinaria delle grandi imprese in stato di insolvenza ), as set out in the Insolvency Law and/or any other applicable law.
Interest Determination Date has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.3(a).
Interest Expense means the amount of (a) the expense relating to interest and amounts in the nature of interest, discount, acceptance and commitment fees, amounts payable under interest rate hedging agreements and the interest element of payments under finance leases (including interest expense relating to the Securities), less (b) the income relating to interest and amounts in the nature of interest or premium, or amounts receivable under interest rate hedging agreements, in each case in respect of the annual financial period ending on the date of the relevant Audited Accounts, as determined in accordance with such Audited Accounts, plus (c) the amount of accrued but unpaid Deferred Interest, if any, as of the relevant Test Date.
Interest Payment Date has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.2.
Interest Period has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.2.
Issue Date means May 17, 2006.
Issuer Equity means all present or future ordinary share capital and Advance Capital Contributions of the Issuer.
Issuer Group means the Issuer and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Junior Obligations has the meaning given to it in Condition 2.
Liquidation Parity Securities means any securities (including Distribution Parity Securities) or instruments issued, entered into or guaranteed by the Issuer which, in each case, rank (or in relation to which the Issuers payment obligations under any relevant guarantee rank), by their terms or by operation of law, pari passu with the claims of the holders of the Securities as regards entitlement to distributions representing principal on the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Issuer.
Majority Holder means the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of:
(a) more than 50% of the ordinary share capital of the Issuer; or
(b) such number of shares in the capital of the Issuer carrying more than 50% of the voting rights pursuant to Article 105 of the 1998 Financial Act (Legislative Decree No. 58/1998).
Make-Whole Price means, per Security, the higher of (a) the principal amount of such Security and (b) the Net Present Value.
Mandatorily Deferred Interest has the meaning given to it in Condition 4.2.
Mandatory Redemption Date means the date which is twenty business days following the occurrence of a Mandatory Redemption Event.
A Mandatory Redemption Event shall occur if the Acquisition does not occur by October 10, 2006 or, if earlier, the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.
Margin means 5.05% per annum.
Market Disruption Event means any one of the following events or circumstances:
(a) the occurrence of an outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving the Republic of Italy, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, or the declaration by the Republic of Italy, the United Kingdom or the United States of America of a national emergency or war or act of terrorism or other material national or international calamity or crisis;
(b) the occurrence of a general banking moratorium on commercial banking activities by any relevant authority, or the occurrence of a material disruption in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services in each case in the Republic of Italy, the United Kingdom or the United States of America;
(c) a change in national or international financial, political or economic conditions or currency exchange rates or exchange controls in the Republic of Italy, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, including, without limitation as a result of an act of terrorism or the effect of international market conditions on the financial markets in the Republic of Italy, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; or
(d) trading generally on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, the Mercato Telematico Azionario, the London Stock Exchange or the New York Stock Exchange has been suspended or materially limited, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities have been required by any such exchanges or by order of any governmental authority;
in each case (a) to (d) above, having the effect that trading in the Issuers ordinary shares is suspended or materially limited on any stock exchange or in any over-the-counter market; or
(e) all consents, clearances, approvals, authorisations, orders, registrations or qualifications of or with any governmental or regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Issuer required in connection with the issue of the Issuers ordinary shares have not been obtained despite the Issuers best endeavours to obtain them; or
(f) the occurrence of any event which would, in the Issuers opinion, result in the offering documents relating to the issue of the Issuers ordinary shares containing an untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state a material fact therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, and either (i) the disclosure of that event at such time, in the Issuers opinion, would have a material adverse effect on the Issuers and the Issuer Groups business; or (ii) the disclosure relates to a previously undisclosed proposed or pending material business transaction, the disclosure of which would impede the Issuers ability to consummate such transaction; provided that no suspension period as contemplated by this paragraph shall exceed 90 days in any 360-day period.
Maturity Date means the Interest Payment Date falling in March, 2066.
Merger Agreement means the merger agreement dated January 10, 2006 relating to the sale and purchase of all of the outstanding shares in the share capital of GTECH and made between, inter alios , Gold Acquisition Corp., the Issuer, Gold Holding Co. and GTECH.
Net Present Value means, with respect to any Security, the sum of (i) the present value of the principal amount as at the Reset Date plus (ii) the present values of all Scheduled Interest Amounts that would otherwise be payable on such Security during the period from the relevant Early Redemption Date to (and including) the Reset Date (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), such present values calculated using a discount rate equal to the Benchmark Rate as of 11.00 a.m. London time five business days prior to the date fixed for redemption, and discounting the relevant amounts to the date fixed for redemption of the Securities.
Officers Certificate means a certificate signed by the chief financial officer or two directors of the Issuer.
Old Optionally Deferred Interest has the meaning given to it in Condition 4.1.
Optional Deferral Notice has the meaning given to it in Condition 4.1.
Optionally Deferred Interest has the meaning given to it in Condition 4.1.
Parity Securities means all Distribution Parity Securities and Liquidation Parity Securities of the Issuer.
Paying and Transfer Agents has the meaning given to it in the preamble.
Principal Paying and Transfer Agent has the meaning given to it in the preamble.
Principal Shareholder means De Agostini S.p.A. and its subsidiaries, as of the Issue Date.
Proceedings has the meaning given to it in Condition 18.2.
Rating Agency means Standard & Poors Ratings Services, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies Inc ( S&P ), or any of its subsidiaries and their successors or Moodys Investors Service Limited ( Moodys ) or any of its subsidiaries and their successors or any rating agency substituted for any of them by the Issuer from time to time with the prior written approval of the Trustee.
Redemption Price has the meaning given to it in Condition 6.1.
Reference Banks has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.3(b).
Register has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.3.
Registrar has the meaning given to it in the preamble.
Regulation S means Regulation S under the Securities Act.
Relevant Date means whichever is the later of (i) the date on which such payment first becomes payable and (ii) if the full amount payable has not been received by the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent or the Trustee on or prior to such date, the date on which, the full amount payable having been so received, notice to that effect shall have been given to the Securityholders.
Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction has the meaning given to it in Condition 8.
Reserved Matters has the meaning given to it in Condition 12.1.
Reset Date means March 31, 2016.
Restricted Securities has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.
Restricted Global Certificate has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.
Rule 144A means Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
Scheduled Interest Amount has the meaning given to it in Condition 3.2.
Securities has the meaning given to it in the preamble.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Securityholder means a registered holder of Securities.
Sufficient Authorised Equity means, as of an Annual General Meeting, an amount of Authorised Equity that would enable the Issuer to pay in full, pursuant to Condition 5.2, an amount of Equity Funded Deferred Interest equal to the aggregate of the Scheduled Interest Amounts expected to accrue on the Securities during the two years following the date of such Annual General Meeting. The board of directors of the Issuer shall estimate such amounts at the time of such Annual General Meeting based on prevailing market prices for the Issuers ordinary shares, interest and foreign exchange rates, as applicable.
TARGET System means the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET) System or any successor thereto.
A Tax Event means the receipt by the Issuer of an opinion of counsel in the Republic of Italy (experienced in such matters) to the effect that, as a result of (a) any amendment to, clarification of, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, the laws or treaties (or any regulations thereunder) of the Republic of Italy affecting taxation, (b) any governmental action or (c) any amendment to, clarification of, or change in the official position or the interpretation of such governmental action that differs from the previously generally accepted position, in each case, by any legislative body, court, governmental authority or regulatory body, which amendment, clarification or change is effective, or such pronouncement or decision is announced, on or after the Issue Date, there is a more than insubstantial risk that the treatment of any of the Issuers items of income or expense with respect to the Securities as lawfully reflected on the tax returns (including estimated returns) filed (or to be filed) by the Issuer will not be respected by a taxing authority, which results in the Issuer being subject to a more than a de minimis amount of additional taxes, duties or other governmental charges with respect to the Securities in the Republic of Italy.
Taxes has the meaning given to it in Condition 8.
Taxes Paid means the amount, or equivalent aggregate amount in euros, paid by the Issuer or any member of the Issuer Group in respect of corporation or income taxes, or similar in respect of the annual financial period ending on the date of the relevant Audited Accounts, as determined in accordance with such Audited Accounts.
Test Date means the tenth business day prior to an Interest Payment Date.
Trust Deed has the meaning given to it in the preamble.
Trustee has the meaning given to it in the preamble.
Unrestricted Global Certificate has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.
Unrestricted Securities has the meaning given to it in Condition 1.
A Withholding Tax Event shall mean:
(a) any change in, or amendment to, the laws or treaties (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of any Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction affecting taxation which becomes effective on or after the Issue Date; or, if the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction has changed since the Issue Date, the date on which the then current Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction became the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction; or
(b) any change in the official application, administration, or interpretation of the laws, treaties, regulations or rulings of any Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (including a holding, judgment, or order by a court of competent jurisdiction), on or after the Issue Date or, if the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction has changed since the Issue Date, the date on which the then current Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction became the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction,
in either case, resulting in a requirement for the Issuer to pay Additional Amounts in respect of payments on the Securities which the Issuer cannot avoid by the use of reasonable measures available to it.
PRINCIPAL PAYING AND TRANSFER AGENT
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Trinity Tower
9 Thomas More Street
London E1W 1YT
England
LUXEMBOURG PAYING AND TRANSFER AGENT
J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A.
6 route de Trèves
L-2633 Senningerberg
(Municipality of Niederanven)
Luxembourg
REGISTRAR
J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A.
6 route de Trèves
L-2633 Senningerberg
(Municipality of Niederanven)
Luxembourg
and/or such other or further Principal Paying and Transfer Agent, Registrar or Paying and Transfer Agents, and/or specified offices as may from time to time be appointed by the Issuer with the approval of the Trustee and notice of which has been given to the Securityholders.
SCHEDULE 4
PROVISIONS FOR MEETINGS OF SECURITYHOLDERS
1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1. The provisions of this Schedule 4 are subject to the provisions of Condition 12 and in any event, to mandatory provisions of Italian law.
1.2. As used in this Schedule the following expressions shall have the following meanings unless the context otherwise requires:
Block Voting Instruction means a document in the English language (together with, if required by applicable Italian law, a translation thereof into the Italian language) issued by a Paying and Transfer Agent in which:
(a) it is certified that on the date thereof Securities which are held in an account with any Clearing System (in each case not being Securities in respect of which a Voting Certificate has been issued and is outstanding in respect of the meeting specified in such Block Voting Instruction) have been deposited with such Paying and Transfer Agent or (to the satisfaction of such Paying and Transfer Agent) are held to its order or under its control or are blocked in an account with a Clearing System and that no such Securities will cease to be so deposited or held or blocked until the first to occur of:
(i) the conclusion of the meeting specified in such Block Voting Instruction; and
(ii) the surrender to the Paying and Transfer Agent, not less than 48 Hours before the time for which such meeting is convened (or, if such meeting has been adjourned, the time fixed for its resumption), of the receipt issued by such Paying and Transfer Agent in respect of each such deposited Security which is to be released or (as the case may require) the Securities ceasing with the agreement of the Paying and Transfer Agent to be held to its order or under its control or so blocked and the giving of notice by the Paying and Transfer Agent to the Issuer;
(b) it is certified that each Securityholder of such Securities has instructed such Paying and Transfer Agent that the vote(s) attributable to the Securities so deposited or held or blocked should be cast in a particular way in relation to the resolution(s) to be put to such meeting and that all such instructions are, during the period commencing 48 Hours prior to the time for which such meeting is convened and ending at the conclusion or adjournment thereof, neither revocable nor capable of amendment;
(c) the aggregate principal amount of the Securities so deposited or held or blocked is listed (and, if in definitive form, listing the relevant certificate numbers) and distinguishing with regard to each such resolution between those in respect of which instructions have been given that the votes attributable thereto should be cast in favour of the resolution and those in respect of which instructions have been so given that the votes attributable thereto should be cast against the resolution; and
(d) one or more persons named in such Block Voting Instruction (each hereinafter called a proxy ) is or are authorised and instructed by such Paying and Transfer Agent to cast the votes attributable to the Securities so listed in accordance with the instructions referred to in (c) above as set out in such Block Voting Instruction, provided that no single proxy may attend and/or vote on behalf of more than such number of Securityholders as at any meeting would exceed the limits specified in Article 2372 of the Italian Civil Code.
Clearing System means Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and includes in respect of any Security any clearing system on behalf of which such Security is held or which is the holder or (directly or through a nominee) registered owner of a Security, in either case whether alone or jointly with any other Clearing System(s).
Eligible Person means any one of the following persons who shall be entitled to attend and vote at a meeting:
(a) a holder of a Global Certificate;
(b) a holder of a Definitive Certificate which is not held in an account with any Clearing System;
(c) a bearer of any Voting Certificate;
(d) a proxy specified in any Block Voting Instruction; and
(e) a proxy appointed by a holder of a Definitive Certificate which is not held in an account with any Clearing System.
Extraordinary Resolution means a resolution passed by the number of Eligible Persons specified in paragraph 4.4(b) at a meeting duly convened and held in accordance with this Schedule.
First Meeting means an initial meeting convened in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule.
Reserved Matter means any proposal:
(a) to modify the maturity of the Securities or the dates on which, or manner in which, interest is payable in respect of the Securities;
(b) to reduce or cancel the principal amount of, or interest on or to vary the method of calculating the rate of interest on, the Securities;
(c) to change the currency of payment of the Securities;
(d) to modify the provisions relating to status;
(e) to modify the provisions concerning the quorum required at any meeting of Securityholders or the majority required to pass an Extraordinary Resolution; or
(f) relating to any other matters provided under Article 2415, paragraph 3 of the Italian Civil Code.
Second Meeting means a meeting convened after adjournment for want of quorum of a First Meeting convened by means of the notice described in paragraph 4.2 below.
Securityholders Representative means a person appointed, inter alia , to represent the interests of the Securityholders ( rappresentante comune ) by an Extraordinary Resolution or by an order of a competent court at the request of one or more Securityholders or the Issuer, as described in Articles 2415, 2417 and 2418 of the Italian Civil Code.
Third Meeting means a meeting convened after adjournment for lack of quorum of a Second Meeting.
Voting Certificate means a certificate in both English and Italian issued by a Paying and Transfer Agent in which it is stated:
(a) that on the date thereof Securities which are held in an account with any Clearing System (in each case not being Securities in respect of which a Block Voting Instruction has been issued and is outstanding in respect of the meeting specified in such Voting Certificate) were
deposited with such Paying and Transfer Agent or (to the satisfaction of such Paying and Transfer Agent) are held to its order or under its control or are blocked in an account with a Clearing System and that no such Securities will cease to be so deposited or held or blocked until the first to occur of:
(i) the conclusion of the meeting specified in such Voting Certificate; and
(ii) the surrender of the Voting Certificate to the Paying and Transfer Agent who issued the same; and
(b) that the bearer thereof is entitled to attend and vote at such meeting in respect of the Securities represented by such Voting Certificate.
24 Hours means a period of 24 hours including all or part of a day upon which banks are open for business in both the place where the relevant meeting is to be held and in each of the places where the Paying and Transfer Agents have their specified offices (disregarding for this purpose the day upon which such meeting is to be held) and such period shall be extended by one period or, to the extent necessary, more periods of 24 hours until there is included as aforesaid all or part of a day upon which banks are open for business in all of the places as aforesaid.
48 Hours means a period of 48 hours including all or part of two days upon which banks are open for business both in the place where the relevant meeting is to be held and in each of the places where the Paying and Transfer Agents have their specified offices (disregarding for this purpose the day upon which such meeting is to be held) and such period shall be extended by one period or, to the extent necessary, more periods of 24 hours until there is included as aforesaid all or part of two days upon which banks are open for business in all of the places as aforesaid.
All references in this Schedule to a meeting shall, where the context so permits, include any relevant adjourned meeting.
2. EVIDENCE OF ENTITLEMENT TO ATTEND AND VOTE
2.1. A holder of a Security which is held in an account with any Clearing System may require the issue by a Paying and Transfer Agent of Voting Certificates and Block Voting Instructions in accordance with the terms of paragraph 3.
For the purposes of paragraph 3, each Paying and Transfer Agent (including the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent) shall be entitled to rely, without further enquiry, on any information or instructions received from a Clearing System and shall have no liability to any Securityholder or other person for any Liability occasioned by its acting in reliance thereon, nor for any failure by a Clearing System to deliver information or instructions to any Paying and Transfer Agent (including the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent).
The holder of any Voting Certificate or the proxies named in any Block Voting Instruction shall for all purposes in connection with the relevant meeting be deemed to be the holder of the Securities to which such Voting Certificate or Block Voting Instruction relates, and the Paying and Transfer Agent with which such Securities have been deposited or the person holding Securities to the order or under the control of such Paying and Transfer Agent or the Clearing System in which such Securities have been blocked shall be deemed for such purposes not to be the holder of those Securities.
3. PROCEDURE FOR ISSUE OF VOTING CERTIFICATES, BLOCK VOTING INSTRUCTIONS AND PROXIES
3.1. Definitive Certificates not held in a Clearing System Voting Certificate
A holder of a Definitive Certificate which is not held in an account with any Clearing System (not being a Definitive Certificate in respect of which a Block Voting Instruction has been issued and is outstanding in respect of the meeting specified in such Voting Certificate) may obtain a Voting Certificate in respect of such Definitive Certificate from a Paying and Transfer Agent subject to such Securityholder having procured that such Definitive Certificate is deposited with such Paying and Transfer Agent or (to the satisfaction of such Paying and Transfer Agent) is held to its order or under its control upon terms that no such Definitive Certificate will cease to be so deposited or held until the first to occur of:
(a) the conclusion of the meeting specified in such Voting Certificate; and
(b) the surrender of the Voting Certificate to the Paying and Transfer Agent who issued the same.
3.2. Global Certificates and Definitive Certificates held in a Clearing System Voting Certificate
A holder of a Security (not being a Security in respect of which instructions have been given to the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent in accordance with paragraph 3.4) represented by a Global Certificate or Definitive Certificate and which is held in an account with any Clearing System may procure the delivery of a Voting Certificate in respect of such Security by giving notice to the Clearing System through which such Securityholders interest in the Security is held specifying by name a person (an Identified Person ) (which need not be the Securityholder himself) to collect the Voting Certificate and attend and vote at the meeting. The relevant Voting Certificate will be made available at or shortly prior to the commencement of the meeting by the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent against presentation by such Identified Person of the form of identification previously notified by such Securityholder to the Clearing System. The Clearing System may prescribe forms of identification (including, without limitation, a passport or driving licence) which it deems appropriate for these purposes. Subject to receipt by the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent from the Clearing System, no later than 24 Hours prior to the time for which such meeting is convened, of notification of the principal amount of the Securities to be represented by any such Voting Certificate and the form of identification against presentation of which such Voting Certificate should be released, the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent shall, without any obligation to make further enquiry, make available Voting Certificates against presentation of the form of identification corresponding to that notified.
3.3. Definitive Certificates not held in a Clearing System Block Voting Instruction
A holder of a Definitive Certificate which is not held in an account with any Clearing System (not being a Definitive Certificate in respect of which a Voting Certificate has been issued and is outstanding in respect of the meeting specified in such Block Voting Instruction) may require a Paying and Transfer Agent to issue a Block Voting Instruction in respect of such Definitive Certificate by depositing such Definitive Certificate with such Paying and Transfer Agent or (to the satisfaction of such Paying and Transfer Agent) by procuring that, not less than 48 Hours before the time fixed for the relevant meeting, such Definitive Certificate is held to the Paying and Transfer Agents order or under its control, in each case on terms that no such Definitive Certificate will cease to be so deposited or held until the first to occur of:
(a) the conclusion of the meeting specified in such Block Voting Instruction; and
(b) the surrender to the Paying and Transfer Agent, not less than 48 Hours before the time for which such meeting is convened, of the receipt issued by such Paying and Transfer Agent in respect of each such deposited or held Definitive Certificate which is to be released or (as the case may require) the Definitive Certificate ceasing with the agreement of the Paying and Transfer Agent to be held to its order or under its control and the giving of notice by the Paying and Transfer Agent to the Issuer in accordance with paragraph 3.7 hereof of the necessary amendment to the Block Voting Instruction;
and instructing the Paying and Transfer Agent that the vote(s) attributable to the Definitive Certificate so deposited or held should be cast in a particular way in relation to the resolution or resolutions to be put to such meeting and that all such instructions are, during the period commencing 48 Hours prior to the time for which such meeting is convened and ending at the conclusion or adjournment thereof, neither revocable nor capable of amendment.
3.4. Global Certificates and Definitive Certificates held in a Clearing System Block Voting Instruction
A holder of a Security (not being a Security in respect of which a Voting Certificate has been issued) represented by a Global Certificate or Definitive Certificate and which is held in an account with any Clearing System may require the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent to issue a Block Voting Instruction in respect of such Security by first instructing the Clearing System through which such Securityholders interest in the Security is held to procure that the votes attributable to such Security should be cast at the meeting in a particular way in relation to the resolution or resolutions to be put to the meeting. Any such instruction shall be given in accordance with the rules of the Clearing System then in effect. Subject to receipt by the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent of instructions from the Clearing System, no later than 24 Hours prior to the time for which such meeting is convened, of notification of the principal amount of the Securities in respect of which instructions have been given and the manner in which the votes attributable to such Securities should be cast, the Principal Paying and Transfer Agent shall, without any obligation to make further enquiry, appoint a proxy to attend the meeting and cast votes in accordance with such instructions.
3.5. Global Certificates and Definitive Certificates not held in a Clearing System Appointment of proxy
(a) A holder of a Global Certificate or a Definitive Certificate not held in an account with any Clearing System may, by an instrument in writing in the English language (a form of proxy ) signed by the Securityholder or, in the case of a corporation, executed under its common seal or signed on its behalf by an attorney or a duly authorised officer of the corporation and delivered to the specified office of the Registrar or any Paying and Transfer Agent not less than 48 Hours before the time fixed for the relevant meeting, appoint any proxy to act on his or its behalf in connection with any meeting.
(b) Any proxy appointed pursuant to subparagraph (a) above shall so long as such appointment remains in force be deemed, for all purposes in connection with the relevant meeting, to be the holder of the Securities to which such appointment relates and the holders of the Securities shall be deemed for such purposes not to be the Securityholder.
3.6. Each Block Voting Instruction, together (if so requested by the Trustee) with proof satisfactory to the Trustee of its due execution on behalf of the relevant Paying and Transfer Agent, shall be deposited by the relevant Paying and Transfer Agent or (as the case may be) by the Registrar at such place as the Trustee shall approve not less than 24 Hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting at which the proxy or proxies named in the Block Voting Instruction proposes to vote, and in default the Block Voting Instruction shall not be treated as valid unless the Chairman of the meeting decides otherwise before such meeting proceeds to business. A copy of each Block Voting Instruction shall be deposited with the Trustee before the commencement of the meeting but the Trustee shall not thereby be obliged to investigate or be concerned with the validity of or the authority of the proxy or proxies named in any such Block Voting Instruction.
3.7. Any vote given in accordance with the terms of a Block Voting Instruction or form of proxy shall be valid notwithstanding the previous revocation or amendment of the Block Voting Instruction or form of proxy or of any of the instructions of the relevant Securityholder or the relevant Clearing System (as the case may be) pursuant to which it was executed provided that no intimation in writing of such revocation or amendment has been received from the relevant Paying and Transfer Agent (in the case of a Block Voting Instruction) or from the Securityholder thereof (in the case of a proxy appointed pursuant to paragraph 3.5) by the Issuer at its registered office (or such other place as may have been required or approved by the Trustee for the purpose) by the time being 24 Hours (in the case of a Block Voting Instruction) or 48 Hours (in the case of a proxy) before the time appointed for holding the meeting at which the Block Voting Instruction or form of proxy is to be used.
4. CONVENING OF MEETINGS, QUORUM AND ADJOURNED MEETINGS
4.1. The board of directors of the Issuer and the Securityholders Representative may at any time, and the Issuer shall, subject to mandatory provisions of Italian law, at the request of the Trustee or upon a requisition in writing signed by the holders of not less than five per cent. in aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Securities, convene a meeting of the Securityholders, and if the Issuer defaults in convening such a meeting following such request or requisition by the Securityholders representing not less than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities outstanding, the same may be convened by a decision of the President of the competent court upon request by such Securityholders. Every such meeting shall be held at such time and place as provided pursuant to Article 2363 of the Italian Civil Code, or as the Trustee may appoint or approve in writing.
4.2. At least 30 days notice (exclusive of the day on which the notice is given and of the day on which the relevant meeting is to be held) specifying the date, time and place of the meeting shall be given to the Securityholders prior to any meeting in the manner provided by Condition 15 and shall be published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale of the Republic of Italy or in at least one daily newspaper specified in the by-laws of the Issuer and having general circulation in the Republic of Italy, and such notice shall be given to the Paying and Transfer Agents (with a copy to the Issuer and the Trustee). Such notice, which shall also be in the English language, shall (a) state generally the agenda for the meeting thereby convened, (b) set out the full text of the resolutions to be proposed and (c) shall also include statements as to the manner in which Securityholders may arrange for Voting Certificates or Block Voting Instructions to be issued and, if applicable, appoint proxies and the details of the time limits applicable. Such notice may also specify the date of a Second Meeting or a Third Meeting in addition to the above. Notices of all meetings shall also be published and given in any other manner pursuant to the Issuers by-laws and the laws and regulations applicable from time to time. A copy of the notice shall be sent by fax, following by registered mail, to the Issuer (unless the meeting is convened by the Issuers board of directors).
4.3. Subject to mandatory provisions of Italian law, a person (who may but need not be a Securityholder or agent) nominated pursuant to Article 2371 of the Italian Civil Code, or in writing by the Issuer, shall be entitled to take the chair at the relevant meeting, but if no such nomination is made or if at any meeting the person nominated shall not be present within 15 minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the Securityholders or agents present shall choose one of their number to be Chairman. The Chairman of an adjourned meeting need not be the same person as was Chairman of the meeting from which the adjournment took place.
4.4. Quorum
(a) The constitution of meetings and the validity of resolutions of Securityholders shall be governed pursuant to the Italian Civil Code which currently provides that a meeting will be validly held if (i) at the First Meeting there are one or more Eligible Persons present holding or representing in aggregate at least one half of the principal amount of the Securities for the time being outstanding; (ii) at the Second Meeting there are one or more Eligible Persons present holding or representing in aggregate more than one third of the principal amount of the Securities for the time being outstanding; (iii) at the Third Meeting there are one or more Eligible Persons present holding or representing in aggregate at least one fifth of the principal amount of the Securities for the time being outstanding, provided that in relation to a meeting held to consider a Reserved Matter, the necessary quorum shall always be at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities for the time being outstanding.
(b) The majority required to pass an Extraordinary Resolution shall be one or more Eligible Persons present holding or representing (i) for voting on any matter other than a Reserved Matter, at least two thirds of the principal amount of the Securities represented at the relevant meeting and (ii) for voting on a Reserved Matter, at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities for the time being outstanding.
(c) If within one hour after the time appointed for any First Meeting or Second Meeting or Third Meeting a quorum is not present, the relevant meeting shall, if convened upon the requisition of Securityholders, be dissolved. If within one hour after the time appointed for a Third Meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting shall be dissolved.
(d) The Chairman may with the consent of (and shall if directed by) any meeting adjourn the same from time to time and from place to place but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting except business which might lawfully (but for lack of required quorum) have been transacted at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.
(e) Notice of any adjourned meeting at which an Extraordinary Resolution is to be submitted shall be given in the same manner as notice of an original meeting, provided that (i) where the original notice specified the date for a subsequent Second Meeting or Third Meeting, no further notice need by given to Securityholders and (ii) where a further notice is required, such notice shall be given in compliance with Article 2369 of the Italian Civil Code, and shall state the required quorum.
5. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS AT MEETINGS
5.1. Every question submitted to a meeting shall be decided by poll.
5.2. A poll shall be taken in such manner and, subject as hereinafter provided, either at once or after an adjournment as the Chairman directs and the result of such poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting in respect of which the poll was held as at the date of the taking of the poll. A poll shall not prevent the continuance of the meeting for the transaction of any business other than the motion on which the poll will be held.
5.3. Any poll at any such meeting on the election of a Chairman or on any question of adjournment shall be taken at the meeting without adjournment.
5.4. Subject to mandatory provisions of Italian law, the Securityholders Representative, Eligible Persons, the chairman, the Issuer, the Trustee, any director or statutory auditor ( sindaco ) of the Issuer and any other person approved by the meeting, including representatives of the Issuer and the Trustee and their respective lawyers and financial advisors, may attend and speak at any meeting. Save as aforesaid, no person shall be entitled to attend and speak nor shall any person be entitled to vote at any meeting unless he is an Eligible Person. No person shall be entitled to vote at any meeting in respect of Securities which are deemed to be not outstanding by virtue of the proviso to the definition of outstanding in Clause 1.
5.5. At any meeting, on a poll, every Eligible Person present shall have one vote in respect of each 1,000 in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities represented or held by such Eligible Person.
Without prejudice to the obligations of the proxies named in any Block Voting Instruction or form of proxy, any Eligible Person entitled to more than one vote need not use all his votes or cast all the votes to which he is entitled in the same way.
5.6. The proxies named in any Block Voting Instruction or form of proxy need not be Securityholders. Nothing herein shall prevent any of the proxies named in any Block Voting Instruction or form of proxy from being a director, officer or representative of or otherwise connected with the Issuer.
5.7. A meeting shall, subject to the Conditions, and in any event, to the mandatory provisions of Italian law and without prejudice to any powers conferred on other persons by this Trust Deed, have power by Extraordinary Resolution:
(a) To approve any Reserved Matter.
(b) To consider any proposal for an administration order (a mministrazione controllata ) and/or a composition with creditors ( concordato ) in respect of the Issuer.
(c) To sanction any abrogation, modification, compromise or arrangement in respect of the rights of the Trustee, any Appointee, the Securityholders or the Issuer against any other or others of them, or against any of their property, whether such rights arise under this Trust Deed or otherwise.
(d) To waive any breach or proposed breach by the Issuer of its obligations under or in respect of the Securities or the Trust Deed or the Intercreditor Agreement or any act or omission which might otherwise constitute an Enforcement Event under the Securities.
(e) To appoint or revoke the appointment of the Securityholders Representative or the Trustee.
(f) To give any authority or sanction which under the provisions of this Trust Deed is required to be given by Extraordinary Resolution.
(g) To assent to any modification of the provisions of this Trust Deed, the Intercreditor Agreement or the Conditions which is proposed by the Issuer, the Trustee or any Securityholder.
(h) Without prejudice to the rights of any Securityholders Representative, to appoint any persons (whether Securityholders or not) as a committee or committees to represent the interests of the Securityholders and to confer upon such committee or committees any powers or discretions which the Securityholders could themselves exercise by Extraordinary Resolution.
(i) To discharge or exonerate the Trustee and/or any Appointee from all liability in respect of any act or omission for which the Trustee and/or such Appointee may have become responsible under this Trust Deed.
(j) To authorise the Trustee and/or any Appointee to concur in and execute and do all such deeds, instruments, acts and things as may be necessary to carry out and give effect to any Extraordinary Resolution.
(k) To establish a fund for the expenses necessary for the protection of common interests of Securityholders and related statements of account.
(l) To sanction, approve or assent to other matters of common interest to Securityholders.
(m) To sanction the exchange or substitution for the Securities of, or the conversion of the Securities into, other securities of the Issuer or any other entity.
5.8. Any resolution passed at a meeting of the Securityholders duly convened and held in accordance with this Trust Deed shall be binding upon all the Securityholders whether or not present or whether or not represented at such meeting and whether or not voting and each of them shall be bound to give effect thereto accordingly and the passing of any such resolution shall be conclusive evidence that the circumstances justify the passing thereof. Notice of the result of the voting on any resolution duly considered by the Securityholders shall be published in accordance with Condition 15 by the Issuer within 14 days of such result being known, provided that the non-publication of such notice shall not invalidate such result.
5.9. Minutes of all resolutions and proceedings at every meeting, certified by a public notary, shall be made and entered in books to be from time to time provided for that purpose by the Issuer and any such minutes as aforesaid, if purporting to be signed by the Chairman of the meeting at which such resolutions were passed or proceedings transacted, shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein contained and, until the contrary is proved, every such meeting in respect of the proceedings of which minutes have been made shall be deemed to have been duly held and convened and all resolutions passed or proceedings transacted thereat to have been duly passed or transacted.
6. REGULATIONS
6.1. Subject to all other provisions of this Trust Deed and mandatory provisions of applicable Italian law, the Trustee may (after consultation with the Issuer where the Trustee considers such consultation to be practicable but without the consent of the Issuer or the Securityholders) prescribe such further or alternative regulations regarding the requisitioning and/or the holding of meetings and attendance and voting thereat as the Trustee may in its sole discretion reasonably think fit (including, without limitation, the substitution for periods of 24 Hours and 48 Hours referred to in this Schedule of shorter periods). Such regulations may, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, reflect the practices and facilities of any relevant Clearing System. Notice of any such further or alternative regulations may, at the sole discretion of the Trustee, be given to Securityholders in accordance with Condition 15 at the time of service of any notice convening a meeting or at such other time as the Trustee may decide.
SCHEDULE 5
FORM OF OFFICERS CERTIFICATE
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Dear Sirs
Lottomatica S.p.A.
750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066
This certificate is delivered to you in accordance with Clause 10(e) of the Trust Deed dated May 17, 2006 (the Trust Deed ) and made between Lottomatica S.p.A. (the Issuer ) and J.P. Morgan Corporate Trustee Services Limited (the Trustee ). All words and expressions defined in the Trust Deed shall (save as otherwise provided herein or unless the context otherwise requires) have the same meanings herein.
We hereby certify that, to the best of our knowledge, information and belief (having made all reasonable enquiries):
(a) from and including [ ](1) [ the Certification Date (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the last certificate delivered under Clause 10(e) ](2) to and including [ ](3), the Issuer and each of its subsidiaries has complied with all the provisions relating to it as specified under this Trust Deed and/or the Conditions [ other than [ ]](4); and
(b) as at [ ](5), no Enforcement Event existed [ other than [ ]](6) and no Enforcement Event has existed at any time prior to that date since [ ](7) [ the Certification Date (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the last certificate delivered under Clause 10(e) ](8) [ other than [ ]](9).
For and on behalf of |
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LOTTOMATICA S.p.A. |
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(1) The Certification Date of the last certificate delivered under Clause 10(e), unless the certificate is the first certificate delivered thereunder, in which case insert date of Trust Deed..
(2) Include unless the certificate is the first certificate delivered under Clause 10(e), in which case delete.
(3) Specify a date no more than five days before the date of the certificate.
(4) If the Issuer or any subsidiary has failed to comply with any obligation(s), give details; otherwise delete.
(5) Specify a date no more than five days before the date of the certificate.
(6) If any Enforcement Event existed, give details; otherwise delete.
(7) Insert date of Trust Deed in respect of the first certificate delivered under Clause 10(e); otherwise delete.
(8) Include unless the certificate is first certificate delivered under Clause 10(e), in which case delete.
(9) If any Enforcement Event did exist, give details; otherwise delete.
SCHEDULE 6
FORM OF OFFICERS CERTIFICATE RELATING TO MANDATORY DEFERRAL EVENT
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J.P. Morgan Corporate Trustee Services Limited |
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[Address] |
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Dear Sirs
Lottomatica S.p.A.
750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066
This certificate is delivered to you in accordance with Clause 10(n) of the Trust Deed dated May 17, 2006 (the Trust Deed ) and made between Lottomatica S.p.A. (the Issuer ) and J.P. Morgan Corporate Trustee Services Limited (the Trustee ). All words and expressions defined in the Trust Deed shall (save as otherwise provided herein or unless the context otherwise requires) have the same meanings herein.
We hereby certify that, to the best of our knowledge, information and belief (having made all reasonable enquiries) that as of [ ](1), [ no/a ] Mandatory Deferral Event occurred. The Coverage Ratio as of such Test Date was [ ](2). The amount of available cash proceeds which may be used as provided in Condition 4.2 is [ ].
[ Insert additional details as necessary ]
For and on behalf of
LOTTOMATICA S.p.A. |
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(1) The relevant Test Date
(2) Insert relevant Coverage Ratio calculated as of the Test Date.
SIGNATORIES
EXECUTED as a DEED by |
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LOTTOMATICA S.p.A. |
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acting by ROSARIO BIFULCO |
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acting under the authority of that company, |
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in the presence of: |
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Witnesss signature: |
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Name: SIMON THOMSON |
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SHEARMAN & STERLING LLP |
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9 APPOLD STREET |
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LONDON EC2A 2AP |
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THE COMMON SEAL OF |
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J.P. MORGAN CORPORATE TRUSTEE |
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SERVICES LIMITED |
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was affixed to this Deed in the presence of: |
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JEFFREY GRIFFEY |
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Authorised Signatory |
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DEAN KENNEDY |
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Exhibit 10.2
EXECUTION VERSION
Dated 3 December 2009
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
as Issuer
and
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
LOTTOMATICA INTERNATIONAL HUNGARY KORLÁTOLT FELELŐSSÉGŰ TÁRSASÁG
INVEST GAMES S.A.
as Guarantors
and
BNY CORPORATE TRUSTEE SERVICES LIMITED
as Trustee
750,000,000
5.375 PER CENT. GUARANTEED NOTES DUE 5 DECEMBER 2016
TRUST DEED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Clause |
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1. |
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
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COVENANT TO REPAY |
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3. |
THE NOTES |
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4. |
GUARANTEES |
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5. |
COVENANT TO COMPLY WITH TRUST DEED AND SCHEDULES |
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6. |
COVENANTS BY THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS |
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7. |
AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS |
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8. |
ENFORCEMENT |
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9. |
APPLICATION OF MONIES |
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10. |
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT |
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11. |
COSTS AND EXPENSES |
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12. |
APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT |
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13. |
NOTICES |
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LAW AND JURISDICTION |
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15. |
SEVERABILITY |
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CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT 1999 |
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COUNTERPARTS |
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SCHEDULE 1 |
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Part A Form Of Temporary Global Note |
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Part B Form Of Permanent Global Note |
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SCHEDULE 2 |
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Part A Form Of Definitive Note |
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Part B Terms and Conditions of the Notes |
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Part C Form Of Coupon |
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SCHEDULE 3 PROVISIONS FOR MEETINGS OF THE NOTEHOLDERS |
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THIS TRUST DEED is made on 3 December 2009
BETWEEN:
(1) LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A . (the Issuer );
(2) GTECH CORPORATION , GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION , GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION, LOTTOMATICA INTERNATIONAL HUNGARY KORLÁTOLT FELELŐSSÉGŰ TÁRSASÁG and INVEST GAMES S.A. (each a Guarantor and together, the Guarantors ); and
(3) BNY CORPORATE TRUSTEE SERVICES LIMITED (the Trustee , which expression includes, where the context admits, all persons for the time being the trustee or trustees of this Trust Deed).
WHEREAS:
(A) The Issuer has authorised the creation and issue of 750,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 December 2016 (the Notes ) to be constituted under this Trust Deed.
(B) The Guarantors have authorised the giving of their guarantees (the Guarantees ) in relation to the Notes.
(C) The Trustee has agreed to act as trustee of this Trust Deed on the following terms and conditions.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES AND IT IS HEREBY DECLARED as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
Definitions
In this Trust Deed the following expressions have the following meanings:
Agency Agreement means the agreement appointing the initial Paying Agents and any other agreement for the time being in force appointing successor paying agents, together with any agreement for the time being in force amending or modifying with the prior written approval of the Trustee any of the aforesaid agreements;
Appointee means any delegate, agent, nominee or custodian appointed pursuant to the provisions of this Trust Deed;
Auditors means the auditors for the time being of the Issuer or, in the event of any of them being unable or unwilling to carry out any action requested of them pursuant to this Trust Deed, means such other firm of independent auditors as may be nominated in writing by the Trustee for the purpose;
Authorised Signatory means:
(a) in relation to the Issuer, any director or any other person or persons notified to the Trustee by any director as being an Authorised Signatory pursuant to Clause 6.2(h) ( Authorised Signatories ); and
(b) in relation to any Guarantor, any director of such Guarantor or an officer (in the case of a Guarantor which is domiciled in the United States), or any other person or persons notified to the Trustee by any director of such Guarantor as being an Authorised Signatory pursuant to Clause 6.2(h) ( Authorised Signatories );
Clearstream, Luxembourg means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ;
Conditions means the terms and conditions to be endorsed on the Notes, in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Notes ) and any reference in this Trust Deed to a particular numbered Condition shall be construed in relation to the Notes accordingly;
Couponholder means the holder of a Coupon;
Coupons means the bearer interest coupons in or substantially in the form set out in Part C of Schedule 2 ( Form of Coupon ) appertaining to the Notes and for the time being outstanding or as the context may require a specific number thereof and includes any replacement Coupons issued pursuant to Condition 10 ( Replacement of Notes and Coupons );
Euroclear means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.;
Eurosystem-eligible new Global Note means a Global Note which is intended to be held in a manner which would allow Eurosystem eligibility, as stated in the applicable Conditions;
Event of Default means any one of the circumstances described in Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) but (in the case of the occurrence of any of the events mentioned in paragraphs (b) ( Breach of other obligations ), (d) ( Unsatisfied judgment ), (e) ( Security enforced ), (h) ( Analogous event ) (only in relation to the events referred to in paragraphs (d) and (e) of Condition 8 ( Events of Default )), (i) ( Failure to take action, etc .) or (j) ( Unlawfulness ) thereof and, in relation only to a Material Subsidiary (which is not a Guarantor), paragraphs (c) ( Cross-default of Issuer or Material Subsidiary ) or (g) ( Winding up, etc. )) only if such event is, pursuant to the provisions of Condition 8 ( Events of Default ), certified by the Trustee in writing to be, in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interests of Noteholders;
Extraordinary Resolution has the meaning set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders );
Global Note(s) mean the Temporary Global Note and Permanent Global Note to be issued pursuant to Clause 0 ( Global Notes );
Liabilities means any loss, damage, cost, charge, claim, demand, expense, judgment, action, proceeding or other liability whatsoever (including, without limitation, in respect of taxes, duties, levies, imposts and other charges) and including any value added tax or similar tax charged or chargeable in respect thereof and legal fees and expenses on a full indemnity basis;
Material Subsidiary has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Noteholder means the bearer of a Note, save that, for so long as any of the Notes is represented by a Global Note and such Global Note is held on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or, in respect of any Note in definitive form held in an account with Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, each person (other than Clearstream, Luxembourg, if Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be an accountholder of Euroclear, and Euroclear, if Euroclear shall be an
accountholder of Clearstream, Luxembourg) who is for the time being shown in the records of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg as the holder of a particular principal amount of such Note shall be treated as the holder of that principal amount for all purposes (including but not limited to for the purposes of any quorum requirements of, or the right to demand a poll, meetings of the Noteholders and giving notice to the Issuer pursuant to Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) and Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholder ) other than with respect to the payment of principal and interest on such Note, the right to which shall be vested, as against the Issuer, solely in the bearer thereof in accordance with and subject to its terms and the provisions of these presents; and the word holder and related expressions shall (where appropriate) be construed accordingly;
Notes means the bearer notes in the denomination of 50,000 each comprising the 750,000,000 5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 December 2016 constituted under this Trust Deed in or substantially in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Note ), and for the time being outstanding or, as the case may be, a specific number thereof and includes any replacement Notes issued pursuant to Condition 10 ( Replacement of Notes and Coupons ) and (except for the purposes of Clause 0 ( Global Notes ) and 0 ( Signature )) the Global Note for so long as it has not been exchanged in accordance with the terms thereof;
outstanding means, in relation to the Notes, all the Notes other than:
(a) those which have been redeemed in accordance with this Trust Deed and the Conditions;
(b) those in respect of which the date for redemption has occurred in accordance with the Conditions and for which the redemption monies (including all interest accrued thereon to the date for such redemption) have been duly paid to the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent in the manner provided for in the Agency Agreement (and, where appropriate, notice to that effect has been given to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices )) and remain available for payment in accordance with the Conditions;
(c) those which have been purchased and surrendered for cancellation as provided in Condition 5(f) ( Cancellation ) and notice of the cancellation of which has been given to the Trustee;
(d) those which have become void under Condition 9 ( Prescription );
(e) those mutilated or defaced Notes which have been surrendered or cancelled and in respect of which replacement Notes have been issued pursuant to Condition 10 ( Replacement of Notes and Coupons ); or
(f) (for the purpose only of ascertaining the amount of the Notes outstanding and without prejudice to the status for any other purpose of the relevant Notes) those Notes which are alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed and in respect of which replacements have been issued pursuant to Condition 10 ( Replacement of Notes and Coupons ),
provided that for each of the following purposes, namely:
(i) the determination of the right to attend and vote at any meeting of Noteholders for the purposes of Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders );
(ii) the determination of how many and which Notes are for the time being outstanding for the purposes of Clauses 0 ( Legal Proceedings ) and 0 ( Waiver ), the Conditions and Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders );
(iii) the exercise of any discretion, power or authority, whether contained in this Trust Deed or provided by law, which the Trustee is required to exercise in or by reference to the interests of the Noteholders or any of them; and
(iv) the determination by the Trustee whether any event, circumstance, matter or thing, is in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders or any of them,
those Notes (if any) which are for the time being held by any person (including but not limited to the I s suer, t h e Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries) for the benefit of the Issuer, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries shall (unless and until ceasing to be so held) be deemed not to remain outstanding;
Paying Agents means the several institutions (including, where the context permits, the Principal Paying Agent) at their respective Specified Offices initially appointed pursuant to the Agency Agreement and/or, if applicable, any Successor paying agents, at their respective Specified Offices;
Permanent Global Note means the Permanent Global Note to be issued pursuant to Clause 0 ( Global Notes ) in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 1 ( Form of Permanent Global Note );
Permitted Restructuring has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Potential Event of Default means an event or circumstance which could, with the giving of notice, lapse of time, the issuing of a certificate and/or fulfilment of any other requirement provided for in Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) become an Event of Default;
Principal Paying Agent means the institution at its Specified Office initially appointed as principal paying agent pursuant to the Agency Agreement or, if applicable, any successor principal paying agent at its Specified Office;
Put Event has the meaning given to it in Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders );
Repay shall include redeem and vice versa and repaid , repayable , repayment , redeemed , redeemable and redemption shall be construed accordingly;
Specified Office means, in relation to any Paying Agent, either the office identified with its name in the Conditions or any other office notified to any relevant parties pursuant to the Agency Agreement;
Subsidiary has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Substituted Obligor has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Successor means, in relation to the Paying Agents, such other or further person, as may from time to time be appointed pursuant to the Agency Agreement as a Paying Agent;
TARGET System means the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET 2) System;
Temporary Global Note means the Temporary Global Note to be issued pursuant to Clause 0 ( Global Notes ) in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 1 ( Form of Temporary Global Note );
this Trust Deed means this Trust Deed and the Schedules (as from time to time modified in accordance with the provisions contained herein) and (unless the context requires otherwise) includes any deed or other document executed in accordance with the provisions hereof (as from time to time modified as aforesaid) and expressed to be supplemental hereto; and
Trustee Acts means both the Trustee Act 1925 and the Trustee Act 2000 of England and Wales.
Principles of interpretation
In this Trust Deed references to:
(g) Statutory modification : a provision of any statute shall be deemed also to refer to any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof or any statutory instrument, order or regulation made thereunder or under such modification or re-enactment;
(h) Additional amounts : principal and/or interest in respect of the Notes shall be deemed also to include references to any additional amounts which may be payable under Condition 7 ( Taxation );
(i) Tax : costs, charges or expenses shall include any value added tax or similar tax charged or chargeable in respect thereof;
(j) Currency abbreviation : references to or euro are to the single currency introduced at the start of the third stage of European Economic and Monetary Union pursuant to the Treaty establishing the European Community, as amended;
(k) Enforcement of rights : an action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings for the enforcement of rights of creditors shall include, in respect of any jurisdiction other than England, references to such action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings for the enforcement of rights of creditors available or appropriate in such jurisdictions as shall most nearly approximate thereto;
(l) Clauses and Schedules : a Schedule, a Clause or sub-clause, paragraph or sub-paragraph is, unless otherwise stated, to a schedule hereto or a clause or sub-clause, paragraph or sub-paragraph hereof respectively;
(m) Principal : principal shall, when applicable, include premium;
(n) Clearing systems : Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall, wherever the context so admits, be deemed to include references to any additional or alternative clearing system approved by the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee;
(o) Trust Corporation : a trust corporation denotes a corporation entitled by rules made under the Public Trustee Act 1906 to act as a custodian trustee or entitled pursuant to any other legislation applicable to a trustee in any jurisdiction other than England to act as trustee and carry on trust business under the laws of the country of its incorporation; and
(p) Gender : words denoting the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender also, words denoting individuals shall include companies, corporations and partnerships and words importing the singular number only shall include the plural and in each case vice versa .
The Conditions
In this Trust Deed, unless the context requires or the same are otherwise defined, words and expressions defined in the Conditions and not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning in this Trust Deed.
Headings
The headings and sub-headings are for ease of reference only and shall not affect the construction of this Trust Deed.
The Schedules
The Schedules are part of this Trust Deed and shall have effect accordingly.
2. COVENANT TO REPAY
Covenant to Repay
The Issuer covenants with the Trustee that it will, as and when the Notes or any of them become due to be redeemed or any principal on the Notes or any of them becomes due to be repaid in accordance with the Conditions, unconditionally pay or procure to be paid to or to the order of the Trustee in euro in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System in same day freely transferable funds the principal amount of the Notes or any of them becoming due for redemption or repayment on that date and shall (subject to the provisions of the Conditions) until all such payments (both before and after judgment or other order) are duly made unconditionally pay or procure to be paid to or to the order of the Trustee as aforesaid on the dates provided for in the Conditions interest on the principal amount of the Notes or any of them outstanding from time to time as set out in the Conditions provided that :
(a) every payment of principal or interest in respect of the Notes or any of them made to the Principal Paying Agent in the manner provided in the Agency Agreement shall satisfy, to the extent of such payment, the relevant covenant by the Issuer contained in this Clause 2 ( Covenant to Repay ) except to the extent that there is default in the subsequent payment thereof to the Noteholders or Couponholders (as the case may be) in accordance with the Conditions;
(b) if any payment of principal or interest in respect of the Notes or any of them is made after the due date, payment shall be deemed not to have been made until either the full amount is paid to the Noteholders or, if earlier, the seventh day after notice has been given to the Noteholders or Couponholders (as the case may be) in accordance with the Conditions that the full amount has been received by the Principal Paying Agent or the Trustee except, in the case of payment to the Principal Paying Agent, to the extent that there is failure in the subsequent payment to the Noteholders or Couponholders (as the case may be) under the Conditions; and
(c) in any case where payment of the whole or any part of the principal amount due in respect of any Note is improperly withheld or refused upon due presentation (if so provided for in the Conditions) of the Note, interest shall accrue on the whole or such part of such principal amount from the date of such withholding or refusal until the date either on which such principal amount due is paid to the Noteholders or, if earlier, the seventh day after which notice is given to the Noteholders in accordance with the Conditions that the full amount payable in respect of the said principal amount is available for collection by the Noteholders provided that on further due presentation thereof (if so provided for in the Conditions) such payment is in fact made.
The Trustee will hold the benefit of this covenant and the covenant in Clause 5 ( Covenant to comply with Trust Deed and Schedules ) on trust for the Noteholders and Couponholders.
Following an Event of Default
At any time after any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default shall have occurred, the Trustee may:
(d) by notice in writing to the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Principal Paying Agent and the other Paying Agents require the Principal Paying Agent and the other Paying Agents or any of them:
(i) to act thereafter, until otherwise instructed by the Trustee, as Paying Agents of the Trustee under the provisions of this Trust Deed on the terms provided in the Agency Agreement (with consequential amendments as necessary and save that the Trustees liability under any provisions thereof for the indemnification, remuneration and payment of out-of-pocket expenses of the Paying Agents shall be limited to amounts for the time being held by the Trustee on the trusts of this Trust Deed in relation to the Notes on the terms of this Trust Deed and available to the Trustee for such purpose) and thereafter to hold all Notes and Coupons and all sums, documents and records held by them in respect of Notes and Coupons on behalf of the Trustee; and/or
(ii) to deliver up all Notes and Coupons and all sums, documents and records held by them in respect of Notes and Coupons to the Trustee or as the Trustee shall direct in such notice provided that such notice shall be deemed not to apply to any document or record which the relevant Paying Agent is obliged not to release by any law or regulation; and
(e) by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Guarantors require each of them to make all subsequent payments in respect of Notes and Coupons to or to the order of the Trustee and with effect from the issue of any such notice until such notice is withdrawn, sub-clause (a) of Clause 0 ( Covenant to Repay ) and (so far as it concerns payments by the Issuer or any Guarantor) Clause 0 ( Payment to Noteholders and Couponholders ) shall cease to have effect.
3. THE NOTES
Global Notes
(a) The Notes will initially be represented by the Temporary Global Note in the principal amount of 750,000,000. Interests in the Temporary Global Note shall be exchangeable, in accordance with its terms, for interests in the Permanent Global Note.
(b) The Permanent Global Note shall be exchangeable, in accordance with its terms, for Notes in definitive form.
The definitive Notes
The definitive Notes and the Coupons will be security printed in accordance with applicable legal and stock exchange requirements substantially in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Note ) and, in the case of a Eurosystem-eligible new Global Note, be effectuated by the common safekeeper acting on instructions of the Principal Paying Agent. Notes so executed, authenticated and effectuated (in the case of Eurosystem-eligible new Global Notes) will be valid and binding obligations of the Issuer. The definitive Notes will be endorsed with the Conditions.
Signature
The Global Notes, the Notes and the Coupons will be signed manually or in facsimile by an Authorised Signatory of the Issuer and, in the case of the Global Notes, the Notes will be authenticated manually by or on behalf of the Principal Paying Agent and be effectuated by the common safekeeper acting on the instructions of the Principal Paying Agent. The Issuer may use the facsimile signature of a person who at the date of this Trust Deed is such a duly authorised person even if at the time of issue of any Notes and/or Coupons he no longer holds that office. Notes and Coupons so executed, authenticated and effectuated will be binding and valid obligations of the Issuer.
Entitlement to treat holder as owner
The Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and any Paying Agent may deem and treat the holder of any Note and any Coupon appertaining to the relevant Note as the absolute owner of such Note or such Coupon as the case may be, free of any equity, set-off or counterclaim on the part of the Issuer against the original or any intermediate holder of such Note (whether or not such Note or such Coupon shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing thereon or any notice of previous loss or theft of such Note or Coupon) for all purposes and, except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by applicable law, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Paying Agents shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary. All payments made to any such holder shall be valid and, to the extent of the sums so paid, effective to satisfy and discharge the liability for the monies payable upon the Notes and Coupons.
4. GUARANTEES
Guarantee and Indemnity
Each Guarantor hereby absolutely, jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably and, notwithstanding the release of any other guarantor or any other person under the terms of any composition or arrangement with any creditors of the Issuer, as a continuing obligation guarantees to the Trustee:
(a) the payment of all sums expressed to be payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement or in respect of the Notes and Coupons, as and when the same
becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon early redemption, upon acceleration or otherwise; and
(b) the punctual performance by the Issuer of all of the Issuers obligations under the Notes and the Coupons, under this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement,
in each case, according to the terms of the Notes and Coupons, this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement. In case of the failure of the Issuer to pay any such sum as and when the same shall become due and payable, each Guarantor hereby agrees to cause such payment to be made as and when the same becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon early redemption, upon acceleration or otherwise, as if such payment were made by the Issuer. In case of the failure of the Issuer to perform any such other obligation as and when the same shall become due for performance, each Guarantor hereby agrees to use its best efforts to procure the performance of such other obligation as and when the same becomes due for performance.
Guarantors as principal debtors
Each Guarantor agrees, as an independent primary obligation, that it shall pay to the Trustee on demand sums sufficient to indemnify the Trustee and each Noteholder and Couponholder against any loss sustained by the Trustee or such Noteholder or Couponholder by reason of:
(c) the non payment as and when the same shall become due and payable of any sum expressed to be payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement or in respect of the Notes and Coupons; or
(d) the non-performance as and when the same shall become due for performance of any other obligation expressed to be assumed by the Issuer in this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement or in respect of the Notes and Coupons,
in each case, whether by reason of any of the obligations expressed to be assumed by the Issuer in this Trust Deed or the Notes being or becoming void, voidable or unenforceable for any reason, whether or not known to the Trustee or such Noteholder or Couponholder or for any other reason whatsoever.
Unconditional payment
If the Issuer defaults in the payment of any sum expressed to be payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement or in respect of the Notes or Coupons as and when the same shall become due and payable, the Guarantors shall within five Business Days of receipt of demand unconditionally pay or procure to be paid to or to the order of the Trustee in Euro in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System in immediately available freely transferable funds the amount in respect of which such default has been made; provided that every payment of such amount made by any Guarantor to the Principal Paying Agent in the manner provided in the Agency Agreement shall be deemed to cure pro tanto such default by the Issuer and shall be deemed for the purposes of this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) to have been paid to or for the account of the Trustee except to the extent that there is failure in the subsequent payment of such amount to the Noteholders and Couponholders in accordance with the Conditions, and everything so paid by any Guarantor in accordance with the Agency Agreement shall have the same effect as if it had been paid thereunder by the Issuer.
Unconditional obligation
Each Guarantor agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, and that each Guarantor shall be fully liable irrespective of the validity, regularity, legality or enforceability of this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement or any Note or Coupon, or any change in or amendment hereto or thereto, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver, authorisation or consent by any Noteholder or Couponholder or by the Trustee with respect to any provision of this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement or the Notes, the obtaining of any judgment against the Issuer or any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defence of a guarantor.
Guarantors obligations continuing
Each Guarantor waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest or notice with respect to any Note or the indebtedness evidenced thereby and all demands whatsoever. Each Guarantor agrees that the guarantee and indemnity contained in this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) is a continuing guarantee and indemnity and shall remain in full force and effect until all amounts due as principal, interest or otherwise in respect of the Notes or Coupons or under this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement shall have been paid in full and that it shall not be discharged by anything other than a complete performance of the obligations contained in this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement and the Notes and Coupons.
The Trustee may determine from time to time whether or not it will enforce this guarantee which it may do without making any demand or taking any proceedings against the Issuer and may from time to time make any arrangement or compromise with the Guarantors in relation to this guarantee which the Trustee may consider expedient in the interests of the Noteholders.
Subrogation of Guarantors rights
Each Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Noteholders against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid by such Guarantor pursuant hereto; provided that no Guarantor shall without the consent of the Trustee be entitled to enforce, or to receive any payments arising out of or based upon or prove in any insolvency or winding up of the Issuer in respect of, such right of subrogation until such time as the principal of and interest on all outstanding Notes and Coupons and all other amounts due under this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement and the Notes and Coupons have been paid in full. Furthermore, until such time as aforesaid, no Guarantor shall take any security or counter indemnity from the Issuer in respect of such Guarantors obligations under this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ).
Repayment to the Issuer
If any payment received by the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent pursuant to the provisions of this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement or the Conditions shall, on the subsequent bankruptcy, insolvency, corporate reorganisation or other similar event affecting the Issuer, be avoided, reduced, invalidated or set aside under any laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, corporate reorganisation or other similar events, such payment shall not be considered as discharging or diminishing the liability of any Guarantor whether as guarantor, principal debtor or indemnifier and the guarantee and indemnity contained in this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) shall continue to apply as if such payment had at all times remained owing by the Issuer and each Guarantor shall indemnify and keep indemnified the Trustee and the Noteholders on the terms of the guarantee and indemnity contained in this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ).
Suspense account
Any amount received or recovered by the Trustee from the Guarantors in respect of any sum payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed or the Notes or the Coupons may be placed in a suspense account and kept there for so long as the Trustee thinks fit.
Until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed have been irrevocably paid in full, the Trustee may refrain from applying or enforcing any other monies, security or rights held or received by the Trustee in respect of those amounts, or apply and enforce the same in such manner and order as it sees fit (whether against those amounts or otherwise) and the Guarantors shall not be entitled to the benefit of the same.
U.S. Guarantee Limitations
Each Guarantor organised or incorporated under the laws of any state of the United States of America or the District of Columbia confirms that it is the intention of all such persons that the obligations of each Guarantor organised or incorporated under the laws of any state of the United States of America or the District of Columbia under this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) do not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for the purposes of any proceeding of the type referred to in Condition 8(f) ( Insolvency, etc. ) or Condition 8(g) ( Winding up, etc. ) or Title 11, U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the United States Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the United States Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar foreign or state law, to the extent applicable to the obligations of such Guarantor under this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ). To effect the foregoing intention, the Issuer, Trustee and each Guarantor hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each such Guarantor at any time shall be limited to the maximum amount as will result in the obligations of such Guarantor under this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.
5. COVENANT TO COMPLY WITH TRUST DEED AND SCHEDULES
The Issuer and each Guarantor hereby covenants with the Trustee to comply with those provisions of this Trust Deed and the Conditions which are expressed to be binding on it and to perform and observe the same. The Trustee shall be entitled to enforce the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes and the Coupons as if the same were set out and contained in the Trust Deed, which shall be read and construed as one document with the Notes and the Coupons. The Notes and the Coupons are subject to the provisions contained in this Trust Deed, all of which shall be binding upon the Issuer, each Guarantor, the Noteholders and the Couponholders and all persons claiming through or under them respectively.
6. COVENANTS BY THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS
The Issuer hereby covenants with the Trustee that, so long as any of the Notes remain outstanding, it will:
(a) Business
at all times carry on business, and procure that all Material Subsidiaries carry on business, in a proper and efficient manner;
(b) Books of account
at all times keep and procure that all Material Subsidiaries keep such books of account as may be necessary to comply with all applicable laws and so as to enable the consolidated financial
statements of the Issuer to be prepared and allow the Trustee and any person appointed by it free access to the same at all reasonable times and to discuss the same with responsible officers of the Issuer and the Guarantors;
(c) Financial statements
send to the Trustee and to the Principal Paying Agent in the English language (a) as soon as the same become available and in any event no later than 30 days following the approval of its year-end consolidated financial statements by its respective shareholders, ten copies of its consolidated financial statements for such year, approved by its shareholders and audited by an internationally recognised firm of independent auditors; and (b) as soon as the same becomes available and in any event no later than 30 days following the approval of its six-monthly interim consolidated financial statements by its respective board of directors, ten copies of its consolidated financial statements for such six month period, approved by its board of directors and subject to a limited review by an internationally recognised firm of independent auditors together with copies of every report or other notice, statement or circular issued (or which under any legal or contractual obligation should be issued) to its members or holders of debentures or creditors (or any class of them) in their capacity as such at the time of the actual (or legally or contractually required) issue or publication thereof and procure that the same are made available for inspection by Noteholders and Couponholders at the Specified Offices of the Paying Agents as soon as practicable thereafter;
(d) Certificate in relation to Material Subsidiaries
give to the Trustee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the acquisition or disposal of any Subsidiary which thereby becomes or ceases to be a Material Subsidiary or after any transfer is made to any Subsidiary which thereby becomes a Material Subsidiary, a certificate by two Authorised Signatories to such effect; such certificate shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and all Noteholders;
(e) Notices to Noteholders
send or procure to be sent to the Trustee not less than three days prior to the date of publication, for the Trustees approval, one copy of each notice to be given to the Noteholders in accordance with the Conditions and not publish such notice without such approval and, upon publication, send to the Trustee two copies of such notice (such approval, unless so expressed, not to constitute approval of such notice for the purpose of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000);
(f) Notification of non-payment
use its reasonable endeavours to procure that the Principal Paying Agent notifies the Trustee forthwith in the event that it does not, on or before the due date for payment in respect of the Notes or any of them or any of the Coupons, receive unconditionally the full amount in the relevant currency of the monies payable on such due date on all such Notes or Coupons;
(g) Notification of late payment
in the event of the unconditional payment to the Principal Paying Agent or the Trustee of any sum due in respect of the Notes or any of them or any of the Coupons being made after the due date for payment thereof, forthwith give notice to the Noteholders that such payment has been made;
(h) Notification of redemption or repayment
not less than the number of days specified in the relevant Condition prior to the redemption or repayment date in respect of any Note, give to the Trustee notice in writing of the amount of such redemption or repayment pursuant to the Conditions and duly proceed to redeem or repay such Note accordingly;
(i) Notification of Put Event
promptly upon the Issuer becoming aware that a Put Event has occurred, the Issuer shall give notice of such event to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) specifying the nature of the Put Event and circumstances giving rise to it and the procedure for exercising the Put Option contained in Condition 5(c) ( Redemption of the option of Noteholders ). Failure by the Issuer to give such notice shall not affect the rights of the Noteholders pursuant to Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of Noteholders );
(j) Tax redemption
if the Issuer gives notice to the Trustee that it intends to redeem the Notes pursuant to Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ) the Issuer shall, prior to giving such notice to the Noteholders, provide such information to the Trustee as the Trustee requires in order to satisfy itself of the matters referred to in such Condition;
(k) Change of Paying Agents
give notice to the Noteholders and to the Trustee of any appointment, resignation or removal of any Paying Agent after having obtained the written approval of the Trustee thereto, or of any change of any Paying Agents Specified Office and at least 30 days prior to such event occurring, in each case subject to the terms of the Agency Agreement;
(l) Obligations of Paying Agents
observe and comply with its obligations and use all reasonable endeavours to procure that the Paying Agents observe and comply with all their obligations under the Agency Agreement and notify the Trustee immediately it becomes aware of any material breach of such obligations, or failure by a Paying Agent to comply with such obligations, in relation to the Notes or Coupons; and
(m) Listing
at all times use all reasonable endeavours to maintain the listing of the Notes on the official list of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and maintain the trading of the Notes on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange or, if it is unable to do so having used all reasonable endeavours or if the maintenance of such listing and trading is agreed by the Trustee to be unduly burdensome or impractical, use reasonable endeavours to obtain and maintain a quotation or listing of the Notes on such other stock exchange or exchanges or securities market or markets as the Issuer and the Guarantors may (with the approval of the Trustee, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) decide and give notice of the identity of such other stock exchange or exchanges or securities market or markets to the Noteholders.
Each of the Issuer and the Guarantors hereby covenants with the Trustee that, so long as any of the Notes remain outstanding it will:
(n) Event of Default
give notice in writing to the Trustee forthwith upon becoming aware of any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default and without waiting for the Trustee to take any further action;
(o) Certificate of Compliance
provide to the Trustee within ten days of any request by the Trustee and at the time of the despatch to the Trustee of its year-end consolidated financial statements as provided for in Clause 6.1(c) ( Financial Statements ), and in any event not later than 30 days following the approval of the year-end consolidated financial statements of the Issuer by its shareholders, a certificate in the English language signed by two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer and the Guarantors certifying that up to a specified date not earlier than seven days prior to the date of such certificate (the Certified Date ) the Issuer and the Guarantors have complied with all provisions relating to the Issuer and the Guarantors as specified under this Trust Deed and/or the Conditions (or, if such is not the case, giving details of the circumstances of such non-compliance) and that as at such date there did not exist nor had there existed at any time prior thereto since the Certified Date in respect of the previous such certificate (or, in the case of the first such certificate, since the date of this Trust Deed) any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default or other matter which would affect the Issuers or each Guarantors ability to perform its obligations under this Trust Deed or (if such is not the case) specifying the same;
(p) Accounts in relation to Material Subsidiaries
ensure that such accounts are prepared as may be necessary to determine which Subsidiaries of the Issuer are Material Subsidiaries and procure that the Auditors prepare and deliver to the Trustee at the time of issue of every audited consolidated balance sheet of the Issuer and at any other time upon the request of the Trustee a certificate or report specifying the Material Subsidiaries at the date of such balance sheet or request;
(q) Information
so far as permitted by applicable law, at all times give to the Trustee such information, opinions, certificates and other evidence as it shall require and in such form as it shall require (including, without limitation, the certificates called for by the Trustee pursuant to Clause 6.2(b) ( Certificate of Compliance ) for the performance of its functions;
(r) Notes held by Issuer, the Guarantors or any Subsidiary
send to the Trustee forthwith upon being so requested in writing by the Trustee a certificate of the Issuer or, as the case may be, the relevant Guarantor (in each case signed on their behalf by two Authorised Signatories) setting out the total number of Notes which at the date of such certificate are held by or for the benefit of the Issuer, such Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries;
(s) Execution of further Documents
so far as permitted by applicable law, at all times execute all such further documents and do all such further acts and things as may be necessary at any time or times in the opinion of the Trustee to give effect to the provisions of this Trust Deed;
(t) Change of taxing jurisdiction
if the Issuer or any Guarantor shall become subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of any territory or any political sub-division thereof or any authority therein or thereof having power to
tax other than or in addition to the Republic of Italy, the United States, Hungary or Luxembourg, as the case may be, immediately upon becoming aware thereof it shall notify the Trustee of such event and (unless the Trustee otherwise agrees) enter forthwith into a trust deed supplemental hereto, giving to the Trustee an undertaking or covenant in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee in terms corresponding to the terms of Condition 7 ( Taxation ) with the substitution for (or, as the case may be, the addition to) the references therein to the Republic of Italy, the United States, Hungary or Luxembourg, as the case may be of references to that other or additional territory to whose taxing jurisdiction, or that of a political subdivision thereof or an authority therein or thereof, the Issuer or such Guarantor shall have become subject as aforesaid, such trust deed also to modify Condition 7 ( Taxation ) that such Condition shall make reference to that other or additional territory.
(u) Permitted Restructuring
(i) in the event of a Permitted Restructuring whereby the Substituted Obligor assumes all the assets and liabilities of a Guarantor and assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee:
(A) on or prior to such Permitted Restructuring, ensure the Substituted Obligor enters into a supplemental deed in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee agreeing to be bound by this Trust Deed and the Notes (with consequential amendments as the Trustee may deem appropriate) (the Supplemental Deed ) as if such Substituted Obligor had been named in this Trust Deed and the Notes as a Guarantor,
(B) on or prior to such Permitted Restructuring, ensure the Substituted Obligor enters into a supplemental agreement in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee and the Paying Agents agreeing to be bound by the Agency Agreement (with consequential amendments as the Paying Agents and the Trustee may deem appropriate) (the Supplemental Agency Agreement ) as if such Substituted Obligor had been named in the Agency Agreement as a Guarantor,
(C) where the Substituted Obligor is incorporated, domiciled or resident in, or subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of, a territory other than Republic of Italy, the United States, Hungary or Luxembourg, ensure the Substituted Obligor provides undertakings or covenants in the Supplemental Deed in terms corresponding to the terms of Condition 7 ( Taxation ) with the substitution for (or, as the case may be, the addition to) the references therein to the Republic of Italy, the United States, Hungary or Luxembourg, as the case may be of references to that other or additional territory to whose taxing jurisdiction, or that of a political subdivision thereof or an authority therein or thereof, the Issuer or such Guarantor shall have become subject as aforesaid, the Supplemental Deed also to modify Condition 7 ( Taxation ) so that such Condition shall make reference to that other or additional territory;
(D) ensure the Substituted Obligor provides the Trustee with a certificate signed by two directors, or authorised signatories of the Substituted Obligor (or other officers acceptable to the Trustee) addressed to the Trustee (with a form and content satisfactory to the Trustee) certifying that it is solvent both at the time the Permitted Restructuring takes
place and immediately thereafter (which certificate the Trustee may rely upon absolutely) and if so, provided the Trustee shall not be under any duty to have regard to the financial condition, profits or prospects of the Substituted Obligor or to compare the same with those of the relevant Guarantor;
(E) procure the delivery of a legal opinion as to English and any other relevant law, addressed to the Trustee, dated the date of the Supplemental Deed and in a form acceptable to the Trustee from legal advisers acceptable to the Trustee as to the enforceability of the guarantee to be given by the Substituted Obligor and all other obligations assumed by it under the Supplemental Deed and Supplemental Agency Agreement;
(F) prior to the date of the Permitted Restructuring, procure the delivery of a legal opinion as to English and any other relevant law, addressed to the Trustee, dated the date of the Permitted Restructuring confirming that (1) all the assets and liabilities of the relevant Guarantor have been assumed by the Substituted Obligor, and (2) all the obligations of the relevant Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee have been assumed by the Substituted Obligor, and in a form acceptable to the Trustee from legal advisers acceptable to the Trustee; and
(G) comply with, and ensure the Substituted Obligor complies with, all other requirements as the Trustee may direct in the interests of the Noteholders.
(ii) In the event of a Permitted Restructuring whereby the Substituted Obligor assumes all the assets and liabilities of a Material Subsidiary and becomes a Material Subsidiary:
(A) prior to the date of the Permitted Restructuring, procure the delivery of a legal opinion as to English and any other relevant law, addressed to the Trustee, dated the date of the Permitted Restructuring confirming that all the assets and liabilities of the relevant Material Subsidiary have been assumed by the Substituted Obligor and in a form acceptable to the Trustee from legal advisers acceptable to the Trustee;
(B) comply with, and ensure the Substituted Obligor complies with, all other requirements as the Trustee may direct in the interests of the Noteholders; and
(C) give to the Trustee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Permitted Restructuring involving any Subsidiary which thereby becomes or ceases to be a Material Subsidiary, a certificate by two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer to such effect; such certificate shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and all Noteholders.
(v) Authorised Signatories
Upon the execution hereof and thereafter forthwith upon any change of the same, deliver to the Trustee (with a copy to the Principal Paying Agent) a list of the Authorised Signatories of the Issuer or, as the case may be, the Guarantors, together with certified specimen signatures of the same;
(w) Payments
Pay monies payable by it to the Trustee hereunder without set off, counterclaim, deduction or withholding, unless otherwise compelled by law and in the event of any deduction or withholding compelled by law will pay such additional amount as will result in the payment to the Trustee of the amount which would otherwise have been payable by it to the Trustee hereunder;
(x) Changes in the Issuers or Guarantors by-laws
Give notice in writing to the Trustee forthwith of any amendment made to its by-laws since the date hereof which may in any way affect the provisions of Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) and provide the Trustee upon request with a copy of its current by-laws in force;
(y) Information relating to the Issuers or Guarantors by-laws
Provide the Trustee promptly upon request with such information regarding its by-laws as it may request including without limitation informing the Trustee of the applicable number of days required for the purposes of the definition of Block Voting Instruction and Voting Certificate (both as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) and paragraphs 2 and 6 of Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ), as well as details of the relevant newspaper for the purposes of publishing notices for any Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ));
(z) Translation of documents for Meetings
Fourteen days before any Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) confirm to the Trustee, as to whether any law requires the translation into Italian of any Block Voting Instruction, Voting Certificate or any other document in relation to Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders );
(aa) Changes to the laws of the Republic of Italy
Give notice in writing to the Trustee forthwith in the event of any amendment to the laws, rules and regulations of the Republic of Italy applicable to the provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders as set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ); and
(bb) Certificate as to Proxies
Prior to any Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) provide the Trustee with a certificate signed by two directors confirming (a) its outstanding share capital as at that date and (b) the corresponding maximum number of Noteholders on whose behalf a single Proxy may attend or vote at such Meeting under Article 2372 of the Italian Civil Code or any other applicable Italian law or regulation.
7. AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS
Waiver
The Trustee may, without any consent or sanction of the Noteholders or Couponholders and without prejudice to its rights in respect of any subsequent breach, condition, event or act, from time to time and at any time, but only if and in so far as in its opinion the interests of the Noteholders shall not be materially prejudiced thereby, authorise or waive, on such terms and conditions (if any) as shall seem expedient to it, any breach or proposed breach of any of the covenants or provisions contained in this Trust Deed or the Notes or Coupons or determine that any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default shall not be treated as such for the purposes of this Trust Deed; any such authorisation, waiver or determination shall be binding on the Noteholders, the Couponholders and, if, but only if, the Trustee shall so require, the Issuer shall cause such authorisation, waiver or determination to be notified to the Noteholders as soon as practicable thereafter in accordance with the Condition relating thereto; provided that the Trustee shall not exercise any powers conferred upon it by this Clause in contravention of any express direction by an Extraordinary Resolution or of a request in writing made by the holders of not less than 25 per cent. in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (but so that no such direction or request shall affect any authorisation, waiver or determination previously given or made) or so as to authorise or waive any such breach or proposed breach relating to any of the matters the subject of the Reserved Matters as specified and defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ).
Modifications
The Trustee may from time to time and at any time without any consent or sanction of the Noteholders or Couponholders agree to (a) any modification to this Trust Deed (other than in respect of Reserved Matters as specified and defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) or any provision of this Trust Deed referred to in that specification) or the Notes which in the opinion of the Trustee it may be proper to make provided the Trustee is of the opinion that such modification will not be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders or (b) any modification to this Trust Deed or the Notes if in the opinion of the Trustee such modification is of a formal, minor or technical nature or made to correct a manifest error. Any such modification shall be binding on the Noteholders and the Couponholders and, unless the Trustee otherwise agrees, the Issuer shall cause such modification to be notified to the Noteholders as soon as practicable thereafter in accordance with the Conditions.
8. ENFORCEMENT
Legal Proceedings
The Trustee may at any time, at its discretion and without further notice, institute such proceedings against the Issuer and the Guarantors as it may think fit to recover any amounts due in respect of the Notes which are unpaid or to enforce any of its rights under this Trust Deed or the Conditions but it shall not be bound to take any such proceedings or any other action under this Trust Deed or the Notes unless (a) it shall have been so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution or so requested in writing by the holders of at least one-quarter in principal amount of the outstanding Notes and (b) it shall have been indemnified, secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction against all liabilities, proceedings, claims and demands to which it may thereby become liable and all costs, charges and expenses which may be incurred by it in connection therewith and provided that the Trustee shall not be held liable for the consequence of taking any such action and may take such action without having regard to the effect of such action on individual Noteholders or Couponholders. Save for rights and duties of the Noteholders Representative under Article 2418 of the Italian Civil Code and the right of each Noteholder or Couponholder under Article 2419 of the Italian Civil Code, only the Trustee may enforce the provisions of the Notes or this Trust Deed and no Noteholder or Couponholder shall be entitled to
proceed directly against the Issuer or any Guarantor unless the Trustee, having become bound so to proceed, fails to do so within a reasonable time and such failure is continuing.
Evidence of Default
If the Trustee (or any Noteholder or Couponholder where entitled under this Trust Deed so to do) makes any claim, institutes any legal proceeding or lodges any proof in a winding-up or insolvency of the Issuer or any Guarantor under this Trust Deed or under the Notes, proof therein that:
(a) as regards any specified Note the Issuer has made default in paying any principal due in respect of such Note shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that the Issuer has made the like default as regards all other Notes in respect of which a corresponding payment is then due; and
(b) as regards any specified Coupon the Issuer has made default in paying any interest due in respect of such Coupon shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that the Issuer has made the like default as regards all other Coupons in respect of which a corresponding payment is then due.
9. APPLICATION OF MONIES
Application of Monies
All monies received by the Trustee in respect of the Notes or amounts payable under this Trust Deed will despite any appropriation of all or part of them by the Issuer or the Guarantors (including any monies which represent principal or interest in respect of Notes or Coupons which have become void under the Conditions) be held by the Trustee on trust to apply them (subject to Clause 0 ( Investment of Monies )):
(a) first, in payment or satisfaction of the costs, charges, expenses and liabilities incurred by the Trustee in the preparation and execution of the trusts of this Trust Deed (including remuneration of the Trustee);
(b) secondly, in or towards payment pari passu and rateably of all arrears of interest remaining unpaid in respect of the Notes and all principal monies due on or in respect of the Notes; and
(c) thirdly, the balance (if any) in payment to the Issuer or, if such monies were received from a Guarantor, such Guarantor.
Investment of Monies
If the amount of the monies at any time available for payment of principal and interest in respect of the Notes under Clause 0 ( Application of Monies ) shall be less than a sum sufficient to pay at least one-tenth of the principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, the Trustee may, at its discretion, invest such monies in one or more of the investments authorised herein with power from time to time, with like discretion, to vary such investments; and such investment(s) with the resulting income thereof may be accumulated until the accumulations together with any other funds for the time being under the control of the Trustee and available for the purpose shall amount to a sum sufficient to pay at least one-tenth of the principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding and such accumulation and funds (after deduction of any taxes and any other deductibles applicable thereto) shall then be applied in the manner aforesaid.
Authorised Investments
Any monies which under this Trust Deed may be invested by the Trustee may be invested in the name or under the control of the Trustee in any of the investments for the time being authorised by English law for the investment by trustees of trust monies or in any other investments, whether similar to those aforesaid or not, which may be selected by the Trustee or by placing the same on deposit in the name or under the control of the Trustee with such bank or other financial institution as the Trustee may think fit and in such currency as the Trustee in its absolute discretion may determine and the Trustee may at any time vary or transfer any of such investments for or into other such investments or convert any monies so deposited into any other currency and shall not be responsible for any Liability occasioned by reason of any such investments or such deposit whether by depreciation in value, fluctuation in exchange rates or otherwise.
Payment to Noteholders and Couponholders
The Trustee shall give notice to the Noteholders in accordance with the Conditions of the date fixed for any payment under Clause 0 ( Application of Monies ). Any payment to be made in respect of the Notes or the Coupons by the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee may be made in the manner provided in the Conditions, the Agency Agreement and this Trust Deed and any payment so made shall be a good discharge to the extent of such payment, by the Issuer, such Guarantor or the Trustee, as the case may be. Any payment in full of interest made in respect of a Coupon in the manner aforesaid shall extinguish any claim of a Noteholder which may arise directly or indirectly in respect of such interest.
Production of Notes and Coupons
Upon any payment under Clause 0 ( Payment to Noteholders and Couponholders ) of principal or interest, the Note or Coupon in respect of which such payment is made shall, if the Trustee so requires, be produced to the Trustee or the Paying Agent by or through whom such payment is made and the Trustee shall, in the case of part payment, enface or cause such Paying Agent to enface a memorandum of the amount and date of payment thereon or, in the case of payment in full, shall cause such Note or Coupon to be surrendered or shall cancel or procure the same to be cancelled and shall certify or procure the certification of such cancellation.
Noteholders to be treated as holding all Coupons
Wherever in this Trust Deed the Trustee is required or entitled to exercise a power, trust, authority or discretion under this Trust Deed, the Trustee shall, notwithstanding that it may have express notice to the contrary, assume that each Noteholder is the holder of all Coupons appertaining to each Note of which he is the holder.
10. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
By way of supplement to the Trustee Acts, it is expressly declared as follows:
Reliance on Information
(a) Advice : the Trustee may in relation to this Trust Deed act on the opinion or advice of or a certificate or any information obtained from any lawyer, banker, valuer, surveyor, broker,
auctioneer, accountant or other expert (whether obtained by the Trustee, the Issuer, any Guarantor, any Subsidiary or any Agent) and which advice or opinion may be provided on such terms (including as to limitations on liability) as the Trustee may consider in its sole discretion to be consistent with prevailing market practice with regard to advice or opinions of that nature and shall not be responsible for any Liability occasioned by so acting; any such opinion, advice, certificate or information may be sent or obtained by letter, telegram, telex, cablegram or facsimile transmission and the Trustee shall not be liable for acting on any opinion, advice, certificate or information so conveyed although the same shall contain some error or shall not be authentic;
(b) Certificate of directors or Authorised Signatories : the Trustee may call for and shall be at liberty to accept a certificate signed by two directors and/or two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer, the relevant Guarantor or other person duly authorised on the Issuers or such Guarantors, as the case may be, behalf as to any fact or matter prima facie within the knowledge of the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor as sufficient evidence thereof and a like certificate to the effect that any particular dealing, transaction or step or thing is, in the opinion of the person so certifying, expedient as sufficient evidence that it is expedient and the Trustee shall not be bound in any such case to call for further evidence or be responsible for any Liability that may be occasioned by its failing so to do;
(c) Reliance on Auditors Reports : The Trustee may act, or not act, and rely on (and shall have no liability to Noteholders or Couponholders for doing so) certificates or reports provided by the Auditors whether or not addressed to the Trustee and whether or not any such report or any engagement letter or other document entered into by the Trustee and the Auditors in connection therewith contains any limit on the liability of the Auditors (whether by reference to a monetary cap or by reference to the methodology to be employed in producing the same);
(d) Resolution or direction of Noteholders : the Trustee shall not be responsible for acting upon any resolution purporting to have been passed at any meeting of the Noteholders in respect whereof minutes have been made and signed or a direction of a specified percentage of Noteholders, even though it may subsequently be found that there was some defect in the constitution of the meeting or the passing of the resolution or the making of the directions or that for any reason the resolution purporting to have been passed at any Meeting or the making of the directions was not valid or binding upon the Noteholders and Couponholders;
(e) Reliance on certification of clearing system : the Trustee may call for and shall be at liberty to accept and place full reliance on as sufficient evidence thereof and shall not be liable to the Issuer, the Guarantors or any Noteholder by reason only of either having accepted as valid or not having rejected an original certificate or letter of confirmation purporting to be signed on behalf of Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other relevant clearing system in relation to any matter;
(f) Noteholders as a class : whenever in this Trust Deed the Trustee is required in connection with any exercise of its powers, trusts, authorities or discretions to have regard to the interests of the Noteholders, it shall have regard to the interests of the Noteholders as a class and in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, shall not be obliged to have regard to the consequences of such exercise for any individual Noteholder resulting from his or its being for any purpose domiciled or
resident in, or otherwise connected with, or subject to the jurisdiction of, any particular territory;
(g) Trustee not responsible for investigations : the Trustee shall not be responsible for, or for investigating any matter which is the subject of, any recital, statement, representation, warranty or covenant of any person contained in this Trust Deed, the Notes, or any other agreement or document relating to the transactions herein or therein contemplated or for the execution, legality, effectiveness, adequacy, genuineness, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence thereof;
(h) No Liability as a result of the delivery of a certificate : the Trustee shall have no Liability whatsoever for any Liability, cost, damages or expenses directly or indirectly suffered or incurred by the Issuer, any Guarantor, any Noteholder, Couponholder or any other person as a result of the delivery by the Trustee to the Issuer of a certificate as to material prejudice pursuant to Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) on the basis of an opinion formed by it in good faith;
(i) No obligation to monitor : the Trustee shall be under no obligation to monitor or supervise the functions of any other person under the Notes or Coupons or any other agreement or document relating to the transactions herein or therein contemplated and shall be entitled, in the absence of actual knowledge of a breach of obligation, to assume that each such person is properly performing and complying with its obligations;
(j) Notes held by the Issuer : in the absence of knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee may assume without enquiry (other than requesting a certificate of the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be, under Clause 6.2(e) ( Notes held by Issuer, the Guarantors or any Subsidiary )), that no Notes are for the time being held by or for the benefit of the Issuer, such Guarantor or their respective Subsidiaries;
(k) Forged Notes : the Trustee shall not be liable to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Noteholder or Couponholder by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any Note or Coupon as such and subsequently found to be forged, not authentic or not effectuated;
(l) Events of Default and Put Events : the Trustee shall not be bound to give notice to any person of the execution of this Trust Deed or to take any steps to ascertain whether any Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Put Event has happened and, until it shall have actual knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee shall be entitled to assume that no such Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Put Event has happened and that each of the Issuer and each Guarantor is observing and performing all the obligations on its part contained in the Notes and Coupons and under this Trust Deed and no event has happened as a consequence of which any of the Notes may become repayable;
(m) Right to Deduct or Withhold : notwithstanding anything contained in this Trust Deed, to the extent required by any applicable law, if the Trustee is or will be required to make any deduction or withholding from any distribution or payment made by it hereunder or if the Trustee is or will be otherwise charged to, or is or may become liable to, tax as a consequence of performing its duties hereunder whether as principal, agent or otherwise, and whether by reason of any assessment, prospective assessment or other imposition of liability to taxation of whatsoever nature and whensoever made upon the Trustee, and whether in connection with or arising from any sums received or distributed by it or to
which it may be entitled under this Trust Deed (other than in connection with its remuneration as provided for herein) or any investments or deposits from time to time representing the same, including any income or gains arising therefrom or any action of the Trustee in connection with the trusts of this Trust Deed (other than the remuneration herein specified) or otherwise, then the Trustee shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding or, as the case may be, to retain out of sums received by it an amount sufficient to discharge any liability to tax which relates to sums so received or distributed or to discharge any such other liability of the Trustee to tax from the funds held by the Trustee upon the trusts of this Trust Deed; and
(n) Evidence of interests in Eurosystem-eligible new Global Notes : if and to the extent that any Notes are at any time represented by a Eurosystem-eligible new Global Note which is held by a common safekeeper for Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg, the Issuer and the Trustee may call for and place full reliance on any certificate, statement or other document to be issued by Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg as to the principal amount of Notes represented by the Global Note and any such certificate, statement or other document shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes. The Trustee and the Issuer shall not be liable to any person by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any certificate, statement or other document to such effect purporting to be issued by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg and subsequently found to be forged or not authentic.
Trustees Reliance on Information in relation to Meetings
(o) Certificate of directors and other information in relation to Meetings : the Trustee may rely without further investigation on (i) a certificate of directors and /or (ii) the confirmation, opinion, certificate, advice or any other information obtained from any lawyer, consultant or other expert the Trustee deems appropriate regarding any matter governing the procedure for calling and holding a Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) including without limitation whether a Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) has been appointed by order of a competent court and whether any party is a statutory auditor ( sindaco ) of the Issuer or any Guarantor;
(p) Advice in relation to Meetings : the Trustee shall be entitled at any time to obtain and rely on such legal advice as it may deem necessary in respect of all applicable Italian laws and regulations governing the procedure for calling and holding any Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any delay occasioned in obtaining such advice; and all proper costs and expenses incurred for such legal advice shall be borne by the Issuer (or, failing which, the Guarantors) upon receipt of proper evidence thereof; and
(q) Procedures for Meetings : in the absence of written notification, the Trustee shall be entitled to assume without liability, that no amendments have been made to any applicable laws or regulations or the by-laws of the Issuer which may affect the governing of the procedure for calling and holding Meetings (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) as set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ).
Trustees powers and duties
(r) Trustees determination : the Trustee may determine whether or not a default in the performance or observance by the Issuer or any Guarantor of any obligation under the provisions of this Trust Deed or contained in the Notes or Coupons is capable of remedy and/or materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders and if the Trustee shall certify that any such default is, in its opinion, not capable of remedy and/or materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders, such certificate shall be conclusive and binding upon the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Noteholders and Couponholders;
(s) Determination of questions : the Trustee as between itself and the Noteholders and the Couponholders shall have full power to determine all questions and doubts arising in relation to any of the provisions of this Trust Deed and every such determination, whether made upon a question actually raised or implied in the acts or proceedings of the Trustee, shall be conclusive and shall bind the Trustee, the Noteholders and the Couponholders;
(t) Trustees discretion : the Trustee shall (save as expressly otherwise provided herein) as regards all the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested in it by this Trust Deed or by operation of law, have absolute and uncontrolled discretion as to the exercise or non-exercise thereof and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any Liability that may result from the exercise or non-exercise thereof but whenever the Trustee is under the provisions of this Trust Deed bound to act at the request or direction of the Noteholders, the Trustee shall nevertheless not be so bound unless first indemnified and/or provided with security to its satisfaction against all actions, proceedings, claims and demands to which it may render itself liable and all costs, charges, damages, expenses and liabilities which it may incur by so doing. Without limiting the general statement above, the Trustee may refrain from taking any action in any jurisdiction if the taking of such action in that jurisdiction would, in its opinion based upon legal advice in the relevant jurisdiction, be contrary to any law of that jurisdiction or, to the extent applicable, of England. Furthermore, the Trustee may also refrain from taking such action if it would otherwise render it liable to any person in that jurisdiction or England or if, in its opinion based upon such legal advice, it would not have the power to do the relevant thing in that jurisdiction by virtue of any applicable law in that jurisdiction or in England or if it is determined by any court or other competent authority in that jurisdiction or in England that it does not have such power;
(u) Trustees consent : any consent given by the Trustee for the purposes of this Trust Deed may be given on such terms and subject to such conditions (if any) as the Trustee may require;
(v) Conversion of currency : where it is necessary or desirable for any purpose in connection with this Trust Deed to convert any sum from one currency to another it shall (unless otherwise provided by this Trust Deed or required by law) be converted at such rate or rates, in accordance with such method and as at such date for the determination of such rate of exchange, as may be specified by the Trustee in its absolute discretion as relevant and any rate, method and date so specified shall be binding on the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Noteholders and the Couponholders;
(w) Application of proceeds : the Trustee shall not be responsible for the receipt or application by the Issuer of the proceeds of the issue of the Notes, the exchange of any Temporary Global Note for any Permanent Global Note or any Permanent Global Note for definitive Notes or the delivery of any Note or Coupon to the persons entitled to them;
(x) Error of judgment : the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by any officer or employee of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust matters;
(y) Agents : the Trustee may, in the conduct of the trusts of this Trust Deed instead of acting personally, employ and pay an agent on any terms, whether or not a lawyer or other professional person, to transact or conduct, or concur in transacting or conducting, any business and to do or concur in doing all acts required to be done by the Trustee (including the receipt and payment of money) and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any loss, liability, expense, demand, cost, claim or proceedings incurred by reason of the misconduct, omission or default on the part of any person appointed by it hereunder or be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of any such person;
(z) Delegation : the Trustee may, in the execution and exercise of all or any of the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested in it by this Trust Deed, act by responsible officers or a responsible officer for the time being of the Trustee and the Trustee may also whenever it thinks fit, whether by power of attorney or otherwise, delegate to any person or persons or fluctuating body of persons (whether being a joint trustee of this Trust Deed or not) all or any of the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested in it by this Trust Deed and any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions and subject to such regulations (including power to sub-delegate with the consent of the Trustee) as the Trustee may think fit in the interests of the Noteholders and the Trustee shall not be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of and shall not in any way or to any extent be responsible for any loss, liability, expense, demand, cost, claim or proceedings incurred by reason of the misconduct, omission or default on the part of such delegate or sub-delegate;
(aa) Custodians and nominees : the Trustee may appoint and pay any person to act as a custodian or nominee on any terms in relation to such assets of the trust as the Trustee may determine, including for the purpose of depositing with a custodian this Trust Deed or any document relating to the trust created hereunder and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any loss, liability, expense, demand, cost, claim or proceedings incurred by reason of the misconduct, omission or default on the part of any person appointed by it hereunder or be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of any such person; the Trustee is not obliged to appoint a custodian if the Trustee invests in securities payable to bearer; and
(bb) Confidential information : the Trustee shall not (unless required by law or ordered so to do by a court of competent jurisdiction) be required to disclose to any Noteholder or Couponholder confidential information or other information made available to the Trustee by the Issuer or the Guarantors in connection with this Trust Deed and no Noteholder or Couponholder shall be entitled to take any action to obtain from the Trustee any such information.
Financial matters
(cc) Professional charges : any trustee being a banker, lawyer, broker or other person engaged in any profession or business shall be entitled to charge and be paid all usual professional and other charges for business transacted and acts done by him or his partner or firm on matters arising in connection with the trusts of this Trust Deed and also his properly incurred charges in addition to disbursements for all other work and business done and all time spent by him or his partner or firm on matters arising in connection with this Trust
Deed, including matters which might or should have been attended to in person by a trustee not being a banker, lawyer, broker or other professional person;
(dd) Expenditure by the Trustee : nothing contained in this Trust Deed shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of its duties or the exercise of any right, power, authority or discretion hereunder if it has grounds for believing the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against, or security for, such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it; and
(ee) Trustee may enter into financial transactions with the Issuer : no Trustee and no director or officer of any corporation being a Trustee hereof shall by reason of the fiduciary position of such Trustee be in any way precluded from making any contracts or entering into any transactions in the ordinary course of business with the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or any person or body corporate directly or indirectly associated with the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or from accepting the trusteeship of any other debenture stock, debentures or securities of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any person or body corporate directly or indirectly associated with the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, and neither the Trustee nor any such director or officer shall be accountable to the Noteholders or the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or any person or body corporate directly or indirectly associated with the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, for any profit, fees, commissions, interest, discounts or share of brokerage earned, arising or resulting from any such contracts or transactions and the Trustee and any such director or officer shall also be at liberty to retain the same for its or his own benefit.
Disapplication
Section 1 of the Trustee Act 2000 shall not apply to the duties of the Trustee in relation to the trusts constituted by this Trust Deed. Where there are any inconsistencies between the Trustee Acts and the provisions of this Trust Deed, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall, to the extent allowed by law, prevail and, in the case of any such inconsistency with the Trustee Act 2000, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall constitute a restriction or exclusion for the purposes of that Act.
Trustee Liability
Subject to Section 192 of the Companies Act 1985 (if applicable) and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Trust Deed, the Notes or the Agency Agreement, the Trustee shall not be liable to any person for any matter or thing done or omitted in any way in connection with or in relation to this Trust Deed, the Notes or the Agency Agreement save in relation to its own gross negligence, wilful default or fraud.
11. COSTS AND EXPENSES
Remuneration
(a) Normal Remuneration : the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee remuneration for its services as trustee as from the date of this Trust Deed, such remuneration to be at such rate as may from time to time be agreed between the Issuer and the Trustee. Such remuneration shall be payable in advance on the anniversary of the date hereof in each year and the first payment shall be made on the date hereof. Such remuneration shall accrue from day to day and be payable (in priority to payments to the Noteholders and Couponholders) up to
and including the date when, all the Notes having become due for redemption, the redemption monies and interest thereon to the date of redemption have been paid to the Principal Paying Agent or the Trustee, provided that if upon due presentation (if required pursuant to the Conditions) of any Note or Coupon or any cheque, payment of the monies due in respect thereof is improperly withheld or refused, remuneration will commence again to accrue;
(b) Extra Remuneration : in the event of the occurrence of an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default or the Trustee considering it necessary or being requested by the Issuer to undertake duties which the Trustee and the Issuer or any Guarantor agree to be of an exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the normal duties of the Trustee under this Trust Deed, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee such additional remuneration as shall be agreed between them;
(c) Value added tax : the Issuer shall in addition pay to the Trustee an amount equal to the amount of any value added tax or similar tax chargeable in respect of its remuneration under this Trust Deed;
(d) Failure to agree : in the event of the Trustee and the Issuer failing to agree:
(i) (in a case to which sub-clause 0(a) ( Normal Remuneration ) applies) upon the amount of the remuneration; or
(ii) (in a case to which sub-clause 0(b) ( Extra Remuneration ) applies) upon whether such duties shall be of an exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the normal duties of the Trustee under this Trust Deed, or upon such additional remuneration;
such matters shall be determined by a person (acting as an expert and not as an arbitrator) selected by the Trustee and approved by the Issuer or, failing such approval, nominated (on the application of the Trustee) by the President for the time being of The Law Society of England and Wales (the expenses involved in such nomination and the fees of such person being payable by the Issuer) and the determination of any such person shall be final and binding upon the Trustee and the Issuer;
(e) Expenses : the Issuer shall also pay or discharge all reasonable costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Trustee in relation to the preparation and execution of, the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties under, and in any other manner in relation to, this Trust Deed, including but not limited to legal and travelling expenses and any stamp, issue, registration, documentary and other taxes or duties paid or payable by the Trustee in connection with any action taken or contemplated by or on behalf of the Trustee for enforcing, or resolving any doubt concerning, or for any other purpose in relation to, this Trust Deed, in each case upon receipt of proper evidence of such costs, charges and/or expenses;
(f) Indemnity : the Issuer shall indemnify the Trustee (a) in respect of all liabilities and expenses incurred by it or by any Appointee or other person appointed by it to whom any trust, power, authority or discretion may be delegated by it in the execution or purported execution of the trusts, powers, authorities or discretions vested in it by this Trust Deed and (b) against all liabilities, actions, proceedings, costs, claims and demands in respect of any matter or thing done or omitted in any way relating to this Trust Deed provided that it is expressly stated that Clause 0 ( Trustee Liability ) shall apply in relation to these
provisions. Notwithstanding any provision of this Trust Deed to the contrary, including, without limitation, any indemnity given, the Trustee shall not in any event be liable for indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits), whether or not foreseeable, suffered by the Issuer or any other party in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Trust Deed.
(g) Payment of amounts due : all amounts due and payable pursuant to sub-Clauses 0(e) ( Expenses ) and 0(f) ( Indemnity ) shall be payable by the Issuer on the date specified in a demand by the Trustee; the rate of interest applicable to such payments shall be two per cent. per annum above the base rate from time to time of The Bank of New York and interest shall accrue:
(i) in the case of payments made by the Trustee prior to the date of the demand, from the date on which the payment was made or such later date as specified in such demand; and
(ii) in the case of payments made by the Trustee on or after the date of the demand, from the date specified in such demand, which date shall not be a date earlier than the date such payments are made.
All remuneration payable to the Trustee shall carry interest at the rate specified in this Clause 0(g) ( Payment of amounts due ) from the due date thereof;
Stamp duties
The Issuer (failing which, the Guarantors) will pay all stamp duties, registration taxes, capital duties and other similar duties or taxes (if any) payable on (a) the constitution and issue of the Notes and Coupons, (b) the initial delivery of the Notes, (c) any action taken by the Trustee (or any Noteholder or Couponholder where permitted or required under this Trust Deed so to do) to enforce the provisions of the Notes or this Trust Deed and (d) the execution of this Trust Deed. If the Trustee (or any Noteholder or Couponholder where permitted under this Trust Deed so to do) shall take any proceedings against the Issuer or any Guarantor in any other jurisdiction and if for the purpose of any such proceedings this Trust Deed or any Notes are taken into any such jurisdiction and any stamp duties or other duties or taxes become payable thereon in any such jurisdiction, the Issuer will pay (or reimburse the person making payment of) such stamp duties or other duties or taxes (including penalties).
Exchange rate indemnity
(h) Currency of Account and Payment : Euro or, in relation to Clause 0 ( Remuneration ), pounds sterling (the Contractual Currency ) is the sole currency of account and payment for all sums payable by the Issuer and the Guarantors under or in connection with this Trust Deed and the Notes and the Coupons, including damages;
(i) Extent of Discharge : An amount received or recovered in a currency other than the Contractual Currency (whether as a result of, or of the enforcement of, a judgment or order of a court of any jurisdiction, in the winding-up or dissolution of the Issuer, any Guarantor or otherwise), by the Trustee or any Noteholder or Couponholder in respect of any sum expressed to be due to it from the Issuer or such Guarantor will only discharge the Issuer or such Guarantor to the extent of the Contractual Currency amount which the recipient is able to purchase at the applicable market rate (as determined in its sole discretion) with the amount so received or recovered in that other currency on the date of
that receipt or recovery (or, if it is not practicable to make that purchase on that date, on the first date on which it is practicable to do so); and
(j) Indemnity : If that Contractual Currency amount is less than the Contractual Currency amount expressed to be due to the recipient under this Trust Deed or the Notes or the Coupons, the Issuer will indemnify it against any Liability sustained by it as a result. In any event, the Issuer will indemnify the recipient against the cost of making any such purchase.
Indemnities separate
The indemnities in this Trust Deed constitute separate and independent obligations from the other obligations in this Trust Deed, will give rise to separate and independent causes of action, will apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by the Trustee and/or any Noteholder or Couponholder and will continue in full force and effect despite any judgment, order, claim or proof for a liquidated amount in respect of any sum due under this Trust Deed or the Notes and/or the Coupons or any other judgment or order. Any such Liability as referred to in sub-clause (f) ( Indemnity ) shall be deemed to constitute a Liability suffered by the Trustee, the Noteholders and Couponholders and no proof or evidence of any actual Liability shall be required by the Issuer, any Guarantor or their respective liquidator or liquidators.
Discharges
Unless otherwise specifically stated in any discharge of this Trust Deed or the Trustees appointment, the provisions of this Clause 11 ( Costs and Expenses ) shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding such discharge.
12. APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT
Appointment of Trustees
The power of appointing new trustees of this Trust Deed shall be vested in the Issuer but no person shall be appointed who shall not previously have been approved by an Extraordinary Resolution. A trust corporation may be appointed sole trustee hereunder but subject thereto there shall be at least two trustees hereof one at least of which shall be a trust corporation. Any appointment of a new trustee hereof shall as soon as practicable thereafter be notified by the Issuer to the Paying Agents and to the Noteholders. The Noteholders shall together have the power, exercisable by Extraordinary Resolution, to remove any trustee or trustees for the time being hereof. The removal of any trustee shall not become effective unless there remains a trustee hereof (being a trust corporation) in office after such removal.
Co-trustees
Notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 0 ( Appointment of Trustees ), the Trustee may, upon giving prior notice to the Issuer and the Guarantors but without the consent of the Issuer, the Guarantors or the Noteholders, appoint any person established or resident in any jurisdiction (whether a trust corporation or not) to act either as a separate trustee or as a co-trustee jointly with the Trustee:
(a) if the Trustee considers such appointment to be in the interests of the Noteholders; or
(b) for the purposes of conforming to any legal requirements, restrictions or conditions in any jurisdiction in which any particular act or acts are to be performed; or
(c) for the purposes of obtaining a judgment in any jurisdiction or the enforcement in any jurisdiction either of a judgment already obtained or of this Trust Deed.
Attorneys
The Issuer and the Guarantors each hereby irrevocably appoints the Trustee to be its attorney in its name and on its behalf to execute any such instrument of appointment. Such a person shall (subject always to the provisions of this Trust Deed) have such trusts, powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those conferred on the Trustee by this Trust Deed) and such duties and obligations as shall be conferred on such person or imposed by the instrument of appointment. The Trustee shall have power in like manner to remove any such person. Such proper remuneration as the Trustee may pay to any such person, together with any attributable costs, charges and expenses incurred by it in performing its function as such separate trustee or co-trustee, shall for the purposes of this Trust Deed be treated as costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Trustee.
Retirement of Trustees
Any Trustee for the time being of this Trust Deed may retire at any time upon giving not less than three calendar months notice in writing to the Issuer and the Guarantors without assigning any reason therefor and without being responsible for any costs occasioned by such retirement. The retirement of any Trustee shall not become effective unless there remains a trustee hereof (being a trust corporation) in office after such retirement. Each of the Issuer and the Guarantors hereby covenants that in the event of the only trustee hereof which is a trust corporation giving notice under this Clause it shall use its best endeavours to procure a new trustee, being a trust corporation, to be appointed and if the Issuer has not procured the appointment of a new trustee within 30 days of the expiry of the Trustee notice referred to in this Clause 0, the Trustee shall be entitled to procure the appointment of a new trustee.
Competence of a majority of Trustees
Whenever there shall be more than two trustees hereof the majority of such trustees shall (provided such majority includes a trust corporation) be competent to execute and exercise all the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested by this Trust Deed in the Trustee generally.
Powers additional
The powers conferred by this Trust Deed upon the Trustee shall be in addition to any powers which may from time to time be vested in it by general law or as the holder of any of the Notes or Coupons.
Merger
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Clause, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.
13. NOTICES
Addresses for notices
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be made in writing and in English (by letter, telex or fax) and shall be sent as follows:
Effectiveness
Every notice or other communication sent in accordance with Clause 0 ( Addresses for Notices ) shall be effective as follows if sent by letter, it shall be deemed to have been delivered seven days after the time of despatch and if sent by fax it shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of despatch provided that any such notice or other communication which would otherwise take effect after 4.00 p.m. on any particular day shall not take effect until 10.00 a.m. on the immediately succeeding business day in the place of the addressee.
No Notice to Couponholders
None of the Trustee, the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall be required to give any notice to the Couponholders for any purpose under this Trust Deed and the Couponholders shall be deemed for all purposes to have notice of the contents of any notice given to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ).
14. LAW AND JURISDICTION
Governing law
This Trust Deed and the Notes and all matters and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with them are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save for the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ).
English courts
The courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute (a Dispute ), arising from or connected with this Trust Deed or the Notes (including a dispute regarding the existence, validity or termination of this Trust Deed or the Notes) or the consequences of their nullity.
Non-exclusivity
The submission to the jurisdiction of the courts of England shall not (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the right of any Noteholder to take proceedings relating to a Dispute ( Proceedings ) in Italy nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if any to the extent permitted by law.
Appropriate forum
The parties agree that the courts of England are the most appropriate and convenient courts to settle any Dispute and, accordingly, that they will not argue to the contrary.
Rights of the Trustee and Noteholders to take proceedings outside England
Clause 0 ( English courts ) is for the benefit of the Trustee and the Noteholders only. As a result, nothing in this Clause 14 ( Law and Jurisdiction ) prevents the Trustee or any of the Noteholders from taking Proceedings in any other courts with jurisdiction. To the extent allowed by law, the Trustee or any of the Noteholders may take concurrent Proceedings in any number of jurisdictions.
Process agent
The Issuer and each Guarantor agrees that the documents which start any Proceedings and any other documents required to be served in relation to those Proceedings may be served on it by being delivered to GTECH U.K. Limited of Link House, 19 Colonial Way, Watford, Hertfordshire WD24 4JL or, if different, its registered office for the time being or at any address of the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor in Great Britain at which process may be served on it in accordance with section 1139(2) of the Companies Act 2006. If such person is not or ceases to be effectively appointed to accept service of process on behalf of the Issuer or any Guarantor, the Issuer or such Guarantor shall, on the written demand of the Trustee, appoint a further person in England to accept service of process on its behalf and, failing such appointment within 15 days, the Trustee shall be entitled to appoint such a person by written notice addressed to the Issuer or such Guarantor. Nothing in this paragraph shall affect the right of the Trustee or any of the Noteholders to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. This clause applies to Proceedings in England and to Proceedings elsewhere.
15. SEVERABILITY
In case any provision in or obligation under this Trust Deed shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
16. CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT 1999
No person shall have any right to enforce any provision of this Trust Deed under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
17. COUNTERPARTS
This Trust Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF this Trust Deed has been executed as a deed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered on the date first before written.
SCHEDULE 1
Part A
Form Of Temporary Global Note
THIS TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT). NEITHER THIS TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE NOR ANY PORTION HEREOF MAY BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF THE UNITED STATES) WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
750,000,000
5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 December 2016
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
LOTTOMATICA INTERNATIONAL HUNGARY KORLÁTOLT FELELŐSSÉGŰ TÁRSASÁG
INVEST GAMES S.A.
ISIN: XS0471074822
TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE
1. INTRODUCTION
This Temporary Global Note is issued in respect of the 750,000,000 5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 December 2016 (the Notes ) of Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (the Issuer ) and guaranteed by GTECH Corporation, GTECH Holdings Corporation, GTECH Rhode Island Corporation, Lottomatica International Hungary Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság and Invest Games S.A. (each a Guarantor and together the Guarantors ). The Notes are subject to, and have the benefit of, a trust deed dated 3 December 2009 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Trust Deed ) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee (the Trustee , which expression includes all persons for the time being appointed trustee or trustees under the Trust Deed) and are the subject of a paying agency agreement dated 3 December 2009 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Agency Agreement ) and made among the Issuer, the Guarantors, The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent (the Principal Paying Agent , which expression includes any successor principal paying agent appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the other paying agents named therein (together with the Principal
Paying Agent, the Paying Agents , which expression includes any successor or additional paying agents appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the Trustee.
2. REFERENCES TO CONDITIONS
Any reference herein to the Conditions is to the terms and conditions of the Notes set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Notes ) of the Trust Deed and any reference to a numbered Condition is to the correspondingly numbered provision thereof. Words and expressions defined in the Conditions shall have the same meanings when used in this Temporary Global Note.
3. PROMISE TO PAY
The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer of this Temporary Global Note the principal sum of
750,000,000
(SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILLION EURO)
on 5 December 2016 or on such earlier date or dates as the same may become payable in accordance with the Conditions, and to pay interest on such principal sum in arrear on the dates and at the rate specified in the Conditions, together with any additional amounts payable in accordance with the Conditions, all subject to and in accordance with the Conditions; provided, however, that such interest shall be payable only:
(a) in the case of interest falling due before the Exchange Date (as defined below), to the extent that a certificate or certificates issued by Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. ( Euroclear ) and/or Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ( Clearstream, Luxembourg and together with Euroclear, the Clearing Systems ) dated not earlier than the date on which such interest falls due and in substantially the form set out in Schedule C ( Form of Euroclear/Clearstream, Luxembourg Certification ) hereto (certifying as to certain information based on certificates in substantially the form set out in Schedule A ( Form of Accountholders Certification ) hereto received from Member Organisations) is/are delivered to the Specified Office (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Principal Paying Agent; or
(b) in the case of interest falling due at any time, to the extent that the Issuer has failed to procure the exchange for a permanent global note of that portion of this Temporary Global Note in respect of which such interest has accrued.
4. NEGOTIABILITY
This Temporary Global Note is negotiable and, accordingly, title to this Temporary Global Note shall pass by delivery. Interests in Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note shall be transferable only in accordance with the rules and procedures for the time being of the relevant Clearing System.
5. EXCHANGE
On or after the day following the expiry of 40 days after the date of issue of this Global Note (the Exchange Date ), the Issuer shall procure (in the case of the first exchange) the exchange in whole or in part of interests in this Temporary Global Note for interests recorded in the records of
the relevant Clearing Systems of a permanent global note (the Permanent Global Note ) in or substantially in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 1 ( Form of Permanent Global Note ) to the Trust Deed to the bearer of this Temporary Global Note or (in the case of any subsequent exchange) an increase in such interests and in the principal amount of the Permanent Global Note. Any exchange of interests in this Temporary Global Note for the corresponding interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a duly executed and authenticated Permanent Global Note shall only take place upon:
(a) presentation and (in the case of final exchange) surrender of this Temporary Global Note to, or to the order of the Principal Paying Agent at its Specified Office; and
(b) receipt by the Principal Paying Agent of a certificate or certificates issued by Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg dated not earlier than the Exchange Date and in substantially the form set out in Schedule C ( Form of Euroclear/Clearstream, Luxembourg Certification ) hereto (certifying as to certain information based on certificates in substantially the form set out in Schedule A ( Form of Accountholders Certification ) hereto received from Member Organisations).
The principal amount of Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note shall be the aggregate principal amount from time to time entered in the records of both of the relevant Clearing Systems. The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this Temporary Global Note means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interest in the Notes) shall be conclusive evidence of the principal amount of Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note and for those purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the principal amount of Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing System at that time. In no circumstances shall the principal amount of the Permanent Global Note exceed the initial principal amount of this Temporary Global Note.
6. WRITING DOWN
On each occasion on which:
(a) the Permanent Global Note is delivered or the principal amount thereof is increased in accordance with its terms in exchange for a further portion of this Global Note; or
(b) Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note are to be cancelled in accordance with Condition 5(f) ( Cancellation ),
the Issuer shall procure that (a) the principal amount of the Permanent Global Note, the principal amount of such increase or (as the case may be) the aggregate principal amount of such Notes and (b) the remaining principal amount (if any) of this Temporary Global Note (which shall be the previous principal amount hereof less the aggregate of the amounts referred to in (a)) are recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems, whereupon the principal amount of this Temporary Global Note shall for all purposes be as most recently so noted.
7. PAYMENTS
(a) Subject to Clauses 3(a) and 3(b) ( Promise to pay ) above, payments due in respect of Notes for the time being represented by this Temporary Global Note shall be made to the
bearer of this Temporary Global Note and each payment so made will discharge the Issuers obligations in respect thereof.
(b) Subject to Clauses 3(a) and 3(b) ( Promise to pay ) above, upon any payment in respect of the Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note, the Issuer shall procure that the amount so paid shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems but any failure to make such entries shall not affect the discharge referred to in Clause 7(a) above.
8. CONDITIONS APPLY
Until this Temporary Global Note has been exchanged as provided herein or cancelled in accordance with the Agency Agreement, the bearer of this Temporary Global Note shall be subject to the Conditions and, subject as otherwise provided herein, shall be entitled to the same rights and benefits under the Conditions as if the bearer were the holder of Notes in definitive form in the denomination of 50,000 in substantially the form set out in Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Note ) to the Trust Deed and the related Coupons, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of this Temporary Global Note.
9. NOTICES
Notwithstanding Condition 15 ( Notices ), while all the Notes are represented by this Temporary Global Note (or by this Temporary Global Note and the Permanent Global Note) and this Temporary Global Note is (or this Temporary Global Note and the Permanent Global Note are) held on behalf of the relevant Clearing Systems, notices to Noteholders may be given by delivery of the relevant notice to the relevant Clearing Systems for communication to the relative Accountholders (as defined below) rather than by publication as required by Condition 15 ( Notices ); provided , however , that , so long as the Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and its rules so require, notices will also be published in a leading newspaper having general circulation in Luxembourg (which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort ). Any notice delivered to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be deemed to have been given to Noteholders on the date on which such notice is delivered to the relevant Clearing System.
10. AUTHENTICATION AND EFFECTUATION
This Temporary Global Note shall not be valid or enforceable for any purpose unless and until it has been authenticated for and on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent and effectuated by the entity appointed as common safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
11. ACCOUNTHOLDERS
For so long as any of the Notes is represented by this Temporary Global Note and the Permanent Global Note and such relevant Global Note(s) is/are held on behalf of the relevant Clearing Systems, each person (other than a relevant Clearing System) who is for the time being shown in the records of a relevant Clearing System as the holder of a particular principal amount of Notes (each an Accountholder ) (in which regard any certificate or other document issued by a relevant Clearing System as to the principal amount of such Notes standing to the account of any person shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes) shall be treated as the holder of that principal amount for all purposes (including but not limited to for the purposes of any quorum requirements of, or the right to demand a poll, meetings of the Noteholders and giving notice to the Issuer pursuant to Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) and Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the
option of the Noteholders ) other than with respect to the payment of principal and interest on the Notes, the right to which shall be vested, as against the Issuer, solely in the bearer of this Temporary Global Note in accordance with and subject to its terms. Each Accountholder must look solely to the relevant Clearing Systems for its share of each payment made to the bearer of this Temporary Global Note.
12. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
No person shall have any right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any of the terms of this Temporary Global Note except as provided in the Conditions.
13. GOVERNING LAW
This Temporary Global Note and all matters and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with it are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save for the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ).
AS WITNESS the manual signature of a duly authorised person on behalf of the Issuer.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
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( duly authorised ) |
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ISSUED on 3 December 2009 |
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CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION |
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AUTHENTICATED for and on behalf of |
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON ( ACTING THROUGH ITS LONDON BRANCH) |
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as principal paying agent without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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CERTIFICATION OF EFFECTUATION |
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EFFECTUATED by |
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CLEARSTREAM BANKING, SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME |
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as common safekeeper without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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Schedule A
Form of Accountholders Certification
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
750,000,000
5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 December 2016
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
LOTTOMATICA INTERNATIONAL HUNGARY KORLÁTOLT FELELŐSSÉGŰ TÁRSASÁG
INVEST GAMES S.A.
This is to certify that as of the date hereof, and except as set forth below, the above-captioned Securities held by you for our account (a) are owned by persons that are not citizens or residents of the United States, domestic partnerships, domestic corporations or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States Federal income taxation regardless of its source ( United States persons ), (b) are owned by United States person(s) that (i) are foreign branches of a United States financial institution (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.165-12(c)(1)(iv)) ( financial institutions ) purchasing for their own account or for resale, or (ii) acquired the Securities through foreign branches of United States financial institutions and who hold the Securities through such United States financial institutions on the date hereof (and in either case (i) or (ii), each such United States financial institution hereby agrees, on its own behalf or through its agent, that you may advise the issuer or the issuers agent that it will comply with the requirements of Section 165(j)(3)(A), (B) or (C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder), or (c) are owned by United States or foreign financial institution(s) for purposes of resale during the restricted period (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7)), and in addition if the owner of the Securities is a United States or foreign financial institution described in clause (c) (whether or not also described in clause (a) or (b)) this is to further certify that such financial institution has not acquired the Securities for purposes of resale directly or indirectly to a United States person or to a person within the United States or its possessions.
This is also to certify that the Securities are beneficially owned by (1) non-U.S. person(s) or (2) U.S. person(s) who purchased the Securities in transactions which did not require registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act ). As used in this paragraph the term U.S. person has the meaning given to it by Regulation S under the Securities Act.
As used herein, United States means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia); and its possessions include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands.
We undertake to advise you promptly by tested telex on or prior to the date on which you intend to submit your certification relating to the Securities held by you for our account in accordance with your operating procedures if any applicable statement herein is not correct on such date, and in the absence of any such notification it may be assumed that this certification applies as of such date.
This certification excepts and does not relate to [ · ] of such interest in the above Securities in respect of which we are not able to certify and as to which we understand exchange and delivery of definitive
Securities (or, if relevant, exercise of any rights or collection of any interest) cannot be made until we do so certify.
We understand that this certification is required in connection with certain tax laws and, if applicable, certain securities laws of the United States. In connection therewith, if administrative or legal proceedings are commenced or threatened in connection with which this certification is or would be relevant, we irrevocably authorise you to produce this certification to any interested party in such proceedings.
Dated: [ ]
[name of account holder]
as, or as agent for,
the beneficial owner(s) of the Securities to which this certificate relates.
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Authorised signatory |
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Schedule B
Further Information in respect of the Issuer
The Issuer
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Object: |
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The object of the Issuer, as set out in Article 4 of its by-laws, is the carrying out of all activities pertaining to the organisation, management and completion of games and/or lotteries, instant and/or traditional, including but not limited to games of ability, forecasting competitions, lottery draws and betting, whether directly or through concessions, in Italy or abroad. In particular, the Issuer can organise and manage, under licence from the Ministry of Finance, the automated lotto service, as provided for by section 1 of the Ministry Decree. 4832/GAB of March 17, 1993 as amended. The Issuer can also carry out any concessionary activities and/or activities connected with services delegated, or in any way granted under a concession, to tobacconist shops and/or collectors by the Public Administration, including the collection of car taxes. The Issuer can further exercise and develop, under concession, national pari-mutuel games through a distribution network. The Issuer can carry out any other activity granted by the Public Administration in connection with concessionary services or activities that have been granted to it under a concession. The Issuer can carry out any manufacturing, financial, commercial, movables and real estate property transactions, in any way instrumental to the pursuit of the corporate purpose, including the issuance of surety bonds, pledges and mortgages and the acquisition, assignment and use of industrial rights, patents and inventions. The Issuer can hold interests in other companies, businesses and consortia, either established or to be established, including foreign companies, essential to, connected with or instrumental in achieving the corporate purpose and can carry out, in general, any essential or desirable transaction in connection therewith in compliance with the provisions of activity set forth by Section 106 and et seq. of the Legislative Decree no. 385/1993 as amended, and its implementing regulations. |
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Registered Office: |
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Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00154 Rome, Italy. |
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Companys Registered Number: |
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Companies Registry of Rome No. 08028081001, Chamber of Commerce of Rome, Italy. |
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Paid-up share capital at the date hereof: |
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172,015,373.00, consisting of 172,015,373 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of 1.00. |
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Reserves: |
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1,605,536,771 |
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Date of resolutions authorising the issue of the Notes: |
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Resolution of the board of directors of the Issuer dated 11 November 2009, filed with the Companies Registry of Rome on 13 November 2009. |
Schedule C
Form of Euroclear/Clearstream, Luxembourg Certification
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
750,000,000
5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 December 2016
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
LOTTOMATICA INTERNATIONAL HUNGARY KORLÁTOLT FELELŐSSÉGŰ TÁRSASÁG
INVEST GAMES S.A.
This is to certify that, based solely on certifications we have received in writing, by tested telex or by electronic transmission from member organisations appearing in our records as persons being entitled to a portion of the principal amount set forth below (our Member Organisations ) substantially to the effect set forth in the temporary global note issued in respect of the securities, as of the date hereof, 750,000,000 principal amount of the above-captioned Securities (a) is owned by persons that are not citizens or residents of the United States, domestic partnerships, domestic corporations or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States Federal income taxation regardless of its source ( United States persons ), (b) is owned by United States persons that (i) are foreign branches of United States financial institutions (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.165-12(c)(1)(iv)) ( financial institutions ) purchasing for their own account or for resale, or (ii) acquired the Securities through foreign branches of United States financial institutions and who hold the Securities through such United States financial institutions on the date hereof (and in either case (i) or (ii), each such United States financial institution has agreed, on its own behalf or through its agent, that we may advise the Issuer or the Issuers agent that it will comply with the requirements of Section 165(j)(3)(A), (B) or (C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder), or (c) is owned by United States or foreign financial institutions for purposes of resale during the restricted period (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7)), and to the further effect that United States or foreign financial institutions described in clause (c) (whether or not also described in clause (a) or (b)) have certified that they have not acquired the Securities for purposes of resale directly or indirectly to a United States person or to a person within the United States or its possessions.
This is also to certify with respect to the principal amount of Securities set forth above that we have received in writing, by tested telex or by electronic transmission, from our Member Organisations entitled to a portion of such principal amount, certifications with respect to such portion substantially to the effect set forth in the temporary global note issued in respect of the Securities.
We further certify (1) that we are not making available herewith for exchange (or, if relevant, exercise of any rights or collection of any interest) any portion of the temporary global security excepted in such certifications and (2) that as of the date hereof we have not received any notification from any of our Member Organisations to the effect that the statements made by such Member Organisations with respect to any portion of the part submitted herewith for exchange (or, if relevant, exercise of any rights or collection of any interest) are no longer true and cannot be relied upon as of the date hereof.
We understand that this certification is required in connection with certain tax laws and, if applicable, certain securities laws of the United States. In connection therewith, if administrative or legal proceedings
are commenced or threatened in connection with which this certification is or would be relevant, we irrevocably authorise you to produce this certification to any interested party in such proceedings.
Dated: [ ]
Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.
or
Clearstream Banking, société anonyme
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Authorised signatory |
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Part B
Form Of Permanent Global Note
THIS PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT). NEITHER THIS PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE NOR ANY PORTION HEREOF MAY BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF THE UNITED STATES) WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
750,000,000
5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 December 2016
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
LOTTOMATICA INTERNATIONAL HUNGARY KORLÁTOLT FELELŐSSÉGŰ TÁRSASÁG
INVEST GAMES S.A.
ISIN: XS0471074822
PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE
1. INTRODUCTION
This Global Note is issued in respect of the 750,000,000 5.375 per cent. Notes due 5 December 2016 (the Notes ) of Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (the Issuer ). The Notes are subject to, and have the benefit of, a trust deed dated 3 December 2009 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Trust Deed ) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee (the Trustee , which expression includes all persons for the time being appointed trustee or trustees under the Trust Deed) and are the subject of a paying agency agreement dated 3 December 2009 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Agency Agreement ) and made among the Issuer, the Guarantors, The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent (the Principal Paying Agent , which expression includes any successor principal paying agent appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes), the other paying agents named therein (together with the Principal Paying Agent, the Paying Agents , which expression includes any successor or additional paying agents appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the Trustee.
2. REFERENCES TO CONDITIONS
Any reference herein to the Conditions is to the terms and conditions of the Notes set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Notes ) of the Trust Deed and any reference to a
numbered Condition is to the correspondingly numbered provision thereof. Words and expressions defined in the Conditions shall have the same meanings when used in this Permanent Global Note.
3. PROMISE TO PAY
3.1 The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer of this Permanent Global Note the principal sum of
750,000,000
(SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILLION EURO)
on 5 December 2016 or on such earlier date or dates as the same may become payable in accordance with the Conditions, and to pay interest on such principal sum in arrear on the dates and at the rate specified in the Conditions, together with any additional amounts payable in accordance with the Conditions, all subject to and in accordance with the Conditions.
3.2 The principal amount of Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note shall be the aggregate amount from time to time entered in the records of both the relevant Clearing Systems (as defined below). The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this Permanent Global Note means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interest in the Notes) shall be conclusive evidence of the principal amount of Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note and, for those purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the principal amount of Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing System at that time.
4. NEGOTIABILITY
This Permanent Global Note is negotiable and, accordingly, title to this Permanent Global Note shall pass by delivery. Interests in Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note shall be transferable only in accordance with the rules and procedures for the time being of the relevant Clearing Systems (as defined below).
5. EXCHANGE
This Permanent Global Note will be exchanged, in whole but not in part only, for Notes in definitive form ( Definitive Notes ) in substantially the form set out in Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Note ) to the Trust Deed if either of the following events (each, an Exchange Event ) occurs:
(a) Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. ( Euroclear ) or Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ( Clearstream, Luxembourg and together with Euroclear, the Clearing Systems ) is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of legal holidays) or announces an intention permanently to cease business; or
(b) any of the circumstances described in Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) occurs.
6. DELIVERY OF DEFINITIVE NOTES
Whenever this Permanent Global Note is to be exchanged for Definitive Notes, the Issuer shall procure the prompt delivery of such Definitive Notes, duly authenticated and with interest
coupons ( Coupons ) attached, in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note to the bearer of this Permanent Global Note against the surrender of this Global Note at the Specified Office (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Principal Paying Agent within 30 days of the occurrence of the relevant Exchange Event.
The Conditions shall be modified with respect to Notes represented by this Global Note by the provisions set out herein.
7. PAYMENTS
(a) Payments of principal, interest and other amounts (if any) in respect of the unpaid balance of the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note may, at the direction of the bearer be made on the due date for any such payment to the relevant Clearing Systems for credit to the account (or accounts) of the Accountholder (as defined below) or Accountholders appearing in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems as having Notes credited to them.
(b) Payments of principal, interest and other amounts (if any) in respect of this Permanent Global Note shall be made against presentation for endorsement of this Permanent Global Note in accordance with Clause 8 ( Recording ) and, if no further payment falls to be made in respect of this Permanent Global Note, this Permanent Global Note shall be surrendered to or to the order of the Principal Paying Agent.
(c) Upon any payment in respect of the Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note, the Issuer shall procure that the amount so paid shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems but any failure to make such entries shall not affect the discharge referred to in previous paragraph.
8. RECORDING
8.1 The Issuer shall procure that a record of each payment made in respect of this Permanent Global Note in accordance with Clause 7 ( Payments ) and the Conditions shall be made by the relevant Clearing Systems.
8.2 (a) On each occasion on which:
(i) Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note are to be redeemed in full and cancelled in accordance with Condition 5(g) ( Cancellation ); or
(ii) Definitive Notes are delivered in exchange for this Permanent Global Note in accordance with Clause 5 ( Exchange ),
the Issuer shall procure that (A)(1) the aggregate principal amount of Notes so redeemed or (2) the principal amount of the Definitive Notes so delivered and (B) the remaining principal amount (if any) of this Permanent Global Note (which shall be the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note before that redemption or exchange less the aggregate of the amounts referred to in (A)) are recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems.
(d) On each occasion on which any further portion of the Temporary Global Note is exchanged for an interest in this Permanent Global Note, the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note shall be increased by the amount of such further portion and the
Issuer shall procure that the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note (which shall be the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note before that exchange plus the amount of such further portion) is recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems.
9. CONDITIONS APPLY
Until this Permanent Global Note has been exchanged as provided herein or cancelled in accordance with the Agency Agreement, the bearer of this Permanent Global Note shall be subject to the Conditions and, subject as otherwise provided herein, shall be entitled to the same rights and benefits under the Conditions as if it were the holder of Definitive Notes in the denomination of 50,000 and the related Coupons and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note.
10. NOTICES
Notwithstanding Condition 15 ( Notices ), while all the Notes are represented by this Permanent Global Note (or by this Permanent Global Note and a temporary global note) and this Permanent Global Note is (or this Permanent Global Note and a temporary global note are) held on behalf of the relevant Clearing Systems, notices to Noteholders may be given by delivery of the relevant notice to the relevant Clearing Systems for communication to the relevant Accountholders (as defined below) rather than by publication as required by Condition 15 ( Notices ); provided, however, that , so long as the Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and its rules so require, notices will also be published in a leading newspaper having general circulation in Luxembourg (which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort ). Any notice delivered to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be deemed to have been given to Noteholders on the date on which such notice is delivered to the relevant Clearing System.
11. PRESCRIPTION
Claims in respect of principal, premium and interest in respect of this Permanent Global Note will become void unless it is presented for payment within a period of ten years (in the case of principal and premium) and five years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date (as defined in Condition 7 ( Taxation )).
12. MEETINGS
The holder hereof shall (unless this Permanent Global Note represents only one Note) be treated as two persons for the purposes of any quorum requirements of a meeting of Noteholders and, at any such meeting, as having one vote in respect of each 50,000 principal amount of Notes for which this Permanent Global Note may be exchanged.
13. TRUSTEES POWERS
In considering the interests of Noteholders in circumstances where this Permanent Global Note is held on behalf of any one or more Clearing Systems, the Trustee may, to the extent it considers it appropriate to do so in the circumstances, (a) have regard to such information as may have been made available to it by or on behalf of the relevant clearing system or its operator as to the identity of its Accountholders (either individually or by way of category) with entitlements in respect of this Permanent Global Note and (b) consider such interests on the basis that such Accountholders were the holder of this Permanent Global Note.
14. REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF THE NOTEHOLDERS
The option of the Noteholders provided for in Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ) may be exercised by the holder of this Permanent Global Note giving notice to the Principal Paying Agent within the time limits relating to the deposit of Notes with a Paying Agent set out in that Condition substantially in the form of the Put Option Notice available from any Paying Agent and stating the principal amount of Notes in respect of which the Put Option is exercised and at the same time presenting this Permanent Global Note to the Principal Paying Agent for notation accordingly in Schedule E hereto.
15. AUTHENTICATION AND EFFECTUATION
This Permanent Global Note shall not be valid or enforceable for any purpose unless and until it has been authenticated for and on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent and effectuated by the entity appointed as common safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
16. ACCOUNTHOLDERS
For so long as any of the Notes is represented by this Permanent Global Note or by this Permanent Global Note and Temporary Global Note and such Global Note(s) is/are held on behalf of the relevant Clearing Systems, each person (other than a relevant Clearing System) who is for the time being shown in the records of a relevant Clearing System as the holder of a particular principal amount of Notes (each an Accountholder ) (in which regard any certificate or other document issued by a relevant Clearing System as to the principal amount of such Notes standing to the account of any person shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes) shall be treated as the holder of that principal amount for all purposes (including but not limited to for the purposes of any quorum requirements of, or the right to demand a poll, meetings of the Noteholders and giving notice to the Issuer pursuant to Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) and Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ) other than with respect to the payment of principal and interest on the Notes, the right to which shall be vested, as against the Issuer, solely in the bearer of this Permanent Global Note in accordance with and subject to its terms. Each Accountholder must look solely to the relevant Clearing Systems for its share of each payment made to the bearer of this Permanent Global Note.
17. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
No person shall have any right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any of the terms of this Permanent Global Note except as provided in the Conditions.
18. GOVERNING LAW
This Permanent Global Note and all matters and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with it are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save for the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders representative ( rappresentante comune ).
AS WITNESS the manual signature of a duly authorised person on behalf of the Issuer.
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
AUTHENTICATED for and on behalf of |
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (ACTING THROUGH ITS LONDON BRANCH) |
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as principal paying agent without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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CERTIFICATION OF EFFECTUATION |
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EFFECTUATED by |
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CLEARSTREAM BANKING, SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME |
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as common safekeeper without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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Schedule A
Further Information in respect of the Issuer
The Issuer
1. |
Object: |
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The object of the Issuer, as set out in Article 4 of its by-laws, is the carrying out of all activities pertaining to the organisation, management and completion of games and/or lotteries, instant and/or traditional, including but not limited to games of ability, forecasting competitions, lottery draws and betting, whether directly or through concessions, in Italy or abroad. In particular, the Issuer can organise and manage, under licence from the Ministry of Finance, the automated lotto service, as provided for by section 1 of the Ministry Decree. 4832/GAB of March 17, 1993 as amended. The Issuer can also carry out any concessionary activities and/or activities connected with services delegated, or in any way granted under a concession, to tobacconist shops and/or collectors by the Public Administration, including the collection of car taxes. The Issuer can further exercise and develop, under concession, national pari-mutuel games through a distribution network. The Issuer can carry out any other activity granted by the Public Administration in connection with concessionary services or activities that have been granted to it under a concession. The Issuer can carry out any manufacturing, financial, commercial, movables and real estate property transactions, in any way instrumental to the pursuit of the corporate purpose, including the issuance of surety bonds, pledges and mortgages and the acquisition, assignment and use of industrial rights, patents and inventions. The Issuer can hold interests in other companies, businesses and consortia, either established or to be established, including foreign companies, essential to, connected with or instrumental in achieving the corporate purpose and can carry out, in general, any essential or desirable transaction in connection therewith in compliance with the provisions of activity set forth by Section 106 and et seq. of the Legislative Decree no. 385/1993 as amended, and its implementing regulations. |
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2. |
Registered Office: |
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Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00154 Rome, Italy. |
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3. |
Companys Registered Number: |
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Companies Registry of Rome No. 08028081001, Chamber of Commerce of Rome, Italy. |
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4. |
Paid-up share capital at the date hereof: |
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172,015,373.00, consisting of 172,015,373 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of 1.00. |
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5. |
Reserves: |
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1,605,536,771 |
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6. |
Date of resolutions authorising the issue of the Notes: |
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Resolution of the board of directors of the Issuer dated 11 November 2009, filed with the Companies Registry of Rome on 13 November 2009. |
SCHEDULE 2
Part A
Form Of Definitive Note
[ On the face of the Note: ]
50,000 |
Serial No: |
THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT) AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE) WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
750,000,000
5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 December 2016
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
LOTTOMATICA INTERNATIONAL HUNGARY KORLÁTOLT FELELŐSSÉGŰ TÁRSASÁG
INVEST GAMES S.A.
ISIN: XS0471074822
This Note is one of a series of notes (the Notes ) in the denomination of 50,000 and in the aggregate principal amount of 750,000,000 issued by Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (the Issuer ). The Notes are subject to, and have the benefit of, a trust deed dated 3 December 2009 among the Issuer, the Guarantors and BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee for the holders of the Notes from time to time.
The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer the principal sum of
50,000
(FIFTY THOUSAND EURO)
on 5 December 2016, or on such earlier date or dates as the same may become payable in accordance with the conditions endorsed hereon (the Conditions ), and to pay interest on such principal sum in arrear on the dates and at the rate specified in the Conditions, together with any additional amounts payable in accordance with the Conditions, all subject to and in accordance with the Conditions.
Interest is payable on the above principal sum at the rate of 5.375 per cent. per annum, payable annually in arrear on 5 December each year, all subject to and in accordance with the Conditions.
This Note and the interest coupons relating hereto shall not be valid for any purpose until this Note has been authenticated for and on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent.
This Note and all matters and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with it are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law.
AS WITNESS the facsimile signature of a duly authorised person on behalf of the Issuer. |
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LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A. |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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ISSUED as of [] 2009 |
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AUTHENTICATED for and on behalf of THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (ACTING THROUGH ITS LONDON BRANCH) |
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as principal paying agent without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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[ On the reverse of the Note :]
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
[ As set out in Part B of Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed ]
FURTHER INFORMATION IN RESPECT OF THE ISSUER
[ As set out in Schedule A to the Permanent Global Note ]
[ At the foot of the Terms and Conditions: ]
PRINCIPAL PAYING AGENT
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
(acting through its London Branch)
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (LUXEMBOURG) S.A.
Aerogolf Center
1A, Hoehenhof
L-1736 Senningerberg
Luxembourg
Part B
Terms and Conditions of the Notes
The following is the text of the Terms and Conditions of the Notes which (subject to completion and amendment) will be endorsed on each Note in definitive form:
The 750,000,000 5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 December 2016 (the Notes , which expression includes any further notes issued pursuant to Condition 14 ( Further Issues ) and forming a single series therewith) of Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (the Issuer ) are guaranteed on a joint and several basis by each of GTECH Corporation, GTECH Holdings Corporation, GTECH Rhode Island Corporation, Lottomatica International Hungary Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság and Invest Games S.A. (each a Guarantor and together the Guarantors ) and are subject to, and have the benefit of, a trust deed dated 3 December 2009 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Trust Deed ) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee (the Trustee , which expression includes all persons for the time being trustee or trustees appointed under the Trust Deed) and are the subject of a paying agency agreement dated 3 December 2009 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Agency Agreement ) among the Issuer, the Guarantors, The Bank of New York Mellon as principal paying agent (the Principal Paying Agent , which expression includes any successor principal paying agent appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes), The Bank of New York Mellon (Luxembourg) S.A. (together with the Principal Paying Agent, the Paying Agents , which expression includes any successor or additional paying agents appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the Trustee.
Certain provisions of these Conditions are summaries of the Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement and subject to their detailed provisions. The holders of the Notes (the Noteholders ) and the holders of the related interest coupons (the Couponholders and the Coupons , respectively) are bound by, and are deemed to have notice of, all the provisions of the Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement applicable to them. Copies of the Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement are available for inspection during normal business hours at the registered office for the time being of the Trustee, being at the date hereof One Canada Square, London E14 5AL, England, and at the Specified Offices (as defined in the Agency Agreement) of each of the Paying Agents, the initial Specified Offices of which are set out below.
1. FORM , DENOMINATION AND TITLE
The Notes are serially numbered and in bearer form in the denomination of 50,000 with Coupons attached at the time of issue. Title to the Notes and the Coupons will pass by delivery. The holder of any Note or Coupon shall (except as otherwise required by law) be treated as its absolute owner for all purposes (whether or not it is overdue and regardless of any notice of ownership, trust or any other interest therein, any writing thereon or any notice of any previous loss or theft thereof) and no person shall be liable for so treating such holder. No person shall have any right to enforce any term or condition of the Notes or the Trust Deed under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
2. GUARANTEE AND STATUS
(a) Guarantee : each Guarantor has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed on a joint and several basis (i) the due payment of all sums expressed to be payable by the Issuer under the Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement, the Notes and the Coupons and (ii) the performance by the Issuer of all of its obligations under the Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement, the Notes and the Coupons. Its obligations in that respect (the Guarantees ) are contained in the Trust Deed.
(b) Status of the Notes : the Notes and Coupons constitute direct, general unconditional, unsecured (subject to Condition 3 ( Negative Pledge )) and unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer which are obbligazioni pursuant to Articles 2410- et seq . of the Italian Civil Code and will at all times rank at least pari passu with all other present and future unsecured and
unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer, save for such obligations as may be preferred by provisions of law that are both mandatory and of general application.
(c) Status of the Guarantees : the Guarantees constitute direct, general unconditional, unsecured (subject to Condition 3 ( Negative Pledge )) and unsubordinated obligations of the Guarantors and will at all times rank at least pari passu with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the relevant Guarantor, save for such obligations as may be preferred by provisions of law that are both mandatory and of general application.
3. NEGATIVE PLEDGE
So long as any Note or Coupon remains outstanding (as defined in the Trust Deed), none of the Issuer or any Guarantor will, and each of the Issuer and the Guarantors shall procure that none of their respective Subsidiaries will, create or permit to subsist any Security Interest upon the whole or any part of their present or future business, undertakings, assets or revenues (including uncalled capital) to secure any Relevant Indebtedness or Relevant Guarantee of Relevant Indebtedness without (a) at the same time or prior thereto securing the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes, the Coupons and the Trust Deed or, as the case may be, the obligations of the Guarantors under the Guarantees, equally and rateably therewith to the satisfaction of the Trustee or (b) providing such other security, guarantee, indemnity or other arrangement for the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes, the Coupons and the Trust Deed or, as the case may be, the obligations of the Guarantors under the Guarantees, as the Trustee may in its absolute discretion consider to be not materially less beneficial to the interests of the Noteholders or as may be approved by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed) of Noteholders.
In these Conditions:
Person means any individual, company, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, organisation, state or agency of a state or other entity, whether or not having separate legal personality;
Relevant Guarantee means, in relation to any Relevant Indebtedness of any Person, any obligation of another Person to pay such Relevant Indebtedness including (without limitation):
(a) any obligation to purchase such Relevant Indebtedness;
(b) any obligation to lend money, to purchase or subscribe shares or other securities or to purchase assets or services in order to provide funds for the payment of such Relevant Indebtedness;
(c) any indemnity against the consequences of a default in the payment of such Relevant Indebtedness; and
(d) any other agreement to be responsible for such Relevant Indebtedness;
Relevant Indebtedness means any present or future indebtedness which is in the form of, or represented by, any bond, note, debenture, debenture stock, loan stock, certificate or other instrument which is, or is capable of being, listed, quoted or traded on any stock exchange or in any securities market (including, without limitation, any over-the-counter or other securities market);
Security Interest means any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien or other security interest including, without limitation, anything analogous to any of the foregoing under the laws of any jurisdiction, except any Security Interest existing on the assets or property of a Person immediately prior to its acquisition by or its consolidation or merger with the Issuer, a Guarantor, a Subsidiary of the Issuer or a Subsidiary of a Guarantor, provided that such Security Interest is not created in contemplation of such acquisition, consolidation or merger and the amount secured by such Security Interest is not thereafter increased; and
Subsidiary means, in relation to any person (the first person ) at any particular time, any other person (the second person ):
(a) which is controlled, directly or indirectly by the first person;
(b) more than half the issued share capital of which is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the first person;
(c) which is a subsidiary of another Subsidiary of the first person; or
(d) whose financial statements are in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting principles applicable to the Issuer consolidated with those of that first person.
For the purposes of this definition, a company or corporation shall be treated as being controlled by another entity if the latter (whether by way of ownership of shares, proxy, contract, agency or otherwise) has the power to (i) appoint or remove all, or the majority, of its directors or other equivalent officers or (ii) direct its operating and financial policies.
4. INTEREST
(a) Interest: Subject to Condition 4(b) ( Interest rate adjustment ) below, the Notes bear interest from 3 December 2009 (the Issue Date ) at the rate of 5.375 per cent. per annum (the Rate of Interest ) payable in arrear on 5 December in each year (each, an Interest Payment Date ), subject as provided in Condition 6 ( Payments ). The first payment (for the period from and including the Issue Date to but excluding 5 December 2010 and amounting to 2,702.23 per 50,000 principal amount of Notes) shall be made on 5 December 2010. Each payment thereafter (for each full year from and including 5 December 2010 to but excluding 5 December 2016 and amounting to 2,687.50 per 50,000 principal amount of Notes) shall be made on the relevant Interest Payment Date.
Each Note will cease to bear interest from the due date for redemption unless, upon due presentation, payment of principal is improperly withheld or refused, in which case it will continue to bear interest at such rate (both before and after judgment) until whichever is the earlier of (a) the day on which all sums due in respect of such Note up to that day are received by or on behalf of the relevant Noteholder and (b) the day which is seven days after the Principal Paying Agent or the Trustee has notified the Noteholders that it has received all sums due in respect of the Notes up to such seventh day (except to the extent that there is any subsequent default in payment).
If interest is required to be paid in respect of a Note on any date which is not an Interest Payment Date, it shall be calculated by applying the Rate of Interest to the principal amount of such Note, multiplying the product by the relevant Day Count Fraction and rounding the resulting figure to the nearest cent (half a cent being rounded upwards), where:
Day Count Fraction means, in respect of any period, the number of days in the relevant period, from (and including) the first day in such period to (but excluding) the last day in such period, divided by the number of days in the Regular Period in which the relevant period falls;
Regular Period means each period from (and including) the Issue Date or any Interest Payment Date to (but excluding) the next Interest Payment Date; and
(b) Interest rate adjustment:
(i) The Rate of Interest will be subject to adjustment from time to time in the event of a Step Up Rating Change or Step Down Rating Change, as the case may be. From, and including the first Interest Payment Date following the date of a Step Up Rating Change, the Rate of Interest shall be the Initial Rate of Interest plus
1.25 per cent. per annum. Furthermore, in the event of a Step Down Rating Change following a Step Up Rating Change, with effect from, and including, the first Interest Payment Date following the date of such Step Down Rating Change, the Rate of Interest shall be decreased by 1.25 per cent. per annum to the Initial Rate of Interest.
(ii) If at any relevant time the Issuers senior unsecured debt shall not be rated by any two of Moodys, S&P or a Substitute Rating Agency, the Rate of Interest shall be the Initial Rate of Interest plus 1.25 per cent. per annum with effect from, and including, the first Interest Payment Date on or after such time and up to the first Interest Payment Date on or immediately after such time as the Rate of Interest is able to be determined in accordance with the foregoing paragraphs of this Condition 4(b) ( Interest rate adjustment ).
(iii) The Issuer will cause the occurrence of a Step Up Rating Change or a Step Down Rating Change to be notified to the Trustee, the Paying Agents and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and notice thereof to be given in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) as soon as possible after the occurrence of the Step Up Rating Change or the Step Down Rating Change (whichever the case may be) but in no event later than ten days thereafter.
(iv) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in these Conditions, there shall be no limit on the number of times that the Rate of Interest may be adjusted pursuant to a Rating Change during the term of the Notes, provided always that at no time during the term of the Notes will the Rate of Interest be lower than the Initial Interest Rate or higher than the Initial Interest Rate plus 1.25 per cent, per annum.
(v) Without prejudice to any other Condition (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders )) and provided that the Issuer has otherwise complied with its obligations under this Condition 4(b), the occurrence of a Rating Change shall only affect the applicable Rate of Interest and the Noteholders shall not have any other rights or claims against the Issuer with respect thereto.
In these Conditions:
Initial Rate of Interest means the Rate of Interest set out in Condition 4(a) ( Interest );
Investment Grade Rating means Baa3/BBB- or equivalent, or better from any Rating Agency;
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service Limited, or its successor;
Non-Investment Grade Rating means Ba1/BB+ or equivalent, or worse from any Rating Agency;
Rating Agency means Moodys or S&P or any of their respective successors or any rating agency (a Substitute Rating Agency ) substituted for any of them by the Issuer from time to time with the prior written approval of the Trustee, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed;
Rating Change means a Step Up Rating Change and/or a Step Down Rating Change;
S&P means Standard and Poors Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or its successor;
Step Down Rating Change means the public announcement after a Step Up Rating Change by both of Moodys and S&P of an increase in, or a confirmation of, the rating of the Issuers senior unsecured debt and/or the Notes (as applicable) to at least an Investment Grade Rating; and
Step Up Rating Change means the public announcement by either or both of Moodys and S&P of a decrease in the rating of the Issuers senior unsecured debt and/or the Notes (as applicable) to a Non-Investment Grade Rating. For the avoidance of doubt, any further decrease in the rating of the Issuers senior unsecured debt and/or the Notes (as applicable) from below a Non-Investment Grade Rating shall not constitute a Step Up Rating Change.
5. REDEMPTION AND PURCHASE
(a) Scheduled redemption: Unless previously redeemed, or purchased and cancelled, the Notes will be redeemed at their principal amount on 5 December 2016, subject as provided in Condition 6 ( Payments ).
(b) Redemption for tax reasons: The Notes may be redeemed at the option of the Issuer in whole, but not in part, at any time, on any Interest Payment Date, on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Noteholders (which notice shall be irrevocable), at their principal amount, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption, if, immediately before giving such notice, the Issuer satisfies the Trustee that:
(i) the Issuer (or, if the Guarantees were called, any Guarantor) has or will become obliged to pay additional amounts as provided or referred to in Condition 7 ( Taxation ) as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws or regulations of the Republic of Italy, the United States, Hungary, Luxembourg or any political subdivision or any authority thereof or therein having power to tax, or any change in the application or official interpretation of such laws or regulations (including a holding by a court of competent jurisdiction), which change or amendment becomes effective on or after 3 December 2009; and
(ii) such obligation cannot be avoided by the Issuer (or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be) taking reasonable measures available to it;
provided, however , that no such notice of redemption shall be given earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer (or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be) would be obliged to pay such additional amounts if a payment in respect of the Notes were then due.
Prior to the publication of any notice of redemption pursuant to this paragraph, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee:
(A) a certificate signed by two Authorised Signatories (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Issuer or, as the case may be, of the relevant Guarantor stating that the Issuer is entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to the right of the Issuer so to redeem have occurred; and
(B) an opinion in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee of independent legal advisers of recognised standing to the effect that the Issuer (or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be) has or will become obliged to pay such additional amounts as a result of such change or amendment.
The Trustee shall be entitled to accept such certificate and opinion as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the circumstances set out in (i) and (ii) above, in which event they shall be conclusive and binding on the Noteholders.
Upon the expiry of any such notice as is referred to in this Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ), the Issuer shall be bound to redeem the Notes in accordance with this Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ).
(c) Redemption at the option of the Noteholders:
A put event (each, a Put Event ) will be deemed to occur if:
(i)
(A) Lottomatica Change of Control: any person or persons acting in concert or any person or persons acting on behalf of such person(s) (x) shall become the Majority Holder, provided that a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred if the Principal Shareholder continues, without interruption, to be the Majority Holder or (y) shall gain control of the Issuer pursuant to Article 93 of the TUF, provided that a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred if the Principal Shareholder continues, without interruption, to control the Issuer pursuant to Article 93 of the TUF (each such event being a Lottomatica Change of Control );
(B) GTECH Change of Control: the Issuer ceases to control GTECH Corporation directly or indirectly, or any person or persons (other than the Issuer directly or indirectly) acting in concert or any person or persons acting on behalf of such person(s) shall become the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of shares in the capital of GTECH Corporation carrying more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights normally exercisable at a general meeting of GTECH Corporation (such event being a GTECH Change of Control ); or
(C) Disposal of assets : there is a sale, lease, transfer or other disposal of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (such event being a Disposal Event ); and
(ii) on the date (the Relevant Announcement Date ) that is (x) the date of the first public announcement of the Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event or, if earlier, (y) the date of the earliest Relevant Potential Change of Control Announcement (if any):
(A) the Notes carry an Investment Grade Rating from any Rating Agency and such rating is, within the Change of Control Period, either downgraded to a Non-Investment Grade Rating or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) upgraded to an Investment Grade Rating by such Rating Agency;
(B) the Notes carry a Non-Investment Grade Rating from any Rating Agency and such rating is, within the Change of Control Period, either downgraded by one or more notches (for illustration, BB+ to BB being one notch) or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently reinstated to its earlier rating or better by such Rating Agency; or
(C) the Notes carry no rating, and no Rating Agency assigns, within the Change of Control Period, an Investment Grade Rating to the Notes; and
(iii) in making any decision to downgrade or withdraw a credit rating pursuant to paragraph (ii) above, the relevant Rating Agency announces publicly or confirms in writing to the Issuer or the Trustee that such decision(s) are in connection with, in anticipation of or resulted from, in whole or in part, the occurrence of the Lottomatica Change of Control, the GTECH Change of Control, the Disposal Event or the Relevant Potential Change of Control Announcement.
If a Put Event occurs, the holder of each Note will have the option (a Put Option ) (unless prior to the giving of the relevant Put Event Notice (as defined below) the Issuer has given notice of redemption under Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ) above) to require the Issuer to redeem or, at the Issuers option, purchase (or procure the purchase of) that Note on the Put Date (as defined below) at 100 per cent. of its principal amount together with interest accrued to (but excluding) the Put Date (the Put Amount ).
Promptly upon the Issuer becoming aware that a Put Event has occurred the Issuer shall, and at any time upon the Trustee becoming similarly so aware the Trustee may, and if so requested by the holders of at least one quarter in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders, shall (subject in each case to the Trustee being indemnified, secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction) give notice (a Put Event Notice ) to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) specifying the nature of the Put Event and the procedure for exercising the Put Option.
To exercise the Put Option, the holder of the Note must deliver such Note at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent at any time during normal business hours of such Paying Agent falling within the period (the Put Period ) of 30 days after a Put Event Notice is given, accompanied by a duly signed and completed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from the specified office of any Paying Agent (a Change of Control Put Notice ). The Note should be delivered together with all Coupons appertaining thereto on the date which is seven days after the expiration of the Put Period (the Put Date ). The Paying Agent to which such Note and Change of Control Put Notice are delivered will issue to the Noteholder concerned a non-transferable receipt in respect of the Note so delivered. Payment in respect of any Note so delivered will be made, if the holder duly specified a bank account in the Change of Control Put Notice to which payment is to be made, on the Put Date by transfer to that bank account and, in every other case, on or after the Put Date against presentation and surrender or (as the case may be) endorsement of such receipt at the specified office of any Paying Agent. A Change of Control Put Notice, once given, shall be irrevocable. For the purposes of these Conditions, receipts issued pursuant to this Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ) shall be treated as if they were Notes. The Issuer shall redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of) the relevant Notes on the Put Date unless previously redeemed (or purchased) and cancelled.
If 85 per cent. or more in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding have been redeemed or purchased pursuant to this Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ), the Issuer may, on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) (such notice being given within 30 days after the Put Date), redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of), at its option, all but not some only of the remaining outstanding Notes at their principal amount, together with interest accrued to (but excluding) the date fixed for such redemption or purchase.
If the rating designations employed by any of Moodys or S&P are changed from those which are described in paragraph (ii) of the definition of Put Event above, or if a rating is procured from a Substitute Rating Agency, the Issuer shall determine, with the agreement of the Trustee, the rating designations of Moodys or S&P or such Substitute Rating Agency (as appropriate) as are most equivalent to the prior rating designations of Moodys or S&P and this Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ) shall be construed accordingly.
The Trustee is under no obligation to ascertain whether a Put Event, Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Put Event, a Lottomatica Change of Control, a GTECH Change of Control or a Disposal Event has occurred, or to seek any confirmation from any Rating Agency pursuant to Condition 5(c)(iii) above, and, until it shall have actual knowledge or notice pursuant to the Trust Deed to the contrary, the Trustee may
assume that no Put Event, Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event or other such event has occurred.
In this Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ):
Change of Control Period means the period commencing on the Relevant Announcement Date and ending 120 days after the Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event, as the case may be (or such longer period for which the Notes are under consideration (such consideration having been announced publicly within the period ending 120 days after the Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event, as the case may be) for rating review or, as the case may be, rating by a Rating Agency, such period not to exceed 60 days after the public announcement of such consideration);
Majority Holder means the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly of, (x) more than 50 per cent. of the issued or allotted ordinary share capital of the Issuer or (y) such number of shares in the capital of the Issuer carrying more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights pursuant to Article 105 of the TUF;
Principal Shareholder means De Agostini S.p.A. and its Subsidiaries;
Relevant Potential Change of Control Announcement means any public announcement or statement by the Issuer, any actual or potential bidder or any adviser acting on behalf of any actual or potential bidder or purchaser relating to any potential Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event, as the case may be where within 180 days following the date of such announcement or statement, the Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event occurs; and
TUF means Legislative Decree no. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended.
(d) Redemption at the option of the Issuer: The Issuer may, having given not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 (Notices) (which notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the date fixed for redemption), redeem all, but not some only, of the Notes, on 4 January 2010 or at any time thereafter (the Optional Redemption Date ) at a redemption price per Note equal to the greater of: (i) 100 per cent. of the principal amount of the Note; or (ii) as determined by the Reference Dealers (as defined below), the sum of the then current values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (not including any interest accrued on the Notes to, but excluding, the Optional Redemption Date) discounted to the Optional Redemption Date on an annual basis (based on the actual number of days elapsed divided by 365 or (in the case of a leap year) by 366) at the Reference Dealer Rate (as defined below), plus 0.50 per cent., plus, in each case, any interest accrued on the Notes to, but excluding, the Optional Redemption Date (the Call Amount ).
In this Condition 5(d) (Redemption at the option of the Issuer):
Reference Bund means 23,000,000,000 4 per cent. German Federal Government Bonds of Bundesrepublik Deutschland due 4 July 2016 with ISIN DE0001135309;
Reference Dealers means The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Banca IMI S.p.A., Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG and Calyon or their successors; and
Reference Dealer Rate means, with respect to the Reference Dealers and the Optional Redemption Date, the average of the four quotations of the average mid market annual yield to maturity of the Reference Bund, or, if the applicable security is no longer outstanding, a similar security in the reasonable judgement of each Reference Dealer, at 11:00 a.m. London time on the third business day in London preceding such Optional Redemption Date, quoted in writing to the Issuer and the Trustee by the Reference Dealers.
(e) No other redemption : The Issuer shall not be entitled to redeem the Notes otherwise than as provided in Condition 5(a) ( Scheduled redemption ), 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ) and 5(d) ( Redemption at the option of the Issuer ) above.
(f) Purchase : The Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries may at any time purchase Notes in the open market or otherwise and at any price, provided that all unmatured Coupons are purchased therewith.
(g) Cancellation : All Notes so redeemed or purchased by the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries and any unmatured Coupons attached to or surrendered with them shall be cancelled and may not be reissued or resold. Pursuant to Article 2415 of the Italian Civil Code, none of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries shall be entitled to vote at any meetings of Noteholders in relation to the Notes redeemed or held by it.
(h) Timing of Notices : If more than one notice of redemption is given by the Issuer pursuant to these Conditions, or a Noteholder delivers a Change of Control Put Notice pursuant to Condition 5(b) ( Redemption at the Option of Noteholders ), the first in time of such notices shall prevail.
6. PAYMENTS
(a) Principal: Payments of principal shall be made only against presentation and ( provided that payment is made in full) surrender of Notes at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent outside the United States by Euro cheque drawn on, or by transfer to a Euro account (or other account to which Euro may be credited or transferred) maintained by the payee outside the United States with, a bank in a city in which banks have access to the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET2) System (the TARGET System ).
(b) Interest: Payments of interest shall, subject to Condition 6(f) ( Payments other than in respect of matured Coupons ) below, be made only against presentation and ( provided that payment is made in full) surrender of the appropriate Coupons at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent outside the United States in the manner described in Condition 6(a) ( Principal ) above.
(c) Payments subject to fiscal laws: All payments in respect of the Notes are subject in all cases to any applicable fiscal or other laws and regulations in the place of payment, but without prejudice to the provisions of Condition 7 ( Taxation ). No commissions or expenses shall be charged to the Noteholders or Couponholders in respect of such payments.
(d) Unmatured Coupons: Upon any Note becoming due and payable prior to the due date for redemption, all unmatured Coupons (if any) appertaining thereto will become void and no further amounts will be payable with respect thereto.
(e) Payments on business days: If the due date for payment of any amount in respect of any Note or Coupon is not a business day in the place of presentation, the holder shall not be entitled to payment in such place of the amount due until the next succeeding business day in such place and shall not be entitled to any further interest or other payment in respect of any such delay. In this paragraph, business day means, in respect of any place of presentation, any day on which banks are open for presentation and payment of bearer debt securities and for dealings in foreign currencies in such place of presentation and, in the case of payment by transfer to a Euro account as referred to above, on which the TARGET System is open.
(f) Payments other than in respect of matured Coupons: Payments of interest other than in respect of matured Coupons shall be made only against presentation of the relevant Notes at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent outside the United States.
(g) Partial payments: If a Paying Agent makes a partial payment in respect of any Note or Coupon presented to it for payment, such Paying Agent will endorse thereon a statement indicating the amount and date of such payment.
7. TAXATION
(a) Gross Up
All payments of principal (including any Call Amount or Put Amount, if applicable) and interest in respect of the Notes and the Coupons or under the Guarantees by the Issuer or any Guarantor, as the case may be, will be made free and clear of, and without withholding or deduction for or on account of, any present or future taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of the Republic of Italy, the United States, Hungary, Luxembourg or any political subdivision thereof or any agency or authority therein or thereof having power to tax, unless the withholding or deduction of such taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges is required by law. In that event, the Issuer or, as the case may be, the relevant Guarantor will pay such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts received by the holders of the Notes or Coupons after such withholding or deduction shall equal the respective amounts of principal (including any Call Amount or Put Amount, if applicable) and interest which would have been received in respect of the Notes or (as the case may be) Coupons, in the absence of such withholding or deduction, except that no additional amounts shall be payable with respect to any payment in respect of any Note or Coupon:
(i) (a) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder who is subject to such taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges in respect of such Note or Coupon by reason of its having some connection (otherwise than merely by holding the Note or Coupon) with the Republic of Italy or, in the case of payments made by any Guarantor under its respective Guarantee, the United States, Hungary or Luxembourg, as the case may be; (b) with respect to any Note or Coupon presented for payment in the Republic of Italy; (c) for or on account of imposta sostitutiva pursuant to Legislative Decree No. 239 of 1 April 1996, Legislative Decree No. 461 of 21 November 1997 or related implementing regulations; (d) in all circumstances in which the requirements and procedures of such Legislative Decree No. 239 have not been met or complied with (except where due to the actions or omissions of the Issuer or its agents); or (e) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder who is entitled to avoid such withholding or deduction in respect of such Note or Coupon by making a declaration of non-residence or other similar claim for exemption to the relevant taxing authority but has failed to do so;
(ii) to a holder who is a non-Italian resident individual or legal entity which is resident in a tax haven country (as defined and listed in the Ministry of Finance Decree of 23 January 2002) or in a country which does not allow for an adequate exchange of information with the Italian tax authorities;
(iii) for any Note or Coupon presented for payment more than 30 days after the Relevant Date except to the extent that the holder thereof would have been entitled to such additional amount on presenting the same for payment on the thirtieth such day;
(iv) where such withholding or deduction is imposed on a payment to an individual and is required to be made pursuant to European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive; or
(v) presented for payment by or on behalf of a holder who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction by presenting the relevant Note or Coupon to another Paying Agent in a Member State of the European Union,
without prejudice to the option of the Issuer to redeem the Notes pursuant to, and subject to the conditions of, Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ).
(b) Taxing Jurisdiction
If the Issuer or any Guarantor becomes subject at any time to any taxing jurisdiction other than the Republic of Italy, the United States, Hungary or Luxembourg, references in these Conditions to the Republic of Italy, the United States, Hungary or Luxembourg shall be construed as references to the Republic of Italy, the United States, Hungary or Luxembourg and/or such other jurisdiction.
As used in this Condition 7 ( Taxation ), Relevant Date in respect of any Note or Coupon means the date on which payment in respect thereof first becomes due or (if any amount of the money payable is improperly withheld or refused) the date on which payment in full of the amount outstanding is made or (if earlier) the date on which notice is duly given to the holders of Notes in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) that, upon further presentation of the Note or Coupon being made in accordance with the Conditions, such payment will be made, provided that payment is in fact made upon such presentation.
References in these Conditions to principal and/or interest shall be deemed to include any additional amounts which may be payable under this Condition 7 ( Taxation ).
8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT
If any of the following events occurs, then the Trustee at its discretion may and, if so requested in writing by holders of at least one quarter of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed), shall (subject, in the case of the occurrence of any of the events mentioned in paragraphs (b) ( Breach of other obligations ), (d) ( Unsatisfied judgment ), (e) ( Security enforced ), (h) ( Analogous event ) (only in relation to events referred to in paragraphs (d) and (e) below), (i) ( Failure to take action, etc .) or (j) ( Unlawfulness ) and, in relation only to a Material Subsidiary (which is not a Guarantor), paragraphs (c) ( Cross-default of Issuer, Guarantor or Material Subsidiary ) or (g) ( Winding up, etc .) below, to the Trustee having certified in writing that the happening of such event is in its opinion materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders and, in all cases, to the Trustee having been indemnified, provided with security and/or prefunded to its satisfaction) give written notice to the Issuer declaring the Notes to be immediately due and payable, whereupon they shall become immediately due and payable at their principal amount together with accrued interest without further action or formality:
(a) Non-payment : the Issuer fails to pay (i) any amount of principal or premium in respect of the Notes, (ii) the Call Amount or (iii) the Put Amount on the due date for payment thereof or fails to pay any amount of interest in respect of the Notes within five business days of the due date for payment thereof. In this paragraph, business day means any day on which banks are open for presentation and payment of bearer debt securities and for dealings in foreign currencies in such place of presentation and on which the TARGET System is open; or
(b) Breach of other obligations : the Issuer or any Guarantor defaults in the performance or observance of any of its other obligations under or in respect of the Notes or the Trust Deed and such default (i) is, in the opinion of the Trustee, incapable of remedy or (ii) being a default which is, in the opinion of the Trustee, capable of remedy remains unremedied for 30 days or such longer period as the Trustee may agree after the Trustee has given written notice thereof to the Issuer and the Guarantors; or
(c) Cross-default of Issuer,any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary :
(i) any Indebtedness of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary is not paid when due or (as the case may be) within any originally applicable grace period;
(ii) any such Indebtedness becomes due and payable prior to its stated maturity otherwise than at the option of the Issuer, the relevant Guarantor or (as the case may be) the relevant Material Subsidiary or (provided that no event of default, howsoever described, has occurred) any person entitled to such Indebtedness; or
(iii) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary fails to pay when due any amount payable by it under any Specified Guarantee of any Indebtedness;
provided that the amount of Indebtedness referred to in sub-paragraph (i) and/or sub-paragraph (ii) above and/or the amount payable under any Specified Guarantee referred to in sub-paragraph (iii) above individually or in the aggregate exceeds 50 million (or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies); or
(d) Unsatisfied judgment : one or more judgment(s) or order(s) for the payment of an amount in excess of 50 million (or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies) whether individually or in aggregate, is rendered against the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary and continue(s) unsatisfied and unstayed for a period of 60 days after the date(s) thereof or, if later, the date therein specified for payment; or
(e) Security enforced : a secured party takes possession, or a receiver, manager or other similar officer is appointed, of the whole or any substantial (in the opinion of the Trustee) part of the undertaking, assets and revenues of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary; or
(f) Insolvency, etc.: (i) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, (ii) an administrator or liquidator of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary or the whole or any/a substantial (in the opinion of the Trustee) part of the undertaking, assets and revenues of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary is appointed (or application for any such appointment is made), (iii) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary takes any action for a readjustment or deferment of any of its obligations or makes a general assignment or an arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors or declares a moratorium in respect of any of its Indebtedness or any Specified Guarantee of any Indebtedness given by it, (iv) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary ceases or threatens to cease to carry on all or any substantial part of its business (other than for the purpose of a Permitted Restructuring), or (v) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary suspends its payments generally; or
(g) Winding up, etc .: an order is made or an effective resolution is passed for the winding up, liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary (other than for the purpose of a Permitted Restructuring); or
(h) Analogous event : any event occurs in relation to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary (other than for the purpose of a Permitted Restructuring) which under the governing laws of their respective jurisdictions has an analogous effect to any of the events referred to in paragraphs (d) ( Unsatisfied judgment ) to (g) ( Winding up, etc .) above; or
(i) Failure to take action, etc. : any action, condition or thing at any time required to be taken, fulfilled or done in order (i) to enable the Issuer or any Guarantor lawfully to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its obligations under and in respect of the Notes and/or the Trust Deed, (ii) to ensure that those obligations are legal, valid, binding and enforceable and (iii) to make the Notes, the Coupons and the Trust Deed
admissible in evidence in the courts of the Republic of Italy, the United States, Hungary or Luxembourg, as the case may be is not taken, fulfilled or done; or
(j) Unlawfulness: it is or will become unlawful for the Issuer or any Guarantor to perform or comply with any of its obligations under or in respect of the Notes or the Trust Deed; or
(k) Guarantee : any of the Guarantees is not (or is claimed by any Guarantor not to be) in full force and effect (other than as a result of a Permitted Restructuring).
The merger of (i) Lottomatica International Hungary Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság ( Lottomatica Hungary ) into or with the Issuer and (ii) Lottomatica International S.r.l ( Lottomatica International ) into and with the Issuer, such that in each case the Issuer shall at the relevant time assume all the rights and obligations of Lottomatica Hungary or Lottomatica International (as the case may be) and Lottomatica Hungary and Lottomatica International shall cease to exist, shall not constitute an Event of Default for the purposes of Conditions 8(f)(iv),8(g) or 8(h) (each in relation to Lottomatica Hungary or Lottomatica International only) or Condition 8(k) (in relation to the Guarantee given by Lottomatica Hungary).
The Issuer shall give to the Trustee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the acquisition or disposal of any company which thereby becomes or ceases to be a Material Subsidiary or after any transfer is made to any Subsidiary which thereby becomes a Material Subsidiary, a certificate from two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer to such effect.
In these Conditions:
Consolidated Assets means the aggregate value of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, as disclosed in the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries most recently prepared before the time when the determination or examination is being made as required by and in accordance with the terms hereof;
Consolidated Revenues means the aggregate revenues of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries as disclosed in the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries most recently prepared before the time when the determination or examination is being made as required by and in accordance with the terms hereof;
Indebtedness means any indebtedness of any Person for moneys borrowed or raised;
Material Subsidiary means, as of any date, any Subsidiary of the Issuer (a) which (i) accounts for 10 per cent. or more of the Consolidated Assets as of such date; or (ii) accounted for 10 per cent. or more of the Consolidated Revenues for the year ended on or immediately prior to such date, or (b) which assumes all the assets and liabilities of a Subsidiary of the Issuer which immediately prior to such assumption is a Material Subsidiary as a Substituted Obligor pursuant to a Permitted Restructuring, and such Substituted Obligor shall cease to be a Material Subsidiary pursuant to this paragraph (b) only on the date on which the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries for the financial period current at the date of such Permitted Restructuring have been prepared, but so that such Substituted Obligor may be a Material Subsidiary on or at any time after the date on which such financial statements have been prepared by virtue of paragraph (a) of this definition;
Permitted Restructuring means a solvent amalgamation, merger or reconstruction on terms approved in writing by the Trustee or by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders, of a Guarantor or a Material Subsidiary with the Issuer, any other Guarantor or any other Subsidiary of the Issuer under which: (a) all the assets and liabilities of such Guarantor or such Material Subsidiary, as the case may be, are assumed by the entity resulting from such amalgamation, merger or reconstruction (the Substituted Obligor ) and such Guarantor or such Material Subsidiary ceases to exist, (b) (in the case of a Guarantor) the Substituted Obligor (unless the Substituted Obligor is the Issuer or another Guarantor) assumes the obligations of such Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee, or (in the case of a Material Subsidiary unless the Substituted Obligor is the Issuer) the Substituted Obligor would thereby become a Material Subsidiary, and (c) certain
other conditions specified in the Trust Deed have been complied with, provided that the Trustee may give such approval in writing if in its opinion the interests of the Noteholders shall not be materially prejudiced thereby; and
Specified Guarantee means, in relation to any Indebtedness of any Person, any obligation of another Person to pay such Indebtedness including (without limitation):
(a) any obligation to purchase such Indebtedness;
(b) any obligation to lend money, to purchase or subscribe shares or other securities or to purchase assets or services in order to provide funds for the payment of such Indebtedness;
(c) any indemnity against the consequences of a default in the payment of such Indebtedness; and
(d) any other agreement to be responsible for such Indebtedness.
9. PRESCRIPTION
Claims for principal shall become void unless the relevant Notes are presented for payment within ten years of the appropriate Relevant Date. Claims for interest shall become void unless the relevant Coupons are presented for payment within five years of the appropriate Relevant Date.
10. REPLACEMENT OF NOTES AND COUPONS
If any Note or Coupon is lost, stolen, mutilated, defaced or destroyed, it may be replaced at the Specified Office of the Principal Paying Agent or the Paying Agent having its Specified Office in Luxembourg, subject to all applicable laws, listing authority requirements and stock exchange requirements, upon payment by the claimant of the expenses incurred in connection with such replacement and on such terms as to evidence, security, indemnity and otherwise as the Issuer and the Guarantors may reasonably require. Mutilated or defaced Notes or Coupons must be surrendered before replacements will be issued.
11. TRUSTEE AND PAYING AGENTS
Under the Trust Deed, the Trustee is entitled to be indemnified and relieved from responsibility in certain circumstances and to be paid its costs and expenses in priority to the claims of the Noteholders. In addition, the Trustee is entitled to enter into business transactions with the Issuer and any entity relating to the Issuer without accounting for any profit.
In connection with the exercise by the Trustee of any of its trusts, powers, authorities and discretions (including, without limitation, any modification, waiver, authorisation, determination or substitution), the Trustee shall have regard to the general interests of the Noteholders as a class but shall not have regard to any interests arising from circumstances particular to individual Noteholders or Couponholders (whatever their number) and, in particular but without limitation, shall not have regard to the consequences of any such exercise for individual Noteholders or Couponholders (whatever their number) resulting from their being for any purpose domiciled or resident in, or otherwise connected with, or subject to the jurisdiction of, any particular territory or any political sub-division thereof and the Trustee shall not be entitled to require, nor shall any Noteholder or Couponholder be entitled to claim, from the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee or any other person any indemnification or payment in respect of any tax consequence of any such exercise upon individual Noteholders or Couponholders except to the extent already provided for in Condition 7 ( Taxation ) and/or any undertaking given in addition to, or in substitution for, Condition 7 ( Taxation ) pursuant to the Trust Deed.
In acting under the Agency Agreement and in connection with the Notes and the Coupons, the Paying Agents act solely as agents of the Issuer and the Guarantors and (to the extent provided
therein) the Trustee and do not assume any obligations towards or relationship of agency or trust for or with any of the Noteholders or Couponholders.
The initial Paying Agents and their initial Specified Offices are listed below. The Issuer and the Guarantors reserve the right (with the prior approval of the Trustee) at any time to vary or terminate the appointment of any Paying Agent and to appoint a successor principal paying agent and additional or successor paying agents; provided, however, that the Issuer and the Guarantors shall at all times maintain (a) a principal paying agent, (b) a paying agent in Luxembourg and (c) a paying agent in an EU Member State that will not be obliged to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to the EU Savings Directive.
Notice of any change in any of the Paying Agents or in their Specified Offices shall promptly be given to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ).
12. MEETINGS OF NOTEHOLDERS; NOTEHOLDERS REPRESENTATIVE; MODIFICATION
(a) Meetings of Noteholders : The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening meetings of Noteholders to consider matters relating to the Notes, including the modification of any provision of these Conditions, in accordance with Article 2415 of the Italian Civil Code and the applicable provisions of the TUF on listed companies. Any such modification may be made if sanctioned by an Extraordinary Resolution. Such a meeting may be convened by the directors of the Issuer or the Noteholders Representative (as described below) and shall be convened by the directors of the Issuer, the Trustee or the Noteholders Representative upon the request in writing of Noteholders holding not less than one-twentieth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes. Such a meeting will be validly held if (i) in the case of a first meeting there are one or more persons present, being or representing Noteholders holding more than one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or (ii) in the case of a second meeting following adjournment of the first meeting for want of quorum, there are one or more persons present being or representing Noteholders holding more than one third of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or (iii) in the case of a third or further meeting following a further adjournment for want of quorum, there are one or more persons present being or representing Noteholders holding at least one fifth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes provided, however, that the quorum shall always be at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes for the purposes of considering a Reserved Matter (as defined below) and provided further that the by-laws of the Issuer may from time to time require a higher quorum. The majority required to pass a resolution at any meeting convened to vote on an Extraordinary Resolution (including any meeting convened following adjournment of the previous meeting for want of quorum) will be one or more persons holding or representing at least two thirds of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the meeting; provided, however, that certain proposals (as set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) to the Trust Deed) (including any proposal to change any date fixed for payment of principal or interest in respect of the Notes, to reduce the amount of principal or interest payable on any date in respect of the Notes, to alter the method of calculating the amount of any payment in respect of the Notes or the date for any such payment, to change the currency of payments under the Notes or to change the quorum requirements relating to meetings or the majority required to pass an Extraordinary Resolution (each, a Reserved Matter )) may only be sanctioned by an Extraordinary Resolution passed at a meeting of Noteholders by one or more persons holding or representing at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes. Any Extraordinary Resolution duly passed at any such meeting shall be binding on all the Noteholders and Couponholders, whether present or not.
(b) Noteholders Representative : Pursuant to Articles 2415 and 2417 of the Italian Civil Code, a Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) may be appointed, inter alia , to represent the interests of the Noteholders in respect of the Notes, such appointment to be made by an Extraordinary Resolution or by an order of a competent
court at the request of one or more Noteholders or the Issuer. The Noteholders Representative shall have the powers and duties set out in Article 2418 of the Italian Civil Code.
(c) Modification : The Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders or Couponholders agree to any modification of these Conditions or the Trust Deed (other than in respect of a Reserved Matter) which is, in the opinion of the Trustee, proper to make if, in the opinion of the Trustee, such modification will not be materially prejudicial to the interests of Noteholders and to any modification of the Notes or the Trust Deed which is of a formal, minor or technical nature or is to correct a manifest error.
In addition, the Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders or Couponholders authorise or waive any proposed breach or breach of the Notes or the Trust Deed (other than a proposed breach or breach relating to the subject of a Reserved Matter) if, in the opinion of the Trustee, the interests of the Noteholders will not be materially prejudiced thereby.
Unless the Trustee agrees otherwise, any such authorisation, waiver or modification shall be notified to the Noteholders as soon as practicable thereafter.
13. ENFORCEMENT
The Trustee may at any time, at its discretion and without notice, institute such proceedings as it thinks fit to enforce the provisions of the Trust Deed , the Notes and the Coupons, but it shall not be bound to do so or to take any other action under or pursuant to the Trust Deed unless:
(a) it has been so requested in writing by the holders of at least one quarter of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or has been so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution; and
(b) it has been indemnified, provided with security and/or prefunded to its satisfaction.
No Noteholder may proceed directly against the Issuer or any Guarantor unless the Trustee, having become bound to do so, fails to do so within a reasonable time and such failure is continuing.
14. FURTHER ISSUES
The Issuer may from time to time, without the consent of the Noteholders or the Couponholders and in accordance with the Trust Deed, create and issue further notes having the same terms and conditions as the Notes in all respects (or in all respects except for the first payment of interest) so as to form a single series with the Notes. The Issuer may from time to time, with the consent of the Trustee, create and issue other series of notes having the benefit of the Trust Deed.
15. NOTICES
Notices to the Noteholders shall be valid if published in a leading newspaper having general circulation in Luxembourg (which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort ) or, if such publication is not practicable, in a leading English language daily newspaper having general circulation in Europe, provided, however, that any notice relating to the calling of a meeting of Noteholders pursuant to Condition 12 ( Meetings of Noteholders; Noteholders Representative; Modification ) shall also be published in Italian in the Gazzetta Ufficiale of the Republic of Italy at least 30 days prior to the meeting (exclusive of the day on which the notice is published and of the day on which the meeting is to be held) or in the daily newspaper specified in the by-laws of the Issuer. Notices may also be published on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, www.bourse.lu. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date of first publication. Couponholders shall be deemed for all purposes to have notice of the contents of any notice given to the Noteholders.
16. GOVERNING LAW
The Notes and the Trust Deed and all non-contractual matters arising from or connected with the Notes and the Trust Deed are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save for the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ).
17. SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION
Pursuant to the Trust Deed, the courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute arising from or connected with the Notes (including a dispute regarding the existence, validity or termination of the Notes) or the consequences of their nullity. The submission to the jurisdiction of the courts of England shall not (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the right of any Noteholder to take proceedings in Italy nor shall the taking of proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if any to the extent permitted by law.
Part C
Form Of Coupon
[ On the face of the Coupon :]
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
750,000,000 5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 December 2016
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
LOTTOMATICA INTERNATIONAL HUNGARY KORLÁTOLT FELELŐSSÉGŰ TÁRSASÁG
INVEST GAMES S.A.
Coupon for [ · ] due on 5 December 20[ · ].
Such amount is payable, subject to the terms and conditions (the Conditions ) endorsed on the Note to which this Coupon relates (which are binding on the holder of this Coupon whether or not it is for the time being attached to such Note), against presentation and surrender of this Coupon at the specified office for the time being of any of the agents shown on the reverse of this Coupon (or any successor or additional agents appointed from time to time in accordance with the Conditions).
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE) WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF THE UNITED STATES.
[ On the reverse of the Coupon :]
Principal Paying Agent : The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch), One Canada Square, London E14 5AL
Paying Agent : The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A., Aerogolf Center, 1A, Hoehenhof, L-1736 Senningerberg, Luxembourg
SCHEDULE 3
PROVISIONS FOR MEETINGS OF THE NOTEHOLDERS
1. DEFINITIONS
In this Trust Deed and the Conditions, the following expressions have the following meanings:
Block Voting Instruction means, in relation to any Meeting, a document in the English language (together with, if required by applicable Italian law, a translation thereof into Italian) issued by a Paying Agent:
(a) certifying that certain specified Notes (the deposited Notes ) have been deposited with such Paying Agent (or to its order at a bank or other depositary) or blocked in an account with a clearing system, at least two Local Business Days, prior to the date fixed for the Meeting and will not be released until the earlier of:
(i) the conclusion of the Meeting; and
(ii) the surrender to such Paying Agent, not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for the Meeting (or, if the Meeting has been adjourned, the time fixed for its resumption), of the receipt for the deposited or blocked Notes and notification thereof by such Paying Agent to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee;
(b) certifying that the depositor of each deposited Note or a duly authorised person on its behalf has instructed the relevant Paying Agent in writing that the votes attributable to such deposited Note are to be cast in a particular way on each resolution to be put to the Meeting and that, during the period of 48 hours before the time fixed for the Meeting, such instructions may not be amended or revoked;
(c) listing the total number and (if in definitive form) the certificate numbers of the deposited Notes, distinguishing for each resolution between those in respect of which instructions have been given to vote for, or against, the resolution; and
(d) authorising a named individual or individuals to vote at a Meeting in respect of the deposited Notes in accordance with such instructions;
Chairman means, in relation to any Meeting, the individual who takes the chair in accordance with paragraph 7 ( Chairman );
Extraordinary Resolution means a resolution passed by the number of Voters specified in Clause 8 ( Quorum and majority required to pass Extraordinary Resolutions ) at a Meeting duly convened and held in accordance with this Schedule;
Initial Meeting means any Meeting other than a New Meeting;
Local Business Days means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks are open for business in Italy;
Meeting means a meeting of Noteholders (whether originally convened or resumed following an adjournment);
New Meeting means a Meeting convened after adjournment for want of quorum of a previous Meeting;
Noteholders Representative means a person appointed, inter alia , to represent the interests of the Noteholders ( rappresentante comune ) by an Extraordinary Resolution or by an order of a competent court at the request of one or more Noteholders or the directors of the Issuer, as described in Articles 2415, 2417 and 2418 of the Italian Civil Code;
Proxy means, in relation to any Meeting, a person appointed to vote under a Block Voting Instruction other than:
(a) any such person whose appointment has been revoked and in relation to whom the relevant Paying Agent has been notified in writing of such revocation by the time which is 48 hours before the time fixed for such Meeting;
(b) any such person appointed to vote at a Meeting which has been adjourned for want of a quorum and who has not been re-appointed to vote at the Meeting when it is resumed;
(c) any such person who is (i) a member of any management or supervisory board (including directors and Statutory Auditors ( sindaci )); or (ii) an employee of the Issuer, any Guarantor or their respective Subsidiaries; or
(d) any of the Subsidiaries of the Issuer or any Guarantor,
provided, however, that , no single Proxy may attend or vote on behalf of more than such number of Noteholders at any Meeting as would exceed the limits specified in Article 2372 of the Italian Civil Code;
Reserved Matter means any proposal:
(a) to change any date fixed for payment of principal or interest in respect of the Notes, to reduce the amount of principal or interest payable on any date in respect of the Notes or to alter the method of calculating the amount of any payment in respect of the Notes on redemption or maturity or the date for any such payment in accordance with Article 2415 No. 2 of the Italian Civil Code;
(b) to effect the exchange or substitution of the Notes for, or the conversion of the Notes into, shares, bonds or other obligations or securities of the Issuer or any other person or body corporate formed or to be formed;
(c) to change the currency in which amounts due in respect of the Notes are payable;
(d) to approve any proposal by the Issuer for any other modification of any provision of the Conditions or the Trust Deed or any arrangement in respect of the obligations of the Issuer thereunder subject to Clause 7.2 ( Modifications ) of the Trust Deed;
(e) to amend this definition; or
(f) to change the quorum requirements relating to meetings or the majority required to pass an Extraordinary Resolution;
Second Meeting means a Meeting convened after adjournment for want of quorum of an Initial Meeting;
Third Meeting means a Meeting convened after adjournment for want of quorum of a Second Meeting;
Voter means, in relation to any Meeting, the bearer of a Voting Certificate or a Proxy or, provided the by-laws of the Issuer so allow, the bearer of a definitive Note who produces such definitive Note at the Meeting;
Voting Certificate means, in relation to any Meeting, a certificate in the English language (together with, if required by applicable Italian law, a translation thereof into Italian) issued by a Paying Agent and dated in which it is stated:
(a) that certain specified Notes (the deposited Notes ) have been deposited with such Paying Agent (or to its order at a bank or other depositary) or blocked in an account with a clearing system at least two Local Business Days prior to the date fixed for the Meeting and will not be released until the earlier of:
(i) the conclusion of the Meeting; and
(ii) the surrender of such certificate to such Paying Agent; and
(b) that the bearer of such certificate, being the holder of, or having been duly authorised in writing by the depositor of, the deposited Notes, is entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting in respect of such Notes;
24 hours means a period of 24 hours including all or part of a day upon which banks are open for business in both the places where the relevant Meeting is to be held and in each of the places where the Paying Agents have their Specified Offices (disregarding for this purpose the day upon which such Meeting is to be held) and such period shall be extended by one period or, to the extent necessary, more periods of 24 hours until there is included as aforesaid all or part of a day upon which banks are open for business as aforesaid; and
48 hours means two consecutive periods of 24 hours.
2. ISSUE OF VOTING CERTIFICATES AND BLOCK VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
The holder of a Note may obtain a Voting Certificate from any Paying Agent or require any Paying Agent to issue a Block Voting Instruction by depositing such Note with such Paying Agent or arranging for such Note to be (to its satisfaction) held to its order or under its control or blocked in an account with a clearing system not later than two Local Business Days before the date fixed for the relevant Meeting. A Voting Certificate or Block Voting Instruction shall be valid until the release of the deposited Notes to which it relates. So long as a Voting Certificate or Block Voting Instruction is valid, the bearer thereof (in the case of a Voting Certificate) or any Proxy named therein (in the case of a Block Voting Instruction) shall be deemed to be the holder of the Notes to which it relates for all purposes in connection with the Meeting. A Voting Certificate and a Block Voting Instruction cannot be outstanding simultaneously in respect of the same Note.
3. REFERENCES TO DEPOSIT/RELEASE OF NOTES
Where Notes are represented by the Temporary Global Note and/or the Permanent Global Note or are held in definitive form within a clearing system, references to the deposit, or release, of Notes shall be construed in accordance with the usual practices (including blocking the relevant account) of such clearing system.
4. VALIDITY OF BLOCK VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
A Block Voting Instruction shall be valid only if it is deposited at the specified office of the relevant Paying Agent, or at some other place approved by the Trustee, at least 24 hours before the time fixed for the relevant Meeting or the Chairman decides otherwise before the Meeting proceeds to business. If the Trustee requires, a notarised copy of each Block Voting Instruction and satisfactory proof of the identity of each Proxy named therein shall be produced at the Meeting, but the Trustee shall not be obliged to investigate the validity of any Block Voting Instruction or the authority of any Proxy.
5. CONVENING OF MEETING
The directors of the Issuer, the Trustee or the Noteholders Representative may convene a Meeting at any time and the Issuer and the Noteholders Representative shall be obliged to do so upon the request in writing of Noteholders holding not less than one twentieth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (in the case of the Trustee subject to its being indemnified, secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction) provided that prior to calling any Meeting the Trustee shall be entitled to obtain and rely on such legal advice as it may deem necessary on all applicable Italian laws and regulations governing the procedure for calling and holding such Meeting and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any delay occasioned in obtaining such advice. All proper costs and expenses incurred for such legal advice provided to the Trustee shall be borne by the Issuer upon receipt of proper evidence thereof. Every meeting shall be held on a date, and at a time and place, approved by the Trustee.
6. NOTICE
At least 30 days notice to Noteholders (exclusive of the day on which the notice is given and of the day on which the relevant Meeting is to be held) specifying the date, time, place and agenda of the Meeting shall be published in Italian in the Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana or, in the newspaper specified in the by-laws of the Issuer and such notice shall be given to the Paying Agents (with a copy to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee). The notice shall further state that the Notes may be deposited with, or to the order of, any Paying Agent for the purpose of obtaining Voting Certificates or appointing Proxies not later than five days (or, such number of days as is provided for under the by-laws of the Issuer, which shall not exceed two days) before the date fixed for the Meeting. The first resolution to be proposed to Noteholders at any Meeting shall be a proposal to authorise the Trustee, the financial advisers of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee and the legal counsel to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee to attend and speak at any such meeting. The notice may also specify the date of a Second Meeting or a Third Meeting.
7. CHAIRMAN
The Chairman (who may, but need not, be a Noteholder) shall be the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Issuer or such other person as the by-laws of the Issuer may specify from time to time or, in default, the Meeting. Where the Meeting has elected the Chairman at an Initial Meeting, such person need not be the same person as the Chairman at any New Meeting.
8. QUORUM AND MAJORITY TO PASS EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTIONS
In accordance with the laws and legislation applicable to the Issuer, as a company with listed shares, a Meeting shall be validly held if attended by one or more Voters representing or holding:
(a) in the case of an Initial Meeting, more than one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes;
(b) in the case of a Second Meeting:
(i) for the purpose of considering a Reserved Matter, at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; or
(ii) for any other purposes, more than one third of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; and
(c) in the case of a Third Meeting:
(i) for the purpose of considering a Reserved Matter, at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; or
(ii) for any other purposes, at least one fifth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes.
The majority required to pass an Extraordinary Resolution shall be one or more Voters holding or representing:
(a) for voting on any matter other than a Reserved Matter, at least two thirds of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the Meeting; and
(b) for voting on a Reserved Matter, at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes.
9. ADJOURNMENT FOR WANT OF QUORUM
If within 15 minutes after the commencement of any Meeting a quorum is not present, then it shall be adjourned for such period which shall be:
(ii) the date specified in the notice to Noteholders of the Initial Meeting, not less than one day and not more than 30 days;
(iii) in all other cases, not less than 14 days and not more than 30 days.
10. ADJOURNMENT OTHER THAN FOR WANT OF QUORUM
The Chairman may, with the consent of (and shall if directed by) Voters holding or representing at least one third of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the Meeting, adjourn such Meeting from place to place provided that :
(i) any Meeting so adjourned shall take place within five days of the original date for such Meeting; and
(ii) no business shall be transacted at any Meeting so adjourned except business which might lawfully have been transacted at the Meeting from which the adjournment took place.
11. NOTICE FOLLOWING ADJOURNMENT
Where the notice to Noteholders of the Initial Meeting specifies the date for a New Meeting, no further notice need be given to Noteholders. If further notice is given to Noteholders such notice may specifically set out the quorum requirements which will apply when the Meeting resumes.
It shall not be necessary to give notice of the resumption of a Meeting which has been adjourned for any reason other than want of quorum.
12. PARTICIPATION
The following may attend and speak at a Meeting:
(a) Voters;
(b) the Noteholders Representative;
(c) any Director or Statutory Auditor ( sindaco ) of the Issuer and any Guarantor; and
(d) any other person approved by the Meeting, including representatives of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee, the financial advisers of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee and the legal counsel to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee.
13. METHOD OF VOTING
The method of voting on every question submitted to a Meeting shall be decided by the Chairman.
14. VOTES
Every Voter shall have one vote in respect of each 50,000 in aggregate face amount of the outstanding Note(s) represented or held by him. In the case of a voting tie the Chairman shall have a casting vote. Unless the terms of any Block Voting Instruction state otherwise, a Voter shall not be obliged to exercise all the votes to which he is entitled or to cast all the votes which he exercises in the same way.
15. VALIDITY OF VOTES BY PROXIES
Any vote by a Proxy in accordance with the relevant Block Voting Instruction shall be valid even if such Block Voting Instruction or any instruction pursuant to which it was given has been amended or revoked, provided that none of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee or the Chairman has been notified in writing of such amendment or revocation by the time which is 48 hours before the time fixed for the relevant Meeting. Unless revoked, any appointment of a Proxy under a Block Voting Instruction in relation to a Meeting shall remain in force in relation to any resumption of such Meeting following an adjournment; provided, however, that no such appointment of a Proxy in relation to a Meeting originally convened which has been adjourned for want of a quorum shall remain in force in relation to such Meeting when it is resumed. Any person appointed to vote at such a Meeting must be re-appointed under a Block Voting Instruction Proxy to vote at the Meeting when it is resumed.
16. POWERS
A Meeting shall have power (exercisable by Extraordinary Resolution), without prejudice to any other powers conferred on it or any other person:
(a) to approve any Reserved Matter;
(b) to waive any breach or authorise any proposed breach by the Issuer or any Guarantor of its obligations under or in respect of the Notes, the Coupons or the Trust Deed or any act or omission which might otherwise constitute an Event of Default under the Notes;
(c) to give any other authorisation or approval which under this Trust Deed or the Notes is required to be given by Extraordinary Resolution;
(d) to consider any proposal for an administration order ( amministrazione controllata ) or a composition with creditors ( concordato ) in respect of the Issuer or any similar proceedings in respect of a Guarantor;
(e) to remove any Trustee;
(f) to approve the appointment of a new Trustee;
(g) to authorise the Trustee (subject to its being indemnified and/or secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction) or any other person to execute all documents and do all things necessary to give effect to any Extraordinary Resolution;
(h) to discharge or exonerate the Trustee from any liability in respect of any act or omission for which it may become responsible under this Trust Deed or the Notes;
(i) to appoint or revoke the appointment of a Noteholders Representative;
(j) to approve the setting up of a fund for the purposes of representing the interests of Noteholders and any arrangements for the preparation of accounts in respect of such fund;
(k) to appoint any persons as a committee to represent the interests of the Noteholders and to confer upon such committee any powers which the Noteholders could themselves exercise by Extraordinary Resolution; and
(l) to consider any other matter of common interest to Noteholders.
17. EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTION BINDS ALL HOLDERS
An Extraordinary Resolution shall be binding upon all Noteholders and holders of Coupons whether or not present at such Meeting and irrespective of how their vote was cast at such Meeting (so long however as their vote was cast in accordance with these provisions) and each of the Noteholders and holders of Coupons shall be bound to give effect to it accordingly. Notice of the result of every vote on an Extraordinary Resolution shall be given to the Noteholders and the Paying Agents (with a copy to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee) within 14 days of the conclusion of the Meeting.
18. MINUTES
Minutes shall be drawn up by a notary public of all resolutions and proceedings at each Meeting. The Chairman shall sign the minutes, which shall be prima facie evidence of the proceedings recorded therein. Unless and until the contrary is proved, every such Meeting in respect of the proceedings of which minutes have been summarised and signed shall be deemed to have been duly convened and held and all resolutions passed or proceedings transacted at it to have been duly passed and transacted. The minutes shall be held in the minute book of meetings of Noteholders ( libro delle adunanze e delle deliberazioni delle assemblee degli obbligazionisti ) and be registered at the local companies registry ( registro delle imprese ) of the Issuer.
19. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW
All the provisions set out in this Schedule 3 are subject to compliance with the laws, legislation, rules and regulations of the Republic of Italy in force from time to time, including, where such laws, legislation, rules and regulations so require, the Issuers by-laws. Such provisions shall be deemed to be amended, replaced and/or supplemented to the extent that such laws, legislation, rules and regulations are amended, replaced and/or supplemented at any time while the Notes remain outstanding.
20. FURTHER REGULATIONS
Subject to all other provisions contained in this Trust Deed, the Trustee may without the consent of the Noteholders (but, for the avoidance of doubt, with the agreement of the Issuer) prescribe such further regulations regarding the holding of Meetings of Noteholders and attendance and voting at them as the Trustee may in its sole discretion determine.
EXECUTION CLAUSES
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A
.
acting by
By:
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
GTECH CORPORATION
acting by
By:
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
acting by
By:
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
acting by
By:
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
LOTTOMATICA INTERNATIONAL HUNGARY
KORLÁTOLT FELELŐSSÉGŰ TÁRSASÁG
acting by
By:
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
INVEST GAMES S.A.
acting by
By:
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
BNY CORPORATE TRUSTEE SERVICES LIMITED
acting by two of its lawful Attorneys
Attorney
Attorney
In the presence of:
Witness:
Name:
Address:
Exhibit 10.3
EXECUTION VERSION
Dated 2 December 2010
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
as Issuer
and
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
INVEST GAMES S.A.
as Guarantors
and
BNY CORPORATE TRUSTEE SERVICES LIMITED
as Trustee
500,000,000
5.375 PER CENT. GUARANTEED NOTES DUE 2 FEBRUARY 2018
TRUST DEED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Clause |
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Page |
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1. |
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
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1 |
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2. |
COVENANT TO REPAY |
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6 |
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3. |
THE NOTES |
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7 |
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4. |
GUARANTEES |
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8 |
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5. |
COVENANT TO COMPLY WITH TRUST DEED AND SCHEDULES |
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10 |
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6. |
COVENANTS BY THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS |
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10 |
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7. |
AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS |
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16 |
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8. |
ENFORCEMENT |
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17 |
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9. |
APPLICATION OF MONIES |
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17 |
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10. |
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT |
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19 |
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11. |
COSTS AND EXPENSES |
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24 |
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12. |
APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT |
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26 |
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13. |
NOTICES |
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28 |
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14. |
NOTEHOLDERS REPRESENTATIVE |
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29 |
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15. |
FURTHER ISSUES |
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30 |
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16. |
LAW AND JURISDICTION |
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30 |
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17. |
SEVERABILITY |
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31 |
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18. |
CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT 1999 |
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31 |
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19. |
COUNTERPARTS |
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31 |
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SCHEDULE 1 |
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32 |
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Part A Form Of Temporary Global Note |
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32 |
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Part B Form Of Permanent Global Note |
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42 |
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SCHEDULE 2 |
|
49 |
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Part A Form Of Definitive Note |
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49 |
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Part B Terms and Conditions of the Notes |
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52 |
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Part C Form of Coupon |
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69 |
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|
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SCHEDULE 3 PROVISIONS FOR MEETINGS OF THE NOTEHOLDERS |
|
70 |
THIS TRUST DEED is made on 2 December 2010
BETWEEN:
(1) LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A . (the Issuer );
(2) GTECH CORPORATION , GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION , GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION and INVEST GAMES S.A. (each a Guarantor and together, the Guarantors ); and
(3) BNY CORPORATE TRUSTEE SERVICES LIMITED (the Trustee , which expression includes, where the context admits, all persons for the time being the trustee or trustees of this Trust Deed).
WHEREAS:
(A) The Issuer has authorised the creation and issue of 500,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2 February 2018 (the Notes ) to be constituted under this Trust Deed.
(B) The Guarantors have authorised the giving of their guarantees (the Guarantees ) in relation to the Notes.
(C) The Trustee has agreed to act as trustee of this Trust Deed on the following terms and conditions.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES AND IT IS HEREBY DECLARED as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions
In this Trust Deed the following expressions have the following meanings:
Agency Agreement means the agreement appointing the initial Paying Agents and any other agreement for the time being in force appointing successor paying agents, together with any agreement for the time being in force amending or modifying with the prior written approval of the Trustee any of the aforesaid agreements;
Appointee means any delegate, agent, nominee or custodian appointed pursuant to the provisions of this Trust Deed;
Auditors means the auditors for the time being of the Issuer or, in the event of any of them being unable or unwilling to carry out any action requested of them pursuant to this Trust Deed, means such other firm of independent auditors as may be nominated in writing by the Trustee for the purpose;
Authorised Signatory means:
(a) in relation to the Issuer, any director or any other person or persons notified in writing to the Trustee by any director as being an Authorised Signatory pursuant to Clause 6.2(h) ( Chief Financial Officer and Authorised Signatories ); and
(b) in relation to any Guarantor, any director of such Guarantor or an officer (in the case of a Guarantor which is domiciled in the United States), or any other person or persons notified in writing to the Trustee by any director of such Guarantor as being an Authorised Signatory pursuant to Clause 6.2(h) ( Chief Financial Officer and Authorised Signatories );
Chief Financial Officer means Chief Financial Officer of the Issuer notified to the Trustee pursuant to 6.2(h) ( Chief Financial Officer and Authorised Signatories );
Clearstream, Luxembourg means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ;
Conditions means the terms and conditions set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Notes ) as from time to time modified in accordance with this Trust Deed and, with respect to any Notes represented by a Global Note, as modified by the provisions of the Global Note. Any reference to a particularly numbered Condition shall be construed accordingly;
Couponholder means the holder of a Coupon;
Coupons means the bearer interest coupons in or substantially in the form set out in Part C of Schedule 2 ( Form of Coupon ) appertaining to the Notes and for the time being outstanding or as the context may require a specific number thereof and includes any replacement Coupons issued pursuant to Condition 10 ( Replacement of Notes and Coupons );
Euroclear means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.;
Eurosystem-eligible new Global Note means a Global Note which is held in a manner which would allow Eurosystem eligibility, as stated in the applicable Conditions;
Event of Default means any one of the circumstances described in Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) but (in the case of the occurrence of any of the events mentioned in paragraphs (b) ( Breach of other obligations ), (d) ( Unsatisfied judgment ), (e) ( Security enforced ), (h) ( Analogous event ) (only in relation to the events referred to in paragraphs (d) and (e) of Condition 8 ( Events of Default )), (i) ( Failure to take action, etc .) or (j) ( Unlawfulness ) thereof and, in relation only to a Material Subsidiary (which is not a Guarantor), paragraphs (c) ( Cross-default of Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary ) or (g) ( Winding up, etc. )) only if such event is, pursuant to the provisions of Condition 8 ( Events of Default ), certified by the Trustee in writing to be, in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interests of Noteholders;
Extraordinary Resolution has the meaning set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders );
Global Note(s) mean the Temporary Global Note and Permanent Global Note, as the context may require, to be issued pursuant to Clause 3.1 ( Global Notes );
Liabilities means any loss, damage, cost, charge, claim, demand, expense, judgment, action, proceeding or other liability whatsoever (including, without limitation, in respect of taxes, duties, levies, imposts and other charges) and including any value added tax or similar tax charged or chargeable in respect thereof and legal fees and expenses on a full indemnity basis;
Material Subsidiary has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Noteholder means the bearer of a Note, save that, for so long as any of the Notes is represented by a Global Note and such Global Note is held on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or, in respect of any Note in definitive form held in an account with Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, each person (other than Clearstream, Luxembourg, if Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be an accountholder of Euroclear, and Euroclear, if Euroclear shall be an accountholder of Clearstream, Luxembourg) who is for the time being shown in the records of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg as the holder of a particular principal amount of such Note shall be treated as the holder of that principal amount for all purposes (including but not limited to for the purposes of any quorum requirements of, or the right to demand a poll, meetings of the Noteholders and giving notice to the Issuer pursuant to Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) and Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholder )) other than with respect to the payment of principal and interest on such Note, the right to which shall be vested, as against the Issuer, solely in the bearer thereof in accordance with and subject to its terms and the provisions of these presents; and the word holder and related expressions shall (where appropriate) be construed accordingly;
Notes means the bearer notes in the denomination of 50,000 each comprising the 500,000,000 5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2 February 2018 constituted under this Trust Deed in or substantially in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Note ), and for the time being outstanding or, as the case may be, a specific number thereof and includes any replacement Notes issued pursuant to Condition 10 ( Replacement of Notes and Coupons ) and (except for the purposes of Clause 3.1 ( Global Notes ) and 3.3 ( Signature )) the Global Note for so long as it has not been exchanged in accordance with the terms thereof;
outstanding means, in relation to the Notes, all the Notes other than:
(a) those which have been redeemed in accordance with this Trust Deed and the Conditions;
(b) those in respect of which the date for redemption has occurred in accordance with the Conditions and for which the redemption monies (including all interest accrued thereon to the date for such redemption) have been duly paid to the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent in the manner provided for in the Agency Agreement (and, where appropriate, notice to that effect has been given to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices )) and remain available for payment in accordance with the Conditions;
(c) those which have been purchased and surrendered for cancellation as provided in Condition 5(g) ( Cancellation ) and written notice of the cancellation of which has been given to the Trustee;
(d) those which have become void under Condition 9 ( Prescription );
(e) those mutilated or defaced Notes which have been surrendered or cancelled and in respect of which replacement Notes have been issued pursuant to Condition 10 ( Replacement of Notes and Coupons );
(f) (for the purpose only of ascertaining the amount of the Notes outstanding and without prejudice to the status for any other purpose of the relevant Notes) those Notes which are alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed and in respect of which replacements have been issued pursuant to Condition 10 ( Replacement of Notes and Coupons ); or
(g) the Temporary Global Note to the extent that it shall have been exchanged for the Permanent Global Note pursuant to its provisions and the Permanent Global Note to the extent that it shall have been exchanged for definitive Notes pursuant to its provisions,
provided that for each of the following purposes, namely:
(i) the determination of the right to attend and vote at any meeting of Noteholders for the purposes of Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) and the right to request the Trustee to take action pursuant to Clause 8 ( Enforcement );
(ii) the determination of how many and which Notes are for the time being outstanding for the purposes of Clauses 8.1 ( Legal Proceedings ) and 7.1 ( Waiver ), the Conditions and Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders );
(iii) the exercise of any discretion, power or authority, whether contained in this Trust Deed or provided by law, which the Trustee is required to exercise in or by reference to the interests of the Noteholders or any of them; and
(iv) the determination by the Trustee whether any event, circumstance, matter or thing, is in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders or any of them,
those Notes (if any) which are for the time being held by any person (including but not limited to the Issuer, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries) for the benefit of the Issuer, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries shall (unless and until ceasing to be so held) be deemed not to remain outstanding;
Paying Agents means the several institutions (including, where the context permits, the Principal Paying Agent) at their respective Specified Offices initially appointed pursuant to the Agency Agreement and/or, if applicable, any Successor paying agents, at their respective Specified Offices;
Permanent Global Note means the Permanent Global Note to be issued pursuant to Clause 3.1 ( Global Notes ) in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 1 ( Form of Permanent Global Note );
Permitted Restructuring has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Potential Event of Default means an event or circumstance which could, with the giving of notice, lapse of time, the issuing of a certificate and/or fulfilment of any other requirement provided for in Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) become an Event of Default;
Principal Paying Agent means the institution at its Specified Office initially appointed as principal paying agent pursuant to the Agency Agreement or, if applicable, any Successor principal paying agent at its Specified Office;
Put Event has the meaning given to it in Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders );
Repay shall include redeem and vice versa and repaid , repayable , repayment , redeemed , redeemable and redemption shall be construed accordingly;
Specified Office means, in relation to any Paying Agent, either the office identified with its name in the Conditions or any other office notified to any relevant parties pursuant to the Agency Agreement;
Subsidiary has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Substituted Obligor has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Successor means, in relation to the Paying Agents, such other or further person, as may from time to time be appointed pursuant to the Agency Agreement as a Paying Agent and written notice of whose appointment is given to the Trustee and the Noteholders pursuant to Clause 6.1(k) ( Change of Paying Agents );
TARGET System means the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET 2) System which was launched on 19 November 2007 or any successor thereto;
Temporary Global Note means the Temporary Global Note to be issued pursuant to Clause 3.1 ( Global Notes ) in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 1 ( Form of Temporary Global Note );
this Trust Deed means this Trust Deed and the Schedules (as from time to time modified in accordance with the provisions contained herein) and (unless the context requires otherwise) includes any deed or other document executed in accordance with the provisions hereof (as from time to time modified as aforesaid) and expressed to be supplemental hereto; and
Trustee Acts means both the Trustee Act 1925 and the Trustee Act 2000 of England and Wales.
1.2 Principles of interpretation
In this Trust Deed references to:
(a) Statutory modification : a provision of any statute shall be deemed also to refer to any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof or any statutory instrument, order or regulation made thereunder or under such modification or re-enactment;
(b) Additional amounts : principal and/or interest in respect of the Notes shall be deemed also to include references to any additional amounts which may be payable under Condition 7 ( Taxation );
(c) Tax : costs, charges or expenses shall include any value added tax or similar tax charged or chargeable in respect thereof;
(d) Currency abbreviation : references to or euro are to the single currency introduced at the start of the third stage of European Economic and Monetary Union pursuant to the Treaty establishing the European Community, as amended;
(e) Enforcement of rights : an action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings for the enforcement of rights of creditors shall include, in respect of any jurisdiction other than England, references to such action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings for the enforcement of rights of creditors available or appropriate in such jurisdictions as shall most nearly approximate thereto;
(f) Clauses and Schedules : a Schedule, a Clause or sub-clause, paragraph or sub-paragraph is, unless otherwise stated, to a schedule hereto or a clause or sub-clause, paragraph or sub-paragraph hereof respectively;
(g) Principal : principal shall, when applicable, include premium;
(h) Clearing systems : Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall, wherever the context so admits, be deemed to include references to any additional or alternative clearing system approved by the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee;
(i) Trust Corporation : a trust corporation denotes a corporation entitled by rules made under the Public Trustee Act 1906 to act as a custodian trustee or entitled pursuant to any other legislation applicable to a trustee in any jurisdiction other than England to act as trustee and carry on trust business under the laws of the country of its incorporation; and
(j) Gender : words denoting the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender also, words denoting individuals shall include companies, corporations and partnerships and words importing the singular number only shall include the plural and in each case vice versa .
1.3 The Conditions
In this Trust Deed, unless the context requires or the same are otherwise defined, words and expressions defined in the Conditions and not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning in this Trust Deed.
1.4 Headings
The headings and sub-headings are for ease of reference only and shall not affect the construction of this Trust Deed.
1.5 The Schedules
The Schedules are part of this Trust Deed and shall have effect accordingly.
2. COVENANT TO REPAY
2.1 Covenant to repay
The Issuer covenants with the Trustee that it will, as and when the Notes or any of them become due to be redeemed or any principal on the Notes or any of them becomes due to be repaid in accordance with the Conditions, unconditionally pay or procure to be paid to or to the order of the Trustee in euro in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System in same day freely transferable funds the principal amount of the Notes or any of them becoming due for redemption or repayment on that date and shall (subject to the provisions of the Conditions) until all such payments (both before and after judgment or other order) are duly made unconditionally pay or procure to be paid to or to the order of the Trustee as aforesaid on the dates and at the rates provided for in the Conditions interest on the principal amount of the Notes or any of them outstanding from time to time as set out in the Conditions provided that :
(a) every payment of principal or interest in respect of the Notes or any of them made to the Principal Paying Agent in the manner provided in the Agency Agreement shall satisfy, to the extent of such payment, the relevant covenant by the Issuer contained in this Clause 2 ( Covenant to Repay ) except to the extent that there is default in the subsequent payment thereof to the Noteholders or Couponholders (as the case may be) in accordance with the Conditions;
(b) if any payment of principal or interest in respect of the Notes or any of them is made after the due date, payment shall be deemed not to have been made until either the full amount is paid to the Noteholders or Couponholders (as the case may be) or, if earlier, the seventh day after notice has been given to the Noteholders or Couponholders (as the case may be) in accordance with the Conditions that the full amount has been received by the Principal Paying Agent or the Trustee except, in the case of payment to the Principal Paying Agent, to the extent that there is failure in the subsequent payment to the Noteholders or Couponholders (as the case may be) under the Conditions; and
(c) in any case where payment of the whole or any part of the principal amount due in respect of any Note is improperly withheld or refused upon due presentation (if so provided for in the Conditions) of the Note, interest shall accrue on the whole or such part of such principal amount from the date of such withholding or refusal until the date either on which such principal amount due is paid to the Noteholders or, if earlier, the seventh day after which notice is given to the Noteholders in accordance with the Conditions that the full amount payable in respect of the said principal amount is available for collection by the Noteholders provided that on further due presentation thereof (if so provided for in the Conditions) such payment is in fact made.
The Trustee will hold the benefit of this covenant and the covenant in Clause 5 ( Covenant to comply with Trust Deed and Schedules ) on trust for the Noteholders and Couponholders.
2.2 Following an Event of Default
At any time after any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default shall have occurred, the Trustee may:
(a) by notice in writing to the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Principal Paying Agent and the other Paying Agents require the Principal Paying Agent and the other Paying Agents or any of them:
(i) to act thereafter, until otherwise instructed by the Trustee, as Paying Agents of the Trustee under the provisions of this Trust Deed and the Notes on the terms provided in the Agency Agreement (with consequential amendments as necessary and save that the Trustees liability under any provisions thereof for the indemnification, remuneration and payment of out-of-pocket expenses of the Paying Agents shall be limited to amounts for the time being held by the Trustee on the trusts of this Trust Deed in relation to the Notes on the terms of this Trust Deed and available to the Trustee for such purpose) and thereafter to hold all Notes and Coupons and all sums, documents and records held by them in respect of Notes and Coupons on behalf of the Trustee; and/or
(ii) to deliver up all Notes and Coupons and all sums, documents and records held by them in respect of Notes and Coupons to the Trustee or as the Trustee shall direct in such notice provided that such notice shall be deemed not to apply to any document or record which the relevant Paying Agent is obliged not to release by any law or regulation; and
(b) by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Guarantors require each of them to make all subsequent payments in respect of Notes and Coupons to or to the order of the Trustee and with effect from the issue of any such notice until such notice is withdrawn, sub-clause 2.1(a) of Clause 2.1 ( Covenant to Repay ) and (so far as it concerns payments by the Issuer or any Guarantor) Clause 9.4 ( Payment to Noteholders and Couponholders ) shall cease to have effect.
3. THE NOTES
3.1 Global Notes
(a) The Notes will initially be represented by the Temporary Global Note in the principal amount of 500,000,000. Interests in the Temporary Global Note shall be exchangeable, in accordance with its terms, for interests in the Permanent Global Note.
(b) The Permanent Global Note shall be exchangeable, in accordance with its terms, for Notes in definitive form.
3.2 The definitive Notes
The definitive Notes and the Coupons will be security printed in accordance with applicable legal and stock exchange requirements substantially in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Note ). The definitive Notes will be endorsed with the Conditions.
3.3 Signature
The Global Notes, the Notes and the Coupons will be signed manually or in facsimile by an Authorised Signatory of the Issuer and, in the case of the Global Notes, will be authenticated manually by or on behalf of the Principal Paying Agent. The Global Notes will be effectuated by the common safekeeper acting on the instructions of the Principal Paying Agent. The Issuer may use the facsimile signature of a person who at the date of this Trust Deed is such a duly authorised person even if at the time of issue of any Notes and/or Coupons he is no longer so authorised. Notes and Coupons so executed, authenticated (in the case of Notes) and effectuated (in the case of Global Notes) will be binding and valid obligations of the Issuer.
3.4 Entitlement to treat holder as owner
The Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and any Paying Agent may deem and treat the holder of any Note or of a particular principal amount of the Notes and the holder of any Coupon as the absolute owner of such Note, principal amount or Coupon, as the case may be (whether or not such Note,
principal amount or Coupon shall be overdue and regardless of any notice of ownership, trust or interest therein, any writing thereon or any notice of previous loss or theft of such Note or Coupon) for all purposes and, except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by applicable law, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Paying Agents shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary. All payments made to any such holder shall be valid and, to the extent of the sums so paid, effective to satisfy and discharge the liability for the monies payable upon such Note, principal amount or Coupon, as the case may be.
4. GUARANTEES
4.1 Guarantee and Indemnity
Each Guarantor hereby absolutely, jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably and, notwithstanding the release of any other guarantor or any other person under the terms of any composition or arrangement with any creditors of the Issuer, as a continuing obligation guarantees to the Trustee:
(a) the payment of all sums expressed to be payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement or in respect of the Notes and Coupons, as and when the same becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon early redemption, upon acceleration or otherwise; and
(b) the punctual performance by the Issuer of all of the Issuers obligations under the Notes and the Coupons, under this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement,
in each case, according to the terms of the Notes and Coupons, this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement. In case of the failure of the Issuer to pay any such sum as and when the same shall become due and payable, each Guarantor hereby agrees to cause such payment to be made as and when the same becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon early redemption, upon acceleration or otherwise, as if such payment were made by the Issuer. In case of the failure of the Issuer to perform any such other obligation as and when the same shall become due for performance, each Guarantor hereby agrees to use its best efforts to procure the performance of such other obligation as and when the same becomes due for performance.
4.2 Guarantors as principal debtors
Each Guarantor agrees, as an independent primary obligation, that it shall pay to the Trustee on demand sums sufficient to indemnify the Trustee and each Noteholder and Couponholder against any loss sustained by the Trustee or such Noteholder or Couponholder by reason of:
(a) the non payment as and when the same shall become due and payable of any sum expressed to be payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement or in respect of the Notes and Coupons; or
(b) the non-performance as and when the same shall become due for performance of any other obligation expressed to be assumed by the Issuer in this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement or in respect of the Notes and Coupons,
in each case, whether by reason of any of the obligations expressed to be assumed by the Issuer in this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement or the Notes being or becoming void, voidable or unenforceable for any reason, whether or not known to the Trustee or such Noteholder or Couponholder or for any other reason whatsoever.
4.3 Unconditional payment
If the Issuer defaults in the payment of any sum expressed to be payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement or in respect of the Notes or Coupons as and when the same shall
become due and payable, the Guarantors shall within five Business Days of receipt of demand unconditionally pay or procure to be paid to or to the order of the Trustee in euro in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System in immediately available freely transferable funds the amount in respect of which such default has been made; provided that every payment of such amount made by any Guarantor to the Principal Paying Agent in the manner provided in the Agency Agreement shall be deemed to cure pro tanto such default by the Issuer and shall be deemed for the purposes of this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) to have been paid to or for the account of the Trustee except to the extent that there is failure in the subsequent payment of such amount to the Noteholders and Couponholders in accordance with the Conditions, and everything so paid by any Guarantor in accordance with the Agency Agreement shall have the same effect as if it had been paid thereunder by the Issuer.
4.4 Unconditional obligation
Each Guarantor agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, and that each Guarantor shall be fully liable irrespective of the validity, regularity, legality or enforceability of this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement or any Note or Coupon, or any change in or amendment hereto or thereto, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver, authorisation or consent by any Noteholder or Couponholder or by the Trustee with respect to any provision of this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement or the Notes, the obtaining of any judgment against the Issuer or any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defence of a guarantor.
4.5 Guarantors obligations continuing
Each Guarantor waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest or notice with respect to any Note or the indebtedness evidenced thereby and all demands whatsoever. Each Guarantor agrees that the guarantee and indemnity contained in this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) is a continuing guarantee and indemnity and shall remain in full force and effect until all amounts due as principal, interest or otherwise in respect of the Notes or Coupons or under this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement shall have been paid in full and that it shall not be discharged by anything other than a complete performance of the obligations contained in this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement and the Notes and Coupons.
The Trustee may determine from time to time whether or not it will enforce this guarantee which it may do without making any demand or taking any proceedings against the Issuer and may from time to time make any arrangement or compromise with the Guarantors in relation to this guarantee which the Trustee may consider expedient in the interests of the Noteholders.
4.6 Subrogation of Guarantors rights
Each Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Noteholders against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid by such Guarantor pursuant hereto; provided that no Guarantor shall without the consent of the Trustee be entitled to enforce, or to receive any payments arising out of or based upon or prove in any insolvency or winding up of the Issuer in respect of, such right of subrogation until such time as the principal of and interest on all outstanding Notes and Coupons and all other amounts due under this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement and the Notes and Coupons have been paid in full. Furthermore, until such time as aforesaid, no Guarantor shall take any security or counter indemnity from the Issuer in respect of such Guarantors obligations under this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ).
4.7 Repayment to the Issuer
If any payment received by the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent pursuant to the provisions of this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement or the Conditions shall, on the subsequent bankruptcy, insolvency, corporate reorganisation or other similar event affecting the Issuer, be avoided, reduced, invalidated or
set aside under any laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, corporate reorganisation or other similar events, such payment shall not be considered as discharging or diminishing the liability of any Guarantor whether as guarantor, principal debtor or indemnifier and the guarantee and indemnity contained in this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) shall continue to apply as if such payment had at all times remained owing by the Issuer and each Guarantor shall indemnify and keep indemnified the Trustee and the Noteholders on the terms of the guarantee and indemnity contained in this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ).
4.8 Suspense account
Any amount received or recovered by the Trustee from the Guarantors in respect of any sum payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed or the Notes or the Coupons may be placed in a suspense account and kept there for so long as the Trustee thinks fit.
Until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed have been irrevocably paid in full, the Trustee may refrain from applying or enforcing any other monies, security or rights held or received by the Trustee in respect of those amounts, or apply and enforce the same in such manner and order as it sees fit (whether against those amounts or otherwise) and the Guarantors shall not be entitled to the benefit of the same.
4.9 U.S. Guarantee Limitations
Each Guarantor organised or incorporated under the laws of any state of the United States of America or the District of Columbia confirms that it is the intention of all such persons that the obligations of each Guarantor organised or incorporated under the laws of any state of the United States of America or the District of Columbia under this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) do not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for the purposes of any proceeding of the type referred to in Condition 8(f) ( Insolvency, etc. ) or Condition 8(g) ( Winding up, etc. ) or Title 11, U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the United States Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the United States Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar foreign or state law, to the extent applicable to the obligations of such Guarantor under this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ). To effect the foregoing intention, the Issuer, Trustee and each Guarantor hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each such Guarantor at any time shall be limited to the maximum amount as will result in the obligations of such Guarantor under this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.
5. COVENANT TO COMPLY WITH TRUST DEED AND SCHEDULES
The Issuer and each Guarantor hereby covenants with the Trustee to comply with those provisions of this Trust Deed and the Conditions which are expressed to be binding on it and to perform and observe the same. The Trustee shall be entitled to enforce the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes and the Coupons as if the same were set out and contained in the Trust Deed, which shall be read and construed as one document with the Notes and the Coupons. The Notes and the Coupons are subject to the provisions contained in this Trust Deed, all of which shall be binding upon the Issuer, each Guarantor, the Noteholders and the Couponholders and all persons claiming through or under them respectively.
6. COVENANTS BY THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS
6.1 The Issuer hereby covenants with the Trustee that, so long as any of the Notes remain outstanding, it will:
(a) Business
at all times carry on business, and procure that all its Material Subsidiaries carry on business, in a proper and efficient manner;
(b) Books of account
at all times keep and procure that all its Material Subsidiaries keep such books of account as may be necessary to comply with all applicable laws and so as to enable the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer to be prepared and allow the Trustee and any person appointed by it free access to the same at all reasonable times and to discuss the same with responsible officers of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Material Subsidiaries;
(c) Financial statements
send to the Trustee and to the Principal Paying Agent in the English language (a) as soon as the same become available and in any event no later than 30 days following the approval of its year-end consolidated financial statements by its shareholders, ten copies of its consolidated financial statements for such year, approved by its shareholders and audited by an internationally recognised firm of independent auditors; and (b) as soon as the same becomes available and in any event no later than 30 days following the approval of its six-monthly interim consolidated financial statements by its board of directors, ten copies of its consolidated financial statements for such six month period, approved by its board of directors and subject to a limited review by an internationally recognised firm of independent auditors together with copies of every report or other notice, statement or circular issued (or which under any legal or contractual obligation should be issued) to its members or holders of debentures or creditors (or any class of them) in their capacity as such at the time of the actual (or legally or contractually required) issue or publication thereof and procure that the same are made available for inspection by Noteholders and Couponholders at the Specified Offices of the Paying Agents as soon as practicable thereafter;
(d) Certificate in relation to Material Subsidiaries
give to the Trustee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the acquisition or disposal of any Subsidiary which thereby becomes or ceases to be a Material Subsidiary or after any transfer is made to any Subsidiary which thereby becomes a Material Subsidiary, a certificate by the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories to such effect; such certificate shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and all Noteholders;
(e) Notices to Noteholders
send or procure to be sent to the Trustee not less than three days prior to the date of publication, for the Trustees approval, one copy of each notice to be given to the Noteholders in accordance with the Conditions and not publish such notice without such approval and, upon publication, send to the Trustee two copies of such notice (such approval, unless so expressed, not to constitute approval of such notice for the purpose of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000);
(f) Notification of non-payment
use its reasonable endeavours to procure that the Principal Paying Agent notifies the Trustee in writing forthwith in the event that it does not, on or before the due date for payment in respect of the Notes or any of them or any of the Coupons, receive unconditionally the full amount in the relevant currency of the monies payable on such due date on all such Notes or Coupons, as the case may be;
(g) Notification of late payment
in the event of the unconditional payment to the Principal Paying Agent or the Trustee of any sum due in respect of the Notes or any of them or any of the Coupons being made after the due date for payment thereof, forthwith give notice to the Noteholders that such payment has been made;
(h) Notification of redemption or repayment
not less than the number of days specified in the relevant Condition prior to the redemption or repayment date in respect of any Note, give to the Trustee notice in writing of the amount of such redemption or repayment pursuant to the Conditions and duly proceed to redeem or repay such Note accordingly;
(i) Notification of Put Event
promptly upon the Issuer becoming aware that a Put Event has occurred, the Issuer shall give notice of such event to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) specifying the nature of the Put Event and circumstances giving rise to it and the procedure for exercising the Put Option contained in Condition 5(c) ( Redemption of the option of Noteholders ). Failure by the Issuer to give such notice shall not affect the rights of the Noteholders pursuant to Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of Noteholders );
(j) Tax redemption
if the Issuer gives notice to the Trustee that it intends to redeem the Notes pursuant to Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ) the Issuer shall, prior to giving such notice to the Noteholders, provide such information to the Trustee as the Trustee requires in order to satisfy itself of the matters referred to in such Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons );
(k) Change of Paying Agents
give notice to the Noteholders and to the Trustee of any appointment, resignation or removal of any Paying Agent after having obtained the written approval of the Trustee thereto, or of any change of any Paying Agents Specified Office and at least 30 days prior to such event occurring, in each case subject to the terms of the Agency Agreement;
(l) Obligations of Paying Agents
observe and comply with and perform all its obligations under the Agency Agreement, use all reasonable endeavours to procure that the Paying Agents observe, comply with and perform all their obligations under the Agency Agreement and notify the Trustee immediately if it becomes aware of any material breach of such obligations, or failure by a Paying Agent to comply with such obligations, in relation to the Notes or Coupons and not make any amendment or modification to such Agency Agreement without the prior written approval of the Trustee; and
(m) Listing
at all times use all reasonable endeavours to maintain the listing of the Notes on the official list of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and maintain the trading of the Notes on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange or, if it is unable to do so having used all reasonable endeavours or if the maintenance of such listing and/or trading is agreed by the Trustee to be unduly burdensome or impractical, use reasonable endeavours to obtain and maintain a quotation or listing of the Notes on such other stock exchange or exchanges and/or trading of the Notes on such other securities market or markets as the Issuer and the Guarantors may (with the approval of the Trustee, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) decide and give notice of the identity of such other stock exchange or exchanges and/or securities market or markets to the Noteholders.
6.2 Each of the Issuer and the Guarantors hereby covenants with the Trustee that, so long as any of the Notes remain outstanding it will:
(a) Event of Default
give notice in writing to the Trustee forthwith upon becoming aware of any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default and without waiting for the Trustee to take any further action;
(b) Certificate of compliance
provide to the Trustee within ten days of any request by the Trustee and at the time of the despatch to the Trustee of the Issuers year-end consolidated financial statements as provided for in Clause 6.1(c) ( Financial statements ), and in any event not later than 30 days following the approval of the year-end consolidated financial statements of the Issuer by its shareholders, a certificate in the English language signed by the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer and two Authorised Signatories of the Guarantors certifying that up to a specified date not earlier than seven days prior to the date of such certificate (the Certified Date ) the Issuer and the Guarantors have complied with all provisions relating to the Issuer and the Guarantors as specified under this Trust Deed and/or the Conditions (or, if such is not the case, giving details of the circumstances of such non-compliance) and that as at such date there did not exist nor had there existed at any time prior thereto since the Certified Date in respect of the previous such certificate (or, in the case of the first such certificate, since the date of this Trust Deed) any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default or other matter which would affect the Issuers or each Guarantors ability to perform its obligations under this Trust Deed or (if such is not the case) specifying the same;
(c) Accounts in relation to Material Subsidiaries
ensure that such accounts are prepared as may be necessary to determine which Subsidiaries of the Issuer are Material Subsidiaries and procure that the Auditors prepare and deliver to the Trustee at the time of issue of every audited consolidated balance sheet of the Issuer and at any other time upon the request of the Trustee a certificate or report specifying the Material Subsidiaries at the date of such balance sheet or request;
(d) Information
so far as permitted by applicable law, at all times give to the Trustee such information, opinions, certificates and other evidence as it shall require and in such form as it shall require (including, without limitation, the certificates called for by the Trustee pursuant to Clause 6.2(b) ( Certificate of compliance ) for the performance of its functions;
(e) Notes held by Issuer, the Guarantors or any Subsidiary
send to the Trustee forthwith upon being so requested in writing by the Trustee a certificate of the Issuer or, as the case may be, the relevant Guarantor (in each case signed on their behalf by, with respect to the Issuer, the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories, and, with respect to a Guarantor, two Authorised Signatories) setting out the total number of Notes which at the date of such certificate are held by or for the benefit of the Issuer, such Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries;
(f) Execution of further Documents
so far as permitted by applicable law, at all times execute all such further documents and do all such further acts and things as may be necessary at any time or times in the opinion of the Trustee to give effect to the provisions of this Trust Deed;
(g) Permitted Restructuring
(i) in the event of a Permitted Restructuring whereby the Substituted Obligor assumes all the assets and liabilities of a Guarantor and assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee:
(A) on or prior to such Permitted Restructuring, ensure the Substituted Obligor enters into a supplemental deed in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee agreeing to be bound by this Trust Deed and the Notes (with consequential amendments as the Trustee may deem appropriate) (the
Supplemental Deed ) as if such Substituted Obligor had been named in this Trust Deed and the Notes as a Guarantor,
(B) on or prior to such Permitted Restructuring, ensure the Substituted Obligor enters into a supplemental agreement in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee and the Paying Agents agreeing to be bound by the Agency Agreement (with consequential amendments as the Paying Agents and the Trustee may deem appropriate) (the Supplemental Agency Agreement ) as if such Substituted Obligor had been named in the Agency Agreement as a Guarantor,
(C) where the Substituted Obligor is incorporated, domiciled or resident in, or subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of, a territory other than Republic of Italy, the United States or Luxembourg, ensure the Substituted Obligor provides undertakings or covenants in the Supplemental Deed in terms corresponding to the terms of Condition 7 ( Taxation ) with the substitution for (or, as the case may be, the addition to) the references therein to the Republic of Italy, the United States or Luxembourg, as the case may be, of references to that other or additional territory to whose taxing jurisdiction, or that of a political subdivision thereof or an authority therein or thereof having power to tax, such Guarantor is subject as aforesaid, the Supplemental Deed also, to the extent required, to modify Condition 7 ( Taxation ) so that such Condition 7 ( Taxation ) shall make reference to that other or additional territory or any political subdivision thereof or any authority therein or thereof having power to tax;
(D) ensure the Substituted Obligor provides the Trustee with a certificate signed by two directors, or authorised signatories of the Substituted Obligor (or other officers acceptable to the Trustee) addressed to the Trustee (with a form and content satisfactory to the Trustee) certifying that it is solvent both at the time the Permitted Restructuring takes place and immediately thereafter (which certificate the Trustee may rely upon absolutely) and if so, provided the Trustee shall not be under any duty to have regard to the financial condition, profits or prospects of the Substituted Obligor or to compare the same with those of the relevant Guarantor;
(E) procure the delivery of a legal opinion as to English and any other relevant law, addressed to the Trustee, dated the date of the Supplemental Deed and in a form acceptable to the Trustee from legal advisers acceptable to the Trustee as to the enforceability of the guarantee to be given by the Substituted Obligor and all other obligations assumed by it under the Supplemental Deed and Supplemental Agency Agreement;
(F) prior to the date of the Permitted Restructuring, procure the delivery of a legal opinion as to English and any other relevant law, addressed to the Trustee, dated the date of the Permitted Restructuring confirming that (1) all the assets and liabilities of the relevant Guarantor have been assumed by the Substituted Obligor, and (2) all the obligations of the relevant Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee have been assumed by the Substituted Obligor, and in a form acceptable to the Trustee from legal advisers acceptable to the Trustee; and
(G) comply with, and ensure the Substituted Obligor complies with, all other requirements as the Trustee may direct in the interests of the Noteholders.
(ii) In the event of a Permitted Restructuring whereby the Substituted Obligor assumes all the assets and liabilities of a Material Subsidiary and becomes a Material Subsidiary:
(A) prior to the date of the Permitted Restructuring, procure the delivery of a legal opinion as to English and any other relevant law, addressed to the Trustee, dated the date of the Permitted Restructuring confirming that all the assets and liabilities of the relevant Material Subsidiary have been assumed by the Substituted Obligor and in a form acceptable to the Trustee from legal advisers acceptable to the Trustee;
(B) comply with, and ensure the Substituted Obligor complies with, all other requirements as the Trustee may direct in the interests of the Noteholders; and
(C) give to the Trustee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Permitted Restructuring involving any Subsidiary which thereby becomes or ceases to be a Material Subsidiary, a certificate by the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer to such effect; such certificate shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and all Noteholders.
(h) Chief Financial Officer and Authorised Signatories
upon the execution hereof and thereafter forthwith upon any change of the same, deliver to the Trustee (with a copy to the Principal Paying Agent) the name of the Chief Financial Officer and a list of the Authorised Signatories of the Issuer or, as the case may be, the Guarantors, together with certified specimen signatures of the same;
(i) Payments
pay monies payable by it to the Trustee hereunder without set off, counterclaim, deduction or withholding, unless otherwise compelled by law and in the event of any deduction or withholding compelled by law will pay such additional amount as will result in the payment to the Trustee of the amount which would otherwise have been payable by it to the Trustee hereunder;
(j) Changes in the Issuers or Guarantors by-laws
give notice in writing to the Trustee forthwith of any amendment made to its by-laws since the date hereof which may in any way affect the provisions of Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) and provide the Trustee upon request with a copy of its current by-laws in force;
(k) Information relating to the Issuers or Guarantors by-laws
provide the Trustee promptly upon request with such information regarding its by-laws as it may request including without limitation informing the Trustee of the applicable number of days required for the purposes of the definition of Block Voting Instruction and Voting Certificate (both as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) and paragraphs 2 and 6 of Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ), as well as details of the relevant newspaper for the purposes of publishing notices for any Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ));
(l) Translation of documents for Meetings
fourteen days before any Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) confirm to the Trustee, as to whether any law requires the translation into Italian of any
Block Voting Instruction, Voting Certificate or any other document in relation to Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders );
(m) Changes to the laws of the Republic of Italy
give notice in writing to the Trustee forthwith in the event of any amendment to the laws, rules and regulations of the Republic of Italy applicable to the provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders as set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ); and
(n) Certificate as to Proxies
prior to any Meeting provide the Trustee with a certificate signed by the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer confirming (a) its outstanding share capital as at that date and (b) the corresponding maximum number of Noteholders on whose behalf a single Proxy (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) may attend or vote at such Meeting under Article 2372 of the Italian Civil Code or any other applicable Italian law or regulation.
7. AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS
7.1 Waiver
The Trustee may, without any consent or sanction of the Noteholders or Couponholders and without prejudice to its rights in respect of any subsequent breach, condition, event or act, from time to time and at any time, but only if and in so far as in its opinion the interests of the Noteholders shall not be materially prejudiced thereby, authorise or waive, on such terms and conditions (if any) as shall seem expedient to it, any breach or proposed breach of any of the covenants or provisions contained in this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement, or the Notes or Coupons or determine that any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default shall not be treated as such for the purposes of this Trust Deed; any such authorisation, waiver or determination shall be binding on the Noteholders, the Couponholders and, unless the Trustee otherwise agrees, the Issuer shall cause such authorisation, waiver or determination to be notified to the Noteholders as soon as practicable thereafter in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) relating thereto; provided that the Trustee shall not exercise any powers conferred upon it by this Clause 7.1 ( Waiver ) in contravention of any express direction by an Extraordinary Resolution or of a request in writing made by the holders of not less than 25 per cent. in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (but so that no such direction or request shall affect any authorisation, waiver or determination previously given or made) or so as to authorise or waive any such breach or proposed breach relating to any of the matters the subject of the Reserved Matters as specified and defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) or other matters pursuant to Article 2415 paragraph 13 of the Italian Civil Code.
7.2 Modifications
The Trustee may from time to time and at any time without any consent or sanction of the Noteholders or Couponholders agree to (a) any modification to this Trust Deed (other than in respect of Reserved Matters as specified and defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) or other matters pursuant to Article 2415 paragraph 13 of the Italian Civil Code or any provision of this Trust Deed referred to in that specification), the Notes or the Agency Agreement which in the opinion of the Trustee it may be proper to make provided the Trustee is of the opinion that such modification will not be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders or (b) any modification to this Trust Deed, the Notes or the Agency Agreement if in the opinion of the Trustee such modification is of a formal, minor or technical nature or made to correct a manifest or proven error. Any such modification shall be binding on the Noteholders and the Couponholders and, unless the Trustee otherwise agrees, the Issuer shall cause such modification to be notified to the Noteholders as soon as practicable thereafter in accordance with the Conditions.
8. ENFORCEMENT
8.1 Legal proceedings
Subject to any mandatory provisions of applicable law, the Trustee may at any time, at its discretion and without further notice, institute such proceedings against the Issuer and the Guarantors as it may think fit to recover any amounts due in respect of the Notes which are unpaid or to enforce any of its rights under this Trust Deed or the Conditions but it shall not be bound to take any such proceedings or any other action under this Trust Deed or the Notes unless (a) it shall have been so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution or so requested in writing by the holders of at least one-quarter in principal amount of the outstanding Notes and (b) it shall have been indemnified, secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction against all Liabilities to which it may thereby become liable and which may be incurred by it in connection therewith and provided that the Trustee shall not be held liable for the consequence of taking any such action and may take such action without having regard to the effect of such action on individual Noteholders or Couponholders. Save for rights and duties of the Noteholders Representative under Article 2418 of the Italian Civil Code and the right of each Noteholder or Couponholder under Article 2419 of the Italian Civil Code, only the Trustee may enforce the provisions of the Notes or this Trust Deed and no Noteholder or Couponholder shall be entitled to proceed directly against the Issuer or any Guarantor unless the Trustee, having become bound so to proceed, fails to do so within a reasonable time and such failure is continuing.
8.2 Evidence of default
If the Trustee (or any Noteholder or Couponholder where entitled under this Trust Deed so to do) makes any claim, institutes any legal proceeding or lodges any proof in a winding-up or insolvency of the Issuer or any Guarantor under this Trust Deed or under the Notes, proof therein that:
(a) as regards any specified Note the Issuer has made default in paying any principal due in respect of such Note shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that the Issuer has made the like default as regards all other Notes in respect of which a corresponding payment is then due; and
(b) as regards any specified Coupon the Issuer has made default in paying any interest due in respect of such Coupon shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that the Issuer has made the like default as regards all other Coupons in respect of which a corresponding payment is then due.
9. APPLICATION OF MONIES
9.1 Application of monies
All monies received by the Trustee in respect of the Notes or amounts payable under this Trust Deed will despite any appropriation of all or part of them by the Issuer or the Guarantors (including any monies which represent principal or interest in respect of Notes or Coupons which have become void under the Conditions) be held by the Trustee on trust to apply them (subject to Clause 9.2 ( Investment of monies )):
(a) first, in payment or satisfaction of the Liabilities incurred by the Trustee in the preparation and execution of the trusts of this Trust Deed (including remuneration of the Trustee);
(b) secondly, in or towards payment pari passu and rateably of all arrears of interest remaining unpaid in respect of the Notes and all principal monies due on or in respect of the Notes; and
(c) thirdly, the balance (if any) in payment to the Issuer or, if such monies were received from a Guarantor, such Guarantor.
If the Trustee holds any monies in respect of Notes and/or Coupons which have become void or in respect of which claims have become prescribed, the Trustee will hold them on these trusts.
9.2 Investment of monies
If the amount of the monies at any time available for payment of principal and interest in respect of the Notes under Clause 9.1 ( Application of monies ) shall be less than a sum sufficient to pay at least one-tenth of the principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, the Trustee may, at its discretion, invest such monies in one or more of the investments authorised herein with power from time to time, with like discretion, to vary such investments; and such investment(s) with the resulting income thereof may be accumulated until the accumulations together with any other funds for the time being under the control of the Trustee and available for the purpose shall amount to a sum sufficient to pay at least one-tenth of the principal amount of the Notes then outstanding and such accumulation and funds (after deduction of any taxes and any other deductibles applicable thereto) shall then be applied in the manner aforesaid.
9.3 Authorised investments
Any monies which under this Trust Deed may be invested by the Trustee may be invested in the name or under the control of the Trustee in any of the investments for the time being authorised by English law for the investment by trustees of trust monies or in any other investments, whether similar to those aforesaid or not, which may be selected by the Trustee or by placing the same on deposit in the name or under the control of the Trustee with such bank or other financial institution as the Trustee may think fit and in such currency as the Trustee in its absolute discretion may determine and the Trustee may at any time vary or transfer any of such investments for or into other such investments or convert any monies so deposited into any other currency and shall not be responsible for any Liability occasioned by reason of any such investments or such deposit whether by depreciation in value, fluctuation in exchange rates or otherwise.
9.4 Payment to Noteholders and Couponholders
The Trustee shall give notice to the Noteholders in accordance with the Conditions of the date fixed for any payment under Clause 9.1 ( Application of monies ). Any payment to be made in respect of the Notes or the Coupons by the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee may be made in the manner provided in the Conditions, the Agency Agreement and this Trust Deed and any payment so made shall be a good discharge to the extent of such payment, by the Issuer, such Guarantor or the Trustee, as the case may be. Any payment in full of interest made in respect of a Coupon in the manner aforesaid shall extinguish any claim of a Noteholder which may arise directly or indirectly in respect of such interest.
9.5 Production of Notes and Coupons
Upon any payment under Clause 9.4 ( Payment to Noteholders and Couponholders ) of principal or interest, the Note or Coupon in respect of which such payment is made shall, if the Trustee so requires, be produced to the Trustee or the Paying Agent by or through whom such payment is made and the Trustee shall, in the case of part payment, enface or cause such Paying Agent to enface a memorandum of the amount and date of payment thereon or, in the case of payment in full, shall cause such Note or Coupon to be surrendered or shall cancel or procure the same to be cancelled and shall certify or procure the certification of such cancellation.
9.6 Noteholders to be treated as holding all Coupons
Wherever in this Trust Deed the Trustee is required or entitled to exercise a power, trust, authority or discretion under this Trust Deed, the Trustee shall, notwithstanding that it may have express notice to the contrary, assume that each Noteholder is the holder of all Coupons appertaining to each Note of which he is the holder.
10. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
By way of supplement to the Trustee Acts, it is expressly declared as follows:
10.1 Reliance on information
(a) Advice : the Trustee may in relation to this Trust Deed act on the opinion or advice of or a certificate or any information obtained from any lawyer, banker, valuer, surveyor, broker, auctioneer, accountant or other expert (whether obtained by the Trustee, the Issuer, any Guarantor, any Subsidiary or any Paying Agent) and which advice or opinion may be provided on such terms (including as to limitations on liability) as the Trustee may consider in its sole discretion to be consistent with prevailing market practice with regard to advice or opinions of that nature and shall not be responsible for any Liability occasioned by so acting; any such opinion, advice, certificate or information may be sent or obtained by letter, telegram, telex, cablegram or facsimile transmission and the Trustee shall not be liable for acting on any opinion, advice, certificate or information so conveyed although the same shall contain some error or shall not be authentic;
(b) Certificate of directors or Authorised Signatories : the Trustee may call for and shall be at liberty to accept a certificate signed by (i) in the case of the Issuer, the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer, (ii) in the case of a Guarantor, two Authorised Signatories of the relevant Guarantor, or (iii) other person duly authorised on the Issuers or such Guarantors, as the case may be, behalf as to any fact or matter prima facie within the knowledge of the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor as sufficient evidence thereof and a like certificate to the effect that any particular dealing, transaction or step or thing is, in the opinion of the person so certifying, expedient as sufficient evidence that it is expedient and the Trustee shall not be bound in any such case to call for further evidence or be responsible for any Liability that may be occasioned by its failing so to do;
(c) Reliance on Auditors reports : the Trustee may act, or not act, and rely on (and shall have no liability to Noteholders or Couponholders for doing so) certificates or reports provided by the Auditors whether or not addressed to the Trustee and whether or not any such report or any engagement letter or other document entered into by the Trustee and the Auditors in connection therewith contains any limit on the liability of the Auditors (whether by reference to a monetary cap or by reference to the methodology to be employed in producing the same);
(d) Resolution or direction of Noteholders : the Trustee shall not be responsible for acting upon any resolution purporting to have been passed at any meeting of the Noteholders in respect whereof minutes have been made and signed or a direction of a specified percentage of Noteholders, even though it may subsequently be found that there was some defect in the constitution of the meeting or the passing of the resolution or the making of the directions or that for any reason the resolution purporting to have been passed at any Meeting or the making of the directions was not valid or binding upon the Noteholders and Couponholders;
(e) Reliance on certification of clearing system : the Trustee may call for and shall be at liberty to accept and place full reliance on as sufficient evidence thereof and shall not be liable to the Issuer, the Guarantors or any Noteholder by reason only of either having accepted as valid or not having rejected an original certificate or letter of confirmation purporting to be signed on behalf of Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other relevant clearing system in relation to any matter;
(f) Noteholders as a class : whenever in this Trust Deed the Trustee is required in connection with any exercise of its powers, trusts, authorities or discretions to have regard to the interests of the Noteholders, it shall have regard to the interests of the Noteholders as a class and in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, shall not be obliged to have regard to the consequences of such exercise for any individual Noteholder resulting from his
or its being for any purpose domiciled or resident in, or otherwise connected with, or subject to the jurisdiction of, any particular territory;
(g) Trustee not responsible for investigations : the Trustee shall not be responsible for, or for investigating any matter which is the subject of, any recital, statement, representation, warranty or covenant of any person contained in this Trust Deed, the Notes, or any other agreement or document relating to the transactions herein or therein contemplated or for the execution, legality, effectiveness, adequacy, genuineness, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence thereof;
(h) No Liability as a result of the delivery of a certificate : the Trustee shall have no liability whatsoever for any Liability directly or indirectly suffered or incurred by the Issuer, any Guarantor, any Noteholder, Couponholder or any other person as a result of the delivery by the Trustee to the Issuer of a certificate as to material prejudice pursuant to Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) on the basis of an opinion formed by it in good faith;
(i) No obligation to monitor : the Trustee shall be under no obligation to monitor or supervise the functions of any other person under the Trust Deed, Agency Agreement, Notes or Coupons or any other agreement or document relating to the transactions herein or therein contemplated and shall be entitled, in the absence of actual knowledge of a breach of obligation, to assume that each such person is properly performing and complying with its obligations;
(j) Notes held by the Issuer : in the absence of knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee may assume without enquiry (other than requesting a certificate of the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be, under Clause 6.2(e) ( Notes held by Issuer, the Guarantors or any Subsidiary )), that no Notes are for the time being held by or for the benefit of the Issuer, such Guarantor or their respective Subsidiaries;
(k) Forged Notes : the Trustee shall not be liable to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Noteholder or Couponholder by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any Note or Coupon as such and subsequently found to be forged, not authentic or not effectuated;
(l) Events of Default and Put Events : the Trustee shall not be bound to give notice to any person of the execution of this Trust Deed or to take any steps to ascertain whether any Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Put Event has happened and, until it shall have actual knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee shall be entitled to assume that no such Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Put Event has happened and that each of the Issuer and each Guarantor is observing and performing all the obligations on its part contained in the Notes and Coupons and under this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement and no event has happened as a consequence of which any of the Notes may become repayable;
(m) Right to deduct or withhold : notwithstanding anything contained in this Trust Deed, to the extent required by any applicable law, if the Trustee is or will be required to make any deduction or withholding from any distribution or payment made by it hereunder or if the Trustee is or will be otherwise charged to, or is or may become liable to, tax as a consequence of performing its duties hereunder whether as principal, agent or otherwise, and whether by reason of any assessment, prospective assessment or other imposition of liability to taxation of whatsoever nature and whensoever made upon the Trustee, and whether in connection with or arising from any sums received or distributed by it or to which it may be entitled under this Trust Deed (other than in connection with its remuneration as provided for herein) or any investments or deposits from time to time representing the same, including any income or gains arising therefrom or any action of the Trustee in connection with the trusts of this Trust Deed (other than the remuneration herein specified) or otherwise, then the Trustee shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding or, as the case may be, to retain out of sums received by it an amount sufficient to discharge any liability to tax which relates to sums so
received or distributed or to discharge any such other liability of the Trustee to tax from the funds held by the Trustee upon the trusts of this Trust Deed; and
(n) Evidence of interests in Eurosystem-eligible new Global Notes : the Issuer and the Trustee may call for and place full reliance on any certificate, statement or other document to be issued by Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg as to the principal amount of Notes represented by a Global Note and any such certificate, statement or other document shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes. The Trustee and the Issuer shall not be liable to any person by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any certificate, statement or other document to such effect purporting to be issued by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg and subsequently found to be forged or not authentic.
10.2 Trustees reliance on information in relation to Meetings
(a) Certificate of directors and other information in relation to Meetings : the Trustee may rely without further investigation on (i) a certificate of (x) in the case of the Issuer, the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories and (y) in the case of a Guarantor, two Authorised Signatories and /or (ii) the confirmation, opinion, certificate, advice or any other information obtained from any lawyer, consultant or other expert the Trustee deems appropriate regarding any matter governing the procedure for calling and holding a Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) including without limitation whether a Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) has been appointed by court order (on request of the Issuer or the Noteholders) or by resolution of the Noteholders (as provided in Condition 12(a) ( Meetings of Noteholders ) and whether the individual or entity selected to act as the Noteholders Representative falls into any of the disqualified categories (including, without limitation, directors and statutory auditors) pursuant to Article 2417(1) of the Italian Civil Code;
(b) Advice in relation to Meetings : the Trustee shall be entitled at any time to obtain and rely on such legal advice as it may deem necessary in respect of all applicable Italian laws and regulations governing the procedure for calling and holding any Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any delay occasioned in obtaining such advice; and all proper costs and expenses incurred for such legal advice shall be borne by the Issuer (or, failing which, the Guarantors) upon receipt of proper evidence thereof; and
(c) Procedures for Meetings : in the absence of written notification, the Trustee shall be entitled to assume without liability, that no amendments have been made to any applicable laws or regulations or the by-laws of the Issuer which may affect the governing of the procedure for calling and holding Meetings (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) as set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ).
10.3 Trustees powers and duties
(a) Trustees determination : the Trustee may determine whether or not a default in the performance or observance by the Issuer or any Guarantor of any obligation under the provisions of this Trust Deed or contained in the Notes or Coupons is capable of remedy and/or materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders and if the Trustee shall certify that any such default is, in its opinion, not capable of remedy and/or materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders, such certificate shall be conclusive and binding upon the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Noteholders and Couponholders;
(b) Determination of questions : the Trustee as between itself and the Noteholders and the Couponholders shall have full power to determine all questions and doubts arising in relation to any of the provisions of this Trust Deed and every such determination, whether made upon
a question actually raised or implied in the acts or proceedings of the Trustee, shall be conclusive and shall bind the Trustee, the Noteholders and the Couponholders;
(c) Trustees discretion : the Trustee shall (save as expressly otherwise provided herein) as regards all the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested in it by this Trust Deed or by operation of law, have absolute and uncontrolled discretion as to the exercise or non-exercise thereof and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any Liability that may result from the exercise or non-exercise thereof but whenever the Trustee is under the provisions of this Trust Deed bound to act at the request or direction of the Noteholders, the Trustee shall nevertheless not be so bound unless first indemnified and/or provided with security and/or prefunded to its satisfaction against all actions, proceedings, claims and demands to which it may render itself liable and all costs, charges, damages, expenses and liabilities which it may incur by so doing. Without limiting the general statement above, the Trustee may refrain from taking any action in any jurisdiction if the taking of such action in that jurisdiction would, in its opinion based upon legal advice in the relevant jurisdiction, be contrary to any law of that jurisdiction or, to the extent applicable, of England. Furthermore, the Trustee may also refrain from taking such action if it would otherwise render it liable to any person in that jurisdiction or England or if, in its opinion based upon such legal advice, it would not have the power to do the relevant thing in that jurisdiction by virtue of any applicable law in that jurisdiction or in England or if it is determined by any court or other competent authority in that jurisdiction or in England that it does not have such power;
(d) Trustees consent : any consent given by the Trustee for the purposes of this Trust Deed may be given on such terms and subject to such conditions (if any) as the Trustee may require;
(e) Conversion of currency : where it is necessary or desirable for any purpose in connection with this Trust Deed to convert any sum from one currency to another it shall (unless otherwise provided by this Trust Deed or required by law) be converted at such rate or rates, in accordance with such method and as at such date for the determination of such rate of exchange, as may be specified by the Trustee in its absolute discretion as relevant and any rate, method and date so specified shall be binding on the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Noteholders and the Couponholders;
(f) Application of proceeds : the Trustee shall not be responsible for the receipt or application by the Issuer of the proceeds of the issue of the Notes, the exchange of any Temporary Global Note for any Permanent Global Note or any Permanent Global Note for definitive Notes or the delivery of any Note or Coupon to the persons entitled to them;
(g) Error of judgment : the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by any officer or employee of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust matters;
(h) Agents : the Trustee may, in the conduct of the trusts of this Trust Deed instead of acting personally, employ and pay an agent on any terms, whether or not a lawyer or other professional person, to transact or conduct, or concur in transacting or conducting, any business and to do or concur in doing all acts required to be done by the Trustee (including the receipt and payment of money) and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any Liability incurred by reason of the misconduct, omission or default on the part of any person appointed by it hereunder or be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of any such person;
(i) Delegation : the Trustee may, in the execution and exercise of all or any of the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested in it by this Trust Deed, act by responsible officers or a responsible officer for the time being of the Trustee and the Trustee may also whenever it thinks fit, whether by power of attorney or otherwise, delegate to any person or persons or fluctuating body of persons (whether being a joint trustee of this Trust Deed or not) all or any of the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested in it by this Trust Deed and any such
delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions and subject to such regulations (including power to sub-delegate with the consent of the Trustee) as the Trustee may think fit in the interests of the Noteholders and the Trustee shall not be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of and shall not in any way or to any extent be responsible for any Liability incurred by reason of the misconduct, omission or default on the part of such delegate or sub-delegate;
(j) Custodians and nominees : the Trustee may appoint and pay any person to act as a custodian or nominee on any terms in relation to such assets of the trust as the Trustee may determine, including for the purpose of depositing with a custodian this Trust Deed or any document relating to the trust created hereunder and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any Liability incurred by reason of the misconduct, omission or default on the part of any person appointed by it hereunder or be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of any such person; the Trustee is not obliged to appoint a custodian if the Trustee invests in securities payable to bearer; and
(k) Confidential information : the Trustee shall not (unless required by law or ordered so to do by a court of competent jurisdiction) be required to disclose to any Noteholder or Couponholder confidential information or other information made available to the Trustee by the Issuer or the Guarantors in connection with this Trust Deed and no Noteholder or Couponholder shall be entitled to take any action to obtain from the Trustee any such information.
10.4 Financial matters
(a) Professional charges : any trustee being a banker, lawyer, broker or other person engaged in any profession or business shall be entitled to charge and be paid all usual professional and other charges for business transacted and acts done by him or his partner or firm on matters arising in connection with the trusts of this Trust Deed and also his properly incurred charges in addition to disbursements for all other work and business done and all time spent by him or his partner or firm on matters arising in connection with this Trust Deed, including matters which might or should have been attended to in person by a trustee not being a banker, lawyer, broker or other professional person;
(b) Expenditure by the Trustee : nothing contained in this Trust Deed shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of its duties or the exercise of any right, power, authority or discretion hereunder if it has grounds for believing the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against, or security for, such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it; and
(c) Trustee may enter into financial transactions with the Issuer : no Trustee and no director or officer of any corporation being a Trustee hereof shall by reason of the fiduciary position of such Trustee be in any way precluded from making any contracts or entering into any transactions in the ordinary course of business with the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or any person or body corporate directly or indirectly associated with the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or from accepting the trusteeship of any other debenture stock, debentures or securities of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any person or body corporate directly or indirectly associated with the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, and neither the Trustee nor any such director or officer shall be accountable to the Noteholders or the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or any person or body corporate directly or indirectly associated with the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, for any profit, fees, commissions, interest, discounts or share of brokerage earned, arising or resulting from any such contracts or transactions and the Trustee and any such director or officer shall also be at liberty to retain the same for its or his own benefit.
10.5 Disapplication
Section 1 of the Trustee Act 2000 shall not apply to the duties of the Trustee in relation to the trusts constituted by this Trust Deed. Where there are any inconsistencies between the Trustee Acts and the provisions of this Trust Deed, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall, to the extent allowed by law, prevail and, in the case of any such inconsistency with the Trustee Act 2000, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall constitute a restriction or exclusion for the purposes of the Trustee Act 2000.
10.6 Trustee Liability
Subject to Section 750 of the Companies Act 2006 (if applicable) and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Trust Deed, the Notes or the Agency Agreement, the Trustee shall not be liable to any person for any matter or thing done or omitted in any way in connection with or in relation to this Trust Deed, the Notes or the Agency Agreement save in relation to its own gross negligence, wilful default or fraud.
11. COSTS AND EXPENSES
11.1 Remuneration
(a) Normal remuneration : the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee remuneration for its services as trustee as from the date of this Trust Deed, such remuneration to be at such rate as may from time to time be agreed between the Issuer and the Trustee. Such remuneration shall be payable in advance on the anniversary of the date hereof in each year and the first payment shall be made on the date hereof. Such remuneration shall accrue from day to day and be payable (in priority to payments to the Noteholders and Couponholders) up to and including the date when, all the Notes having become due for redemption, the redemption monies and interest thereon to the date of redemption have been paid to the Principal Paying Agent or the Trustee, provided that if upon due presentation (if required pursuant to the Conditions) of any Note or Coupon or any cheque, payment of the monies due in respect thereof is improperly withheld or refused, remuneration will commence again to accrue;
(b) Extra remuneration : in the event of the occurrence of an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default or the Trustee considering it necessary or being requested by the Issuer to undertake duties which the Trustee and the Issuer or any Guarantor agree to be of an exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the normal duties of the Trustee under this Trust Deed, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee such additional remuneration as shall be agreed between them;
(c) Value added tax : the Issuer shall in addition pay to the Trustee an amount equal to the amount of any value added tax or similar tax chargeable in respect of its remuneration under this Trust Deed;
(d) Failure to agree : in the event of the Trustee and the Issuer failing to agree:
(i) (in a case to which sub-clause 11.1(a) ( Normal remuneration ) applies) upon the amount of the remuneration; or
(ii) (in a case to which sub-clause 11.1(b) ( Extra remuneration ) applies) upon whether such duties shall be of an exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the normal duties of the Trustee under this Trust Deed, or upon such additional remuneration;
such matters shall be determined by a person (acting as an expert and not as an arbitrator) selected by the Trustee and approved by the Issuer or, failing such approval, nominated (on the application of the Trustee) by the President for the time being of The Law Society of England and Wales (the expenses involved in such nomination and the fees of such person
being payable by the Issuer) and the determination of any such person shall be final and binding upon the Trustee and the Issuer;
(e) Expenses : the Issuer shall also pay or discharge all reasonable costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Trustee in relation to the preparation and execution of, the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties under, and in any other manner in relation to, this Trust Deed, including but not limited to legal and travelling expenses and any stamp, issue, registration, documentary and other taxes or duties paid or payable by the Trustee in connection with any action taken or contemplated by or on behalf of the Trustee for enforcing, or resolving any doubt concerning, or for any other purpose in relation to, this Trust Deed, in each case upon receipt of proper evidence of such costs, charges and/or expenses;
(f) Indemnity : the Issuer shall indemnify the Trustee (a) in respect of all liabilities and expenses incurred by it or by any Appointee or other person appointed by it to whom any trust, power, authority or discretion may be delegated by it in the execution or purported execution of the trusts, powers, authorities or discretions vested in it by this Trust Deed and (b) against all liabilities, actions, proceedings, costs, claims and demands in respect of any matter or thing done or omitted in any way relating to this Trust Deed provided that it is expressly stated that Clause 10.6 ( Trustee Liability ) shall apply in relation to these provisions. Notwithstanding any provision of this Trust Deed to the contrary, including, without limitation, any indemnity given, the Trustee shall not in any event be liable for indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits), whether or not foreseeable, suffered by the Issuer or any other party in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Trust Deed; and
(g) Payment of amounts due : all amounts due and payable pursuant to sub-Clauses 11.1(e) ( Expenses ) and 11.1(f) ( Indemnity ) shall be payable by the Issuer on the date specified in a demand by the Trustee; the rate of interest applicable to such payments shall be two per cent. per annum above the base rate from time to time of The Bank of New York and interest shall accrue:
(i) in the case of payments made by the Trustee prior to the date of the demand, from the date on which the payment was made or such later date as specified in such demand; and
(ii) in the case of payments made by the Trustee on or after the date of the demand, from the date specified in such demand, which date shall not be a date earlier than the date such payments are made.
All remuneration payable to the Trustee shall carry interest at the rate specified in this Clause 11.1(g) ( Payment of amounts due ) from the due date thereof;
11.2 Stamp duties
The Issuer (failing which, the Guarantors) will pay all stamp duties, registration taxes, capital duties and other similar duties or taxes (if any) payable on (a) the constitution and issue of the Notes and Coupons, (b) the initial delivery of the Notes, (c) any action taken by the Trustee (or any Noteholder or Couponholder where permitted or required under this Trust Deed so to do) to enforce the provisions of the Notes or this Trust Deed and (d) the execution of this Trust Deed. If the Trustee (or any Noteholder or Couponholder where permitted under this Trust Deed so to do) shall take any proceedings against the Issuer or any Guarantor in any other jurisdiction and if for the purpose of any such proceedings this Trust Deed or any Notes are taken into any such jurisdiction and any stamp duties or other duties or taxes become payable thereon in any such jurisdiction, the Issuer will pay (or reimburse the person making payment of) such stamp duties or other duties or taxes (including penalties).
11.3 Exchange rate indemnity
(a) Currency of account and payment : Euro or, in relation to Clause 11.1 ( Remuneration ), pounds sterling (the Contractual Currency ) is the sole currency of account and payment for all sums payable by the Issuer and the Guarantors under or in connection with this Trust Deed and the Notes and the Coupons, including damages;
(b) Extent of discharge : an amount received or recovered in a currency other than the Contractual Currency (whether as a result of, or of the enforcement of, a judgment or order of a court of any jurisdiction, in the winding-up or dissolution of the Issuer, any Guarantor or otherwise), by the Trustee or any Noteholder or Couponholder in respect of any sum expressed to be due to it from the Issuer or such Guarantor will only discharge the Issuer or such Guarantor to the extent of the Contractual Currency amount which the recipient is able to purchase at the applicable market rate (as determined in its sole discretion) with the amount so received or recovered in that other currency on the date of that receipt or recovery (or, if it is not practicable to make that purchase on that date, on the first date on which it is practicable to do so); and
(c) Indemnity : if that Contractual Currency amount is less than the Contractual Currency amount expressed to be due to the recipient under this Trust Deed or the Notes or the Coupons, the Issuer will indemnify it against any Liability sustained by it as a result. In any event, the Issuer will indemnify the recipient against the cost of making any such purchase.
11.4 Indemnities separate
The indemnities in this Trust Deed constitute separate and independent obligations from the other obligations in this Trust Deed, will give rise to separate and independent causes of action, will apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by the Trustee and/or any Noteholder or Couponholder and will continue in full force and effect despite any judgment, order, claim or proof for a liquidated amount in respect of any sum due under this Trust Deed or the Notes and/or the Coupons or any other judgment or order. Any such Liability as referred to in sub-clause 11.1(f) ( Indemnity ) shall be deemed to constitute a Liability suffered by the Trustee, the Noteholders and Couponholders and no proof or evidence of any actual Liability shall be required by the Issuer, any Guarantor or their respective liquidator or liquidators.
11.5 Discharges
Unless otherwise specifically stated in any discharge of this Trust Deed or the Trustees appointment, the provisions of this Clause 11 ( Costs and expenses ) shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding such discharge.
12. APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT
12.1 Appointment of Trustees
The power of appointing new trustees of this Trust Deed shall be vested in the Issuer but no person shall be appointed who shall not previously have been approved by an Extraordinary Resolution. A trust corporation may be appointed sole trustee hereunder but subject thereto there shall be at least two trustees hereof one at least of which shall be a trust corporation. Any appointment of a new trustee hereof shall as soon as practicable thereafter be notified by the Issuer to the Paying Agents and to the Noteholders. The Noteholders shall together have the power, exercisable by Extraordinary Resolution, to remove any trustee or trustees for the time being hereof. The removal of any trustee shall not become effective unless there remains a trustee hereof (being a trust corporation) in office after such removal.
12.2 Co-trustees
Notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 12.1 ( Appointment of Trustees ), the Trustee may, upon giving prior notice to the Issuer and the Guarantors but without the consent of the Issuer, the Guarantors or the Noteholders, appoint any person established or resident in any jurisdiction (whether a trust corporation or not) to act either as a separate trustee or as a co-trustee jointly with the Trustee:
(a) if the Trustee considers such appointment to be in the interests of the Noteholders; or
(b) for the purposes of conforming to any legal requirements, restrictions or conditions in any jurisdiction in which any particular act or acts are to be performed; or
(c) for the purposes of obtaining a judgment in any jurisdiction or the enforcement in any jurisdiction either of a judgment already obtained or of this Trust Deed.
12.3 Attorneys
The Issuer and the Guarantors each hereby irrevocably appoints the Trustee to be its attorney in its name and on its behalf to execute any such instrument of appointment. Such a person shall (subject always to the provisions of this Trust Deed) have such trusts, powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those conferred on the Trustee by this Trust Deed) and such duties and obligations as shall be conferred on such person or imposed by the instrument of appointment. The Trustee shall have power in like manner to remove any such person. Such proper remuneration as the Trustee may pay to any such person, together with any attributable costs, charges and expenses incurred by it in performing its function as such separate trustee or co-trustee, shall for the purposes of this Trust Deed be treated as costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Trustee.
12.4 Retirement of Trustees
Any Trustee for the time being of this Trust Deed may retire at any time upon giving not less than three calendar months notice in writing to the Issuer and the Guarantors without assigning any reason therefor and without being responsible for any costs occasioned by such retirement. The retirement of any Trustee shall not become effective unless there remains a trustee hereof (being a trust corporation) in office after such retirement. Each of the Issuer and the Guarantors hereby covenants that in the event of the only trustee hereof which is a trust corporation giving notice under this Clause 12.4 ( Retirement of Trustees ) it shall use its best endeavours to procure a new trustee, being a trust corporation, to be appointed and if the Issuer has not procured the appointment of a new trustee within 30 days of the expiry of the Trustee notice referred to in this Clause 12.4 ( Retirement of Trustees ), the Trustee shall be entitled to procure the appointment of a new trustee.
12.5 Competence of a majority of Trustees
Whenever there shall be more than two trustees hereof the majority of such trustees shall (provided such majority includes a trust corporation) be competent to execute and exercise all the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested by this Trust Deed in the Trustee generally.
12.6 Powers additional
The powers conferred by this Trust Deed upon the Trustee shall be in addition to any powers which may from time to time be vested in it by general law or as the holder of any of the Notes or Coupons.
12.7 Merger
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall
be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Clause 12.7 ( Merger ), without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.
13. NOTICES
13.1 Addresses for notices
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be made in writing and in English (by letter or fax) and shall be sent as follows:
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United Kingdom |
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Fax: |
+44 207 964 2536 |
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Attention: |
Corporate Trust Services |
13.2 Effectiveness
Every notice or other communication sent in accordance with Clause 13.1 ( Addresses for notices ) shall be effective as follows if sent by letter, it shall be deemed to have been delivered seven days after the time of despatch and if sent by fax it shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of despatch provided that any such notice or other communication which would otherwise take effect after 4.00 p.m. on any particular day shall not take effect until 10.00 a.m. on the immediately succeeding business day in the place of the addressee.
13.3 Notes held in clearing systems
So long as any Global Note is held on behalf of a clearing system, in considering the interests of Noteholders, the Trustee may rely on any information provided to it by such clearing system or its operator as to the identity (either individually or by category) of its accountholders or participants with entitlements to any such Global Note.
13.4 No notice to Couponholders
None of the Trustee, the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall be required to give any notice to the Couponholders for any purpose under this Trust Deed and the Couponholders shall be deemed for all purposes to have notice of the contents of any notice given to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ).
14. NOTEHOLDERS REPRESENTATIVE
14.1 Meetings of Noteholders
Subject to mandatory provisions of Italian law, for the purposes of paragraph 5 of Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ), the Issuer (through its directors) shall, at the request of the Trustee or the Noteholders (as provided in Condition 12(a) ( Meetings of Noteholders )), convene a meeting of the Noteholders.
14.2 Notification to the Trustee
The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing immediately upon becoming aware of any action or proceedings to enforce the terms of this Trust Deed, the Notes and/or the Coupons being taken directly against the Issuer by any Noteholder or Noteholders.
14.3 Noteholders Representative
Subject to mandatory provisions of Italian law, and to the extent that the Trustee accepts its appointment as Noteholders Representative pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Condition 12(b) ( Noteholders Representative ) and/or Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ), it shall, as of and from the time of such appointment and in its capacity as Noteholders Representative, not be obliged to take any action or proceedings under, or in relation to, this Trust Deed, the Notes and/or the Coupons unless directed to do so by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) of the Noteholders. In its capacity as Noteholders Representative, it may refrain from taking any action or exercising any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it under, or in relation to, the Trust Deed, the Notes and/or the Coupons unless and until it shall have been indemnified, secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction against any and all Liabilities for which it may thereby become liable and which may be incurred by it in connection therewith and provided that the Trustee shall not be held liable for the consequence of
taking any such action and may take such action without having regard to the effect of such action on individual Noteholders or Couponholders. Subject to the mandatory provisions of Italian law, nothing contained in this Trust Deed, the Notes and/or the Coupons shall require the Noteholders Representative to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any Liabilities in the performance of its duties or the exercise of any right, power, authority or discretion under this Trust Deed, the Notes and/or the Coupons if it has grounds for believing the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or Liabilities is not assured to it.
15. FURTHER ISSUES
15.1 Supplemental Trust Deed
If the Issuer issues further notes as provided in Condition 14 ( Further Issues ), the Issuer and the Guarantors shall, before their issue, execute and deliver to the Trustee a deed supplemental to this Trust Deed containing such provisions (including, but not limited to, provisions corresponding to any of the provisions of this Trust Deed) as the Trustee may require.
15.2 Meetings of Noteholders
If the Trustee so directs, Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of Noteholders ) hereto shall apply equally to Noteholders and to holders of any notes issued pursuant to the Conditions as if references in it to Notes and Noteholders were also such securities and their holders respectively.
16. LAW AND JURISDICTION
16.1 Governing law
This Trust Deed and the Notes and all matters and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with the Trust Deed and the Notes are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save that the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) shall apply to the provisions of the Notes and the Trust Deed in respect of the same.
16.2 English courts
The courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute (a Dispute ), arising from or connected with this Trust Deed or the Notes and all non-contractual matters arising from or connected therewith (including a dispute regarding the existence, validity or termination of this Trust Deed or the Notes) or the consequences of their nullity.
16.3 Non-exclusivity
The submission to the jurisdiction of the courts of England shall not (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the right of the Trustee or any Noteholder to take proceedings relating to a Dispute ( Proceedings ) in the Republic of Italy nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if any to the extent permitted by law.
16.4 Appropriate forum
The parties agree that the courts of England are the most appropriate and convenient courts to settle any Dispute and, accordingly, that they will not argue to the contrary.
16.5 Rights of the Trustee and Noteholders to take proceedings outside England
Clause 16.2 ( English courts ) is for the benefit of the Trustee and the Noteholders only. As a result, nothing in this Clause 15 ( Law and Jurisdiction ) prevents the Trustee or any of the Noteholders from
taking Proceedings in any other courts with jurisdiction. To the extent allowed by law, the Trustee or any of the Noteholders may take concurrent Proceedings in any number of jurisdictions.
16.6 Process agent
The Issuer and each Guarantor agrees that the documents which start any Proceedings and any other documents required to be served in relation to those Proceedings may be served on it by being delivered to GTECH U.K. Limited of Link House, 19 Colonial Way, Watford, Hertfordshire WD24 4JL, England or, if different, its registered office for the time being or at any address of the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor in England and Wales at which process may be served on it in accordance with section 1139(2) of the Companies Act 2006. If such person is not or ceases to be effectively appointed to accept service of process on behalf of the Issuer or any Guarantor, the Issuer or such Guarantor shall, on the written demand of the Trustee, appoint a further person in England to accept service of process on its behalf and, failing such appointment within 15 days, the Trustee shall be entitled to appoint such a person by written notice addressed to the Issuer or such Guarantor. Nothing in this Clause 16.6 ( Process agent ) shall affect the right of the Trustee or any of the Noteholders to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
17. SEVERABILITY
In case any provision in or obligation under this Trust Deed shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
18. CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT 1999
No person shall have any right to enforce any provision of this Trust Deed under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
19. COUNTERPARTS
This Trust Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF this Trust Deed has been executed as a deed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered on the date first before written.
SCHEDULE 1
Part A
Form Of Temporary Global Note
THIS TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT). NEITHER THIS TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE NOR ANY PORTION HEREOF MAY BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF THE UNITED STATES) WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
500,000,000
5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2 February 2018
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
INVEST GAMES S.A.
ISIN: XS0564487568
TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE
1. INTRODUCTION
This Temporary Global Note is issued in respect of the 500,000,000 5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2 February 2018 (the Notes ) of Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (the Issuer ) and guaranteed by GTECH Corporation, GTECH Holdings Corporation, GTECH Rhode Island Corporation and Invest Games S.A. (each a Guarantor and together the Guarantors ). The Notes are constituted by a trust deed dated 2 December 2010 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Trust Deed ) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee (the Trustee , which expression includes all persons for the time being appointed trustee or trustees under the Trust Deed) and are the subject of a paying agency agreement dated 2 December 2010 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Agency Agreement ) and made among the Issuer, the Guarantors, The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent (the Principal Paying Agent , which expression includes any successor principal paying agent appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the other paying agents named therein (together with the Principal Paying Agent, the Paying Agents , which expression includes any successor or additional paying agents appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the Trustee.
2. REFERENCES TO CONDITIONS
Any reference herein to the Conditions is to the terms and conditions of the Notes set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Notes ) of the Trust Deed and any reference to a numbered Condition is to the correspondingly numbered provision thereof. Words and expressions defined in the Conditions shall have the same meanings when used in this Temporary Global Note.
3. PROMISE TO PAY
The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer of this Temporary Global Note the principal sum of
500,000,000
(FIVE HUNDRED MILLION EURO)
on 2 February 2018 or on such earlier date or dates as the same may become payable in accordance with the Conditions, and to pay interest on such principal sum in arrear on the dates and at the rate specified in the Conditions, together with any additional amounts payable in accordance with the Conditions, all subject to and in accordance with the Conditions; provided, however, that such interest shall be payable only:
(a) in the case of interest falling due before the Exchange Date (as defined below), to the extent that a certificate or certificates issued by Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. ( Euroclear ) and/or Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ( Clearstream, Luxembourg and together with Euroclear, the Clearing Systems ) dated not earlier than the date on which such interest falls due and in substantially the form set out in Schedule C ( Form of Euroclear/Clearstream, Luxembourg Certification ) hereto (certifying as to certain information based on certificates in substantially the form set out in Schedule A ( Form of Accountholders Certification ) hereto received from Member Organisations) is/are delivered to the Specified Office (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Principal Paying Agent; or
(b) in the case of interest falling due at any time, to the extent that the Issuer has failed to procure the exchange for a permanent global note of that portion of this Temporary Global Note in respect of which such interest has accrued.
4. NEGOTIABILITY
This Temporary Global Note is negotiable and, accordingly, title to this Temporary Global Note shall pass by delivery. Interests in Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note shall be transferable only in accordance with the rules and procedures for the time being of the relevant Clearing System.
5. EXCHANGE
On or after the day following the expiry of 40 days after the date of issue of this Global Note (the Exchange Date ), the Issuer shall procure (in the case of the first exchange) the exchange in whole or in part of interests in this Temporary Global Note for interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems of a permanent global note (the Permanent Global Note ) in or substantially in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 1 ( Form of Permanent Global Note ) to the Trust Deed to the bearer of this Temporary Global Note or (in the case of any subsequent exchange) an increase in such interests and in the principal amount of the Permanent Global Note. Any exchange of interests in this Temporary Global Note for the corresponding interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a duly executed and authenticated Permanent Global Note shall only take place upon:
(a) presentation and (in the case of final exchange) surrender of this Temporary Global Note to, or to the order of the Principal Paying Agent at its Specified Office; and
(b) receipt by the Principal Paying Agent of a certificate or certificates issued by Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg dated not earlier than the Exchange Date and in substantially the form set out in Schedule C ( Form of Euroclear/Clearstream, Luxembourg Certification )
hereto (certifying as to certain information based on certificates in substantially the form set out in Schedule A ( Form of Accountholders Certification ) hereto received from Member Organisations).
The principal amount of Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note shall be the aggregate principal amount from time to time entered in the records of both of the relevant Clearing Systems. The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this Temporary Global Note means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interest in the Notes) shall be conclusive evidence of the principal amount of Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note and for those purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the principal amount of Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing System at that time. In no circumstances shall the principal amount of the Permanent Global Note exceed the initial principal amount of this Temporary Global Note.
6. WRITING DOWN
On each occasion on which:
(a) the Permanent Global Note is delivered or the principal amount thereof is increased in accordance with its terms in exchange for a further portion of this Global Note; or
(b) Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note are to be cancelled in accordance with Condition 5(f) ( Cancellation ),
the Issuer shall procure that (a) the principal amount of the Permanent Global Note, the principal amount of such increase or (as the case may be) the aggregate principal amount of such Notes and (b) the remaining principal amount (if any) of this Temporary Global Note (which shall be the previous principal amount hereof less the aggregate of the amounts referred to in (a)) are recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems, whereupon the principal amount of this Temporary Global Note shall for all purposes be as most recently so noted.
7. PAYMENTS
(a) Subject to Clauses 3(a) and 3(b) ( Promise to pay ) above, payments due in respect of Notes for the time being represented by this Temporary Global Note shall be made to the bearer of this Temporary Global Note and each payment so made will discharge the Issuers obligations in respect thereof.
(b) Subject to Clauses 3(a) and 3(b) ( Promise to pay ) above, upon any payment in respect of the Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note, the Issuer shall procure that the amount so paid shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems but any failure to make such entries shall not affect the discharge referred to in Clause 7(a) above.
8. CONDITIONS APPLY
Until this Temporary Global Note has been exchanged as provided herein or cancelled in accordance with the Agency Agreement, the bearer of this Temporary Global Note shall be subject to the Conditions and, subject as otherwise provided herein, shall be entitled to the same rights and benefits under the Conditions as if the bearer were the holder of Notes in definitive form in the denomination of 50,000 in substantially the form set out in Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Note ) to the Trust Deed and the related Coupons, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of this Temporary Global Note.
9. NOTICES
Notwithstanding Condition 15 ( Notices ), while all the Notes are represented by this Temporary Global Note (or by this Temporary Global Note and the Permanent Global Note) and this Temporary Global Note is (or this Temporary Global Note and the Permanent Global Note are) held on behalf of the relevant Clearing Systems, notices to Noteholders may be given by delivery of the relevant notice to the relevant Clearing Systems for communication to the relative Accountholders (as defined below) rather than by publication as required by Condition 15 ( Notices ); provided , however , that , so long as the Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and its rules so require, notices will also be published in a leading newspaper having general circulation in Luxembourg (which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort ) or on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange ( www.bourse.lu ). Any notice delivered to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be deemed to have been given to Noteholders on the date on which such notice is delivered to the relevant Clearing System.
10. AUTHENTICATION AND EFFECTUATION
This Temporary Global Note shall not be valid or enforceable for any purpose unless and until it has been authenticated for and on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent and effectuated by the entity appointed as common safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
11. ACCOUNTHOLDERS
For so long as any of the Notes is represented by this Temporary Global Note or this Temporary Global Note and Permanent Global Note and such relevant Global Note(s) is/are held on behalf of the relevant Clearing Systems, each person (other than a relevant Clearing System) who is for the time being shown in the records of a relevant Clearing System as the holder of a particular principal amount of Notes (each an Accountholder ) (in which regard any certificate or other document issued by a relevant Clearing System as to the principal amount of such Notes standing to the account of any person shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes) shall be treated as the holder of that principal amount for all purposes (including but not limited to for the purposes of any quorum requirements of, or the right to demand a poll, meetings of the Noteholders and giving notice to the Issuer pursuant to Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) and Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders )) other than with respect to the payment of principal and interest on the Notes, the right to which shall be vested, as against the Issuer, (i) if represented by this Temporary Global Note only, solely in the bearer of this Temporary Global Note in accordance with and subject to its terms or (ii) if represented by this Temporary Global Note and Permanent Global Note, in the bearer of this Temporary Global Note and the bearer of the Permanent Global Note, in accordance with and subject to their terms. Each Accountholder must look solely to the relevant Clearing Systems for its share of each payment made to the bearer of this Temporary Global Note.
12. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
No person shall have any right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any of the terms of this Temporary Global Note.
13. GOVERNING LAW
This Temporary Global Note and all matters and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with it are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save that the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) shall apply to the provisions of the Notes and the Trust Deed in respect of the same.
AS WITNESS the manual signature of a duly authorised person on behalf of the Issuer. |
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LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A. |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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ISSUED on 2 December 2010 |
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CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION |
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AUTHENTICATED for and on behalf of |
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (ACTING
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as principal paying agent without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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CERTIFICATION OF EFFECTUATION |
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EFFECTUATED by |
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CLEARSTREAM BANKING, SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME |
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as common safekeeper without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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Schedule A
Form of Accountholders Certification
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
500,000,000
5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2 February 2018
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
INVEST GAMES S.A.
This is to certify that as of the date hereof, and except as set forth below, the above-captioned Securities held by you for our account (a) are owned by persons that are not citizens or residents of the United States, domestic partnerships, domestic corporations or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States Federal income taxation regardless of its source ( United States persons ), (b) are owned by United States person(s) that (i) are foreign branches of a United States financial institution (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.165-12(c)(1)(iv)) ( financial institutions ) purchasing for their own account or for resale, or (ii) acquired the Securities through foreign branches of United States financial institutions and who hold the Securities through such United States financial institutions on the date hereof (and in either case (i) or (ii), each such United States financial institution hereby agrees, on its own behalf or through its agent, that you may advise the issuer or the issuers agent that it will comply with the requirements of Section 165(j)(3)(A), (B) or (C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder), or (c) are owned by United States or foreign financial institution(s) for purposes of resale during the restricted period (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7)), and in addition if the owner of the Securities is a United States or foreign financial institution described in clause (c) (whether or not also described in clause (a) or (b)) this is to further certify that such financial institution has not acquired the Securities for purposes of resale directly or indirectly to a United States person or to a person within the United States or its possessions.
This is also to certify that the Securities are beneficially owned by (1) non-U.S. person(s) or (2) U.S. person(s) who purchased the Securities in transactions which did not require registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act ). As used in this paragraph the term U.S. person has the meaning given to it by Regulation S under the Securities Act.
As used herein, United States means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia); and its possessions include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands.
We undertake to advise you promptly by tested telex on or prior to the date on which you intend to submit your certification relating to the Securities held by you for our account in accordance with your operating procedures if any applicable statement herein is not correct on such date, and in the absence of any such notification it may be assumed that this certification applies as of such date.
This certification excepts and does not relate to [ · ] of such interest in the above Securities in respect of which we are not able to certify and as to which we understand exchange and delivery of definitive Securities (or, if relevant, exercise of any rights or collection of any interest) cannot be made until we do so certify.
We understand that this certification is required in connection with certain tax laws and, if applicable, certain securities laws of the United States. In connection therewith, if administrative or legal proceedings are commenced or threatened in connection with which this certification is or would be relevant, we irrevocably authorise you to produce this certification to any interested party in such proceedings.
Dated: [ ] |
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[name of person giving certificate] |
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as, or as agent for, |
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the beneficial owner(s) of the Securities to which this certificate relates. |
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By: |
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Authorised signatory |
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Schedule B
Further Information in respect of the Issuer
The Issuer
1. |
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Object: |
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The object of the Issuer, as set out in Article 4 of its by-laws, is the carrying out of all activities pertaining to the organisation, management and completion of games and/or lotteries, instant and/or traditional, including but not limited to games of ability, forecasting competitions, lottery draws and betting, whether directly or through concessions, in Italy or abroad. In particular, the Issuer can organise and manage, under licence from the Ministry of Finance, the automated lotto service, as provided for by section 1 of the Ministry Decree. 4832/GAB of March 17, 1993 as amended. The Issuer can also carry out any concessionary activities and/or activities connected with services delegated, or in any way granted under a concession, to tobacconist shops and/or collectors by the Public Administration, including the collection of car taxes. The Issuer can further exercise and develop, under concession, national pari-mutuel games through a distribution network. The Issuer can carry out any other activity granted by the Public Administration in connection with concessionary services or activities that have been granted to it under a concession. The Issuer can carry out any manufacturing, financial, commercial, movables and real estate property transactions, in any way instrumental to the pursuit of the corporate purpose, including the issuance of surety bonds, pledges and mortgages and the acquisition, assignment and use of industrial rights, patents and inventions. The Issuer can hold interests in other companies, businesses and consortia, either established or to be established, including foreign companies, essential to, connected with or instrumental in achieving the corporate purpose and can carry out, in general, any essential or desirable transaction in connection therewith in compliance with the provisions of activity set forth by Section 106 and et seq. of the Legislative Decree No. 385/1993 as amended, and its implementing regulations. |
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2. |
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Registered Office: |
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Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00154 Rome, Italy. |
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3. |
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Companys Registered Number: |
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Companies Registry of Rome No. 08028081001, Chamber of Commerce of Rome, Italy. |
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4. |
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Paid-up share capital at the date hereof: |
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172,015,373.00, consisting of 172,015,373 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of 1.00. |
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5. |
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Reserves: |
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2,151,858,755.00 |
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6. |
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Date of resolutions authorising the issue of the Notes: |
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Resolution of the board of directors of the Issuer dated 15 November 2010, filed with the Companies Registry of Rome on 16 November 2010. |
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7. |
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Additional details: |
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Please refer to the prospectus dated 30 November 2010. |
Schedule C
Form of Euroclear/Clearstream, Luxembourg Certification
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
500,000,000
5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2 February 2018
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
INVEST GAMES S.A.
This is to certify that, based solely on certifications we have received in writing, by tested telex or by electronic transmission from member organisations appearing in our records as persons being entitled to a portion of the principal amount set forth below (our Member Organisations ) substantially to the effect set forth in the temporary global note issued in respect of the securities, as of the date hereof, [ · ] principal amount of the above-captioned Securities (a) is owned by persons that are not citizens or residents of the United States, domestic partnerships, domestic corporations or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States Federal income taxation regardless of its source ( United States persons ), (b) is owned by United States persons that (i) are foreign branches of United States financial institutions (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.165-12(c)(1)(iv)) ( financial institutions ) purchasing for their own account or for resale, or (ii) acquired the Securities through foreign branches of United States financial institutions and who hold the Securities through such United States financial institutions on the date hereof (and in either case (i) or (ii), each such United States financial institution has agreed, on its own behalf or through its agent, that we may advise the Issuer or the Issuers agent that it will comply with the requirements of Section 165(j)(3)(A), (B) or (C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder), or (c) is owned by United States or foreign financial institutions for purposes of resale during the restricted period (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7)), and to the further effect that United States or foreign financial institutions described in clause (c) (whether or not also described in clause (a) or (b)) have certified that they have not acquired the Securities for purposes of resale directly or indirectly to a United States person or to a person within the United States or its possessions.
This is also to certify with respect to the principal amount of Securities set forth above that we have received in writing, by tested telex or by electronic transmission, from our Member Organisations entitled to a portion of such principal amount, certifications with respect to such portion substantially to the effect set forth in the temporary global note issued in respect of the Securities.
We further certify (1) that we are not making available herewith for exchange (or, if relevant, exercise of any rights or collection of any interest) any portion of the temporary global security excepted in such certifications and (2) that as of the date hereof we have not received any notification from any of our Member Organisations to the effect that the statements made by such Member Organisations with respect to any portion of the part submitted herewith for exchange (or, if relevant, exercise of any rights or collection of any interest) are no longer true and cannot be relied upon as of the date hereof.
We understand that this certification is required in connection with certain tax laws and, if applicable, certain securities laws of the United States. In connection therewith, if administrative or legal proceedings are commenced or threatened in connection with which this certification is or would be relevant, we irrevocably authorise you to produce this certification to any interested party in such proceedings.
Dated: [ ]
Part B
Form Of Permanent Global Note
THIS PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT). NEITHER THIS PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE NOR ANY PORTION HEREOF MAY BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF THE UNITED STATES) WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
500,000,000
5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2 February 2018
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
INVEST GAMES S.A.
ISIN: XS0564487568
PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE
1. INTRODUCTION
This Global Note is issued in respect of the 500,000,000 5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2 February 2018 (the Notes ) of Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (the Issuer ). The Notes are constituted by a trust deed dated 2 December 2010 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Trust Deed ) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee (the Trustee , which expression includes all persons for the time being appointed trustee or trustees under the Trust Deed) and are the subject of a paying agency agreement dated 2 December 2010 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Agency Agreement ) and made among the Issuer, the Guarantors, The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent (the Principal Paying Agent , which expression includes any successor principal paying agent appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes), the other paying agents named therein (together with the Principal Paying Agent, the Paying Agents , which expression includes any successor or additional paying agents appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the Trustee.
2. REFERENCES TO CONDITIONS
Any reference herein to the Conditions is to the terms and conditions of the Notes set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Notes ) of the Trust Deed and any reference to a numbered Condition is to the correspondingly numbered provision thereof. Words and expressions defined in the Conditions shall have the same meanings when used in this Permanent Global Note.
3. PROMISE TO PAY
3.1 The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer of this Permanent Global Note the principal sum of
500,000,000
(FIVE HUNDRED MILLION EURO)
on 2 February 2018 or on such earlier date or dates as the same may become payable in accordance with the Conditions, and to pay interest on such principal sum in arrear on the dates and at the rate specified in the Conditions, together with any additional amounts payable in accordance with the Conditions, all subject to and in accordance with the Conditions.
3.2 The principal amount of Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note shall be the aggregate amount from time to time entered in the records of both the relevant Clearing Systems (as defined below). The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this Permanent Global Note means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interest in the Notes) shall be conclusive evidence of the principal amount of Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note and, for those purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the principal amount of Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing System at that time.
4. NEGOTIABILITY
This Permanent Global Note is negotiable and, accordingly, title to this Permanent Global Note shall pass by delivery. Interests in Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note shall be transferable only in accordance with the rules and procedures for the time being of the relevant Clearing Systems (as defined below).
5. EXCHANGE
This Permanent Global Note will be exchanged, in whole but not in part only, for Notes in definitive form ( Definitive Notes ) in substantially the form set out in Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Note ) to the Trust Deed if either of the following events (each, an Exchange Event ) occurs:
(a) if this Permanent Global Note is held on behalf of Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. ( Euroclear ), or Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ( Clearstream, Luxembourg and together with Euroclear, the Clearing Systems ) and any such Clearing System is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announces an intention permanently to cease business or does in fact do so; or
(b) any of the circumstances described in Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) occurs.
6. DELIVERY OF DEFINITIVE NOTES
Whenever this Permanent Global Note is to be exchanged for Definitive Notes, the Issuer shall procure the prompt delivery of such Definitive Notes, duly authenticated and with interest coupons ( Coupons ) attached, in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note to the bearer of this Permanent Global Note against the surrender of this Global Note at the Specified Office (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Principal Paying Agent within 30 days of the occurrence of the relevant Exchange Event.
The Conditions shall be modified with respect to Notes represented by this Global Note by the provisions set out herein.
7. PAYMENTS
(a) Payments of principal, interest and other amounts (if any) in respect of the unpaid balance of the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note may, at the direction of the bearer be made on the due date for any such payment to the relevant Clearing Systems for credit to the account (or accounts) of the Accountholder (as defined below) or Accountholders appearing in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems as having Notes credited to them.
(b) Payments of principal, interest and other amounts (if any) in respect of this Permanent Global Note shall be made against presentation for endorsement of this Permanent Global Note in accordance with Clause 8 ( Recording ) and, if no further payment falls to be made in respect of this Permanent Global Note, this Permanent Global Note shall be surrendered to or to the order of the Principal Paying Agent.
(c) Upon any payment in respect of the Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note, the Issuer shall procure that the amount so paid shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems but any failure to make such entries shall not affect the discharge referred to in previous paragraph.
8. RECORDING
8.1 The Issuer shall procure that a record of each payment made in respect of this Permanent Global Note in accordance with Clause 7 ( Payments ) and the Conditions shall be made by the relevant Clearing Systems.
8.2 (a) On each occasion on which:
(i) Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note are to be redeemed in full and cancelled in accordance with Condition 5(g) ( Cancellation ); or
(ii) Definitive Notes are delivered in exchange for this Permanent Global Note in accordance with Clause 5 ( Exchange ),
the Issuer shall procure that (A)(1) the aggregate principal amount of Notes so redeemed or (2) the principal amount of the Definitive Notes so delivered and (B) the remaining principal amount (if any) of this Permanent Global Note (which shall be the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note before that redemption or exchange less the aggregate of the amounts referred to in (A)) are recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems.
(b) On each occasion on which any further portion of the Temporary Global Note is exchanged for an interest in this Permanent Global Note, the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note shall be increased by the amount of such further portion and the Issuer shall procure that the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note (which shall be the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note before that exchange plus the amount of such further portion) is recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems.
9. CONDITIONS APPLY
Until this Permanent Global Note has been exchanged as provided herein or cancelled in accordance with the Agency Agreement, the bearer of this Permanent Global Note shall be subject to the Conditions and, subject as otherwise provided herein, shall be entitled to the same rights and benefits under the Conditions as if it were the holder of Definitive Notes in the denomination of 50,000 and the related Coupons and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note.
10. NOTICES
Notwithstanding Condition 15 ( Notices ), while all the Notes are represented by this Permanent Global Note (or by this Permanent Global Note and a temporary global note) and this Permanent Global Note is (or this Permanent Global Note and a temporary global note are) held on behalf of the relevant Clearing Systems, notices to Noteholders may be given by delivery of the relevant notice to the relevant Clearing Systems for communication to the relevant Accountholders (as defined below) rather than by publication as required by Condition 15 ( Notices ); provided, however, that , so long as the Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and its rules so require, notices will also be published in a leading newspaper having general circulation in Luxembourg (which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort ) or on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange ( www.bourse.lu ). Any notice delivered to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be deemed to have been given to Noteholders on the date on which such notice is delivered to the relevant Clearing System.
11. PRESCRIPTION
Claims in respect of principal, premium and interest in respect of this Permanent Global Note will become void unless it is presented for payment within a period of ten years (in the case of principal and premium) and five years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date (as defined in Condition 7 ( Taxation )).
12. REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF THE NOTEHOLDERS
The option of the Noteholders provided for in Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ) may be exercised by the holder of this Permanent Global Note giving notice to the Principal Paying Agent within the time limits relating to the deposit of Notes with a Paying Agent set out in that Condition substantially in the form of the Put Option Notice available from any Paying Agent and stating the principal amount of Notes in respect of which the Put Option is exercised and at the same time presenting this Permanent Global Note to the Principal Paying Agent for notation accordingly in Schedule E hereto.
13. AUTHENTICATION AND EFFECTUATION
This Permanent Global Note shall not be valid or enforceable for any purpose unless and until it has been authenticated for and on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent and effectuated by the entity appointed as common safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
14. ACCOUNTHOLDERS
For so long as any of the Notes is represented by this Permanent Global Note or by this Permanent Global Note and Temporary Global Note and such Global Note(s) is/are held on behalf of the relevant Clearing Systems, each person (other than a relevant Clearing System) who is for the time being shown in the records of a relevant Clearing System as the holder of a particular principal amount of Notes (each an Accountholder ) (in which regard any certificate or other document issued by a relevant Clearing System as to the principal amount of such Notes standing to the account of any person shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes) shall be treated as the holder of that principal amount for all purposes (including but not limited to for the purposes of any quorum requirements of, or the right to demand a poll, meetings of the Noteholders and giving notice to the Issuer pursuant to Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) and Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders )) other than with respect to the payment of principal and interest on the Notes, the right to which shall be vested, as against the Issuer, (i) if represented by this Permanent Global Note only, solely in the bearer of this Permanent Global Note in accordance with and subject to its terms or (ii) if represented by this Permanent Global Note and Temporary Global Note, in the bearer of this Permanent Global Note and the bearer of the Temporary Global Note, in accordance with and subject to their terms. Each
Accountholder must look solely to the relevant Clearing Systems for its share of each payment made to the bearer of this Permanent Global Note.
15. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
No person shall have any right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any of the terms of this Permanent Global Note.
16. GOVERNING LAW
This Permanent Global Note and all matters and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with it are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save that the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) shall apply to the provisions of the Notes and the Trust Deed in respect of the same.
AS WITNESS the manual signature of a duly authorised person on behalf of the Issuer.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A. |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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ISSUED as of 2 December 2010 |
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CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
AUTHENTICATED for and on behalf of |
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (ACTING
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as principal paying agent without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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CERTIFICATION OF EFFECTUATION |
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EFFECTUATED by |
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CLEARSTREAM BANKING, SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME |
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as common safekeeper without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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Schedule A
Further Information in respect of the Issuer
The Issuer
1. |
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Object: |
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The object of the Issuer, as set out in Article 4 of its by-laws, is the carrying out of all activities pertaining to the organisation, management and completion of games and/or lotteries, instant and/or traditional, including but not limited to games of ability, forecasting competitions, lottery draws and betting, whether directly or through concessions, in Italy or abroad. In particular, the Issuer can organise and manage, under licence from the Ministry of Finance, the automated lotto service, as provided for by section 1 of the Ministry Decree. 4832/GAB of 17 March, 1993 as amended. The Issuer can also carry out any concessionary activities and/or activities connected with services delegated, or in any way granted under a concession, to tobacconist shops and/or collectors by the Public Administration, including the collection of car taxes. The Issuer can further exercise and develop, under concession, national pari-mutuel games through a distribution network. The Issuer can carry out any other activity granted by the Public Administration in connection with concessionary services or activities that have been granted to it under a concession. The Issuer can carry out any manufacturing, financial, commercial, movables and real estate property transactions, in any way instrumental to the pursuit of the corporate purpose, including the issuance of surety bonds, pledges and mortgages and the acquisition, assignment and use of industrial rights, patents and inventions. The Issuer can hold interests in other companies, businesses and consortia, either established or to be established, including foreign companies, essential to, connected with or instrumental in achieving the corporate purpose and can carry out, in general, any essential or desirable transaction in connection therewith in compliance with the provisions of activity set forth by Section 106 and et seq. of the Legislative Decree No. 385/1993 as amended, and its implementing regulations. |
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2. |
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Registered Office: |
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Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00154 Rome, Italy. |
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Companys Registered Number: |
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Companies Registry of Rome No. 08028081001, Chamber of Commerce of Rome, Italy. |
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4. |
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Paid-up share capital at the date hereof: |
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172,015,373.00, consisting of 172,015,373 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of 1.00. |
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5. |
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Reserves: |
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2,151,858,755.00 |
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6. |
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Date of resolutions authorising the issue of the Notes: |
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Resolution of the board of directors of the Issuer dated 15 November 2010, filed with the Companies Registry of Rome on 16 November 2010. |
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7. |
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Additional details: |
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Please refer to the prospectus dated 30 November 2010. |
SCHEDULE 2
Part A
Form Of Definitive Note
[ On the face of the Note: ]
50,000 |
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Serial No: |
THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT) AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE) WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
500,000,000
5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2 February 2018
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
INVEST GAMES S.A.
ISIN: XS0564487568
This Note is one of a series of notes (the Notes ) in the denomination of 50,000 and in the aggregate principal amount of 500,000,000 issued by Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (the Issuer ). The Notes are constituted by a trust deed dated 2 December 2010 among the Issuer, the Guarantors and BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee for the holders of the Notes from time to time.
The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer the principal sum of
50,000
(FIFTY THOUSAND EURO)
on 2 February 2018, or on such earlier date or dates as the same may become payable in accordance with the conditions endorsed hereon (the Conditions ), and to pay interest on such principal sum in arrear on the dates and at the rate specified in the Conditions, together with any additional amounts payable in accordance with the Conditions, all subject to and in accordance with the Conditions.
Interest is payable on the above principal sum at the rate of 5.375 per cent. per annum, payable annually in arrear on 2 February each year commencing on 2 February 2012, all subject to and in accordance with the Conditions.
This Note and the interest coupons relating hereto shall not be valid for any purpose until this Note has been authenticated for and on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent.
This Note and all matters and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with it are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save that the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) shall apply to the provisions of the Notes and the Trust Deed in respect of the same.
AS WITNESS the facsimile signature of a duly authorised person on behalf of the Issuer.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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ISSUED as of [ · ]
AUTHENTICATED
for and on behalf of
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as principal paying agent without recourse, warranty
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
[ On the reverse of the Note :]
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
[ As set out in Part B of Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed ]
FURTHER INFORMATION IN RESPECT OF THE ISSUER
[ As set out in Schedule A to the Permanent Global Note ]
[ At the foot of the Terms and Conditions: ]
PRINCIPAL PAYING AGENT
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
(acting through its London Branch)
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (LUXEMBOURG) S.A.
Aerogolf Center
1A, Hoehenhof
L-1736 Senningerberg
Luxembourg
Part B
Terms and Conditions of the Notes
The following is the text of the Terms and Conditions of the Notes which (subject to completion and amendment) will be endorsed on each Note in definitive form:
The 500,000,000 5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2 February 2018 (the Notes , which expression includes any further notes issued pursuant to Condition 14 ( Further Issues ) and forming a single series therewith) of Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (the Issuer ) are guaranteed on a joint and several basis by each of GTECH Corporation, GTECH Holdings Corporation, GTECH Rhode Island Corporation and Invest Games S.A. (each a Guarantor and together the Guarantors ) and were authorised by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuer on 15 November 2010. The Notes are constituted by a trust deed dated 2 December 2010 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Trust Deed ) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and BNY Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee (the Trustee , which expression includes all persons for the time being trustee or trustees appointed under the Trust Deed) and are the subject of a paying agency agreement dated 2 December 2010 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Agency Agreement ) among the Issuer, the Guarantors, The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent (the Principal Paying Agent , which expression includes any successor principal paying agent appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes), The Bank of New York Mellon (Luxembourg) S.A. (together with the Principal Paying Agent, the Paying Agents , which expression includes any successor or additional paying agents appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the Trustee.
Certain provisions of these Conditions are summaries of the Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement and subject to their detailed provisions. The holders of the Notes (the Noteholders ) and the holders of the related interest coupons (the Couponholders and the Coupons respectively) are entitled to the benefit of, are bound by, and are deemed to have notice of, all the provisions of the Trust Deed and are deemed to have notice of all the provisions of the Agency Agreement applicable to them. Copies of the Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement are available for inspection during normal business hours at the registered office for the time being of the Trustee, being at the Issue Date (as defined below) One Canada Square, London E14 5AL, United Kingdom, and at the Specified Offices (as defined in the Agency Agreement) of each of the Paying Agents, the initial Specified Offices of which are set out below.
1. FORM, DENOMINATION AND TITLE
The Notes are serially numbered and in bearer form in the denomination of 50,000 with Coupons attached at the time of issue. Title to the Notes and the Coupons will pass by delivery. The holder of any Note or Coupon shall (except as otherwise required by law) be treated as its absolute owner for all purposes (whether or not it is overdue and regardless of any notice of ownership, trust or any other interest therein, any writing thereon or any notice of any previous loss or theft thereof) and no person shall be liable for so treating such holder. No person shall have any right to enforce any term or condition of the Notes or the Trust Deed under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
2. GUARANTEE AND STATUS
(a) Guarantee: each Guarantor has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed on a joint and several basis (i) the due payment of all sums expressed to be payable by the Issuer under the Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement, the Notes and the Coupons and (ii) the performance by the Issuer of all of its obligations under the Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement, the Notes and the Coupons. Each Guarantors obligations in that respect (each, a Guarantee ) are contained in the Trust Deed.
(b) Status of the Notes : the Notes constitute direct, general unconditional, unsecured (subject to Condition 3 ( Negative Pledge )) and unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer which are obbligazioni pursuant to Articles 2410-et seq. of the Italian Civil Code and will at all times rank at least pari passu with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer, save for such obligations as may be preferred by provisions of law that are both mandatory and of general application.
(c) Status of the Guarantees : the Guarantees constitute direct, general unconditional, unsecured (subject to Condition 3 ( Negative Pledge )) and unsubordinated obligations of the Guarantors and will at all times rank at least pari passu with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the relevant Guarantor, save for such obligations as may be preferred by provisions of law that are both mandatory and of general application.
3. NEGATIVE PLEDGE
So long as any Note or Coupon remains outstanding (as defined in the Trust Deed), none of the Issuer or any Guarantor will, and each of the Issuer and the Guarantors shall procure that none of their respective Subsidiaries will, create or permit to subsist any Security Interest upon the whole or any part of their present or future business, undertakings, assets or revenues (including uncalled capital) to secure any Relevant Indebtedness or Relevant Guarantee of Relevant Indebtedness without (a) at the same time or prior thereto securing the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes, the Coupons and the Trust Deed or, as the case may be, the obligations of the Guarantors under the Guarantees, equally and rateably therewith to the satisfaction of the Trustee or (b) providing such other security, guarantee, indemnity or other arrangement for the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes, the Coupons and the Trust Deed or, as the case may be, the obligations of the Guarantors under the Guarantees, as the Trustee may in its absolute discretion consider to be not materially less beneficial to the interests of the Noteholders or as may be approved by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed) of Noteholders.
In these Conditions:
Person means any individual, company, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, organisation, state or agency of a state or other entity, whether or not having separate legal personality;
Relevant Guarantee means, in relation to any Relevant Indebtedness of any Person, any obligation of another Person to pay such Relevant Indebtedness including (without limitation):
(a) any obligation to purchase such Relevant Indebtedness;
(b) any obligation to lend money, to purchase or subscribe shares or other securities or to purchase assets or services in order to provide funds for the payment of such Relevant Indebtedness;
(c) any indemnity against the consequences of a default in the payment of such Relevant Indebtedness; and
(d) any other agreement to be responsible for such Relevant Indebtedness;
Relevant Indebtedness means any present or future indebtedness which is in the form of, or represented by, any bond, note, debenture, debenture stock, loan stock, certificate or other instrument which is, or is capable of being, listed, quoted or traded on any stock exchange or in any securities market (including, without limitation, any over-the-counter or other securities market);
Security Interest means any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien or other security interest including, without limitation, anything analogous to any of the foregoing under the laws of any jurisdiction, except any security interest existing on the assets or property of a Person immediately prior to its acquisition by or its consolidation or merger with the Issuer, a Guarantor, a Subsidiary of the Issuer or a Subsidiary of a Guarantor, provided that such security interest is not created in contemplation of such acquisition, consolidation or merger and the amount secured by such security interest is not thereafter increased; and
Subsidiary means, in relation to any person (the first person) at any particular time, any other person (the second person):
(a) which is controlled, directly or indirectly by the first person;
(b) more than half the issued share capital of which is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the first person;
(c) which is a subsidiary of another Subsidiary of the first person; or
(d) whose financial statements are in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting principles applicable to the Issuer consolidated with those of that first person.
For the purposes of this definition, a company or corporation shall be treated as being controlled by another entity if the latter (whether by way of ownership of shares, proxy, contract, agency or otherwise) has the power to (i) appoint or remove all, or the majority, of its directors or other equivalent officers or (ii) direct its operating and financial policies.
4. INTEREST
(a) Interest : Subject to Condition 4(b) ( Interest rate adjustment ) below, the Notes bear interest from (and including) 2 December 2010 (the Issue Date ) at the rate of 5.375 per cent. per annum (the Rate of Interest ) payable in arrear on 2 February in each year, commencing on 2 February 2012 (each, an Interest Payment Date ), subject as provided in Condition 6 ( Payments ). The first payment (for the period from (and including) the Issue Date to (but excluding) 2 February 2012 and amounting to 3,144.01 per 50,000 principal amount of Notes) shall be made on 2 February 2012. Each payment thereafter (for each full year from (and including) 2 February 2012 to (but excluding) 2 February 2018 and amounting to 2,687.50 per 50,000 principal amount of Notes) shall be made on the relevant Interest Payment Date.
Each Note will cease to bear interest from the due date for redemption unless, upon due presentation, payment of principal is improperly withheld or refused, in which case it will continue to bear interest at such rate (both before and after judgment) until whichever is the earlier of (a) the day on which all sums due in respect of such Note up to that day are received by or on behalf of the relevant Noteholder and (b) the day which is seven days after the Principal Paying Agent or the Trustee has notified the Noteholders that it has received all sums due in respect of the Notes up to such seventh day (except to the extent that there is any subsequent default in payment).
If interest is required to be paid in respect of a Note on any date which is not an Interest Payment Date, it shall be calculated by applying the Rate of Interest to the principal amount of such Note, multiplying the product by the relevant Day Count Fraction and rounding the resulting figure to the nearest cent (half a cent being rounded upwards), where:
Day Count Fraction means, in respect of any period, the number of days in the relevant period, from (and including) the first day in such period to (but excluding) the last day in such period, divided by the number of days in the Regular Period in which the relevant period falls;
Regular Period means each period from (and including) the Issue Date or any Interest Payment Date to (but excluding) the next Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be; and
(b) Interest rate adjustment:
(i) The Rate of Interest will be subject to adjustment from time to time in the event of a Step Up Rating Change or Step Down Rating Change, as the case may be. From (and including) the first Interest Payment Date following the date of a Step Up Rating Change, the Rate of Interest shall be the Initial Rate of Interest plus 1.25 per cent. per annum. Furthermore, in the event of a Step Down Rating Change following a Step
Up Rating Change, with effect from (and including) the first Interest Payment Date following the date of such Step Down Rating Change, the Rate of Interest shall be decreased by 1.25 per cent. per annum to the Initial Rate of Interest.
(ii) If at any relevant time the Issuers senior unsecured debt shall not be rated by any two of Moodys, S&P or a Substitute Rating Agency, the Rate of Interest shall be the Initial Rate of Interest plus 1.25 per cent. per annum with effect from (and including) the first Interest Payment Date on or after such time and up to (but excluding) the first Interest Payment Date on or immediately after such time as the Rate of Interest is able to be determined in accordance with the foregoing paragraph of this Condition 4(b) ( Interest rate adjustment ).
(iii) The Issuer will cause the occurrence of a Step Up Rating Change or a Step Down Rating Change to be notified to the Trustee, the Paying Agents and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and notice thereof to be given in accordance with Condition 15 (Notices) as soon as possible after the occurrence of the Step Up Rating Change or the Step Down Rating Change (whichever the case may be) but in no event later than ten days thereafter.
(iv) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in these Conditions, there shall be no limit on the number of times that the Rate of Interest may be adjusted pursuant to a Rating Change during the term of the Notes, provided always that at no time during the term of the Notes will the Rate of Interest be lower than the Initial Interest Rate or higher than the Initial Interest Rate plus 1.25 per cent. per annum.
(v) Without prejudice to any other Condition (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders )) and provided that the Issuer has otherwise complied with its obligations under this Condition 4(b), the occurrence of a Rating Change shall only affect the applicable Rate of Interest and the Noteholders shall not have any other rights or claims against the Issuer with respect thereto.
In these Conditions:
Initial Rate of Interest means the Rate of Interest set out in Condition 4(a) ( Interest );
Investment Grade Rating means Baa3/BBB- or equivalent, or better from any Rating Agency;
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service Limited;
Non-Investment Grade Rating means Ba1/BB+ or equivalent, or worse from any Rating Agency;
Rating Agency means Moodys or S&P or any of their respective successors or any rating agency (a Substitute Rating Agency ) substituted for any of them by the Issuer from time to time with the prior written approval of the Trustee, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed;
Rating Change means a Step Up Rating Change and/or a Step Down Rating Change;
S&P means Standard and Poors Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.;
Step Down Rating Change means the public announcement after a Step Up Rating Change by both of Moodys and S&P of an increase in, or a confirmation of, the rating of the Issuers senior unsecured debt and/or the Notes (as applicable) to at least an Investment Grade Rating; and
Step Up Rating Change means the public announcement by either or both of Moodys and S&P of a decrease in the rating of the Issuers senior unsecured debt and/or the Notes (as applicable) to a Non-Investment Grade Rating. For the avoidance of doubt, any further decrease in the rating of the Issuers
senior unsecured debt and/or the Notes (as applicable) from below a Non-Investment Grade Rating shall not constitute a Step Up Rating Change.
5. REDEMPTION AND PURCHASE
(a) Scheduled redemption : Unless previously redeemed, or purchased and cancelled, the Notes will be redeemed at 100 per cent. of their principal amount together with any accrued and unpaid interest on 2 February 2018 (the Maturity Date ), subject as provided in Condition 6 ( Payments ).
(b) Redemption for tax reasons : The Notes may be redeemed at the option of the Issuer in whole, but not in part, at any time, on any Interest Payment Date, on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Noteholders (which notice shall be irrevocable), at 100 per cent. of their principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest to (but excluding) the date fixed for redemption, if, immediately before giving such notice, the Issuer satisfies the Trustee that:
(i) the Issuer (or, if the Guarantees were called, any Guarantor) has or will become obliged to pay additional amounts as provided or referred to in Condition 7 ( Taxation ) as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws or regulations of the Republic of Italy, the United States, Luxembourg or any political subdivision thereof or any agency or authority thereof or therein having power to tax, or any change in the application or official interpretation of such laws or regulations (including a holding by a court of competent jurisdiction), which change or amendment becomes effective on or after 2 December 2010; and
(ii) such obligation cannot be avoided by the Issuer (or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be) taking reasonable measures available to it;
provided, however , that no such notice of redemption shall be given (i) earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer (or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be) would be obliged to pay such additional amounts if a payment in respect of the Notes were then payable and (ii) unless at the time such notice is given, the obligation to pay additional amounts remains in effect.
Prior to the publication of any notice of redemption pursuant to this paragraph, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee:
(A) a certificate signed by the Chief Financial Officer of the Issuer or two Authorised Signatories (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Issuer or, as the case may be, of the relevant Guarantor stating that the Issuer is entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to the right of the Issuer so to redeem have occurred; and
(B) an opinion in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee of independent legal advisers of recognised standing to the effect that the Issuer (or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be) has or will become obliged to pay such additional amounts as a result of such change or amendment.
The Trustee shall be entitled to accept such certificate and opinion without further inquiry as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the circumstances set out in (i) and (ii) above, in which event they shall be conclusive and binding on the Noteholders and the Couponholders.
Upon the expiry of any such notice as is referred to in this Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ), the Issuer shall be bound to redeem the Notes in accordance with this Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ).
(c) Redemption at the option of the Noteholders :
A put event (each, a Put Event ) will be deemed to occur if:
(i)
(A) Lottomatica Change of Control : any person or persons acting in concert or any person or persons acting on behalf of such person(s) (x) shall become the Majority Holder provided that a change of control shall not be deemed to have occurred if the Principal Shareholder continues, without interruption, to be the Majority Holder or (y) shall gain control of the Issuer pursuant to Article 93 of the TUF, provided that a change of control shall not be deemed to have occurred if the Principal Shareholder continues, without interruption, to control the Issuer pursuant to Article 93 of the TUF (each such event being a Lottomatica Change of Control );
(B) GTECH Change of Control : the Issuer ceases to control GTECH Corporation directly or indirectly, or any person or persons (other than the Issuer directly or indirectly) acting in concert or any person or persons acting on behalf of such person(s) shall become the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of shares in the capital of GTECH Corporation carrying more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights normally exercisable at a general meeting of GTECH Corporation (such event being a GTECH Change of Control ); or
(C) Disposal of assets : there is a sale, lease, transfer or other disposal of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (such event being a Disposal Event ); and
(ii) on the date (the Relevant Announcement Date ) that is (x) the date of the first public announcement of the Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event or, if earlier, (y) the date of the earliest Relevant Potential Change of Control Announcement (if any):
(A) the Notes carry an Investment Grade Rating from any Rating Agency and such rating is, within the Change of Control Period, either downgraded to a Non-Investment Grade Rating or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) reinstated or upgraded to an Investment Grade Rating by such Rating Agency;
(B) the Notes carry a Non-Investment Grade Rating from any Rating Agency and such rating is, within the Change of Control Period, either downgraded by one or more notches (for illustration, BB + to BB being one notch) or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently reinstated or upgraded to its earlier rating or better by such Rating Agency; or
(C) the Notes carry no rating, and no Rating Agency assigns, within the Change of Control Period, an Investment Grade Rating to the Notes; and
(iii) in making any decision to downgrade or withdraw a credit rating pursuant to paragraph (ii) above, the relevant Rating Agency announces publicly or confirms in writing to the Issuer or the Trustee that such decision(s) are in connection with, in anticipation of or resulted from, in whole or in part, the occurrence of the Lottomatica Change of Control, the GTECH Change of
Control or the Disposal Event, as the case may be, or the Relevant Potential Change of Control Announcement.
If a Put Event occurs, the holder of each Note will have the option (a Put Option ) (unless prior to the giving of the relevant Put Event Notice (as defined below) the Issuer has given notice of redemption under Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ) above) to require the Issuer to redeem or, at the Issuers option, purchase (or procure the purchase of) that Note on the Put Date (as defined below) at 100 per cent. of its principal amount together with any accrued and unpaid interest to (but excluding) the Put Date (the Put Amount ).
Promptly upon the Issuer becoming aware that a Put Event has occurred the Issuer shall, and at any time upon the Trustee becoming similarly so aware the Trustee may, and if so requested by the holders of at least one quarter in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders, shall (subject in each case to the Trustee being indemnified, secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction) give notice (a Put Event Notice ) to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ), specifying the nature of the Put Event and the procedure for exercising the Put Option.
To exercise the Put Option, the holder of the Note must deliver such Note at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent at any time during normal business hours of such Paying Agent falling within the period (the Put Period ) of 30 days after a Put Event Notice is given, accompanied by a duly signed and completed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from the specified office of any Paying Agent (a Change of Control Put Notice ). The Note should be delivered together with all Coupons appertaining thereto on the date which is seven days after the expiration of the Put Period (the Put Date ). The Paying Agent to which such Note and Change of Control Put Notice are delivered will issue to the Noteholder concerned a non-transferable receipt in respect of the Note so delivered. Payment in respect of any Note so delivered will be made, if the holder duly specified a bank account in the Change of Control Put Notice to which payment is to be made, on the Put Date by transfer to that bank account and, in every other case, on or after the Put Date against presentation and surrender or (as the case may be) endorsement of such receipt at the specified office of any Paying Agent. A Change of Control Put Notice, once given, shall be irrevocable. For the purposes of these Conditions, receipts issued pursuant to this Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ) shall be treated as if they were Notes. The Issuer shall redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of) the relevant Notes on the Put Date unless previously redeemed (or purchased) and cancelled.
If 85 per cent. or more in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding have been redeemed or purchased pursuant to this Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ), the Issuer may, on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) (such notice being given within 30 days after the Put Date), redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of), at its option, all but not some only of the remaining outstanding Notes at their principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest to (but excluding) the date fixed for such redemption or purchase.
If the rating designations employed by any of Moodys or S&P are changed from those which are described in paragraph (ii) of the definition of Put Event above, or if a rating is procured from a Substitute Rating Agency, the Issuer shall determine, with the agreement of the Trustee, the rating designations of Moodys or S&P or such Substitute Rating Agency (as appropriate) as are most equivalent to the prior rating designations of Moodys or S&P and this Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ) shall be construed accordingly.
The Trustee is under no obligation to ascertain whether a Put Event, Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Put Event, a Lottomatica Change of Control, a GTECH
Change of Control or a Disposal Event has occurred, or to seek any confirmation from any Rating Agency pursuant to Condition 5(c)(iii) above, and, until it shall have actual knowledge or notice pursuant to the Trust Deed to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no Put Event, Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event or other such event has occurred.
In this Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ):
Change of Control Period means the period commencing on the Relevant Announcement Date and ending 120 days after the Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event, as the case may be (or such longer period for which the Notes are under consideration (such consideration having been announced publicly within the period ending 120 days after the Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event, as the case may be) for rating review or, as the case may be, rating by a Rating Agency, such period not to exceed 60 days after the public announcement of such consideration);
Majority Holder means the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly of, (x) more than 50 per cent. of the issued or allotted ordinary share capital of the Issuer or (y) such number of securities ( titoli ) of the Issuer carrying more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights, as defined under, and pursuant to, Article 105 of the TUF;
Principal Shareholder means De Agostini S.p.A. and its Subsidiaries;
Relevant Potential Change of Control Announcement means any public announcement or statement by the Issuer, any actual or potential bidder or any adviser acting on behalf of any actual or potential bidder or purchaser relating to any potential Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event, as the case may be, where within 180 days following the date of such announcement or statement, the Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event occurs; and
TUF means Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended.
(d) Redemption at the option of the Issuer : The Issuer may, having given not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) (which notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the date fixed for redemption), redeem all, but not some only, of the Notes, on 3 January 2011 or at any time thereafter (the Optional Redemption Date ) at a redemption price per Note equal to the greater of: (i) 100 per cent. of the principal amount of the Note; or (ii) as determined by the Reference Dealers (as defined below), the sum of the then current values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (not including any interest accrued on the Notes to, but excluding, the Optional Redemption Date) discounted to the Optional Redemption Date on an annual basis (based on the actual number of days elapsed divided by 365 or (in the case of a leap year) by 366) at the Reference Dealer Rate (as defined below), plus 0.50 per cent., plus, in each case, any interest accrued on the Notes to, but excluding, the Optional Redemption Date (the Call Amount ). Upon the expiry of such notice, the Issuer shall redeem the Notes in accordance with this Condition 5(d).
In this Condition 5(d) ( Redemption at the option of the Issuer ):
Reference Bund means 20,000,000,000 4 per cent. German Federal Government Bonds of Bundesrepublik Deutschland due 4 January 2018 with ISIN DE0001135341;
Reference Dealers means Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited, J.P. Morgan Securities Ltd., Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario S.p.A., Société Générale and UniCredit Bank AG or their successors; and
Reference Dealer Rate means, with respect to the Reference Dealers and the Optional Redemption Date, the average of the five quotations of the average mid market annual yield to maturity of the Reference Bund, or, if the applicable security is no longer outstanding, a similar security in the reasonable judgement of each Reference Dealer, at 11:00 a.m. London time on the third business day in London preceding such Optional Redemption Date, quoted in writing to the Issuer and the Trustee by the Reference Dealers.
(e) No other redemption : The Issuer shall not be entitled to redeem the Notes otherwise than as provided in Condition 5(a) ( Scheduled redemption ), 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ) and 5(d) ( Redemption at the option of the Issuer ) above.
(f) Purchase : The Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries may at any time purchase Notes in the open market or otherwise and at any price, provided that all unmatured Coupons are purchased therewith.
(g) Cancellation : All Notes so redeemed or purchased by the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries and any unmatured Coupons attached to or surrendered with them shall be cancelled and may not be reissued or resold. Pursuant to Article 2415 of the Italian Civil Code, none of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries shall be entitled to vote at any meetings of Noteholders in relation to the Notes redeemed or held by it.
(h) Timing of Notices : If more than one notice of redemption is given by the Issuer pursuant to these Conditions, or a Noteholder delivers a Change of Control Put Notice pursuant to Condition 5(b) ( Redemption at the Option of Noteholders ), the first in time of such notices shall prevail.
6. PAYMENTS
(a) Principal : Payments of principal shall be made only against presentation and ( provided that payment is made in full ) surrender of Notes at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent outside the United States by Euro cheque drawn on, or by transfer to a Euro account (or other account to which Euro may be credited or transferred) maintained by the payee outside the United States with, a bank in a city in which banks have access to the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET2) System (the TARGET System ).
(b) Interest : Payments of interest shall, subject to Condition 6(f) ( Payments other than in respect of matured Coupons ) below, be made only against presentation and ( provided that payment is made in full) surrender of the appropriate Coupons at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent outside the United States in the manner described in Condition 6(a) ( Principal ) above.
(c) Payments subject to fiscal laws : All payments in respect of the Notes are subject in all cases to any applicable fiscal or other laws and regulations in the place of payment, but without prejudice to the provisions of Condition 7 ( Taxation ). No commissions or expenses shall be charged to the Noteholders or Couponholders in respect of such payments.
(d) Unmatured Coupons : Upon any Note becoming due and payable prior to the due date for redemption, all unmatured Coupons (if any) appertaining thereto will become void and no further amounts will be payable with respect thereto.
(e) Payments on business days : If the due date for payment of any amount in respect of any Note or Coupon is not a business day in the place of presentation, the holder shall not be entitled to payment in such place of the amount due until the next succeeding business day in such place and shall not be entitled to any further interest or other payment in respect of any such delay. In this paragraph, business day means, in respect of any place of presentation, any day on which banks are open for presentation and payment of bearer debt securities and for dealings
in foreign currencies in such place of presentation and, in the case of payment by transfer to a Euro account as referred to above, on which the TARGET System is open.
(f) Payments other than in respect of matured Coupons : Payments of interest other than in respect of matured Coupons shall be made only against presentation of the relevant Notes at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent outside the United States in the manner described in Condition 6(a) ( Principal ) above.
(g) Partial payments : If a Paying Agent makes a partial payment in respect of any Note or Coupon presented to it for payment, such Paying Agent will endorse thereon a statement indicating the amount and date of such payment.
7. TAXATION
(a) Gross Up
All payments in respect of principal (including any Call Amount or Put Amount, if applicable) and interest in respect of the Notes and the Coupons or under the Guarantees by the Issuer or any Guarantor, as the case may be, will be made free and clear of, and without withholding or deduction for or on account of, any present or future taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature ( Taxes ) imposed or levied by or on behalf of any of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdictions, unless the withholding or deduction of such taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges is required by law. In that event, the Issuer or, as the case may be, the relevant Guarantor will pay such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts received by the holders of the Notes or Coupons after such withholding or deduction shall equal the respective amounts of principal (including any Call Amount or Put Amount, if applicable) and interest which would have been received in respect of the Notes or (as the case may be) Coupons, in the absence of such withholding or deduction, except that no additional amounts shall be payable with respect to any payment in respect of any Note or Coupon:
(i) (a) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder who is subject to such Taxes, in respect of such Note or Coupon by reason of its having some connection (otherwise than merely by holding the Note or Coupon) with the Republic of Italy or, in the case of payments made by any Guarantor under its respective Guarantee, the United States or Luxembourg, as the case may be; (b) with respect to any Note or Coupon presented for payment in the Republic of Italy; (c) for or on account of imposta sostitutiva pursuant to Legislative Decree No. 239 of 1 April 1996, Legislative Decree No. 461 of 21 November 1997 or related implementing regulations; (d) in all circumstances in which the requirements and procedures of such Legislative Decree No. 239 have not been met or complied with (except where due to the actions or omissions of the Issuer or its agents); or (e) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder who is entitled to avoid such withholding or deduction in respect of such Note or Coupon by making a declaration of non-residence or other similar claim for exemption to the relevant taxing authority but has failed to do so;
(ii) to a holder who is a non-Italian resident individual or legal entity which is resident in a tax haven country (as defined and listed in the Ministry of Finance Decree of 23 January 2002, as supplemented by the Ministry of Economy and Finance Decree of 27 July 2010) or in a country which does not allow for an adequate exchange of information with the Italian tax authorities (as defined and listed in the Ministry of Finance Decree of 4 September 1996, as amended from time to time);
(iii) for any Note or Coupon presented for payment more than 30 days after the Relevant Date except to the extent that the holder thereof would have been entitled to such additional amount on presenting the same for payment on the thirtieth such day;
(iv) where such withholding or deduction is imposed on a payment to an individual and is required to be made pursuant to European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive; or
(v) presented for payment by or on behalf of a holder who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction by presenting the relevant Note or Coupon to another Paying Agent in a Member State of the European Union,
without prejudice to the option of the Issuer to redeem the Notes pursuant to, and subject to the conditions of, Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ).
(b) Taxing Jurisdiction
As used in these Conditions, Relevant Date in respect of any Note or Coupon means the date on which payment in respect thereof first becomes due or (if any amount of the money payable is improperly withheld or refused) the date on which payment in full of the amount outstanding is made or (if earlier) the date on which notice is duly given to the holders of Notes in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) that, upon further presentation of the Note or Coupon being made in accordance with the Conditions, such payment will be made, provided that payment is in fact made upon such presentation; and Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction means the Republic of Italy, the United States or Luxembourg or any political subdivision or any agency or authority thereof or therein having power to tax or, in any case, any other jurisdiction or any political subdivision or any agency or authority thereof or therein having power to tax to which the Issuer or a Guarantor, as the case may be, becomes subject in respect of payments made by it in respect of principal (including any Call Amount or Put Amount, if applicable) and interest on the Notes and Coupons.
References in these Conditions to principal and/or interest shall be deemed to include any additional amounts which may be payable under this Condition 7 ( Taxation ).
8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT
If any of the following events occurs, then the Trustee at its discretion may and, if so requested in writing by holders of at least one quarter of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed), shall (subject, in the case of the occurrence of any of the events mentioned in paragraphs (b) ( Breach of other obligations ), (d) ( Unsatisfied judgment ), (e) ( Security enforced ), (h) ( Analogous event ) (only in relation to events referred to in paragraphs (d) and (e) below), (i) ( Failure to take action, etc .) or (j) ( Unlawfulness ) and, in relation only to a Material Subsidiary (which is not a Guarantor), paragraphs (c) ( Cross-default of Issuer, Guarantor or Material Subsidiary ) or (g) ( Winding up, etc .) below, to the Trustee having certified in writing that the happening of such event is in its opinion materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders and, in all cases, to the Trustee having been indemnified, provided with security and/or prefunded to its satisfaction) give written notice to the Issuer declaring the Notes to be immediately due and payable, whereupon they shall become immediately due and payable at their principal amount together with any accrued and unpaid interest without further action or formality:
(a) Non-payment : the Issuer fails to pay (i) any amount of principal or premium in respect of the Notes, (ii) the Call Amount or (iii) the Put Amount on the due date for payment thereof or fails to pay any amount of interest in respect of the Notes within five business days of the due date for payment thereof. In this paragraph, business day means any day on which banks are open for presentation and payment of bearer debt securities and for dealings in foreign currencies in such place of presentation and on which the TARGET System is open; or
(b) Breach of other obligations : the Issuer or any Guarantor defaults in the performance or observance of any of its other obligations under or in respect of the Notes or the Trust Deed
and such default (i) is, in the opinion of the Trustee, incapable of remedy or (ii) being a default which is, in the opinion of the Trustee, capable of remedy remains unremedied for 30 days or such longer period as the Trustee may agree after the Trustee has given written notice thereof to the Issuer and the Guarantors; or
(c) Cross-default of Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary :
(i) any Indebtedness of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary is not paid when due or (as the case may be) within any originally applicable grace period;
(ii) any such Indebtedness becomes due and payable prior to its stated maturity otherwise than at the option of the Issuer, the relevant Guarantor or (as the case may be) the relevant Material Subsidiary or (provided that no event of default, howsoever described, has occurred) any person entitled to such Indebtedness; or
(iii) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary fails to pay when due any amount payable by it under any Specified Guarantee of any Indebtedness;
provided that the amount of Indebtedness referred to in sub-paragraph (i) and/or sub-paragraph (ii) above and/or the amount payable under any Specified Guarantee referred to in sub-paragraph (iii) above individually or in the aggregate exceeds 50 million (or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies); or
(d) Unsatisfied judgment : one or more judgment(s) or order(s) for the payment of an amount in excess of 50 million (or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies) whether individually or in aggregate, is rendered against the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary and continue(s) unsatisfied and unstayed for a period of 60 days after the date(s) thereof or, if later, the date therein specified for payment; or
(e) Security enforced : a secured party takes possession, or a receiver, manager or other similar officer is appointed, of the whole or any substantial (in the opinion of the Trustee) part of the undertaking, assets and revenues of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary; or
(f) Insolvency, etc .: (i) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, (ii) an administrator or liquidator of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary or the whole or any/a substantial (in the opinion of the Trustee) part of the undertaking, assets and revenues of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary is appointed (or application for any such appointment is made), (iii) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary takes any action for a readjustment or deferment of any of its obligations or makes a general assignment or an arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors or declares a moratorium in respect of any of its Indebtedness or any Specified Guarantee of any Indebtedness given by it, (iv) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary ceases or threatens to cease to carry on all or any substantial part of its business (other than for the purpose of a Permitted Restructuring), or (v) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary suspends its payments generally; or
(g) Winding up, etc .: an order is made or an effective resolution is passed for the winding up, liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary (other than for the purpose of a Permitted Restructuring); or
(h) Analogous event : any event occurs in relation to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary (other than for the purpose of a Permitted Restructuring) which under the governing laws of their respective jurisdictions has an analogous effect to any of the events referred to in paragraphs (d) ( Unsatisfied judgment ) to (g) ( Winding up, etc .) above; or
(i) Failure to take action, etc .: any action, condition or thing at any time required to be taken, fulfilled or done in order (i) to enable the Issuer or any Guarantor lawfully to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its obligations under and in respect of the Notes and/or the Trust Deed, (ii) to ensure that those obligations are legal, valid, binding and enforceable and (iii) to make the Notes, the Coupons and the Trust Deed admissible in evidence in the courts of the Republic of Italy, the United States or Luxembourg, as the case may be is not taken, fulfilled or done; or
(j) Unlawfulness: it is or will become unlawful for the Issuer or any Guarantor to perform or comply with any of its obligations under or in respect of the Notes or the Trust Deed; or
(k) Guarantee: any of the Guarantees is not (or is claimed by any Guarantor not to be) in full force and effect (other than as a result of a Permitted Restructuring).
The Issuer shall give to the Trustee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the acquisition or disposal of any company which thereby becomes or ceases to be a Material Subsidiary or after any transfer is made to any Subsidiary which thereby becomes a Material Subsidiary, a certificate from the Chief Financial Officer of the Issuer or two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer to such effect.
In these Conditions:
Consolidated Assets means the aggregate value of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, as disclosed in the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries most recently prepared before the time when the determination or examination is being made as required by and in accordance with the terms hereof;
Consolidated Revenues means the aggregate revenues of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries as disclosed in the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries most recently prepared before the time when the determination or examination is being made as required by and in accordance with the terms hereof;
Indebtedness means any indebtedness of any Person for moneys borrowed or raised;
Material Subsidiary means, as of any date, any Subsidiary of the Issuer (a) which (i) accounts for 10 per cent. or more of the Consolidated Assets as of such date; or (ii) accounted for 10 per cent. or more of the Consolidated Revenues for the year ended on or immediately prior to such date, or (b) which assumes all the assets and liabilities of a Subsidiary of the Issuer which immediately prior to such assumption is a Material Subsidiary as a Substituted Obligor pursuant to a Permitted Restructuring, and such Substituted Obligor shall cease to be a Material Subsidiary pursuant to this paragraph (b) only on the date on which the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries for the financial period current at the date of such Permitted Restructuring have been prepared, but so that such Substituted Obligor may be a Material Subsidiary on or at any time after the date on which such financial statements have been prepared by virtue of paragraph (a) of this definition;
Permitted Restructuring means a solvent amalgamation, merger or reconstruction on terms approved in writing by the Trustee or by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders, of a Guarantor or a Material Subsidiary with the Issuer, any other Guarantor or any other Subsidiary of the Issuer under which: (a) all the assets and liabilities of such Guarantor or such Material Subsidiary, as the case may be, are assumed by the entity resulting from such amalgamation, merger or reconstruction (the Substituted Obligor ) and such Guarantor or such Material Subsidiary ceases to exist, (b) (in the case of a Guarantor) the Substituted Obligor (unless the Substituted Obligor is the Issuer or another Guarantor) assumes the obligations of such Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee, or (in the case of a Material Subsidiary unless the Substituted Obligor is the Issuer) the Substituted Obligor would thereby become a Material Subsidiary, and (c) certain other conditions specified in the Trust Deed have been
complied with, provided that the Trustee may give such approval in writing if in its opinion the interests of the Noteholders shall not be materially prejudiced thereby; and
Specified Guarantee means, in relation to any Indebtedness of any Person, any obligation of another Person to pay such Indebtedness including (without limitation):
(a) any obligation to purchase such Indebtedness;
(b) any obligation to lend money, to purchase or subscribe shares or other securities or to purchase assets or services in order to provide funds for the payment of such Indebtedness;
(c) any indemnity against the consequences of a default in the payment of such Indebtedness; and
(d) any other agreement to be responsible for such Indebtedness.
9. PRESCRIPTION
Claims for principal shall become void unless the relevant Notes are presented for payment within ten years of the appropriate Relevant Date. Claims for interest shall become void unless the relevant Coupons are presented for payment within five years of the appropriate Relevant Date.
10. REPLACEMENT OF NOTES AND COUPONS
If any Note or Coupon is lost, stolen, mutilated, defaced or destroyed, it may be replaced at the Specified Office of the Principal Paying Agent or the Paying Agent having its Specified Office in Luxembourg, subject to all applicable laws, listing authority requirements and stock exchange requirements, upon payment by the claimant of the expenses incurred in connection with such replacement and on such terms as to evidence, security, indemnity and otherwise as the Issuer and the Guarantors may reasonably require. Mutilated or defaced Notes or Coupons must be surrendered before replacements will be issued.
11. TRUSTEE AND PAYING AGENTS
Under the Trust Deed, the Trustee is entitled to be indemnified and relieved from responsibility in certain circumstances and to be paid its costs and expenses in priority to the claims of the Noteholders. In addition, the Trustee is entitled to enter into business transactions with the Issuer and any entity relating to the Issuer without accounting for any profit.
In connection with the exercise by the Trustee of any of its trusts, powers, authorities and discretions (including, without limitation, any modification, waiver, authorisation, determination or substitution), the Trustee shall have regard to the general interests of the Noteholders as a class but shall not have regard to any interests arising from circumstances particular to individual Noteholders or Couponholders (whatever their number) and, in particular but without limitation, shall not have regard to the consequences of any such exercise for individual Noteholders or Couponholders (whatever their number) resulting from their being for any purpose domiciled or resident in, or otherwise connected with, or subject to the jurisdiction of, any particular territory or any political sub-division thereof and the Trustee shall not be entitled to require, nor shall any Noteholder or Couponholder be entitled to claim, from the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee or any other person any indemnification or payment in respect of any tax consequence of any such exercise upon individual Noteholders or Couponholders except to the extent already provided for in Condition 7 ( Taxation ) and/or any undertaking given in addition to, or in substitution for, Condition 7 ( Taxation ) pursuant to the Trust Deed.
In acting under the Agency Agreement and in connection with the Notes and the Coupons, the Paying Agents act solely as agents of the Issuer and the Guarantors and (to the extent provided therein) the Trustee and do not assume any obligations towards or relationship of agency or trust for or with any of the Noteholders or Couponholders.
The initial Paying Agents and their initial Specified Offices are listed below. The Issuer and the Guarantors reserve the right (with the prior approval of the Trustee) at any time to vary or terminate the appointment of any Paying Agent and to appoint a successor principal paying agent and additional or successor paying agents; provided, however , that the Issuer and the Guarantors shall at all times maintain (a) a principal paying agent, (b) a paying agent in Luxembourg and (c) a paying agent in an EU Member State that will not be obliged to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to the EU Savings Directive.
Notice of any termination or appointment and of any change in the specified offices of the Paying Agents will be given to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ).
12. MEETINGS OF NOTEHOLDERS; NOTEHOLDERS REPRESENTATIVE; MODIFICATION
(a) Meetings of Noteholders : The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening meetings of Noteholders to consider matters relating to the Notes, including the modification of any provision of these Conditions, in accordance with Article 2415 of the Italian Civil Code and the applicable provisions of the TUF on listed companies. Any such modification may be made if sanctioned by an Extraordinary Resolution. Such a meeting may be convened by the directors of the Issuer or the Noteholders Representative (as described below) and shall be convened by the directors of the Issuer, the Trustee or the Noteholders Representative upon the request in writing of Noteholders holding not less than one-twentieth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes. Such a meeting will be validly held if (i) in the case of a first meeting there are one or more persons present, being or representing Noteholders holding at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or (ii) in the case of a second meeting following adjournment of the first meeting for want of quorum, there are one or more persons present being or representing Noteholders holding more than one third of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or (iii) in the case of a third or further meeting following a further adjournment for want of quorum, there are one or more persons present being or representing Noteholders holding at least one fifth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes provided, however, that the quorum shall always be at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes for the purposes of considering a Reserved Matter (as defined below) and provided further that the by-laws of the Issuer may from time to time require a higher quorum. The majority required to pass a resolution at any meeting convened to vote on an Extraordinary Resolution (including any meeting convened following adjournment of the previous meeting for want of quorum) will be one or more persons holding or representing at least two thirds of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the meeting; provided, however, that certain proposals (as set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) to the Trust Deed) (including any proposal to change any date fixed for payment of principal or interest in respect of the Notes, to reduce the amount of principal or interest payable on any date in respect of the Notes, to alter the method of calculating the amount of any payment in respect of the Notes or the date for any such payment, to change the currency of payments under the Notes or to change the quorum requirements relating to meetings or the majority required to pass an Extraordinary Resolution (each, a Reserved Matter )) may only be sanctioned by an Extraordinary Resolution passed at a meeting of Noteholders by one or more persons holding or representing more than one half of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the meeting but at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes. Any Extraordinary Resolution duly passed at any such meeting shall be binding on all the Noteholders and Couponholders, whether present or not.
The Trust Deed provides that, save for decisions in respect of those matters which are required to be addressed in a meeting of Noteholders pursuant to Article 2415 of the Italian Civil Code, a resolution in writing signed by or on behalf of the holders of not less than 90 per cent. in principal amount of the Notes outstanding shall for all purposes be as valid and effective as an Extraordinary Resolution passed at a meeting of Noteholders duly convened and held. Such a
resolution in writing may be contained in one document or several documents in the same form, each signed by or on behalf of one or more Noteholders.
(b) Noteholders Representative : Pursuant to Articles 2415 and 2417 of the Italian Civil Code, a Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) (the Noteholders Representative ) may be appointed, inter alia , to represent the interests of the Noteholders in respect of the Notes, such appointment to be made by an Extraordinary Resolution or by an order of a competent court at the request of one or more Noteholders or the directors of the Issuer. The Noteholders Representative shall have the powers and duties set out in Article 2418 of the Italian Civil Code.
(c) Modification : The Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders or Couponholders agree to any modification of these Conditions, the Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement (other than in respect of a Reserved Matter) which is, in the opinion of the Trustee, proper to make if, in the opinion of the Trustee, such modification will not be materially prejudicial to the interests of Noteholders and to any modification of the Notes, the Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement which is of a formal, minor or technical nature or is to correct a manifest or proven error.
In addition, the Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders or Couponholders authorise or waive any proposed breach or breach of the Notes or the Trust Deed (other than a proposed breach or breach relating to the subject of a Reserved Matter or other matters pursuant to Article 2415, paragraph 1of the Italian Civil Code) if, in the opinion of the Trustee, the interests of the Noteholders will not be materially prejudiced thereby.
Any such authorisation, waiver or modification shall be binding on the Noteholders and the Couponholders and, unless the Trustee agrees otherwise, notified to the Noteholders as soon as practicable thereafter.
13. ENFORCEMENT
The Trustee may at any time, at its discretion and without notice, institute such proceedings as it thinks fit to enforce the provisions of the Trust Deed, the Notes and the Coupons, but it shall not be bound to do so or to take any other action under or pursuant to the Trust Deed unless:
(a) it has been so requested in writing by the holders of at least one quarter of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or has been so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution; and
(b) it has been indemnified, provided with security and/or prefunded to its satisfaction.
No Noteholder may proceed directly against the Issuer or any Guarantor unless the Trustee, having become bound to do so, fails to do so within a reasonable time and such failure is continuing.
14. FURTHER ISSUES
The Issuer may from time to time, without the consent of the Noteholders or the Couponholders and in accordance with the Trust Deed, create and issue further notes having the same terms and conditions as the Notes in all respects (or in all respects except for the first payment of interest) so as to form a single series with the Notes. The Issuer may from time to time, with the consent of the Trustee, create and issue other series of notes having the benefit of the Trust Deed.
15. NOTICES
Notices to the Noteholders shall be valid if published in a leading newspaper having general circulation in Luxembourg (which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort ) or if such publication is not practicable, in a leading English language daily newspaper having general circulation in Europe or on
the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (www.bourse.lu) provided, however, that any notice relating to the calling of a meeting of Noteholders pursuant to Condition 12 ( Meetings of Noteholders; Noteholders Representative; Modification ) shall also be published in Italian and English on the website of the Issuer and in any other manner prescribed by Italian laws and regulations pursuant to Article 125-bis of Legislative Decree No. 58/199 at least 30 days prior to the meeting (exclusive of the day on which the notice is published and of the day on which the meeting is to be held). Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date of first publication. Couponholders shall be deemed for all purposes to have notice of the contents of any notice given to the Noteholders.
16. GOVERNING LAW
The Notes and the Trust Deed and all non-contractual matters arising from or connected with the Notes and the Trust Deed are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save that the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) shall apply to provisions of the Notes and the Trust Deed in respect of the same.
17. SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION
The courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute (a Dispute ) arising from or connected with the Trust Deed or the Notes and all non-contractual matters arising from or in connection therewith (including a dispute regarding the existence, validity or termination of the Trust Deed or the Notes) or the consequences of their nullity. The submission to the jurisdiction of the courts of England is for the benefit of the Trustee and the Noteholders only and shall not (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the right of the Trustee or any Noteholder to take proceedings relating to a Dispute ( Proceedings ) in the Republic of Italy nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if any to the extent permitted by law.
18. SERVICE OF PROCESS
The Issuer and each Guarantor agrees that the documents which start any Proceedings and any other documents required to be served in relation to those Proceedings may be served on it by being delivered to GTECH U.K. Limited of Link House, 19 Colonial Way, Watford, Hertfordshire WD2 4JL, or at any address of the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor in the United Kingdom at which process may be served on it in accordance with Parts 34 and 37 of the Companies Act 2006. Nothing in this paragraph shall affect the right of any Noteholder to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
Part C
Form of Coupon
[ On the face of the Coupon :]
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
500,000,000 5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2 February 2018
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
INVEST GAMES S.A.
Coupon for [ · ] due on [ · ] 20[ · ].
Such amount is payable, subject to the terms and conditions (the Conditions ) endorsed on the Note to which this Coupon relates (which are binding on the holder of this Coupon whether or not it is for the time being attached to such Note), against presentation and surrender of this Coupon at the specified office for the time being of any of the agents shown on the reverse of this Coupon (or any successor or additional agents appointed from time to time in accordance with the Conditions).
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE) WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF THE UNITED STATES.
[ On the reverse of the Coupon :]
Principal Paying Agent : The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch), One Canada Square, London E14 5AL
Paying Agent : The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A., Aerogolf Center, 1A, Hoehenhof, L-1736 Senningerberg, Luxembourg
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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SCHEDULE 3
PROVISIONS FOR MEETINGS OF THE NOTEHOLDERS
1. DEFINITIONS
In this Trust Deed and the Conditions, the following expressions have the following meanings:
Block Voting Instruction means, in relation to any Meeting, a document in the English language (together with, if required by applicable Italian law, a translation thereof into Italian) issued by a Paying Agent:
(a) certifying that certain specified Notes (the deposited Notes ) have been deposited with such Paying Agent (or to its order at a bank or other depositary) or blocked in an account with a clearing system, at least two Local Business Days, prior to the date fixed for the Meeting and will not be released until the earlier of:
(i) the conclusion of the Meeting; and
(ii) the surrender to such Paying Agent, not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for the Meeting (or, if the Meeting has been adjourned, the time fixed for its resumption), of the receipt for the deposited or blocked Notes and notification thereof by such Paying Agent to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee;
(b) certifying that the depositor of each deposited Note or a duly authorised person on its behalf has instructed the relevant Paying Agent in writing that the votes attributable to such deposited Note are to be cast in a particular way on each resolution to be put to the Meeting and that, during the period of 48 hours before the time fixed for the Meeting, such instructions may not be amended or revoked;
(c) listing the total number and (if in definitive form) the certificate numbers of the deposited Notes, distinguishing for each resolution between those in respect of which instructions have been given to vote for, or against, the resolution; and
(d) authorising a named individual or individuals to vote at a Meeting in respect of the deposited Notes in accordance with such instructions;
Chairman means, in relation to any Meeting, the individual who takes the chair in accordance with paragraph 7 ( Chairman );
Extraordinary Resolution means a resolution approved by the number of Voters specified in paragraph 8 ( Quorum and majority required to pass Extraordinary Resolutions ) at a Meeting duly convened and held in accordance with this Schedule;
Initial Meeting means any Meeting other than a New Meeting;
Local Business Days means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks are open for business in Italy;
Maturity Date has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Meeting means a meeting of Noteholders (whether originally convened or resumed following an adjournment);
New Meeting means a Meeting convened after adjournment for want of quorum of a previous Meeting;
Noteholders Representative means a person appointed, inter alia , to represent the interests of the Noteholders ( rappresentante comune ) by an Extraordinary Resolution or by an order of a competent court at the request of one or more Noteholders or the directors of the Issuer, as described in Articles 2415, 2417 and 2418 of the Italian Civil Code;
Proxy means, in relation to any Meeting, a person appointed to vote under a Block Voting Instruction other than:
(a) any such person whose appointment has been revoked and in relation to whom the relevant Paying Agent has been notified in writing of such revocation by the time which is 48 hours before the time fixed for such Meeting;
(b) any such person appointed to vote at a Meeting which has been adjourned for want of a quorum and who has not been re-appointed to vote at the Meeting when it is resumed;
(c) any such person who is (i) a member of any management or supervisory board (including directors and Statutory Auditors ( sindaci )); or (ii) an employee of the Issuer, any Guarantor or their respective Subsidiaries; or
(d) any of the Subsidiaries of the Issuer or any Guarantor,
provided, however, that , no single Proxy may attend or vote on behalf of more than such number of Noteholders at any Meeting as would exceed the limits specified in Article 2372 of the Italian Civil Code;
Reserved Matter means any proposal:
(a) to change any date fixed for payment of principal or interest in respect of the Notes, to reduce the amount of principal or interest payable on any date in respect of the Notes or to alter the method of calculating the amount of any payment in respect of the Notes on redemption or maturity or the date for any such payment in accordance with Article 2415 No. 2 of the Italian Civil Code;
(b) to effect the exchange or substitution of the Notes for, or the conversion of the Notes into, shares, bonds or other obligations or securities of the Issuer or any other person or body corporate formed or to be formed;
(c) to change the currency in which amounts due in respect of the Notes are payable;
(d) to approve any proposal by the Issuer for any other modification of any provision of the Conditions or the Trust Deed or any arrangement in respect of the obligations of the Issuer thereunder subject to Clause 7.2 ( Modifications ) of the Trust Deed;
(e) to amend this definition; or
(f) to change the quorum requirements relating to meetings or the majority required to pass an Extraordinary Resolution;
Second Meeting means a Meeting convened after adjournment for want of quorum of an Initial Meeting;
Third Meeting means a Meeting convened after adjournment for want of quorum of a Second Meeting;
Voter means, in relation to any Meeting, the bearer of a Voting Certificate or a Proxy or, provided the by-laws of the Issuer so allow, the bearer of a definitive Note who produces such definitive Note at the Meeting;
Voting Certificate means, in relation to any Meeting, a certificate in the English language (together with, if required by applicable Italian law, a translation thereof into Italian) issued by a Paying Agent and dated in which it is stated:
(a) that certain specified Notes (the deposited Notes ) have been deposited with such Paying Agent (or to its order at a bank or other depositary) or blocked in an account with a clearing system at least two Local Business Days prior to the date fixed for the Meeting and will not be released until the earlier of:
(i) the conclusion of the Meeting; and
(ii) the surrender of such certificate to such Paying Agent; and
(b) that the bearer of such certificate, being the holder of, or having been duly authorised in writing by the depositor of, the deposited Notes, is entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting in respect of such Notes;
24 hours means a period of 24 hours including all or part of a day upon which banks are open for business in both the places where the relevant Meeting is to be held and in each of the places where the Paying Agents have their Specified Offices (disregarding for this purpose the day upon which such Meeting is to be held) and such period shall be extended by one period or, to the extent necessary, more periods of 24 hours until there is included as aforesaid all or part of a day upon which banks are open for business as aforesaid; and
48 hours means two consecutive periods of 24 hours.
2. ISSUE OF VOTING CERTIFICATES AND BLOCK VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
The holder of a Note may obtain a Voting Certificate from any Paying Agent or require any Paying Agent to issue a Block Voting Instruction by depositing such Note with such Paying Agent or arranging for such Note to be (to its satisfaction) held to its order or under its control or blocked in an account with a clearing system not later than two Local Business Days before the date fixed for the relevant Meeting. A Voting Certificate or Block Voting Instruction shall be valid until the release of the deposited Notes to which it relates. So long as a Voting Certificate or Block Voting Instruction is valid, the bearer thereof (in the case of a Voting Certificate) or any Proxy named therein (in the case of a Block Voting Instruction) shall be deemed to be the holder of the Notes to which it relates for all purposes in connection with the Meeting. A Voting Certificate and a Block Voting Instruction cannot be outstanding simultaneously in respect of the same Note.
3. REFERENCES TO DEPOSIT/RELEASE OF NOTES
Where Notes are represented by the Temporary Global Note and/or the Permanent Global Note or are held in definitive form within a clearing system, references to the deposit, or release, of Notes shall be construed in accordance with the usual practices (including blocking the relevant account) of such clearing system.
4. VALIDITY OF BLOCK VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
A Block Voting Instruction shall be valid only if it is deposited at the specified office of the relevant Paying Agent, or at some other place approved by the Trustee, at least 24 hours before the time fixed for the relevant Meeting or the Chairman decides otherwise before the Meeting proceeds to business. If the Trustee requires, a notarised copy of each Block Voting Instruction and satisfactory proof of the identity of each Proxy named therein shall be produced at the Meeting, but the Trustee shall not be obliged to investigate the validity of any Block Voting Instruction or the authority of any Proxy.
5. CONVENING OF MEETING
The directors of the Issuer, the Trustee or the Noteholders Representative may convene a Meeting at any time and the Issuer and the Noteholders Representative shall be obliged to do so upon the request in writing of Noteholders holding not less than one twentieth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (in the case of the Trustee subject to its being indemnified, secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction) provided that prior to calling any Meeting the Trustee shall be entitled to obtain and rely on such legal advice as it may deem necessary on all applicable Italian laws and regulations governing the procedure for calling and holding such Meeting and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any delay occasioned in obtaining such advice. All proper costs and expenses incurred for such legal advice provided to the Trustee shall be borne by the Issuer upon receipt of proper evidence thereof. Every meeting shall be held on a date, and at a time and place, approved by the Trustee.
6. NOTICE
At least 30 days notice to Noteholders (exclusive of the day on which the notice is given and of the day on which the relevant Meeting is to be held) specifying the date, time, place and agenda of the Meeting shall be published in a leading newspaper having general circulation in Luxembourg (which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort ) or, if such publication is not practicable, in a leading English language daily newspaper having general circulation in Europe or on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange ( www.bourse.lu ), in Italian and English on the website of the Issuer and in any other manner prescribed by Italian laws and regulations pursuant to Article 125 bis of Legislative Decree No. 58/199, and such notice shall be given to the Paying Agents (with a copy to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee). The notice shall further state that the Notes may be deposited with, or to the order of, any Paying Agent for the purpose of obtaining Voting Certificates or appointing Proxies not later than five days (or, such number of days as is provided for under the by-laws of the Issuer, which shall not exceed two Business Days) before the date fixed for the Meeting. The first resolution to be proposed to Noteholders at any Meeting shall be a proposal to authorise the Trustee, the financial advisers of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee and the legal counsel to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee to attend and speak at any such meeting. The notice may also specify the date of a Second Meeting or a Third Meeting.
7. CHAIRMAN
The Chairman (who may, but need not, be a Noteholder) shall be the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Issuer or such other person as the by-laws of the Issuer may specify from time to time or, in default, the Meeting. Where the Meeting has elected the Chairman at an Initial Meeting, such person need not be the same person as the Chairman at any New Meeting.
8. QUORUM AND MAJORITY TO PASS EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTIONS
In accordance with the laws and legislation applicable to the Issuer, as a company with listed shares, a Meeting shall be validly held if attended by one or more Voters representing or holding:
(a) in the case of an Initial Meeting, at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes;
(b) in the case of a Second Meeting:
(i) for the purpose of considering a Reserved Matter, at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; or
(ii) for any other purposes, more than one third of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; and
(c) in the case of a Third Meeting:
(i) for the purpose of considering a Reserved Matter, at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; or
(ii) for any other purposes, at least one fifth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes.
The majority required to pass an Extraordinary Resolution shall be one or more Voters holding or representing:
(a) for voting on any matter other than a Reserved Matter, at least two thirds of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the Meeting; and
(b) for voting on a Reserved Matter, more than one half of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the Meeting but at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes.
9. ADJOURNMENT FOR WANT OF QUORUM
If within 15 minutes after the commencement of any Meeting a quorum is not present, then it shall be adjourned for such period which shall be:
(i) the date specified in the notice to Noteholders of the Initial Meeting, not less than one day and not more than 30 days; and
(ii) in all other cases, not less than 14 days and not more than 30 days.
10. ADJOURNMENT OTHER THAN FOR WANT OF QUORUM
The Chairman may, with the consent of (and shall if directed by) Voters holding or representing at least one third of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the Meeting, adjourn such Meeting from place to place provided that :
(i) any Meeting so adjourned shall take place within five days of the original date for such Meeting; and
(ii) no business shall be transacted at any Meeting so adjourned except business which might lawfully have been transacted at the Meeting from which the adjournment took place.
11. NOTICE FOLLOWING ADJOURNMENT
Where the notice to Noteholders of the Initial Meeting specifies the date for a New Meeting, no further notice need be given to Noteholders. If further notice is given to Noteholders such notice may specifically set out the quorum requirements which will apply when the Meeting resumes.
It shall not be necessary to give notice of the resumption of a Meeting which has been adjourned for any reason other than want of quorum.
12. PARTICIPATION
The following may attend and speak at a Meeting:
(a) Voters;
(b) the Noteholders Representative;
(c) any Director or Statutory Auditor ( sindaco ) of the Issuer and any Guarantor; and
(d) any other person approved by the Meeting, including representatives of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee, the financial advisers of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee and the legal counsel to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee.
13. METHOD OF VOTING
The method of voting on every question submitted to a Meeting shall be decided by the Chairman.
14. VOTES
Every Voter shall have one vote in respect of each 50,000 in aggregate face amount of the outstanding Note(s) represented or held by him. In the case of a voting tie the Chairman shall have a casting vote. Unless the terms of any Block Voting Instruction state otherwise, a Voter shall not be obliged to exercise all the votes to which he is entitled or to cast all the votes which he exercises in the same way.
15. VALIDITY OF VOTES BY PROXIES
Any vote by a Proxy in accordance with the relevant Block Voting Instruction shall be valid even if such Block Voting Instruction or any instruction pursuant to which it was given has been amended or revoked, provided that none of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee or the Chairman has been notified in writing of such amendment or revocation by the time which is 48 hours before the time fixed for the relevant Meeting. Unless revoked, any appointment of a Proxy under a Block Voting Instruction in relation to a Meeting shall remain in force in relation to any resumption of such Meeting following an adjournment; provided, however, that no such appointment of a Proxy in relation to a Meeting originally convened which has been adjourned for want of a quorum shall remain in force in relation to such Meeting when it is resumed. Any person appointed to vote at such a Meeting must be re-appointed under a Block Voting Instruction Proxy to vote at the Meeting when it is resumed.
16. POWERS
A Meeting shall have power (exercisable by Extraordinary Resolution), without prejudice to any other powers conferred on it or any other person:
(a) to approve any Reserved Matter;
(b) to waive any breach or authorise any proposed breach by the Issuer or any Guarantor of its obligations under or in respect of the Notes, the Coupons or the Trust Deed or any act or omission which might otherwise constitute an Event of Default under the Notes;
(c) to give any other authorisation or approval which under this Trust Deed or the Notes is required to be given by Extraordinary Resolution;
(d) to consider any proposal for an administration order ( amministrazione controllata ) or a composition with creditors ( concordato ) in respect of the Issuer or any similar proceedings in respect of a Guarantor;
(e) to remove any Trustee;
(f) to approve the appointment of a new Trustee;
(g) to authorise the Trustee (subject to its being indemnified and/or secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction) or any other person to execute all documents and do all things necessary to give effect to any Extraordinary Resolution;
(h) to discharge or exonerate the Trustee from any liability in respect of any act or omission for which it may become responsible under this Trust Deed or the Notes;
(i) to appoint or revoke the appointment of a Noteholders Representative;
(j) to approve the setting up of a fund for the purposes of representing the interests of Noteholders and any arrangements for the preparation of accounts in respect of such fund;
(k) to appoint any persons as a committee to represent the interests of the Noteholders and to confer upon such committee any powers which the Noteholders could themselves exercise by Extraordinary Resolution; and
(l) to consider any other matter of common interest to Noteholders.
17. EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTION BINDS ALL HOLDERS
An Extraordinary Resolution shall be binding upon all Noteholders and holders of Coupons whether or not present at such Meeting and irrespective of how their vote was cast at such Meeting (so long however as their vote was cast in accordance with these provisions) and each of the Noteholders and holders of Coupons shall be bound to give effect to it accordingly. Notice of the result of every vote on an Extraordinary Resolution shall be given to the Noteholders and the Paying Agents (with a copy to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee) within 14 days of the conclusion of the Meeting.
18. WRITTEN RESOLUTION BINDS ALL HOLDERS
Save for decisions in respect of those matters which are required to be addressed in a Meeting pursuant to Article 2415 of the Italian Civil Code, a written resolution signed by the holders of 90 per cent. in principal amount of the Notes outstanding shall take effect as if it were an Extraordinary Resolution. Such a resolution in writing may be contained in one document or several documents in the same for, each signed by or on behalf of one or more Noteholders.
19. MINUTES
Minutes shall be drawn up by a notary public of all resolutions and proceedings at each Meeting. The Chairman shall sign the minutes, which shall be prima facie evidence of the proceedings recorded therein. Unless and until the contrary is proved, every such Meeting in respect of the proceedings of which minutes have been summarised and signed shall be deemed to have been duly convened and held and all resolutions passed or proceedings transacted at it to have been duly passed and transacted. The minutes shall be held in the minute book of meetings of Noteholders ( libro delle adunanze e delle deliberazioni delle assemblee degli obbligazionisti ) and be registered at the local companies registry ( registro delle imprese ) of the Issuer.
20. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW
All the provisions set out in this Schedule 3 ( Provisions for the Meetings of the Noteholders ) are subject to compliance with the laws, legislation, rules and regulations of the Republic of Italy in force from time to time, including, where such laws, legislation, rules and regulations so require, the Issuers by-laws. Such provisions shall be deemed to be amended, replaced and/or supplemented to the extent that such laws, legislation, rules and regulations are amended, replaced and/or supplemented at any time while the Notes remain outstanding.
21. FURTHER REGULATIONS
Subject to all other provisions contained in this Trust Deed, the Trustee may without the consent of the Noteholders (but, for the avoidance of doubt, with the agreement of the Issuer) prescribe such further regulations regarding the holding of Meetings of Noteholders and attendance and voting at them as the Trustee may in its sole discretion determine.
EXECUTION CLAUSES
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A
.
acting by
By:
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
GTECH CORPORATION
acting by
By:
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
acting by
By:
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
GTECH RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION
acting by
By:
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
INVEST GAMES S.A.
acting by
By:
EXECUTED
as a deed
by
BNY CORPORATE TRUSTEE SERVICES LIMITED
acting by two of its lawful attorneys:
Attorney:
Attorney:
In the presence of:
Witness name:
Signature:
Address:
Exhibit 10.4
EXECUTION VERSION
Dated December 2012
Trust Deed
500,000,000
3.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 March 2020
between
Lottomatica Group S.p.A.
as Issuer
and
GTECH Corporation
GTECH Holdings Corporation
GTECH Rhode Island LLC
Invest Games S.A.
as Guarantors
and
BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited
as Trustee
White & Case LLP
Table of Contents
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Page |
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1. |
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
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1 |
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2. |
COVENANT TO REPAY |
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6 |
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3. |
THE NOTES |
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7 |
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4. |
GUARANTEES |
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8 |
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5. |
COVENANT TO COMPLY WITH TRUST DEED AND SCHEDULES |
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11 |
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6. |
COVENANTS BY THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS |
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11 |
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7. |
AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS |
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17 |
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8. |
ENFORCEMENT |
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18 |
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9. |
APPLICATION OF MONIES |
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18 |
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10. |
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT |
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20 |
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11. |
COSTS AND EXPENSES |
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26 |
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12. |
APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT |
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28 |
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13. |
NOTICES |
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30 |
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14. |
NOTEHOLDERS REPRESENTATIVE |
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31 |
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15. |
FURTHER ISSUES |
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32 |
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16. |
LAW AND JURISDICTION |
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32 |
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17. |
SEVERABILITY |
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33 |
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18. |
CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT 1999 |
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33 |
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19. |
COUNTERPARTS |
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33 |
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Schedule 1 |
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34 |
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Part A Form of Temporary Global Note |
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34 |
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Part B Form of Permanent Global Note |
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45 |
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Schedule 2 |
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51 |
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Part A Form of Definitive Note |
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51 |
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Part B Terms and Conditions of the Notes |
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54 |
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Part C Form of Coupon |
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75 |
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Schedule 3 Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders |
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76 |
THIS TRUST DEED is made on December 2012
BETWEEN :
(1) LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A. (the Issuer );
(2) GTECH CORPORATION, GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION, GTECH RHODE ISLAND LLC and INVEST GAMES S.A. (each a Guarantor and together, the Guarantors ); and
(3) BNY MELLON CORPORATE TRUSTEE SERVICES LIMITED (the Trustee , which expression includes, where the context admits, all persons for the time being the trustee or trustees of this Trust Deed).
WHEREAS :
(A) The Issuer has authorised the creation and issue of 500,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 3.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 March 2020 (the Notes ) to be constituted under this Trust Deed.
(B) The Guarantors have authorised the giving of their guarantees (the Guarantees ) in relation to the Notes.
(C) The Trustee has agreed to act as trustee of this Trust Deed on the following terms and conditions.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSES AND IT IS HEREBY DECLARED as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions
In this Trust Deed the following expressions have the following meanings:
Agency Agreement means the agreement appointing the initial Paying Agents and any other agreement for the time being in force appointing successor paying agents, together with any agreement for the time being in force amending or modifying with the prior written approval of the Trustee any of the aforesaid agreements;
Appointee means any delegate, agent, nominee or custodian appointed pursuant to the provisions of this Trust Deed;
Auditors means the auditors for the time being of the Issuer or, in the event of any of them being unable or unwilling to carry out any action requested of them pursuant to this Trust Deed, means such other firm of independent auditors as may be nominated in writing by the Trustee for the purpose;
Authorised Signatory means:
(a) in relation to the Issuer, any director or any other person or persons notified in writing to the Trustee by any director as being an Authorised Signatory pursuant to Clause 6.2(h) ( Chief Financial Officer and Authorised Signatories ); and
(b) in relation to any Guarantor, any director of such Guarantor or an officer (in the case of a Guarantor which is domiciled in the United States), or any other person or persons notified in writing to the Trustee by any director of such Guarantor as being an Authorised Signatory pursuant to Clause 6.2(h) ( Chief Financial Officer and Authorised Signatories );
Chief Financial Officer means Chief Financial Officer of the Issuer notified to the Trustee pursuant to 6.2(h) ( Chief Financial Officer and Authorised Signatories );
Clearstream, Luxembourg means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ;
Conditions means the terms and conditions set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Notes ) as from time to time modified in accordance with this Trust Deed and, with respect to any Notes represented by a Global Note, as modified by the provisions of the Global Note. Any reference to a particularly numbered Condition shall be construed accordingly;
Couponholder means the holder of a Coupon;
Coupons means the bearer interest coupons in or substantially in the form set out in Part C of Schedule 2 ( Form of Coupon ) appertaining to the Notes and for the time being outstanding or as the context may require a specific number thereof and includes any replacement Coupons issued pursuant to Condition 10 ( Replacement of Notes and Coupons );
Euroclear means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.;
Eurosystem-eligible new Global Note means a Global Note which is held in a manner which would allow Eurosystem eligibility, as stated in the applicable Conditions;
Event of Default means any one of the circumstances described in Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) but (in the case of the occurrence of any of the events mentioned in paragraphs (b) ( Breach of other obligations ), (d) ( Unsatisfied judgment ), (e) ( Security enforced ), (h) ( Analogous event ) (only in relation to the events referred to in paragraphs (d) and (e) of Condition 8 ( Events of Default )), (i) ( Failure to take action, etc .) or (j) ( Unlawfulness ) thereof and, in relation only to a Material Subsidiary (which is not a Guarantor), paragraphs (c) ( Cross-default of Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary ) or (g) ( Winding up, etc. )) only if such event is, pursuant to the provisions of Condition 8 ( Events of Default ), certified by the Trustee in writing to be, in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interests of Noteholders;
Extraordinary Resolution has the meaning set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders );
Global Note(s) mean the Temporary Global Note and Permanent Global Note, as the context may require, to be issued pursuant to Clause 3.1 ( Global Notes );
Liabilities means any loss, damage, cost, charge, claim, demand, expense, judgment, action, proceeding or other liability whatsoever (including, without limitation, in respect of taxes, duties, levies, imposts and other charges) and including any value added tax or similar tax charged or chargeable in respect thereof and legal fees and expenses on a full indemnity basis;
Material Subsidiary has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Noteholder means the bearer of a Note, save that, for so long as any of the Notes is represented by a Global Note and such Global Note is held on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or, in respect of any Note in definitive form held in an account with Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, each person (other than Clearstream, Luxembourg, if Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be an accountholder of Euroclear, and Euroclear, if Euroclear shall be an accountholder of Clearstream, Luxembourg) who is for the time being shown in the records of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg as the holder of a particular principal amount of such Note shall be treated as the holder of that principal amount for all purposes (including but not limited to for the purposes of any quorum requirements of, or the right to demand a poll, meetings of the Noteholders and giving notice
to the Issuer pursuant to Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) and Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholder )) other than with respect to the payment of principal and interest on such Note, the right to which shall be vested, as against the Issuer, solely in the bearer thereof in accordance with and subject to its terms and the provisions of these presents; and the word holder and related expressions shall (where appropriate) be construed accordingly;
Notes means the bearer notes in the denomination of 100,000 each comprising the 500,000,000 3.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 March 2020 constituted under this Trust Deed in or substantially in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Note ), and for the time being outstanding or, as the case may be, a specific number thereof and includes any replacement Notes issued pursuant to Condition 10 ( Replacement of Notes and Coupons ) and (except for the purposes of Clause 3.1 ( Global Notes ) and 3.3 ( Signature )) the Global Note for so long as it has not been exchanged in accordance with the terms thereof;
outstanding means, in relation to the Notes, all the Notes other than:
(a) those which have been redeemed in accordance with this Trust Deed and the Conditions;
(b) those in respect of which the date for redemption has occurred in accordance with the Conditions and for which the redemption monies (including all interest accrued thereon to the date for such redemption) have been duly paid to the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent in the manner provided for in the Agency Agreement (and, where appropriate, notice to that effect has been given to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices )) and remain available for payment in accordance with the Conditions;
(c) those which have been purchased and surrendered for cancellation as provided in Condition 5(g) ( Cancellation ) and written notice of the cancellation of which has been given to the Trustee;
(d) those which have become void under Condition 9 ( Prescription );
(e) those mutilated or defaced Notes which have been surrendered or cancelled and in respect of which replacement Notes have been issued pursuant to Condition 10 ( Replacement of Notes and Coupons );
(f) (for the purpose only of ascertaining the amount of the Notes outstanding and without prejudice to the status for any other purpose of the relevant Notes) those Notes which are alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed and in respect of which replacements have been issued pursuant to Condition 10 ( Replacement of Notes and Coupons ); or
(g) the Temporary Global Note to the extent that it shall have been exchanged for the Permanent Global Note pursuant to its provisions and the Permanent Global Note to the extent that it shall have been exchanged for definitive Notes pursuant to its provisions,
provided that for each of the following purposes, namely:
(i) the determination of the right to attend and vote at any meeting of Noteholders for the purposes of Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) and the right to request the Trustee to take action pursuant to Clause 8 ( Enforcement );
(ii) the determination of how many and which Notes are for the time being outstanding for the purposes of Clauses 8.1 ( Legal Proceedings ) and 7.1
( Waiver ), the Conditions and Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders );
(iii) the exercise of any discretion, power or authority, whether contained in this Trust Deed or provided by law, which the Trustee is required to exercise in or by reference to the interests of the Noteholders or any of them; and
(iv) the determination by the Trustee whether any event, circumstance, matter or thing, is in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders or any of them,
those Notes (if any) which are for the time being held by any person (including but not limited to the Issuer, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries) for the benefit of the Issuer, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries shall (unless and until ceasing to be so held) be deemed not to remain outstanding;
Paying Agents means the several institutions (including, where the context permits, the Principal Paying Agent) at their respective Specified Offices initially appointed pursuant to the Agency Agreement and/or, if applicable, any Successor paying agents, at their respective Specified Offices;
Permanent Global Note means the Permanent Global Note to be issued pursuant to Clause 3.1 ( Global Notes ) in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 1 ( Form of Permanent Global Note );
Permitted Restructuring has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Potential Event of Default means an event or circumstance which could, with the giving of notice, lapse of time, the issuing of a certificate and/or fulfilment of any other requirement provided for in Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) become an Event of Default;
Principal Paying Agent means the institution at its Specified Office initially appointed as principal paying agent pursuant to the Agency Agreement or, if applicable, any Successor principal paying agent at its Specified Office;
Put Event has the meaning given to it in Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders );
Repay shall include redeem and vice versa and repaid , repayable , repayment , redeemed , redeemable and redemption shall be construed accordingly;
Specified Office means, in relation to any Paying Agent, either the office identified with its name in the Conditions or any other office notified to any relevant parties pursuant to the Agency Agreement;
Subsidiary has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Substituted Obligor has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Successor means, in relation to the Paying Agents, such other or further person, as may from time to time be appointed pursuant to the Agency Agreement as a Paying Agent and written notice of whose appointment is given to the Trustee and the Noteholders pursuant to Clause 6.1(k) ( Change of Paying Agents );
TARGET System means the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET 2) System which was launched on 19 November 2007 or any successor thereto;
Temporary Global Note means the Temporary Global Note to be issued pursuant to Clause 3.1 ( Global Notes ) in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 1 ( Form of Temporary Global Note );
this Trust Deed means this Trust Deed and the Schedules (as from time to time modified in accordance with the provisions contained herein) and (unless the context requires otherwise) includes any deed or other document executed in accordance with the provisions hereof (as from time to time modified as aforesaid) and expressed to be supplemental hereto; and
Trustee Acts means both the Trustee Act 1925 and the Trustee Act 2000 of England and Wales.
1.2 Principles of interpretation
In this Trust Deed references to:
(a) Statutory modification : a provision of any statute shall be deemed also to refer to any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof or any statutory instrument, order or regulation made thereunder or under such modification or re-enactment;
(b) Additional amounts : principal and/or interest in respect of the Notes shall be deemed also to include references to any additional amounts which may be payable under Condition 7 ( Taxation );
(c) Tax : costs, charges or expenses shall include any value added tax or similar tax charged or chargeable in respect thereof;
(d) Currency abbreviation : references to or euro are to the single currency introduced at the start of the third stage of European Economic and Monetary Union pursuant to the Treaty establishing the European Community, as amended;
(e) Enforcement of rights : an action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings for the enforcement of rights of creditors shall include, in respect of any jurisdiction other than England, references to such action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings for the enforcement of rights of creditors available or appropriate in such jurisdictions as shall most nearly approximate thereto;
(f) Clauses and Schedules : a Schedule, a Clause or sub-clause, paragraph or sub-paragraph is, unless otherwise stated, to a schedule hereto or a clause or sub-clause, paragraph or sub-paragraph hereof respectively;
(g) Principal : principal shall, when applicable, include premium;
(h) Clearing systems : Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall, wherever the context so admits, be deemed to include references to any additional or alternative clearing system approved by the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee;
(i) Trust Corporation : a trust corporation denotes a corporation entitled by rules made under the Public Trustee Act 1906 to act as a custodian trustee or entitled pursuant to any other legislation applicable to a trustee in any jurisdiction other than England to act as trustee and carry on trust business under the laws of the country of its incorporation; and
(j) Gender : words denoting the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender also, words denoting individuals shall include companies, corporations and partnerships and words importing the singular number only shall include the plural and in each case vice versa .
1.3 The Conditions
In this Trust Deed, unless the context requires or the same are otherwise defined, words and expressions defined in the Conditions and not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning in this Trust Deed.
1.4 Headings
The headings and sub-headings are for ease of reference only and shall not affect the construction of this Trust Deed.
1.5 The Schedules
The Schedules are part of this Trust Deed and shall have effect accordingly.
2. COVENANT TO REPAY
2.1 Covenant to repay
The Issuer covenants with the Trustee that it will, as and when the Notes or any of them become due to be redeemed or any principal on the Notes or any of them becomes due to be repaid in accordance with the Conditions, unconditionally pay or procure to be paid to or to the order of the Trustee in euro in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System in same day freely transferable funds the principal amount of the Notes or any of them becoming due for redemption or repayment on that date and shall (subject to the provisions of the Conditions) until all such payments (both before and after judgment or other order) are duly made unconditionally pay or procure to be paid to or to the order of the Trustee as aforesaid on the dates and at the rates provided for in the Conditions interest on the principal amount of the Notes or any of them outstanding from time to time as set out in the Conditions provided that :
(a) every payment of principal or interest in respect of the Notes or any of them made to the Principal Paying Agent in the manner provided in the Agency Agreement shall satisfy, to the extent of such payment, the relevant covenant by the Issuer contained in this Clause 2 ( Covenant to Repay ) except to the extent that there is default in the subsequent payment thereof to the Noteholders or Couponholders (as the case may be) in accordance with the Conditions;
(b) if any payment of principal or interest in respect of the Notes or any of them is made after the due date, payment shall be deemed not to have been made until either the full amount is paid to the Noteholders or Couponholders (as the case may be) or, if earlier, the seventh day after notice has been given to the Noteholders or Couponholders (as the case may be) in accordance with the Conditions that the full amount has been received by the Principal Paying Agent or the Trustee except, in the case of payment to the Principal Paying Agent, to the extent that there is failure in the subsequent payment to the Noteholders or Couponholders (as the case may be) under the Conditions; and
(c) in any case where payment of the whole or any part of the principal amount due in respect of any Note is improperly withheld or refused upon due presentation (if so provided for in the Conditions) of the Note, interest shall accrue on the whole or such part of such principal amount from the date of such withholding or refusal until the date either on which such principal amount due is paid to the Noteholders or, if earlier, the seventh day after which notice is given to the Noteholders in accordance with the Conditions that the full amount payable in respect of the said principal amount is available for collection by the Noteholders provided that on further due
presentation thereof (if so provided for in the Conditions) such payment is in fact made.
The Trustee will hold the benefit of this covenant and the covenant in Clause 5 ( Covenant to comply with Trust Deed and Schedules ) on trust for the Noteholders and Couponholders.
2.2 Following an Event of Default
At any time after any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default shall have occurred, the Trustee may:
(a) by notice in writing to the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Principal Paying Agent and the other Paying Agents require the Principal Paying Agent and the other Paying Agents or any of them:
(i) to act thereafter, until otherwise instructed by the Trustee, as Paying Agents of the Trustee under the provisions of this Trust Deed and the Notes on the terms provided in the Agency Agreement (with consequential amendments as necessary and save that the Trustees liability under any provisions thereof for the indemnification, remuneration and payment of out-of-pocket expenses of the Paying Agents shall be limited to amounts for the time being held by the Trustee on the trusts of this Trust Deed in relation to the Notes on the terms of this Trust Deed and available to the Trustee for such purpose) and thereafter to hold all Notes and Coupons and all sums, documents and records held by them in respect of Notes and Coupons on behalf of the Trustee; and/or
(ii) to deliver up all Notes and Coupons and all sums, documents and records held by them in respect of Notes and Coupons to the Trustee or as the Trustee shall direct in such notice provided that such notice shall be deemed not to apply to any document or record which the relevant Paying Agent is obliged not to release by any law or regulation; and
(b) by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Guarantors require each of them to make all subsequent payments in respect of Notes and Coupons to or to the order of the Trustee and with effect from the issue of any such notice until such notice is withdrawn, sub-clause 2.1(a) of Clause 2.1 ( Covenant to Repay ) and (so far as it concerns payments by the Issuer or any Guarantor) Clause 9.4 ( Payment to Noteholders and Couponholders ) shall cease to have effect.
3. THE NOTES
3.1 Global Notes
(a) The Notes will initially be represented by the Temporary Global Note in the principal amount of 500,000,000. Interests in the Temporary Global Note shall be exchangeable, in accordance with its terms, for interests in the Permanent Global Note.
(b) The Permanent Global Note shall be exchangeable, in accordance with its terms, for Notes in definitive form.
3.2 The definitive Notes
The definitive Notes and the Coupons will be security printed in accordance with applicable legal and stock exchange requirements substantially in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Note ). The definitive Notes will be endorsed with the Conditions.
3.3 Signature
The Global Notes, the Notes and the Coupons will be signed manually or in facsimile by an Authorised Signatory of the Issuer and, in the case of the Global Notes, will be authenticated manually by or on behalf of the Principal Paying Agent. The Global Notes will be effectuated by the common safekeeper acting on the instructions of the Principal Paying Agent. The Issuer may use the facsimile signature of a person who at the date of this Trust Deed is such a duly authorised person even if at the time of issue of any Notes and/or Coupons he is no longer so authorised. Notes and Coupons so executed, authenticated (in the case of Notes) and effectuated (in the case of Global Notes) will be binding and valid obligations of the Issuer.
3.4 Entitlement to treat holder as owner
The Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and any Paying Agent may deem and treat the holder of any Note or of a particular principal amount of the Notes and the holder of any Coupon as the absolute owner of such Note, principal amount or Coupon, as the case may be (whether or not such Note, principal amount or Coupon shall be overdue and regardless of any notice of ownership, trust or interest therein, any writing thereon or any notice of previous loss or theft of such Note or Coupon) for all purposes and, except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by applicable law, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Paying Agents shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary. All payments made to any such holder shall be valid and, to the extent of the sums so paid, effective to satisfy and discharge the liability for the monies payable upon such Note, principal amount or Coupon, as the case may be.
4. GUARANTEES
4.1 Guarantee and Indemnity
Each Guarantor hereby absolutely, jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably and, notwithstanding the release of any other guarantor or any other person under the terms of any composition or arrangement with any creditors of the Issuer, as a continuing obligation guarantees to the Trustee:
(a) the payment of all sums expressed to be payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement or in respect of the Notes and Coupons, as and when the same becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon early redemption, upon acceleration or otherwise; and
(b) the punctual performance by the Issuer of all of the Issuers obligations under the Notes and the Coupons, under this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement,
in each case, according to the terms of the Notes and Coupons, this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement. In case of the failure of the Issuer to pay any such sum as and when the same shall become due and payable, each Guarantor hereby agrees to cause such payment to be made as and when the same becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon early redemption, upon acceleration or otherwise, as if such payment were made by the Issuer. In case of the failure of the Issuer to perform any such other obligation as and when the same shall become due for performance, each Guarantor hereby agrees to use its best efforts to procure the performance of such other obligation as and when the same becomes due for performance.
4.2 Guarantors as principal debtors
Each Guarantor agrees, as an independent primary obligation, that it shall pay to the Trustee on demand sums sufficient to indemnify the Trustee and each Noteholder and Couponholder against any loss sustained by the Trustee or such Noteholder or Couponholder by reason of:
(a) the non-payment as and when the same shall become due and payable of any sum expressed to be payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement or in respect of the Notes and Coupons; or
(b) the non-performance as and when the same shall become due for performance of any other obligation expressed to be assumed by the Issuer in this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement or in respect of the Notes and Coupons,
in each case, whether by reason of any of the obligations expressed to be assumed by the Issuer in this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement or the Notes being or becoming void, voidable or unenforceable for any reason, whether or not known to the Trustee or such Noteholder or Couponholder or for any other reason whatsoever.
4.3 Unconditional payment
If the Issuer defaults in the payment of any sum expressed to be payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement or in respect of the Notes or Coupons as and when the same shall become due and payable, the Guarantors shall within five Business Days of receipt of demand unconditionally pay or procure to be paid to or to the order of the Trustee in euro in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System in immediately available freely transferable funds the amount in respect of which such default has been made; provided that every payment of such amount made by any Guarantor to the Principal Paying Agent in the manner provided in the Agency Agreement shall be deemed to cure pro tanto such default by the Issuer and shall be deemed for the purposes of this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) to have been paid to or for the account of the Trustee except to the extent that there is failure in the subsequent payment of such amount to the Noteholders and Couponholders in accordance with the Conditions, and everything so paid by any Guarantor in accordance with the Agency Agreement shall have the same effect as if it had been paid thereunder by the Issuer.
4.4 Unconditional obligation
Each Guarantor agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, and that each Guarantor shall be fully liable irrespective of the validity, regularity, legality or enforceability of this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement or any Note or Coupon, or any change in or amendment hereto or thereto, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver, authorisation or consent by any Noteholder or Couponholder or by the Trustee with respect to any provision of this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement or the Notes, the obtaining of any judgment against the Issuer or any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defence of a guarantor.
4.5 Guarantors obligations continuing
Each Guarantor waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest or notice with respect to any Note or the indebtedness evidenced thereby and all demands whatsoever. Each Guarantor agrees that the guarantee and indemnity contained in this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) is a continuing guarantee and indemnity and shall remain in full force and effect until all amounts due as principal, interest or otherwise in respect of the Notes or Coupons or under this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement shall have been paid in full and that it shall not be discharged by anything other than a complete performance of the obligations contained in this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement and the Notes and Coupons.
The Trustee may determine from time to time whether or not it will enforce this guarantee which it may do without making any demand or taking any proceedings against the Issuer and may from time to time make any arrangement or compromise with the Guarantors in relation to this guarantee which the Trustee may consider expedient in the interests of the Noteholders.
4.6 Subrogation of Guarantors rights
Each Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Noteholders against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid by such Guarantor pursuant hereto; provided that no Guarantor shall without the consent of the Trustee be entitled to enforce, or to receive any payments arising out of or based upon or prove in any insolvency or winding up of the Issuer in respect of, such right of subrogation until such time as the principal of and interest on all outstanding Notes and Coupons and all other amounts due under this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement and the Notes and Coupons have been paid in full. Furthermore, until such time as aforesaid, no Guarantor shall take any security or counter indemnity from the Issuer in respect of such Guarantors obligations under this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ).
4.7 Repayment to the Issuer
If any payment received by the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent pursuant to the provisions of this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement or the Conditions shall, on the subsequent bankruptcy, insolvency, corporate reorganisation or other similar event affecting the Issuer, be avoided, reduced, invalidated or set aside under any laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, corporate reorganisation or other similar events, such payment shall not be considered as discharging or diminishing the liability of any Guarantor whether as guarantor, principal debtor or indemnifier and the guarantee and indemnity contained in this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) shall continue to apply as if such payment had at all times remained owing by the Issuer and each Guarantor shall indemnify and keep indemnified the Trustee and the Noteholders on the terms of the guarantee and indemnity contained in this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ).
4.8 Suspense account
Any amount received or recovered by the Trustee from the Guarantors in respect of any sum payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed or the Notes or the Coupons may be placed in a suspense account and kept there for so long as the Trustee thinks fit.
Until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Issuer under this Trust Deed have been irrevocably paid in full, the Trustee may refrain from applying or enforcing any other monies, security or rights held or received by the Trustee in respect of those amounts, or apply and enforce the same in such manner and order as it sees fit (whether against those amounts or otherwise) and the Guarantors shall not be entitled to the benefit of the same.
4.9 U.S. Guarantee Limitations
Each Guarantor organised or incorporated under the laws of any state of the United States of America or the District of Columbia confirms that it is the intention of all such persons that the obligations of each Guarantor organised or incorporated under the laws of any state of the United States of America or the District of Columbia under this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) do not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for the purposes of any proceeding of the type referred to in Condition 8(f) ( Insolvency, etc. ) or Condition 8(g) ( Winding up, etc. ) or Title 11, U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the United States Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the United States Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar foreign or state law, to the extent applicable to the obligations of such Guarantor under this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ). To effect the foregoing intention, the Issuer, Trustee and each Guarantor hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each such Guarantor at any time shall be limited to the maximum amount as
will result in the obligations of such Guarantor under this Clause 4 ( Guarantees ) not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.
5. COVENANT TO COMPLY WITH TRUST DEED AND SCHEDULES
The Issuer and each Guarantor hereby covenants with the Trustee to comply with those provisions of this Trust Deed and the Conditions which are expressed to be binding on it and to perform and observe the same. The Trustee shall be entitled to enforce the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes and the Coupons as if the same were set out and contained in the Trust Deed, which shall be read and construed as one document with the Notes and the Coupons. The Notes and the Coupons are subject to the provisions contained in this Trust Deed, all of which shall be binding upon the Issuer, each Guarantor, the Noteholders and the Couponholders and all persons claiming through or under them respectively.
6. COVENANTS BY THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS
6.1 The Issuer hereby covenants with the Trustee that, so long as any of the Notes remain outstanding, it will:
(a) Business
at all times carry on business, and procure that all its Material Subsidiaries carry on business, in a proper and efficient manner;
(b) Books of account
at all times keep and procure that all its Material Subsidiaries keep such books of account as may be necessary to comply with all applicable laws and so as to enable the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer to be prepared and allow the Trustee and any person appointed by it free access to the same at all reasonable times and to discuss the same with responsible officers of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Material Subsidiaries;
(c) Financial statements
send to the Trustee and to the Principal Paying Agent in the English language (a) as soon as the same become available and in any event no later than 30 days following the approval of its year-end consolidated financial statements by its shareholders, ten copies of its consolidated financial statements for such year, approved by its shareholders and audited by an internationally recognised firm of independent auditors; and (b) as soon as the same becomes available and in any event no later than 30 days following the approval of its six-monthly interim consolidated financial statements by its board of directors, ten copies of its consolidated financial statements for such six month period, approved by its board of directors and subject to a limited review by an internationally recognised firm of independent auditors together with copies of every report or other notice, statement or circular issued (or which under any legal or contractual obligation should be issued) to its members or holders of debentures or creditors (or any class of them) in their capacity as such at the time of the actual (or legally or contractually required) issue or publication thereof and procure that the same are made available for inspection by Noteholders and Couponholders at the Specified Offices of the Paying Agents as soon as practicable thereafter;
(d) Certificate in relation to Material Subsidiaries
give to the Trustee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the acquisition or disposal of any Subsidiary which thereby becomes or ceases to be a Material Subsidiary or after any transfer is made to any Subsidiary which thereby becomes a Material Subsidiary, a certificate by the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories to such effect; such certificate shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and all Noteholders;
(e) Notices to Noteholders
send or procure to be sent to the Trustee not less than three days prior to the date of publication, for the Trustees approval, one copy of each notice to be given to the Noteholders in accordance with the Conditions and not publish such notice without such approval and, upon publication, send to the Trustee two copies of such notice (such approval, unless so expressed, not to constitute approval of such notice for the purpose of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000);
(f) Notification of non-payment
use its reasonable endeavours to procure that the Principal Paying Agent notifies the Trustee in writing forthwith in the event that it does not, on or before the due date for payment in respect of the Notes or any of them or any of the Coupons, receive unconditionally the full amount in the relevant currency of the monies payable on such due date on all such Notes or Coupons, as the case may be;
(g) Notification of late payment
in the event of the unconditional payment to the Principal Paying Agent or the Trustee of any sum due in respect of the Notes or any of them or any of the Coupons being made after the due date for payment thereof, forthwith give notice to the Noteholders that such payment has been made;
(h) Notification of redemption or repayment
not less than the number of days specified in the relevant Condition prior to the redemption or repayment date in respect of any Note, give to the Trustee notice in writing of the amount of such redemption or repayment pursuant to the Conditions and duly proceed to redeem or repay such Note accordingly;
(i) Notification of Put Event
promptly upon the Issuer becoming aware that a Put Event has occurred, the Issuer shall give notice of such event to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) specifying the nature of the Put Event and circumstances giving rise to it and the procedure for exercising the Put Option contained in Condition 5(c) ( Redemption of the option of Noteholders ). Failure by the Issuer to give such notice shall not affect the rights of the Noteholders pursuant to Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of Noteholders );
(j) Tax redemption
if the Issuer gives notice to the Trustee that it intends to redeem the Notes pursuant to Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ) the Issuer shall, prior to giving such notice to the Noteholders, provide such information to the Trustee as the Trustee requires in order to satisfy itself of the matters referred to in such Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons );
(k) Change of Paying Agents
give notice to the Noteholders and to the Trustee of any appointment, resignation or removal of any Paying Agent after having obtained the written approval of the Trustee thereto, or of any change of any Paying Agents Specified Office and at least 30 days prior to such event occurring, in each case subject to the terms of the Agency Agreement;
(l) Obligations of Paying Agents
observe and comply with and perform all its obligations under the Agency Agreement, use all reasonable endeavours to procure that the Paying Agents observe, comply with and perform all their obligations under the Agency Agreement and notify the Trustee immediately if it becomes aware of any material breach of such obligations, or failure by a Paying Agent to comply with such obligations, in relation to the Notes or Coupons and not make any amendment or modification to such Agency Agreement without the prior written approval of the Trustee; and
(m) Listing
at all times use all reasonable endeavours to maintain the listing of the Notes on the official list of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and maintain the trading of the Notes on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange or, if it is unable to do so having used all reasonable endeavours or if the maintenance of such listing and/or trading is agreed by the Trustee to be unduly burdensome or impractical, use reasonable endeavours to obtain and maintain a quotation or listing of the Notes on such other stock exchange or exchanges and/or trading of the Notes on such other securities market or markets as the Issuer and the Guarantors may (with the approval of the Trustee, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) decide and give notice of the identity of such other stock exchange or exchanges and/or securities market or markets to the Noteholders.
6.2 Each of the Issuer and the Guarantors hereby covenants with the Trustee that, so long as any of the Notes remain outstanding it will:
(a) Event of Default
give notice in writing to the Trustee forthwith upon becoming aware of any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default and without waiting for the Trustee to take any further action;
(b) Certificate of compliance
provide to the Trustee within ten days of any request by the Trustee and at the time of the despatch to the Trustee of the Issuers year-end consolidated financial statements as provided for in Clause 6.1(c) ( Financial statements ), and in any event not later than 30 days following the approval of the year-end consolidated financial statements of the Issuer by its shareholders, a certificate in the English language signed by the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer and two Authorised Signatories of the Guarantors certifying that up to a specified date not earlier than seven days prior to the date of such certificate (the Certified Date ) the Issuer and the Guarantors have complied with all provisions relating to the Issuer and the Guarantors as specified under this Trust Deed and/or the Conditions (or, if such is not the case, giving details of the circumstances of such non-compliance) and that as at such date there did not exist nor had there existed at any time prior thereto since the Certified Date in respect of the previous such certificate (or, in the case of the first such certificate, since the date of this Trust Deed) any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default or other matter which would affect the Issuers or each Guarantors
ability to perform its obligations under this Trust Deed or (if such is not the case) specifying the same;
(c) Accounts in relation to Material Subsidiaries
ensure that such accounts are prepared as may be necessary to determine which Subsidiaries of the Issuer are Material Subsidiaries and procure that the Auditors prepare and deliver to the Trustee at the time of issue of every audited consolidated balance sheet of the Issuer and at any other time upon the request of the Trustee a certificate or report specifying the Material Subsidiaries at the date of such balance sheet or request;
(d) Information
so far as permitted by applicable law, at all times give to the Trustee such information, opinions, certificates and other evidence as it shall require and in such form as it shall require (including, without limitation, the certificates called for by the Trustee pursuant to Clause 6.2(b) ( Certificate of compliance ) for the performance of its functions;
(e) Notes held by Issuer, the Guarantors or any Subsidiary
send to the Trustee forthwith upon being so requested in writing by the Trustee a certificate of the Issuer or, as the case may be, the relevant Guarantor (in each case signed on their behalf by, with respect to the Issuer, the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories, and, with respect to a Guarantor, two Authorised Signatories) setting out the total number of Notes which at the date of such certificate are held by or for the benefit of the Issuer, such Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries;
(f) Execution of further documents
so far as permitted by applicable law, at all times execute all such further documents and do all such further acts and things as may be necessary at any time or times in the opinion of the Trustee to give effect to the provisions of this Trust Deed;
(g) Permitted Restructuring
(i) in the event of a Permitted Restructuring whereby the Substituted Obligor assumes all the assets and liabilities of a Guarantor and assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee:
(A) on or prior to such Permitted Restructuring, ensure the Substituted Obligor enters into a supplemental deed in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee agreeing to be bound by this Trust Deed and the Notes (with consequential amendments as the Trustee may deem appropriate) (the Supplemental Deed ) as if such Substituted Obligor had been named in this Trust Deed and the Notes as a Guarantor,
(B) on or prior to such Permitted Restructuring, ensure the Substituted Obligor enters into a supplemental agreement in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee and the Paying Agents agreeing to be bound by the Agency Agreement (with consequential amendments as the Paying Agents and the Trustee may deem appropriate) (the Supplemental Agency Agreement ) as if such Substituted Obligor had been named in the Agency Agreement as a Guarantor,
(C) where the Substituted Obligor is incorporated, domiciled or resident in, or subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of, a territory other than Republic of Italy, the United States or Luxembourg, ensure the Substituted Obligor provides undertakings or covenants in the Supplemental Deed in terms corresponding to the terms of Condition 7 ( Taxation ) with the substitution for (or, as the case may be, the addition to) the references therein to the Republic of Italy, the United States or Luxembourg, as the case may be, of references to that other or additional territory to whose taxing jurisdiction, or that of a political subdivision thereof or an authority therein or thereof having power to tax, such Guarantor is subject as aforesaid, the Supplemental Deed also, to the extent required, to modify Condition 7 ( Taxation ) so that such Condition 7 ( Taxation ) shall make reference to that other or additional territory or any political subdivision thereof or any authority therein or thereof having power to tax;
(D) ensure the Substituted Obligor provides the Trustee with a certificate signed by two directors, or authorised signatories of the Substituted Obligor (or other officers acceptable to the Trustee) addressed to the Trustee (with a form and content satisfactory to the Trustee) certifying that it is solvent both at the time the Permitted Restructuring takes place and immediately thereafter (which certificate the Trustee may rely upon absolutely) and, if so provided, the Trustee shall not be under any duty to have regard to the financial condition, profits or prospects of the Substituted Obligor or to compare the same with those of the relevant Guarantor;
(E) procure the delivery of a legal opinion as to English and any other relevant law, addressed to the Trustee, dated the date of the Supplemental Deed and in a form acceptable to the Trustee from legal advisers acceptable to the Trustee as to the enforceability of the guarantee to be given by the Substituted Obligor and all other obligations assumed by it under the Supplemental Deed and Supplemental Agency Agreement;
(F) prior to the date of the Permitted Restructuring, procure the delivery of a legal opinion as to English and any other relevant law, addressed to the Trustee, dated the date of the Permitted Restructuring confirming that (1) all the assets and liabilities of the relevant Guarantor have been assumed by the Substituted Obligor, and (2) all the obligations of the relevant Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee have been assumed by the Substituted Obligor, and in a form acceptable to the Trustee from legal advisers acceptable to the Trustee; and
(G) comply with, and ensure the Substituted Obligor complies with, all other requirements as the Trustee may direct in the interests of the Noteholders.
(ii) In the event of a Permitted Restructuring whereby the Substituted Obligor assumes all the assets and liabilities of a Material Subsidiary and becomes a Material Subsidiary:
(A) prior to the date of the Permitted Restructuring, procure the delivery of a legal opinion as to English and any other relevant law, addressed to the Trustee, dated the date of the Permitted Restructuring
confirming that all the assets and liabilities of the relevant Material Subsidiary have been assumed by the Substituted Obligor and in a form acceptable to the Trustee from legal advisers acceptable to the Trustee;
(B) comply with, and ensure the Substituted Obligor complies with, all other requirements as the Trustee may direct in the interests of the Noteholders; and
(C) give to the Trustee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Permitted Restructuring involving any Subsidiary which thereby becomes or ceases to be a Material Subsidiary, a certificate by the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer to such effect; such certificate shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and all Noteholders.
(h) Chief Financial Officer and Authorised Signatories
upon the execution hereof and thereafter forthwith upon any change of the same, deliver to the Trustee (with a copy to the Principal Paying Agent) the name of the Chief Financial Officer and a list of the Authorised Signatories of the Issuer or, as the case may be, the Guarantors, together with certified specimen signatures of the same;
(i) Payments
pay monies payable by it to the Trustee hereunder without set off, counterclaim, deduction or withholding, unless otherwise compelled by law and in the event of any deduction or withholding compelled by law pay such additional amount as will result in the payment to the Trustee of the amount which would otherwise have been payable by it to the Trustee hereunder;
(j) Changes in the Issuers or Guarantors by-laws
give notice in writing to the Trustee forthwith of any amendment made to its by-laws since the date hereof which may in any way affect the provisions of Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) and provide the Trustee upon request with a copy of its current by-laws in force;
(k) Information relating to the Issuers or Guarantors by-laws
provide the Trustee promptly upon request with such information regarding its by-laws as it may request including without limitation informing the Trustee of the applicable number of days required for the purposes of the definition of Block Voting Instruction and Voting Certificate (both as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) and paragraphs 2 and 6 of Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ), as well as details of the relevant newspaper for the purposes of publishing notices for any Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ));
(l) Translation of documents for Meetings
fourteen days before any Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) confirm to the Trustee, as to whether any law requires the translation into Italian of any Block Voting Instruction, Voting Certificate or any other document in relation to Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders );
(m) Changes to the laws of the Republic of Italy
give notice in writing to the Trustee forthwith in the event of any amendment to the laws, rules and regulations of the Republic of Italy applicable to the provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders as set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ); and
(n) Certificate as to Proxies
prior to any Meeting provide the Trustee with a certificate signed by the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer confirming (a) its outstanding share capital as at that date and (b) the corresponding maximum number of Noteholders on whose behalf a single Proxy (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) may attend or vote at such Meeting under Article 2372 of the Italian Civil Code or any other applicable Italian law or regulation.
7. AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS
7.1 Waiver
The Trustee may, without any consent or sanction of the Noteholders or Couponholders and without prejudice to its rights in respect of any subsequent breach, condition, event or act, from time to time and at any time, but only if and in so far as in its opinion the interests of the Noteholders shall not be materially prejudiced thereby, authorise or waive, on such terms and conditions (if any) as shall seem expedient to it, any breach or proposed breach of any of the covenants or provisions contained in this Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement, or the Notes or Coupons or determine that any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default shall not be treated as such for the purposes of this Trust Deed; any such authorisation, waiver or determination shall be binding on the Noteholders, the Couponholders and, unless the Trustee otherwise agrees, the Issuer shall cause such authorisation, waiver or determination to be notified to the Noteholders as soon as practicable thereafter in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) relating thereto; provided that the Trustee shall not exercise any powers conferred upon it by this Clause 7.1 ( Waiver ) in contravention of any express direction by an Extraordinary Resolution or of a request in writing made by the holders of not less than 25 per cent. in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (but so that no such direction or request shall affect any authorisation, waiver or determination previously given or made) or so as to authorise or waive any such breach or proposed breach relating to any of the matters the subject of the Reserved Matters as specified and defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) or other matters pursuant to Article 2415 paragraph 13 of the Italian Civil Code.
7.2 Modifications
The Trustee may from time to time and at any time without any consent or sanction of the Noteholders or Couponholders agree to (a) any modification to this Trust Deed (other than in respect of Reserved Matters as specified and defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) or other matters pursuant to Article 2415 paragraph 13 of the Italian Civil Code or any provision of this Trust Deed referred to in that specification), the Notes or the Agency Agreement which in the opinion of the Trustee it may be proper to make provided the Trustee is of the opinion that such modification will not be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders or (b) any modification to this Trust Deed, the Notes or the Agency Agreement if in the opinion of the Trustee such modification is of a formal, minor or technical nature or made to correct a manifest or proven error. Any such modification shall be binding on the Noteholders and the Couponholders and, unless the Trustee otherwise agrees, the Issuer shall cause such modification to be notified to the Noteholders as soon as practicable thereafter in accordance with the Conditions.
8. ENFORCEMENT
8.1 Legal proceedings
Subject to any mandatory provisions of applicable law, the Trustee may at any time, at its discretion and without further notice, institute such proceedings against the Issuer and the Guarantors as it may think fit to recover any amounts due in respect of the Notes which are unpaid or to enforce any of its rights under this Trust Deed or the Conditions but it shall not be bound to take any such proceedings or any other action under this Trust Deed or the Notes unless (a) it shall have been so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution or so requested in writing by the holders of at least one-quarter in principal amount of the outstanding Notes and (b) it shall have been indemnified, secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction against all Liabilities to which it may thereby become liable and which may be incurred by it in connection therewith and provided that the Trustee shall not be held liable for the consequence of taking any such action and may take such action without having regard to the effect of such action on individual Noteholders or Couponholders. Save for rights and duties of the Noteholders Representative under Article 2418 of the Italian Civil Code and the right of each Noteholder or Couponholder under Article 2419 of the Italian Civil Code, only the Trustee may enforce the provisions of the Notes or this Trust Deed and no Noteholder or Couponholder shall be entitled to proceed directly against the Issuer or any Guarantor unless the Trustee, having become bound so to proceed, fails to do so within a reasonable time and such failure is continuing.
8.2 Evidence of default
If the Trustee (or any Noteholder or Couponholder where entitled under this Trust Deed so to do) makes any claim, institutes any legal proceeding or lodges any proof in a winding-up or insolvency of the Issuer or any Guarantor under this Trust Deed or under the Notes, proof therein that:
(a) as regards any specified Note the Issuer has made default in paying any principal due in respect of such Note shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that the Issuer has made the like default as regards all other Notes in respect of which a corresponding payment is then due; and
(b) as regards any specified Coupon the Issuer has made default in paying any interest due in respect of such Coupon shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that the Issuer has made the like default as regards all other Coupons in respect of which a corresponding payment is then due.
9. APPLICATION OF MONIES
9.1 Application of monies
All monies received by the Trustee in respect of the Notes or amounts payable under this Trust Deed will despite any appropriation of all or part of them by the Issuer or the Guarantors (including any monies which represent principal or interest in respect of Notes or Coupons which have become void under the Conditions) be held by the Trustee on trust to apply them (subject to Clause 9.2 ( Investment of monies )):
(a) first, in payment or satisfaction of the Liabilities incurred by the Trustee in the preparation and execution of the trusts of this Trust Deed (including remuneration of the Trustee);
(b) secondly, in or towards payment pari passu and rateably of all arrears of interest remaining unpaid in respect of the Notes and all principal monies due on or in respect of the Notes; and
(c) thirdly, the balance (if any) in payment to the Issuer or, if such monies were received from a Guarantor, such Guarantor.
If the Trustee holds any monies in respect of Notes and/or Coupons which have become void or in respect of which claims have become prescribed, the Trustee will hold them on these trusts.
9.2 Investment of monies
If the amount of the monies at any time available for payment of principal and interest in respect of the Notes under Clause 9.1 ( Application of monies ) shall be less than a sum sufficient to pay at least one-tenth of the principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, the Trustee may, at its discretion, invest such monies in one or more of the investments authorised herein with power from time to time, with like discretion, to vary such investments; and such investment(s) with the resulting income thereof may be accumulated until the accumulations together with any other funds for the time being under the control of the Trustee and available for the purpose shall amount to a sum sufficient to pay at least one-tenth of the principal amount of the Notes then outstanding and such accumulation and funds (after deduction of any taxes and any other deductibles applicable thereto) shall then be applied in the manner aforesaid.
9.3 Authorised investments
Any monies which under this Trust Deed may be invested by the Trustee may be invested in the name or under the control of the Trustee in any of the investments for the time being authorised by English law for the investment by trustees of trust monies or in any other investments, whether similar to those aforesaid or not, which may be selected by the Trustee or by placing the same on deposit in the name or under the control of the Trustee with such bank or other financial institution as the Trustee may think fit and in such currency as the Trustee in its absolute discretion may determine and the Trustee may at any time vary or transfer any of such investments for or into other such investments or convert any monies so deposited into any other currency and shall not be responsible for any Liability occasioned by reason of any such investments or such deposit whether by depreciation in value, fluctuation in exchange rates or otherwise.
9.4 Payment to Noteholders and Couponholders
The Trustee shall give notice to the Noteholders in accordance with the Conditions of the date fixed for any payment under Clause 9.1 ( Application of monies ). Any payment to be made in respect of the Notes or the Coupons by the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee may be made in the manner provided in the Conditions, the Agency Agreement and this Trust Deed and any payment so made shall be a good discharge to the extent of such payment, by the Issuer, such Guarantor or the Trustee, as the case may be. Any payment in full of interest made in respect of a Coupon in the manner aforesaid shall extinguish any claim of a Noteholder which may arise directly or indirectly in respect of such interest.
9.5 Production of Notes and Coupons
Upon any payment under Clause 9.4 ( Payment to Noteholders and Couponholders ) of principal or interest, the Note or Coupon in respect of which such payment is made shall, if the Trustee so requires, be produced to the Trustee or the Paying Agent by or through whom such payment is made and the Trustee shall, in the case of part payment, enface or cause such Paying Agent to enface a memorandum of the amount and date of payment thereon or, in the case of payment in full, shall cause such Note or Coupon to be surrendered or shall cancel or procure the same to be cancelled and shall certify or procure the certification of such cancellation.
9.6 Noteholders to be treated as holding all Coupons
Wherever in this Trust Deed the Trustee is required or entitled to exercise a power, trust, authority or discretion under this Trust Deed, the Trustee shall, notwithstanding that it may have express notice to the contrary, assume that each Noteholder is the holder of all Coupons appertaining to each Note of which he is the holder.
10. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
By way of supplement to the Trustee Acts, it is expressly declared as follows:
10.1 Reliance on information
(a) Advice : the Trustee may in relation to this Trust Deed act on the opinion or advice of or a certificate or any information obtained from any lawyer, banker, valuer, surveyor, broker, auctioneer, accountant or other expert (whether obtained by the Trustee, the Issuer, any Guarantor, any Subsidiary or any Paying Agent) and which advice or opinion may be provided on such terms (including as to limitations on liability) as the Trustee may consider in its sole discretion to be consistent with prevailing market practice with regard to advice or opinions of that nature and shall not be responsible for any Liability occasioned by so acting; any such opinion, advice, certificate or information may be sent or obtained by letter, telegram, telex, cablegram or facsimile transmission and the Trustee shall not be liable for acting on any opinion, advice, certificate or information so conveyed although the same shall contain some error or shall not be authentic;
(b) Certificate of directors or Authorised Signatories : the Trustee may call for and shall be at liberty to accept a certificate signed by (i) in the case of the Issuer, the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer, (ii) in the case of a Guarantor, two Authorised Signatories of the relevant Guarantor, or (iii) other person duly authorised on the Issuers or such Guarantors, as the case may be, behalf as to any fact or matter prima facie within the knowledge of the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor as sufficient evidence thereof and a like certificate to the effect that any particular dealing, transaction or step or thing is, in the opinion of the person so certifying, expedient as sufficient evidence that it is expedient and the Trustee shall not be bound in any such case to call for further evidence or be responsible for any Liability that may be occasioned by its failing so to do;
(c) Reliance on Auditors reports : the Trustee may act, or not act, and rely on (and shall have no liability to Noteholders or Couponholders for doing so) certificates or reports provided by the Auditors whether or not addressed to the Trustee and whether or not any such report or any engagement letter or other document entered into by the Trustee and the Auditors in connection therewith contains any limit on the liability of the Auditors (whether by reference to a monetary cap or by reference to the methodology to be employed in producing the same);
(d) Resolution or direction of Noteholders : the Trustee shall not be responsible for acting upon any resolution purporting to have been passed at any meeting of the Noteholders in respect whereof minutes have been made and signed or a direction of a specified percentage of Noteholders, even though it may subsequently be found that there was some defect in the constitution of the meeting or the passing of the resolution or the making of the directions or that for any reason the resolution purporting to have been passed at any Meeting or the making of the directions was not valid or binding upon the Noteholders and Couponholders;
(e) Reliance on certification of clearing system : the Trustee may call for and shall be at liberty to accept and place full reliance on as sufficient evidence thereof and shall not be liable to the Issuer, the Guarantors or any Noteholder by reason only of either having accepted as valid or not having rejected an original certificate or letter of confirmation purporting to be signed on behalf of Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other relevant clearing system in relation to any matter;
(f) Noteholders as a class : whenever in this Trust Deed the Trustee is required in connection with any exercise of its powers, trusts, authorities or discretions to have regard to the interests of the Noteholders, it shall have regard to the interests of the Noteholders as a class and in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, shall not be obliged to have regard to the consequences of such exercise for any individual Noteholder resulting from his or its being for any purpose domiciled or resident in, or otherwise connected with, or subject to the jurisdiction of, any particular territory;
(g) Trustee not responsible for investigations : the Trustee shall not be responsible for, or for investigating any matter which is the subject of, any recital, statement, representation, warranty or covenant of any person contained in this Trust Deed, the Notes, or any other agreement or document relating to the transactions herein or therein contemplated or for the execution, legality, effectiveness, adequacy, genuineness, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence thereof;
(h) No Liability as a result of the delivery of a certificate : the Trustee shall have no liability whatsoever for any Liability directly or indirectly suffered or incurred by the Issuer, any Guarantor, any Noteholder, Couponholder or any other person as a result of the delivery by the Trustee to the Issuer of a certificate as to material prejudice pursuant to Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) on the basis of an opinion formed by it in good faith;
(i) No obligation to monitor : the Trustee shall be under no obligation to monitor or supervise the functions of any other person under the Trust Deed, Agency Agreement, Notes or Coupons or any other agreement or document relating to the transactions herein or therein contemplated and shall be entitled, in the absence of actual knowledge of a breach of obligation, to assume that each such person is properly performing and complying with its obligations;
(j) Notes held by the Issuer : in the absence of knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee may assume without enquiry (other than requesting a certificate of the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be, under Clause 6.2(e) ( Notes held by Issuer, the Guarantors or any Subsidiary )), that no Notes are for the time being held by or for the benefit of the Issuer, such Guarantor or their respective Subsidiaries;
(k) Forged Notes : the Trustee shall not be liable to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Noteholder or Couponholder by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any Note or Coupon as such and subsequently found to be forged, not authentic or not effectuated;
(l) Events of Default and Put Events : the Trustee shall not be bound to give notice to any person of the execution of this Trust Deed or to take any steps to ascertain whether any Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Put Event has happened and, until it shall have actual knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee shall be entitled to assume that no such Event of Default, Potential Event of Default or Put Event has happened and that each of the Issuer and each Guarantor is observing and performing all the obligations on its part contained in the Notes and
Coupons and under this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement and no event has happened as a consequence of which any of the Notes may become repayable;
(m) Right to deduct or withhold : notwithstanding anything contained in this Trust Deed, to the extent required by any applicable law, if the Trustee is or will be required to make any deduction or withholding from any distribution or payment made by it hereunder or if the Trustee is or will be otherwise charged to, or is or may become liable to, tax as a consequence of performing its duties hereunder whether as principal, agent or otherwise, and whether by reason of any assessment, prospective assessment or other imposition of liability to taxation of whatsoever nature and whensoever made upon the Trustee, and whether in connection with or arising from any sums received or distributed by it or to which it may be entitled under this Trust Deed (other than in connection with its remuneration as provided for herein) or any investments or deposits from time to time representing the same, including any income or gains arising therefrom or any action of the Trustee in connection with the trusts of this Trust Deed (other than the remuneration herein specified) or otherwise, then the Trustee shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding or, as the case may be, to retain out of sums received by it an amount sufficient to discharge any liability to tax which relates to sums so received or distributed or to discharge any such other liability of the Trustee to tax from the funds held by the Trustee upon the trusts of this Trust Deed; and
(n) Evidence of interests in Eurosystem-eligible new Global Notes : the Issuer and the Trustee may call for and place full reliance on any certificate, statement or other document to be issued by Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg as to the principal amount of Notes represented by a Global Note and any such certificate, statement or other document shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes. The Trustee and the Issuer shall not be liable to any person by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any certificate, statement or other document to such effect purporting to be issued by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg and subsequently found to be forged or not authentic.
10.2 Trustees reliance on information in relation to Meetings
(a) Certificate of directors and other information in relation to Meetings : the Trustee may rely without further investigation on (i) a certificate of (x) in the case of the Issuer, the Chief Financial Officer or two Authorised Signatories and (y) in the case of a Guarantor, two Authorised Signatories and /or (ii) the confirmation, opinion, certificate, advice or any other information obtained from any lawyer, consultant or other expert the Trustee deems appropriate regarding any matter governing the procedure for calling and holding a Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) including without limitation whether a Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) has been appointed by court order (on request of the Issuer or the Noteholders) or by resolution of the Noteholders (as provided in Condition 12(a) ( Meetings of Noteholders ) and whether the individual or entity selected to act as the Noteholders Representative falls into any of the disqualified categories (including, without limitation, directors and statutory auditors) pursuant to Article 2417(1) of the Italian Civil Code;
(b) Advice in relation to Meetings : the Trustee shall be entitled at any time to obtain and rely on such legal advice as it may deem necessary in respect of all applicable Italian laws and regulations governing the procedure for calling and holding any Meeting (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any delay occasioned in obtaining such advice; and all proper costs and expenses incurred for such legal advice shall be
borne by the Issuer (or, failing which, the Guarantors) upon receipt of proper evidence thereof; and
(c) Procedures for Meetings : in the absence of written notification, the Trustee shall be entitled to assume without liability, that no amendments have been made to any applicable laws or regulations or the by-laws of the Issuer which may affect the governing of the procedure for calling and holding Meetings (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) as set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ).
10.3 Trustees powers and duties
(a) Trustees determination : the Trustee may determine whether or not a default in the performance or observance by the Issuer or any Guarantor of any obligation under the provisions of this Trust Deed or contained in the Notes or Coupons is capable of remedy and/or materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders and if the Trustee shall certify that any such default is, in its opinion, not capable of remedy and/or materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders, such certificate shall be conclusive and binding upon the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Noteholders and Couponholders;
(b) Determination of questions : the Trustee as between itself and the Noteholders and the Couponholders shall have full power to determine all questions and doubts arising in relation to any of the provisions of this Trust Deed and every such determination, whether made upon a question actually raised or implied in the acts or proceedings of the Trustee, shall be conclusive and shall bind the Trustee, the Noteholders and the Couponholders;
(c) Trustees discretion : the Trustee shall (save as expressly otherwise provided herein) as regards all the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested in it by this Trust Deed or by operation of law, have absolute and uncontrolled discretion as to the exercise or non-exercise thereof and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any Liability that may result from the exercise or non-exercise thereof but whenever the Trustee is under the provisions of this Trust Deed bound to act at the request or direction of the Noteholders, the Trustee shall nevertheless not be so bound unless first indemnified and/or provided with security and/or prefunded to its satisfaction against all actions, proceedings, claims and demands to which it may render itself liable and all costs, charges, damages, expenses and liabilities which it may incur by so doing. Without limiting the general statement above, the Trustee may refrain from taking any action in any jurisdiction if the taking of such action in that jurisdiction would, in its opinion based upon legal advice in the relevant jurisdiction, be contrary to any law of that jurisdiction or, to the extent applicable, of England. Furthermore, the Trustee may also refrain from taking such action if it would otherwise render it liable to any person in that jurisdiction or England or if, in its opinion based upon such legal advice, it would not have the power to do the relevant thing in that jurisdiction by virtue of any applicable law in that jurisdiction or in England or if it is determined by any court or other competent authority in that jurisdiction or in England that it does not have such power;
(d) Trustees consent : any consent given by the Trustee for the purposes of this Trust Deed may be given on such terms and subject to such conditions (if any) as the Trustee may require;
(e) Conversion of currency : where it is necessary or desirable for any purpose in connection with this Trust Deed to convert any sum from one currency to another it shall (unless otherwise provided by this Trust Deed or required by law) be converted at such rate or rates, in accordance with such method and as at such date for the
determination of such rate of exchange, as may be specified by the Trustee in its absolute discretion as relevant and any rate, method and date so specified shall be binding on the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Noteholders and the Couponholders;
(f) Application of proceeds : the Trustee shall not be responsible for the receipt or application by the Issuer of the proceeds of the issue of the Notes, the exchange of any Temporary Global Note for any Permanent Global Note or any Permanent Global Note for definitive Notes or the delivery of any Note or Coupon to the persons entitled to them;
(g) Error of judgment : the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by any officer or employee of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust matters;
(h) Agents : the Trustee may, in the conduct of the trusts of this Trust Deed instead of acting personally, employ and pay an agent on any terms, whether or not a lawyer or other professional person, to transact or conduct, or concur in transacting or conducting, any business and to do or concur in doing all acts required to be done by the Trustee (including the receipt and payment of money) and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any Liability incurred by reason of the misconduct, omission or default on the part of any person appointed by it hereunder or be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of any such person;
(i) Delegation : the Trustee may, in the execution and exercise of all or any of the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested in it by this Trust Deed, act by responsible officers or a responsible officer for the time being of the Trustee and the Trustee may also whenever it thinks fit, whether by power of attorney or otherwise, delegate to any person or persons or fluctuating body of persons (whether being a joint trustee of this Trust Deed or not) all or any of the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested in it by this Trust Deed and any such delegation may be made upon such terms and conditions and subject to such regulations (including power to sub-delegate with the consent of the Trustee) as the Trustee may think fit in the interests of the Noteholders and the Trustee shall not be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of and shall not in any way or to any extent be responsible for any Liability incurred by reason of the misconduct, omission or default on the part of such delegate or sub-delegate;
(j) Custodians and nominees : the Trustee may appoint and pay any person to act as a custodian or nominee on any terms in relation to such assets of the trust as the Trustee may determine, including for the purpose of depositing with a custodian this Trust Deed or any document relating to the trust created hereunder and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any Liability incurred by reason of the misconduct, omission or default on the part of any person appointed by it hereunder or be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of any such person; the Trustee is not obliged to appoint a custodian if the Trustee invests in securities payable to bearer; and
(k) Confidential information : the Trustee shall not (unless required by law or ordered so to do by a court of competent jurisdiction) be required to disclose to any Noteholder or Couponholder confidential information or other information made available to the Trustee by the Issuer or the Guarantors in connection with this Trust Deed and no Noteholder or Couponholder shall be entitled to take any action to obtain from the Trustee any such information.
10.4 Financial matters
(a) Professional charges : any trustee being a banker, lawyer, broker or other person engaged in any profession or business shall be entitled to charge and be paid all usual
professional and other charges for business transacted and acts done by him or his partner or firm on matters arising in connection with the trusts of this Trust Deed and also his properly incurred charges in addition to disbursements for all other work and business done and all time spent by him or his partner or firm on matters arising in connection with this Trust Deed, including matters which might or should have been attended to in person by a trustee not being a banker, lawyer, broker or other professional person;
(b) Expenditure by the Trustee : nothing contained in this Trust Deed shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of its duties or the exercise of any right, power, authority or discretion hereunder if it has grounds for believing the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against, or security for, such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it; and
(c) Trustee may enter into financial transactions with the Issuer : no Trustee and no director or officer of any corporation being a Trustee hereof shall by reason of the fiduciary position of such Trustee be in any way precluded from making any contracts or entering into any transactions in the ordinary course of business with the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or any person or body corporate directly or indirectly associated with the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or from accepting the trusteeship of any other debenture stock, debentures or securities of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any person or body corporate directly or indirectly associated with the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, and neither the Trustee nor any such director or officer shall be accountable to the Noteholders or the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or any person or body corporate directly or indirectly associated with the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, for any profit, fees, commissions, interest, discounts or share of brokerage earned, arising or resulting from any such contracts or transactions and the Trustee and any such director or officer shall also be at liberty to retain the same for its or his own benefit.
10.5 Disapplication
Section 1 of the Trustee Act 2000 shall not apply to the duties of the Trustee in relation to the trusts constituted by this Trust Deed. Where there are any inconsistencies between the Trustee Acts and the provisions of this Trust Deed, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall, to the extent allowed by law, prevail and, in the case of any such inconsistency with the Trustee Act 2000, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall constitute a restriction or exclusion for the purposes of the Trustee Act 2000.
10.6 Trustee Liability
Subject to Section 750 of the Companies Act 2006 (if applicable) and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Trust Deed, the Notes or the Agency Agreement, the Trustee shall not be liable to any person for any matter or thing done or omitted in any way in connection with or in relation to this Trust Deed, the Notes or the Agency Agreement save in relation to its own gross negligence, wilful default or fraud.
10.7 Illegality
None of the Agents shall be under any obligation to take any action under this Agreement (i) which may be illegal or contrary to applicable law or regulation or (ii) which it expects will result in any expense, loss, charge or liability accruing to it, the payment of which or adequate indemnity against which within a reasonable time is not, in its opinion, assured to it.
11. COSTS AND EXPENSES
11.1 Remuneration
(a) Normal remuneration : the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee remuneration for its services as trustee as from the date of this Trust Deed, such remuneration to be at such rate as may from time to time be agreed between the Issuer and the Trustee. Such remuneration shall be payable in advance on the anniversary of the date hereof in each year and the first payment shall be made on the date hereof. Such remuneration shall accrue from day to day and be payable (in priority to payments to the Noteholders and Couponholders) up to and including the date when, all the Notes having become due for redemption, the redemption monies and interest thereon to the date of redemption have been paid to the Principal Paying Agent or the Trustee, provided that if upon due presentation (if required pursuant to the Conditions) of any Note or Coupon or any cheque, payment of the monies due in respect thereof is improperly withheld or refused, remuneration will commence again to accrue;
(b) Extra remuneration : in the event of the occurrence of an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default or the Trustee considering it necessary or being requested by the Issuer to undertake duties which the Trustee and the Issuer or any Guarantor agree to be of an exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the normal duties of the Trustee under this Trust Deed, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee such additional remuneration as shall be agreed between them;
(c) Value added tax : the Issuer shall in addition pay to the Trustee an amount equal to the amount of any value added tax or similar tax chargeable in respect of its remuneration under this Trust Deed;
(d) Failure to agree : in the event of the Trustee and the Issuer failing to agree:
(i) (in a case to which sub-clause 11.1(a) ( Normal remuneration ) applies) upon the amount of the remuneration; or
(ii) (in a case to which sub-clause 11.1(b) ( Extra remuneration ) applies) upon whether such duties shall be of an exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the normal duties of the Trustee under this Trust Deed, or upon such additional remuneration;
such matters shall be determined by a person (acting as an expert and not as an arbitrator) selected by the Trustee and approved by the Issuer or, failing such approval, nominated (on the application of the Trustee) by the President for the time being of The Law Society of England and Wales (the expenses involved in such nomination and the fees of such person being payable by the Issuer) and the determination of any such person shall be final and binding upon the Trustee and the Issuer;
(e) Expenses : the Issuer shall also pay or discharge all reasonable costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Trustee in relation to the preparation and execution of, the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties under, and in any other manner in relation to, this Trust Deed, including but not limited to legal and travelling expenses and any stamp, issue, registration, documentary and other taxes or duties paid or payable by the Trustee in connection with any action taken or contemplated by or on behalf of the Trustee for enforcing, or resolving any doubt concerning, or for any other purpose in relation to, this Trust Deed, in each case upon receipt of proper evidence of such costs, charges and/or expenses;
(f) Indemnity : the Issuer shall indemnify the Trustee in respect of all liabilities and expenses incurred by it or by any Appointee or other person appointed by it to whom any trust, power, authority or discretion may be delegated by it in the execution or purported execution of the trusts, powers, authorities or discretions vested in it by this Trust Deed and against all liabilities, actions, proceedings, costs, claims and demands that any of them may incur or that may be made against any of them in respect of any matter or thing done or omitted in any way relating to this Trust Deed provided that it is expressly stated that Clause 10.6 ( Trustee Liability ) shall apply in relation to these provisions. Notwithstanding any provision of this Trust Deed to the contrary, including, without limitation, any indemnity given, the Trustee shall not in any event be liable for any indirect, special, speculative, punitive or consequential loss, damage or expenses of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to loss of profits), whether or not foreseeable, suffered by the Issuer or any other party in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Trust Deed; and
(g) Payment of amounts due : all amounts due and payable pursuant to sub-Clauses 11.1(e) ( Expenses ) and 11.1(f) ( Indemnity ) shall be payable by the Issuer on the date specified in a demand by the Trustee; the rate of interest applicable to such payments shall be two per cent. per annum above the base rate from time to time of The Bank of New York and interest shall accrue:
(i) in the case of payments made by the Trustee prior to the date of the demand, from the date on which the payment was made or such later date as specified in such demand; and
(ii) in the case of payments made by the Trustee on or after the date of the demand, from the date specified in such demand, which date shall not be a date earlier than the date such payments are made.
All remuneration payable to the Trustee shall carry interest at the rate specified in this Clause 11.1(g) ( Payment of amounts due ) from the due date thereof;
11.2 Stamp duties
The Issuer (failing which, the Guarantors) will pay all stamp duties, registration taxes, capital duties and other similar duties or taxes (if any) payable on (a) the constitution and issue of the Notes and Coupons, (b) the initial delivery of the Notes, (c) any action taken by the Trustee (or any Noteholder or Couponholder where permitted or required under this Trust Deed so to do) to enforce the provisions of the Notes or this Trust Deed and (d) the execution of this Trust Deed. If the Trustee (or any Noteholder or Couponholder where permitted under this Trust Deed so to do) shall take any proceedings against the Issuer or any Guarantor in any other jurisdiction and if for the purpose of any such proceedings this Trust Deed or any Notes are taken into any such jurisdiction and any stamp duties or other duties or taxes become payable thereon in any such jurisdiction, the Issuer will pay (or reimburse the person making payment of) such stamp duties or other duties or taxes (including penalties).
11.3 Exchange rate indemnity
(a) Currency of account and payment : Euro or, in relation to Clause 11.1 ( Remuneration ), pounds sterling (the Contractual Currency ) is the sole currency of account and payment for all sums payable by the Issuer and the Guarantors under or in connection with this Trust Deed and the Notes and the Coupons, including damages;
(b) Extent of discharge : an amount received or recovered in a currency other than the Contractual Currency (whether as a result of, or of the enforcement of, a judgment or order of a court of any jurisdiction, in the winding-up or dissolution of the Issuer, any
Guarantor or otherwise), by the Trustee or any Noteholder or Couponholder in respect of any sum expressed to be due to it from the Issuer or such Guarantor will only discharge the Issuer or such Guarantor to the extent of the Contractual Currency amount which the recipient is able to purchase at the applicable market rate (as determined in its sole discretion) with the amount so received or recovered in that other currency on the date of that receipt or recovery (or, if it is not practicable to make that purchase on that date, on the first date on which it is practicable to do so); and
(c) Indemnity : if that Contractual Currency amount is less than the Contractual Currency amount expressed to be due to the recipient under this Trust Deed or the Notes or the Coupons, the Issuer will indemnify it against any Liability sustained by it as a result. In any event, the Issuer will indemnify the recipient against the cost of making any such purchase.
11.4 Indemnities separate
The indemnities in this Trust Deed constitute separate and independent obligations from the other obligations in this Trust Deed, will give rise to separate and independent causes of action, will apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by the Trustee and/or any Noteholder or Couponholder and will continue in full force and effect despite any judgment, order, claim or proof for a liquidated amount in respect of any sum due under this Trust Deed or the Notes and/or the Coupons or any other judgment or order. Any such Liability as referred to in sub-clause 11.1(f) ( Indemnity ) shall be deemed to constitute a Liability suffered by the Trustee, the Noteholders and Couponholders and no proof or evidence of any actual Liability shall be required by the Issuer, any Guarantor or their respective liquidator or liquidators.
11.5 Discharges
Notwithstanding any discharge of this Trust Deed or the Trustees appointment, the provisions of this Clause 11 ( Costs and expenses ) shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding such discharge.
12. APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT
12.1 Appointment of Trustees
The power of appointing new trustees of this Trust Deed shall be vested in the Issuer but no person shall be appointed who shall not previously have been approved by an Extraordinary Resolution. A trust corporation may be appointed sole trustee hereunder but subject thereto there shall be at least two trustees hereof one at least of which shall be a trust corporation. Any appointment of a new trustee hereof shall as soon as practicable thereafter be notified by the Issuer to the Paying Agents and to the Noteholders. The Noteholders shall together have the power, exercisable by Extraordinary Resolution, to remove any trustee or trustees for the time being hereof. The removal of any trustee shall not become effective unless there remains a trustee hereof (being a trust corporation) in office after such removal.
12.2 Co-trustees
Notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 12.1 ( Appointment of Trustees ), the Trustee may, upon giving prior notice to the Issuer and the Guarantors but without the consent of the Issuer, the Guarantors or the Noteholders, appoint any person established or resident in any jurisdiction (whether a trust corporation or not) to act either as a separate trustee or as a co-trustee jointly with the Trustee:
(a) if the Trustee considers such appointment to be in the interests of the Noteholders; or
(b) for the purposes of conforming to any legal requirements, restrictions or conditions in any jurisdiction in which any particular act or acts are to be performed; or
(c) for the purposes of obtaining a judgment in any jurisdiction or the enforcement in any jurisdiction either of a judgment already obtained or of this Trust Deed.
12.3 Attorneys
The Issuer and the Guarantors each hereby irrevocably appoints the Trustee to be its attorney in its name and on its behalf to execute any such instrument of appointment. Such a person shall (subject always to the provisions of this Trust Deed) have such trusts, powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those conferred on the Trustee by this Trust Deed) and such duties and obligations as shall be conferred on such person or imposed by the instrument of appointment. The Trustee shall have power in like manner to remove any such person. Such proper remuneration as the Trustee may pay to any such person, together with any attributable costs, charges and expenses incurred by it in performing its function as such separate trustee or co-trustee, shall for the purposes of this Trust Deed be treated as costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Trustee.
12.4 Retirement of Trustees
Any Trustee for the time being of this Trust Deed may retire at any time upon giving not less than three calendar months notice in writing to the Issuer and the Guarantors without assigning any reason therefor and without being responsible for any costs occasioned by such retirement. The retirement of any Trustee shall not become effective unless there remains a trustee hereof (being a trust corporation) in office after such retirement. Each of the Issuer and the Guarantors hereby covenants that in the event of the only trustee hereof which is a trust corporation giving notice under this Clause 12.4 ( Retirement of Trustees ) it shall use its best endeavours to procure a new trustee, being a trust corporation, to be appointed and if the Issuer has not procured the appointment of a new trustee within 30 days of the expiry of the Trustee notice referred to in this Clause 12.4 ( Retirement of Trustees ), the Trustee shall be entitled to procure the appointment of a new trustee.
12.5 Competence of a majority of Trustees
Whenever there shall be more than two trustees hereof the majority of such trustees shall (provided such majority includes a trust corporation) be competent to execute and exercise all the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested by this Trust Deed in the Trustee generally.
12.6 Powers additional
The powers conferred by this Trust Deed upon the Trustee shall be in addition to any powers which may from time to time be vested in it by general law or as the holder of any of the Notes or Coupons.
12.7 Merger
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Clause 12.7 ( Merger ), without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.
13. NOTICES
13.1 Addresses for notices
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be made in writing and in English (by letter or fax) and shall be sent as follows:
13.2 Effectiveness
Every notice or other communication sent in accordance with Clause 13.1 ( Addresses for notices ) shall be effective as follows if sent by letter, it shall be deemed to have been delivered seven days after the time of despatch and if sent by fax it shall be deemed to have been delivered at the time of despatch provided that any such notice or other communication which would otherwise take effect after 4.00 p.m. on any particular day shall not take effect until 10.00 a.m. on the immediately succeeding business day in the place of the addressee.
13.3 Notes held in clearing systems
So long as any Global Note is held on behalf of a clearing system, in considering the interests of Noteholders, the Trustee may rely on any information provided to it by such clearing system or its operator as to the identity (either individually or by category) of its accountholders or participants with entitlements to any such Global Note.
13.4 No notice to Couponholders
None of the Trustee, the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall be required to give any notice to the Couponholders for any purpose under this Trust Deed and the Couponholders shall be deemed for all purposes to have notice of the contents of any notice given to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ).
14. NOTEHOLDERS REPRESENTATIVE
14.1 Meetings of Noteholders
Subject to mandatory provisions of Italian law, for the purposes of paragraph 5 of Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ), the Issuer (through its directors) shall, at the request of the Trustee or the Noteholders (as provided in Condition 12(a) ( Meetings of Noteholders )), convene a meeting of the Noteholders.
14.2 Notification to the Trustee
The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing immediately upon becoming aware of any action or proceedings to enforce the terms of this Trust Deed, the Notes and/or the Coupons being taken directly against the Issuer by any Noteholder or Noteholders.
14.3 Noteholders Representative
Subject to mandatory provisions of Italian law, and to the extent that the Trustee accepts its appointment as Noteholders Representative pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Condition 12(b) ( Noteholders Representative ) and/or Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ), it shall, as of and from the time of such appointment and in its capacity as Noteholders Representative, not be obliged to take any action or proceedings under, or in relation to, this Trust Deed, the Notes and/or the Coupons unless directed to do so by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders )) of the Noteholders. In its capacity as Noteholders Representative, it may refrain from taking any action or exercising any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it under, or in relation to, the Trust Deed, the Notes and/or the Coupons unless and until it shall have been indemnified, secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction against any and all Liabilities for which it may thereby become liable and which may be incurred by it in connection therewith and provided that the Trustee shall not be held liable for the consequence of taking any such action and may take such action without having regard to the effect of such action on individual Noteholders or Couponholders. Subject to the mandatory provisions of Italian law, nothing contained in this Trust Deed, the Notes and/or the Coupons shall require the Noteholders Representative to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise
incur any Liabilities in the performance of its duties or the exercise of any right, power, authority or discretion under this Trust Deed, the Notes and/or the Coupons if it has grounds for believing the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or Liabilities is not assured to it.
15. FURTHER ISSUES
15.1 Supplemental Trust Deed
If the Issuer issues further notes as provided in Condition 14 ( Further Issues ), the Issuer and the Guarantors shall, before their issue, execute and deliver to the Trustee a deed supplemental to this Trust Deed containing such provisions (including, but not limited to, provisions corresponding to any of the provisions of this Trust Deed) as the Trustee may require.
15.2 Meetings of Noteholders
If the Trustee so directs, Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of Noteholders ) hereto shall apply equally to Noteholders and to holders of any notes issued pursuant to the Conditions as if references in it to Notes and Noteholders were also such securities and their holders respectively.
16. LAW AND JURISDICTION
16.1 Governing law
This Trust Deed and the Notes and all matters and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with the Trust Deed and the Notes are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save that the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) shall apply to the provisions of the Notes and the Trust Deed in respect of the same.
16.2 English courts
The courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute (a Dispute ), arising from or connected with this Trust Deed or the Notes and all non-contractual matters arising from or connected therewith (including a dispute regarding the existence, validity or termination of this Trust Deed or the Notes) or the consequences of their nullity.
16.3 Non-exclusivity
The submission to the jurisdiction of the courts of England shall not (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the right of the Trustee or any Noteholder to take proceedings relating to a Dispute ( Proceedings ) in the Republic of Italy nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if any to the extent permitted by law.
16.4 Appropriate forum
The parties agree that the courts of England are the most appropriate and convenient courts to settle any Dispute and, accordingly, that they will not argue to the contrary.
16.5 Rights of the Trustee and Noteholders to take proceedings outside England
Clause 16.2 ( English courts ) is for the benefit of the Trustee and the Noteholders only. As a result, nothing in this Clause 16 ( Law and Jurisdiction ) prevents the Trustee or any of the Noteholders from taking Proceedings in any other courts with jurisdiction. To the extent
allowed by law, the Trustee or any of the Noteholders may take concurrent Proceedings in any number of jurisdictions.
16.6 Process agent
The Issuer and each Guarantor agrees that the documents which start any Proceedings and any other documents required to be served in relation to those Proceedings may be served on it by being delivered to GTECH U.K. Limited of Building 3, Floor 1, Croxley Green Business Park, Hatters Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 8YG, United Kingdom or, if different, its registered office for the time being or at any address of the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor in England and Wales at which process may be served on it in accordance with section 1139(2) of the Companies Act 2006. If such person is not or ceases to be effectively appointed to accept service of process on behalf of the Issuer or any Guarantor, the Issuer or such Guarantor shall, on the written demand of the Trustee, appoint a further person in England to accept service of process on its behalf and, failing such appointment within 15 days, the Trustee shall be entitled to appoint such a person by written notice addressed to the Issuer or such Guarantor. Nothing in this Clause 16.6 ( Process agent ) shall affect the right of the Trustee or any of the Noteholders to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
17. SEVERABILITY
In case any provision in or obligation under this Trust Deed shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
18. CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT 1999
No person shall have any right to enforce any provision of this Trust Deed under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
19. COUNTERPARTS
This Trust Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF this Trust Deed has been executed as a deed by the parties hereto and is intended to be and is hereby delivered on the date first before written.
Schedule 1
Part A
Form of Temporary Global Note
THIS TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT). NEITHER THIS TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE NOR ANY PORTION HEREOF MAY BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF THE UNITED STATES) WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
500,000,000
3.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 March 2020
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND LLC
INVEST GAMES S.A.
ISIN: XS0860855930
TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE
1. INTRODUCTION
This Temporary Global Note is issued in respect of the 500,000,000 3.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 March 2020 (the Notes ) of Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (the Issuer ) and guaranteed by GTECH Corporation, GTECH Holdings Corporation, GTECH Rhode Island LLC and Invest Games S.A. (each a Guarantor and together the Guarantors ). The Notes are constituted by a trust deed dated 5 December 2012 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Trust Deed ) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee (the Trustee , which expression includes all persons for the time being appointed trustee or trustees under the Trust Deed) and are the subject of a paying agency agreement dated 5 December 2012 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Agency Agreement ) and made among the Issuer, the Guarantors, The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent (the Principal Paying Agent , which expression includes any successor principal paying agent appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the other paying agents named therein (together with the Principal Paying Agent, the Paying Agents , which expression includes any successor or additional paying agents appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the Trustee.
2. REFERENCES TO CONDITIONS
Any reference herein to the Conditions is to the terms and conditions of the Notes set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Notes ) of the Trust Deed and any reference to a numbered Condition is to the correspondingly numbered provision thereof. Words and expressions defined in the Conditions shall have the same meanings when used in this Temporary Global Note.
3. PROMISE TO PAY
The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer of this Temporary Global Note the principal sum of
500,000,000
(FIVE HUNDRED MILLION EURO)
on 5 March 2020 or on such earlier date or dates as the same may become payable in accordance with the Conditions, and to pay interest on such principal sum in arrear on the dates and at the rate specified in the Conditions, together with any additional amounts payable in accordance with the Conditions, all subject to and in accordance with the Conditions; provided, however, that such interest shall be payable only:
(a) in the case of interest falling due before the Exchange Date (as defined below), to the extent that a certificate or certificates issued by Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. ( Euroclear ) and/or Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ( Clearstream, Luxembourg and together with Euroclear, the Clearing Systems ) dated not earlier than the date on which such interest falls due and in substantially the form set out in Schedule C ( Form of Euroclear/Clearstream, Luxembourg Certification ) hereto (certifying as to certain information based on certificates in substantially the form set out in Schedule A ( Form of Accountholders Certification ) hereto received from Member Organisations) is/are delivered to the Specified Office (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Principal Paying Agent; or
(b) in the case of interest falling due at any time, to the extent that the Issuer has failed to procure the exchange for a permanent global note of that portion of this Temporary Global Note in respect of which such interest has accrued.
4. NEGOTIABILITY
This Temporary Global Note is negotiable and, accordingly, title to this Temporary Global Note shall pass by delivery. Interests in Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note shall be transferable only in accordance with the rules and procedures for the time being of the relevant Clearing System.
5. EXCHANGE
On or after the day following the expiry of 40 days after the date of issue of this Global Note (the Exchange Date ), the Issuer shall procure (in the case of the first exchange) the exchange in whole or in part of interests in this Temporary Global Note for interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems of a permanent global note (the Permanent Global Note ) in or substantially in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 1 ( Form of Permanent Global Note ) to the Trust Deed to the bearer of this Temporary Global Note or (in the case of any subsequent exchange) an increase in such interests and in the principal amount of the Permanent Global Note. Any exchange of interests in this Temporary Global Note for the corresponding interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a duly executed and authenticated Permanent Global Note shall only take place upon:
(a) presentation and (in the case of final exchange) surrender of this Temporary Global Note to, or to the order of the Principal Paying Agent at its Specified Office; and
(b) receipt by the Principal Paying Agent of a certificate or certificates issued by Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg dated not earlier than the Exchange Date and in substantially the form set out in Schedule C ( Form of Euroclear/Clearstream, Luxembourg Certification ) hereto (certifying as to certain information based on certificates in substantially the form set out in Schedule A ( Form of Accountholders Certification ) hereto received from Member Organisations).
The principal amount of Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note shall be the aggregate principal amount from time to time entered in the records of both of the relevant Clearing Systems. The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this Temporary Global Note means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interest in the Notes) shall be conclusive evidence of the principal amount of Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note and for those purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the principal amount of Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing System at that time. In no circumstances shall the principal amount of the Permanent Global Note exceed the initial principal amount of this Temporary Global Note.
6. WRITING DOWN
On each occasion on which:
(a) the Permanent Global Note is delivered or the principal amount thereof is increased in accordance with its terms in exchange for a further portion of this Global Note; or
(b) Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note are to be cancelled in accordance with Condition 5(f) ( Cancellation ),
the Issuer shall procure that (a) the principal amount of the Permanent Global Note, the principal amount of such increase or (as the case may be) the aggregate principal amount of such Notes and (b) the remaining principal amount (if any) of this Temporary Global Note (which shall be the previous principal amount hereof less the aggregate of the amounts referred to in (a)) are recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems, whereupon the principal amount of this Temporary Global Note shall for all purposes be as most recently so noted.
7. PAYMENTS
(a) Subject to Clauses 3(a) and 3(b) ( Promise to pay ) above, payments due in respect of Notes for the time being represented by this Temporary Global Note shall be made to the bearer of this Temporary Global Note and each payment so made will discharge the Issuers obligations in respect thereof.
(b) Subject to Clauses 3(a) and 3(b) ( Promise to pay ) above, upon any payment in respect of the Notes represented by this Temporary Global Note, the Issuer shall procure that the amount so paid shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems but any failure to make such entries shall not affect the discharge referred to in Clause 7(a) above.
8. CONDITIONS APPLY
Until this Temporary Global Note has been exchanged as provided herein or cancelled in accordance with the Agency Agreement, the bearer of this Temporary Global Note shall be subject to the Conditions and, subject as otherwise provided herein, shall be entitled to the same rights and benefits under the Conditions as if the bearer were the holder of Notes in definitive form in the denomination of 100,000 in substantially the form set out in Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Note ) to the Trust Deed and the related Coupons, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of this Temporary Global Note.
9. NOTICES
Notwithstanding Condition 15 ( Notices ), while all the Notes are represented by this Temporary Global Note (or by this Temporary Global Note and the Permanent Global Note) and this Temporary Global Note is (or this Temporary Global Note and the Permanent Global Note are) held on behalf of the relevant Clearing Systems, notices to Noteholders may be given by delivery of the relevant notice to the relevant Clearing Systems for communication to the relative Accountholders (as defined below) rather than by publication as required by Condition 15 ( Notices ); provided , however , that , so long as the Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and its rules so require, notices will also be published in a leading newspaper having general circulation in Luxembourg (which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort ) or on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange ( www.bourse.lu ). Any notice delivered to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be deemed to have been given to Noteholders on the date on which such notice is delivered to the relevant Clearing System.
10. AUTHENTICATION AND EFFECTUATION
This Temporary Global Note shall not be valid or enforceable for any purpose unless and until it has been authenticated for and on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent and effectuated by the entity appointed as common safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
11. ACCOUNTHOLDERS
For so long as any of the Notes is represented by this Temporary Global Note or this Temporary Global Note and Permanent Global Note and such relevant Global Note(s) is/are held on behalf of the relevant Clearing Systems, each person (other than a relevant Clearing System) who is for the time being shown in the records of a relevant Clearing System as the holder of a particular principal amount of Notes (each an Accountholder ) (in which regard any certificate or other document issued by a relevant Clearing System as to the principal amount of such Notes standing to the account of any person shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes) shall be treated as the holder of that principal amount for all purposes (including but not limited to for the purposes of any quorum requirements of, or the right to demand a poll, meetings of the Noteholders and giving notice to the Issuer pursuant to Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) and Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders )) other than with respect to the payment of principal and interest on the Notes, the right to which shall be vested, as against the Issuer, (i) if represented by this Temporary Global Note only, solely in the bearer of this Temporary Global Note in accordance with and subject to its terms or (ii) if represented by this Temporary Global Note and Permanent Global Note, in the bearer of this Temporary Global Note and the bearer of the Permanent Global Note, in accordance with and subject to their terms. Each Accountholder must look solely to the relevant Clearing Systems for its share of each payment made to the bearer of this Temporary Global Note.
12. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
No person shall have any right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any of the terms of this Temporary Global Note.
13. GOVERNING LAW
This Temporary Global Note and all matters and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with it are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save that the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) shall apply to the provisions of the Notes and the Trust Deed in respect of the same.
AS WITNESS the manual signature of a duly authorised person on behalf of the Issuer.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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ISSUED on December 2012
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
AUTHENTICATED for and on behalf of |
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (ACTING THROUGH ITS LONDON BRANCH) |
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as principal paying agent without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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CERTIFICATION OF EFFECTUATION |
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EFFECTUATED by |
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CLEARSTREAM BANKING, SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME |
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as common safekeeper without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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Schedule A
Form of Accountholders Certification
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
500,000,000
3.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 March 2020
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND LLC
INVEST GAMES S.A.
This is to certify that as of the date hereof, and except as set forth below, the above-captioned Securities held by you for our account (a) are owned by persons that are not citizens or residents of the United States, domestic partnerships, domestic corporations or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States Federal income taxation regardless of its source ( United States persons ), (b) are owned by United States person(s) that (i) are foreign branches of a United States financial institution (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.165-12(c)(1)(iv)) ( financial institutions ) purchasing for their own account or for resale, or (ii) acquired the Securities through foreign branches of United States financial institutions and who hold the Securities through such United States financial institutions on the date hereof (and in either case (i) or (ii), each such United States financial institution hereby agrees, on its own behalf or through its agent, that you may advise the issuer or the issuers agent that it will comply with the requirements of Section 165(j)(3)(A), (B) or (C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder), or (c) are owned by United States or foreign financial institution(s) for purposes of resale during the restricted period (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7)), and in addition if the owner of the Securities is a United States or foreign financial institution described in clause (c) (whether or not also described in clause (a) or (b)) this is to further certify that such financial institution has not acquired the Securities for purposes of resale directly or indirectly to a United States person or to a person within the United States or its possessions.
This is also to certify that the Securities are beneficially owned by (1) non-U.S. person(s) or (2) U.S. person(s) who purchased the Securities in transactions which did not require registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act ). As used in this paragraph the term U.S. person has the meaning given to it by Regulation S under the Securities Act.
As used herein, United States means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia); and its possessions include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands.
We undertake to advise you promptly by tested telex on or prior to the date on which you intend to submit your certification relating to the Securities held by you for our account in accordance with your operating procedures if any applicable statement herein is not correct on such date, and in the absence of any such notification it may be assumed that this certification applies as of such date.
This certification excepts and does not relate to [ · ] of such interest in the above Securities in respect of which we are not able to certify and as to which we understand exchange and delivery of definitive Securities (or, if relevant, exercise of any rights or collection of any interest) cannot be made until we do so certify.
We understand that this certification is required in connection with certain tax laws and, if applicable, certain securities laws of the United States. In connection therewith, if administrative or legal proceedings are commenced or threatened in connection with which this certification is or would be
relevant, we irrevocably authorise you to produce this certification to any interested party in such proceedings.
Dated: [ ]
[name of person giving certificate]
as, or as agent for,
the beneficial owner(s) of the Securities to which this certificate relates.
By: |
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Authorised signatory |
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Schedule B
Further Information in respect of the Issuer
The Issuer
1. |
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Object: |
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The object of the Issuer, as set out in Article 4 of its by-laws, is the carrying out of all activities pertaining to the organisation, management and completion of games and/or lotteries, instant and/or traditional, including but not limited to games of ability, forecasting competitions, lottery draws and betting, whether directly or through concessions, in Italy or abroad. In particular, the Issuer can organise and manage, under licence from the Ministry of Finance, the automated lotto service, as provided for by section 1 of the Ministry Decree. 4832/GAB of March 17, 1993 as amended. The Issuer can also carry out any concessionary activities and/or activities connected with services delegated, or in any way granted under a concession, to tobacconist shops and/or collectors by the Public Administration, including the collection of car taxes. The Issuer can further exercise and develop, under concession, national pari-mutuel games through a distribution network. The Issuer can carry out any other activity granted by the Public Administration in connection with concessionary services or activities that have been granted to it under a concession. The Issuer can carry out any manufacturing, financial, commercial, movables and real estate property transactions, in any way instrumental to the pursuit of the corporate purpose, including the issuance of surety bonds, pledges and mortgages and the acquisition, assignment and use of industrial rights, patents and inventions. The Issuer can hold interests in other companies, businesses and consortia, either established or to be established, including foreign companies, essential to, connected with or instrumental in achieving the corporate purpose and can carry out, in general, any essential or desirable transaction in connection therewith in compliance with the provisions of activity set forth by Section 106 and et seq. of the Legislative Decree No. 385/1993 as amended, and its implementing regulations. |
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2. |
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Registered Office: |
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Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00154 Rome, Italy. |
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3. |
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Companys Registered Number: |
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Companies Registry of Rome No. 08028081001, Chamber of Commerce of Rome, Italy. |
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4. |
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Paid-up share capital at the date hereof: |
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172,360,220.00, consisting of 172,360,220 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of 1.00. |
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5. |
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Reserves: |
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2,088,918,000 |
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6. |
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Date of resolutions authorising the issue of the Notes: |
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Resolution of the board of directors of the Issuer dated 21 November 2012, filed with the Companies Registry of Rome on 28 November 2012. |
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7. |
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Additional details: |
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Please refer to the prospectus dated 3 December 2012. |
Schedule C
Form of Euroclear/Clearstream, Luxembourg Certification
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
500,000,000
3.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 March 2020
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND LLC
INVEST GAMES S.A.
This is to certify that, based solely on certifications we have received in writing, by tested telex or by electronic transmission from member organisations appearing in our records as persons being entitled to a portion of the principal amount set forth below (our Member Organisations ) substantially to the effect set forth in the temporary global note issued in respect of the securities, as of the date hereof, [ · ] principal amount of the above-captioned Securities (a) is owned by persons that are not citizens or residents of the United States, domestic partnerships, domestic corporations or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States Federal income taxation regardless of its source ( United States persons ), (b) is owned by United States persons that (i) are foreign branches of United States financial institutions (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.165-12(c)(1)(iv)) ( financial institutions ) purchasing for their own account or for resale, or (ii) acquired the Securities through foreign branches of United States financial institutions and who hold the Securities through such United States financial institutions on the date hereof (and in either case (i) or (ii), each such United States financial institution has agreed, on its own behalf or through its agent, that we may advise the Issuer or the Issuers agent that it will comply with the requirements of Section 165(j)(3)(A), (B) or (C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder), or (c) is owned by United States or foreign financial institutions for purposes of resale during the restricted period (as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7)), and to the further effect that United States or foreign financial institutions described in clause (c) (whether or not also described in clause (a) or (b)) have certified that they have not acquired the Securities for purposes of resale directly or indirectly to a United States person or to a person within the United States or its possessions.
This is also to certify with respect to the principal amount of Securities set forth above that we have received in writing, by tested telex or by electronic transmission, from our Member Organisations entitled to a portion of such principal amount, certifications with respect to such portion substantially to the effect set forth in the temporary global note issued in respect of the Securities.
We further certify (1) that we are not making available herewith for exchange (or, if relevant, exercise of any rights or collection of any interest) any portion of the temporary global security excepted in such certifications and (2) that as of the date hereof we have not received any notification from any of our Member Organisations to the effect that the statements made by such Member Organisations with respect to any portion of the part submitted herewith for exchange (or, if relevant, exercise of any rights or collection of any interest) are no longer true and cannot be relied upon as of the date hereof.
We understand that this certification is required in connection with certain tax laws and, if applicable, certain securities laws of the United States. In connection therewith, if administrative or legal proceedings are commenced or threatened in connection with which this certification is or would be relevant, we irrevocably authorise you to produce this certification to any interested party in such proceedings.
Dated: [ ]
[Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.]
or
[Clearstream Banking, société anonyme]
By: |
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Authorised signatory |
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Part B
Form of Permanent Global Note
THIS PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT). NEITHER THIS PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE NOR ANY PORTION HEREOF MAY BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF THE UNITED STATES) WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
500,000,000
3.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 March 2020
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND LLC
INVEST GAMES S.A.
ISIN: XS0860855930
PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE
1. INTRODUCTION
This Global Note is issued in respect of the 500,000,000 3.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 March 2020 (the Notes ) of Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (the Issuer ). The Notes are constituted by a trust deed dated 5 December 2012 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Trust Deed ) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee (the Trustee , which expression includes all persons for the time being appointed trustee or trustees under the Trust Deed) and are the subject of a paying agency agreement dated 5 December 2012 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Agency Agreement ) and made among the Issuer, the Guarantors, The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent (the Principal Paying Agent , which expression includes any successor principal paying agent appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes), the other paying agents named therein (together with the Principal Paying Agent, the Paying Agents , which expression includes any successor or additional paying agents appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the Trustee.
2. REFERENCES TO CONDITIONS
Any reference herein to the Conditions is to the terms and conditions of the Notes set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Notes ) of the Trust Deed and any reference to a numbered Condition is to the correspondingly numbered provision thereof. Words and expressions defined in the Conditions shall have the same meanings when used in this Permanent Global Note.
3. PROMISE TO PAY
3.1 The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer of this Permanent Global Note the principal sum of
500,000,000
(FIVE HUNDRED MILLION EURO)
on 5 March 2020 or on such earlier date or dates as the same may become payable in accordance with the Conditions, and to pay interest on such principal sum in arrear on the dates and at the rate specified in the Conditions, together with any additional amounts payable in accordance with the Conditions, all subject to and in accordance with the Conditions.
3.2 The principal amount of Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note shall be the aggregate amount from time to time entered in the records of both the relevant Clearing Systems (as defined below). The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this Permanent Global Note means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interest in the Notes) shall be conclusive evidence of the principal amount of Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note and, for those purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the principal amount of Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing System at that time.
4. NEGOTIABILITY
This Permanent Global Note is negotiable and, accordingly, title to this Permanent Global Note shall pass by delivery. Interests in Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note shall be transferable only in accordance with the rules and procedures for the time being of the relevant Clearing Systems (as defined below).
5. EXCHANGE
This Permanent Global Note will be exchanged, in whole but not in part only, for Notes in definitive form ( Definitive Notes ) in substantially the form set out in Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Note ) to the Trust Deed if either of the following events (each, an Exchange Event ) occurs:
(a) if this Permanent Global Note is held on behalf of Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. ( Euroclear ), or Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ( Clearstream, Luxembourg and together with Euroclear, the Clearing Systems ) and any such Clearing System is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announces an intention permanently to cease business or does in fact do so; or
(b) any of the circumstances described in Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) occurs.
6. DELIVERY OF DEFINITIVE NOTES
Whenever this Permanent Global Note is to be exchanged for Definitive Notes, the Issuer shall procure the prompt delivery of such Definitive Notes, duly authenticated and with interest coupons ( Coupons ) attached, in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note to the bearer of this Permanent Global Note against the surrender of this Global Note at the Specified Office (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Principal Paying Agent within 30 days of the occurrence of the relevant Exchange Event.
The Conditions shall be modified with respect to Notes represented by this Global Note by the provisions set out herein.
7. PAYMENTS
(a) Payments of principal, interest and other amounts (if any) in respect of the unpaid balance of the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note may, at the direction of the bearer be made on the due date for any such payment to the relevant Clearing Systems for credit to the account (or accounts) of the Accountholder (as defined below) or Accountholders appearing in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems as having Notes credited to them.
(b) Payments of principal, interest and other amounts (if any) in respect of this Permanent Global Note shall be made against presentation for endorsement of this Permanent Global Note in accordance with Clause 8 ( Recording ) and, if no further payment falls to be made in respect of this Permanent Global Note, this Permanent Global Note shall be surrendered to or to the order of the Principal Paying Agent.
(c) Upon any payment in respect of the Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note, the Issuer shall procure that the amount so paid shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems but any failure to make such entries shall not affect the discharge referred to in previous paragraph.
8. RECORDING
8.1 The Issuer shall procure that a record of each payment made in respect of this Permanent Global Note in accordance with Clause 7 ( Payments ) and the Conditions shall be made by the relevant Clearing Systems.
8.2 (a) On each occasion on which:
(i) Notes represented by this Permanent Global Note are to be redeemed in full and cancelled in accordance with Condition 5(g) ( Cancellation ); or
(ii) Definitive Notes are delivered in exchange for this Permanent Global Note in accordance with Clause 5 ( Exchange ),
the Issuer shall procure that (A)(1) the aggregate principal amount of Notes so redeemed or (2) the principal amount of the Definitive Notes so delivered and (B) the remaining principal amount (if any) of this Permanent Global Note (which shall be the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note before that redemption or exchange less the aggregate of the amounts referred to in (A)) are recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems.
(b) On each occasion on which any further portion of the Temporary Global Note is exchanged for an interest in this Permanent Global Note, the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note shall be increased by the amount of such further portion and the Issuer shall procure that the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note (which shall be the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note before that exchange plus the amount of such further portion) is recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems.
9. CONDITIONS APPLY
Until this Permanent Global Note has been exchanged as provided herein or cancelled in accordance with the Agency Agreement, the bearer of this Permanent Global Note shall be subject to the Conditions and, subject as otherwise provided herein, shall be entitled to the same rights and benefits under the Conditions as if it were the holder of Definitive Notes in
the denomination of 100,000 and the related Coupons and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of this Permanent Global Note.
10. NOTICES
Notwithstanding Condition 15 ( Notices ), while all the Notes are represented by this Permanent Global Note (or by this Permanent Global Note and a temporary global note) and this Permanent Global Note is (or this Permanent Global Note and a temporary global note are) held on behalf of the relevant Clearing Systems, notices to Noteholders may be given by delivery of the relevant notice to the relevant Clearing Systems for communication to the relevant Accountholders (as defined below) rather than by publication as required by Condition 15 ( Notices ); provided, however, that , so long as the Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and its rules so require, notices will also be published in a leading newspaper having general circulation in Luxembourg (which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort ) or on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange ( www.bourse.lu ). Any notice delivered to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be deemed to have been given to Noteholders on the date on which such notice is delivered to the relevant Clearing System.
11. PRESCRIPTION
Claims in respect of principal, premium and interest in respect of this Permanent Global Note will become void unless it is presented for payment within a period of ten years (in the case of principal and premium) and five years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date (as defined in Condition 7 ( Taxation )).
12. REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF THE NOTEHOLDERS
The option of the Noteholders provided for in Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ) may be exercised by the holder of this Permanent Global Note giving notice to the Principal Paying Agent within the time limits relating to the deposit of Notes with a Paying Agent set out in that Condition substantially in the form of the Put Option Notice available from any Paying Agent and stating the principal amount of Notes in respect of which the Put Option is exercised and at the same time presenting this Permanent Global Note to the Principal Paying Agent for notation accordingly in Schedule E hereto.
13. AUTHENTICATION AND EFFECTUATION
This Permanent Global Note shall not be valid or enforceable for any purpose unless and until it has been authenticated for and on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent and effectuated by the entity appointed as common safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
14. ACCOUNTHOLDERS
For so long as any of the Notes is represented by this Permanent Global Note or by this Permanent Global Note and Temporary Global Note and such Global Note(s) is/are held on behalf of the relevant Clearing Systems, each person (other than a relevant Clearing System) who is for the time being shown in the records of a relevant Clearing System as the holder of a particular principal amount of Notes (each an Accountholder ) (in which regard any certificate or other document issued by a relevant Clearing System as to the principal amount of such Notes standing to the account of any person shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes) shall be treated as the holder of that principal amount for all purposes (including but not limited to for the purposes of any quorum requirements of, or the right to demand a poll, meetings of the Noteholders and giving notice to the Issuer pursuant to Condition 8 ( Events of Default ) and Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders )) other than with respect to the payment of principal and interest on the Notes, the right to which shall be vested, as against the Issuer, (i) if represented by this Permanent Global Note only,
solely in the bearer of this Permanent Global Note in accordance with and subject to its terms or (ii) if represented by this Permanent Global Note and Temporary Global Note, in the bearer of this Permanent Global Note and the bearer of the Temporary Global Note, in accordance with and subject to their terms. Each Accountholder must look solely to the relevant Clearing Systems for its share of each payment made to the bearer of this Permanent Global Note.
15. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
No person shall have any right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any of the terms of this Permanent Global Note.
16. GOVERNING LAW
This Permanent Global Note and all matters and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with it are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save that the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) shall apply to the provisions of the Notes and the Trust Deed in respect of the same.
AS WITNESS the manual signature of a duly authorised person on behalf of the Issuer.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
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( duly authorised ) |
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ISSUED as of December 2012
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
AUTHENTICATED for and on behalf of |
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (ACTING THROUGH ITS LONDON BRANCH) |
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as principal paying agent without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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CERTIFICATION OF EFFECTUATION
EFFECTUATED by
CLEARSTREAM BANKING, SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME
as common safekeeper without recourse, warranty or liability
By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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Schedule A
Further Information in respect of the Issuer
The Issuer
1. |
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Object: |
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The object of the Issuer, as set out in Article 4 of its by-laws, is the carrying out of all activities pertaining to the organisation, management and completion of games and/or lotteries, instant and/or traditional, including but not limited to games of ability, forecasting competitions, lottery draws and betting, whether directly or through concessions, in Italy or abroad. In particular, the Issuer can organise and manage, under licence from the Ministry of Finance, the automated lotto service, as provided for by section 1 of the Ministry Decree. 4832/GAB of 17 March, 1993 as amended. The Issuer can also carry out any concessionary activities and/or activities connected with services delegated, or in any way granted under a concession, to tobacconist shops and/or collectors by the Public Administration, including the collection of car taxes. The Issuer can further exercise and develop, under concession, national pari-mutuel games through a distribution network. The Issuer can carry out any other activity granted by the Public Administration in connection with concessionary services or activities that have been granted to it under a concession. The Issuer can carry out any manufacturing, financial, commercial, movables and real estate property transactions, in any way instrumental to the pursuit of the corporate purpose, including the issuance of surety bonds, pledges and mortgages and the acquisition, assignment and use of industrial rights, patents and inventions. The Issuer can hold interests in other companies, businesses and consortia, either established or to be established, including foreign companies, essential to, connected with or instrumental in achieving the corporate purpose and can carry out, in general, any essential or desirable transaction in connection therewith in compliance with the provisions of activity set forth by Section 106 and et seq. of the Legislative Decree No. 385/1993 as amended, and its implementing regulations. |
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2. |
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Registered Office: |
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Viale del Campo Boario 56/D, 00154 Rome, Italy. |
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Companys Registered Number: |
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Companies Registry of Rome No. 08028081001, Chamber of Commerce of Rome, Italy. |
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4. |
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Paid-up share capital at the date hereof: |
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172,360,220.00, consisting of 172,360,220 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of 1.00. |
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5. |
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Reserves: |
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2,088,918,000 |
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6. |
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Date of resolutions authorising the issue of the Notes: |
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Resolution of the board of directors of the Issuer dated 21 November 2012, filed with the Companies Registry of Rome on 28 November 2012. |
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7. |
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Additional details: |
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Please refer to the prospectus dated 3 December 2012. |
Schedule 2
Part A
Form of Definitive Note
[ On the face of the Note: ] |
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100,000 |
Serial No: |
THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT) AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE) WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
(
incorporated with limited liability under
the laws of the Republic of Italy
)
500,000,000
3.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 March 2020
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND LLC
INVEST GAMES S.A.
ISIN: XS0860855930
This Note is one of a series of notes (the Notes ) in the denomination of 100,000 and in the aggregate principal amount of 500,000,000 issued by Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (the Issuer ). The Notes are constituted by a trust deed dated 2 December 2010 among the Issuer, the Guarantors and BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee for the holders of the Notes from time to time.
The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer the principal sum of
100,000
(ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND EURO)
on 5 March 2020, or on such earlier date or dates as the same may become payable in accordance with the conditions endorsed hereon (the Conditions ), and to pay interest on such principal sum in arrear on the dates and at the rate specified in the Conditions, together with any additional amounts payable in accordance with the Conditions, all subject to and in accordance with the Conditions.
Interest is payable on the above principal sum at the rate of 3.500 per cent. per annum, payable annually in arrear on 5 March each year commencing on 5 March 2013, all subject to and in accordance with the Conditions.
This Note and the interest coupons relating hereto shall not be valid for any purpose until this Note has been authenticated for and on behalf of The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent.
This Note and all matters and any non-contractual obligations arising from or connected with it are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save that the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) shall apply to the provisions of the Notes and the Trust Deed in respect of the same.
AS WITNESS the facsimile signature of a duly authorised person on behalf of the Issuer.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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ISSUED as of
AUTHENTICATED for and on behalf of THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (ACTING THROUGH ITS LONDON BRANCH) |
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as principal paying agent without recourse, warranty or liability |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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[ On the reverse of the Note: ]
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
[ As set out in Part B of Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed ]
FURTHER INFORMATION IN RESPECT OF THE ISSUER
[ As set out in Schedule A to the Permanent Global Note ]
[ At the foot of the Terms and Conditions: ]
PRINCIPAL PAYING AGENT
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
(acting through its London Branch)
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (LUXEMBOURG) S.A.
Vertigo Building Polaris
2-4 rue Eugène Ruppert
L -2453
Luxembourg
Part B
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE NOTES
The following is the text of the Terms and Conditions of the Notes which (subject to completion and amendment) will be endorsed on each Note in definitive form:
The 500,000,000 3.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 March 2020 (the Notes , which expression includes any further notes issued pursuant to Condition 14 ( Further Issues ) and forming a single series therewith) of Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (the Issuer ) are guaranteed on a joint and several basis by each of GTECH Corporation, GTECH Holdings Corporation, GTECH Rhode Island LLC and Invest Games S.A. (each a Guarantor and together the Guarantors ) and were authorised by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuer on 21 November 2012. The Notes are constituted by a trust deed dated 5 December 2012 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Trust Deed ) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited as trustee (the Trustee , which expression includes all persons for the time being trustee or trustees appointed under the Trust Deed) and are the subject of a paying agency agreement dated 5 December 2012 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Agency Agreement ) among the Issuer, the Guarantors, The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch) as principal paying agent (the Principal Paying Agent , which expression includes any successor principal paying agent appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes), The Bank of New York Mellon (Luxembourg) S.A. (together with the Principal Paying Agent, the Paying Agents , which expression includes any successor or additional paying agents appointed from time to time in connection with the Notes) and the Trustee.
Certain provisions of these Conditions are summaries of the Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement and subject to their detailed provisions. The holders of the Notes (the Noteholders ) and the holders of the related interest coupons (the Couponholders and the Coupons respectively) are entitled to the benefit of, are bound by, and are deemed to have notice of, all the provisions of the Trust Deed and are deemed to have notice of all the provisions of the Agency Agreement applicable to them. Copies of the Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement are available for inspection during normal business hours at the registered office for the time being of the Trustee, being at the Issue Date (as defined below) One Canada Square, London E14 5AL, United Kingdom, and at the Specified Offices (as defined in the Agency Agreement) of each of the Paying Agents, the initial Specified Offices of which are set out below.
References to or Euro are to the single currency introduced at the start of the third stage of the European Economic and Monetary Union pursuant to the Treaty establishing the European Community, as amended.
1. FORM, DENOMINATION AND TITLE
The Notes are serially numbered and in bearer form in the denomination of 100,000 with Coupons attached at the time of issue. Title to the Notes and the Coupons will pass by delivery. The holder of any Note or Coupon shall (except as otherwise required by law) be treated as its absolute owner for all purposes (whether or not it is overdue and regardless of any notice of ownership, trust or any other interest therein, any writing thereon or any notice of any previous loss or theft thereof) and no person shall be liable for so treating such holder. No person shall have any right to enforce any term or condition of the Notes or the Trust Deed under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
2. GUARANTEE AND STATUS
(a) Guarantee
Each Guarantor has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed on a joint and several basis (i) the due payment of all sums expressed to be payable by the Issuer under the Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement, the Notes and the Coupons and (ii) the
performance by the Issuer of all of its obligations under the Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement, the Notes and the Coupons. Each Guarantors obligations in that respect (each, a Guarantee ) are contained in the Trust Deed.
(b) Status of the Notes
The Notes constitute direct, general unconditional, unsecured (subject to Condition 3 ( Negative Pledge )) and unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer which are obbligazioni pursuant to Articles 2410-et seq. of the Italian Civil Code and will at all times rank at least pari passu with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer, save for such obligations as may be preferred by provisions of law that are both mandatory and of general application.
(c) Status of the Guarantees
The Guarantees constitute direct, general unconditional, unsecured (subject to Condition 3 ( Negative Pledge )) and unsubordinated obligations of the Guarantors and will at all times rank at least pari passu with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the relevant Guarantor, save for such obligations as may be preferred by provisions of law that are both mandatory and of general application.
3. NEGATIVE PLEDGE
So long as any Note or Coupon remains outstanding (as defined in the Trust Deed), none of the Issuer or any Guarantor will, and each of the Issuer and the Guarantors shall procure that none of their respective Subsidiaries will, create or permit to subsist any Security Interest (other than a Permitted Security Interest) upon the whole or any part of their present or future business, undertakings, assets or revenues (including uncalled capital) to secure any Relevant Indebtedness or Relevant Guarantee of Relevant Indebtedness without (a) at the same time or prior thereto securing the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes, the Coupons and the Trust Deed or, as the case may be, the obligations of the Guarantors under the Guarantees, equally and rateably therewith to the satisfaction of the Trustee or (b) providing such other security, guarantee, indemnity or other arrangement for the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes, the Coupons and the Trust Deed or, as the case may be, the obligations of the Guarantors under the Guarantees, as the Trustee may in its absolute discretion consider to be not materially less beneficial to the interests of the Noteholders or as may be approved by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed) of Noteholders.
In these Conditions:
Permitted Security Interest means:
(a) any Security Interest arising by operation of law;
(b) any Security Interest existing on the assets or property of a Person immediately prior to its acquisition by or its consolidation or merger with the Issuer, a Guarantor or a Subsidiary of the Issuer, provided that such Security Interest is not created in contemplation of such acquisition, consolidation or merger and the amount secured by such Security Interest is not thereafter increased; and
(c) any Security Interest to secure Relevant Indebtedness or a Relevant Guarantee of Relevant Indebtedness upon or with respect to any present or future assets, receivables, remittances or payment rights of the Issuer, a Guarantor or a Subsidiary of the Issuer (the Charged Assets ), created pursuant to any securitisation or like arrangements provided that (i) the aggregate principal amount outstanding of Relevant Indebtedness or of Relevant Guarantee(s) of Relevant Indebtedness created pursuant to any securitisation or like arrangements and (ii) the Charged Assets at any one time do each not exceed 5% of
the Consolidated Assets and whereby all or substantially all the payment obligations in respect of such Relevant Indebtedness or Relevant Guarantee of Relevant Indebtedness are to be discharged solely from the Charged Assets;
Person means any individual, company, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, organisation, state or agency of a state or other entity, whether or not having separate legal personality;
Relevant Guarantee means, in relation to any Relevant Indebtedness of any Person, any obligation of another Person to pay such Relevant Indebtedness including (without limitation):
(a) any obligation to purchase such Relevant Indebtedness;
(b) any obligation to lend money, to purchase or subscribe shares or other securities or to purchase assets or services in order to provide funds for the payment of such Relevant Indebtedness;
(c) any indemnity against the consequences of a default in the payment of such Relevant Indebtedness; and
(d) any other agreement to be responsible for such Relevant Indebtedness;
Relevant Indebtedness means any present or future indebtedness which is in the form of, or represented by, any bond, note, debenture, debenture stock, loan stock, certificate or other instrument which is, or is capable of being, listed, quoted or traded on any stock exchange or in any securities market (including, without limitation, any over-the-counter or other securities market);
Security Interest means any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien or other security interest including, without limitation, anything analogous to any of the foregoing under the laws of any jurisdiction; and
Subsidiary means, in relation to any Person (the first person) at any particular time, any other Person (the second person):
(a) which is controlled, directly or indirectly by the first person;
(b) more than half the issued share capital of which is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the first person;
(c) which is a Subsidiary of another Subsidiary of the first person; or
(d) whose financial statements are in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting principles applicable to the Issuer fully consolidated with those of the first person.
For the purposes of this definition, a Person shall be treated as being controlled by another Person if the latter (whether by way of ownership of shares, proxy, contract, agency or otherwise) has the power to (i) appoint or remove all, or the majority, of its directors or other equivalent officers or (ii) direct its operating and financial policies.
4. INTEREST
(a) Interest
The Notes bear interest from (and including) 5 December 2012 (the Issue Date ) at the rate of 3.500 per cent. per annum (the Rate of Interest ) payable in arrear on 5 March in each year, commencing on 5 March 2013 (each, an Interest Payment Date ), subject as provided in Condition 6 ( Payments ). The first payment (for the period from (and including) the Issue
Date to (but excluding) 5 March 2013 and amounting to 863.01 per 100,000 principal amount of Notes) shall be made on 5 March 2013. Each payment thereafter (for each full year from (and including) 5 March 2013 to (but excluding) 5 March 2020 and amounting to 3,500 per 100,000 principal amount of Notes) shall be made on the relevant Interest Payment Date.
Each Note will cease to bear interest from the due date for redemption unless, upon due presentation, payment of principal is improperly withheld or refused, in which case it will continue to bear interest at such rate (both before and after judgment) until whichever is the earlier of (a) the day on which all sums due in respect of such Note up to that day are received by or on behalf of the relevant Noteholder and (b) the day which is seven days after the Principal Paying Agent or the Trustee has notified the Noteholders that it has received all sums due in respect of the Notes up to such seventh day (except to the extent that there is any subsequent default in payment).
If interest is required to be paid in respect of a Note on any date which is not an Interest Payment Date, it shall be calculated by applying the Rate of Interest to the principal amount of such Note, multiplying the product by the relevant Day Count Fraction and rounding the resulting figure to the nearest cent (half a cent being rounded upwards), where:
Day Count Fraction means, in respect of any period, the number of days in the relevant period, from (and including) the first day in such period to (but excluding) the last day in such period, divided by the number of days in the Regular Period in which the relevant period falls; and
Regular Period means each period from (and including) the Issue Date or any Interest Payment Date to (but excluding) the next Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be.
(b) Interest rate adjustment:
(i) The Rate of Interest will be subject to adjustment from time to time in the event of a Step Up Rating Change or Step Down Rating Change, as the case may be. From (and including) the first Interest Payment Date following the date of a Step Up Rating Change, the Rate of Interest shall be the Initial Rate of Interest plus 1.25 per cent. per annum. Furthermore, in the event of a Step Down Rating Change following a Step Up Rating Change, with effect from (and including) the first Interest Payment Date following the date of such Step Down Rating Change, the Rate of Interest shall be decreased by 1.25 per cent. per annum to the Initial Rate of Interest.
(ii) If at any relevant time the Issuers senior unsecured debt shall not be rated by any two of Moodys, S&P or a Substitute Rating Agency, the Rate of Interest shall be the Initial Rate of Interest plus 1.25 per cent. per annum with effect from (and including) the first Interest Payment Date on or after such time and up to (but excluding) the first Interest Payment Date on or immediately after such time as the Rate of Interest is able to be determined in accordance with the foregoing paragraph of this Condition 4(b) ( Interest rate adjustment ).
(iii) The Issuer will cause the occurrence of a Step Up Rating Change or a Step Down Rating Change to be notified to the Trustee, the Paying Agents and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and notice thereof to be given in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) as soon as possible after the occurrence of the Step Up Rating Change or the Step Down Rating Change (whichever the case may be) but in no event later than ten days thereafter.
(iv) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in these Conditions, there shall be no limit on the number of times that the Rate of Interest may be adjusted pursuant to a
Rating Change during the term of the Notes, provided always that at no time during the term of the Notes will the Rate of Interest be lower than the Initial Interest Rate or higher than the Initial Interest Rate plus 1.25 per cent. per annum.
(v) Without prejudice to any other Condition (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders )) and provided that the Issuer has otherwise complied with its obligations under this Condition 4(b), the occurrence of a Rating Change shall only affect the applicable Rate of Interest and the Noteholders shall not have any other rights or claims against the Issuer with respect thereto.
In these Conditions:
Initial Rate of Interest means the Rate of Interest set out in Condition 4(a) (Interest);
Investment Grade Rating means Baa3/BBB- or equivalent, or better from any Rating Agency;
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service Limited;
Non-Investment Grade Rating means Ba1/BB+ or equivalent, or worse from any Rating Agency;
Rating Agency means Moodys or S&P or any of their respective successors or any rating agency (a Substitute Rating Agency) substituted for any of them by the Issuer from time to time with the prior written approval of the Trustee, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed;
Rating Change means a Step Up Rating Change and/or a Step Down Rating Change;
S&P means Standard and Poors Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.;
Step Down Rating Change means the public announcement after a Step Up Rating Change by both of Moodys and S&P of an increase in, or a confirmation of, the rating of the Issuers senior unsecured debt and/or the Notes (as applicable) to at least an Investment Grade Rating; and
Step Up Rating Change means the public announcement by either or both of Moodys and S&P of a decrease in the rating of the Issuers senior unsecured debt and/or the Notes (as applicable) to a Non-Investment Grade Rating. For the avoidance of doubt, any further decrease in the rating of the Issuers senior unsecured debt and/or the Notes (as applicable) from below a Non-Investment Grade Rating shall not constitute a Step Up Rating Change.
5. REDEMPTION AND PURCHASE
(a) Scheduled redemption
Unless previously redeemed, or purchased and cancelled, the Notes will be redeemed at 100 per cent. of their principal amount together with any accrued and unpaid interest on 5 March 2020 (the Maturity Date ), subject as provided in Condition 6 ( Payments ).
(b) Redemption for tax reasons
The Notes may be redeemed at the option of the Issuer in whole, but not in part, at any time, on any Interest Payment Date, on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Noteholders (which notice shall be irrevocable), at 100 per cent. of their principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest
to (but excluding) the date fixed for redemption, if, immediately before giving such notice, the Issuer satisfies the Trustee that:
(i) the Issuer (or, if the Guarantees were called, any Guarantor) has or will become obliged to pay additional amounts as provided or referred to in Condition 7 ( Taxation ) as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws or regulations of the Republic of Italy, the United States (including with respect to to any withholding or deduction imposed on or in respect of such Note or Coupon pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, as amended, the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder ( FATCA )), Luxembourg or any political subdivision thereof or any agency or authority thereof or therein having power to tax, or any change in the application or official interpretation of such laws or regulations (including a holding by a court of competent jurisdiction), which change or amendment becomes effective on or after 5 December 2012; and
(ii) such obligation cannot be avoided by the Issuer (or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be) taking reasonable measures available to it;
provided, however , that no such notice of redemption shall be given (i) earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer (or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be) would be obliged to pay such additional amounts if a payment in respect of the Notes were then payable and (ii) unless at the time such notice is given, the obligation to pay additional amounts remains in effect.
Prior to the publication of any notice of redemption pursuant to this paragraph, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee:
(A) a certificate signed by the Chief Financial Officer of the Issuer or two Authorised Signatories (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Issuer or, as the case may be, of the relevant Guarantor stating that the Issuer is entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to the right of the Issuer so to redeem have occurred; and
(B) an opinion in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee of independent legal or tax advisers of recognised standing to the effect that the Issuer (or the relevant Guarantor, as the case may be) has or will become obliged to pay such additional amounts as a result of such change or amendment.
The Trustee shall be entitled to accept such certificate and opinion without further inquiry as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the circumstances set out in (i) and (ii) above, in which event they shall be conclusive and binding on the Noteholders and the Couponholders.
Upon the expiry of any such notice as is referred to in this Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ), the Issuer shall be bound to redeem the Notes in accordance with this Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ).
(c) Redemption at the option of the Noteholders
A put event (each, a Put Event ) will be deemed to occur if:
(i)
(A) Lottomatica Change of Control
any person or persons acting in concert or any person or persons acting on behalf of such person(s), other than a Principal Shareholder (x) shall become the Majority Holder or (y) shall acquire or exercise control of the Issuer pursuant to Article 93 of the Italian Financial Act (each such event being a Lottomatica Change of Control );
(B) GTECH Change of Control
the Issuer ceases to control GTECH Corporation directly or indirectly, or any person or persons (other than the Issuer directly or indirectly) acting in concert or any person or persons acting on behalf of such person(s) shall become the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of shares in the capital of GTECH Corporation carrying more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights normally exercisable at a general meeting of GTECH Corporation (such event being a GTECH Change of Control ); or
(C) Disposal of assets
there is a sale, lease, transfer or other disposal to a Person (other than the Issuer or a Guarantor) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (such event being a Disposal Event ); and
(ii) on the date (the Relevant Announcement Date ) that is (x) the date of the first public announcement of the Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event or, if earlier, (y) the date of the earliest Relevant Potential Change of Control Announcement (if any):
(A) the Notes carry an Investment Grade Rating from any Rating Agency and such rating is, within the Change of Control Period, either downgraded to a Non-Investment Grade Rating or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) reinstated or upgraded to an Investment Grade Rating by such Rating Agency;
(B) the Notes carry a Non-Investment Grade Rating from any Rating Agency and such rating is, within the Change of Control Period, either downgraded by one or more notches (for illustration, BB+ to BB being one notch) or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently reinstated or upgraded to its earlier rating or better by such Rating Agency; or
(C) the Notes carry no rating, and no Rating Agency assigns, within the Change of Control Period, an Investment Grade Rating to the Notes; and
(iii) in making any decision to downgrade or withdraw a credit rating pursuant to paragraph (ii) above, the relevant Rating Agency announces publicly or confirms in writing to the Issuer or the Trustee that such decision(s) are in connection with, in anticipation of or resulted from, in whole or in part, the occurrence of the Lottomatica Change of Control, the GTECH Change of Control or the Disposal Event, as the case may be, or the Relevant Potential Change of Control Announcement.
If a Put Event occurs, the holder of each Note will have the option (a Put Option ) (unless prior to the giving of the relevant Put Event Notice (as defined below) the Issuer has given notice of redemption under Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ) above) to require the Issuer to redeem or, at the Issuers option, purchase (or procure the purchase of) that Note on the Put Date (as defined below) at 100 per cent. of its principal amount together with any accrued and unpaid interest to (but excluding) the Put Date (the Put Amount ).
Promptly upon the Issuer becoming aware that a Put Event has occurred the Issuer shall, and at any time upon the Trustee becoming similarly so aware the Trustee may, and if so requested by the holders of at least one quarter in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders, shall (subject in each case to the Trustee being indemnified, secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction) give notice (a Put Event Notice ) to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ), specifying the nature of the Put Event and the procedure for exercising the Put Option.
To exercise the Put Option, the holder of the Note must deliver such Note at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent at any time during normal business hours of such Paying Agent falling within the period (the Put Period ) of 30 days after a Put Event Notice is given, accompanied by a duly signed and completed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from the specified office of any Paying Agent (a Change of Control Put Notice ). The Note should be delivered together with all Coupons appertaining thereto on the date which is seven days after the expiration of the Put Period (the Put Date ). The Paying Agent to which such Note and Change of Control Put Notice are delivered will issue to the Noteholder concerned a non-transferable receipt in respect of the Note so delivered. Payment in respect of any Note so delivered will be made, if the holder duly specified a bank account in the Change of Control Put Notice to which payment is to be made, on the Put Date by transfer to that bank account and, in every other case, on or after the Put Date against presentation and surrender or (as the case may be) endorsement of such receipt at the specified office of any Paying Agent. A Change of Control Put Notice, once given, shall be irrevocable. For the purposes of these Conditions, receipts issued pursuant to this Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ) shall be treated as if they were Notes. The Issuer shall redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of) the relevant Notes on the Put Date unless previously redeemed (or purchased) and cancelled.
If 85 per cent. or more in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding have been redeemed or purchased pursuant to this Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ), the Issuer may, on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) (such notice being given within 30 days after the Put Date), redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of), at its option, all but not some only of the remaining outstanding Notes at their principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest to (but excluding) the date fixed for such redemption or purchase.
If the rating designations employed by any of Moodys or S&P are changed from those which are described in paragraph (ii) of the definition of Put Event above, or if a rating is procured from a Substitute Rating Agency, the Issuer shall determine, with the agreement of the Trustee, the rating designations of Moodys or S&P or such Substitute Rating Agency (as appropriate) as are most equivalent to the prior rating designations of Moodys or S&P and this Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ) shall be construed accordingly.
The Trustee is under no obligation to ascertain whether a Put Event, Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Put Event, a Lottomatica Change of Control, a GTECH Change of Control or a Disposal Event has occurred, or to seek any confirmation from any Rating Agency pursuant to Condition 5(c)(iii) above, and, until it shall have actual knowledge or notice pursuant to the Trust Deed to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no Put Event, Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event or other such event has occurred.
In this Condition 5(c) ( Redemption at the option of the Noteholders ):
Change of Control Period means the period commencing on the Relevant Announcement Date and ending 120 days after the Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event, as the case may be (or such longer period for which the Notes are under consideration (such consideration having been announced publicly within the period ending 120 days after the Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event, as the case may be) for rating review or, as the case may be, rating by a Rating Agency, such period not to exceed 60 days after the public announcement of such consideration);
Italian Financial Act means Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended;
Majority Holder means the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly of, (x) more than 50 per cent. of the issued or allotted ordinary share capital of the Issuer or (y) such number of securities ( titoli ) of the Issuer carrying more than 50% of the voting rights as defined under and pursuant to Article 105 of the Italian Financial Act;
Principal Shareholder means De Agostini S.p.A., its Subsidiaries or B&D Holding di Marco Drago e C. S.a.p.a ( B&D Holding ) or any entity controlled by one or more of the same beneficial holders that directly or indirectly control B&D Holding at the Issue Date; provided that or the purposes of this definition, an entity or B&D Holding shall be treated as being controlled, directly or indirectly, by any such holder(s) if the latter (whether by way of ownership of shares, proxy, contract, agency or otherwise) have or has, as applicable, the power to (i) appoint or remove all, or the majority, of its directors or other equivalent officers or (ii) direct its operating and financial policies; and
Relevant Potential Change of Control Announcement means any public announcement or statement by the Issuer, any actual or potential bidder or any adviser acting on behalf of any actual or potential bidder or purchaser relating to any potential Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event, as the case may be, where within 180 days following the date of such announcement or statement, the Lottomatica Change of Control, GTECH Change of Control or Disposal Event occurs.
(d) Redemption at the option of the Issuer
The Issuer may, having given not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 (Notices) (which notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the date fixed for redemption), redeem all, but not some only, of the Notes, on 6 January 2013 or at any time thereafter (the Optional Redemption Date ) at a redemption price per Note equal to the greater of: (i) 100 per cent. of the principal amount of the Note; or (ii) as determined by the Reference Dealers (as defined below), the sum of the then current values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (not including any interest accrued on the Notes to, but excluding, the Optional Redemption Date) discounted to the
Optional Redemption Date on an annual basis (based on the actual number of days elapsed divided by 365 or (in the case of a leap year) by 366) at the Reference Dealer Rate (as defined below), plus 0.50 per cent., plus, in each case, any interest accrued on the Notes to, but excluding, the Optional Redemption Date (the Call Amount ). Upon the expiry of such notice, the Issuer shall redeem the Notes in accordance with this Condition 5(d).
In this Condition 5(d) ( Redemption at the option of the Issuer ):
Reference Bund means 22,000,000,000 3.25 per cent. German Federal Government Bonds of Bundesrepublik Deutschland due 4 January 2020 with ISIN DE0001135390;
Reference Dealers means Banca IMI S.p.A., Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, Merrill Lynch International, UniCredit Bank AG or their successors; and
Reference Dealer Rate means, with respect to the Reference Dealers and the Optional Redemption Date, the average of the five quotations of the average mid market annual yield to maturity of the Reference Bund, or, if the applicable security is no longer outstanding, a similar security in the reasonable judgement of each Reference Dealer, at 11:00 a.m. London time on the third business day in London preceding such Optional Redemption Date, quoted in writing to the Issuer and the Trustee by the Reference Dealers.
(e) No other redemption
The Issuer shall not be entitled to redeem the Notes otherwise than as provided in Condition 5(a) ( Scheduled redemption ), 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ) and 5(d) ( Redemption at the option of the Issuer ) above.
(f) Purchase
The Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries may at any time purchase Notes in the open market or otherwise and at any price, provided that all unmatured Coupons are purchased therewith.
(g) Cancellation
All Notes so redeemed or purchased by the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries and any unmatured Coupons attached to or surrendered with them shall be cancelled and may not be reissued or resold. Pursuant to Article 2415 of the Italian Civil Code, none of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries shall be entitled to vote at any meetings of Noteholders in relation to the Notes redeemed or held by it.
(h) Timing of Notices
If more than one notice of redemption is given by the Issuer pursuant to these Conditions, or a Noteholder delivers a Change of Control Put Notice pursuant to Condition 5(b) ( Redemption at the Option of Noteholders ), the first in time of such notices shall prevail.
6. PAYMENTS
(a) Principal
Payments of principal shall be made only against presentation and ( provided that payment is made in full) surrender of Notes at the Specified Office of any Paying
Agent outside the United States by Euro cheque drawn on, or by transfer to a Euro account (or other account to which Euro may be credited or transferred) maintained by the payee outside the United States with, a bank in a city in which banks have access to the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET2) System (the TARGET System ).
(b) Interest
Payments of interest shall, subject to Condition 6(f) ( Payments other than in respect of matured Coupons ) below, be made only against presentation and ( provided that payment is made in full) surrender of the appropriate Coupons at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent outside the United States in the manner described in Condition 6(a) ( Principal ) above.
(c) Payments subject to fiscal laws
All payments in respect of the Notes are subject in all cases to any applicable fiscal or other laws and regulations in the place of payment, but without prejudice to the provisions of Condition 7 ( Taxation ). No commissions or expenses shall be charged to the Noteholders or Couponholders in respect of such payments.
(d) Unmatured Coupons
Upon any Note becoming due and payable prior to the due date for redemption, all unmatured Coupons (if any) appertaining thereto will become void and no further amounts will be payable with respect thereto.
(e) Payments on business days
If the due date for payment of any amount in respect of any Note or Coupon is not a business day in the place of presentation, the holder shall not be entitled to payment in such place of the amount due until the next succeeding business day in such place and shall not be entitled to any further interest or other payment in respect of any such delay. In this paragraph, business day means, in respect of any place of presentation, any day on which banks are open for presentation and payment of bearer debt securities and for dealings in foreign currencies in such place of presentation and, in the case of payment by transfer to a Euro account as referred to above, on which the TARGET System is open.
(f) Payments other than in respect of matured Coupons
Payments of interest other than in respect of matured Coupons shall be made only against presentation of the relevant Notes at the Specified Office of any Paying Agent outside the United States in the manner described in Condition 6(a) ( Principal ) above.
(g) Partial payments
If a Paying Agent makes a partial payment in respect of any Note or Coupon presented to it for payment, such Paying Agent will endorse thereon a statement indicating the amount and date of such payment.
7. TAXATION
(a) Gross Up
All payments in respect of principal (including any Call Amount or Put Amount, if applicable) and interest in respect of the Notes and the Coupons or under the Guarantees by the Issuer or any Guarantor, as the case may be, will be made free and
clear of, and without withholding or deduction for or on account of, any present or future taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature ( Taxes ) imposed or levied by or on behalf of any of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdictions, unless the withholding or deduction of such taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges is required by law. In that event, the Issuer or, as the case may be, the relevant Guarantor will pay such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts received by the holders of the Notes or Coupons after such withholding or deduction shall equal the respective amounts of principal (including any Call Amount or Put Amount, if applicable) and interest which would have been received in respect of the Notes or (as the case may be) Coupons, in the absence of such withholding or deduction, except that no additional amounts shall be payable with respect to any payment in respect of any Note or Coupon:
(i) (a) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder who is subject to such Taxes, in respect of such Note or Coupon by reason of its having some connection (otherwise than merely by holding the Note or Coupon) with the Republic of Italy or, in the case of payments made by any Guarantor under its respective Guarantee, the United States or Luxembourg, as the case may be; (b) with respect to any Note or Coupon presented for payment in the Republic of Italy; (c) for or on account of imposta sostitutiva pursuant to Legislative Decree No. 239 of 1 April 1996, Legislative Decree No. 461 of 21 November 1997 or related implementing regulations; (d) in all circumstances in which the requirements and procedures of such Legislative Decree No. 239 have not been met or complied with (except where due to the actions or omissions of the Issuer or its agents); or (e) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder who is entitled to avoid such withholding or deduction in respect of such Note or Coupon by making a declaration of non-residence or other similar claim for exemption to the relevant taxing authority but has failed to do so; or
(ii) to a holder who is a non-Italian resident individual or legal entity which is resident in a tax haven country (as defined and listed in the Ministry of Finance Decree of 23 January 2002, as amended and supplemented from time to time or in a country which does not allow for an adequate exchange of information with the Italian tax authorities (as defined and listed in the Ministry of Finance Decree of 4 September 1996, as amended from time to time); or
(iii) for any Note or Coupon presented for payment more than 30 days after the Relevant Date except to the extent that the holder thereof would have been entitled to such additional amount on presenting the same for payment on the thirtieth such day; or
(iv) where such withholding or deduction is imposed on a payment to an individual and is required to be made pursuant to European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive; or
(v) held by or on behalf of a Noteholder or Couponholder who would have been able to lawfully avoid (but has not so avoided) such deduction or withholding by complying with any statutory requirements; or
(vi) presented for payment by or on behalf of a holder who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction by presenting the relevant Note or Coupon to another Paying Agent in a Member State of the European Union, without prejudice to the option of the Issuer to redeem the Notes pursuant to, and subject to the conditions of, Condition 5(b) ( Redemption for tax reasons ).
(b) Taxing Jurisdiction
As used in these Conditions, Relevant Date in respect of any Note or Coupon means the date on which payment in respect thereof first becomes due or (if any amount of the money payable is improperly withheld or refused) the date on which payment in full of the amount outstanding is made or (if earlier) the date on which notice is duly given to the holders of Notes in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ) that, upon further presentation of the Note or Coupon being made in accordance with the Conditions, such payment will be made, provided that payment is in fact made upon such presentation; and Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction means the Republic of Italy, the United States or Luxembourg or any political subdivision or any agency or authority thereof or therein having power to tax or, in any case, any other jurisdiction or any political subdivision or any agency or authority thereof or therein having power to tax to which the Issuer or a Guarantor, as the case may be, becomes subject in respect of payments made by it in respect of principal (including any Call Amount or Put Amount, if applicable) and interest on the Notes and Coupons.
References in these Conditions to principal and/or interest shall be deemed to include any additional amounts which may be payable under this Condition 7 ( Taxation ).
8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT
If any of the following events occurs, then the Trustee at its discretion may and, if so requested in writing by holders of at least one quarter of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed), shall (subject, in the case of the occurrence of any of the events mentioned in paragraphs (b) ( Breach of other obligations ), (d) ( Unsatisfied judgment ), (e) ( Security enforced ), (h) ( Analogous event ) (only in relation to events referred to in paragraphs (d) and (e) below), (i) ( Failure to take action, etc .) or (j) ( Unlawfulness ) and, in relation only to a Material Subsidiary (which is not a Guarantor), paragraphs (c) ( Cross-default of Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary ) or (g) ( Winding up, etc .) below, to the Trustee having certified in writing that the happening of such event is in its opinion materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders and, in all cases, to the Trustee having been indemnified, provided with security and/or prefunded to its satisfaction) give written notice to the Issuer declaring the Notes to be immediately due and payable, whereupon they shall become immediately due and payable at their principal amount together with any accrued and unpaid interest without further action or formality:
(a) Non-payment
The Issuer fails to pay (i) any amount of principal or premium in respect of the Notes, (ii) the Call Amount or (iii) the Put Amount on the due date for payment thereof or fails to pay any amount of interest in respect of the Notes within five business days of the due date for payment thereof. In this paragraph, business day means any day on which banks are open for presentation and payment of bearer debt securities and for dealings in foreign currencies in such place of presentation and on which the TARGET System is open; or
(b) Breach of other obligations
The Issuer or any Guarantor defaults in the performance or observance of any of its other obligations under or in respect of the Notes or the Trust Deed and such default (i) is, in the opinion of the Trustee, incapable of remedy or (ii) being a default which is, in the opinion of the Trustee, capable of remedy remains unremedied for 30 days or such longer period as the Trustee may agree after the Trustee has given written notice thereof to the Issuer and the Guarantors; or
(c) Cross-default of Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary:
(i) any Indebtedness of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary is not paid when due (as extended by any originally applicable grace period);
(ii) any such Indebtedness becomes due and payable prior to its stated maturity (as extended by any originally applicable grace period) otherwise than at the option of the Issuer, the relevant Guarantor or (as the case may be) the relevant Material Subsidiary or (provided that no event of default, howsoever described, has occurred) any person entitled to such Indebtedness; or
(iii) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary fails to pay when due (the date when the payment is due being the Due Date) (as extended by any originally applicable grace period) any amount payable by it under any Specified Guarantee of any Indebtedness, unless such payment (x) is contested in good faith by the Issuer, the relevant Guarantor or the relevant Material Subsidiary by all appropriate means, including (where applicable) an application to a competent court for a declaration that such payment is not due and (y) is, within 60 calendar days of the Due Date, (xx) either dismissed or forgiven by the creditor, (yy) formally determined by the appropriate authority (including where applicable by such competent court) not to be due or (zz) made by (or on behalf of) the Issuer, Guarantor or Material Subsidiary;
provided that the amount of Indebtedness referred to in sub-paragraph (i) and/or sub-paragraph (ii) above and/or the amount payable under any Specified Guarantee referred to in sub-paragraph (iii) above individually or in the aggregate exceeds 50 million (or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies); or
(d) Unsatisfied judgment
One or more judgment(s) or order(s) for the payment of an amount in excess of 50 million (or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies) whether individually or in aggregate, is rendered against the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary and continue(s) unsatisfied and unstayed for a period of 60 days after the date(s) thereof or, if later, the date therein specified for payment; or
(e) Security enforced
A secured party takes possession, or a receiver, manager or other similar officer is appointed, of the whole or any substantial (in the opinion of the Trustee) part of the undertaking, assets and revenues of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary; or
(f) Insolvency, etc.
(i) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, (ii) an administrator or liquidator of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary or the whole or any/a substantial (in the opinion of the Trustee) part of the undertaking, assets and revenues of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary is appointed (or application for any such
appointment is made), (iii) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary takes any action for a readjustment or deferment of any of its obligations or makes a general assignment or an arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors or declares a moratorium in respect of any of its Indebtedness or any Specified Guarantee of any Indebtedness given by it, (iv) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary ceases or threatens to cease to carry on all or any substantial part of its business (other than for the purpose of a Permitted Restructuring), or (v) the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary suspends its payments generally; or
(g) Winding up, etc.
An order is made or an effective resolution is passed for the winding up, liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary (other than for the purpose of a Permitted Restructuring); or
(h) Analogous event
Any event occurs in relation to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Material Subsidiary (other than for the purpose of a Permitted Restructuring) which under the governing laws of their respective jurisdictions has an analogous effect to any of the events referred to in paragraphs (d) ( Unsatisfied judgment ) to (g) ( Winding up, etc .) above; or
(i) Failure to take action, etc.
Any action, condition or thing at any time required to be taken, fulfilled or done in order (i) to enable the Issuer or any Guarantor lawfully to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its obligations under and in respect of the Notes and/or the Trust Deed, (ii) to ensure that those obligations are legal, valid, binding and enforceable and (iii) to make the Notes, the Coupons and the Trust Deed admissible in evidence in the courts of the Republic of Italy, the United States or Luxembourg, as the case may be is not taken, fulfilled or done; or
(j) Unlawfulness
It is or will become unlawful for the Issuer or any Guarantor to perform or comply with any of its obligations under or in respect of the Notes or the Trust Deed; or
(k) Guarantee
Any of the Guarantees is not (or is claimed by any Guarantor not to be) in full force and effect (other than as a result of a Permitted Restructuring).
The Issuer shall give to the Trustee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the acquisition or disposal of any company which thereby becomes or ceases to be a Material Subsidiary or after any transfer is made to any Subsidiary which thereby becomes a Material Subsidiary, a certificate from the Chief Financial Officer of the Issuer or two Authorised Signatories of the Issuer to such effect.
In these Conditions:
Consolidated Assets means the aggregate value of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, as disclosed in the audited consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries most recently prepared before the time when the determination or examination is being made as required by and in accordance with the terms hereof;
Consolidated Revenues means the aggregate revenues of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries as disclosed in the audited consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries most recently prepared before the time when the determination or examination is being made as required by and in accordance with the terms hereof;
Indebtedness means any indebtedness of any Person for moneys borrowed or raised;
Material Subsidiary means, as of any date, any Subsidiary of the Issuer (a) which (i) accounts for 10 per cent. or more of the Consolidated Assets as of such date; or (ii) accounted for 10 per cent. or more of the Consolidated Revenues for the year ended on or immediately prior to such date, or (b) which assumes all the assets and liabilities of a Subsidiary of the Issuer which immediately prior to such assumption is a Material Subsidiary as a Substituted Obligor pursuant to a Permitted Restructuring, and such Substituted Obligor shall cease to be a Material Subsidiary pursuant to this paragraph (b) only on the date on which the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries for the financial period current at the date of such Permitted Restructuring have been prepared, but so that such Substituted Obligor may be a Material Subsidiary on or at any time after the date on which such financial statements have been prepared by virtue of paragraph (a) of this definition;
Permitted Restructuring means either:
(a) any solvent amalgamation, merger, fusione or scissione (such expressions bearing the meanings ascribed to them by the laws of the Republic of Italy), reconstruction or similar arrangement on terms approved in writing by the Trustee or by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders; or
(b) any solvent amalgamation, merger, fusione (such expression bearing the meaning ascribed to it by the laws of the Republic of Italy), reconstruction or similar arrangement of a Guarantor or a Material Subsidiary with (or with and into) the Issuer, any other Guarantor or any other Subsidiary of the Issuer under which:
(i) all the assets and liabilities of such Guarantor or such Material Subsidiary, as the case may be, are assumed by the entity resulting from such solvent amalgamation, merger or reconstruction (the Substituted Obligor ) and such Guarantor or such Material Subsidiary ceases to exist; and
(ii) (in the case of a Guarantor) the Substituted Obligor (unless the Substituted Obligor is the Issuer or another Guarantor) assumes the obligations of such Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee, or (in the case of a Material Subsidiary unless the Substituted Obligor is the Issuer) the Substituted Obligor would thereby become a Material Subsidiary; and
(iii) certain other conditions specified in the Trust Deed have been complied with;
Specified Guarantee means, in relation to any Indebtedness of any Person, any obligation of another Person to pay such Indebtedness including (without limitation):
(a) any obligation to purchase such Indebtedness;
(b) any obligation to lend money, to purchase or subscribe shares or other securities or to purchase assets or services in order to provide funds for the payment of such Indebtedness;
(c) any indemnity against the consequences of a default in the payment of such Indebtedness; and
(d) any other agreement to be responsible for such Indebtedness.
9. PRESCRIPTION
Claims for principal shall become void unless the relevant Notes are presented for payment within ten years of the appropriate Relevant Date. Claims for interest shall become void unless the relevant Coupons are presented for payment within five years of the appropriate Relevant Date.
10. REPLACEMENT OF NOTES AND COUPONS
If any Note or Coupon is lost, stolen, mutilated, defaced or destroyed, it may be replaced at the Specified Office of the Principal Paying Agent or the Paying Agent having its Specified Office in Luxembourg, subject to all applicable laws, listing authority requirements and stock exchange requirements, upon payment by the claimant of the expenses incurred in connection with such replacement and on such terms as to evidence, security, indemnity and otherwise as the Issuer and the Guarantors may reasonably require. Mutilated or defaced Notes or Coupons must be surrendered before replacements will be issued.
11. TRUSTEE AND PAYING AGENTS
Under the Trust Deed, the Trustee is entitled to be indemnified and relieved from responsibility in certain circumstances and to be paid its costs and expenses in priority to the claims of the Noteholders. In addition, the Trustee is entitled to enter into business transactions with the Issuer and any entity relating to the Issuer without accounting for any profit.
In connection with the exercise by the Trustee of any of its trusts, powers, authorities and discretions (including, without limitation, any modification, waiver, authorisation, determination or substitution), the Trustee shall have regard to the general interests of the Noteholders as a class but shall not have regard to any interests arising from circumstances particular to individual Noteholders or Couponholders (whatever their number) and, in particular but without limitation, shall not have regard to the consequences of any such exercise for individual Noteholders or Couponholders (whatever their number) resulting from their being for any purpose domiciled or resident in, or otherwise connected with, or subject to the jurisdiction of, any particular territory or any political sub-division thereof and the Trustee shall not be entitled to require, nor shall any Noteholder or Couponholder be entitled to claim, from the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee or any other person any indemnification or payment in respect of any tax consequence of any such exercise upon individual Noteholders or Couponholders except to the extent already provided for in Condition 7 ( Taxation ) and/or any undertaking given in addition to, or in substitution for, Condition 7 ( Taxation ) pursuant to the Trust Deed.
In acting under the Agency Agreement and in connection with the Notes and the Coupons, the Paying Agents act solely as agents of the Issuer and the Guarantors and (to the extent provided therein) the Trustee and do not assume any obligations towards or relationship of agency or trust for or with any of the Noteholders or Couponholders.
The initial Paying Agents and their initial Specified Offices are listed below. The Issuer and the Guarantors reserve the right (with the prior approval of the Trustee) at any time to vary or terminate the appointment of any Paying Agent and to appoint a successor principal paying agent and additional or successor paying agents; provided, however, that the Issuer and the Guarantors shall at all times maintain (a) a principal paying agent, (b) a paying agent in Luxembourg and (c) a paying agent in an EU Member State that will not be obliged to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to the EU Savings Directive.
Notice of any termination or appointment and of any change in the specified offices of the Paying Agents will be given to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 15 ( Notices ).
12. MEETINGS OF NOTEHOLDERS; NOTEHOLDERS REPRESENTATIVE; MODIFICATION
(a) Meetings of Noteholders
The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening Meetings (as defined in the Trust Deed) to consider matters relating to the Notes, including the modification of any provision of these Conditions, in accordance with Article 2415 of the Italian Civil Code and the applicable provisions of the Italian Financial Act on listed companies. Any such modification may be made if sanctioned by an Extraordinary Resolution. Such a Meeting may be convened, either as a Single Call Meeting (as defined in the Trust Deed) or as a Multiple Call Meeting (as defined in the Trust Deed), by the directors of the Issuer, the Trustee or the Noteholders Representative (as described below) and the Issuer and the Noteholders Representative are obliged to do so upon the request in writing of Noteholders holding not less than one-twentieth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes. Such a Meeting will be validly held if attended by one or more Voters (as defined in the Trust Deed) representing or holding (i) in the case of a Single Call Meeting, at least one fifth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or (ii) in the case of a Multiple Call Meeting: (A) in the case of an Initial Meeting (as defined in the Trust Deed), at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or (B) in the case of a Second Meeting (as defined in the Trust Deed) following adjournment of the Initial Meeting for want of quorum, more than one third of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or (C) in the case of a Third Meeting or further Meetings, following a further adjournment for want of quorum, at least one fifth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes provided, however, that the quorum, both in the case of a Single Call Meeting and in the case of a Multiple Call Meeting, shall always be at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes for the purposes of considering a Reserved Matter (as defined below) and provided further that the by-laws of the Issuer may from time to time require a higher quorum. Both in the case of a Single Call Meeting and in the case of a Multiple Call Meeting, the majority required to pass a resolution at any meeting convened to vote on an Extraordinary Resolution (including any meeting convened following adjournment of the previous meeting for want of quorum) will be one or more Voters holding or representing at least two thirds of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the Meeting; provided, however, that certain proposals (as set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders ) to the Trust Deed) (including, inter alia , any proposal to change any date fixed for payment of principal or interest in respect of the Notes, to reduce the amount of principal or interest payable on any date in respect of the Notes, to alter the method of calculating the amount of any payment in respect of the Notes or the date for any such payment, to change the currency of payments under the Notes or to change the quorum requirements relating to meetings or the majority required to pass an Extraordinary Resolution (each, a Reserved Matter )) may only be sanctioned by an Extraordinary Resolution passed at a Meeting by one or more Voters holding or representing more than one half of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the Meeting but at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes. Any Extraordinary Resolution duly passed at any such Meeting shall be binding on all the Noteholders and Couponholders, whether present or not.
The Trust Deed provides that, save for decisions in respect of those matters which are required to be addressed in a meeting of Noteholders pursuant to Article 2415 of the Italian Civil Code, a resolution in writing signed by or on behalf of the holders of not less than 90 per cent. in principal amount of the Notes outstanding shall for all purposes be as valid and effective as an Extraordinary Resolution passed at a meeting
of Noteholders duly convened and held. Such a resolution in writing may be contained in one document or several documents in the same form, each signed by or on behalf of one or more Noteholders.
(b) Noteholders Representative
Pursuant to Articles 2415 and 2417 of the Italian Civil Code, a Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) (the Noteholders Representative ) may be appointed, inter alia , to represent the interests of the Noteholders in respect of the Notes, such appointment to be made by an Extraordinary Resolution or by an order of a competent court at the request of one or more Noteholders or the directors of the Issuer. The Noteholders Representative shall have the powers and duties set out in Article 2418 of the Italian Civil Code.
(c) Modification
The Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders or Couponholders agree to any modification of these Conditions, the Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement (other than in respect of a Reserved Matter) which is, in the opinion of the Trustee, proper to make if, in the opinion of the Trustee, such modification will not be materially prejudicial to the interests of Noteholders and to any modification of the Notes, the Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement which is of a formal, minor or technical nature or is to correct a manifest or proven error.
In addition, the Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders or Couponholders authorise or waive any proposed breach or breach of the Notes or the Trust Deed (other than a proposed breach or breach relating to the subject of a Reserved Matter or other matters pursuant to Article 2415, paragraph 1 of the Italian Civil Code) if, in the opinion of the Trustee, the interests of the Noteholders will not be materially prejudiced thereby.
Any such authorisation, waiver or modification shall be binding on the Noteholders and the Couponholders and, unless the Trustee agrees otherwise, notified to the Noteholders as soon as practicable thereafter.
13. ENFORCEMENT
The Trustee may at any time, at its discretion and without notice, institute such proceedings as it thinks fit to enforce the provisions of the Trust Deed, the Notes and the Coupons, but it shall not be bound to do so or to take any other action under or pursuant to the Trust Deed unless:
(a) it has been so requested in writing by the holders of at least one quarter of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or has been so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution; and
(b) it has been indemnified, provided with security and/or prefunded to its satisfaction.
No Noteholder may proceed directly against the Issuer or any Guarantor unless the Trustee, having become bound to do so, fails to do so within a reasonable time and such failure is continuing.
14. FURTHER ISSUES
The Issuer may from time to time, without the consent of the Noteholders or the Couponholders and in accordance with the Trust Deed, create and issue further notes having the same terms and conditions as the Notes in all respects (or in all respects except for the first
payment of interest) so as to form a single series with the Notes. The Issuer may from time to time, with the consent of the Trustee, create and issue other series of notes having the benefit of the Trust Deed.
15. NOTICES
Notices to the Noteholders shall be valid if published in a leading newspaper having general circulation in Luxembourg (which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort ) or if such publication is not practicable, in a leading English language daily newspaper having general circulation in Europe or on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (www.bourse.lu) provided, however, that any notice relating to the calling of a meeting of Noteholders pursuant to Condition 12 ( Meetings of Noteholders; Noteholders Representative; Modification ) shall also be published in Italian and English on the website of the Issuer and in any other manner prescribed by Italian laws and regulations pursuant to Article 125- bis of Legislative Decree No. 58/199 at least 30 days prior to the meeting (exclusive of the day on which the notice is published and of the day on which the meeting is to be held). Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date of first publication. Couponholders shall be deemed for all purposes to have notice of the contents of any notice given to the Noteholders.
16. GOVERNING LAW
The Notes and the Trust Deed and all non-contractual matters arising from or connected with the Notes and the Trust Deed are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law, save that the mandatory provisions of Italian law relating to meetings of the Noteholders and the Noteholders Representative ( rappresentante comune ) shall apply to provisions of the Notes and the Trust Deed in respect of the same.
17. SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION
The courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute (a Dispute ) arising from or connected with the Trust Deed or the Notes and all non-contractual matters arising from or in connection therewith (including a dispute regarding the existence, validity or termination of the Trust Deed or the Notes) or the consequences of their nullity. The submission to the jurisdiction of the courts of England is for the benefit of the Trustee and the Noteholders only and shall not (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the right of the Trustee or any Noteholder to take proceedings relating to a Dispute ( Proceedings ) in the Republic of Italy nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if any to the extent permitted by law.
18. SERVICE OF PROCESS
The Issuer and each Guarantor agrees that the documents which start any Proceedings and any other documents required to be served in relation to those Proceedings may be served on it by being delivered to GTECH U.K. Limited of Building 3, Floor 1, Croxley Green Business Park, Hatters Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 8YG, United Kingdom or at any address of the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor in the United Kingdom at which process may be served on it in accordance with Parts 34 and 37 of the Companies Act 2006. Nothing in this paragraph shall affect the right of any Noteholder to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
PRINCIPAL PAYING AGENT
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
(acting through its London Branch)
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (LUXEMBOURG) S.A.
Vertigo Building Polaris
2-4 rue Eugène Ruppert
L -2453
Luxembourg
Part C
Form of Coupon
[ On the face of the Coupon: ]
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A.
500,000,000 3.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 5 March 2020
guaranteed by
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION
GTECH RHODE ISLAND LLC
INVEST GAMES S.A.
Coupon for [ · ] due on [ · ]
Such amount is payable, subject to the terms and conditions (the Conditions ) endorsed on the Note to which this Coupon relates (which are binding on the holder of this Coupon whether or not it is for the time being attached to such Note), against presentation and surrender of this Coupon at the specified office for the time being of any of the agents shown on the reverse of this Coupon (or any successor or additional agents appointed from time to time in accordance with the Conditions).
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE) WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF THE UNITED STATES.
[ On the reverse of the Coupon: ]
Principal Paying Agent : The Bank of New York Mellon (acting through its London Branch), One Canada Square, London E14 5AL
Paying Agent : The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A., Aerogolf Center, 1A, Hoehenhof, L-1736 Senningerberg, Luxembourg
LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A. |
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By: |
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( duly authorised ) |
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Schedule 3
Provisions for Meetings of the Noteholders
1. DEFINITIONS
In this Trust Deed and the Conditions, the following expressions have the following meanings:
Block Voting Instruction means, in relation to any Meeting, a document in the English language (together with, if required by applicable Italian law, a translation thereof into Italian) issued by a Paying Agent:
(a) certifying that certain specified Notes (the deposited Notes ) have been deposited with such Paying Agent (or to its order at a bank or other depositary) or blocked in an account with a clearing system, at least two Local Business Days, prior to the date fixed for the Meeting and will not be released until the earlier of:
(i) the conclusion of the Meeting; and
(ii) the surrender to such Paying Agent, not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for the Meeting (or, if the Meeting has been adjourned, the time fixed for its resumption), of the receipt for the deposited or blocked Notes and notification thereof by such Paying Agent to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee;
(b) certifying that the depositor of each deposited Note or a duly authorised person on its behalf has instructed the relevant Paying Agent in writing that the votes attributable to such deposited Note are to be cast in a particular way on each resolution to be put to the Meeting and that, during the period of 48 hours before the time fixed for the Meeting, such instructions may not be amended or revoked;
(c) listing the total number and (if in definitive form) the certificate numbers of the deposited Notes, distinguishing for each resolution between those in respect of which instructions have been given to vote for, or against, the resolution; and
(d) authorising a named individual or individuals to vote at a Meeting in respect of the deposited Notes in accordance with such instructions;
Chairman means, in relation to any Meeting, the individual who takes the chair in accordance with paragraph 7 ( Chairman );
Extraordinary Resolution means a resolution approved by the number of Voters specified in paragraph 8 ( Quorum and majority required to pass Extraordinary Resolutions ) at a Meeting duly convened and held in accordance with this Schedule;
Initial Meeting means any Meeting other than a New Meeting;
Local Business Days means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks are open for business in Italy;
Maturity Date has the meaning given to it in the Conditions;
Meeting means a meeting of Noteholders (whether originally convened or resumed following an adjournment);
Multiple Call Meeting means a Meeting convened as a multiple call meeting;
New Meeting means a Meeting convened after adjournment for want of quorum of a previous Meeting;
Noteholders Representative means a person appointed, inter alia , to represent the interests of the Noteholders ( rappresentante comune ) by an Extraordinary Resolution or by an order of a competent court at the request of one or more Noteholders or the directors of the Issuer, as described in Articles 2415, 2417 and 2418 of the Italian Civil Code;
Proxy means, in relation to any Meeting, a person appointed to vote under a Block Voting Instruction other than:
(a) any such person whose appointment has been revoked and in relation to whom the relevant Paying Agent has been notified in writing of such revocation by the time which is 48 hours before the time fixed for such Meeting;
(b) any such person appointed to vote at a Meeting which has been adjourned for want of a quorum and who has not been re-appointed to vote at the Meeting when it is resumed;
(c) any such person who is (i) a member of any management or supervisory board (including directors and Statutory Auditors ( sindaci )); or (ii) an employee of the Issuer, any Guarantor or their respective Subsidiaries; or
(d) any of the Subsidiaries of the Issuer or any Guarantor,
provided, however, that , no single Proxy may attend or vote on behalf of more than such number of Noteholders at any Meeting as would exceed the limits specified in Article 2372 of the Italian Civil Code;
Reserved Matter means any proposal:
(a) to change any date fixed for payment of principal or interest in respect of the Notes, to reduce the amount of principal or interest payable on any date in respect of the Notes or to alter the method of calculating the amount of any payment in respect of the Notes on redemption or maturity or the date for any such payment in accordance with Article 2415 No. 2 of the Italian Civil Code;
(b) to effect the exchange or substitution of the Notes for, or the conversion of the Notes into, shares, bonds or other obligations or securities of the Issuer or any other person or body corporate formed or to be formed;
(c) to change the currency in which amounts due in respect of the Notes are payable;
(d) to approve any proposal by the Issuer for any other modification of any provision of the Conditions or the Trust Deed or any arrangement in respect of the obligations of the Issuer thereunder subject to Clause 7.2 ( Modifications ) of the Trust Deed;
(e) to amend this definition; or
(f) to change the quorum requirements relating to meetings or the majority required to pass an Extraordinary Resolution;
Second Meeting means a Meeting convened after adjournment for want of quorum of an Initial Meeting;
Single Call Meeting means a Meeting convened as a single call meeting;
Third Meeting means a Meeting convened after adjournment for want of quorum of a Second Meeting;
Voter means, in relation to any Meeting, the bearer of a Voting Certificate or a Proxy or, provided the by-laws of the Issuer so allow, the bearer of a definitive Note who produces such definitive Note at the Meeting;
Voting Certificate means, in relation to any Meeting, a certificate in the English language (together with, if required by applicable Italian law, a translation thereof into Italian) issued by a Paying Agent and dated in which it is stated:
(a) that certain specified Notes (the deposited Notes ) have been deposited with such Paying Agent (or to its order at a bank or other depositary) or blocked in an account with a clearing system at least two Local Business Days prior to the date fixed for the Meeting and will not be released until the earlier of:
(i) the conclusion of the Meeting; and
(ii) the surrender of such certificate to such Paying Agent; and
(b) that the bearer of such certificate, being the holder of, or having been duly authorised in writing by the depositor of, the deposited Notes, is entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting in respect of such Notes;
24 hours means a period of 24 hours including all or part of a day upon which banks are open for business in both the places where the relevant Meeting is to be held and in each of the places where the Paying Agents have their Specified Offices (disregarding for this purpose the day upon which such Meeting is to be held) and such period shall be extended by one period or, to the extent necessary, more periods of 24 hours until there is included as aforesaid all or part of a day upon which banks are open for business as aforesaid; and
48 hours means two consecutive periods of 24 hours.
2. ISSUE OF VOTING CERTIFICATES AND BLOCK VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
The holder of a Note may obtain a Voting Certificate from any Paying Agent or require any Paying Agent to issue a Block Voting Instruction by depositing such Note with such Paying Agent or arranging for such Note to be (to its satisfaction) held to its order or under its control or blocked in an account with a clearing system not later than two Local Business Days before the date fixed for the relevant Meeting. A Voting Certificate or Block Voting Instruction shall be valid until the release of the deposited Notes to which it relates. So long as a Voting Certificate or Block Voting Instruction is valid, the bearer thereof (in the case of a Voting Certificate) or any Proxy named therein (in the case of a Block Voting Instruction) shall be deemed to be the holder of the Notes to which it relates for all purposes in connection with the Meeting. A Voting Certificate and a Block Voting Instruction cannot be outstanding simultaneously in respect of the same Note.
3. REFERENCES TO DEPOSIT/RELEASE OF NOTES
Where Notes are represented by the Temporary Global Note and/or the Permanent Global Note or are held in definitive form within a clearing system, references to the deposit, or release, of Notes shall be construed in accordance with the usual practices (including blocking the relevant account) of such clearing system.
4. VALIDITY OF BLOCK VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
A Block Voting Instruction shall be valid only if it is deposited at the specified office of the relevant Paying Agent, or at some other place approved by the Trustee, at least 24 hours before the time fixed for the relevant Meeting or the Chairman decides otherwise before the Meeting proceeds to business. If the Trustee requires, a notarised copy of each Block Voting Instruction and satisfactory proof of the identity of each Proxy named therein shall be produced at the Meeting, but the Trustee shall not be obliged to investigate the validity of any Block Voting Instruction or the authority of any Proxy.
5. CONVENING OF MEETING
The directors of the Issuer, the Trustee or the Noteholders Representative may convene a Meeting, either as a Single Call Meeting or as a Multiple Call Meeting or as, at any time and the Issuer and the Noteholders Representative shall be obliged to do so upon the request in writing of Noteholders holding not less than one twentieth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (in the case of the Trustee subject to its being indemnified, secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction) provided that prior to calling any Meeting the Trustee shall be entitled to obtain and rely on such legal advice as it may deem necessary on all applicable Italian laws and regulations governing the procedure for calling and holding such Meeting and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any delay occasioned in obtaining such advice. All proper costs and expenses incurred for such legal advice provided to the Trustee shall be borne by the Issuer upon receipt of proper evidence thereof. Every meeting shall be held on a date, and at a time and place, approved by the Trustee.
6. NOTICE
At least 30 days notice to Noteholders (exclusive of the day on which the notice is given and of the day on which the relevant Meeting is to be held) specifying the date, time, place and agenda of the Meeting shall be published in a leading newspaper having general circulation in Luxembourg (which is expected to be the Luxemburger Wort ) or, if such publication is not practicable, in a leading English language daily newspaper having general circulation in Europe or on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange ( www.bourse.lu ), in Italian and English on the website of the Issuer and in any other manner prescribed by Italian laws and regulations pursuant to Article 125 bis of Legislative Decree No. 58/199, and such notice shall be given to the Paying Agents (with a copy to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee). The notice shall further state that the Notes may be deposited with, or to the order of, any Paying Agent for the purpose of obtaining Voting Certificates or appointing Proxies not later than five days (or, such number of days as is provided for under the by-laws of the Issuer, which shall not exceed two Business Days) before the date fixed for the Meeting. The first resolution to be proposed to Noteholders at any Meeting shall be a proposal to authorise the Trustee, the financial advisers of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee and the legal counsel to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee to attend and speak at any such meeting. If the Meeting shall be convened as a Multiple Call Meeting, the notice may also specify the date of a Second Meeting or a Third Meeting.
7. CHAIRMAN
The Chairman (who may, but need not, be a Noteholder) shall be the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Issuer or such other person as the by-laws of the Issuer may specify from time to time or, in default, the Meeting. Where the Meeting has elected the Chairman at an Initial Meeting, such person need not be the same person as the Chairman at any New Meeting.
8. QUORUM AND MAJORITY TO PASS EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTIONS
In accordance with the laws and legislation applicable to the Issuer, as a company with listed shares, a Meeting either convened as a Single Call Meeting or as a Multiple Call Meeting shall be validly held if attended by one or more Voters representing or holding:
(a) in the case of a Single Call Meeting:
(i) for the purpose of considering a Reserved Matter, at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; or
(ii) for any other purposes, at least one fifth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes;
(b) in the case of a Multiple Call Meeting:
(i) in the case of an Initial Meeting, at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes;
(ii) in the case of a Second Meeting:
(A) for the purpose of considering a Reserved Matter, at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; or
(B) for any other purposes, more than one third of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; and
(iii) in the case of a Third Meeting:
(A) for the purpose of considering a Reserved Matter, at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; or
(B) for any other purposes, at least one fifth of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes.
Both in the case of a Single Call Meeting and in the Case of a Multiple Call Meeting, the majority required to pass an Extraordinary Resolution shall be one or more Voters holding or representing:
(a) for voting on any matter other than a Reserved Matter, at least two thirds of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the Meeting; and
(b) for voting on a Reserved Matter, more than one half of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the Meeting but at least one half of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes.
9. ADJOURNMENT FOR WANT OF QUORUM
If within 15 minutes after the commencement of any Meeting a quorum is not present, then it shall be adjourned for such period which shall be:
(i) the date specified in the notice to Noteholders of the Initial Meeting, not less than one day and not more than 30 days; and
(ii) in all other cases, not less than 14 days and not more than 30 days.
10. ADJOURNMENT OTHER THAN FOR WANT OF QUORUM
The Chairman may, with the consent of (and shall if directed by) Voters holding or representing at least one third of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented at the Meeting, adjourn such Meeting from place to place provided that :
(i) any Meeting so adjourned shall take place within five days of the original date for such Meeting; and
(ii) no business shall be transacted at any Meeting so adjourned except business which might lawfully have been transacted at the Meeting from which the adjournment took place.
11. NOTICE FOLLOWING ADJOURNMENT
Where the notice to Noteholders of the Initial Meeting specifies the date for a New Meeting, no further notice need be given to Noteholders. If further notice is given to Noteholders such notice may specifically set out the quorum requirements which will apply when the Meeting resumes.
It shall not be necessary to give notice of the resumption of a Meeting which has been adjourned for any reason other than want of quorum.
12. PARTICIPATION
The following may attend and speak at a Meeting:
(a) Voters;
(b) the Noteholders Representative;
(c) any Director or Statutory Auditor ( sindaco ) of the Issuer and any Guarantor; and
(d) any other person approved by the Meeting, including representatives of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee, the financial advisers of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee and the legal counsel to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee.
13. METHOD OF VOTING
The method of voting on every question submitted to a Meeting shall be decided by the Chairman.
14. VOTES
Every Voter shall have one vote in respect of each 100,000 in aggregate face amount of the outstanding Note(s) represented or held by him. In the case of a voting tie the Chairman shall have a casting vote. Unless the terms of any Block Voting Instruction state otherwise, a Voter shall not be obliged to exercise all the votes to which he is entitled or to cast all the votes which he exercises in the same way.
15. VALIDITY OF VOTES BY PROXIES
Any vote by a Proxy in accordance with the relevant Block Voting Instruction shall be valid even if such Block Voting Instruction or any instruction pursuant to which it was given has been amended or revoked, provided that none of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee or the Chairman has been notified in writing of such amendment or revocation by the time which is 48 hours before the time fixed for the relevant Meeting. Unless revoked, any appointment of a Proxy under a Block Voting Instruction in relation to a Meeting shall remain in force in relation to any resumption of such Meeting following an adjournment; provided, however, that no such appointment of a Proxy in relation to a Meeting originally convened which has been adjourned for want of a quorum shall remain in force in relation to such Meeting when it is resumed. Any person appointed to vote at such a Meeting must be re-appointed under a Block Voting Instruction Proxy to vote at the Meeting when it is resumed.
16. POWERS
A Meeting shall have power (exercisable by Extraordinary Resolution), without prejudice to any other powers conferred on it or any other person:
(a) to approve any Reserved Matter;
(b) to waive any breach or authorise any proposed breach by the Issuer or any Guarantor of its obligations under or in respect of the Notes, the Coupons or the Trust Deed or any act or omission which might otherwise constitute an Event of Default under the Notes;
(c) to give any other authorisation or approval which under this Trust Deed or the Notes is required to be given by Extraordinary Resolution;
(d) to consider any proposal for an administration order ( amministrazione controllata ) or a composition with creditors ( concordato ) in respect of the Issuer or any similar proceedings in respect of a Guarantor;
(e) to remove any Trustee;
(f) to approve the appointment of a new Trustee;
(g) to authorise the Trustee (subject to its being indemnified and/or secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction) or any other person to execute all documents and do all things necessary to give effect to any Extraordinary Resolution;
(h) to discharge or exonerate the Trustee from any liability in respect of any act or omission for which it may become responsible under this Trust Deed or the Notes;
(i) to appoint or revoke the appointment of a Noteholders Representative;
(j) to approve the setting up of a fund for the purposes of representing the interests of Noteholders and any arrangements for the preparation of accounts in respect of such fund;
(k) to appoint any persons as a committee to represent the interests of the Noteholders and to confer upon such committee any powers which the Noteholders could themselves exercise by Extraordinary Resolution; and
(l) to consider any other matter of common interest to Noteholders.
17. EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTION BINDS ALL HOLDERS
An Extraordinary Resolution shall be binding upon all Noteholders and holders of Coupons whether or not present at such Meeting and irrespective of how their vote was cast at such Meeting (so long however as their vote was cast in accordance with these provisions) and each of the Noteholders and holders of Coupons shall be bound to give effect to it accordingly. Notice of the result of every vote on an Extraordinary Resolution shall be given to the Noteholders and the Paying Agents (with a copy to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee) within 14 days of the conclusion of the Meeting.
18. WRITTEN RESOLUTION BINDS ALL HOLDERS
Save for decisions in respect of those matters which are required to be addressed in a Meeting pursuant to Article 2415 of the Italian Civil Code, a written resolution signed by the holders of 90 per cent. in principal amount of the Notes outstanding shall take effect as if it were an Extraordinary Resolution. Such a resolution in writing may be contained in one document or several documents in the same for, each signed by or on behalf of one or more Noteholders.
19. MINUTES
Minutes shall be drawn up by a notary public of all resolutions and proceedings at each Meeting. The Chairman shall sign the minutes, which shall be prima facie evidence of the proceedings recorded therein. Unless and until the contrary is proved, every such Meeting in respect of the proceedings of which minutes have been summarised and signed shall be deemed to have been duly convened and held and all resolutions passed or proceedings transacted at it to have been duly passed and transacted. The minutes shall be held in the minute book of meetings of Noteholders ( libro delle adunanze e delle deliberazioni delle assemblee degli obbligazionisti ) and be registered at the local companies registry ( registro delle imprese ) of the Issuer.
20. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW
All the provisions set out in this Schedule 3 ( Provisions for the Meetings of the Noteholders ) are subject to compliance with the laws, legislation, rules and regulations of the Republic of Italy in force from time to time, including, where such laws, legislation, rules and regulations so require, the Issuers by-laws. Such provisions shall be deemed to be amended, replaced and/or supplemented to the extent that such laws, legislation, rules and regulations are amended, replaced and/or supplemented at any time while the Notes remain outstanding.
21. FURTHER REGULATIONS
Subject to all other provisions contained in this Trust Deed, the Trustee may without the consent of the Noteholders (but, for the avoidance of doubt, with the agreement of the Issuer) prescribe such further regulations regarding the holding of Meetings of Noteholders and attendance and voting at them as the Trustee may in its sole discretion determine.
EXECUTION CLAUSES
EXECUTED as a deed |
by LOTTOMATICA GROUP S.p.A . |
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by GTECH CORPORATION |
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by GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION |
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by GTECH RHODE ISLAND LLC |
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by INVEST GAMES S.A. |
acting by |
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by BNY MELLON CORPORATE TRUSTEE SERVICES LIMITED |
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Exhibit 10.5
EXECUTION VERSION
CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (USA) LLC CREDIT SUISSE AG Eleven Madison Avenue New York, NY 10010 |
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BARCLAYS 745 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10019
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CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
CITIBANK N.A., LONDON BRANCH
Citigroup Centre, Canada Square
London E145LB United Kingdom
CONFIDENTIAL
July 15, 2014
GTECH S.p.A.
Viale del Campo Boario 56/D
00154 Roma Italy
Attention: Mr. Claudio Demolli, Treasurer
PROJECT CLEOPATRA
364-Day Senior Bridge Term Loan Credit Facility
Commitment Letter
Ladies and Gentlemen:
You have advised each of Credit Suisse AG (acting through such of its affiliates or branches as it deems appropriate, CS ) and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC ( CS Securities and, together with CS and their respective affiliates, Credit Suisse ), Barclays Bank PLC ( Barclays ) and Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Citibank N.A., London Branch (collectively, Citi and, together with Credit Suisse and Barclays we , us , our or the Commitment Parties ) that you (following the merger into a newly formed public limited company organized under the Laws of England and Wales), directly or through one of your wholly owned subsidiaries, intend to acquire (the Acquisition ) all of the equity interests of International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation (the Company ) (such term and each other capitalized term used but not defined herein having the meaning assigned to such term in the Summary of Principal Terms and Conditions attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Term Sheet )). For purposes of this Commitment Letter, Citi shall be entitled to provide the services contemplated herein through any affiliate, including Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Citibank, N.A, Citigroup USA, Inc. and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Citi shall determine to be appropriate to provide the services contemplated herein.
You have further advised us that, in connection therewith, the Borrowers will obtain the 364-day senior bridge term loan credit facility (the Bridge Facility ) described in the Term Sheet, in an aggregate principal amount set forth below (or such lesser amount as you may elect to borrow in your sole discretion and, in all events, subject to reduction as referenced in immediately succeeding clauses (ii) , (iii) and (iv) ) and by Permanent Instrument Commitment Reductions (to be applied first to reduce the Acquisition Sub-Facility and thereafter on a pro rata basis to each of the Existing Company Bonds
Delayed Draw Sub-Facility, the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility and the Withdrawn Shares Sub-Facility) and comprised of:
(i) a sub-facility (the Acquisition Sub-Facility ) equal to an aggregate principal amount of $4,566,000,000, for the purpose (and only for the purpose) of funding, in part, the Acquisition Consideration, refinancing the Existing Credit Facility (as defined below) and paying fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Acquisition and the other Transactions (as defined in the Term Sheet); provided that the Acquisition Sub-Facility may be used for purposes of repaying existing indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries to the extent such indebtedness was used for purposes of paying the Special Dividend (as defined in Exhibit A ) to the existing stockholders of the Company, to the extent that the use of proceeds of the Acquisition Sub-Facility to repay such indebtedness has a corresponding reduction (on a dollar-for-dollar basis and in accordance with the Merger Agreement) in the amount of Acquisition Consideration payable; provided , further that the aggregate amount of the commitments for the Acquisition Sub-Facility shall be permanently reduced, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $848,000,000, by the aggregate outstanding principal amount under any revolving credit facilities available to the UK Borrower or any of its subsidiaries on the Closing Date (on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any drawing under the Acquisition Sub-Facility and the application of proceeds therefrom), including, without limitation, any refinancing or amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement or the Indiana Credit Agreement (as defined below);
(ii) a sub-facility (the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility ) equal to an aggregate principal amount of $1,313,000,000, for the purpose (and only for the purpose) of funding an offer to repay and redeem in full the Existing Company Bonds (including paying any accrued interest and required prepayment premiums and/or required make-whole payments) put back to the Company in accordance with the applicable definitive bond documentation (or to fund a tender for the Existing Company Bonds as contemplated by the Term Sheet), respectively, therefor and, in all events, such aforementioned aggregate principal amount in this clause (ii) shall be subject to reduction, on and after each Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Calculation Date, by an aggregate principal amount equal to the Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount calculated on such Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Calculation Date (it being understood and agreed that there may be one or more such reductions under this clause (ii) ) (it being further understood and agreed that, at the option of the Lead Arrangers holding (or whose affiliates hold) a majority of the commitments under the Bridge Facility on the date hereof (the Majority Lead Arrangers ) (in consultation with the Borrowers) , on or prior to the Closing Date, this sub-facility of the Bridge Facility may be structured as a stand-alone facility (as opposed to a sub-facility) and the Term Sheet modified accordingly in a manner reasonably determined by the Lead Arrangers (it being further understood and agreed that (x) for purposes of, among other things, the Permanent Debt Offering or any other take-out financing and the Fee Letters such stand-alone facility shall nonetheless be treated as part of the Bridge Facility, (y) the commitments and aggregate principal amount of such sub-facility shall continue to apply unmodified with respect to such stand-alone facility and (z) all representations and warranties, covenants, events of default, conditions, interest rates and fees that would otherwise have applied to such sub-facility shall continue to apply unmodified with respect to such stand-alone facility));
(iii) a sub-facility (the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility ) equal to an aggregate principal amount of EUR 2,802,000,000, for the purpose (and only for the purpose) of funding an offer to repay and redeem or purchase in full all of the Existing Purchaser Bonds (including paying any accrued interest and required prepayment premiums and/or required make-whole payments), including by tender offer, and, in all events, such aforementioned aggregate principal amount in this clause (iii) shall be subject to reduction, on and after each Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction Calculation Date (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may occur prior to, on or after the Closing Date), by an aggregate principal amount equal to the Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount calculated on such Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction Calculation Date (it being understood and agreed that there may be one or more such reductions under this clause (iii) ) (it being further understood and agreed that, at the option of the Majority Lead Arrangers (in consultation with the Borrowers) , on or prior to the Closing Date, this sub-facility of the Bridge Facility may be structured as a stand-alone facility (as opposed to a sub-facility) and the Term Sheet modified accordingly in a manner reasonably determined by the Lead Arrangers (it being further understood and agreed that (x) for purposes of, among other things, the Permanent Debt Offering or any other take-out financing and the Fee Letters such stand-alone facility shall nonetheless be treated as part of the Bridge Facility, (y) the commitments and aggregate principal amount of such sub-facility shall continue to apply unmodified with respect to such stand-alone facility and (z) all representations and warranties, covenants, events of default, conditions, interest rates and fees that would otherwise have applied to such sub-facility shall continue to apply unmodified with respect to such stand-alone facility)); and
(iv) a sub-facility (the Withdrawn Shares Sub-Facility ) equal to an aggregate principal amount of EUR 746,000,000, for the purpose (and only for the purpose) of funding payment to Withdrawing Shareholders with respect to the Remaining Withdrawn Shares and, in all events, such aforementioned aggregate principal amount in this clause (iv) shall be subject to reduction, on and after the First Withdrawal Rights Commitment Reduction Calculation Date and the Second Withdrawal Rights Commitment Reduction Calculation Date by an aggregate principal amount equal to, respectively, the First Withdrawal Rights Commitment Reduction Amount and the Second Withdrawal Rights Commitment Reduction Amount.
The Existing Credit Facility means, collectively, (i) the Existing Credit Agreement and (ii) the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2013, among the Company, The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., the co-documentation agents, and the other lenders party thereto, as well as the joint lead arrangers and joint book runners therefor (the Indiana Credit Agreement ), in each case as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, extended, replaced, restructured or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.
The Acquisition Sub-Facility and the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility shall be available in Dollars and the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility and Withdrawn Shares Sub-Facility shall be available in Euros.
1. Commitments .
In connection with the foregoing, (i) CS is pleased to advise you of its commitment to provide 40% of the Bridge Facility, (ii) Barclays is pleased to advise you of its commitment to provide 30% of the Bridge Facility and (iii) Citi is pleased to advise you of its commitment to provide 30% of the Bridge
Facility, in each case subject, in all events, to the reductions in aggregate principal referenced in clauses (ii) , (iii) and (iv) of the paragraph above and as set forth in greater detail in the Term Sheet (each of the foregoing financial institutions, together with any of its designated affiliates of similar creditworthiness, an Initial Lender and collectively with any other financial institution that becomes an Initial Lender as set forth in Section 2 below, the Initial Lenders ), upon the terms set forth in this commitment letter (including the Term Sheet and other attachments hereto, this Commitment Letter ) and the conditions set forth in Section 6 of this Commitment Letter and Exhibit B .
2. Titles and Roles .
It is agreed that (a) each of CS Securities, Barclays and Citi will act as a joint lead arranger (in such capacity, together with any of its designated affiliates of similar creditworthiness, the Lead Arrangers ) and as joint bookrunners for the Bridge Facility , and (b) CS will act as sole administrative agent for the Bridge Facility (in such capacity, the Administrative Agent ), in each case upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth or referred to in this Commitment Letter. The Lead Arrangers and the Initial Lenders, in such capacities, will perform the duties and exercise the authority customarily performed and exercised by them in such roles. You agree that CS will have left placement in any and all marketing materials or other documentation used in connection with the Bridge Facility. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may appoint (in consultation with us), on or prior to the date that is 14 days after the date of this Commitment Letter, up to one additional joint lead arranger and/or joint lead book-runners, together with one or more documentation (co-documentation, as applicable) agent(s) (collectively, the Additional Arrangers ) and may allocate up to 50% of the commitments hereunder with respect to the Bridge Facility (with Additional Arrangers to be listed to the right of the Lead Arrangers (in a manner reasonably determined by you and us) in any marketing materials) to the Additional Arrangers (or their affiliates); provided , that (w) the commitment of each Additional Arranger shall be allocated ratably to each sub-Facility, (x) the proportion of the economics for the Bridge Facility for any such Additional Arranger shall in no event exceed the economics for the Bridge Facility for any of the Lead Arrangers under the Arranger Fee Letter and, further, the economics for the Bridge Facility for any such Additional Arranger shall in no event exceed the economics for the Bridge Facility for any one individual Lead Arranger, (y) each Additional Arranger shall assume a proportion of the commitments to the Bridge Facility equal to or greater than the proportion of the economics for the Bridge Facility allocated to it under the Arranger Fee Letter, and (z) the commitment amounts of the Lead Arrangers and the Initial Lenders, as applicable, in respect of the Bridge Facility will be proportionately reduced by the amount of the commitment amount of each Additional Arranger (or its relevant affiliate), upon the execution and delivery by such Additional Arranger (and its relevant affiliate) and you of a customary joinder and novation agreement or other documentation reasonably acceptable to the Lead Arrangers (in consultation with you) (which must occur during the 14 day period referenced above); provided, that for purposes of the reduction of commitments referred to in clause (z) above, it is understood and agreed that no such reduction of commitments shall take place unless such Additional Arranger constitutes an Investment Grade Bank (as defined below). The resulting commitments of each of the Initial Lenders and the Additional Arrangers (and their relevant affiliates) hereunder with respect to the Bridge Facility would be several and not joint. You further agree that no other titles will be awarded and no compensation (other than that expressly contemplated by this Commitment Letter and the Fee Letters referred to below) will be paid in connection with the Bridge Facility unless you and we shall so agree.
3. Syndication .
We reserve the right, prior to and/or after the execution of definitive documentation for the Bridge Facility, to syndicate all or a portion of the Initial Lenders commitments with respect to the Bridge Facility to a group of banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders (together with the Initial Lenders, the Lenders ) identified by us in consultation with you, and you agree to provide us with
a period of at least 30 consecutive days following the launch of the general syndication of the Bridge Facility and prior to the Closing Date to syndicate the Bridge Facility ( provided that such period shall not include any day from and including August 18 through and including September 5, 2014 or from and including November 26, 2014 through and including November 30, 2014 and if such 30 consecutive day period has not commenced prior to December 22, 2014 then it will not commence prior to January 3, 2015) (such 30 consecutive date period, the Marketing Period ). Notwithstanding the right to syndicate the Bridge Facility and receive commitments with respect thereto, (i) no Initial Lenders shall be relieved, released or novated from its obligations hereunder (including its obligation to fund the Bridge Facility on the date of the consummation of the Acquisition with the proceeds of the funding under the Bridge Facility) in connection with any syndication or assignment of the Bridge Facility, including its commitments in respect thereof, until after the Closing Date has occurred unless such syndication or assignment is to a Permitted Assignee (as defined below) and (ii) no assignment or novation, other than to a Permitted Assignee, shall become effective with respect to all or any portion of an Initial Lenders commitments in respect of the Bridge Facility until the Closing Date. To the extent that any portion of the commitment of an Initial Lender hereunder with respect to the Bridge Facility is syndicated to a Lender that is a Permitted Assignee that is not an Investment Grade Bank, then such Initial Lender shall not be relieved of its obligation hereunder to fund such portion of such commitment on the Closing Date to the extent such Lender fails to fund such commitment on the Closing Date in accordance with the terms of the Bridge Facility Documentation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commitment Parties will not syndicate, participate to or otherwise assign any portion of a commitment under the Bridge Facility to those persons that are (i) identified in writing by name by you or the Company to us prior to the date hereof or (ii) competitors of you or your subsidiaries or the Company or its subsidiaries, in each case as identified in writing by name by you or the Company to us prior to the date hereof (collectively, the Disqualified Institutions ); provided that you, upon reasonable notice to the Lead Arrangers after the date hereof and on or prior to the Closing Date, shall be permitted to supplement in writing the list of persons that are Disqualified Lenders to the extent such supplemented person is or becomes a bona fide competitor or an affiliate of a bona fide competitor of you or your subsidiaries or the Company or its subsidiaries and is not a bona fide debt fund. We intend to commence syndication efforts promptly upon your acceptance of this Commitment Letter, and, at all times during the Syndication Period (as defined below), you agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to actively assist us (and to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Company and its subsidiaries to use commercially reasonable efforts to actively assist us (it being understood and agreed that the assistance of the Company and its subsidiaries shall, prior to the Closing Date, be limited to the extent that such assistance is inconsistent with the provisions of the Merger Agreement)) in completing a satisfactory syndication. Such assistance shall include (a) your using commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that any syndication efforts benefit from your existing lending and investment banking relationships and the existing lending and investment banking relationships of the Company, (b) direct contact between senior management, representatives and advisors of you (and your using commercially reasonable efforts to cause direct contact between senior management, representatives and advisors of the Company) and the proposed Lenders, (c) assistance by you (and your using commercially reasonable efforts to cause the assistance by the Company) in the preparation of a customary Confidential Information Memorandum for the Bridge Facility (the Information Materials ), (d) assistance by you in obtaining, and your using commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as soon as practicable, both rating advisory letters and a Public Debt Rating (as defined below) from each of Standard & Poors Ratings Service ( S&P ) and Moodys Investors Service, Inc. ( Moodys ) for the UK Borrower, and (e) the hosting, with the Lead Arrangers, of one meeting of prospective Lenders at reasonably requested times and locations. For purposes of this Commitment Letter, (x) Investment Grade Ratings shall mean each of (1) the corporate/corporate family ratings of the UK Borrower and (2) the ratings of any class of non-credit enhanced long term senior secured debt issued by the UK Borrower in each case are both (i) Baa3 (with at least a stable outlook) or better by Moodys and (ii) BBB- (with at least a stable outlook) or better by S&P and (y) Public Debt Rating means, as of any date of determination, the rating of S&P or Moodys for each of (i) the UK Borrowers
corporate/corporate family credit rating and (ii) any class of non-credit enhanced long-term senior secured debt issued by the UK Borrower.
You agree, at the request of the Majority Lead Arrangers, to assist in the preparation of a version of the Information Materials to be used in connection with the syndication of the Bridge Facility, consisting exclusively of information and documentation that is either (i) publicly available (or, if applicable, contained in any prospectus or other offering memorandum related to any securities issues in connection with the Permanent Debt Financing) or (ii) not material with respect to the Borrowers, the Company or their respective subsidiaries or any of their respective securities for purposes of United States Federal securities laws or foreign securities laws (or equivalent thereof) (all such Information Materials being Public Lender Information ). Any information and documentation that is not Public Lender Information is referred to herein as Private Lender Information . Before distribution of any Information Materials, you agree to execute and deliver to the Lead Arrangers, either (i) a letter in which you authorize distribution of the Information Materials to Lenders employees willing to receive Private Lender Information or (ii) a separate letter in which you authorize distribution of Information Materials containing solely Public Lender Information and represent that such Information Materials do not contain any Private Lender Information. The Information Materials shall also contain customary provisions exculpating us with respect to any liability related to the use of the contents of such Confidential Information Memorandum or any related marketing material by the recipients thereof and exculpate you, the Borrowers, the Company and your and their respective affiliates, and us and our affiliates, with respect to any liability related to the misuse of the contents of such Confidential Information Memorandum or any related marketing material by the recipients thereof. You further agree that each document to be disseminated by the Lead Arrangers to any Lender in connection with the Bridge Facility will, at the request of the Lead Arrangers, be identified by you as either (i) containing Private Lender Information or (ii) containing solely Public Lender Information. You acknowledge that the following documents contain solely Public Lender Information (unless you notify us promptly prior to their intended distribution that any such document contains Private Lender Information): (a) drafts and final definitive documentation with respect to the Bridge Facility, including term sheets; (b) administrative materials prepared by the Commitment Parties for prospective Lenders (such as a lender meeting invitation, bank allocation, if any, and funding and closing memoranda); and (c) notification of changes in the terms of the Bridge Facility.
To ensure an orderly and effective syndication of the Bridge Facility, you agree that, prior to and during the Syndication Period, you will ensure that there shall be no other issues of securities, syndicated term loans or commercial bank or other credit facilities of the Borrowers, the Company or their respective subsidiaries (or any parent company, respectively, thereof) being announced, offered, placed or arranged that could reasonably be expected to have an adverse impact in any material respect on the syndication of the Bridge Facility or the consummation of any Securities Offering (as defined in the Arranger Fee Letter (as defined below)), in each case without the prior written consent of the Majority Lead Arrangers (other than (i) the Permanent Debt Financing, (ii) local working capital facilities issued to the Company or its subsidiaries permitted under the Merger Agreement, (iii) (A) the refinancing of the Existing Credit Agreement (including any upsizing of such facility to cover working capital needs of the Company and its subsidiaries) or (B) on or after the date that is six (6) months after the date hereof, additional commitments (or sub-facilities) under the existing revolving credit agreement of the Company or additional and/or replacement credit facilities or other financings for such existing revolving credit agreement (which shall not exceed $2,000,000,000 (or such greater amount as may be reasonably agreed to in writing by the Majority Lead Arrangers) in aggregate principal amount) incurred by the Company to the extent necessary to fund the Special Dividend (pursuant to and subject to the limitations (including as to terms and amount of both the Special Dividend and such new facilities) set forth in Section 5.16(b) of the Merger Agreement), (iv) debt of the type described in clauses (b)(i) through (b)(ii) under the heading Mandatory Prepayments and Commitment Reductions in the Term Sheet and (v) any other financing
agreed to in writing by the Majority Lead Arrangers) . As used herein and in the Arranger Fee Letter, Syndication Period shall mean the period from the date of your acceptance of this Commitment Letter until the earlier of (i) the date on which a successful syndication (as defined in the Arranger Fee Letter (as defined below)) is achieved and (ii) 30 days after the Closing Date.
The Lead Arrangers will manage all aspects of any syndication in consultation with you, including decisions as to the selection of institutions to be approached and when they will be approached, when their commitments will be accepted, which institutions will participate, the allocation of the commitments among the Lenders, any naming rights and the amount and distribution of fees among the Lenders. To assist the Lead Arrangers in their syndication efforts, you agree promptly to prepare and provide (and to use commercially reasonable efforts, to the extent practical and appropriate, to cause the Company promptly to provide) to the Lead Arrangers all information with respect to the Borrowers, the Company and their respective subsidiaries, the Transactions and the other transactions contemplated hereby, including all financial information and projections (the Projections ), as any of the Lead Arrangers may reasonably request in connection with the structuring, arranging and syndication of the Bridge Facility.
Without limiting your obligations to assist with syndication efforts as set forth herein, it is understood that the Initial Lenders commitments hereunder are not conditioned upon the availability of the Marketing Period, the syndication of, or receipt of commitments in respect of, the Bridge Facility and in no event shall the availability of the Marketing Period or the commencement or successful completion of syndication of the Bridge Facility constitute a condition to the availability of the Bridge Facility on the Closing Date.
4. Information .
You hereby represent and covenant, but, for the avoidance of doubt, the accuracy of such representation and covenant shall not be a condition to the commitments hereunder or the availability and funding of the Bridge Facility on the Closing Date, that (with respect to Information and Projections relating to the Company and its subsidiaries, to the best of your knowledge) (a) all written and factual information (other than the Projections and information of a general economic or general industry nature) (the Information ) that has been or will be made available to us by or on behalf of you or any of your representatives, taken as a whole, is or will be, when furnished, complete and correct in all material respects and does not or will not, when furnished, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements are made (after giving effect to all supplements and updates thereto), and (b) the Projections that have been or will be made available to us by or on behalf of you or any of your representatives have been or will be prepared in good faith based upon assumptions that are reasonable at the time made and at the time the related Projections are made available to us; it being understood that any such financial projections are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond your control, that no assurance can be given that any particular financial projections will be realized, that actual results may differ significantly from the projected results and that such differences may be material. You agree that if at any time prior to the later of (i) the closing of the Bridge Facility and (ii) the end of the Syndication Period, you become aware that any of the representations in the preceding sentence would be incorrect in any material respect if the Information and Projections were being furnished, and such representations were being made, at such time, then you will promptly (or prior to the Closing Date with respect to Information or Projections concerning the Company and its subsidiaries, you will use commercially reasonable efforts to) supplement the Information and the Projections so that (to the best of your knowledge, with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries) such representations will be correct in all material respects under those circumstances. In arranging and syndicating the Bridge Facility, we will be entitled to use and rely
primarily on the Information and the Projections without responsibility for independent verification thereof.
5. Fees .
As consideration for the Initial Lenders commitments hereunder, and the Lead Arrangers agreement to perform the services described herein, you agree to pay to us the fees set forth in this Commitment Letter and in the Fee Letter (the Arranger Fee Letter ) and the Agent Fee Letter (the Agent Fee Letter and, together with the Arranger Fee Letter and any other fee letter entered into with a Lead Arranger (which shall include each fee letter delivered to you in connection with this Commitment Letter), the Fee Letters ), each dated the date hereof and delivered herewith with respect to the Bridge Facility.
6. Conditions Precedent .
The Initial Lenders commitments hereunder, and each of our agreements to perform the services described herein, are subject to (a) except (i) as disclosed in the Company SEC Documents (as defined in the Merger Agreement) filed prior to the date of the Merger Agreement and since September 30, 2012 (but excluding any forward looking disclosures set forth in any risk factors section, any disclosures in any forward looking statements section and any other disclosures included therein to the extent they are predictive or forward-looking in nature) or (ii) as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Letter (as defined in the Merger Agreement), since September 28, 2013, there not having been any event, effect, development or circumstance that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect (as defined below), (b) the negotiation, execution and delivery of definitive documentation with respect to the Bridge Facility consistent with the terms of this Commitment Letter or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to you and us and (c) the other conditions set forth or referred to in Exhibits A and B hereto. Company Material Adverse Effect shall mean any change, development, circumstance, event, occurrence or effect (each an Effect ) that, when considered either individually or in the aggregate together with all other Effects, is materially adverse to the financial condition, business, assets or results of operations of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (as defined in the Merger Agreement) taken as a whole ; provided , however , that in no event shall any of the following Effects or any Effects resulting therefrom, in each case individually or in the aggregate with all other such Effects, be deemed to constitute, or taken into account in determining whether there has been, a Company Material Adverse Effect: (a) the announcement or pendency of the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, including any loss or threatened loss of, or adverse change or threatened adverse change in, the relationship of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (as defined in the Merger Agreement) with its customers, employees, financing sources, suppliers or business partners, in each case to the extent attributable to, arising out of or resulting from the announcement or pendency of the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, (b) any Effect attributable to changes in financial, economic, social or political conditions or the securities, credit or financial markets in general in the United States or other countries in which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries (as defined in the Merger Agreement) conduct operations or any Effect generally that is the result of factors affecting any principal industry in which the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (as defined in the Merger Agreement) operate, (c) any change in the market price or trading volume of the equity securities of the Company or of the ratings or the ratings outlook for the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries (as defined in the Merger Agreement) by any applicable rating agency, (d) the suspension of trading in securities generally on the NYSE or the NASDAQ Stock Market, (e) any adoption, implementation, proposal or change in any applicable Law (as defined in the Merger Agreement) or GAAP (as defined in the Merger Agreement) or interpretation of any of the foregoing after the date of the Merger Agreement, (f) any action taken by the Company or any Company Subsidiary (as defined in the Merger Agreement) that is expressly permitted or required by the Merger Agreement (other than pursuant
to its obligation to conduct its business in all material respects in the ordinary course of business under Section 5.01(a ) of the Merger Agreement) or taken or not taken at the written direction of you (subject, in each case, to the prior written consent of the Majority Lead Arrangers if such permission or requirement is at the request, consent or direction of you and such action is material and adverse to the interests of the Commitment Parties, the Initial Lenders or the Lenders ) , (g) the failure of the Company to meet any internal or public projections, budgets, forecasts or estimates of revenues, earnings or other financial results for any period ending on or after the date of the Merger Agreement, (h) the identity of you or Sub (as defined in the Merger Agreement) or your ability to obtain the Gaming Approvals (as defined in the Merger Agreement), (i) the commencement, occurrence, continuation or escalation of any war, armed hostilities or acts of terrorism, (j) any actions or claims made or brought by any of the current or former stockholders of the Company (or on their behalf or on behalf of the Company, but in any event only in their capacities as current or former stockholders) arising out of the Merger Agreement or the Mergers (as defined in the Merger Agreement); or (k) the existence, occurrence or continuation of any force majeure events, including any earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tropical storms, fires or other natural disasters or any national, international or regional calamity; provided , that (1) the exceptions in clauses (c) and (g) hereof shall not prevent the underlying cause of any such change, decline or failure referred to therein (if not otherwise falling within any of the exceptions provided by clauses (a) through (k) hereof) from constituting a Company Material Adverse Effect or being taken into account in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred and (2) any Effect referred to in clauses (b) , (e) , (i) or (k) hereof may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would be, a Company Material Adverse Effect to the extent such Effect has a disproportionate adverse effect on the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (as defined in the Merger Agreement), taken as a whole, as compared to other participants in the principal industries in which the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (as defined in the Merger Agreement) operate.
Notwithstanding anything in this Commitment Letter, the Fee Letters or the definitive documentation for the Bridge Facility to the contrary, (a) the only representations and warranties the accuracy of which shall be a condition to availability of the Bridge Facility on the Closing Date shall be (i) such of the representations and warranties made by the Company in the Merger Agreement as are material to the interests of the Lenders, but only to the extent that you have (or a subsidiary or affiliate has) the right to terminate your (or its) obligations under the Merger Agreement or decline to consummate the Acquisition, in each case, as a result of a breach of such representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement (the Merger Agreement Representations ), and (ii) the Specified Representations (as defined below) and (b) the terms of the definitive documentation for the Bridge Facility shall be in a form such that they do not impair availability of the Bridge Facility on the Closing Date if the conditions set forth in this Section 6 and Exhibit B are satisfied. For purposes hereof, Specified Representations means the representations and warranties set forth in the Term Sheet relating to: corporate status and organization; corporate power and authority; due authorization, execution and delivery, in each case as they relate to the entering into and performance of the definitive documentation for the Bridge Facility; the enforceability of such documentation; consummation of the Transactions to be consummated on or prior to the Closing Date in accordance with the Transaction Description (other than changes thereto that are not material and adverse to the interests of the Initial Lenders); Federal Reserve margin regulations; the PATRIOT Act (as defined below); FCPA; OFAC; the Investment Company Act; the No Conflicts Representation (as defined in Exhibit A ); solvency of the Borrowers and their applicable subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; if applicable, creation, validity, perfection and priority of security interests (it being understood that (A) other than with respect to any UCC Filing Collateral, Stock Certificates or Intellectual Property (each as defined below) if, pursuant to the terms of the Term Sheet and Exhibit B hereto, security is required to be granted on the Closing Date, to the extent any Collateral is not or cannot be delivered, or a security interest therein cannot be perfected, on the Closing Date after your use of commercially reasonable efforts to do so, the delivery of, or perfection of a security interest in, such Collateral shall not constitute a condition precedent to the availability of the Bridge Facility on the
Closing Date, but such Collateral shall instead be required to be delivered, or a security interest therein perfected, after the Closing Date pursuant to arrangements and timing to be mutually agreed by the parties hereto acting reasonably (but in all events no later than 30 days after the Closing Date or such later date as may be reasonably agreed in writing by the Majority Lead Arrangers), (B) with respect to perfection of security interests in UCC Filing Collateral, your sole obligation shall be to deliver, or cause to be delivered, necessary UCC financing statements to the Agent and to irrevocably authorize and to cause the applicable guarantor to irrevocably authorize the Agent to file such UCC financing statements, (C) with respect to perfection of security interests in Stock Certificates, your sole obligation shall be to deliver to the Agent or its legal counsel Stock Certificates together with undated stock powers executed in blank and (D) with respect to perfection of security interests in Intellectual Property, in addition to the actions required by clause (B), your sole obligation shall be to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, necessary intellectual property security agreements to the Agent in proper form for filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the USPTO ) and the United States Copyright Office (the USCO ) and to irrevocably authorize, and to cause the applicable guarantor to irrevocably authorize, the Agent to file such intellectual property security agreements with the USPTO and USCO). For purposes hereof, (1) UCC Filing Collateral means Collateral consisting of assets of the Company, the Borrowers and their respective subsidiaries for which a security interest can be perfected by filing a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement, (2) Stock Certificates means Collateral consisting of stock certificates representing capital stock of each U.S. Borrower and subsidiaries of any of the Borrowers organized under the laws of the United States (or any State or territory thereof) (each a U.S. Entity ) owned by each U.S. Borrower or any other U.S. Entity that is a Loan Party required as Collateral pursuant to the Term Sheet and (3) Intellectual Property means all patents, patent applications, trademarks, trade names, service marks and copyrights registered with the USPTO or the USCO. This paragraph shall be referred to herein as the Certain Funds Provision .
7. Required Existing Bonds Process .
To facilitate the consummation of the Transactions, you agree, on one or more dates on or after the date hereof as reasonably determined by the Majority Lead Arrangers in consultation with you, to commence a process (pursuant to procedures and documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Majority Lead Arrangers) to obtain and, in addition, to use commercially reasonable efforts (including, among other things, by you agreeing to pay (or cause to be paid) amendment and/or consent fees to be reasonably agreed between you and us prior to the launch of the applicable amendment and/or consent process and, except as otherwise agreed by you, not to exceed a fee specified in the Arranger Fee Letter to obtain, an amendment and/or consent to each of (A) your (i) 750,000,000 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2016, (ii) 500,000,000 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2018, (iii) 500,000,000 3.500% Guaranteed Notes due 2020 and (iv) 750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066 (the Purchaser Capital Securities ) (collectively, the Existing Purchaser Bonds ) to permit the consummation of the Transactions (the requirements specified in this sentence with respect to the Existing Purchaser Bonds, the Required Existing Purchaser Bond Process ) and (B) (i) the Companys US$500,000,000 7.500% Notes due 2019, (ii) the Companys US$300,000,000 5.500% Notes due 2020 and (iii) the Companys US$500,000,000 5.350% Notes due 2023 (collectively, the Existing Company Bonds and, together with the Purchaser Existing Bonds, the Existing Bonds ) to permit the consummation of the Transaction without undertaking any action required pursuant to the Change of Control Repurchase Event (as defined in the indentures of the Existing Company Bonds) (the requirements specified in this sentence with respect to the Existing Company Bonds, the Required Existing Company Bond Process and, together with the Required Existing Purchaser Bond Process, the Required Existing Bond Process ); it being understood and agreed that no particular outcome of the Required Existing Bonds Process constitutes a condition to the availability of the Bridge Facility on the Closing Date.
8. Indemnification; Expenses .
You agree (a) to indemnify and hold harmless each of us and our respective affiliates and the officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, advisors, controlling persons, members and successors and assigns of each of the foregoing (each, an Indemnified Person ) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and out-of-pocket expenses, joint or several, to which any such Indemnified Person may become subject arising out of or in connection with any actual or threatened claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to this Commitment Letter, the Fee Letters, the Transactions, the Existing Bonds, any Permanent Debt Financing, the Bridge Facility or the use or proposed use of proceeds thereof or any related transaction (any of the foregoing, an Action ), regardless of whether any such Indemnified Person is a party thereto (and regardless of whether such matter is initiated by a third party or by the Company or any of their respective affiliates or equity holders), and to reimburse each such Indemnified Person within 30 days after receipt of a written request together with reasonably detailed backup documentation for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket legal (limited to one counsel for all Indemnified Persons, taken as a whole, and, if reasonably necessary, a single local counsel to all Indemnified Persons, taken as a whole, in each relevant material jurisdiction and, solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel in each applicable material jurisdiction to the affected Indemnified Persons similarly situated taken as a whole) or other reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with investigating or defending any of the foregoing; provided that the foregoing indemnity will not, as to any Indemnified Person, apply to losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (i) to the extent resulting from the willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence of such Indemnified Person or any of its affiliates or controlling persons or any of the officers, directors, employees, partners, successors, agents, advisors or representatives of any of the foregoing, (ii) to the extent arising from a material breach of the obligations of such Indemnified Person or any of its affiliates or controlling persons or any of the officers, directors, employees, partners, successors, agents, advisors or representatives of any of the foregoing under this Commitment Letter, the Fee Letters or the Bridge Facility Documentation (in the case of each of preceding clauses (i) and (ii) , as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable judgment) or (iii) to the extent arising from any dispute solely among Indemnified Persons other than claims against any Commitment Party in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as an Agent or arranger or any similar role under the Bridge Facility and other than any claims arising out of any act or omission on the part of you or your affiliates, and (b) to promptly reimburse each of us from time to time, upon presentation of a summary statement, together with supporting documentation reasonably requested by you, for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including, but not limited to, out-of-pocket expenses of our due diligence investigation, consultants fees, syndication expenses, travel expenses and reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel to the Agent identified in the Term Sheets and of a single local counsel to the Agent in each relevant jurisdiction and, solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel for such affected persons in each applicable material jurisdiction), in each case, incurred in connection with the Bridge Facility and the preparation, negotiation and enforcement of this Commitment Letter, the Fee Letters, the definitive documentation for the Bridge Facility and any ancillary documents and security arrangements in connection therewith (collectively under this clause (b) , the Expenses ); provided that, except as otherwise set forth in the Arranger Fee Letter, you shall not be required to reimburse any of the Expenses in the event the Closing Date does not occur. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Commitment Letter, (i) no Indemnified Person, nor (ii) you (or any of your subsidiaries or affiliates) or the Company, shall be liable for any indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages in connection any matter related to, or in connection with, this Commitment Letter, the Fee Letters, the Transactions, the Bridge Facility or any related transaction (in the case of clause (ii) , other than in respect of any such damages required to be indemnified under this Section 8 ). You shall not be liable for any settlement of any Action effected without your prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), but if settled with your written consent, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person in the manner set
forth above. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Person shall have requested in accordance with this Commitment Letter that you reimburse such Indemnified Person for legal or other expenses in connection with investigating, responding to or defending any Action, you shall be liable for any settlement of any Action effected without your written consent if (a) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by you of such request for reimbursement and (b) you shall not have reimbursed such Indemnified Person in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. You shall not, without the prior written consent of the affected Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened Action against such Indemnified Person in respect of which indemnity has been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person unless such settlement (i) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person from all liability with respect to claims that are the subject matter of such Action and (ii) does not include any statement as to, or any admission of, fault, culpability, wrongdoing or a failure to act by or on behalf of such Indemnified Person.
9. Sharing Information; Absence of Fiduciary Relationship; Affiliate Activities .
You acknowledge that each Commitment Party may be providing debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to other companies in respect of which you may have conflicting interests regarding the transactions described herein or otherwise. We will not furnish confidential information obtained from you by virtue of the transactions contemplated by this Commitment Letter or our other relationships with you to other companies. You also acknowledge that we do not have any obligation to use in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Commitment Letter, or to furnish to you, confidential information obtained by us from other companies.
You further acknowledge and agree that (a) no fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship between you and any of us is intended to be or has been created in respect of any of the transactions contemplated by this Commitment Letter, irrespective of whether any of us have advised or is advising you on other matters, (b) each of us, on the one hand, and you, on the other hand, have an arms-length business relationship that does not directly or indirectly give rise to, nor do you rely on, any fiduciary duty on the part of any of us, (c) you are capable of evaluating and understanding, and you understand and accept, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Commitment Letter, (d) you have been advised that each of us is engaged in a broad range of transactions that may involve interests that differ from your interests and that none of us has any obligation to disclose such interests and transactions to you by virtue of any fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship and (e) you waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims you may have against any of us for breach of fiduciary duty or alleged breach of fiduciary duty and agree that none of us shall have any liability (whether direct or indirect) to you in respect of such a fiduciary duty claim or to any person asserting a fiduciary duty claim on behalf of or in right of you, including your stockholders, employees or creditors. Additionally, you acknowledge and agree that each of us is not advising you as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction (including, without limitation, with respect to any consents needed in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby). You shall consult with your own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making your own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without limitation, with respect to any consents needed in connection therewith), and we shall have no responsibility or liability to you with respect thereto. Any review by us of either Borrower, the Company, the Transactions, the other transactions contemplated hereby or other matters relating to such transactions will be performed solely for our benefit and shall not be on behalf of you or any of your affiliates.
You further acknowledge that each of us is a full service securities firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities as well as providing investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, each of us may provide investment banking and other financial services
to, and/or acquire, hold or sell, for its own accounts and the accounts of customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of, you, the Borrowers, the Company and other companies with which you, the Borrowers or the Company may have commercial or other relationships. With respect to any securities and/or financial instruments so held by any of us or any of our customers, all rights in respect of such securities and financial instruments, including any voting rights, will be exercised by the holder of the rights, in its sole discretion.
10. Assignments; Amendments; Governing Law, Etc .
This Commitment Letter shall not be assignable by you without the prior written consent of the Initial Lenders and the Lead Arrangers (and any attempted assignment without such consent shall be null and void) (other than (x) to one or more affiliates that are a domestic shell company wholly owned and controlled by you that consummates or intends to consummate the Acquisition and (y) in connection with any other assignment that occurs as a matter of law pursuant to, or otherwise substantially simultaneously with, the merger of you into the UK Borrower or pursuant to the Acquisition at the closing of the Acquisition in accordance with the Merger Agreement), is intended to be solely for the benefit of the parties hereto (and Indemnified Persons), and is not intended to confer any benefits upon, or create any rights in favor of, any person other than the parties hereto (and Indemnified Persons).
Each Initial Lender may assign all or a portion of its commitment hereunder to one or more prospective Lenders (i) that are acceptable to you (such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), (ii) that are, or are the lending affiliates of, any Additional Arrangers or (iii) that you have identified to us in writing on or prior to the date hereof (each, a Permitted Assignee ), whereupon, so long as such Permitted Assignee is a commercial and/or investment bank, in each case, whose senior, unsecured, long-term indebtedness is rated at least BBB- (with at least a stable outlook) or higher and/or Baa3 (with at least a stable outlook) or higher by not less than two of S&P, Moodys and Fitch Ratings Ltd., as applicable (any such bank, an Investment Grade Bank ), then such Commitment Party shall be released from all or the portion of its commitment hereunder so assigned in accordance with, and subject to the limitations in, paragraph 3 of this Commitment Letter. Any and all obligations of, and services to be provided by, a Commitment Party hereunder (including, without limitation, each Initial Lenders commitment) may be performed and any and all rights of such Commitment Party hereunder may be exercised by or through any of their respective affiliates or branches and, in connection with such performance or exercise, such Commitment Party may exchange with such affiliates or branches information concerning you and your affiliates that may be the subject of the transactions contemplated hereby and, to the extent so employed, such affiliates and branches shall be entitled to the benefits afforded to such Commitment Party hereunder; provided that no such provision of servicing by any branch or affiliate shall relieve a Commitment Party of its obligations hereunder. This Commitment Letter may not be amended or any provision hereof waived or modified except by an instrument in writing signed by each of us and you. This Commitment Letter may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Commitment Letter by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof. Section headings used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Commitment Letter and are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Commitment Letter. You acknowledge that information and documents relating to the Bridge Facility may be transmitted through SyndTrak, Intralinks, the internet, e-mail or similar electronic transmission systems, and that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Lead Arrangers, none of us shall be liable for any damages arising from the unauthorized use by others of information or documents transmitted in such manner. The Lead Arrangers may place advertisements in financial and other newspapers and periodicals or on a home page or similar place for dissemination of information on the Internet or worldwide web as it may choose, and circulate similar promotional
materials, after the closing of the Transactions in the form of a tombstone or otherwise describing the names of you, the Borrowers and your and their affiliates (or any of them), and the amount, type and closing date of such Transactions, all at the expense of the Lead Arrangers. This Commitment Letter and the Fee Letters supersede all prior understandings, whether written or oral, between us with respect to the Bridge Facility. THIS COMMITMENT LETTER AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS COMMITMENT LETTER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; PROVIDED THAT NOTWITHSTANDING THE PRECEDING SENTENCE AND THE GOVERNING LAW PROVISIONS OF THIS COMMITMENT LETTER AND THE FEE LETTER, IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT (A) THE INTERPRETATION OF COMPANY MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT (AND WHETHER SUCH OCCURRED), (B) THE DETERMINATION OF THE ACCURACY OF ANY MERGER AGREEMENT REPRESENTATION AND WHETHER AS A RESULT OF ANY INACCURACY THEREOF YOU OR YOUR APPLICABLE AFFILIATE HAS THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE YOUR OR THEIR OBLIGATION UNDER THE MERGER AGREEMENT OR TO DECLINE TO CONSUMMATE THE ACQUISITION AND (C) THE DETERMINATION OF WHETHER THE ACQUISITION HAS BEEN CONSUMMATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND, IN ANY CASE, CLAIMS OR DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF ANY SUCH INTERPRETATION OR DETERMINATION OR ANY ASPECT THEREOF, IN EACH CASE, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, REGARDLESS OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS.
11. Jurisdiction .
Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court or Federal court of the United States of America sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in New York City, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Commitment Letter, the Fee Letters or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined only in such New York State court or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court, (b) waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Commitment Letter, the Fee Letters or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby in any New York State court or in any such Federal court, (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court and (d) agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law; provided that with respect to any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby and which do not involve claims against us or the Lenders, this sentence shall not override any jurisdiction or venue provisions set forth in the Merger Agreement. Service of any process, summons, notice or document by registered mail addressed to you at the address above shall be effective service of process against you for any suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court.
You irrevocably designate and appoint GTECH Corporation (the Process Agent ) as your authorized agent upon which process may be served in any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Commitment Letter or the Fee Letters that may be instituted by CS Securities or any other Indemnified Person in any Federal or state court in the State of New York. You hereby agree that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail addressed to the Process Agent with written notice of said service to you at the address above shall be effective service of process for any action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court. You further agree to take any and all action,
including execution and filing of any and all such documents and instruments, as may be necessary to continue the designation and appointment of the Process Agent for a period of six years from the date of this Commitment Letter.
12. Waiver of Jury Trial .
EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING, CLAIM OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY OR ON BEHALF OF ANY PARTY RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS COMMITMENT LETTER, THE FEE LETTERS OR THE PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER.
13. Confidentiality .
This Commitment Letter is delivered to you on the understanding that neither this Commitment Letter nor the Fee Letters nor any of their terms or substance, nor the activities of any of us pursuant hereto, shall be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other person or entity (including other lenders, underwriters, placement agents, advisors or any similar persons) except (a) to your officers, directors, employees, attorneys, accountants and advisors on a confidential and need-to-know basis, (b) if the Commitment Parties consent in writing prior to such proposed disclosure, (c) this Commitment Letter may be disclosed as may be required by the rules, regulations, schedules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC ) or any other national securities exchange in connection with any filings with the SEC or such exchange in connection with the Transactions, or (d) pursuant to the order of any court or administrative agency in any pending legal or administrative proceeding, or otherwise as required by applicable law, regulation, compulsory legal process or as requested by a governmental authority (in which case you agree to inform us promptly thereof prior to such disclosure to the extent practicable and so long as you are lawfully permitted to do so); provided that (i) you may disclose this Commitment Letter and the contents hereof and the Fee Letter with certain terms redacted in a manner reasonably acceptable to us to the Company and its officers, directors, employees, attorneys, accountants and advisors on a confidential and need-to-know basis, (ii) you may disclose the aggregate fee amounts (including upfront fees and original issue discount) payable under the Fee Letter as part of generic disclosure regarding sources and uses (but without disclosing any specific fees, flex or other economic terms set forth therein) in connection with any syndication of the Bridge Facility and as part of a disclosure of overall transaction fees and expenses (not limited to fees associated with the Bridge Facility) to the Company and its subsidiaries and their respective equity holders, officers, directors, employees, attorneys, accountants, agents and advisors, (iii) you may disclose the Term Sheet and the existence of this Commitment Letter to any rating agency in connection with the Transactions and (iv) you may disclose the Term Sheet and the existence of this Commitment Letter in any syndication of the Bridge Facility, or in any prospectus or offering memorandum related to any debt securities issued in lieu of the Bridge Facility, or in any proxy statement or other public filing in connection with the Permanent Debt Financing.
We will treat as confidential all confidential information provided to us by or on behalf of you hereunder; provided that nothing herein shall prevent us from disclosing any (a) any such information pursuant to the order of any court or administrative agency or in any pending legal or administrative proceeding, or otherwise as required by applicable law or compulsory legal process, (b) any such information upon the request or demand of any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over us, (c) any such information to the extent that such information becomes publicly available other than by reason of disclosure by us in violation of this paragraph, (d) any such information to our affiliates and to our and their respective employees, legal counsel, independent auditors and other experts, advisors or agents who
are informed of the confidential nature of such information, (e) any such information to actual or potential assignees, participants or derivative investors in the Bridge Facility who agree to be bound by the terms of this paragraph or substantially similar confidentiality provisions, (f) any such information to the extent permitted by Section 10 , (g) any such information for purposes of establishing a due diligence defense, (h) information independently developed by any Commitment Party, (i) information received from a third party not known by us to be in breach of its confidentiality obligations to you and (j) any such information if otherwise consented to in writing by you.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any party to this Commitment Letter (and any employee, representative or other agent of such party) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions contemplated by this Commitment Letter and the Fee Letters and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to it relating to such tax treatment and tax structure, except that (i) tax treatment and tax structure shall not include the identity of any existing or future party (or any affiliate of such party) to this Commitment Letter or the Fee Letters and (ii) no party shall disclose any information relating to such tax treatment and tax structure to the extent nondisclosure is reasonably necessary in order to comply with applicable securities laws. For this purpose, the tax treatment of the transactions contemplated by this Commitment Letter and the Fee Letters is the purported or claimed U.S. Federal income tax treatment of such transactions and the tax structure of such transactions is any fact that may be relevant to understanding the purported or claimed U.S. Federal income tax treatment of such transactions.
14. Surviving Provisions .
The indemnification, confidentiality, syndication (including clear market), fee and expense, jurisdiction, governing law, service of process and waiver of jury trial provisions contained herein and in the Fee Letters and the provisions of Sections 9 and 10 of this Commitment Letter shall remain in full force and effect regardless of whether definitive financing documentation shall be executed and delivered and (other than in the case of the syndication provisions) notwithstanding the termination of this Commitment Letter or the Initial Lenders commitments hereunder and our agreements to perform the services described herein. For the avoidance of doubt, this Commitment Letter supersedes the prior Commitment Letter, dated July 10, 2014; which prior Commitment Letter is null and void and of no legal effect.
15. PATRIOT Act Notification .
We hereby notify you that, pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001) (the PATRIOT Act ), each of us and each Lender is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Borrower, which information includes the name, address, tax identification number and other information regarding each Borrower that will allow each of us or such Lender to identify each Borrower in accordance with the PATRIOT Act. This notice is given in accordance with the requirements of the PATRIOT Act and is effective as to each of us and each Lender. You hereby acknowledge and agree that we shall be permitted to share any or all such information with each other Lender.
16. Acceptance and Termination .
If the foregoing correctly sets forth our agreement with you, please indicate your acceptance of the terms of this Commitment Letter and of the Fee Letters by returning to us executed counterparts hereof and of the Fee Letters not later than 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on July 15, 2014. Each Initial Lenders offer hereunder, each Commitment Partys commitments hereunder and our agreements
to perform the services described herein, will expire automatically and without further action or notice and without further obligation to you at such time in the event that we have not received such executed counterparts in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence. This Commitment Letter will become a binding commitment of the Initial Lenders only after it has been duly executed and delivered by you in accordance with the first sentence of this Section 16 . Thereafter, all commitments and undertakings of the Initial Lenders and the Commitment Parties hereunder will expire on the earliest of (hereinafter such earliest date, the Outside Date ) (a) the Outside Date (as defined in, and as may be extended in accordance with, the Merger Agreement as in effect as of the date hereof (it being understood that such date shall be extended to match the business day immediately following the Outside Date as defined in the Merger Agreement (as in effect as of the date hereof) if such Outside Date is extended to a date not beyond the fifteen-month anniversary of the signing of the Merger Agreement (or, if earlier, the date of your acceptance of this Commitment Letter)), in accordance with Section 7.01(b) of the Merger Agreement (as in effect as of the date hereof), (b) the closing of the Acquisition, (c) the date that the Merger Agreement is terminated or expires, and (d) receipt by the Commitment Parties of written notice from the Borrowers of the Borrowers election to terminate all commitments hereunder in full.
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We are pleased to have been given the opportunity to assist you in connection with financing for the Acquisition.
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Very truly yours, |
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CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (USA) LLC |
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CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH |
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[ Signature Page to Commitment Letter ]
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BARCLAYS BANK PLC |
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CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED |
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CITIBANK N.A., LONDON BRANCH |
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Accepted and agreed to |
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as of the date first above written: |
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GTECH S.p.A. |
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By: |
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Marco Sala |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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[ Signature Page to Commitment Letter ]
EXHIBIT A
to Commitment Letter
PROJECT CLEOPATRA
364-Day Senior Bridge Term Loan Credit Facility
Summary of Principal Terms and Conditions
Borrowers : |
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(i) A newly formed private limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales (the UK Borrower ), surviving entity of the Holdco Merger (as defined below) and (ii) (a) GTECH Corporation, a Delaware corporation and (b) solely for the purpose of repaying indebtedness incurred by the Company to finance the Special Dividend, the Company (together with GTECH Corporation, each a U.S. Borrower and collectively the U.S. Borrowers and collectively with the UK Borrower, the Borrowers ), on a joint and several basis provided that the U.S. Borrowers may not borrow more than an amount to be mutually agreed between the Agent and the UK Borrower (but in no event less than the indebtedness incurred by the Company to finance the Special Dividend)(for the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall be the primary obligor with respect to its borrowings). For the avoidance of doubt, each U.S. Borrower shall guarantee the obligations of the UK Borrower, the UK Borrower shall guarantee the obligations of each U.S. Borrower and each U.S. Borrower shall guarantee the obligations of the other U.S. Borrower. |
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Transaction Description and Transactions : |
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The transaction description below represents the present intention of GTECH S.p.A ( you or the Purchaser ) as to the most efficient manner in which to consummate the Transactions. The Purchaser will consummate the Transactions in accordance with the description below, subject to any changes to the transactions described below that are not material and adverse to the interests of the Initial Lenders.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement immediately prior to the Acquisition, you intend to (and shall be required to) merge (the Holdco Merger ) with and into the UK Borrower, with the UK Borrower as the surviving entity, and, upon consummation of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date, the UK Borrower will own, directly or indirectly, all of your other subsidiaries, as well as the Company and its subsidiaries
Prior to the consummation of the Holdco Merger, you intend to (and shall be required to) form a new subsidiary organized under the laws of Italy ( Italian Opco ) and contribute all of your assets related to the Italian businesses (including, among other assets, the Lotto concession but excluding equity interests of subsidiaries) in exchange for shares of Italian Opco. Thereafter, you intend to (and shall be required to) form an additional subsidiary organized under the laws of Italy ( Italian Holdco ) and transfer all of your equity holdings of your existing Italian subsidiaries (other than Italian Opco) in exchange for the issuance |
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of an intercompany note in an amount to be agreed.
Immediately following the consummation of the transactions set forth in the immediately preceding paragraphs, the UK Borrower intends to (and shall be required to) acquire (the Acquisition ) all of the equity interests of International Game Technology, a Nevada corporation (the Company ), pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger dated July 15, 2014 among the Purchaser, GTECH Corporation, the UK Borrower, a subsidiary of the UK Borrower, and the Company (together with the annexes, attachments, schedules and exhibits thereto, the Merger Agreement ), for a combination of cash consideration and common equity interests of the UK Borrower (collectively, the Acquisition Consideration ), the cash portion of which such Acquisition Consideration shall be subject to reduction on a dollar-for-dollar basis to the extent the Company distributes a pre-Acquisition dividend to the Companys shareholders in accordance with Section 5.16 of the Merger Agreement (such dividend, the Special Dividend ).
Immediately following the consummation of the Acquisition on the Closing Date, the UK Borrower intends to (and shall be required to) extend certain intercompany note financing to the Company, in amounts to be determined, to fund the cash portion of the Acquisition Consideration to be paid to Company shareholders. This paragraph and the foregoing paragraphs under this sub-heading entitled Transaction Description and Transactions are, collectively, referred to as the Transaction Description .
In connection with the Acquisition, the Borrowers will obtain a 364-day senior bridge term loan credit facility described below under the caption Bridge Facility that will be used (i) to pay the cash portion of the Acquisition Consideration and, if applicable, repay indebtedness incurred by the Company to finance the Special Dividend, (ii) subject to the outcome of the Required Existing Bond Process, to refinance, repurchase or redeem certain Existing Bonds and accrued interest thereunder, (iii) to fund payments to Withdrawing Shareholders with respect to Remaining Withdrawn Shares and (iv) to pay the premiums, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the foregoing. It is anticipated that some or all of the Bridge Facility will be repaid and/or replaced or refinanced by the net cash proceeds from the issuance of securities (the Notes ) or borrowings under one or more term loan credit agreements or revolving credit facilities (such term loan and/or revolving credit facilities, together with the Notes, the Permanent Debt Financing ). The transactions described in this paragraph (including, but not limited to, the consummation of the Bridge Facility), together with the Required Existing Bond Process, and the transactions described in the Transaction Description are, collectively, referred to herein as the |
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Transactions . |
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Agent : |
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Credit Suisse AG, acting through one or more of its branches or affiliates ( CS ), will act as sole administrative agent (collectively, in such capacities, the Agent ) for a syndicate of banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders (together with CS, the Lenders ), and will perform the duties customarily associated with such roles. |
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Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Arrangers : |
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Each of CS Securities, Barclays Bank PLC and Citigroup Global Markets Limited will act as a joint lead arranger for the Bridge Facility (in such capacity, together with any of its designated affiliates of similar creditworthiness, the Lead Arrangers ) and as a joint bookrunner, and will perform the duties customarily associated with such roles. |
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Syndication Agent : |
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Barclays Bank PLC and Citibank, N.A., London Branch acting through one or more of its respective branches or affiliates, will act as co-syndication agents (collectively, in such capacity, the Syndication Agent ). |
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Documentation Agent : |
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At the option of the Lead Arrangers, one or more financial institutions identified by the Lead Arrangers and acceptable to the Borrowers (in such capacity, the Documentation Agent ). |
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Bridge Facility : |
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A 364-day senior bridge term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount specified below or such lesser amount as you may elect to borrow in your sole discretion and, in all events, subject to reduction in accordance with the remainder of this Term Sheet (the Bridge Facility and the loans thereunder, the Loans or Bridge Loans ) and comprised of: |
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(i) |
the Acquisition Sub-Facility in an aggregate principal amount of $4,566,000,000; |
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(ii) |
the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1,313,000,000; |
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(iii) |
the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility in an aggregate principal amount of EUR 2,802,000,000; and |
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(iv) |
the Withdrawn Shares Sub-Facility in an aggregate principal amount of EUR 746,000,000. |
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The Acquisition Sub-Facility and the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility shall be available in Dollars and the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility and Withdrawn Shares Sub-Facility shall be available in Euros. |
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Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction |
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With respect to each amendment and/or consent contemplated by the Required Existing Purchaser Bond Process, to the extent such |
Amount : |
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amendment and/or consent becomes effective in accordance with its terms, on the first business day following each such effectiveness date (each such date, from time to time, an Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction Calculation Date ), the Agent shall calculate the Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount with respect thereto. On any applicable Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction Calculation Date, the Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount shall be an amount equal to the Specified Purchaser Bonds Principal Amount (as set forth in the table below) of the applicable Existing Purchaser Bonds (i.e., the Existing Purchaser Bonds with respect to which the relevant amendment and/or consent effectiveness date has occurred): |
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Existing Purchaser Bonds |
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Specified Purchaser Bonds
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750,000,000 5.375%
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EUR |
819.0 million |
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500,000,000 5.375%
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EUR |
573.0 million |
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500,000,000 3.500%
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EUR |
563.0 million |
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750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066 |
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EUR |
847.0 million |
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Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount : |
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In connection with the consummation of the Transactions, in the event that any put options are triggered from time to time under, and pursuant to the terms of the definitive bond documentation for any of the Existing Company Bonds, the Agent (in consultation with the Borrowers) shall determine, with respect to any such series of Existing Company Bonds, the aggregate principal amount of such Existing Company Bonds subject to such put (as calculated on the first business day after the outside calculation date for such determination, as set forth under the terms of the applicable definitive bond documentation therefor) (each such calculation date (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be prior to, on or after the Closing Date), from time to time, a Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Calculation Date ) and, with respect thereto, the Agent shall calculate the Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount. On any applicable Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Calculation Date contemplated by this paragraph, the Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount shall be an amount equal to the Specified Company Bond Principal Amount (as set forth in the table below) of the applicable Existing Company Bonds (i.e., the Existing |
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incurred in connection with Acquisition and the other Transactions; provided that the Acquisition Sub-Facility may be used by the Company, as Borrower, for purposes of repaying existing indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries to the extent such indebtedness was used for purposes of paying the Special Dividend to the existing stockholders of the Company, to the extent that the use of proceeds of the Acquisition Sub-Facility to repay such indebtedness has a corresponding reduction (on a dollar-for-dollar basis and in accordance with the Merger Agreement) in the amount of the cash component of the Acquisition Consideration payable; provided , further that the aggregate amount of the commitments for the Acquisition Sub-Facility shall be permanently reduced, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $848,000,000 , by the aggregate outstanding principal amount under any revolving credit facilities available to the UK Borrower or any of its subsidiaries on the Closing Date (on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any drawing under the Acquisition Sub-Facility and the application of proceeds therefrom), including, without limitation, any refinancing or amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement or the Indiana Credit Agreement. |
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(ii) |
The proceeds of the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility shall be used solely (x) to repay, redeem or repurchase on and after the Closing Date all outstanding Existing Purchaser Bonds (including any accrued interest and required prepayment premiums and/or required make-whole payments) with respect to which an effective amendment and/or consent contemplated by the Required Existing Purchaser Bond Process has not been achieved prior thereto (as reasonably determined by the Agent in consultation with the UK Borrower); provided that the portion of Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility relating to the Purchaser Capital Securities (i.e., EUR 847.0 million) shall only be permitted to be so borrowed on the Closing Date and (y) on the Closing Date, to fund any tender by the Purchaser of Existing Purchaser Bonds (including any accrued interest and tender premiums (but not to exceed any required prepayment premium and make-whole amounts which would be payable if such bonds were subject to an applicable put or call (except as otherwise reasonably agreed by the Majority Lead Arrangers)). |
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(iii) |
The Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility shall be used solely (x) on and after the Closing Date to repay, redeem or repurchase Existing Company Bonds (including any accrued interest and required prepayment premiums and/or required make-whole payments) put back |
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to the Company, in accordance with the applicable definitive bond documentation therefor, as a result of the Transactions and (y) on the Closing Date, to fund any tender by the Company for Existing Company Bonds (including any accrued interest and tender premiums (but not to exceed any required prepayment premium and make-whole amounts which would be payable if such bonds were subject to an applicable put or call (except as otherwise reasonably agreed by the Majority Lead Arrangers)). |
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(iv) |
The Withdrawn Shares Sub-Facility shall be used solely to fund payments on the Closing Date by you (or the Borrowers) to Withdrawing Shareholders with respect to the Remaining Withdrawn Shares. |
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Availability : |
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The Bridge Facility (other than the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility and the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility; provided that the portion of Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility relating to the Purchaser Capital Securities (i.e., EUR 847.0 million) shall only be permitted to be drawn on the Closing Date) must be drawn in a single drawing on the Closing Date which shall occur on or prior to the Outside Date. Amounts borrowed under the Bridge Facility that are repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. |
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Availability - Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility : |
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At any time on or after the Closing Date and prior to the earlier of (i) the redemption of the Existing Company Bonds tendered pursuant to a Change of Control Repurchase Event (as defined in the indentures of the Existing Company Bonds) on the last Change of Control Payment Date (as defined in the indentures of the Existing Company Bonds) to occur of any of the Existing Company Bonds, (ii) the date that is 150 days after consummation of the merger of US Merger Sub into the Company, which date shall be extended, if during such period any rating agency has publicly announced it is considering a possible ratings downgrade of the Existing Company Bonds and during such period has not published a new rating of the Existing Company Bonds, until such rating agency has publicly announced such rating and, if applicable, the last Change of Control Payment Date thereafter has occurred and (iii) the date the Required Existing Company Bond Process is successfully consummated (the Delayed Draw Company Bonds Outside Date ), the Borrower may make one or more drawings under the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility in a minimum amount of at least $1.0 million and in integral multiples of $250,000 in excess thereof, subject to satisfaction of all conditions of borrowing (as set forth below), for the purposes of funding, in whole or in part, the payment of Existing Company Bonds put back to the Company in accordance with the applicable |
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definitive bond documentation therefor (or otherwise tendered in a tender offer by the Borrowers, the Company or any of their subsidiaries therefor in accordance with this Term Sheet) and to pay reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith.
Amounts borrowed under the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility that are repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed.
Once made, loans made under the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility shall be Loans and incorporated into and treated as part of the Bridge Facility for all purposes. |
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Availability - Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility : |
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At any time on or after the Closing Date and prior to the date that is 60 days after the Closing Date (the Delayed Draw Purchaser Bonds Outside Date ), the Borrower may make one or more drawings under the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility in a minimum amount of at least $1.0 million and in integral multiples of $250,000 in excess thereof, subject to satisfaction of all conditions of borrowing (as set forth below), for the purposes of funding, in whole or in part, the redemption or purchase of Existing Purchaser Bonds with respect to which an effective amendment and/or consent contemplated by the Required Existing Purchaser Bond Process has not been achieved prior thereto (as reasonably determined by Agent in consultation with the UK Borrower) and to pay reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith.
Amounts borrowed under the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility that are repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed.
Once made, loans made under the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility shall be Loans and incorporated into and treated as part of the Bridge Facility for all purposes. |
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Guarantees : |
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Each existing and subsequently acquired or organized subsidiary of the Borrowers will guarantee (the Guarantees ) the Bridge Loans on a senior basis; provided that (i) upstream guarantees by subsidiaries of the UK Borrower that are not U.S. Entities (collectively, the Non-U.S. Entities ) shall be subject to applicable financial assistance analysis and customary corporate benefit requirements (or similar requirements), (ii) the only Guarantees required to be provided on the Closing Date shall be guarantees by (subject to other provisions of this section) US. Entities, U.K. entities and Italian entities; provided, that all other guarantees will be required to be provided promptly thereafter (subject to other provisions of this section) pursuant to post- |
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closing arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Majority Lead Arrangers and (iii) Guarantees will not be required of (v) solely with respect to guaranteeing the obligations of each U.S. Borrower, any subsidiary that is a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of section 957 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (a CFC ), of to the extent making such CFC a guarantor would result in material and adverse U.S. tax consequences to the Borrowers, (w) certain subsidiaries to the extent a guarantee by any such subsidiary is not permitted by law, regulation or contract existing on the Closing Date or on the date any such subsidiary is acquired or organized (as long as, in the case of an acquisition of a subsidiary, such prohibition in respect of such contract did not arise as part of such acquisition), (x) in the case of any hedging obligations, if applicable, any subsidiary that is not an Eligible Contract Participant as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act, (y) any subsidiary acquired pursuant to a permitted acquisition or investment that is subject to indebtedness permitted to be assumed pursuant to the Bridge Facility definitive documentation (the Bridge Facility Documentation ) and any restricted subsidiary thereof that guarantees such indebtedness, in each case to the extent, and so long as, such indebtedness prohibits such subsidiary from becoming a Guarantor, and (z) any subsidiary where the Agent and the Borrower agree that the cost of obtaining a guarantee by such subsidiary would be excessive in light of the practical benefit to the afforded thereby (the Guarantors and, together with the Borrower, the Loan Parties ). |
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Collateral : |
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Unless, no less than fifteen (15) business days prior the Closing Date, the UK Borrower has received Investment Grade Ratings and subject to the Certain Funds Provision, the Bridge Facility and the Guarantees will be required to be secured by substantially all the assets of each Borrower and each Guarantor (provided if at any time on or prior to the Closing Date, the UK Borrower has subsequently received Investment Grade Ratings then the Collateral requirements shall not be applicable for so long as the UK Borrower maintains such Investment Grade Ratings), whether owned on the Closing Date or thereafter acquired (collectively, the Collateral ), including but not limited to: (a) a perfected first-priority pledge of all the equity interests held by each Borrower or any Guarantor and (b) perfected first-priority security interests in, and mortgages on, substantially all tangible and intangible assets of Borrowers and each Guarantor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral shall not include any particular asset or right under contract, if the pledge thereof or the security interest therein is prohibited or restricted by applicable law, rule, regulation or contract (in existence on the Closing Date) (including any requirement thereunder to obtain the consent of any governmental or regulatory authority) (it being understood and agreed that you shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such consent), other than to the extent |
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such prohibition or restriction is rendered ineffective under the UCC or other applicable law notwithstanding such prohibition or restriction. The Collateral shall be subject to further exceptions, including Agreed Security Principles with respect to Collateral outside of the United States, to be mutually agreed between the Agent and the Borrowers, and, further, shall be subject to a customary exclusion (to be reasonably agreed) with respect to the pledge of stock in any subsidiary of the Company to the extent that Rule 3-16 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act would require (at the applicable date of determination from time to time) separate financial statements of such subsidiary to be filed with the SEC if such pledge was then in effect.
All the above-described pledges, security interests and mortgages shall be created on terms, and pursuant to documentation, satisfactory to the Lead Arrangers (including, in the case of real property in applicable jurisdictions, by customary items such as satisfactory title insurance and surveys), subject to customary and limited exceptions to be agreed upon.
To the extent applicable with respect to any series of the Existing Bonds outstanding on the Closing Date or the Existing Credit Agreement (as defined below), to the extent that, pursuant to the terms of definitive documentation therefor it is required that such applicable Existing Bonds or Existing Credit Agreement, as applicable, be granted security, on an equal and ratable basis, then such Existing Bonds and/or Existing Credit Agreement, as applicable, shall be granted equal ranking security in the Collateral (or the applicable portion thereof) on the Closing Date (or such later date as shall be reasonably specified by the Majority Lead Arrangers, in consultation with you) pursuant to the documentation governing the security interests described above and containing (or there shall be a separate agreement containing) intercreditor provisions that are in form and substance as are customary for transactions of this type. |
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CAM Sharing Provisions : |
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To the extent requested by the Agent, the Bridge Facility Documentation shall contain customary CAM provisions requiring, upon the occurrence of (x) a bankruptcy or insolvency Event of Default (as defined below) with respect to any Borrower or (y) any acceleration of the Loans, then each Lender under all or certain tranches having different Borrowers shall purchase and sell undivided participating interests in the outstanding Loans and other extensions of credit under each such tranche in such amounts so that each such Lender shall share pro rata in all outstanding Loans and other extensions of credit of each Borrower under each such tranche. |
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Interest Rates and Fees : |
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As set forth on Annex I hereto. |
Default Rate : |
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The applicable interest rate plus 2.00% per annum on amounts overdue. |
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Final Maturity, Amortization and Conversion : |
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The Bridge Facility will mature on the date that is 364 days after the Closing Date (the Maturity Date ). There will be no scheduled amortization. |
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Term-Out Option : |
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The Borrowers shall have (A) the right to elect to extend the Maturity Date to the date that is 15 months after the Closing Date with respect to 100% of the term loans funded under the Bridge Facility (the Term-Out Loans ), subject to (i) the provision of 30 days prior written notice of the intent to exercise such election and (ii) payment of the First Term-Out Fee (as defined in Annex I ) (the option under this clause (A) , the First Term-Out Option ) and (B) if the First Term-Out Option has been affirmatively exercised in accordance with its terms, the right to elect to further extend the Maturity Date to the date that is 18 months after the Closing Date with respect to the Term-Out Loans, subject to (i) the provision of 30 days prior written notice of the intent to exercise such election and (ii) payment of the Second Term-Out Fee (as defined in Annex I ) (the option under this clause (B) , the Second Term-Out Option ). |
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Mandatory Prepayments and Commitment Reductions : |
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After the Closing Date, the aggregate loans under the Bridge Facility shall be prepaid, in each case, dollar-for-dollar, by the following amounts:
(a) 100% of the net cash proceeds of all asset sales or other dispositions of property by a Borrower and its respective restricted subsidiaries (including proceeds from the sale of the stock of any restricted subsidiary of a Borrower and insurance and condemnation proceeds) (an Asset Sale ) in excess of $50.0 million in the aggregate, subject to exceptions (including for ordinary course asset sales) and reinvestment provisions to be agreed upon; and
(b) 100% of the net cash proceeds received by a Borrower or any restricted subsidiary of a Borrower from any incurrence of debt for borrowed money (including, without limitation, the net cash proceeds of any Permanent Debt Financing) other than (i) any intercompany debt of a Borrower or any of its wholly - owned restricted subsidiaries, (ii) any debt of a Borrower or any of its restricted subsidiaries under a revolving credit facility (in an aggregate amount and on terms and conditions (including documentation) reasonably satisfactory to the Agent) (the Revolving Credit Facility ) and certain other indebtedness (to be agreed), and (iii) other debt for borrowed money to be agreed upon.
On or prior to the Closing Date, the aggregate commitments in respect of the Bridge Facility under the Commitment Letters shall |
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be permanently reduced by (1) 100% of the net cash proceeds from any Permanent Debt Financing, and (2) 100% of the net cash proceeds from any issuance of equity or equity-linked securities (in a public offering or private placement) by a Borrower other than (i) any qualified equity issued pursuant to any employee stock plan or employee compensation plan in effect as of date hereof, (ii) any qualified equity issued on the Closing Date as part of the Acquisition Consideration in accordance with the Merger Agreement and (iii) other exceptions to be agreed upon (any such commitment reductions the Permanent Instrument Commitment Reductions (to be applied first to the Acquisition Sub-Facility and then on a pro rata basis to each of the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility, the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility and the Withdrawn Shares Sub-Facility)). |
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Change of Control Put : |
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In the event that the UK Borrower has Investment Grade Ratings on the Closing Date, the Bridge Facility shall be subject to a change of control put at par (on customary terms, as reasonably determined by the Lead Arrangers). |
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Voluntary Prepayments and Reductions in Commitments : |
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Voluntary reductions of the unutilized portion of the commitments under the Bridge Facility and prepayments of borrowings thereunder will be permitted at any time, in minimum principal amounts to be agreed upon, without premium or penalty, subject to reimbursement of the Lenders redeployment costs in the case of a prepayment of Adjusted LIBOR borrowings other than on the last day of the relevant interest period. |
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Documentation Principles : |
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In the event that the UK Borrower has Investment Grade Ratings on the Closing Date, the representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, the financial covenant and the change of control provisions in the Bridge Facility Documentation will be modified (as reasonably determined by Credit Suisse in consultation with the UK Borrower) to be substantially similar to the representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, the financial covenants and the change of control provisions set forth in the Senior Facilities Agreement of Lottomatica Group S.p.A. (now GTECH S.p.A) and GTECH Corporation (as Borrowers), dated as of December 20, 2010 (as amended on May 6, 2013) (the Existing Credit Agreement ), as revised (in such manner as shall be reasonably determined by Credit Suisse in consultation with the UK Borrower) to take into account (i) the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Commitment Letter, (ii) the addition of representations and warranties relating to tax matters, environmental matters and insurance, (iii) the size, businesses and business practices of the UK Borrower and its subsidiaries (after giving effect to the Transaction), (iv) then prevailing market conditions, (v) which entities are loan parties and non-loan |
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parties, (vi) jurisdictional and structural considerations, (vii) operational and administrative changes reasonably required by the Majority Lead Arrangers, the definitive terms of which will be negotiated in good faith and (viii) any legal and credit risks related to each of the foregoing and other risks identified by any of the Lead Arrangers in their respective reasonable judgment.
In the event that the UK Borrower does not have Investment Grade Ratings on the Closing Date, the representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, the financial covenant and the change of control provisions in the Bridge Facility Documentation will be modified (as reasonably determined by Credit Suisse in consultation with the UK Borrower) to be substantially similar to the representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, the financial covenants and the change of control provisions set forth in a precedent credit agreement for a company of comparable size and credit rating reasonably specified by the Majority Lead Arrangers, subject to your approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, as revised (in such manner as shall be reasonably determined by the Majority Lead Arrangers in consultation with the UK Borrower) to take into account (i) the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Commitment Letter, (ii) the addition of representations and warranties relating to tax matters, environmental matters and insurance, (iii) the size, businesses and business practices of the UK Borrower and its subsidiaries (after giving effect to the Transaction), (iv) then prevailing market conditions, (v) which entities are loan parties and non-loan parties, (vi) jurisdictional and structural considerations, (vii) operational and administrative changes reasonably required by the Majority Lead Arrangers, the definitive terms of which will be negotiated in good faith and (viii) any legal and credit risks related to each of the foregoing and other risks identified by any of the Lead Arrangers in their respective reasonable judgment.
The principles set forth in this section are referred to herein as the Documentation Principles ). |
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Representations and Warranties : |
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Subject to the Documentation Principles and the Certain Funds Provision, limited to the following: corporate status and organization; corporate power and authority; due authorization, execution and deliver; enforceability; (x) the definitive documentation for the Bridge Facility (or for any Permanent Debt Offering) and/or the consummation of the borrowings (and other incurrences or extensions of credit) and/or the creation, incurrence and perfection of liens, respectively, thereunder will not require any consent or approval under, violate, conflict with or contravene, result in any breach of or any loss of any benefit under, or constitute a default, enforcement event or event of default under (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both), or |
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result in termination or give to others any right of termination, vesting, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a lien (other than a permitted lien) upon any of the respective properties or assets of any of the Loan Parties, pursuant to (I) any of the organization documents of the Loan Parties, the Existing Bonds and other agreements evidencing material debt for borrowed money and material securities of any of the Loan Parties or (II) applicable law and (y) the consummation of the Transactions will not require any consent or approval under, violate, conflict with or contravene, result in any breach of or any loss of any benefit under, or constitute a default, enforcement event or event of default under (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both), or result in termination or give to others any right of termination, vesting, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a lien (other than a permitted lien) upon any of the respective properties or assets of any of the Loan Parties, pursuant to any of the organization documents of the Loan Parties, the Existing Bonds and other agreements evidencing material debt for borrowed money and material securities of any of the Loan Parties (this representation and warranty, the No Conflicts Representation ); financial condition (including audited financial statements, interim financial statements and no material adverse change); enforceable obligations; intellectual property; absence of material undisclosed liabilities; rights to properties; litigation; no violation; ERISA, foreign pension and labor matters; Investment Company Act; tax returns and payments; compliance with laws; PATRIOT Act; OFAC; FCPA; Federal Reserve margin regulations; no default; environmental matters; intellectual property; solvency; disclosure and accuracy of information (including confidential information memoranda); subsidiaries; use of proceeds; consummation of the Transactions in accordance with the Transaction Description; compliance with the Structure Memorandum and pro forma capital and corporate structure as set forth therein (in each case other than changes or modifications thereto that are not material and adverse to the interests of the Commitment Parties, the Initial Lenders or the Lenders); center of main interest and establishment; succession of, and binding obligations, upon merger; title to authorizations and concessions; financial assistance; collateral (if applicable) and intercreditor matters (if applicable), including validity, priority and perfection of security interest in the Collateral; and status as senior debt (if applicable), in each case subject to exceptions to be agreed upon. |
Conditions Precedent to Initial Borrowing : |
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The initial borrowing under the Bridge Facility (including, for the avoidance of doubt, under each sub-facility) will be subject solely to the conditions precedent set forth in Section 6 of the Commitment Letter and Exhibit B to the Commitment Letter, together with the following conditions precedent: (i) delivery of notice of borrowing; and (ii) subject to the Certain Funds Provision, the accuracy of representations and warranties in all material respects, provided , that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to materiality, material adverse effect or similar language shall be true and correct in all respects (after giving effect to any such qualification therein). |
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Conditions Precedent to Borrowings after the Closing Date : |
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Borrowings under the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility and the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility after the Closing Date will be subject solely to the following conditions precedent: (i) (x) with respect to borrowings under the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility, the Delayed Draw Company Bonds Outside Date and the date immediately following the one-year anniversary of the signing of the Merger Agreement (or, if earlier, the date of your acceptance of this Commitment Letter) or if extended pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the date that is the fifteen month anniversary of the signing of the Merger Agreement (or, if earlier, the date of your acceptance of this Commitment Letter) (such date, the Maximum Date ), shall not have occurred (it being understood that borrowings may be made at any time on or before the earlier of the Delayed Draw Company Bonds Outside Date and the Maximum Date, subject to mandatory prepayment to the extent that outstanding borrowings in respect of the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility exceed the initial commitment amount in respect of this sub-facility minus any Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Amounts) and (y) with respect to borrowings under the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility, the Delayed Draw Purchaser Bonds Outside Date and the Maximum Date shall not have occurred (it being understood that borrowings may be made at any time on or before the earlier of the Delayed Draw Purchaser Bonds Outside Date and the Maximum Date, subject to mandatory prepayment to the extent that outstanding borrowings in respect of the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility exceed the initial commitment amount in respect of this sub-facility minus any Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction Amounts); (ii) delivery of notice of borrowing; (iii) accuracy of representations and warranties in all material respects, provided, that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to materiality, material adverse effect or similar language shall be true and correct in all respects (after giving effect to any such qualification therein); and (iv) the absence of any payment or bankruptcy (or insolvency) events of default at the time of, or after giving effect to the making of, such borrowing. For the avoidance of doubt, no portion of the Bridge |
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Facility (other than the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility and the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility) may be borrowed after the Closing Date. |
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Affirmative Covenants : |
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Subject to the Documentation Principles, limited to: delivery of information (including, annual consolidated financial statements, quarterly consolidated financial statements, MD&A, officers certificates, securities laws filings, PATRIOT Act information, and other financial information); delivery of notice of notices of default and of material events (including changes in Public Debt Ratings (or any component thereof) and material events with respect to litigation, ERISA events, foreign pension and labor matters and matters that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse change); maintenance of property; maintenance of Public Debt Ratings (including each component rating referenced in the definition thereof); maintenance of insurance; maintenance of existence; compliance with laws (including PATRIOT Act, OFAC, FCPA, ERISA, foreign pension laws, labor laws and margin regulations), authorizations and concessions; inspection of books and records; environmental matters; payment of taxes and certain other material obligations; further assurances, including with respect to collateral matters (if applicable); Required Existing Bonds Process (including deregistration of each series of the Existing Company Bonds) and obligation to exercise call rights with respect to the Existing Purchaser Bonds (to the extent an effective amendment and/or consent is not achieved, as reasonably determined by the Majority Lead Arrangers); transaction steps as indicated in, collectively, (x) the Jones Day Project Cleopatra Detailed Step Plan structure slides dated July 15, 2014 (version 7.15.1), (y) the Clifford Chance Financing Considerations slide deck dated June 27, 2014 and (z) the Clifford Chance Financing Considerations: Annex slide deck dated July 10, 2014 (collectively, the Structure Memorandum ); and securities demand and cooperation, in each case subject to exceptions to be agreed upon. |
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Negative Covenants : |
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Subject to the Documentation Principles, limited to: limitations on liens and sale - leaseback transactions; limitations on mergers, consolidations or other fundamental changes; limitations on asset sales and other dispositions; limitations on restrictive agreements; limitations on debt (but permitting, inter alia , the Existing Credit Agreement and any refinancing thereof, including an upsizing thereof in an amount to be mutually agreed), guarantees and hedging obligations; limitations on dividends on, and redemptions and repurchases of, equity interests and other restricted payments; limitations on investments in non-wholly owned entities and acquisitions of entities or business units; limitations on transactions with affiliates; amendments or waivers of certain agreements; limitations on prepayments, redemptions and repurchases of debt (other than any prepayments of the Bridge |
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Facility with any Permanent Debt Financing and other exceptions to be agreed); limitations on changes to fiscal year, tax status, and accounting matters; no segregation of assets; limitations on conduct of business; in each case subject to exceptions to be agreed upon. |
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Financial Covenant : |
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Limited to: a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio, (i) with the definitions to be agreed upon, (ii) set at a level of 5.50:1.00 (to be proportionally reduced by (x) commitment reductions under the Withdrawn Shares Sub-Facility and (y) commitment reductions under the Acquisition Sub-Facility, the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility and Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility to the extent that such commitment reduction is made using, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, internally generated funds of the UK Borrower and its subsidiaries) and (iii) with accounting terms to be interpreted, and all accounting determinations and computations to be defined in a mutually agreeable manner in the Bridge Facility Documentation, and, where not so defined, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to the UK Borrower. The foregoing financial covenant will be tested quarterly with respect to the Borrowers and their respective restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, with the first covenant test to commence with the first full fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date |
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Unrestricted Subsidiary: |
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On the Closing Date, subject to limitations and conditions to be agreed, the Borrowers may designate one or more subsidiaries as an unrestricted subsidiary. Thereafter, the Borrowers will be permitted to designate any existing or subsequently acquired or organized subsidiary as an unrestricted subsidiary and subsequently re-designate any such unrestricted subsidiary as a restricted subsidiary so long as the fair market value of such subsidiary at the time it is designated as an unrestricted subsidiary shall be treated as an investment by such Borrower at such time and subject to other limitations and conditions to be agreed. Unrestricted subsidiaries will not, subject to certain exceptions, be subject to the representation and warranties, affirmative or negative covenant or event of default provisions of the documentation. |
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Events of Default : |
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Limited to the following (subject, where appropriate, to thresholds and grace periods to be agreed upon): nonpayment of principal, interest or other amounts; violation of covenants; incorrectness of representations and warranties in any material respect; subject to the Documentation Principles, cross event of default and cross acceleration; bankruptcy or insolvency; material judgments; ERISA and foreign pension and labor events; environmental matters; actual or asserted invalidity of Guarantees, security documents (if applicable) or intercreditor agreements; termination of authorizations or concessions or certain material contracts related thereto; and (in the event that |
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the UK Borrower does not have Investment Grade Ratings on the Closing Date) change of control; in each case subject to exceptions to be agreed upon. |
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Voting : |
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Amendments and waivers of the definitive credit documentation will require the approval of Lenders holding more than 50% of the aggregate amount of the loans and commitments under the Bridge Facility (with certain amendments and waivers also requiring class votes), except that the consent of (a) each affected Lender shall be required with respect to (i) increases in the commitment of such Lender, (ii) reductions or forgiveness of principal, interest or fees payable to such Lender, (iii) extensions of the Maturity Date or of the date for payment to such Lender of any interest or fees and (iv) changes that impose any additional restriction on such Lenders ability to assign any of its rights or obligations and (b) each Lender shall be required with respect to (i) modifications to certain provisions requiring the pro rata treatment of Lenders, (ii) modification to voting requirements or percentages, and (iii) releases of all or substantially all of the value of the Guarantees or, if applicable, the Collateral. The definitive documentation for the Bridge Facility shall include customary defaulting lender provisions. |
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Cost and Yield Protection : |
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Usual for facilities and transactions of this type, including customary tax gross-up provisions. |
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Assignments and Participations : |
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Prior to the Closing Date, the Lenders will be permitted to assign (other than to a Disqualified Institution) commitments under the Bridge Facility with the consent of the Borrowers (unless a Demand Failure (as defined in the Arranger Fee Letter) has occurred), not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided that such consent of the Borrowers (x) shall not be required (i) if such assignment is made to another Lender under the Bridge Facility or an affiliate or approved fund of any such Lender, (ii) if such assignment is made to a Permitted Assignee or (iii) after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default and (y) shall be deemed to have been given if the Borrowers have not responded within five business days of a request for such consent. From the Closing Date, the Lenders will be permitted to assign loans under the Bridge Facility without the consent of the Borrowers. Each assignment will be in an amount of an integral multiple of $1,000,000. Assignments will be by novation.
The Lenders will be permitted to sell participations in loans and commitments without restriction (other than to a Disqualified Institution but only if the then current list of all such Disqualified Lenders shall have been published to all Lenders), and subject to customary provisions related to a participants ability to get the benefit of tax gross up provisions. Voting rights of participants shall be limited to matters in respect of (a) increases in |
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commitments of such participant, (b) reductions of principal, interest or fees payable to such participant, (c) extensions of final maturity of the loans or commitments in which such participant participates and (d) releases of all or substantially all of the value of the Guarantees or, if applicable, the Collateral. |
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Expenses and Indemnification : |
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The Borrower shall promptly (a) reimburse the Agent and each Lead Arranger from time to time, upon presentation of a summary statement, together with supporting documentation reasonably requested by you, for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including, but not limited to, out-of-pocket expenses of due diligence investigations, consultants fees, syndication expenses, travel expenses and reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel to the Agent and of a single local counsel to the Agent in each relevant jurisdiction and, solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel for such affected persons in each applicable material jurisdiction), in each case, incurred in connection with the Bridge Facility and the preparation, negotiation and enforcement of this Commitment Letter, the Fee Letters, the definitive documentation for the Bridge Facility and any ancillary documents and security arrangements in connection therewith, (b) pay all reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses (including, without limitation, fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel and of a single local counsel to the Agent in each relevant jurisdiction and, solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel for such affected persons in each applicable material jurisdiction) of the Lead Arrangers, each Additional Arranger, the Agent, the Syndication Agent and the Documentation Agent in connection with the syndication of the Bridge Facility, the preparation and administration of the definitive documentation, and amendments, modifications and waivers thereto, and matters reasonably related or incidental thereto and (c) pay all out-of-pocket expenses (including, without limitation, fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel and of a single local counsel to the Agent in each relevant jurisdiction and, solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel for such affected persons in each applicable material jurisdiction) of the Lead Arranger, each Additional Arranger, the Agent, the Syndication Agent, the Documentation Agent and the Lenders for enforcement costs and documentary taxes associated with the Bridge Facility, the Commitment Letter and the Fee Letters (including the transactions contemplated herein and, respectively, therein) and matters reasonably related or incidental thereto.
The Loan Parties will indemnify each Lead Arranger, each Additional Arranger, the Agent, the Syndication Agent, the Documentation Agent, the Lenders, their respective affiliates, successors and assigns and the officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors, controlling persons and members of each of the foregoing (each, an Indemnified Person ) and hold them |
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harmless from and against all reasonable and documented out of pocket costs, expenses (including reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel) and liabilities of such Indemnified Person arising out of or relating to any claim or any litigation or other proceeding (regardless of whether such Indemnified Person is a party thereto and regardless of whether such matter is initiated by a third party or by the Borrower, the Company or any of their respective affiliates or equity holders) that relates to, or connected with, the Transactions (including the financing contemplated hereby and in the Fee Letters), the Acquisition or any transactions in connection therewith, or matters reasonably related or incidental thereto; provided no Indemnified Person will be indemnified for its gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable decision or for any dispute that is solely among Indemnified Persons and does not involve any act or omission by any Loan Party (other than a dispute involving claims against the Agent or a Lead Arranger in its capacity as such); provided , further , that no Indemnified Person or Loan Party shall be liable for any indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages (in the case of a Loan Party, other than in respect of any such damages required to be indemnified under this Indemnification section). |
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Governing Law and Forum : |
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New York. |
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Counsel to Agent : |
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Shearman & Sterling LLP. |
Annex 1 to Exhibit A
to Commitment Letter
Interest Rates : |
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The interest rates under the Bridge Facility will be, at the option of the Borrower, Adjusted LIBOR plus the Applicable Adjusted LIBOR Margin (as defined below) or ABR plus the Applicable ABR Margin (as defined below); provided , however , that the interest rate for any advances made in Euros shall be Adjusted LIBOR (for Euros) plus the Applicable Adjusted LIBOR Margin.
The Borrowers may elect interest periods of 1, 3 or 6 months for Adjusted LIBOR borrowings.
Calculation of interest shall be on the basis of the actual days elapsed in a year of 360 days (or 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, in the case of ABR loans based on CS Prime Rate) and interest shall be payable at the end of each interest period and, in any event, at least every three months.
ABR is the Alternate Base Rate, which is the highest of (a) CS Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus ½ of 1.00%, and (c) Adjusted LIBOR (for Dollars) for a one-month interest period, plus 1.00%.
Adjusted LIBOR will at all times include statutory reserves, and shall be deemed to be not less than 1.00%. |
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Pricing Definitions : |
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For the purposes hereof, the terms Applicable Adjusted LIBOR Margin shall mean a rate per annum set forth on Schedule A-I attached hereto under the column heading entitled Applicable Adjusted LIBOR Margin based on the Public Debt Rating (as defined in the Arranger Fee Letter) ( provided that if a Demand Failure occurs, such percentage shall increase to the Blended Weighted Average Cap (as defined in the Arranger Fee Letter)) and Applicable ABR Margin shall mean a rate per annum set forth on Schedule A-I attached hereto under the column heading entitled Applicable Adjusted ABR Margin based on the Public Debt Rating ( provided that if a Demand Failure occurs, such percentage shall increase to a percentage equal to the Blended Weighted Average Cap minus 1.00%). |
Duration Fees : |
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The Borrowers will pay non-refundable fees (the Duration Fees ), for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, in an amount equal to: (i) 0.50% of the aggregate principal amount of the loans and commitments under the Bridge Facility outstanding on the date which is 90 days after the Closing Date, due and payable in cash on such 90th day (or if such day is not a business day, the next business day); (ii) 0.75% of the aggregate principal amount of the loans and commitments under the Bridge Facility outstanding on the date which is 180 days after the Closing Date, due and payable in cash on such 180th day (or if such day is not a business day, the next business day); and (iii) 1.00% of the aggregate principal amount of the loans and commitments under the Bridge Facility outstanding on the date which is 270 days after the Closing Date, due and payable in cash on such 270th day (or if such day is not a business day, the next business day). |
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Term-Out Fees : |
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The Borrowers will pay (x) with respect to the First Term-Out Option, a fee in an amount equal to 1.25% of the Term-Out Loans (the First Term-Out Fee ) and (y) with respect to the Second Term-Out Option, a fee in an amount equal to 1.50% of the Term-Out Loans (the Second Term-Out Fee and, together with the First Term-Out Fee, the Term-Out Fees ). The Term - Out Fees will be due and payable on the earlier to occur of (i) with respect to the First Term - Out Option, the date that is 364 days after the Closing Date and (y) with respect to the Second Term-Out Option, the date that is 454 days after the Closing Date. |
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Delayed Draw Commitment Fee - Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility : |
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The Borrowers will pay a non-refundable delayed draw commitment fee (the Delayed Draw Company Bonds Commitment Fee ), for the ratable benefit of the Lenders with commitments under the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility, in an amount equal to the Applicable Adjusted LIBOR Margin (for 1 month borrowing periods) on the average daily unused portion of the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility, payable monthly in arrears and on the Delayed Draw Outside Date. |
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Delayed Draw Commitment Fee - Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility : |
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The Borrowers will pay a non-refundable delayed draw commitment fee (the Delayed Draw Purchaser Bonds Commitment Fee and, together with the Delayed Draw Company Bonds Commitment Fee, the Delayed Draw Commitment Fees ), for the ratable benefit of the Lenders with commitments under the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility, in an amount equal to the Applicable Adjusted LIBOR Margin (for 1 month borrowing periods) on the average daily unused portion of the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed |
Schedule A-I
to Exhibit A to Commitment Letter
PUBLIC DEBT RATINGS BASED
APPLICABLE MARGIN PRICING GRID
Public Debt Rating(1) |
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Applicable Adjusted
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Applicable ABR Margin* |
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Level 1 :
BBB- (with at least a stable outlook) or higher and Baa3 (with at least a stable outlook) or higher |
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1.70 |
% |
0.70 |
% |
Level 2 :
If Level 1 does not apply, BB+ (with at least a stable outlook) or higher and Ba1 (with at least a stable outlook) or higher |
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2.00 |
% |
1.00 |
% |
Level 3 :
If Levels 1 and 2 do not apply, (x) BB (with at least a stable outlook) or higher and Ba2 or higher |
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2.25 |
% |
1.25 |
% |
Level 4 :
I f Levels 1, 2 and 3 do not apply |
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2.75 |
% |
1.75 |
% |
If either or both of S&P or Moodys shall fail to provide any rating required to determine any component of the definition of Public Debt Rating, then Level 4 shall apply.
* In addition, each of the Applicable Adjusted LIBOR Margin and Applicable ABR Margin will increase by 25 basis points on each of the 90th, 180 th , 270 th , 365 th , 455 th and 545 th day after the Closing Date (the Margin Step-Ups ).
(1) The Public Debt Rating in effect at any date is that in effect at the close of business on such date (or, if not a business day, the Public Debt Rating effect at the close of business on the immediately preceding business day).
EXHIBIT B
to Commitment Letter
PROJECT CLEOPATRA
364-Day Senior Bridge Term Loan Credit Facility
Summary of Additional Conditions Precedent
The initial borrowings under the Bridge Facility shall be subject to the following additional conditions precedent:
1. The Acquisition and the other Transactions shall be consummated simultaneously with the closing under the Bridge Facility in accordance with the Merger Agreement; the Merger Agreement shall not have been amended or modified, and no condition shall have been waived or consent granted by the UK Borrower, in each case in a manner that is material and adverse to the Lenders and Lead Arrangers without the Lead Arrangers prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), it being understood and agreed that (i) any increase or decrease in the Acquisition Consideration unless (x) in the case of an increase in the Acquisition Consideration, such increase is funded, directly or indirectly, exclusively by the issuance of additional equity or cash on hand or (y) in the case of a decrease in the Acquisition Consideration, the reduction is in the aggregate less than 15% of the Acquisition Consideration contemplated as of the date of the Commitment Letter and there is a concurrent reduction in the aggregate principal amount of the commitments under the Bridge Facility (and as applied to reduce the Acquisition Sub-Facility) in an amount equal to such reduction, and (ii) any extension of the date for consummation of the Acquisition, except as contemplated by the Merger Agreement on the date hereof, in each case shall be deemed to be material and adverse to the Lenders.
2. After giving effect to the Transactions and the other transactions contemplated hereby, the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries shall have outstanding no indebtedness or preferred stock other than (a) the loans and other extensions of credit under the Bridge Facility, (b) the Permanent Debt Financing, (c) the Existing Purchaser Bonds and the Existing Company Bonds, in each case, to the extent outstanding immediately prior to the Closing Date, (d) the Existing Credit Agreement and (e) other limited indebtedness to be agreed upon.
3. The Lead Arrangers shall have received (a) (x) IFRS audited consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income, shareholders equity and cash flows of you and your subsidiaries and (y) U.S. GAAP audited consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income, shareholders equity and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries, in each case for the three most recent fiscal years ended at least 90 days prior to the Closing Date and (b) (x) IFRS unaudited consolidated and (to the extent available) consolidating balance sheets and related statements of income, shareholders equity and cash flows of you and your subsidiaries and (y) U.S. GAAP unaudited consolidated and (to the extent available) consolidating balance sheets and related statements of income, shareholders equity and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries, in each case for each subsequent fiscal quarter (other than any fourth fiscal quarter) ended at least 45 days before the Closing Date.
4. The Lead Arrangers shall have received a pro forma consolidated balance sheet and related pro forma consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the UK Borrower as of and for the twelve-month period ending on the last day of the most recently completed four-fiscal quarter period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to paragraph 3 above, prepared after giving effect to the Transactions as if the Transactions had occurred as of such date (in the case of such balance sheet) or at the beginning of such period (in the case of such other financial statements).
5. The Agent shall have received customary legal opinions, corporate organizational documents, good standing certificates, resolutions and other customary closing certificates and other similar customary deliverables.
6. The Agent shall have received a certificate from the chief financial officer of the UK Borrower in form reasonably satisfactory to the Agent certifying that the UK Borrower and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis after giving effect to the Transactions and the other transactions contemplated hereby, are solvent. It is understood and agreed that the solvency certificate in the form attached hereto on Schedule I shall be deemed to be in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.
7. The Lead Arrangers, each Additional Arranger, the Agent, the Syndication Agent, the Documentation Agent and the Lenders shall have received all fees and expenses invoiced prior to the Closing Date required to be paid on or prior to the Closing Date.
8. The Lead Arrangers shall have received, at least three business days prior to the Closing Date, all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act to the extent that such information is requested by any Lead Arranger, any Additional Arranger, the Agent, the Syndication Agent, any Documentation Agent or any Lender at least ten days prior to the Closing Date.
9. One or more investment banks reasonably satisfactory to the Lead Arrangers (collectively, the Investment Bank ) shall have been engaged to publicly sell or privately place the Permanent Debt Financing, and the Lead Arrangers and the Investment Bank each shall have received no later than the earlier of (i) 270 days from the date hereof and (ii) 15 business days prior to issuance of the Permanent Debt Financing, a complete printed preliminary prospectus or preliminary offering memorandum or preliminary private placement memorandum (collectively, an Offering Document ) suitable for use in a customary road show relating to the Permanent Debt Financing, which contains all financial statements and other data to be included therein (it being understood that a Description of Notes or similar section and other sections exclusively customarily provided by the Investment Bank shall not necessarily be included therein) (including all audited financial statements, all unaudited financial statements (which shall have been reviewed by the independent accountants for the Borrowers and the Company, as applicable, as provided in the procedures specified by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in AU 722) and all appropriate pro forma financial statements, in each case, required by, prepared in accordance with, or reconciled to, IFRS (as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board) or generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and prepared in accordance with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except for (only in the case of a securities offering that is not registered under the Securities Act) the omission of consolidating footnotes pursuant to 3-10 of Regulation S-X or separate financial statements pursuant to 3-16 of Regulation S-X), and such other data (including selected financial data) that the Securities and Exchange Commission would require in a registered offering of the Permanent Debt Financing or that would be necessary for the Investment Bank to receive customary comfort (including negative assurance comfort) from independent accountants in connection with the offering of the Securities and the Borrowers and the Company shall have used commercially reasonable efforts to cause their respective independent accountants (and any predecessor accountant or acquired company accountant to the extent financial statements of the Borrowers or the Company or any acquired company audited or reviewed by such accountants are or would be included in any Offering Document) to issue to the Investment Bank a customary comfort letter (which shall provide negative assurance comfort), which may be in draft form if any such Permanent Debt Financing are then proposed to be issued but have not been issued.
SOLVENCY CERTIFICATE
OF
THE UK BORROWER AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
[ ], 201[ ]
This Solvency Certificate (the Certificate ) of [ ], a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales (the Borrower ), and its Subsidiaries is delivered pursuant to Section [ ] of the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of [ ] 201[ ] (the Credit Agreement ) by and among the Borrower, the U.S. Borrowers (as defined therein), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, Credit Suisse AG, as Administrative Agent, [ ], as Documentation Agent, [ ], as Syndication Agent.
Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Certificate shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.(2)
I, [ ], the duly elected, qualified and acting chief financial officer of the Borrower, DO HEREBY CERTIFY in my capacity as an officer of the Borrower, as follows:
1. I have carefully reviewed the Credit Agreement and the other [Loan Documents] referred to therein (collectively, the Transaction Documents ) and such other documents as I have deemed relevant and the contents of this Certificate and, in connection herewith, have made such investigation, as I have deemed necessary therefor. Furthermore, I confirm and acknowledge that the Administrative Agent and the Lenders are relying on the truth and accuracy of this Certificate in connection with the Commitments and Loans under the Credit Agreement.
2. As of the date hereof, before and after giving effect to the Transactions, the amount of present fair saleable value of the assets of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, exceeds the amount of all liabilities of each Borrower and its subsidiaries, contingent or otherwise, at a fair valuation, as such quoted terms are determined in accordance with applicable federal and state laws governing determination of the insolvency of debtors.
3. As of the date hereof, before and after giving effect to the Transactions, the present fair saleable value of the assets of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the liabilities (including contingent liabilities) of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries as they become absolute and matured.
4. As of the date hereof, before and after giving effect to the Transactions, the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are solvent and are able to pay their debts as they mature.
5. The Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, do not now and will not have an unreasonably small amount of capital with which to conduct its business.
For purposes of the foregoing, (i) debt means liability on a claim and (ii) claim means any (x) right to payment, whether or not such a right is reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured or unsecured or (y) right
(2) Note: Description to be modified to reflect the description of the final Credit Agreement. Defined terms used herein shall also be modified to reflect the defined terms used in the final Credit Agreement.
to an equitable remedy for breach of performance if such breach gives rise to a right to payment, whether or not such right to an equitable remedy is reduced to judgment, fixed, contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed, undisputed, secured or unsecured.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this Certificate as of the date first written above.
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: Chief Financial Officer |
CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (USA) LLC |
BARCLAYS |
CREDIT SUISSE AG |
745 Seventh Avenue |
Eleven Madison Avenue |
New York, NY 10019 |
New York, NY 10010 |
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CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
CITIBANK N.A., LONDON BRANCH
Citigroup Centre, Canada Square
London E145LB United Kingdom
CONFIDENTIAL
November 21, 2014
GTECH S.p.A.
Viale del Campo Boario 56/D
00154 Roma Italy
Georgia Worldwide PLC
70 Chancery Lane
London
WC2A 1AF
England
Attention: Mr. Claudio Demolli, Treasurer
First Amendment to Commitment Letter, Arranger Fee Letter and Engagement Letter
PROJECT CLEOPATRA
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to (i) the commitment letter dated July 15, 2014 (including the exhibits and other attachments thereto, the Commitment Letter ) among Credit Suisse AG (acting through such of its affiliates or branches as it deems appropriate, CS ), Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC ( CS Securities and, together with CS and their respective affiliates, Credit Suisse ), Barclays Bank PLC ( Barclays ), Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Citibank N.A., London Branch (collectively, Citi , and together with Credit Suisse and Barclays, collectively referred to herein as we , us , our or the Commitment Parties ) and GTECH S.p.A. ( GTECH or you ), (ii) the fee letter dated July 15, 2014 (the Arranger Fee Letter ) among Credit Suisse, Barclays, Citi and you, and (iii) the engagement letter dated July 15, 2014 (the Engagement Letter and together with the Commitment Letter and the Arranger Fee Letter, the Letters ) among CS Securities, Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Limited and you. Terms used but not defined in this letter agreement (this First Amendment ) shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Commitment Letter.
WHEREAS, you have informed us that:
(i) you and GTECH Corporation have consummated on November 4, 2014, pursuant to that certain Senior Facilities Agreement, dated November 4, 2014, between you, GTECH Corporation, the Original Guarantors (as defined therein), JP Morgan Limited and Mediobanca Banca Di Credito Finanziario S.P.A., as Global Coordinators (as defined therein), Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers, the other Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers (as defined therein), the Mandated Lead Arrangers (as defined therein), the Arrangers (as defined therein), the Original Lenders (as defined therein), the Agent (as defined therein), the Issuing Agent (as defined therein), the Swingline Agent (as defined therein), and the Original US Dollar Swingline Lenders (as defined therein), the refinancing of the Existing Credit Agreement with a replacement revolving credit facility having a maximum aggregate principal amount that does not exceed the sum of 850,000,000 and US$1,500,000,000 (the New RCF ) and, consequently, you hereby request the termination of the portion of the commitment under the Acquisition Sub-Facility relating to the New RCF, which for the avoidance of doubt would result in a commitment reduction of $848,000,000 thereunder ;
(ii) you intend to repurchase, in full and not in part but otherwise in accordance with the terms thereof and prior to the Closing Date, your 750,000,000 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2016 (the 2016 Notes ) with funds available to you from either cash on hand and/or borrowings under the New RCF and, consequently, you hereby request the termination of the portion of the commitment under the Existing Purchaser Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility otherwise allocable to funding the repurchase of the 2016 Notes, which for the avoidance of doubt would result in a commitment reduction of 819,000,000 thereunder; and
(iii) in lieu of utilizing the Acquisition Sub-Facility, you intend to consummate the equity transactions on the Closing Date relating to the purchase of stock options and/or restricted stock units of management and other existing equity holders of the Company with funds available to you from either cash on hand and/or borrowings under the New RCF and, consequently, you hereby request the termination of the the portion of the commitment under the Acquisition Sub-Facility otherwise allocable to funding such purchases, which for the avoidance of doubt would result in a commitment reduction of $131,000,000 thereunder.
In addition to the foregoing, you have advised us that Georgia Worldwide PLC, a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales, has been formed as the UK Borrower referred to in the Letters and desires to be a joint and several obligor with you for the purposes of all fee and expense obligations provided for in the Letters, in addition to (and not in lieu of) any obligations the UK Borrower may ultimately accede to as a consequence of the Holdco Merger.
Amendment to Commitment Letter
Pursuant to Section 10 of the Commitment Letter, the Commitment Letter is hereby amended as follows:
(i) (A) clause (i) of the second paragraph is hereby deleted in its entirety and in lieu thereof the following new clause (i) inserted: (i) a sub-facility (the Acquisition Sub-Facility ) equal to an aggregate principal amount of $3,587,000,000, for the purpose (and only for the purpose) of funding, in part, the Acquisition Consideration, refinancing the Existing Credit Facility (as defined below) and paying fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Acquisition and the other Transactions (as defined in the Term Sheet); provided that the Acquisition Sub-Facility may be used for purposes of repaying existing indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries to the extent such indebtedness was used for purposes of paying the Special Dividend (as defined in Exhibit A ) to the existing stockholders of the Company, to the extent that the use of proceeds of the Acquisition Sub-Facility to repay such indebtedness has a corresponding reduction (on a dollar-for-dollar basis and in accordance with the Merger Agreement) in the amount of Acquisition Consideration payable; (B) clause (i) under the sub-heading entitled Bridge Facility in Exhibit A is hereby amended by deleting the text $4,566,000,000 and in lieu thereof inserting the text $3,587,000,000 and (C) clause (i) under the sub-heading entitled Use of Proceeds in Exhibit A is hereby amended by deleting the text appearing after cash component of the Acquisition Consideration payable and inserting in lieu thereof ..
(ii) (A) clause (iii) of the second paragraph is hereby amended by deleting the text EUR 2,802,000,000 and in lieu thereof inserting the text EUR 1,983,000,000, (B) Section 7 is hereby amended by deleting the text (i) 750,000,000 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2016 and re-numbering the remaining items as (i), (ii) and (iii), respectively, (C) clause (iii) under the sub-heading entitled Bridge Facility in Exhibit A is hereby amended by deleting the text EUR 2,802,000,000 and in lieu thereof inserting the text EUR 1,983,000,000, and (D) the row of the table relating to the 750,000,000 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2016 under the sub-heading entitled Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount is hereby deleted;
(iii) Section 1 is hereby amended by deleting the text (including the Term Sheet and other attachments hereto, this Commitment Letter ) and in lieu thereof inserting the text (including the Term Sheet and other attachments hereto, as amended, waiver, modified or supplemented from time to time, this Commitment Letter );
(iv) the third paragraph of Section 3 (Syndication) is hereby amended by deleting clause (iii) therein and in lieu thereof inserting the text (iii) the refinancing or replacement of the Existing Credit Agreement (including any upsizing of such facility to cover working capital needs of the Company and its subsidiaries) with revolving credit facilities in an aggregate amount (including commitments, whether utilized or unutilized) not to exceed the sum of 850,000,000 and US$1,500,000,000 on or prior to November 4, 2014 pursuant to that Senior Facilities Agreement, dated November 4, 2014, between you, GTECH Corporation, the Original Guarantors (as defined therein), JP Morgan Limited and
Mediobanca Banca Di Credito Finanziario S.P.A., as Global Coordinators (as defined therein), Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers, the other Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers (as defined therein), the Mandated Lead Arrangers (as defined therein), the Arrangers (as defined therein), the Original Lenders (as defined therein), the Agent (as defined therein), the Issuing Agent (as defined therein), the Swingline Agent (as defined therein), and the Original US Dollar Swingline Lenders (as defined therein) (the New Revolving Credit Facility );
(v) in respect of the sub-heading entitled Borrowers in Exhibit A , the following text is deleted A newly formed private limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales and, in lieu thereof, the following text is inserted Georgia Worldwide PLC, a newly formed public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales;
(vi) in respect of the sub-heading entitled Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount in Exhibit A :
(A) the first paragraph (but not, for the avoidance of doubt, the table immediately following such paragraph) is hereby deleted and, in lieu thereof, the following replacement paragraph is inserted:
With respect to each amendment and/or consent contemplated by the Required Existing Purchaser Bond Process, to the extent such amendment and/or consent becomes effective in accordance with its terms, on the first business day following each such effectiveness date (each such date, from time to time, an Existing Purchaser Bonds Amendment Commitment Reduction Calculation Date and, collectively with each Existing Purchaser Bonds Additional Commitment Reduction Calculation Date (as defined below), each an Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction Calculation Date ), the Agent shall calculate the Existing Purchaser Bonds Amendment Commitment Reduction Amount (as hereinafter defined) with respect thereto. On any applicable Existing Purchaser Bonds Amendment Commitment Reduction Calculation Date, the Existing Purchaser Bonds Amendment Commitment Reduction Amount (and, collectively, with the Existing Purchaser Bonds Additional Commitment Reduction Amount (as hereinafter defined), the Existing Purchaser Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount ) shall be an amount equal to the Specified Purchaser Bonds Principal Amount (as set forth in the table below) of the applicable Existing Purchaser Bonds (i.e., the Existing Purchaser Bonds with respect to which the relevant amendment and/or consent effectiveness date has occurred); and
(B) the following additional paragraph and table are inserted immediately following the existing table therein:
To the extent that any of the Existing Purchaser Bonds are purchased, redeemed, repurchased, or otherwise acquired by (or on behalf of) the Purchaser, upon the first business day following each such purchase, repurchase, redemption or acquisition (each such date, from time to time, an Existing Purchaser Bonds Additional Commitment Reduction Calculation Date ), the Agent shall calculate the Existing Purchaser Bonds Additional Commitment Reduction Amount (as defined below) with respect thereto. On any applicable Existing Purchaser Bonds Additional Commitment Reduction Calculation Date contemplated in this paragraph, the Existing Purchaser Bonds Additional Commitment Reduction Amount shall be an amount equal to (x) the aggregate amount of the Existing Purchaser Bonds so purchased, repurchased, redeemed and/ or otherwise acquired, as the case may be, multiplied by (y) the Specified Purchaser Bonds Multiplier (as set forth in the table below) corresponding to such applicable Existing Purchaser Bonds (i.e., the Existing Purchaser Bonds with respect to which the relevant purchase, repurchase, redemption and/ or other acquisition, as the case may be, has occurred):
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Specified |
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Existing Purchaser Bonds |
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Multiplier |
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Purchaser |
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Bonds |
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500,000,000 5.375% |
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Guaranteed Notes Due 2018 |
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1.146 |
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500,000,000 3.500% |
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Guaranteed Notes due 2020 |
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1.126 |
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750,000,000 Subordinated |
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Interest-Deferrable Capital |
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Securities due 2066 |
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1.1293333334 |
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(vii) in respect of the sub-heading entitled Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount in Exhibit A , the paragraph immediately following the table therein is hereby deleted and, in lieu thereof, the following replacement paragraph is inserted:
In addition, with respect to each amendment and/or consent contemplated by the Required Existing Company Bond Process, to the extent such amendment and/or consent becomes effective in accordance with its terms, on the first business day following each such effectiveness date (each such date, also an Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Calculation Date for purposes of this Commitment Letter), the Agent shall calculate the Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount with respect thereto (as further specified in the immediately succeeding sentence). On any applicable Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Calculation Date
contemplated in this paragraph, the Existing Company Bonds Commitment Reduction Amount with respect thereto shall be an amount equal to the Specified Company Bonds Principal Amount (as set forth in the table above) of the applicable Existing Company Bonds (i.e., the Existing Company Bonds with respect to which the relevant amendment and/or consent effectiveness date has occurred).; and
(viii) paragraph 2 of Exhibit B is hereby amended by inserting the text (or New Revolving Credit Facility) immediately after the text (d) the Existing Credit Agreement.
Acknowledgment - US$500,000,000 7.500% Notes due 2019
You and the UK Borrower acknowledge and agreed that, with respect to the US$500,000,000 7.500% Notes due 2019, on the first business day occurring after October 20, 2014, in accordance with the Commitment Letter, the Existing Company Bonds Delayed Draw Sub-Facility was permanently reduced by $505,000,000.
Additional Agreement
The parties hereto hereby agree that the UK Borrower shall be a joint and several obligor with you for the purposes of all fee and expense obligations provided for in the Letters (and also in any other related fee letters), and each of you and the UK Borrower hereby waives any and all suretyship defenses available to you or it arising out of the joint and several nature of your and its duties and obligations under the Letters (and also in any other related fee letters).
General
THIS FIRST AMENDMENT AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS FIRST AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. The confidentiality, submission to jurisdiction, indemnification, assignment, amendment, service of process, notice and waiver of jury trial provisions of the Commitment Letter shall apply to this First Amendment mutatis mutandis . This First Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument and shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this First Amendment by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof
If the foregoing correctly sets forth our agreement with you and the UK Borrower, please indicate your and the UK Borrowers acceptance of the terms of this First Amendment by returning to us executed counterparts hereof not later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 21, 2014. This First Amendment will expire automatically and without further action or notice and without further obligation to you at such time in the event that we have not received such executed counterparts in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence. This First Amendment will become an effective and binding agreement only after it has been
duly executed and delivered by us and also by you and the UK Borrower in accordance with the first sentence of this paragraph.
[ Remainder of this page intentionally left blank ]
Very truly yours, |
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CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (USA) |
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LLC |
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By: |
/s/ SoVonna Day-Goins |
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Name: SoVonna Day-Goins |
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Title: Authorized Signatory |
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CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH |
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By: |
/s/ Christopher Day |
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Name: Christopher Day |
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Title: Authorized Signatory |
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By: |
/s/ Samuel Miller |
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Name: Samuel Miller |
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Title: Authorized Signatory |
[ Signature Page ]
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BARCLAYS BANK PLC |
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By: |
/s/ Vanessa Roberts |
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Name: Vanessa Roberts |
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Title: Managing Director |
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BARCLAYS CAPITAL INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Vanessa Roberts |
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Name: Vanessa Roberts |
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Title: Managing Director |
[ Signature Page ]
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CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED |
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By: |
/s/ Camilo Mori |
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Name: Camilo Mori |
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Title: Managing Director |
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CITIBANK N.A., LONDON BRANCH |
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By: |
/s/ Camilo Mori |
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Name: Camilo Mori |
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Title: Managing Director |
[ Signature Page ]
Accepted and agreed to
as of the date first above written:
GTECH S.p.A. |
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By: |
/s/ Claudio Demolli |
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Name: Claudio Demolli |
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Title: Attorney-in-Fact |
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GEORGIA WORLDWIDE PLC |
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By: |
/s/ Declan Harkin |
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Name: Declan Harkin |
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Title: Director |
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[ Signature Page ]
Exhibit 10.6
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CLIFFORD CHANCE STUDIO LEGALE
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Conformed Copy
GTECH S.P.A.
AS PARENT
GTECH CORPORATION
GTECH S.P.A.
AS BORROWERS
J.P. MORGAN LIMITED
MEDIOBANCA BANCA DI CREDITO FINANZIARIO S.P.A.
AS GLOBAL COORDINATORS, BOOKRUNNERS AND MANDATED LEAD ARRANGERS
THE ENTITIES LISTED IN PART III OF SCHEDULE 1
AS BOOKRUNNERS AND MANDATED LEAD ARRANGERS
THE ENTITIES LISTED IN PART IV OF SCHEDULE 1
AS MANDATED LEAD ARRANGERS
THE ENTITIES LISTED IN PART V OF SCHEDULE 1
AS ARRANGERS
THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC
AS AGENT
KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
AS SWINGLINE AGENT
AND
OTHERS
US$ 1,500,000,000 AND 850,000,000
MULTICURRENCY REVOLVING
CREDIT FACILITIES
FOR GTECH CORPORATION
AND
GTECH S.P.A
CONTENTS
Clause |
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Page |
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1. |
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
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4 |
2. |
THE FACILITIES |
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51 |
3. |
PURPOSE |
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53 |
4. |
CONDITIONS OF UTILISATION |
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53 |
5. |
UTILISATION REVOLVING FACILITY LOANS |
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55 |
6. |
UTILISATION LETTERS OF CREDIT |
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56 |
7. |
UTILISATION - US DOLLAR SWINGLINE LOANS |
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62 |
8. |
LETTERS OF CREDIT |
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65 |
9. |
REPAYMENT |
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69 |
10. |
OPTIONAL CURRENCIES |
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70 |
11. |
US DOLLAR SWINGLINE FACILITY |
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70 |
12. |
ILLEGALITY, VOLUNTARY PREPAYMENT AND CANCELLATION |
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73 |
13. |
MANDATORY PREPAYMENT |
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76 |
14. |
RESTRICTIONS |
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77 |
15. |
INTEREST |
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77 |
16. |
INTEREST PERIODS |
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79 |
17. |
CHANGES TO THE CALCULATION OF INTEREST |
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79 |
18. |
FEES |
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81 |
19. |
TAX GROSS UP AND INDEMNITIES |
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83 |
20. |
INCREASED COSTS |
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98 |
21. |
OTHER INDEMNITIES |
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100 |
22. |
MITIGATION |
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101 |
23. |
COSTS AND EXPENSES |
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101 |
24. |
GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY |
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102 |
25. |
REPRESENTATIONS |
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108 |
26. |
INFORMATION UNDERTAKINGS |
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114 |
27. |
FINANCIAL COVENANTS |
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118 |
28. |
GENERAL UNDERTAKINGS |
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120 |
29. |
EVENTS OF DEFAULT |
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130 |
30. |
CHANGES TO THE LENDERS |
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136 |
31. |
CHANGES TO THE OBLIGORS |
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143 |
32. |
ROLE OF THE AGENT, THE ARRANGING PARTIES, THE GLOBAL COORDINATORS, THE SWINGLINE AGENT, THE ISSUING AGENT AND OTHERS |
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145 |
33. |
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY THE FINANCE PARTIES |
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154 |
34. |
SHARING AMONG THE FINANCE PARTIES |
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154 |
35. |
PAYMENT MECHANICS |
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155 |
36. |
SET-OFF |
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160 |
37. |
NOTICES |
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160 |
38. |
CALCULATIONS AND CERTIFICATES |
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163 |
39. |
TAX CHARACTERIZATION |
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164 |
40. |
PARTIAL INVALIDITY |
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164 |
41. |
REMEDIES AND WAIVERS |
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164 |
42. |
AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS |
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164 |
43. |
NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT |
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168 |
44. |
CONFIDENTIALITY |
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168 |
45. |
COUNTERPARTS |
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171 |
46. |
GOVERNING LAW |
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171 |
47. |
ENFORCEMENT |
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171 |
SCHEDULE 1 THE ORIGINAL PARTIES |
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173 |
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SCHEDULE 2 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT |
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181 |
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SCHEDULE 3 REQUESTS |
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186 |
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SCHEDULE 4 FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE |
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189 |
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SCHEDULE 5 FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT |
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194 |
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SCHEDULE 6 FORM OF ACCESSION LETTER |
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196 |
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SCHEDULE 7 FORM OF RESIGNATION LETTER |
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197 |
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SCHEDULE 8 FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE |
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198 |
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SCHEDULE 9 TIMETABLES - LOANS - NOTICES TO THE AGENT |
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199 |
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SCHEDULE 10 FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT |
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202 |
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SCHEDULE 11 AGENTS DETAILS |
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208 |
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SCHEDULE 12 ORIGINAL BORROWERS DETAILS |
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SCHEDULE 13 AGREED SECURITY PRINCIPLES |
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210 |
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SCHEDULE 14 FORM OF AFFIDAVIT |
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214 |
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SCHEDULE 15 FORM OF SUBSTITUTE AFFILIATE LENDER DESIGNATION NOTICE |
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220 |
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SCHEDULE 16 SELF DECLARATION FORM |
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THIS SENIOR FACILITIES AGREEMENT (this Agreement ) is dated 4 November 2014 and made
BETWEEN :
(1) GTECH S.p.A. , a company incorporated in Italy as a società per azioni ( GTECH );
(2) GTECH CORPORATION , a Delaware corporation ( GTECH Corporation and together with GTECH, the Original Borrowers );
(3) THE ENTITIES listed in Part I of Schedule 1 as original guarantors (the Original Guarantors );
(4) J.P. MORGAN LIMITED AND MEDIOBANCA BANCA DI CREDITO FINANZIARIO S.p.A. (directly or by way of their Affiliates) as global coordinators, bookrunners and mandated lead arrangers (the Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers );
(5) THE ENTITIES listed in Part III of Schedule 1 as bookrunners and mandated lead arrangers (the Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers );
(6) THE ENTITIES listed in Part IV of Schedule 1 as mandated lead arrangers (the Mandated Lead Arrangers );
(7) THE ENTITIES listed in Part V of Schedule 1 as arrangers (the Arrangers );
(8) THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS listed in Part IIA of Schedule 1 ( The Original Parties ) as lenders (the Original Lenders );
(9) THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC as facility agent of the other Finance Parties (the Agent );
(10) THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC as issuing agent of the Lenders (the Issuing Agent );
(11) KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION as agent of the US Dollar Swingline Lenders (the Swingline Agent ); and
(12) THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS listed in Part IIB of Schedule 1 ( The Original US Dollar Swingline Lenders ) as US Dollar Swingline Lenders (the Original US Dollar Swingline Lenders ).
IT IS AGREED as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions
In this Agreement:
Acceptable Bank means:
(a) a bank or financial institution which has a rating for its long term unsecured and non credit-enhanced debt obligations of BBB- or higher by S&P or Fitch or Baa3 or higher by Moodys or a comparable rating from an internationally recognised credit rating agency; or
(b) an Original Lender or any of its Affiliates; or
(c) any other bank or financial institution approved by the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent.
Accession Letter means a document substantially in the form set out in Schedule 6 ( Form of Accession Letter ) or in any other form acceptable to the Parent and the Agent.
Accounting Principles means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, the United Kingdom and Italy or IFRS.
Additional Borrower means a company which becomes a Borrower in accordance with Clause 31 ( Changes to the Obligors ).
Additional Guarantor means a person which becomes a Guarantor in accordance with Clause 31 ( Changes to the Obligors ).
Additional Obligor means an Additional Borrower or an Additional Guarantor.
Administrative Questionnaire means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Agent.
Affidavit means the affidavit substantially in the form set out in Schedule 14 ( Form of Affidavit ) as approved by the Italian Revenues Agency and made available on the website www.agenziaentrate.gov.it .
Affiliate means, in relation to any person, a Subsidiary of that person or a Holding Company of that person or any other Subsidiary of that Holding Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in relation to The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, the term Affiliate shall include The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. and each of its subsidiaries or subsidiary undertakings, but shall not include (i) the UK government or any member or instrumentality thereof, including Her Majestys Treasury and UK Financial Investments Limited (or any directors, officers, employees or entities thereof) or (ii) any persons or entities controlled by or under common control with the UK government or any member or instrumentality thereof (including Her Majestys Treasury and UK Financial Investments Limited) and which are not part of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc and its subsidiaries or subsidiary undertakings.
Agents Fee Letter means the fee letter dated on or about the date of this Agreement between the Agent and the Borrowers.
Agents Spot Rate of Exchange means, for a currency, the rate determined by the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) to be the rate quoted by the person acting in such capacity as the spot rate for the purchase by such person of such currency with another currency through its principal foreign exchange trading office at approximately 11:00 a.m. on the date two (2) Business Days prior to the date as of which the foreign exchange computation is made; provided that the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent may obtain such spot rate from another financial institution designated by the Agent, the Swingline
Agent or the Issuing Agent if the person acting in such capacity does not have as of the date of determination a spot buying rate for any such currency; and provided further that the Issuing Agent may use such spot rate quoted on the date as of which the foreign exchange computation is made in the case of any Letter of Credit denominated in an Optional Currency.
Agreed Security Principles means the principles set out in Schedule 13 ( Agreed Security Principles ).
Anti-Corruption Laws means all laws, rules and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to a Borrower or its Subsidiaries from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.
Anti-Terrorism Law means each of:
(a) the Executive Order;
(b) the USA PATRIOT Act;
(c) the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-570;
(d) the Foreign Asset Control Laws;
(e) the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 5311 et seq.);
(f) the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 et seq.);
(g) the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq.);
(h) the Trading with the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. App. §§1 et seq.); and
(i) any similar law enacted in the United States of America subsequent to the date of this Agreement.
Arrangement Fee Letter(s) means each arrangement fee letter dated on or about the date of this Agreement among the Original Borrowers and the Arranging Parties.
Arranging Parties means the Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers, the Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers, the Mandated Lead Arrangers and the Arrangers.
Assignment Agreement means an agreement substantially in the form set out in Schedule 5 ( Form of Assignment Agreement ) or any other form agreed between the relevant assignor and assignee.
Auditors means PricewaterhouseCoopers or any other firm approved in advance by the Agent (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
Authorisation means an authorisation, consent, approval, resolution, licence, exemption, filing, notarisation or registration.
Availability Period means:
(a) in relation to Revolving Facility A, the period from and including the date of this Agreement to and including the date falling one (1) Month prior to the Final Maturity Date; and
(b) in relation to Revolving Facility B, the period from and including the date of this Agreement to and including the date falling one (1) Month prior to the Final Maturity Date.
Available Revolving Commitment means, in relation to:
(a) Revolving Facility A (but without limiting Clause 7.5 ( Relationship with Revolving Facility A ), a Lenders Revolving Facility A Commitment less:
(i) the Base Currency Amount of its participation in any outstanding Utilisations (including any Revolving Facility A Loan deemed as such pursuant to Clause 8.3 ( Claims under a Letter of Credit )); and
(ii) in relation to any proposed Utilisation, the Base Currency Amount of its participation in any Utilisations (other than the proposed Utilisation) that are due to be made under Revolving Facility A on or before the proposed Utilisation Date; and
(b) Revolving Facility B, a Lenders Revolving Facility B Commitment less:
(i) the Base Currency Amount of its participation in any outstanding Utilisations (including any Revolving Facility B Loan deemed as such pursuant to Clause 8.3 ( Claims under a Letter of Credit )); and
(ii) in relation to any proposed Utilisation, the Base Currency Amount of its participation in any Utilisations (other than the proposed Utilisation) that are due to be made under Revolving Facility B on or before the proposed Utilisation Date,
it being understood in each case that for the purposes of calculating the Available Revolving Commitment, any Revolving Facility Commitment of Wells Fargo Bank, NA shall only be deemed to be a Revolving Facility A Commitment or a Revolving Facility B Commitment, as the case may be, from and including the Target Accession Date.
For the purposes of calculating a Lenders Available Revolving Commitment in relation to any proposed Utilisation of Loans, such Lenders participation in any Loans under Revolving Facility A or as the case may be, Revolving Facility B that are due to be repaid or prepaid on or before the proposed Utilisation Date as well as such Lenders US Dollar Swingline Commitments to the extent that they are due to be reduced or cancelled on or before the proposed Utilisation Date shall not be deducted from a Lenders Commitment under such Revolving Facility.
For the purposes of calculating a Lenders Available Revolving Commitment in relation to any proposed Utilisation under a Revolving Facility, such Lenders participation in any Letters of Credit issued under such Revolving Facility that are due to be reduced or cancelled on or
before the proposed Utilisation Date under such Revolving Facility shall not be deducted from a Lenders Commitment under the relevant Revolving Facility.
Available Revolving Facility means, in relation to each Revolving Facility, the aggregate for the time being of each Lenders Available Revolving Commitment in respect of that Revolving Facility.
Available US Dollar Swingline Commitment of a US Dollar Swingline Lender means (but without limiting Clause 7.5 ( Relationship with Revolving Facility A )) that Lenders US Dollar Swingline Commitment minus:
(a) the amount of its participation in any outstanding US Dollar Swingline Loans; and
(b) in relation to any proposed Utilisation under the US Dollar Swingline Facility, the amount of its participation in any US Dollar Swingline Loans that are due to be made under the US Dollar Swingline Facility on or before the proposed Utilisation Date,
other than that Lenders participation in any US Dollar Swingline Loans that are due to be repaid or prepaid on or before the proposed Utilisation Date.
Available US Dollar Swingline Facility means the aggregate for the time being of each US Dollar Swingline Lenders Available US Dollar Swingline Commitment.
B&D Holding means B&D Holding di Marco Drago e C. S.a.p.a., a company incorporated in Italy as a società in accomandita per azioni .
Base Currency means, in relation to Revolving Facility A, US Dollars and, in respect of Revolving Facility B, Euro.
Base Currency Amount means in relation to a Utilisation, the amount specified in the Utilisation Request delivered by the relevant Borrower for that Utilisation (or, if the amount requested is not denominated in the Base Currency, that amount converted into the Base Currency at the Agents Spot Rate of Exchange on the date which is two (2) Business Days before the Utilisation Date or, if later, on the date the Agent receives the Utilisation Request in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and, in the case of a Letter of Credit, as adjusted under Clause 6.10 ( Revaluation of Letters of Credit ) to reflect any repayment (other than a repayment arising from a change of currency), prepayment, cancellation or reduction (as applicable) of the Utilisation, as adjusted to reflect any repayment, prepayment, consolidation or division of a Utilisation.
Base Reference Bank Rate means the arithmetic mean of the rates (rounded upwards to four (4) decimal places) as supplied to the Agent at its request by the Base Reference Banks:
(a) in relation to LIBOR, as the rate at which the relevant Base Reference Bank could borrow funds in the London interbank market; or
(b) in relation to EURIBOR, as the rate at which the relevant Base Reference Bank could borrow funds in the European interbank market,
in the relevant currency and for the relevant period, were it to do so by asking for and then accepting interbank offers for deposits in reasonable market size in that currency and for that period.
Base Reference Banks means in relation to LIBOR, the principal London offices of Banca IMI S.p.A., Milan and Bank of America, N.A., London Branch and the principal Milan office of Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario S.p.A., Milan and, in relation to EURIBOR, the principal office in London of Banca IMI S.p.A., Milan and Bank of America, N.A., London Branch and the principal Milan office of Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario S.p.A., Milan or such other banks as may be appointed by the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) in consultation with the Parent.
Blacklisted Resident Entity means any person that is resident, domiciled, located for Tax purposes, or acting through a lending office qualifying as a Permanent Establishment to which any payment under the Finance Document is effectively connected, in a Blacklisted Jurisdiction.
Blacklisted Jurisdiction means:
(a) any country or territory listed as having a privileged tax regime in the Italian Ministerial Decree dated 23 January 2002 and issued by the Italian Minister of Finance, as amended or updated from time to time ; or
(b) ( as from the fiscal year in which the decree to be issued pursuant to article 168-bis of Italian Presidential Decree of 22 December 1986, No. 917 is effective, any country or territory which is not included in the list of countries and territories (the White List ) allowing an adequate exchange of information with the Italian Tax authorities (for the five (5) years starting on the date of publication of such decree in the Official Gazette, countries and territories that are not included in the current black-lists set forth by Italian Ministerial Decrees of 4 May 1999, 21 November 2001 and 23 January 2002, nor in the current white list set forth by Italian Ministerial Decree of 4 September 1996 or included under article 2 of Ministerial Decree 21 November 2001, with regards to the persons therein enclosed, and under article 3 of Ministerial Decree 21 November 2001, with the exclusions of the persons therein enclosed, are deemed to be included in the White List); or
(c) upon the occurrence of any Change of Tax Law, any country or territory listed in any regulation referred to under Article 110, Paragraph 10 of Italian Presidential Decree of 22 December 1986, No. 917, as from time to time amended or restated, as not allowing an adequate exchange of information with the Italian Tax authorities.
Borrower means an Original Borrower or an Additional Borrower, unless it has ceased to be a Borrower in accordance with Clause 31 ( Changes to the Obligors ).
Borrower DTTP Filing shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
Borrower Materials shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 26.7 ( Posting on electronic system ).
Break Costs means the amount (if any) by which:
(a) the interest (excluding the Margin) which a Lender should have received for the period from the date of receipt of all or any part of its participation in a Loan or Unpaid Sum to the last day of the current Interest Period in respect of that Loan or Unpaid Sum, had
the principal amount or Unpaid Sum received been paid on the last day of that Interest Period;
exceeds:
(b) the amount which such Lender would be able to obtain by placing an amount equal to the principal amount or Unpaid Sum received by it on deposit with a leading bank in the Relevant Interbank Market for a period starting on the Business Day following receipt or recovery and ending on the last day of the current Interest Period.
Bridge Facilities means the 364-day senior bridge facility to be entered into in accordance with the terms of the commitment letter dated 15 July 2014 among inter alios the Parent and Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Citibank N.A., London Branch, as joint lead bookrunners and joint lead arrangers.
Business means, with respect to the Group:
(a) the design, manufacture, sale, lease, delivery, installation, operation or maintenance of hardware and equipment (e.g. computers, computer terminals, on-line lottery terminals, instant ticket vending and dispensing machines, self-service terminals, gaming devices and machines, video lottery terminals, slot machines and amusement with prize machines) (collectively, Gaming Hardware ) and the design, development, sale, licensing, delivery, installation, operation or maintenance of software or game content (collectively, Gaming Software ) pertaining to the operation of games of chance or skill or pari-mutuel or fixed odds games (including lotteries (e.g. on-line, off-line, passive ticket, instant/scratch ticket, break-open ticket and video), pari-mutuel betting, bingo, race tracks, jai alai, legalized bookmaking, off-track betting, casino games, racino, keno, lotto and sports betting) (collectively, Games ) and the provision of any type of ancillary service or product related to or connected with the foregoing;
(b) the management, ownership or operation of (i) Games; (ii) Gaming Hardware; (iii) Gaming Software; and (iv) sales channels (retail, interactive and mobile) and the exercise of any governmental power or authority granted to any member of the Group in connection with any of the foregoing businesses set out at (i) to (iv) (including acting as operator/private manager of legal gaming licenses and concessions) and the provision of any products or services related to any of the foregoing businesses set out at (i) to (iv) (including, without limitation, marketing activities and services, player tracking activities and loyalty management, back-office software (player management tools), field service, field sales force management and security and consulting services to customers including software, telecommunications, marketing and other related advisory services or other ancillary tools and platform related services);
(c) (i) the provision of any type of government or state benefits processing or eligibility, or payment processing (including tax, utility, fines, fees and duties payment processing) and any products or services related to any of the foregoing businesses set out at paragraphs (a) and (b) and this paragraph (c); and (ii) the exercise of any governmental power or authority granted to any member of the Group in connection with the foregoing businesses described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above and in this paragraph (c);
(d) the provision of any type of commercial transaction processing or distribution services, including (i) debit, credit and bill payment transactions and money transfer transactions; (ii) distribution services such as electronic top-up services for pre-paid mobile and fixed-line telephone accounts and ticketing services for sporting, musical and other events; (iii) stored value services such as pre-paid cards for pay TV channels and debit cards; and (iv) any products or services related to the foregoing businesses described in paragraphs (a) through (c) above and in this paragraph (d);
(e) the provision of any type of information technology or any services derived from the technical, management, operational or other expertise developed or used by any member of the Group in connection with any business described herein and any products or services related to the foregoing businesses described in paragraphs (a) through (d) above and in this paragraph (e);
(f) the provision of any type of telecommunication services and other communications services similar to those or provided in connection with the businesses described in paragraphs (a) through (d) above;
(g) the design, manufacture, printing, sale or distribution (whether physically, electronically or by any other method) of instant, scratch, traditional or other lottery tickets (whether such tickets are physical, electronic or expressed through any other medium and whether such tickets allow the player to remove a cover layer (or any semblance thereof) physically, electronically or by any other method, to reveal whether the ticket is a prize winner) and the provision of any products or services related to the foregoing business described in paragraphs (a) through (f) above and in this paragraph (g);
(h) the employment of any hardware or software utilised in any of the businesses described in paragraphs (a) through (g) above whether by sale, lease, license or service in either government or commercial enterprises worldwide;
(i) the provision of social games, including, without limitation, through Internet websites and applications for smart phones, tablets and other devices; and
(j) any other business that is related to, or which is an extension, development or expansion of, any of the foregoing businesses described in paragraphs (a) through (i).
Business Day means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are open for general business in Las Vegas, London, Milan and New York and:
(a) (in relation to any date for payment or purchase of a currency other than Euro and US Dollars) the principal financial centre of the country of that currency; or
(b) (in relation to any date for payment or purchase of Euro) any TARGET Day.
Calculation Date has the meaning given to it in Clause 27.1 ( Financial definitions ).
Cancellation Date means the date specified in the notice which cancels and prepays the Existing Facilities in full.
Capital Securities means the 750,000,000 Subordinated Interest-Deferrable Capital Securities due 2066 and issued on 17 May 2006 by GTECH.
Cash Collateral Account means:
(a) an account to be established by the Agent in its name for the deposit of cash cover required to be posted pursuant to paragraph (b) of Clause 6.9 ( Revaluation of Letters of Credit ) and any replacement account thereof; and
(b) an account to be established by the Issuing Agent in its name for the deposit of cash cover required pursuant to Clause 8.6 ( Cash cover by Borrower ) to be posted in respect of Issuing Agent or Lender exposure to a Borrower or a beneficiary and any replacement account thereof.
Cash Equivalent Investments means at any time:
(a) demand or overnight deposits, time deposits, Eurodollar time deposits, bankers acceptances or certificates of deposit (in any case maturing within one (1) year after the relevant date of calculation):
(i) with or issued by an Acceptable Bank; or
(ii) with or issued by a Non-Acceptable Bank; provided that the amount of any such investments does not at any time exceed in the aggregate US$50,000,000 (or its equivalent in any other currencies);
(b) any investment in marketable debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the government of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, any member state of the European Economic Area or any Participating Member State or by an instrumentality or agency of any of them having an equivalent credit rating and any auction rate, variable rate or demand securities issued or guaranteed by any federal, state or municipal governmental authority of the United States of America, in each case, having a credit rating equal to BBB or higher by S&P or Baa2 or higher by Moodys, maturing or having a scheduled auction within one (1) year after the relevant date of calculation and not convertible or exchangeable to any other security;
(c) commercial paper not convertible or exchangeable to any other security:
(i) for which a recognised trading market exists;
(ii) issued by an issuer incorporated in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, any member state of the European Economic Area or any Participating Member State;
(iii) which matures within one (1) year after the relevant date of calculation; and
(iv) which has a credit rating of either A-1 or higher by S&P or F-1 or higher by Fitch or P-1 or higher by Moodys, or, if no rating is available in respect of the commercial paper, the issuer of which has, in respect of its long-term unsecured and non-credit enhanced debt obligations, an equivalent rating;
(d) sterling bills of exchange eligible for rediscount at the Bank of England and accepted by an Acceptable Bank (or their dematerialised equivalent);
(e) any investment accessible within thirty (30) days in money market funds which have a credit rating of either A-1 or higher by S&P or F-1 or higher by Fitch Rating Ltd or P-1 or higher by Moodys and which invest substantially all their assets in securities of the types described in paragraphs (a) through (d) above; or
(f) any other debt security approved by the Majority Lenders,
in each case to which any member of the Group is beneficially entitled at that time and which is not issued or guaranteed by any member of the Group or subject to any Security.
Change of Control means any person or group of persons acting in concert (other than any of the entities or companies constituting the Principal Shareholders) gains control of the Parent.
For the purpose of the paragraph above control means:
(a) the power (whether by way of ownership of shares, proxy, contract, agency or otherwise) to:
(i) cast, or control the casting of, more than one-half of the maximum number of votes that might be cast at a general meeting of GTECH (or, following the completion of the Mergers, of Holdco); or
(ii) appoint or remove all, or the majority, of the directors or other equivalent officers of GTECH (or, following completion of the Mergers, of Holdco); or
(iii) give directions with respect to the operating and financial policies of GTECH (or, following completion of the Mergers, of Holdco) with which the directors or other equivalent officers of GTECH (or, following completion of the Mergers, of Holdco) are obliged to comply; or
(b) the holding of more than thirty per cent. (30%) of the issued share capital of the Parent (excluding any part of that issued share capital that carries no right to participate beyond a specified amount in a distribution of either profits or capital) save in circumstances where the Principal Shareholders between them continue to hold directly or indirectly (whether by way of ownership of shares, proxy, contract, agency or otherwise) more of such issued share capital than the relevant person or group of persons.
For the purpose of the paragraph above acting in concert means, a group of persons who, pursuant to an agreement or understanding (whether formal or informal), actively co-operate, through the acquisition by any of them, either directly or indirectly, of shares in GTECH (or, following completion of the Mergers, of Holdco), to obtain or consolidate control of GTECH (or, following completion of the Mergers, of Holdco).
Change of Tax Law shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
Code means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time.
Commodity Exchange Act means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.
Compliance Certificate means a certificate substantially in the form set out in Schedule 8 ( Form of Compliance Certificate ) or otherwise in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent.
Confidential Information means all information relating to the Parent, any Obligor, the Group, the Finance Documents or a Revolving Facility of which a Finance Party becomes aware in its capacity as, or for the purpose of becoming, a Finance Party or which is received by a Finance Party in relation to, or for the purpose of becoming a Finance Party under, the Finance Documents or a Revolving Facility from either:
(a) any member of the Group or any of its advisers; or
(b) another Finance Party, if the information was obtained by that Finance Party directly or indirectly from any member of the Group or any of its advisers,
in whatever form, and includes information given orally and any document, electronic file or any other way of representing or recording information which contains or is derived or copied from such information but excludes information that:
(i) is or becomes public information other than as a direct or indirect result of any breach by that Finance Party of the terms of this Agreement; or
(ii) is identified in writing at the time of delivery as non-confidential by any member of the Group or any of its advisers; or
(iii) is known by that Finance Party before the date the information is disclosed to it in accordance with paragraphs (a) or (b) above or is lawfully obtained by that Finance Party after that date, from a source which is, as far as that Finance Party is aware, unconnected with the Group and which, in either case, as far as that Finance Party is aware, has not been obtained in breach of, and is not otherwise subject to, any obligation of confidentiality.
Confidentiality Undertaking means a confidentiality undertaking substantially in the recommended form of the LMA or in any other form agreed between the Borrowers and the Agent.
Consolidated Interest Expense has the meaning given to it in Clause 27.1 ( Financial Definitions ).
Default means an Event of Default or any event or circumstance specified in Clause 29 ( Events of Default ) which would (with the expiry of a grace period or the giving of notice, the making of any determination (where any provision of Clause 29 expressly requires a determination to be made) or any combination of any of the foregoing) be an Event of Default.
Defaulting Lender means any Lender:
(a) which has failed to make its participation in a Loan available or has notified the Agent that it will not make its participation in a Loan available by the Utilisation Date of that Loan in accordance with Clause 5.4 ( Lenders participation );
(b) which has otherwise rescinded or repudiated a Finance Document; or
(c) with respect to which an Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing.
Unless, in the case of paragraph (a) above:
(i) its failure to pay is caused by:
(A) administrative or technical error; or
(B) a Disruption Event; and,
payment is made within one (5) Business Days of its due date; or
(ii) the Lender is disputing in good faith whether it is contractually obliged to make the payment in question.
Designated Person means a person or entity:
(a) listed in the annex to, or otherwise subject to the provisions of, the Executive Order;
(b) named as a Specially Designated National and Blocked Person on the most current list published by OFAC at its official website or any replacement website or other replacement official publication of such list; or
(c) to the best of the Obligors knowledge, with which any Finance Party is prohibited from dealing or otherwise engaging in any transaction by any Anti-Terrorism Law.
Designated Website has the meaning given to that term in Clause 37.7 ( Use of websites ).
Dispute has the meaning given to that term in paragraph (a) of Clause 47.1 ( Jurisdiction of English courts ).
Disruption Event means either or both of:
(a) a material disruption to those payment or communications systems or to those financial markets which are, in each case, required to operate in order for payments to be made in connection with the Facilities (or otherwise in order for the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents to be carried out) which disruption is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, any of the Parties; or
(b) the occurrence of any other event which results in a disruption (of a technical or systems-related nature) to the treasury or payments operations of a Party preventing that, or any other Party:
(i) from performing its payment obligations under the Finance Documents; or
(ii) from communicating with other Parties in accordance with the terms of the Finance Documents,
and which (in either such case) is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, the Party whose operations are disrupted.
Distribution means:
(a) any dividend, charge, fee or other distribution (or interest on any unpaid dividend, charge, fee or other distribution) (whether in cash or in kind) on or in respect of share capital (or any class of share capital); or
(b) the payment or distribution of any dividend or share premium reserve.
Double Taxation Treaty means a double taxation agreement made between any Relevant Tax Jurisdiction and any other jurisdiction which makes provision for full exemption from, or a reduction in, Tax imposed by such Relevant Tax Jurisdiction on interest.
EBITDA has the meaning given to it in Clause 27.1 ( Financial Definitions ).
ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 of the United States of America as amended from time to time and any applicable regulations promulgated thereunder.
ERISA Affiliate means, with respect to any Obligor, any person that for the purposes of Title IV of ERISA is from time to time a member of the controlled group of any Obligor or under common control with any Obligor within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code.
ERISA Event means:
(a) the occurrence of a reportable event, within the meaning of Section 4043(c) of ERISA, with respect to any Plan unless the 30-day notice requirement with respect to such event has been waived by the PBGC; or
(b) the requirements of Section 4043(b) of ERISA applied with respect to a contributing sponsor, as defined in Section 4001(a)(13) of ERISA, of a Plan and an event described in paragraph (9), (10), (11), (12) or (13) of Section 4043(c) of ERISA is reasonably expected to occur with respect to such Plan within the following thirty (30) days;
(c) the application for a minimum funding waiver with respect to a Plan;
(d) the provision by the administrator of any Plan of a notice of intent to terminate such Plan pursuant to Section 4041(a)(2) of ERISA (including any such notice with respect to a plan amendment referred to in Section 4041(e) of ERISA);
(e) the cessation of operations at a facility of any Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate in the circumstances described in Section 4062(e) of ERISA;
(f) the withdrawal by any Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate from a Plan during a plan year for which it was a substantial employer, as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA;
(g) the failure to make a required contribution to any Plan that would result in the imposition of an encumbrance under the Code or ERISA;
(h) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Plan pursuant to Section 4042 of ERISA, or the occurrence of any event or condition described in Section 4042 of ERISA that constitutes grounds for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, such Plan;
(i) a determination that any Plan is, or is expected to be, in at-risk status (within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA); or
(j) the receipt by any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate of any notice that a Multiemployer Plan is in endangered or critical status (within the meaning of Section 305 of ERISA).
EURIBOR means, in relation to any Loan in euro:
(a) the applicable Screen Rate; or
(b) (if no Screen Rate is available for the Interest Period of that Loan) the Interpolated Screen Rate for that Loan; or
(c) if:
(i) no Screen Rate is available for the currency of that Loan; or
(ii) no Screen Rate is available for the Interest Period of that Loan and it is not possible to calculate an Interpolated Screen Rate for that Loan,
the Base Reference Bank Rate,
as of, in the case of paragraphs (a) and (c) above, the Specified Time on the Quotation Day for Euro and for a period equal in length to the Interest Period of that Loan and, if that rate is less than zero, EURIBOR shall be deemed to be zero.
Euro or means the single currency of the Participating Member States.
Event of Default means any event or circumstance specified as such in Clause 29 ( Events of Default ).
Excluded Assets means (i) loans to and receivables from other members of the Group, (ii) investments in Subsidiaries and (iii) consolidation entries (e.g., purchase accounting entries for goodwill and fair value adjustments to assets and liabilities) and elimination entries.
Excluded EBITDA Entries means consolidation entries and elimination entries.
Excluded Swap Obligation means, with respect to any Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the guarantee of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of Security to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Guarantors failure for any reason not to constitute an eligible contract participant as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder at the time the guarantee of such Guarantor or the grant of such Security becomes effective with respect to such related Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such guarantee or Security is or becomes illegal.
Executive Order means the US Executive Order No. 13224 on Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism.
Exempt Lender shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
Existing GTECH Facilities means the revolving credit facilities and term loan facility made available under a senior facilities agreement dated 20 December 2010 and made among, inter alios , GTECH (formerly known as Lottomatica Group S.p.A.) as the Parent, GTECH and GTECH Corporation as Borrowers, Banc of America Securities Limited, Banca IMI S.p.A. and Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario as Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers and Banc of America Securities Limited as Agent (as amended from time to time).
Existing GTECH Notes means each of the following issuances of debt securities by GTECH:
(a) 750,000,000 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2016;
(b) 500,000,000 5.375% Guaranteed Notes due 2018;
(c) 500,000,000 3.500% Guaranteed Notes due 2020; and
(d) the Capital Securities.
Existing Indebtedness means any Financial Indebtedness outstanding at any time under the Bridge Facilities, the Existing GTECH Facilities, the Existing GTECH Notes and the Existing Target Facility.
Existing Lender has the meaning given to that term in Clause 30.1 ( Assignments and transfers by the Lenders ).
Existing Target Facility means the revolving credit facility made available under an amended and restated credit agreement dated as of 23 April 2013 and made among inter alios Target, as the Borrower, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Union Bank, N.A., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc as Administrative Agent and Swing Line Lender.
Expiry Date means, for a Letter of Credit, the last day of its Term.
Facility Office means in respect of a Lender or an Issuing Agent, the office or offices notified by such Lender or an Issuing Agent to the Agent in writing on or before the date it becomes a Lender or an Issuing Agent (and, following that date, by not less than five (5) Business Days written notice) as the office or offices through which it will perform its obligations under this Agreement.
Facilities means Revolving Facility A, Revolving Facility B and the US Dollar Swingline Facility and Facility means any one of them.
FATCA means:
(a) Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code or any associated regulations;
(b) any treaty, law or regulation of any other jurisdiction, or relating to an intergovernmental agreement between the US and any other jurisdiction, which (in either case) facilitates the implementation of any law or regulation referred to in paragraph (a) above; or
(c) any agreement pursuant to the implementation of any treaty, law or regulation referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) above with the US Internal Revenue Service, the US government or any governmental or taxation authority in any other jurisdiction.
FATCA Application Date means:
(a) in relation to a withholdable payment described in section 1473(1)(A)(i) of the Code (which relates to payments of interest and certain other payments from sources within the US), 1 July 2014;
(b) in relation to a withholdable payment described in section 1473(1)(A)(ii) of the Code (which relates to gross proceeds from the disposition of property of a type that can produce interest from sources within the US), 1 January 2017; or
(c) in relation to a passthru payment described in section 1471(d)(7) of the Code not falling within paragraphs (a) or (b) above, 1 January 2017,
or, in each case, such other date from which such payment may become subject to a deduction or withholding required by FATCA as a result of any change in FATCA after the date of this Agreement.
FATCA Deduction means a deduction or withholding from a payment under a Finance Document required by FATCA.
FATCA Exempt Party means a Party that is entitled to receive payments free from any FATCA Deduction.
Federal Funds Rate means, in relation to any day, the rate per annum equal to:
(a) the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the US Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published for that day (or, if that day is not a New York Business Day, for the immediately preceding New York Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; or
(b) if a rate is not so published for any day which is a New York Business Day, the average of the quotations for that day on such transactions received by the Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognised standing selected by the Agent.
Federal Reserve Board means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States (or any successor thereto).
Fee Letter means each Arrangement Fee Letter, the Agents Fee Letter, the Swingline Agents Fee Letter and any letter or letters dated on or about the date of this Agreement between, inter alios , the Global Coordinators and the Borrowers (or the Agent and the Borrowers) setting out any of the fees referred to in Clause 18 ( Fees ).
Final Maturity Date means, in relation to each Facility, the date falling five (5) years after the date of this Agreement.
Finance Document means this Agreement, any Accession Letter, any Compliance Certificate, the Mandate Letter, any Fee Letter, any Resignation Letter, any Utilisation Request and any document, agreement or instrument entered into by an Issuing Agent and a Borrower or in favour of an Issuing Agent and relating to any Letter of Credit and any other document designated as a Finance Document by the Agent and the Borrowers.
Finance Party means the Agent, the Arranging Parties, any US Dollar Swingline Lender, the Lenders, the Swingline Agent and any Issuing Agent.
Financial Indebtedness means any indebtedness for or in respect of (without double counting):
(a) monies borrowed;
(b) any amount raised by acceptance under any acceptance credit facility or dematerialised equivalent;
(c) any amount raised pursuant to any note purchase facility or the issue of bonds, notes, debentures, loan stock or any similar instrument;
(d) the amount of any liability in respect of any lease or hire purchase contract which would, in accordance with the Accounting Principles, be treated as a finance or capital lease;
(e) receivables sold or discounted (other than any receivables to the extent they are sold on a non-recourse basis);
(f) for the purposes of paragraph (e) of the definition of Permitted Guarantee, Clause 28.12 ( Priority Financial Indebtedness ) and an Event of Default only, any Treasury Transaction (and, when calculating the value of that Treasury Transaction, only the marked to market value as at the relevant date on which Financial Indebtedness is calculated (or, if any actual amount is due as a result of the termination or close-out of that Treasury Transaction, that amount) shall be taken into account);
(g) any counter-indemnity obligation in respect of a guarantee, bond, standby or documentary letter of credit or any other instrument issued by a bank or financial institution;
(h) any amount of any liability under an advance or deferred purchase agreement if (i) one of the primary reasons behind entering into the agreement is to raise finance or (ii) the agreement is in respect of the supply of assets or services and payment is due more than one hundred and fifty (150) days after the date of supply;
(i) any amount raised under any other transaction (including any forward sale or purchase agreement) having the commercial effect of a borrowing; and
(j) the amount of any liability in respect of any guarantee for any of the items referred to in paragraphs (a) through (i) above;
provided that any counter-indemnity obligation in respect of performance or similar bonds, letters of credit (including Letters of Credit) or guarantees, in each case, guaranteeing performance by a member of the Group in relation to a liability (other than a liability in respect of Financial Indebtedness) which arises in the ordinary course of those activities described in the definition of Business shall not constitute Financial Indebtedness unless and until, and to the extent that, such performance or similar bonds, letters of credit (including Letters of Credit) or guarantees are drawn or called (as applicable).
Financial Quarter means, with respect to the Parent, each of the quarterly periods ending on 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December in each Financial Year by reference to which the quarterly accounts of members of the Group are prepared.
Financial Year means each period ending on 31 December in respect of which annual audited consolidated financial statements of the Group are required to be prepared.
Fitch means Fitch Ratings Ltd.
Foreign Asset Control Laws means the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq., the Trading with the Enemy Act, 50 U.S.C. App. §§ 1 et seq., any Executive Order or regulation promulgated thereunder and administered by OFAC.
Fraudulent Transfer Law means any applicable US Bankruptcy Law or any applicable US state fraudulent transfer or conveyance law.
Group means GTECH (or, following completion of the Merger, Holdco) and its Subsidiaries from time to time and member of the Group means any one of them.
Guarantee Sub-limit means:
(a) with respect to Revolving Facility A, the lesser of:
(i) US$200,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies); and
(ii) the Total Revolving Facility A Commitments; and
(b) with respect to Revolving Facility B, the lesser of:
(i) 200,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies); and
(ii) the Total Revolving Facility B Commitments.
Guarantor means an Original Guarantor or an Additional Guarantor, unless it has ceased to be a Guarantor in accordance with Clause 31 ( Changes to the Obligors ).
Hedging Bank means any (i) Lender or (ii) Affiliate of a Lender which has delivered an Accession Letter in the form set out in Schedule 6 ( Form of Accession Letter ) in each case which has entered into a hedging arrangement with any member of the Group in respect of a Treasury Transaction.
Hedging Document means the documents entered into between a Hedging Bank and a member of the Group for the purposes of implementing a hedging arrangement in respect of a Treasury Transaction.
Holdco means Georgia Worldwide PLC, a public limited company organised under the laws of England and Wales and a wholly owned Subsidiary of GTECH.
Holdco Merger means the series of transactions which consist principally of (i) the merger of GTECH with and into Holdco and (ii) the payment to GTECHs shareholders exercising withdrawal rights following such merger, each in accordance with the steps set out in the Structure Memorandum.
Holding Company means, in relation to a company or corporation, any other company or corporation in respect of which it is a Subsidiary.
IFRS means international accounting standards within the meaning of IAS Regulation 1606/2002 to the extent applicable to the relevant financial statements.
Impaired Agent means the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent, as the context requires, at any time when:
(a) it has failed to make (or has notified a Party that it will not make) a payment required to be made by it under the Finance Documents by the due date for payment;
(b) it otherwise rescinds or repudiates a Finance Document;
(c) (if it is also a Lender) it is a Defaulting Lender under paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition of Defaulting Lender; or
(d) an Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to it;
(e) unless, in the case of paragraph (a) above:
(i) its failure to pay is caused by:
(A) administrative or technical error; or
(B) a Disruption Event; and
payment is made within five (5) Business Days of its due date; or
(ii) it is disputing in good faith whether it is contractually obliged to make the payment in question.
Increased Costs has the meaning given to it in paragraph (b) of Clause 20.1 ( Increased Costs ).
Initial Margin Trigger Event means the first to occur of the following events:
(a) the completion of the Transactions;
(b) a change of at least one of the two Public Debt Ratings issued by S&P and Moodys; and
(c) termination of the Merger Agreement, or the public disclosure by the Parent that it no longer intends to proceed with the completion of the Mergers;
provided that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, paragraph (b) shall be interpreted so as to mean a change of at least two of the three Public Debt Ratings.
Insolvency Event in relation to a Finance Party means that the Finance Party:
(a) is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger);
(b) becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts as they become due or fails or admits in writing its inability generally to pay its debts as they become due;
(c) makes a general assignment, arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors generally;
(d) institutes or has instituted against it, by a regulator, supervisor or any similar official with primary insolvency, rehabilitative or regulatory jurisdiction over it in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organisation or the jurisdiction of its head or home office, a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors rights, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation by it or such regulator, supervisor or similar official;
(e) has instituted against it a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors rights, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation, and, in the case of any such proceeding or petition instituted or presented against it, such proceeding or petition is instituted or presented by a person or entity not described in paragraph (d) above and:
(i) results in a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or the entry of an order for relief or the making of an order for its winding-up or liquidation; or
(ii) is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained in each case within thirty (30) days of the institution or presentation thereof;
(f) has a resolution passed for its winding-up, official management or liquidation (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger);
(g) seeks or becomes subject to the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for all or substantially all its assets;
(h) has a secured party take possession of all or substantially all its assets or has a distress, execution, attachment, sequestration or other legal process levied, enforced or sued on or against all or substantially all its assets and such secured party maintains possession, or any such process is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in each case within thirty (30) days thereafter;
(i) causes or is subject to any event with respect to it which, under the applicable laws of any jurisdiction, has an analogous effect to any of the events specified in paragraphs (a) through (h) above; or
(j) takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the foregoing acts.
Insufficiency means, with respect to any Plan, the amount, if any, of its unfunded liabilities, as defined in section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA.
Intellectual Property means:
(a) any patents, trade marks, service marks, designs, business names, copyrights, design rights, moral rights, inventions, confidential information, know-how and other intellectual property rights and interests, whether registered or unregistered; and
(b) the benefit of all applications and rights to use such assets of each member of the Group.
Interest Period means, in relation to a Loan, each period determined in accordance with Clause 16 ( Interest Periods ) and, in relation to an Unpaid Sum, each period determined in accordance with Clause 15.4 ( Default interest ).
Interpolated Screen Rate means, in relation to LIBOR or EURIBOR for any Loan, the rate which results from interpolating on a linear basis between:
(a) the applicable Screen Rate for the longest period (for which that Screen Rate is available) which is less than the Interest Period of that Loan; and
(b) the applicable Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which that Screen Rate is available) which exceeds the Interest Period of that Loan,
each as of the Specified Time on the Quotation Day for the currency of that Loan.
IRAP means the Italian Regional tax on productive activities set forth by Italian Legislative Decree of 15 December 1997, No. 446.
ITA means the Income Tax Act 2007 of the United Kingdom.
Italian Borrower means a Borrower which is resident in Italy for Tax purposes and not acting for the purposes of the Finance Documents through a Permanent Establishment located outside Italy.
Italian Civil Code means the Italian civil code, enacted by Royal Decree No. 262 of 16 March 1942.
Italian Guarantor means a Guarantor which is resident in Italy for Tax purposes pursuant to article 73 of Italian Presidential Decree No. 917 of 22 December 1986 not acting for the purposes of the Finance Documents through a Permanent Establishment located outside Italy.
Italian Holdco means Lottomatica Holding S.r.l., a company incorporated in Italy as a società a responsabilità limitata with its registered office at Viale del Campo Boario 56/D 00154 Rome, Italy, and having registration number 13044331000.
Italian Insolvency Proceeding means, with respect to the Parent, each Obligor incorporated in Italy and each Material Subsidiary incorporated in Italy (i) any proceeding concerning its
liquidation, bankruptcy, dissolution, reorganisation, moratorium or proceedings similar or analogous thereto including bankruptcy ( fallimento ), arrangements with creditors ( concordato preventivo ), forced administration liquidation ( liquidazione coatta amministrativa ), extraordinary administration of large companies in insolvency ( amministrazione straordinaria delle grandi imprese in stato di insolvenza ), assignments for the benefit of creditors ( cessione di beni ai creditori ), arrangements with creditors in the context of Article 67, paragraph 2, letter d) of the Italian Insolvency Law or restructuring arrangements pursuant to Article 182 bis of Italian Insolvency Law, out-of-court restructurings or winding-up ( liquidazione ) set out in the Italian Insolvency Law, the Italian Civil Code or any other applicable Italian laws, as well as any other proceeding defined as procedura di risanamento or procedura concorsuale under Legislative Decree no. 170 dated 21 May 2004, and (ii) any equivalent or analogous liquidation, insolvency or reorganisation proceedings under the applicable laws, legislation, rules and regulations of any other jurisdiction.
Italian Insolvency Law means Royal Decree No. 267 of 16 March 1942.
Italian Obligor means an Italian Borrower or an Italian Guarantor.
Italian Opco means an Italian newly incorporated Subsidiary of the Parent to which the operating assets and liabilities of the Parent are contributed pursuant to the Italian Reorganisation and in accordance with the Structure Memorandum.
Italian Qualifying Lender shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
Italian Reorganisation means the series of transactions which consists principally of (i) the contribution of the operating assets of GTECH to Italian Opco, (ii) the assumption of the liabilities related to such assets by Italian Opco and (iii) the contribution of shares in the Italian Opco and certain other Subsidiaries of GTECH by GTECH into Italian Holdco, each in accordance with the steps set out in the Structure Memorandum.
Italian Treaty Lender shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
Joint Venture means any joint venture entity, whether a company, unincorporated firm, undertaking, association, joint venture or partnership or any other entity in which the Group has a 50 per cent. or a minority interest and which is accordingly not consolidated in the financial statements of that member of the Group as a Subsidiary, it being understood however that in each case the proportion of the Groups interest in the joint venture entity may be consolidated in the financial statements of the relevant member of the Group on a proportional basis.
L/C Proportion means, in relation to a Lender in respect of any Letter of Credit, the proportion (expressed as a percentage) borne by such Lenders Available Revolving Commitment to the Available Revolving Facility immediately prior to the issue of that Letter of Credit, adjusted to reflect any assignment or transfer under this Agreement to or by such Lender.
Legal Opinion means any legal opinion delivered to the Agent under Clause 4.1 ( Initial Conditions Precedent ) or Clause 31 ( Changes to the Obligors ).
Legal Reservations means any matters which are set out as qualifications or reservations as to matters of law of general application in the Legal Opinions.
Lender means:
(a) any Original Lender; and
(b) any bank, financial institution, trust, fund or other entity which has become a Party in accordance with Clause 30 ( Changes to the Lenders ),
which, in each case, has not ceased to be a Party in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Letter of Credit means:
(a) a syndicated letter of credit substantially in the form set out in Schedule 10 ( Form of Letter of Credit ); or
(b) any syndicated letter of credit, syndicated guarantee, syndicated indemnity or other instrument of a similar nature in a form requested by the Borrowers which meets the minimum requirements of Clause 6.6 ( Form of Letters of Credit ) and agreed by the Agent and the Issuing Agent (acting on the instructions of all the Lenders under the Revolving Facility pursuant to which it is requested),
in each case issued or deemed issued under this Agreement.
Letter of Credit Fee means the fee payable to the Agent (for the account of each Lender participating in the relevant Letter of Credit) in accordance with the provisions set out in Clause 18.6 ( Fees payable in respect of Letters of Credit ).
LIBOR means, in relation to any Loan in any currency other than Euro:
(a) the applicable Screen Rate;
(b) (if no Screen Rate is available for the Interest Period of that Loan) the Interpolated Screen Rate for that Loan; or
(c) if:
(i) no Screen Rate is available for the currency of that Loan; or
(ii) no Screen Rate is available for the Interest Period of that Loan and it is not possible to calculate an Interpolated Screen Rate for that Loan,
the Base Reference Bank Rate,
as of, in the case of paragraphs (a) and (c) above, the Specified Time on the Quotation Day for the currency of that Loan and for a period equal in length to the Interest Period of that Loan and, if that rate is less than zero, LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero.
LMA means the Loan Market Association.
Loan means a Revolving Facility A Loan, a Revolving Facility B Loan or a US Dollar Swingline Loan.
Majority Lenders means a Lender or Lenders whose Revolving Facility Commitments aggregate more than 66 2 / 3 per cent. of the Total Facility Commitments (or, if the Total Facility Commitments have been reduced to zero, aggregated more than 66 2 / 3 per cent. of the Total Facility Commitments immediately prior to that reduction).
Mandate Letter means the appointment letter dated 5 September 2014 among GTECH, GTECH Corporation and the Global Coordinators.
Margin means:
(a) at any time prior to an Initial Margin Trigger Event, 1.60 per cent. per annum; and
(b) from and including an Initial Margin Trigger Event until the Termination Date for Revolving Facility A and Revolving Facility B, such percentage per annum as is set out below in the column Applicable Margin in respect of the Public Debt Rating applicable below:
Public Debt Ratings |
|
Applicable Margin |
|
BBB/Baa2 or higher |
|
1.00 |
% |
BBB-/Baa3 |
|
1.40 |
% |
BB+/Ba1 |
|
1.80 |
% |
BB/Ba2 |
|
2.20 |
% |
BB-/Ba3 or lower |
|
2.75 |
% |
Provided that :
(a) in the event of split Public Debt Ratings, the Applicable Margin shall be the average of the two (2) Applicable Margins;
(b) in the event of withdrawal of a Public Debt Rating, the Applicable Margin shall be such rate which is the average of the applicable rate for the remaining Public Debt Rating and 2.75%; and
(c) in the event of withdrawal of all Public Debt Ratings, the Applicable Margin shall be 2.75% until at least one Public Debt Rating is reinstated;
(d) any increase or decrease in the Margin for a Loan shall take effect on the date which is the first day of the next Interest Period for that Loan following the occurrence of the relevant Margin Rating Event;
(e) any increase or decrease in the Margin for a Loan for the purpose of calculation of the Commitment Fee shall take effect as of the date on which the relevant Margin Rating Event occurs;
(f) in circumstances where there is no Loan outstanding, the Margin for the purposes of calculating any commitment fee shall nevertheless increase or decrease in accordance with the table set out in paragraph (b) above; and
(g) notwithstanding paragraphs (a) through (f) above, when an Event of Default is continuing, the highest rate set out in the table in paragraph (b) above shall apply effective from the date on which the Event of Default occurs,
provided that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, then the Public Debt Ratings in the table above and the references to Public Debt Ratings in paragraphs (a) through (c) above shall be interpreted on the basis of the three Public Debt Ratings such that references to two (2) shall be to three (3).
Margin Rating Event means:
(a) the Initial Margin Trigger Event; and
(b) subsequently, a change of at least one of the two Public Debt Ratings issued by S&P and Moodys;
provided that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, paragraph (b) shall be interpreted so as to mean a change of at least two of the three Public Debt Ratings.
Margin Stock means margin stock as defined in Regulation U.
Market Disruption Event has the meaning given to it in Clause 17.2 ( Market disruption ).
Material Adverse Effect means a material adverse effect on:
(a) the ability of the Obligors (taken as a whole) to perform in a timely manner their payment obligations arising under the Finance Documents, the obligations arising under Clause 27 ( Financial Covenants ) or any other material obligations under any of the Finance Documents;
(b) the business, financial condition, assets or revenues of the Group taken as a whole; or
(c) the legality, validity or enforceability against the Obligors of any Finance Document subject always to the Legal Reservations.
Material Subsidiary means a Subsidiary of the Parent whose:
(a) total unconsolidated assets excluding the Excluded Assets are greater than or equal to ten per cent. (10%) (if the Subsidiary of the Parent is not a Guarantor) or five per cent. (5%) (if the Subsidiary is a Guarantor) of the total consolidated assets of the Group excluding the Excluded Assets, or
(b) unconsolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (calculated on the same basis that EBITDA of the Group is calculated but excluding the Excluded EBITDA Entries are greater than or equal to ten per cent. (10%) (if the Subsidiary of the Parent is not a Guarantor) or five per cent. (5%) (if the Subsidiary is a Guarantor) of the EBITDA of the Group excluding the Excluded EBITDA Entries.
A Material Subsidiary will be determined by reference to the latest balance sheet and income statement (or, if available, audited financial statements) of such Subsidiary and the latest audited consolidated financial statements of the Group. However, if a Subsidiary has been acquired since the date as at which the latest audited consolidated financial statements of the Group were prepared, the balance sheet and income statement (or, if available, audited financial statements) shall be deemed to be adjusted in order to take into account the acquisition of that Subsidiary (that adjustment being certified by an authorised officer of the Parent as representing an accurate reflection of the revised consolidated assets or EBITDA of the Group if so requested by the Agent).
Maximum Amount has the meaning given to it in Clause 24.13 ( Guarantee limitations applicable to GTECH as Parent ).
Merger Agreement means the agreement and plan of merger agreement dated 15 July 2014 and entered into among GTECH, GTECH Corporation (solely with respect to Section 5.02(a) and Article VIII), Holdco, Target Merger Sub and Target relating to the Mergers.
Merger Capital Reduction means the initial proposed court-approved reduction of capital of Holdco under the UK Companies Act 2006, to be implemented following completion of the Mergers as described in and effected in accordance with, the Structure Memorandum.
Mergers means the Holdco Merger and the Target Merger.
Month means a period starting on one day in a calendar month and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the next calendar month, except that:
(a) (subject to paragraph (c) below) if the numerically corresponding day is not a Business Day, that period shall end on the next Business Day in that calendar month in which that period is to end if there is one, or if there is not, on the immediately preceding Business Day;
(b) if there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month in which that period is to end, that period shall end on the last Business Day in that calendar month; and
(c) if an Interest Period begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month, that Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day in the calendar month in which that Interest Period is to end.
The above rules will only apply to the last Month of any period. Monthly shall be construed accordingly.
Moodys means Moodys Investor Services Limited.
Multiemployer Plan means a multiemployer plan, as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, then or at any time during the previous five (5) years maintained for, or contributed to (or to which there is or was an obligation to contribute) on behalf of, employees of any Obligor or ERISA Affiliates.
Multiple Employer Plan means a single employer plan, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, that:
(a) is maintained for employees of any Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate and at least one person (other than the Obligors and the ERISA Affiliates); or
(b) was so maintained and in respect of which any Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate could have liability under Section 4064 or 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.
New Lender has the meaning given to it in Clause 30.1 ( Assignment and transfers by the Lenders ).
New York Business Day means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for general business in New York City.
Non-Acceptable Bank means any bank or financial institution that does not meet the requirements of paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition of Acceptable Bank.
Non-Consenting Lender has the meaning given to it in paragraph (c) of Clause 42.3 ( Replacement of Lender ).
Obligor means a Borrower or a Guarantor.
Obligors Agent means the Parent, appointed to act on behalf of each Obligor in relation to the Finance Documents pursuant to Clause 2.3 ( Obligors Agent ).
OFAC means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.
Optional Currency means, as applicable, US Dollars, Euro, Pounds Sterling and any other currency agreed by all Lenders and, in the case of a Letter of Credit, another currency (other than the Base Currency) which complies with the conditions set out in Clause 4.3 ( Conditions relating to Optional Currencies ).
Original Financial Statements means:
(a) in relation to the Parent, the audited consolidated financial statements of the Group for the Financial Year ended 31 December 2013; and
(b) in relation to GTECH Corporation, its audited financial statements for its financial year ended 31 December 2013.
Original Guarantors has the meaning given to it in the preamble of this Agreement.
Original Lenders has the meaning given to it in the preamble to this Agreement.
Original Obligor means an Original Borrower or an Original Guarantor.
Original US Dollar Swingline Lenders has the meaning given to it in the preamble to this Agreement.
Overall Facility A Commitment of a Lender means:
(a) its Revolving Facility A Commitment; or
(b) in the case of a US Dollar Swingline Lender which does not have a Revolving Facility A Commitment, the Revolving Facility A Commitment of a Lender which is its Affiliate.
PBGC means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation of United States of America established pursuant to Section 4002 of ERISA (or any successor).
Paper Form Lender has the meaning given to it in paragraph (a) of Clause 37.7 ( Use of Websites ).
Parent means GTECH and, following completion of the Holdco Merger, Holdco.
Pari Passu Indebtedness has the meaning given to it in Clause 28.23 ( Security following Debt Ratings decrease ).
Participating Member State means any member state of the European Union that has the Euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Union relating to Economic and Monetary Union.
Party means a party to this Agreement.
Permanent Establishment means any fixed base of business ( stabile organizzazione ) regulated by article 162 of Presidential Decree No. 917 of 22 December 1986, Article 5 of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Model Tax Convention and or any equivalent provision provided for by any relevant legislation.
Permitted Acquisition means any and all of the following:
(a) any acquisition which constitutes a Permitted Transaction;
(b) an acquisition by a member of the Group of an asset sold, leased, transferred or otherwise disposed of by another member of the Group in circumstances constituting a Permitted Disposal;
(c) an acquisition of shares or securities pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition Share Issue;
(d) an acquisition of securities or other investments which are Cash Equivalent Investments;
(e) an acquisition in circumstances constituting a Joint Venture or the incorporation of a Joint Venture;
(f) the incorporation or other organization of a person who upon incorporation or other organization becomes a member of the Group (and such incorporation may be by way of subscription for shares in cash or a transfer of assets permitted by this Agreement in lieu of cash); or
(g) an acquisition by way of purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of (A) at least a controlling interest in a person or (B) a business, line of business, division, or other business unit of a person, or an undertaking carried on as a going concern, but only if:
(i) no Default is continuing on the closing date for the acquisition or would occur as a result of the acquisition;
(ii) the acquired company, business or undertaking is (A) principally engaged in any part of the Business or is a Holding Company with respect to a company which is principally engaged in any part of the Business or (B) is empowered under its constitutional documents or by-laws to be engaged in any part of the Business; and
either
(A) the consideration (including associated costs and expenses) for the acquisition and any Financial Indebtedness or other assumed actual or contingent liability, in each case remaining in the acquired company (or any such business) at the date of acquisition (when aggregated with the consideration (including associated costs and expenses) for any other Permitted Acquisition and any Financial Indebtedness or other assumed actual or contingent liability, in each case remaining in any such acquired companies or businesses at the time of acquisition (A) does not exceed in aggregate in any Financial Year of the Parent, ten per cent. (10%) of the consolidated total assets of the Group and (B) does not exceed in aggregate at any time, US$2,250,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) unless and until the Group obtains a Public Debt Rating upgrade to BBB by S&P and Baa2 by Moodys, in which case the cap of US$2,250,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) will cease to apply for such time as the Group retains such ratings upgrade;
or
(B) upon confirmation of the acquisition, each of Moodys and S&P disclose publicly that the Group has a Public Debt Rating and its indebtedness has, in each case, a credit rating of at least Baa3 and BBB-, respectively;
provided that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, this paragraph (g) shall be interpreted so as to mean the date on which at least two of the three Public Debt Ratings issued by the Rating Agencies are so upgraded or disclosed.
Permitted Acquisition Share Issue means:
(a) an issue of shares constituting a Permitted Transaction;
(b) an issue of shares by one wholly owned Subsidiary of the Parent to its direct Holding Company which is another wholly owned Subsidiary of the Parent or to the Parent (or to another member of the Group which is the shareholder); or
(c) an issue of shares by a Subsidiary of the Parent to the member of the Group which is its direct Holding Company and any minority shareholder in the relevant Subsidiary.
Permitted Disposal means any sale, lease, licence, transfer or other disposal:
(a) which constitutes a Permitted Transaction;
(b) of trading stock or inventory, supplies, materials, assets or cash made by any member of the Group in the ordinary course of business of the disposing entity;
(c) of any asset by a member of the Group (the Disposing Company ) to another member of the Group (the Acquiring Company ), but if:
(i) the Disposing Company is an Obligor, the Acquiring Company must also be an Obligor; and
(ii) the Disposing Company is a Guarantor, the Acquiring Company must be a Guarantor guaranteeing at all times an amount no less than that guaranteed by the Disposing Company,
it being understood that (A) if any of the assets being sold, leased, licensed, transferred or otherwise disposed of are at such time subject to Security in favour of the Lenders, then the Agent is reasonably satisfied that the Lenders will continue to benefit from the same or equivalent Security; and (B) any disposal of assets by a member of the Group to another member of the Group which sale is made as an intermediate step for the purpose of effecting a subsequent disposal to a third party that is not a member of the Group and that is otherwise permitted under the definition of Permitted Disposal shall not be considered for the purposes of this sub-paragraph (c) or sub-paragraph (i) as long as such subsequent disposal is completed within a period of two (2) months from the date of such first disposal. For the avoidance of doubt, any subsequent disposal to a third party that is not a member of the Group shall be considered for the purposes of sub-paragraph (i);
(d) of assets (other than shares), in exchange for other assets substantially comparable or superior as to type, value or quality;
(e) of (i) obsolete, worn out, inefficient or redundant vehicles, plant fixtures, equipment or other property or (ii) leases or subleases of Real Property (including surplus office and parking space);
(f) of Cash Equivalent Investments for cash or in exchange for other Cash Equivalent Investments;
(g) constituted by a licence of intellectual property rights permitted by Clause 28.14 ( Intellectual Property );
(h) by a member of the Group of any of its receivables on non-recourse terms where the relevant sale or disposal of such receivables does not constitute Financial Indebtedness for the purposes of the relevant applicable Accounting Principles and; provided that it is on normal commercial terms and in the ordinary course of business; or
(i) of assets for cash where the greater of the fair market value and net consideration receivable (when aggregated with the greater of the fair market value and net consideration receivable for any other sale, lease, licence, transfer or other disposal not allowed under the preceding paragraphs or as a Permitted Merger) does not exceed (A) in any Financial Year of the Parent, five per cent. (5%) of the consolidated total assets of the Group or (B) at any time, US$1,125,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies),
it being understood that nothing in this Agreement will be taken to permit the disposal of a Guarantor or Borrower (whether by Third Party Disposal or otherwise) save in circumstances where prior to the disposal the relevant Guarantor or Borrower resigns as Guarantor or Borrower (or both, as they case may be) in accordance with paragraph (a) of Clause 31.3 ( Resignation of an Obligor ), satisfies the conditions set out in and has its resignation is accepted pursuant to, paragraph (b) of Clause 31.3 ( Resignation of an Obligor ).
Permitted Guarantee means:
(a) any guarantee or counter-indemnity by a member of the Group which constitutes a Permitted Transaction;
(b) the endorsement of negotiable instruments in the ordinary course of business;
(c) any guarantee guaranteeing performance by a member of the Group in relation to an obligation or liability (other than an obligation or liability in respect of Financial Indebtedness) which arises in the ordinary course of business;
(d) any counter-indemnities for performance or similar bond or letters of credit, or any guarantees, in each case guaranteeing performance by a member of the Group in relation to a liability (other than a liability in respect of Financial Indebtedness, save to the extent arising under the relevant performance or similar bond, letter of credit or guarantee itself) which arises in the ordinary course of business or by operation of law, including by way of example and without limitation, counter-indemnities for guarantees or bonds issued on behalf of any member of the Group in the ordinary course of business in respect of tax claims or otherwise as a result of any legal proceedings brought against any member of the Group, in each case which are being contested in good faith;
(e) any guarantee by a Guarantor of Financial Indebtedness not restricted under Clause 28.12 ( Priority Financial Indebtedness ), including any guarantee issued pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;
(f) any guarantee given in respect of the netting or set-off arrangements permitted pursuant to paragraph (d) of the definition of Permitted Security; or
(g) any other guarantee made by any member of the Group so long as the aggregate amount of all such guarantees outstanding does not exceed US$75,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) at any time.
Permitted Loan means:
(a) any loan extended or made which constitutes a Permitted Transaction;
(b) any trade credit extended by any member of the Group to its customers on normal commercial terms and in the ordinary course of business;
(c) any financing extended in connection with the sale of products manufactured by a member of the Group by (i) a member of the Group or (ii) a distributor of products manufactured by a member of the Group to a customer, in each case on normal commercial terms and in the ordinary course of such members trade or business;
(d) a loan extended or made by a member of the Group to another member of the Group;
(e) a loan extended or made by a member of the Group to an employee or director of any member of the Group if the amount of that loan when aggregated with the amount of all loans outstanding to employees and directors by members of the Group does not exceed US$15,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) at any time; and
(f) loans extended or made by any member of the Group (other than a loan made by a member of the Group to another member of the Group) so long as the aggregate amount of all such loans outstanding does not exceed US$35,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) at any time.
Permitted Merger means:
(a) any solvent amalgamation, merger, consolidation, intra-group demerger, corporate reconstruction, liquidation or reorganisation which constitutes a Permitted Transaction;
(b) any amalgamation, merger or consolidation by and between Obligors on a solvent basis or any intra-group demergers or corporate reconstructions by Obligors on a solvent basis; provided that in the case of a merger between a Borrower and an Obligor which is not a Borrower, such Borrower shall be the surviving entity, obtain all of the rights and assume all of the obligations and liabilities of the other Obligor and confirm all existing Security granted by such other Obligor and such Security is not materially and adversely affected;
(c) any amalgamation, merger or consolidation by and between an Obligor and any member of the Group on a solvent basis which is not an Obligor; provided that either (i) the Obligor is the surviving entity, obtains all of the rights and assumes all of the obligations and liabilities of the other member of the Group and confirms all existing Security granted by such other member of the Group or (ii) the non-Obligor is the surviving entity, accedes to this Agreement as a Borrower or a Guarantor, as applicable, obtains all of the rights and assumes all of the obligations and liabilities of the other member of the Group and confirms all existing Security previously granted by such Obligor and such Security is not materially and adversely affected;
(d) any amalgamation, merger or consolidation by and between members of the Group which are not Obligors;
(e) any intra-group de-merger, corporate reconstruction, liquidation or reorganisation of any member of the Group which is not an Obligor; and
(f) the Merger Reduction of Capital.
Permitted Restricted Payment means the any of the following:
(a) a Permitted Transaction;
(b) subject to the proviso below, for the Financial Year ending on 31 December 2014, any Restricted Payments; provided that the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments made in the Financial Year ending on 31 December 2014 shall not exceed the applicable limit set forth in paragraph (c) and which shall reduce the applicable limit set forth in paragraph (c) for the Financial Year ending on 31 December 2015;
(c) subject to the proviso below, for the Financial Year ending on 31 December 2015 and each Financial Year thereafter, Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount up to:
(i) US$400,000,000 for each Financial Year if the Public Debt Ratings are equal to or higher than BB+ and Ba1; provided that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, this paragraph (i) shall be interpreted to mean at least two of the three Public Debt Ratings issued by the Rating Agencies being equal to or higher than BB+ or Ba1 as applicable; and
(ii) US$300,000,000 for each Financial Year if any Public Debt Rating is lower than BB+ or Ba1 or any Public Debt Rating is withdrawn; provided that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, this paragraph (ii) shall be interpreted to mean two of the three Public Debt Ratings issued by the Rating Agencies being lower than BB+ or Ba1 as applicable,
subject in each case to the Parent certifying pro forma compliance with ninety per cent (90%) of the Total Net Debt to EBITDA ratio applicable for the immediately preceding Relevant Period pursuant to Clause 27.2(b) ( Financial Conditions );
(d) subject to the proviso below, Rescission Payments in an aggregate amount which is greater than twenty per cent. (20%) of the aggregate share capital of GTECH and which, with respect to the period starting on the date of this Agreement and ending on 30 June 2015, do not exceed an aggregate amount (in addition to the limits set forth in paragraph (c) above) US$400,000,000;
provided that , for the period starting on the date of this Agreement and ending on 31 December 2015, the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments and Rescission Payments under paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) shall not exceed:
(i) US$690,000,000 if the Public Debt Ratings are equal to or higher than BB+ or Ba1; provided that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, this paragraph (i) shall be interpreted to mean at least two of the three Public Debt Ratings issued by the Rating Agencies being equal to or higher than BB+ or Ba1 as applicable; and
(ii) US$540,000,000 if the Public Debt Ratings are lower than BB+ or Ba1 or any Public Debt Rating is withdrawn; provided that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, this paragraph (ii) shall be interpreted to mean two of the three Public Debt Ratings issued by the Rating Agencies being lower than BB+ or Ba1 as applicable;
(e) for the period starting on 1 January 2016 and ending on the Final Maturity Date and for so long as the Public Debt Ratings are equal to or higher than BB+ and Ba1 (in addition to amounts permitted under paragraphs (a) through (d) above), Share Buy Backs in an aggregate amount up to US$150,000,000; provided that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, this paragraph (e) shall be interpreted to mean at least two of the three Public Debt Ratings issued by the Rating Agencies being equal to or higher than BB+ or Ba1 as applicable;
(f) any Shareholder Payments in the ordinary course of business and on market terms in an aggregate amount up to US$3,000,000 in any Financial Year; and
(g) any Restricted Payments made in connection with share capital of the Parent owned by management of the Group as part of an employee compensation plan, including, without limitation, stock based compensation and management incentive plans.
Permitted Security means:
(a) any Security granted pursuant to Clause 28.23(a) ( Security following Debt Ratings Decrease );
(b) any Security or Quasi-Security arising as a result of a Permitted Transaction and subject always to Clause 28.23(a) ( Security following Debt Ratings Decrease );
(c) any lien arising by operation of law and in the ordinary course of its trading and not as a result of any default or omission on the part of any member of the Group;
(d) Security constituted by any netting or set off arrangement entered into by any member of the Group in the ordinary course of its banking arrangements for the purpose of netting debit and credit balances (other than cash collateral) of members of the Group; provided that such arrangement does not (i) permit or require credit balances of Obligors to be netted or set off against debit balances of non-Obligors or (ii) give rise to other Security over the assets of Obligors in support of the liabilities of non-Obligors;
(e) any Security or Quasi-Security over or affecting any assets acquired by a member of the Group after the date of this Agreement if:
(i) the Security or Quasi-Security was not created in contemplation of the acquisition of that asset by a member of the Group;
(ii) the principal amount secured has not been increased in contemplation of or since the acquisition of that asset by a member of the Group and is not guaranteed by a member of the Group; and
(iii) the Security or Quasi-Security is removed or discharged within three (3) months of the date of acquisition of such asset;
(f) any Security or Quasi-Security over or affecting any asset of any company which becomes a member of the Group after the date of this Agreement, where the Security or Quasi-Security is created prior to the date on which that company becomes a member of the Group if
(i) the Security or Quasi-Security was not created in contemplation of the acquisition of that company;
(ii) the principal amount secured has not increased in contemplation of or since the acquisition of that company; and
(iii) the Security or Quasi-Security is removed or discharged within three (3) months of the date of acquisition of such asset;
(g) any Security arising under any retention of title, hire purchase or conditional sale arrangement in respect of goods or assets supplied to any member of the Group in the ordinary course of the trading of such Group member and on the suppliers standard or
usual terms in respect of the goods or assets supplied (and not arising as a result of any default or omission by any member of the Group);
(h) any Security or Quasi-Security arising as a result of any disposal which is a Permitted Disposal;
(i) any Security constituted by rights of set off existing in the ordinary course of trading activities between any member of the Group and its respective suppliers or customers (and not as a result of any default or omission by any member of the Group);
(j) any rights of set-off or netting on market standard terms arising under derivative transactions not prohibited by Clause 28.15 ( No Speculative Hedging Arrangements );
(k) any Security over cash or goods or documents of title to goods and insurances in favour of the Issuing Agent by a member of the Group arising in the ordinary course of its trade or as a result of Clause 8.6 ( Cash cover by a Borrower ) (and not by reason of a default or omission by any member of the Group);
(l) any Security arising pursuant to an order of attachment or injunction restraining disposal of assets or similar legal process arising in connection with court proceedings which are contested by any member of the Group in good faith by appropriate proceedings with a reasonable prospect of success and which legal process does not constitute a Default;
(m) any Security arising (other than by way of affirmative action taken by or in favour of any taxation authority or any government authority or organization) in respect of Taxes, assessments or governmental charges which are either (i) being contested by the relevant member of the Group in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with a reasonable prospect of success, with respect to which appropriate reserves have been made on the relevant financial statement of the subject member of the Group, or (ii) not yet due and payable;
(n) any Security arising in connection with, and deposits made to secure, the payment and performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for borrowed money), contracts with respect to the business of the Group, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds, indemnity agreements in favour of issuers of bonds and other obligations of a like nature, and rights of usufruct and similar rights to continued use and possession of lottery equipment or other property in favour of lottery customers, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business; and
(o) any Security not permitted by Clause 28.7 ( Negative Pledge ) securing Financial Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Group which in aggregate does not at any time exceed US$125,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies).
Permitted Transaction means:
(a) any transaction set out in the Structure Memorandum, as well as any other transaction which is necessary as a consequence of or ancillary to the implementation of such transactions , including, without limitation, the payment of any Rescission Payments in an aggregate amount which is less than or equal to twenty per cent. (20%) of the aggregate share capital of GTECH;
(b) any loans, bond or other financing contracted or incurred by any member of the Group constituting Pari Passu Indebtedness, including, without limitation, pursuant to the Bridge Facilities, subject, always to Clause 28.25 ( MFN to Financial Covenants and Mandatory Prepayments );
(c) Security granted by any member of the Group in favour of the creditors of Pari Passu Indebtedness, subject always to Clause 28.23 ( Security following Debt Ratings Decrease ); and
(d) any guarantee granted by any member of the Group in favour of the creditors of Pari Passu Indebtedness, subject always to Clause 28.24(c) ( Guarantor Threshold Test and Additional Guarantors ).
Plan means a Single Employer Plan or a Multiple Employer Plan.
Platform has the meaning given to it in Clause 26.7 ( Posting on electronic system ).
Principal Shareholders means De Agostini S.p.A. (a company incorporated in Italy as a società per azioni ), its Subsidiaries or B&D Holding, or any other entity; provided that in each case, it is controlled by one or more of the beneficial holders, provided further that for the purposes of this definition, an entity or B&D Holding shall be treated as being controlled, directly or indirectly, by any such holder(s) if the latter (whether by way of ownership of shares, proxy, contract, agency or otherwise) have or has (as applicable) the power to (i) appoint or remove all, or the majority, of its directors or other equivalent officers or (ii) direct its operating and financial policies. For the purpose of this definition, beneficial holder means each of the beneficial holders that directly or indirectly control B&D Holding as at 4 November 2014 (an original beneficial holder ) and any spouse, legal or testamentary heir, legal or testamentary executor and legal or testamentary administrator of an original beneficial holder.
Prohibited Jurisdiction means:
(a) the United States of America, Hong Kong, Israel and Turkey;
(b) any jurisdiction in which a licence is required to conduct online gaming activities and in which the Group does not possess the relevant licence; and
(c) each other jurisdiction which the Group reasonably believes, based on advice of reputable and experienced counsel, prohibits, or is reasonably capable of enforcing against any member of the Group prohibitions on, internet gaming.
Protected Party has the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
Public Debt Rating means each solicited long-term credit rating of the Parent issued by a Rating Agency for an issue of debt or debt securities issued or guaranteed by, the Parent, where such rating is based primarily on the unsecured credit risk of the Parent.
Qualified ECP Guarantor means, in respect of any Swap Obligation, each Loan Party that has total assets exceeding US$10,000,000 at the time the relevant Guarantee or grant of the relevant Security becomes effective with respect to such Swap Obligation or such other person as constitutes an eligible contract participant under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an eligible
contract participant at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
Qualifying Lender has the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
Quasi-Security has the meaning given to it in Clause 28.7 ( Negative pledge ).
Quotation Day means:
(a) the second TARGET Day before the first day of a Revolving Facility for a Loan denominated in Euro; or
(b) the second Business Day before the first day of a Revolving Facility for a Loan denominated in any currency other than Euro.
Rating Agencies means Fitch, Moodys and S&P and Rating Agency means any of them.
Real Property means:
(a) any freehold, leasehold or immovable property; and
(b) any buildings, fixtures, fittings, fixed plant or machinery from time to time situated on or forming part of that freehold, leasehold or immovable property.
Recovering Finance Party has the meaning given to Clause 34.1 ( Payments to Finance Parties ).
Regulation T , Regulation U or Regulation X means Regulation T, U or X, as the case may be, of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States, as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.
Related Fund in relation to a trust, fund or other entity (the first fund ), means another trust, fund or other entity which has the same fund manager or asset manager as is owned by the same person as the first trust, fund or other entity.
Related Parties means, with respect to any person, such persons Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such person and of such persons Affiliates.
Relevant Interbank Market means, in relation to Euro, the European interbank market and, in relation to any other currency, the London interbank market.
Relevant Jurisdiction means, in relation to an Obligor:
(a) its jurisdiction of incorporation; and
(b) any jurisdiction where it conducts its business.
Relevant Sub-Participant means any sub-participant who, under Italian law or the application of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developments guidance relating to the meaning of beneficial ownership as set out in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developments Model Tax Convention (as amended from time to time), is
required to be treated for tax purposes as the beneficial owner of any interest payable under any Finance Document.
Relevant Tax Jurisdiction means, in relation to any Obligor, the jurisdiction where it is resident, or deemed to be resident for Tax purposes.
Renewal Request means a written notice delivered to the Agent in accordance with Clause 6.8 ( Renewal of a Letter of Credit ).
Repeating Representations means the representations in Clauses 25.2 ( Status ) to 25.7 ( Governing Law and enforcement ) (inclusive), Clause 25.10 ( No Default ), Clause 25.11 ( No Misleading information ), Clause 25.13 ( No proceedings pending or threatened ), Clause 25.16 ( US Government Regulations ), Clause 25.17 ( ERISA ), Clause 25.20 ( US Anti-Terrorism Laws ), Clause 25.21 ( US Margin Regulations ), Clause 25.22 ( Sanctions, Anti-Corruption and other laws ), and Clause 25.23 ( Gaming ).
Replacement Lender has the meaning given to it in Clause 42.3(c) ( Replacement of Lender );
Representative means any delegate, agent, manager, administrator, nominee, attorney, trustee or custodian.
Rescission Payments mean any payments which GTECH is required to make to its shareholders in connection with the exercise of the right of rescission ( recesso ) by its shareholders in the context of the Holdco Merger.
Resignation Letter means a letter substantially in the form set out in Schedule 7 ( Form of Resignation Letter ).
Restricted Payment means a Distribution, a Share Buy Back or a Shareholder Payment.
Retiring Guarantor has the meaning given to it in Clause 24.9 ( Release of Guarantors right of contribution ).
Revolving Facility means Revolving Facility A or Revolving Facility B.
Revolving Facility A means the revolving credit facility made available under this Agreement as described in paragraph (a)(i) of Clause 2.1 ( The Facilities ).
Revolving Facility B means the revolving credit facility made available under this Agreement as described in paragraph (a)(ii) of Clause 2.1 ( The Facilities ).
Revolving Facility A Commitment means:
(a) in relation to an Original Lender, the amount in the Base Currency set opposite its name under the heading Revolving Facility A Commitment in Part II ( The Original Lenders ) of Schedule 1 ( The Original Parties ) and the amount of any other Revolving Facility A Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement; and
(b) in relation to any other Lender, the amount in the Base Currency of any Revolving Facility A Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement,
to the extent not cancelled, reduced or transferred by it under this Agreement.
Revolving Facility A Loan means a loan made or to be made under Revolving Facility A or the principal amount outstanding for the time being of that loan.
Revolving Facility B Commitment means:
(a) in relation to an Original Lender, the amount in the Base Currency set opposite its name under the heading Revolving Facility B Commitment in Part IIA or Part IIB ( The Original Lenders ) of Schedule 1 ( The Original Parties ) and the amount of any Revolving Facility B Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement; and
(b) in relation to any other Lender, the amount in the Base Currency of any Revolving Facility B Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement,
to the extent not cancelled, reduced or transferred by it under this Agreement.
Revolving Facility B Loan means a loan made or to be made under Revolving Facility B or the principal amount outstanding for the time being of that loan.
Revolving Facility Commitment means a Revolving Facility A Commitment or a Revolving Facility B Commitment;
Revolving Facility Loan means a Revolving Facility A Loan or a Revolving Facility B Loan.
Rollover Loan means one or more Loans:
(a) made or to be made on the same day that:
(i) a maturing Loan is due to be repaid; or
(ii) a demand by the Agent pursuant to a drawing in respect of a Letter of Credit is due to be met;
(b) the aggregate amount of which is equal to or less than the maturing Loan or the relevant claim in respect of that Letter of Credit;
(c) in the same currency as the maturing Loan (unless Clause 10.2 ( Unavailability of a currency ) applies) or the relevant claim in respect of that Letter of Credit; and
(d) made or to be made to the same Borrower for the purpose of:
(i) refinancing that maturing Loan; or
(ii) satisfying the obligations of the relevant Borrower to pay the amount of a claim under the Letter of Credit to the Agent for the Issuing Agent (as agent for each of the Lenders).
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Services, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Sanctions means economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by a Sanctions Authority.
Sanctions Authority means (i) the US government; (ii) the European Union; (iii) the United Kingdom; (v) the respective governmental institutions and agencies of any of the foregoing, including without limitation, OFAC, the US Department of State and Her Majestys Treasury; or (vi) the United Nations Security Council.
Sanctioned Country means, at any time, a country or territory which is itself the subject or target of any country-wide or territory-wide Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, North Sudan, South Sudan and Syria).
Sanctioned Person means, at any time, (a) any person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated persons maintained by a Sanctions Authority, (b) any person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country or (c) any person owned or controlled by any such person or persons.
Screen Rate means:
(a) in relation to LIBOR, the London interbank offered rate administered by ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant currency and period displayed on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Reuters screen (or any replacement Reuters page which displays that rate); and
(b) in relation to EURIBOR, the euro interbank offered rate administered by the Banking Federation of the European Union (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant period displayed on page EURIBOR01 of the Reuters screen (or any replacement Reuters page which displays that rate),
or in each case, on the appropriate page of such other information service which publishes that rate from time to time in place of Reuters. If such page or service ceases to be available, the Agent may specify another page or service displaying the relevant rate after consultation with the Parent.
Security means a mortgage, charge, lien, encumbrance, pledge or other security interest securing any obligation of any person or any other agreement or arrangement having a similar effect.
Self-Declaration Form means the self-declaration form substantially in the form set out in Schedule 16 ( Self Declaration Form ) of this Agreement.
Security Documents has the meaning given to that term in Clause 28.23 ( Security following Date Ratings Decrease ).
Separate Loan has the meaning given to that term in Clause 9 ( Repayment ).
Share Buy Back means the redemption, repurchase, defeasement, retirement or repayment of any of the Parents share capital (including under any transaction pursuant to which shares issued to a third party are taken back into treasury) or the resolving to do so.
Shareholder Payment means the payment of any management, advisory or other fee to or to the order of any of the shareholders of the Parent.
Single Employer Plan means a single employer plan, as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, that:
(a) is maintained for employees of any Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate and no person other than the Obligors and the ERISA Affiliates; or
(b) was so maintained and in respect of which any Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate could have liability under Section 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated.
Special Notice Currency means, at any time, an Optional Currency other than the currency of a country that is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development at such time located in North America or Europe.
Specified Lender means any Lender that notifies the relevant Borrower and the Agent that it is a Specified Lender.
Specified Time means a time determined in accordance with Schedule 9 ( Timetables Loans Notices to the Agent ).
Structure Memorandum means the Project Cleopatra Structure Memorandum, together with the annexes, dated 31 October 2014, as may be updated from time to time to reflect the implementation of the Transactions subject to the provisions of Clause 28.26 ( Structure Memorandum ).
Subrogation Rights has the meaning given to it in paragraph (a)(ii) of Clause 24.8 ( Deferral of Guarantors rights ).
Subsidiary means, in relation to any company, corporation or other legal entity (a holding company ), a company, corporation or other legal entity:
(a) which is controlled, directly or indirectly, by the holding company;
(b) more than half the issued share capital of which is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the holding company;
(c) which is a subsidiary of another Subsidiary of the holding company; or
(d) whose financial statements are in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting principles applicable to the Parent consolidated with those of that company or corporation.
For the purposes of this definition, a company or corporation shall be treated as being controlled by another entity if the latter (whether by way of ownership of shares, proxy, contract, agency or otherwise) has the power to (a) appoint or remove all, or the majority, of its directors or other equivalent officers or (b) direct its operating and financial policies.
Super Majority Lenders means a Lender or Lenders whose Revolving Facility Commitments aggregate more than eighty five per cent. (85%) of the Total Facility Commitments (or, if the Total Facility Commitments have been reduced to zero, aggregated more than eighty five per cent. (85%) of the Total Facility Commitments immediately prior to that reduction).
Swap Obligation means, with respect to any Guarantor, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a swap within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
Swingline Agents Fee Letter means the fee letter dated on or about the date of this Agreement between the Swingline Agent and the Borrowers.
Target means International Game Technology, a corporation organised under the laws of Nevada.
Target Accession Date means such date on which, following the completion of the Mergers, Target accedes to this Agreement as an Additional Borrower pursuant to Clause 31.2 ( Additional Obligors ).
Target Merger means the series of transactions which consist principally of the merger of Target Merger Sub with and into Target, in accordance with the steps set out in the Structure Memorandum.
Target Merger Sub means Georgia Worldwide Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of Nevada and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdco.
TARGET2 means the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer payment system which utilises a single shared platform and which was launched on 19 November 2007.
TARGET Day means any day on which TARGET2 is open for the settlement of payment in Euro.
Tax means any tax, levy, impost, duty or other charge or withholding of a similar nature (including any penalty or interest payable in connection with any failure to pay or any delay in paying any of the same).
Tax Credit has the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
Tax Deduction has the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
Tax Payment has the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
Term means each period determined under this Agreement for which the Issuing Agent (as agent for each of the Lenders) or any Lender is under a liability under a Letter of Credit.
Terminated Lender has the meaning given to it in paragraph (d) of Clause 12.6 ( Right of cancellation and repayment in relation to a single Lender or the Issuing Agent ) .
Third Parties Act has the meaning given to it in Clause 1.3 ( Third Party Rights ).
Third Party Disposal means the disposal of an Obligor to a person which is not a member of the Group (and the Borrowers have confirmed this is the case) where that disposal is permitted under Clause 28.8 ( Disposals ) or made with the approval of the Majority Lenders.
Total Facility Commitments means the aggregate of the Revolving Facility Commitments, being US$1,500,000,000 and 850,000,000 at the date of this Agreement.
Total Net Debt has the meaning given to it in Clause 27.1 ( Financial definitions ).
Total Net Interest Costs has the meaning given to it in Clause 27.1 ( Financial definitions ).
Total US Dollar Swingline Commitments means the aggregate of the US Dollar Swingline Commitments, being US$ 100,000,000 at the date of this Agreement.
Transactions means the Italian Reorganisation and the Mergers.
Transfer Certificate means a certificate substantially in the form set out in Schedule 4 ( Form of Transfer Certificate ) or any other form agreed between the Agent and the Borrowers.
Transfer Date means, in relation to any assignment or transfer, the later of:
(a) the proposed Transfer Date specified in the relevant Assignment Agreement or Transfer Certificate; and
(b) the date on which the Agent executes the relevant Assignment Agreement or Transfer Certificate.
Treasury Transaction means any derivative transaction entered into in connection with protection against or benefit from fluctuations in any rate or price including, for the avoidance of doubt, foreign exchange transactions; provided, however, that, with respect to any Guarantor, all obligations under Hedging Documents guaranteed by such Guarantor shall exclude all Excluded Swap Obligations.
Treaty Lender has the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
UK Borrower has the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
UK Non-Bank Lender has the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 (Definitions).
UK Treaty Lender has the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
UK Treaty State has the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
United States Person has the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
Unpaid Sum means any sum due and payable but unpaid by an Obligor under the Finance Documents.
US and United States means the United States of America, its territories and possessions.
USA Patriot Act means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 107-56 of the United States.
US Bankruptcy Law means the United States Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code), any other United States federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law.
US Borrower has the meaning ascribed thereto in Clause 19.1 ( Definitions ).
US Dollars or US$ means the lawful currency for the time being of the United States of America.
US Dollar Swingline Commitment means:
(a) in relation to an Original US Dollar Swingline Lender, the amount in US Dollars set opposite its name under the heading US Dollar Swingline Commitment in Part IIB of Schedule 1 ( The Original Parties ) and the amount of any other US Dollar Swingline Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement; and
(b) in relation to any other US Dollar Swingline Lender, the amount of any US Dollar Swingline Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement,
to the extent not cancelled, reduced or transferred by it under this Agreement.
US Dollar Swingline Facility means the US Dollar swingline loan facility made available under this Agreement as described in Clause 11 ( US Dollar Swingline Facility ).
US Dollar Swingline Lender means:
(a) an Original US Dollar Swingline Lender; or
(b) any other person that becomes a US Dollar Swingline Lender after the date of this Agreement in accordance with Clause 30 ( Changes to the Lenders ),
which in each case has not ceased to be a Party in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
US Dollar Swingline Loan means a loan made or to be made under the US Dollar Swingline Facility or the principal amount outstanding for the time being of that loan.
US Guarantor means a Guarantor that is organized, incorporated or formed under the laws of the United States or any State thereof (including the District of Columbia).
US Obligor means a US Borrower or a US Guarantor.
US Solvent means, with respect to any person on a particular date, that on such date:
(a) the fair value of the property of such person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis;
(b) the present fair saleable value of the assets of such person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the liability of such person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis on their debts as they become absolute and matured;
(c) such person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis do not intend to, and do not believe that they will, incur debts or liabilities beyond the ability of such person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature; and
(d) such person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis are not engaged in business or a transaction, and are not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which the property of such person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would constitute an unreasonably small capital.
The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.
For purposes of the foregoing, (i) debt means liability on a claim and (ii) claim means any (x) right to payment, whether or not such a right is reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured or unsecured or (y) right to an equitable remedy for breach of performance if such breach gives rise to a right to payment, whether or not such right to an equitable remedy is reduced to judgment, fixed, contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed, undisputed, secured or unsecured.
US Tax Obligor means:
(a) a Borrower which is resident for tax purposes in the US; or
(b) an Obligor some or all of whose payments under the Finance Documents are from sources within the US for US federal income tax purposes.
Utilisation means a Loan or a Letter of Credit (including a renewal of a Letter of Credit).
Utilisation Date means the date on which a Utilisation is made.
Utilisation Request means a notice substantially in the relevant form set out in Parts IA, IB or IC of Schedule 3 ( Requests ).
VAT means:
(a) any tax imposed in compliance with the council directive of 28 November 2006 on the common system of value added tax (EC Directive 2006/112) (including, in relation to the United Kingdom, value added tax imposed by the Value Added Tax Act 1994 and supplemental legislation and regulations and, in relation to Italy, value add tax imposed by Presidential Decree No. 633 of 26 October 1972 and Legislative Decree No. 331 of 30 August 1993 and supplemental legislation and regulations); and
(b) any other tax of a similar nature, whether imposed in a member state of the European Union in substitution for, or levied in addition to, such tax referred to in paragraph (a) above, or elsewhere.
Website Lenders has the meaning given to it in Clause 37.7 ( Use of websites ).
Withdrawal Liability has the meaning specified in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.
1.2 Construction
(a) Unless a contrary indication appears, a reference in this Agreement to:
(i) the Agent , any Arranging Party , any Borrower , any Finance Party , any Guarantor , and Hedging Bank , the Issuing Agent , any Lender , any Obligor , any Party , any Swingline Agent or any other person shall be construed so as to include its successors in title, permitted assigns and permitted transferees;
(ii) a document in agreed form is a document which is on terms previously agreed in writing by or on behalf of the relevant Obligors and the Agent or, if not so agreed, is in the form agreed by or on behalf of the relevant Obligors and the Agent;
(iii) assets includes present and future properties, revenues and rights of every description (including, without limitation shares and receivables);
(iv) a Finance Document or any other agreement or instrument is a reference to that Finance Document or other agreement or instrument as amended, novated, supplemented, extended or restated;
(v) guarantee means (other than in Clause 24 ( Guarantee and Indemnity )) any guarantee, letter of credit, bond, indemnity or similar assurance against loss, or any obligation, direct or indirect, actual or contingent, to purchase or assume any indebtedness of any person or to make an investment in or loan to any person or to purchase assets of any person where, in each case, such obligation is assumed in order to maintain or assist the ability of such person to meet its indebtedness;
(vi) the words including and in particular shall be construed as illustrative and not as limiting the generality of any preceding words;
(vii) indebtedness includes any obligation (whether incurred as principal or as surety) for the payment or repayment of money, whether present or future, actual or contingent;
(viii) an Interest Period includes each period determined under this Agreement by reference to which interest on a US Dollar Swingline Loan is calculated;
(ix) a Lender includes a US Dollar Swingline Lender unless the context otherwise requires;
(x) a person includes any person, firm, company, corporation, government, state or agency of a state or any association, trust or partnership (whether or not having separate legal personality) or two or more of the foregoing;
(xi) prepay shall have the meaning given to it in Clause 6.1 ( General );
(xii) a regulation includes any regulation, rule, official directive, request or guideline (whether or not having the force of law) of any governmental, intergovernmental or supranational body, agency, department or regulatory, self-regulatory or other authority or organisation as well as guidelines or rules of conduct adopted by any member of the Group under applicable laws (including but not limited to Modelli di organizzazione e gestione and the Codici Etici provided for under Legislative Decree no. 231 dated June 8, 2001 of Italy);
(xiii) repay shall have the meaning given to it in Clause 6.1 ( General );
(xiv) a Borrower providing cash cover for a Letter of Credit means that Borrower paying an amount in the currency of the Letter of Credit to an interest-bearing account located in London or New York in the name of the relevant Borrower over which security has been granted for the benefit of the relevant Issuing Agent and the following conditions are met:
(A) the account is with the Agent or an Affiliate (if the cash cover is to be provided for all the Lenders) or the Issuing Agent or an Affiliate; and
(B) subject to paragraph (b) of Clause 8.6 ( Cash Cover by Borrower ) withdrawals from the account may only be made to pay the relevant Finance Party amounts due and payable to it under this Agreement in respect of that Letter of Credit until no amount is or may be outstanding under that Letter of Credit; and
(C) the relevant Borrower has executed a security document, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent or the Finance Party with which the account is held, creating a first ranking security interest over that account; and
unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at any such time, provided however , that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms, or the terms of any issuer document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time;
(xv) the furtherance of any transaction that is not restricted under the terms of this Agreement shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be considered to fall within the general corporate purposes of the Group;
(xvi) a provision of law or regulation or an accounting standard is a reference to that provision or accounting standard as amended, replaced or re-enacted from time to time under applicable law or regulation;
(xvii) any reference to any consent to be given by any Finance Party shall be deemed to be given only to the extent the same is given in writing; and
(xviii) a time of day is a reference to London time unless otherwise stated.
(b) Section, Clause and Schedule headings are for ease of reference only.
(c) Unless a contrary indication appears, a term used in any other Finance Document or in any notice given under or in connection with any Finance Document has the same meaning in that Finance Document or notice as in this Agreement.
(d) A Default or an Event of Default is continuing if it has not been remedied or waived.
1.3 Third party rights
(a) Unless expressly provided to the contrary in a Finance Document, a person who is not a Party has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 (the Third Parties Act ) to enforce or enjoy the benefit of any term of this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any term of any Finance Document, the consent of any person who is not a Party is not required to rescind or vary this Agreement at any time.
2. THE FACILITIES
2.1 The Facilities
(a) Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Lenders make available:
(i) to GTECH Corporation and, (A) within ten (10) Business Days following completion of the Holdco Merger, and upon accession in accordance with Clause 31.2 ( Additional Obligors ), Holdco, and (B) within ten (10) Business Days following completion of the Target Merger and upon accession in accordance with Clause 31.2 ( Additional Obligors ), Target, a multicurrency revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount equal to the Revolving Facility A Commitments, being US$1,500,000,000 at the date of this Agreement; and
(ii) to GTECH and, (A) within ten (10) Business Days following completion of the Italian Reorganisation and upon accession in accordance with Clause 31.2 ( Additional Obligors ), Italian Holdco, and (B) within ten (10) Business Days following completion of the Holdco Merger, and upon accession in accordance with Clause 31.2 ( Additional Obligors ), Holdco, a multicurrency revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount equal to the Revolving Facility B Commitments, being 850,000,000 at the date of this Agreement.
2.2 Finance Parties rights and obligations
(a) The obligations of each Finance Party under the Finance Documents are several and not joint. Failure by a Finance Party to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents does not affect the obligations of any other Party under the Finance Documents. No Finance Party is responsible for the obligations of any other Finance Party under the Finance Documents.
(b) The rights of each Finance Party under or in connection with the Finance Documents are separate and independent rights and any debt arising under the Finance Documents to a Finance Party from an Obligor shall be a separate and independent debt.
(c) A Finance Party may, except as otherwise stated in the Finance Documents, separately enforce its rights under the Finance Documents.
2.3 Obligors Agent
(a) Each Obligor (other than the Parent) by its execution of this Agreement or an Accession Letter irrevocably appoints the Parent to act on its behalf as the Obligors Agent in relation to the Finance Documents and irrevocably authorises:
(i) the Obligors Agent on its behalf to supply all information concerning itself contemplated by this Agreement to the Finance Parties and to give all notices and instructions, to execute on its behalf any Accession Letter, to make such agreements and to effect the relevant amendments, supplements and variations capable of being given, made or effected by any Obligor notwithstanding that they may affect the Obligor, without further reference to or the consent of that Obligor; and
(ii) each Finance Party to give any notice, demand or other communication to that Obligor pursuant to the Finance Documents to the Obligors Agent,
and in each case the Obligor shall be bound as though the Obligor itself had given the notices and instructions or executed or made the agreements or effected the amendments, supplements or variations, or received the relevant notice, demand or other communication.
(b) Every act, omission, agreement, undertaking, settlement, waiver, amendment, supplement, variation, notice or other communication given or made by the Obligors Agent or given to the Obligors Agent under any Finance Document on behalf of another Obligor or in connection with any Finance Document (whether or not known to any other Obligor and whether occurring before or after such other Obligor became an Obligor under any Finance Document) shall be binding for all purposes on that Obligor as if that Obligor had expressly made, given or concurred with it. In the event of any conflict between any notices or other communications of the Obligors Agent and any other Obligor, those of the Obligors Agent shall prevail.
2.4 Lender Affiliates and Facility Office
(a) In respect of a Utilisation or Utilisations to a particular Borrower ( Designated Loans ) a Lender (a Designating Lender ) may at any time and from time to time designate (by written notice to the Agent and the Parent):
(i) a substitute Facility Office from which it will make Designated Loans (a Substitute Facility Office ); or
(ii) nominate an Affiliate to act as the Lender of Designated Loans (a Substitute Affiliate Lender ).
(b) A notice to nominate a Substitute Affiliate Lender must be delivered in the form set out in Schedule 15 ( Form of Substitute Affiliate Lender Designation Notice ) and be countersigned by the relevant Substitute Affiliate Lender confirming that it will be bound as a Lender under this Agreement in respect of the Designated Loans in respect of which it acts as Lender.
(c) The Designating Lender will act as the representative of any Substitute Affiliate Lender it nominates for all administrative purposes under this Agreement. The Obligors, the
Agent and the other Finance Parties will be entitled to deal only with the Designating Lender, except that payments will be made in respect of Designated Loans to the Facility Office of the Substitute Affiliate Lender. In particular the Revolving Facility Commitments of the Designating Lender will not be treated as reduced by the designation of the Substitute Affiliate Lender for voting purposes under this Agreement or the other Finance Documents.
(d) Save as mentioned in paragraph (c) above, a Substitute Affiliate Lender will be treated as a Lender for all purposes under the Finance Documents and having a Commitment equal to the principal amount of all Designated Loans in which it is participating if and for so long as it continues to be a Substitute Affiliate Lender under this Agreement.
(e) A Designating Lender may revoke its designation of an Affiliate as a Substitute Affiliate Lender by notice in writing to the Agent and the Parent; provided that such notice may only take effect when there are no Designated Loans outstanding to the Substitute Affiliate Lender. Upon such Substitute Affiliate Lender ceasing to be a Substitute Affiliate Lender the Designating Lender will automatically assume (and be deemed to assume without further action by any Party) all rights and obligations previously vested in the Substitute Affiliate Lender.
(f) If a Designating Lender designates a Substitute Facility Office or Substitute Affiliate Lender in accordance with this Clause 2.4:
(i) any Substitute Affiliate Lender shall be treated for the purposes of Clause 19.2(d)(i) ( Tax gross-up ) as having become a Lender on the date of this Agreement; and
(ii) the provisions of Clause 30.2(e) ( Conditions of Assignment or Transfer ) shall not apply to or in respect of any Substitute Facility Office or Substitute Affiliate Lender.
3. PURPOSE
3.1 Purpose
Each Borrower shall apply all amounts borrowed by it under the Facilities towards the general corporate purposes of the Group including, without limitation, the refinancing of Existing Indebtedness.
3.2 Monitoring
No Finance Party is bound to monitor or verify the application of any amount borrowed pursuant to this Agreement.
4. CONDITIONS OF UTILISATION
4.1 Initial conditions precedent
(a) Subject to paragraph (b) below, the Lenders will only be obliged to comply with Clause 5.4 ( Lenders participation ) in relation to any Utilisation if on or before the Utilisation Date for that Utilisation, the Agent has received all of the documents and other evidence listed in Part I of Schedule 2 ( Conditions Precedent ) which documents,
shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent. The Agent shall notify each Borrower, the Parent and the Lenders promptly upon being so satisfied.
(b) Without prejudice to paragraph (a) above, Wells Fargo Bank, NA will only be obliged to comply with Clause 5.4 ( Lenders participation ) in relation to any Utilisation if on or before the Utilisation Date for that Utilisation the Target Accession Date has occurred.
(c) For the avoidance of doubt, save for the purposes of Clause 42.2 ( Exceptions ) and for the definition of Original Lenders, Wells Fargo Bank, NA will only be deemed to be a Lender for the purposes of this Agreement after the Target Accession Date has occurred and shall not have any liability in respect of any Utilisations requested prior to the Target Accession Date or any claims under any indemnity or loss sharing provisions under this Agreement in each case in relation to any Utilisations requested or made prior to the Target Accession Date.
4.2 Further conditions precedent
The Lenders will only be obliged to comply with Clause 5.4 ( Lenders participation ), if on the date of the Utilisation Request and on the proposed Utilisation Date:
(a) in the case of a Rollover Loan, no Event of Default is continuing or would result from the proposed Loan, and in the case of any other Utilisation, no Default is continuing or would result from the proposed Utilisation; and
(b) the Repeating Representations to be made by each Obligor are true in all material respects.
4.3 Conditions relating to Optional Currencies
(a) A currency will constitute an Optional Currency in relation to a Revolving Facility A Utilisation if it is in Euro, Pounds Sterling or another currency agreed to by all Lenders.
(b) A currency will constitute an Optional Currency in relation to a Revolving Facility B Utilisation if it is in US$, Pounds Sterling or another currency agreed to by all Lenders.
(c) A currency will constitute an Optional Currency in relation to a Letter of Credit Utilisation if with respect to a Letter of Credit issued under Facility A, it is in Euro or Pounds Sterling, or, with respect to a Letter of Credit issued under Facility B, it is in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling, or in either case it has been approved by the Issuing Agent (acting on the instructions of all the Lenders) on or prior to receipt by the Agent of the relevant Utilisation Request for that Utilisation.
(d) If the Issuing Agent has received a written request from a Borrower for a currency to be approved under paragraph (c) above, the Agent will confirm to such Borrower by the Specified Time:
(i) whether or not the Lenders have granted their approval; and
(ii) if approval has been granted, the minimum amount for any subsequent Utilisation in that currency.
4.4 Maximum number of Utilisations
(a) A Borrower may not deliver a Utilisation Request if as a result of the proposed Utilisation 26 or more Revolving Facility A Utilisations or 26 or more Revolving Facility B Utilisations would be outstanding.
(b) Any Loan made by a single Lender under Clause 10.2 ( Unavailability of a currency ) shall not be taken into account in this Clause 4.4.
(c) Any Separate Loan shall not be taken into account in this Clause 4.4.
4.5 Conditions precedent to the signing date
Each Party acknowledges that it has received, on or prior to the signing date of this Agreement, notification from the Agent whereby the Agent confirms that it has received all of the documents and other evidence listed in Part III of Schedule 2 ( Conditions Precedent ) and that such documents and other evidence are in form and substance satisfactory to it.
5. UTILISATION REVOLVING FACILITY LOANS
5.1 Delivery of a Utilisation Request
The Borrowers may utilise a Revolving Facility by delivery to the Agent of a duly completed Utilisation Request, in each case not later than at the times specified below.
5.2 Completion of a Utilisation Request for Revolving Facility Loans
(a) Each Utilisation Request for a Revolving Facility A Loan shall be made upon a Borrowers notice to the Agent. Each such notice must be received by the Agent no later than 9:00 a.m. (New York time) three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of any borrowing of Revolving Facility A Loans denominated in the Base Currency.
(b) Each Utilisation Request for a Revolving Facility B Loan shall be made upon a Borrowers notice to the Agent. Each such notice must be received by the Agent no later than 11:00 a.m. (London time) three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of any borrowing of Revolving Facility B Loans denominated in the Base Currency.
(c) Each Utilisation Request for a Revolving Facility Loan is irrevocable and will not be regarded as having been duly completed unless:
(i) it identifies the Facility to be utilised;
(ii) the proposed Utilisation Date is a Business Day within the Availability Period applicable to that Facility;
(iii) the currency and amount of the Utilisation comply with Clause 5.3 ( Currency and amount );
(iv) the proposed Interest Period complies with Clause 16 ( Interest Periods ); and
(v) only one Utilisation may be requested in a Utilisation Request.
5.3 Currency and amount
(a) The currency specified in a Utilisation Request must be in relation to the Facilities, the Base Currency or an Optional Currency.
(b) The amount of the proposed Utilisation is:
(i) with respect to Revolving Facility A, if the currency selected is the Base Currency, a minimum of US$5,000,000 or, if the currency selected is an Optional Currency, the applicable equivalent of US$5,000,000 in the relevant Optional Currency, or, in either case, if less, the Available Revolving Facility; or
(ii) with respect to Revolving Facility B, if the currency selected is the Base Currency, a minimum of 5,000,000 or, if the currency selected is an Optional Currency, the applicable equivalent of 5,000,000 in the relevant Optional Currency, or, in either case, if less, the Available Revolving Facility.
5.4 Lenders participation
(a) If the conditions set out in this Agreement have been met, each Lender shall make its participation in each Revolving Facility Loan available by the Utilisation Date through its Facility Office not later than:
(i) 1:00 p.m. (London time) on the Utilisation Date for Revolving Facility Loans denominated in the Base Currency or an Optional Currency other than Dollars; or
(ii) 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the Utilisation Date for Revolving Facility Loans denominated in Dollars.
(b) The amount of each Lenders participation in each Revolving Facility Loan will be equal to the proportion borne by its Available Revolving Commitment to the Available Revolving Facility immediately prior to making the Revolving Facility Loan.
(c) The Agent shall determine the Base Currency Amount of each Revolving Facility Loan which is to be made in an Optional Currency and notify each Lender of the amount, currency and the Base Currency Amount of each Revolving Facility Loan and the amount of its participation in that Loan by the Specified Time.
6. UTILISATION LETTERS OF CREDIT
6.1 General
(a) Any reference in this Agreement to:
(i) the Interest Period of a Letter of Credit will be construed as a reference to the Term of that Letter of Credit;
(ii) an amount borrowed includes any amount utilised by way of Letter of Credit;
(iii) a Utilisation made by or to be made to a Borrower includes a Letter of Credit issued (or renewed) on its behalf;
(iv) a Lender funding its participation in a Utilisation includes a Lender participating in a Letter of Credit;
(v) amounts outstanding under this Agreement include amounts outstanding under or in respect of any Letter of Credit;
(vi) an outstanding amount of a Letter of Credit means at any time, unless otherwise specified herein, the US Dollar amount for Revolving Facility A and Euro amount for Revolving Facility B (or the equivalent amount thereof in US Dollars or Euro as determined by the Agent or the Issuing Agent for Revolving Facility A and Revolving Facility B, respectively, as the case may be, at such time on the basis of the Agents Spot Rate of Exchange for the purchase of US Dollars or Euro for Revolving Facility A and Revolving Facility B, respectively with such Optional Currency) the greater of the maximum amount that is or may be payable by the relevant Borrower, the Issuing Agent or the relevant Lenders, as the case may be under or in connection with that Letter of Credit at that time; provided that for the purposes of this calculation with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any documents related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the notional amount of such Letter of Credit itself shall be deemed to be such US Dollars or Euro equivalent of the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time;
(vii) L/C Participation Amount means, in relation to a Lender in respect of any Letter of Credit, the commitment of that Lender to the beneficiary under that Letter of Credit as defined in the relevant Letter of Credit.
(viii) L/C Proportion means, in relation to a Lender in respect of any Letter of Credit, the proportion (expressed as a percentage) borne by such Lenders Available Revolving Commitment to the Available Revolving Facility immediately prior to the issue of that Letter of Credit, adjusted to reflect any assignment or transfer under this Agreement to or by such Lender.
(ix) L/C Schedule means a schedule or appendix to a Letter of Credit detailing the Lenders L/C Participation Amounts and Participation Percentages under that Letter of Credit as may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with Clause 6.9 ( Adjusted Letter of Credit Schedule ).
(x) Loss Share Date means, at any time after any amount has become payable to the beneficiary under a Letter of Credit, any date on which any amount due and owing to a Lender in respect of a claim under a Letter of Credit in relation to that payment has not been repaid or discharged.
(xi) Loss Share Proportion means, in respect of a Lender and a Loss Share Date, the aggregate of its L/C Participation Amounts under all outstanding Letters of Credit as a proportion of the aggregate of the L/C Participation Amounts of all Lenders under all outstanding Letters of Credit.
(xii) a Borrower repaying or prepaying a Letter of Credit means:
(A) that Borrower providing cash cover for that Letter of Credit;
(B) the maximum amount payable under the Letter of Credit being reduced in accordance with its terms; or
(C) the Issuing Agent being satisfied that neither it (acting as agent for each of the Lenders) nor any Lender has any further liability under that Letter of Credit,
and the amount by which a Letter of Credit is repaid or prepaid under sub-paragraphs (xii)(A) and (xii)(B)above is the amount of the relevant cash cover or reduction.
(b) Clause 5 ( Utilisation Loans ) does not apply to a Utilisation by way of Letter of Credit.
(c) In determining the amount of the Available Revolving Facility and a Lenders L/C Proportion with respect to either Revolving Facility of a proposed Letter of Credit for the purposes of this Agreement the Available Revolving Commitment of a Lender will be calculated ignoring any cash cover provided for outstanding Letters of Credit and adjusting to reflect any assignment or transfer under this Agreement to or by the relevant Lender.
6.2 Guarantee Sub-limit
Each Revolving Facility may be utilised by way of Letters of Credit up to an aggregate maximum amount equal to the relevant Guarantee Sub-limit.
6.3 Delivery of a Utilisation Request for Letters of Credit
A Borrower may request a Letter of Credit to be issued by delivery to the Agent of a duly completed Utilisation Request substantially in the form of Part IB of Schedule 3 ( Utilisation Request - Letters of Credit ) not later than the Specified Time.
6.4 Completion of a Utilisation Request for Letters of Credit
Each Utilisation Request for a Letter of Credit under either Revolving Facility is irrevocable and will not be regarded as having been duly completed unless:
(a) it specifies that it is for a Letter of Credit;
(b) it specifies the Revolving Facility to be utilised;
(c) the proposed Utilisation Date is a Business Day within the Availability Period;
(d) the currency and amount of the Letter of Credit comply with Clause 6.5 ( Currency and amount );
(e) the form of Letter of Credit is attached;
(f) the Expiry Date of the Letter of Credit falls on or before the date which is three hundred and sixty five (365) days after the Utilisation Date and in any event on or prior to the
Final Maturity Date, which shall include Letters of Credit which are by their terms automatically renewable subject to Clause 6.8 ( Renewal of a Letter of Credit );
(g) the identity of the beneficiary is specified and such beneficiary is:
(i) a beneficiary approved for this purpose by the Issuing Agent (acting on the instructions of all the Lenders under the Revolving Facility to be utilised, in turn acting reasonably); and
(ii) incorporated in a country or otherwise exists under the laws of a country in respect of which there is no policy, law or regulation applicable to the Issuing Agent or any Lender which would restrict the Issuing Agent or any Lender from entering into and performing the transactions contemplated by the Letter of Credit;
(h) the delivery instructions for the Letter of Credit are specified; and
(i) such other matters as the Issuing Agent may require (acting reasonably) are included.
In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Utilisation Request shall specify (i) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (ii) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); and (iii) the nature of the proposed amendment.
6.5 Currency and amount
(a) The currency specified in a Utilisation Request must be the Base Currency or an Optional Currency.
(b) The amount of the proposed Letter of Credit must be an amount that is not more than the Available Revolving Facility and which:
(i) if the currency selected is US Dollars, is a minimum of US$50,000 for Revolving Facility A or, if less, the Available Revolving Facility A; or
(ii) if the currency selected is Euro, is a minimum of 50,000 for Revolving Facility B or, if less, the Available Revolving Facility B; or
(iii) if the currency selected is an Optional Currency other than US Dollars or Euro, is the minimum amount (and if required, integral multiple) specified by the Agent pursuant to paragraph (d)(ii) of Clause 4.3 ( Conditions relating to Optional Currencies ) or, if less, the Available Revolving Facility,
or such other amount as the Agent may agree.
(c) The amount of a proposed Letter of Credit issued under Revolving Facility A must be an amount the Base Currency Amount of which is not more than the Available Revolving Facility for Facility A and which when aggregated with the Base Currency Amount of all other Letters of Credit then in issue under Revolving Facility A does not exceed the Guarantee Sub-limit.
(d) The amount of a proposed Letter of Credit issued under Revolving Facility B must be an amount the Base Currency Amount of which is not more than the Available Revolving Facility for Facility B and when aggregated with the Base Currency Amount of all other Letters of Credit then in issue under Revolving Facility B does not exceed the Guarantee Sub-limit.
6.6 Form of Letters of Credit
(a) Letters of Credit may be in any form requested by a Borrower and agreed by the Issuing Agent from time to time; provided that if the form does not comply in substance with the minimum requirements set out in the following provisions of this Clause 6.6 then the form shall require the prior approval of all Lenders under the relevant Revolving Facility to be utilised.
(b) The form of Letters of Credit must comply with the following minimum requirements:
(i) it must specify the names, addresses and commitments of the Lenders and clearly state that it is issued and the relevant undertakings are given by the Lenders though the Letter of Credit may be signed or provided by the Issuing Agent as agent for the Lenders;
(ii) it must specify the name of the applicant and the beneficiary, the maximum amount, the provisions for the delivery of demands and the Expiry Date;
(iii) it must expressly provide that the obligations of the Lenders under the Letter of Credit are several, not joint, and no Lender shall be required to pay an amount exceeding its respective commitment set out in the Letter of Credit;
(iv) it must expressly provide that the Issuing Agent signs the Letter of Credit as agent for the Lenders only and accordingly shall be under no obligation to the beneficiary thereunder; and
(v) it must contain satisfactory provisions for expiry and release of the Lenders obligations under the Letter of Credit and, where appropriate, for return of the original instrument to the Issuing Agent.
6.7 Issue of Letters of Credit
(a) If the conditions set out in this Agreement have been met (including those set out in Clause 4.2), the Issuing Agent (as agent and mandatario con rappresentanza for and on behalf of each of the Lenders) shall issue the Letter of Credit on the Utilisation Date.
(b) The Issuing Agent will only be obliged to comply with paragraph (a) above if on the date of the Utilisation Request or Renewal Request and on the proposed Utilisation Date:
(i) in the case of a Letter of Credit renewed in accordance with Clause 6.8 ( Renewal of a Letter of Credit ), no Event of Default is continuing or would result from the proposed Utilisation and, in the case of any other Utilisation, no Default is continuing or would result from the proposed Utilisation;
(ii) the Repeating Representations to be made by each Obligor are true in all material respects.
(c) The amount of each Lenders obligations under and participation in each Letter of Credit will be equal to the proportion borne by its Available Revolving Commitment to the Available Revolving Facility immediately prior to the issue of the Letter of Credit.
(d) The liability of the Lenders under a Letter of Credit is several and not joint in any way and no Lender shall be liable for the failure of any other Lender to perform its obligations under a Letter of Credit.
(e) The Agent shall determine the Base Currency Amount of each Letter of Credit which is to be issued in an Optional Currency and shall notify the Issuing Agent and each Lender of the details of the requested Letter of Credit and its participation in that Letter of Credit by the Specified Time.
(f) A Revolving Facility Lender may issue and act as Lender in respect of a Letter of Credit by any Affiliate it nominates for this purpose in writing to the Issuing Agent. Where a Revolving Facility Lender has so nominated an Affiliate, references in this Agreement to a Lender in relation to that Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be a reference to that Lender and its Affiliate or to that Lender or its Affiliate (as the context requires).
(g) Wells Fargo Bank, NA will only be deemed to be a Lender for the purposes of this Clause 6.7 ( Issue of Letters of Credit ) after the Target Accession Date has occurred and shall not have any liability in respect of Letters of Credit issued prior to the Target Accession Date.
6.8 Renewal of a Letter of Credit
(a) A Borrower may request any Letter of Credit issued on its behalf be renewed by delivery to the Agent of a Renewal Request by the Specified Time, and with respect to any Letter of Credit which is by its terms deemed to be automatically extended, such Letter of Credit shall be so renewed subject to the terms thereof.
(b) The Finance Parties shall treat any Renewal Request in the same way as a Utilisation Request for a Letter of Credit except that the conditions set out in paragraphs (e) and (h) of Clause 6.4 ( Completion of a Utilisation Request for Letters of Credit ) shall not apply.
(c) The terms of each renewed Letter of Credit shall be the same as those of the relevant Letter of Credit immediately prior to its renewal, except that:
(i) its amount may be less than the amount of the Letter of Credit immediately prior to its renewal; and
(ii) its Term shall start on the date which was the Expiry Date of the Letter of Credit immediately prior to its renewal, and shall end on the proposed Expiry Date specified in the Renewal Request.
(d) Subject to paragraph (e) below, if the conditions set out in this Agreement have been met, the Issuing Agent shall amend and re-issue any Letter of Credit pursuant to a Renewal Request.
(e) The Issuing Agent and the Lenders under the Revolving Facility to be utilised will be under no obligation to renew a Letter of Credit if they consider, acting reasonably, that the conditions or the process for renewal involve a risk of double exposure at any given time, in which case the Issuing Agent may require comfort (including in the form of the provision of
cash cover, counter-indemnities or return of the original instrument to the Issuing Agent) as a condition precedent to granting such renewal.
6.9 Adjusted Letter of Credit Schedule
(a) The Issuing Agent is authorised and is instructed to deliver to the beneficiary an adjusted L/C Schedule for any Letter of Credit to reflect the obligations of a Lender in relation to an issued Letter of Credit including after any transfer or assignment under Clause 30 ( Changes to the Lenders ).
(b) Any adjusted L/C Schedule provided to the beneficiary under paragraph (a) above shall be effective; provided that :
(i) the aggregate L/C Participation Amounts are no less than the aggregate L/C Participation Amounts under the L/C Schedule which it replaces;
(ii) no Lenders exposure increases under any adjusted L/C Schedule unless such increase is in connection with an increase in its Revolving Facility Commitment (and Participation Amount) following an assignment or transfer under Clause 30 ( Changes to the Lenders ); and
(iii) the adjusted L/C Schedule is dated and includes the reference number of the Letter of Credit to which it applies.
6.10 Revaluation of Letters of Credit
(a) If any Letter of Credit is denominated in an Optional Currency, the Agent shall, at the end of each Financial Quarter, or on any other date as determined by the Issuing Agent, recalculate the Base Currency Amount of that Letter of Credit by notionally converting into the Base Currency the outstanding amount of that Letter of Credit on the basis of the Agents Spot Rate of Exchange on the date of calculation.
(b) If, following any calculation of a Base Currency Amount under paragraph (a) above, the Revolving Facility Utilisations which are Letters of Credit exceed one hundred and two per cent. (102%) of the relevant Guarantee Sub-limit the Borrowers shall ensure that, by the last day of the shortest Interest Period currently applicable to any Loan following such adjustment to the Base Currency Amount, sufficient Letters of Credit are prepaid (by way of the provision of cash cover, such cash cover to be credited to the Cash Collateral Account, or reduction in the face-value amounts of Letters of Credit) so that the Base Currency Amount of the Revolving Facility Utilisations which are Letters of Credit under the affected Revolving Facility does not exceed one hundred per cent. (100%) of the relevant Guarantee Sub-limit.
7. UTILISATION - US DOLLAR SWINGLINE LOANS
7.1 General
(a) Clause 4.2 ( Further conditions precedent ) and Clause 4.34.3 ( Conditions relating to Optional Currencies );
(b) Clause 5 ( Utilisation Revolving Facility Loans );
(c) Clause 10 ( Optional Currencies );
(d) Clause 15 ( Interest ) as it applies to the calculation of interest on a Loan but not default interest on an overdue amount;
(e) Clause 16 ( Interest Periods ); and
(f) Clause 17 ( Changes to the calculation of interest ),
do not apply to US Dollar Swingline Loans.
7.2 Delivery of a Utilisation Request for US Dollar Swingline Loans
(a) A Borrower may utilise the US Dollar Swingline Facility by delivery to the Agent and the Swingline Agent of a duly completed Utilisation Request not later than the Specified Time.
(b) Each Utilisation Request for a US Dollar Swingline Loan must be sent to the Agent and the Swingline Agent to the address, fax number or, electronic mail address or other destination notified by the Agent and the Swingline Agent for this purpose with a copy to its address, fax number or electronic mail address or such other destination referred to in Clause 37 ( Notices ).
7.3 Completion of a Utilisation Request for US Dollar Swingline Loans
(a) Each Utilisation Request for a US Dollar Swingline Loan is irrevocable and will not be regarded as having been duly completed unless:
(i) it identifies the Borrower;
(ii) it specifies that it is for a US Dollar Swingline Loan;
(iii) the proposed Utilisation Date is a New York Business Day within the Availability Period applicable to Revolving Facility A;
(iv) the US Dollar Swingline Loan is denominated in US Dollars;
(v) the amount of the proposed US Dollar Swingline Loan is not more than the Available US Dollar Swingline Facility and is a minimum of US$5,000,000 or, if less, the Available US Dollar Swingline Facility; and
(vi) the proposed Interest Period:
(A) does not extend beyond the Termination Date applicable to Revolving Facility A;
(B) is a period of not more than five (5) New York Business Days; and
(C) ends on a New York Business Day.
(b) Only one US Dollar Swingline Loan may be requested in each Utilisation Request.
7.4 US Dollar Swingline Lenders participation
(a) If the conditions set out in this Agreement have been met, each US Dollar Swingline Lender shall make its participation in each US Dollar Swingline Loan available to the Swingline Agent through its Facility Office.
(b) The US Dollar Swingline Lenders will only be obliged to comply with paragraph (a) above if on the date of the Utilisation Request and on the proposed Utilisation Date:
(i) no Default is continuing or would result from the proposed Utilisation; and
(ii) the Repeating Representations to be made by each Obligor are true in all material respects.
(c) The amount of each US Dollar Swingline Lenders participation in each US Dollar Swingline Loan will be equal to the proportion borne by its Available US Dollar Swingline Commitment to the Available US Dollar Swingline Facility immediately prior to making the US Dollar Swingline Loan, adjusted to take account of any limit applying under Clause 7.5 ( Relationship with Revolving Facility A ) .
(d) The Swingline Agent shall notify the Agent and each US Dollar Swingline Lender of the amount of each US Dollar Swingline Loan and its participation in that US Dollar Swingline Loan by the Specified Time.
(e) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement shall oblige the Swingline Agent to make a US Dollar Swingline Loan available to a Borrower on behalf of any US Dollar Swingline Lender that has failed to make its participation in such US Dollar Swingline Loan available to the Swingline Agent in accordance with this Clause 7.4.
(f) The Swingline Agent shall inform the US Dollar Swingline Lenders and the Agent from time to time regarding the balance of the unutilised US Dollar Swingline Commitments and each US Dollar Swingline Lender shall provide the Swingline Agent and the Agent, upon its reasonable request, with confirmation of the amount of outstanding US Dollar Swingline Loans advanced by it at such time.
7.5 Relationship with Revolving Facility A
(a) This Clause 7.5 applies when a US Dollar Swingline Loan is outstanding or is to be borrowed.
(b) Revolving Facility A may be used by way of US Dollar Swingline Loans. The US Dollar Swingline Facility is not independent of Revolving Facility A.
(c) Notwithstanding any other term of this Agreement a Lender is only obliged to participate in a Revolving Facility A Loan or a US Dollar Swingline Loan to the extent that it would not result in the Base Currency Amount of its participation and that of a Lender which is its Affiliate in the Revolving Facility A Loans and US Dollar Swingline Loans exceeding its Overall Facility A Commitment.
(d) Where, but for the operation of paragraph (c) above, a Lenders participation and that of a Lender which is its Affiliate in the Revolving Facility A Loans and US Dollar Swingline Loans would have exceeded its Overall Facility A Commitment, the excess will be
apportioned among the other Lenders required under this Agreement to make available a participation in the relevant Loan pro rata according to their relevant Commitments. This calculation will be applied as often as necessary until participations in the relevant Loan are apportioned among the relevant Lenders in a manner consistent with paragraph (c) above.
(e) Nothing in this Clause 7.5 shall be construed so as to require a Lender that is not a US Dollar Swingline Lender to participate in a US Dollar Swingline Loan.
7.6 Cancellation of US Dollar Swingline Commitment
The US Dollar Swingline Commitments which, at that time, are unutilised shall be immediately cancelled at the end of the Availability Period for Revolving Facility A.
8. LETTERS OF CREDIT
8.1 Immediately payable
If a Letter of Credit or any amount outstanding under a Letter of Credit becomes immediately payable, the relevant Borrower under the Revolving Facility to which such Letter of Credit relates shall repay or prepay that amount immediately.
8.2 Assignments and transfers
(a) For the avoidance of doubt, the consent of the Issuing Agent is not required for any assignment or transfer of any Lenders rights or obligations under a Revolving Facility.
(b) If the conditions and procedure for transfer specified in Clause 30 ( Changes to the Lenders ) are satisfied, then on the Transfer Date the Issuing Agent and the New Lender shall acquire the same rights and assume the same obligations between themselves as they would have acquired and assumed had the New Lender been an Original Lender with the rights or obligations acquired or assumed by it as a result of the transfer and to that extent the Issuing Agent and the Existing Lender shall each be released from further obligations to each other under this Agreement.
8.3 Claims under a Letter of Credit
(a) Where a claim is made or purported to be made under a Letter of Credit and which appears on its face to be in order (a Syndicated L/C Claim ):
(i) the Issuing Agent shall promptly and in any event within two (2) Business Days of the date of receipt of a Syndicated L/C Claim notify the relevant Borrower and each Lender of the final date on or before which payment of the demand is to be made and the aggregate amount of the Syndicated L/C Claim;
(ii) each Lender (other than a Lender which has paid an amount equal to its Participation Amount (as defined in each case in the relevant Letter of Credit) to the beneficiary) shall immediately on demand pay (via the Issuing Agent) to the relevant beneficiary an amount equal to its Participation Amount (as defined in each case in the relevant Letter of Credit); provided that such amount shall not exceed the maximum amount payable by that Lender to such beneficiary pursuant to the terms of such Letter of Credit;
(iii) the relevant Borrower irrevocably and unconditionally authorises the Lenders to pay such Syndicated L/C claim; and
(iv) the relevant Borrower shall immediately on demand pay to the Issuing Agent for the Lenders an amount equal to the amount of any Syndicated L/C Claim. For the avoidance of doubt this obligation shall be unaffected by the Termination Date.
(b) Each relevant Borrower acknowledges that the Issuing Agent and each Lender:
(i) is not obliged to carry out any investigation or seek any confirmation from any other person before paying a claim; and
(ii) deals in documents only and will not be concerned with the legality of a claim or any underlying transaction or any available set-off, counterclaim or other defence of any person.
(c) The obligations of the Borrowers under this Clause 8.3 will not be affected by:
(i) the sufficiency, accuracy or genuineness of any claim or any other document; or
(ii) any incapacity of, or limitation on the powers of, any person signing a claim or other document.
8.4 Issuing Agents Authorisation
Each Lender hereby unconditionally and irrevocably authorises the Issuing Agent to prepare and complete each Letter of Credit, in the manner contemplated by the relevant Utilisation Request and this Agreement and substantially in the form attached to this Agreement, and to sign each Letter of Credit on its behalf and issue the same to the relevant beneficiary. Such authorisation shall be deemed to be confirmed in respect of each Letter of Credit issued, or to be issued, pursuant to this Agreement and in respect of each Lender on the date on which such Letter of Credit is issued.
8.5 Indemnities
Each Borrower shall immediately on demand indemnify the Issuing Agent and each Lender against any cost, loss or liability incurred by the Issuing Agent or by the Lender (in each case, otherwise than by reason of the Issuing Agents or Lenders own gross negligence or wilful misconduct) in acting as the Issuing Agent or as a Lender (as the case may be) under any Letter of Credit issued under a Revolving Facility including, without limitation, arising in connection with:
(a) issuing or maintaining outstanding a Letter of Credit;
(b) funding, making arrangements to fund, or failing to fund or make arrangements to fund, payments under or in connection with a Letter of Credit; and
(c) acting or relying on any notice, request or instruction which it reasonably believes to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised.
8.6 Cash cover by Borrower
(a) If a Lender fails to honour its obligations under Clause 8.3 or notifies the Issuing Agent that it will not honour its obligations under Clause 8.3 ( Claims under a Letter of Credit ) and the
Issuing Agent notifies the Parent (with a copy to the Agent) that it requires the relevant Borrower of the relevant Letter of Credit or proposed Letter of Credit to provide cash cover to an account with the Issuing Agent in an amount equal to such Lenders L/C Proportion of the outstanding amount of that Letter of Credit and in the currency of that Letter of Credit then that Borrower shall do so within four (4) Business Days after the notice is given.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(vii) of Clause 6.1 ( General ), the Issuing Agent shall agree to the withdrawal of amounts up to the level of that cash cover from the account if the relevant Lenders obligations in respect of the relevant Letter of Credit are transferred to a New Lender in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(c) To the extent that a Borrower has complied with its obligations to provide cash cover in accordance with this Clause 8.6, the relevant Lenders L/C Proportion in respect of that Letter of Credit will remain (but such Lenders obligations in relation to that Letter of Credit may be satisfied in accordance with Clause 6.1 ( General )). However, the relevant Borrower will be obliged to pay any Letter of Credit Fee in relation to the relevant letter of credit to the Agent (for the account of and for distribution to the relevant Lenders) but the relevant Borrower shall not be obliged to pay any Letter of Credit Fee in relation to the relevant letter of credit to the relevant Lender.
(d) The relevant Issuing Agent shall promptly notify the Agent of the extent to which a Borrower provides cash cover pursuant to this Clause 8.6 and of any change in the amount of cash cover so provided.
8.7 Rights of contribution
No Obligor will be entitled to any right of contribution or indemnity from any Finance Party in respect of any payment it may make under this Clause 8.
8.8 Loss sharing
(a) If, at any time after any amount has become payable to the beneficiary under a Letter of Credit, for any reason any amount due and owing to a Lender under the Finance Documents in respect of that claim has not been paid or discharged and any resulting unpaid amount is not shared among the Lenders of the relevant Revolving Facility pro rata to their Loss Share Proportions in respect of such Revolving Facility, the Lenders shall make such payments between themselves as the Agent shall require to ensure that, after taking into account such payments, any such amount is shared between the relevant Lenders pro rata to their Loss Share Proportions.
(b) If a Lender (the Paying Bank ) makes a payment to the Agent for distribution to one or more other Lenders under paragraph (a) above then, without double counting, the liability of the relevant Borrower to the Paying Bank shall be increased (or treated as not having been reduced) by an amount equal to the payment so made and the liability of such Borrower to the Lender(s) to which any such payment has been made shall be reduced (or treated as not having been increased) by an amount equal to the payment so made. Following any application of the provisions of paragraph (a) above the Agent is authorised and is instructed to deliver to the beneficiary an adjusted L/C Schedule or a new Letter of Credit, as the case may be, under the terms of this Agreement. Such adjusted L/C or new Letter of Credit shall reflect the L/C Commitments of the Lenders after the application of paragraph (a) above.
(c) Wells Fargo Bank, NA will only be deemed to be a Lender for the purposes of this Clause 8.8 ( Loss sharing ) after the Target Accession Date has occurred and shall not have any liability in respect of Letters of Credit issued prior to the Target Accession Date.
8.9 Role of the Issuing Agent
(a) Nothing in this Agreement constitutes the Issuing Agent as a trustee or fiduciary of any other person.
(b) The Issuing Agent may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of banking or other business with any member of the Group.
(c) The Issuing Agent may rely on:
(i) any representation, notice or document believed by it to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised; and
(ii) any statement made by a director, authorised signatory or employee of any person regarding any matters which may reasonably be assumed to be within his knowledge or within his power to verify.
(d) The Issuing Agent may engage, pay for and rely on the advice or services of any lawyers, accountants, surveyors or other experts.
(e) The Issuing Agent may act in relation to the Finance Documents through its personnel and agents.
(f) The Issuing Agent is not responsible for:
(i) the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information (whether oral or written) provided by the Agent, any Party (including itself), or any other person under or in connection with any Finance Document, the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Finance Document; or
(ii) the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Finance Document or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Finance Document.
8.10 Exclusion of liability
(a) Without limiting paragraph (b) below, neither the Issuing Agent nor any Lenders in respect of Letters of Credit will be liable for any action taken by it under or in connection with any Finance Document, unless directly caused by its gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
(b) No Party (other than the Issuing Agent or a Lender in respect of a Letter of Credit) may take any proceedings against any officer, employee or agent of the Issuing Agent or a Lender in respect of a Letter of Credit in respect of any claim it might have against the Issuing Agent or relevant Lender in respect of any act or omission of any kind by that officer, employee or agent in relation to any Finance Document and any officer, employee or agent of the Issuing
Agent or relevant Lender may rely on this Clause 8.10 subject to Clause 1.3 ( Third party rights ) and the provisions of the Third Parties Act.
8.11 Credit appraisal by the Lenders
Without affecting the responsibility of any Obligor for information supplied by it or on its behalf in connection with any Finance Document, each Lender confirms to the Issuing Agent that it has been, and will continue to be, solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal and investigation of all risks arising under or in connection with any Finance Document including, but not limited to, those listed in paragraphs (a) through (d) of Clause 32.14 ( Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Finance Parties ).
8.12 Address for notices
The address and fax number (and the department or officer, if any, for whose attention the communication is to be made) of the Issuing Agent for any communication or document to be made or delivered under or in connection with the Finance Documents is that notified in writing to the Agent prior to the date of this Agreement or any substitute address, fax number or department or officer as the Issuing Agent may notify to the Agent by not less than five (5) Business Days notice.
8.13 Amendments and waivers
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, an amendment or waiver which relates to the rights or obligations of the Issuing Agent may not be effected without the consent of the Issuing Agent.
8.14 Applicability of ISP and UCP
Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the Issuing Agent and each Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued, the rules of the International Standby Practices 1998 published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance) shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit, and the rules of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, as most recently published by the International Chamber of Commerce at the time of issuance shall apply to each commercial Letter of Credit.
9. REPAYMENT
9.1 Repayment of Revolving Facility Loans
(a) Each Borrower which has drawn a Revolving Facility Loan shall repay such Revolving Facility Loan on the last day of its Interest Period.
(b) At any time when a Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, the maturity date of each of the participations of that Lender in the Revolving Facility Loans then outstanding will be automatically extended to the Final Maturity Date in relation to the Revolving Facility and will be treated as separate Revolving Facility Loans (the Separate Loans ) denominated in the currency in which the relevant participations are outstanding.
(c) A Borrower to whom a Separate Loan is outstanding may prepay that Loan by giving five (5) Business Days prior notice to the Agent. The Agent will forward a copy of a
prepayment notice received in accordance with this paragraph (c) to the Defaulting Lender concerned as soon as practicable on receipt.
(d) Interest in respect of a Separate Loan will accrue for successive Interest Periods selected by the relevant Borrower by the time and date specified by the Agent (acting reasonably) and will be payable by that Borrower to the Defaulting Lender on the last day of each Interest Period of that Loan.
(e) The terms of this Agreement relating to Revolving Facility Loans generally shall continue to apply to Separate Loans other than to the extent inconsistent with paragraphs (b) to (d) above, in which case those paragraphs shall prevail in respect of any Separate Loan.
10. OPTIONAL CURRENCIES
10.1 Selection of currency
Each Borrower shall select the currency of a Revolving Facility Utilisation in the applicable Utilisation Request.
10.2 Unavailability of a currency
If before the Specified Time on any Quotation Day:
(a) a Lender notifies the Agent that the Optional Currency requested is not readily available to it in the amount required; or
(b) a Lender notifies the Agent that compliance with its obligation to participate in a Loan in the proposed Optional Currency would contravene a law or regulation applicable to it,
the Agent will give notice to the relevant Borrower to that effect by the Specified Time on that day. In this event, any Lender that gives notice pursuant to this Clause 10.2 will be required to participate in the Loan in the Base Currency (in an amount equal to such Lenders proportion of the Base Currency Amount, or in respect of a Rollover Loan, an amount equal to such Lenders proportion of the Base Currency Amount of the Rollover Loan that is due to be made) and its participation will be treated as a separate Loan denominated in the Base Currency during that Interest Period.
10.3 Agents calculations
Each Lenders participation in a Loan will be determined in accordance with paragraph (b) of Clause 5.4 ( Lenders participation ).
11. US DOLLAR SWINGLINE FACILITY
11.1 US Dollar Swingline
Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the US Dollar Swingline Lenders make available to the Swingline Agent, by the Specified Time, for the account of the relevant US Borrower a US Dollar swingline loan facility in an aggregate amount equal to the Total US Dollar Swingline Commitments.
11.2 Purpose
Each Borrower shall apply all amounts borrowed by it under the US Dollar Swingline Facility for general corporate purposes. A US Dollar Swingline Loan may not be applied in repayment or prepayment of another US Dollar Swingline Loan.
11.3 Repayment
Each Borrower that has drawn a US Dollar Swingline Loan shall repay that US Dollar Swingline Loan on the last day of its Interest Period.
11.4 Voluntary prepayment of US Dollar Swingline Loans
(a) A Borrower to which a US Dollar Swingline Loan has been made may prepay at any time the whole of that US Dollar Swingline Loan.
(b) Unless a contrary indication appears in this Agreement, any part of the US Dollar Swingline Facility which is prepaid or repaid may be re-borrowed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
11.5 Interest
(a) The rate of interest on each US Dollar Swingline Loan for any day during its Interest Period is the higher of:
(i) the prime commercial lending rate in US Dollars announced by the Swingline Agent at the Specified Time and in force on that day; and
(ii) zero and a half per cent. (0.50%) per annum over the rate per annum determined by the Swingline Agent to be the Federal Funds Rate (as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) for that day.
(b) The Swingline Agent shall promptly notify the Agent, the US Dollar Swingline Lenders and the relevant Borrower of the determination of the rate of interest under paragraph (a) above.
(c) If any day during an Interest Period is not a New York Business Day, the rate of interest on a US Dollar Swingline Loan on that day will be the rate applicable to the immediately preceding New York Business Day.
(d) Each Borrower shall pay accrued interest on each US Dollar Swingline Loan made to it on the last day of its Interest Period.
11.6 US Dollar Swingline Agent
(a) The Swingline Agent may perform its duties in respect of the US Dollar Swingline Facility through an Affiliate acting as its agent.
(b) Notwithstanding any other term of this Agreement and without limiting the liability of any Obligor under the Finance Documents, each Lender shall (in proportion to its share of the Total Facility A Commitments or, if the Total Facility A Commitments are then zero, to its share of the Total Facility A Commitments immediately prior to their reduction to zero) pay to or indemnify the Swingline Agent, within three (3) Business Days of demand, for or
against any cost, loss or liability (including, without limitation, for negligence or any other category of loss whatsoever) incurred by the Swingline Agent or its Affiliate (other than by reason of the Swingline Agents or the Affiliates gross negligence or wilful misconduct) or, in the case of any cost, loss or liability pursuant to Clause 35.11 ( Disruption to Payment Systems etc .) notwithstanding the Swingline Agents or the Affiliates negligence, gross negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever but not including any claim based on the fraud of the Swingline Agent or the Affiliate in acting as Swingline Agent for the US Dollar Swingline Facility under the Finance Documents (unless the Swingline Agent or its Affiliate has been reimbursed by an Obligor pursuant to a Finance Document).
11.7 Interest Period US Dollar Swingline Loans
(a) Each US Dollar Swingline Loan has one Interest Period only.
(b) The Interest Period for a US Dollar Swingline Loan must be selected in the relevant Utilisation Request.
11.8 Partial Payments
(a) If the Swingline Agent or Agent receives a payment in respect of the US Dollar Swingline Facility that is insufficient to discharge all the amounts then due and payable by an Obligor under the Finance Documents in respect of the US Dollar Swingline Facility, the Agent or the Swingline Agent (as applicable) shall apply that payment towards the obligations of that Obligor under the Finance Documents in respect of the US Dollar Swingline Facility in the following order:
(i) first, in or towards payment pro rata of any unpaid fees, costs and expenses of the Agent, the Swingline Agent or its Affiliate under the Finance Documents incurred in respect of the US Dollar Swingline Facility;
(ii) secondly, in or towards payment pro rata of any accrued interest on a US Dollar Swingline Loan due but unpaid under this Agreement;
(iii) thirdly, in or towards payment pro rata of the principal of any US Dollar Swingline Loan due but unpaid under this Agreement; and
(iv) fourthly, in or towards payment pro rata of any other sum due but unpaid under the Finance Documents in respect of the US Dollar Swingline Facility.
(b) The Swingline Agent shall, if so directed by all the US Dollar Swingline Lenders, vary the order set out in paragraphs (a)(ii) to (iv) above.
(c) Paragraphs (a) and (b) above will override any appropriation made by an Obligor and Clause 35.6 ( Partial payments ) does not apply to the US Dollar Swingline Facility.
11.9 Loss sharing
(a) If a Revolving Facility A Loan (including a US Dollar Swingline Loan) or interest on a Revolving Facility A Loan (including a US Dollar Swingline Loan) is not paid in full on its due date, the Agent (if requested to do so in writing by any affected Lender) shall calculate the amount (if any) which needs to be paid or received by each Lender with a Revolving Facility A Commitment to place that Lender in the position it would have been in had each
Lender (or its Affiliate) with a Facility A Commitment participated in that Loan in the proportion borne by its Facility A Commitment to the Total Facility A Commitments and, if the Total Facility A Commitments are then zero, the proportion borne by its Facility A Commitment to the Total Facility A Commitments immediately prior to their reduction to zero.
(b) The calculation of the Agent is designed solely to allocate the unpaid amount proportionally among the Lenders with a Revolving Facility A Commitment according to their Revolving Facility A Commitments and will not take into account any commitment fee or other amount payable under the Finance Documents.
(c) The Agent will set a date (the Loss Sharing Date ) on which payments must be made under this Clause 11.9. The Agent shall give at least three (3) Business Days notice to each affected Lender of this date and the amount of the payment (if any) to be paid or received by it on this date.
(d) On the Loss Sharing Date:
(i) each affected Lender who has to make a payment shall pay to the Agent the relevant amount set out in the notice referred to in paragraph (c) above; and
(ii) out of the amounts the Agent receives, the Agent shall pay to each affected Lender who is entitled to receive a payment the amount set out in that notice.
(e) If the amount actually received by the Agent from the Lenders under paragraph (d) above is insufficient to pay the full amount required to be paid under that paragraph, the Agent shall distribute the amount it actually receives among the affected Lenders pro rata to the amounts they are entitled to receive under that paragraph.
(f) If a Lender makes a payment to the Agent under this Clause 11.9 then, to the extent that that payment is distributed by the Agent under paragraphs (d) or (e) above, as between the relevant Obligor and that Lender an amount equal to the amount of that distributed payment will be treated as not having been paid by the relevant Obligor.
(g) Any payment under this Clause 11.9 will not reduce the obligations in aggregate of any Obligor.
(h) Wells Fargo Bank, NA will only be deemed to be a Lender for the purposes of this Clause 11.9 ( Loss Sharing ) after the Target Accession Date has occurred and shall not have any liability in respect of Revolving Facility A Loans drawn prior to the Target Accession Date.
12. ILLEGALITY, VOLUNTARY PREPAYMENT AND CANCELLATION
12.1 Illegality
Subject to Clause 12.2 ( Illegality in relation to the Issuing Agent ), if it becomes unlawful in any applicable jurisdiction for a Lender to perform any of its obligations as contemplated by this Agreement or to fund, issue or maintain its participation in any Utilisation:
(a) such Lender shall promptly notify the Agent upon becoming aware of that event;
(b) upon the Agent notifying each Borrower, the Revolving Facility Commitments of such Lender and of any Affiliate of that Lender which is a US Dollar Swingline Lender will be immediately cancelled; and
(c) the relevant Borrower shall repay such Lenders (and any such Affiliates) participation in the Utilisations made to that Borrower on the last day of the Interest Period for each Utilisation occurring after the Agent has notified that Borrower or, if earlier, the date specified by the Lender in the notice delivered to the Agent (being no earlier than the last day of any applicable grace period permitted by law).
12.2 Illegality in relation to the Issuing Agent
If it becomes unlawful for an Issuing Agent or any Lender to issue or leave outstanding any Letter of Credit or otherwise to perform any of its obligations in respect of Letters of Credit or to fund or maintain its participation in any Utilisation by way of Letter of Credit as contemplated by this Agreement, then:
(a) that Issuing Agent or such Lender shall promptly notify the Agent upon becoming aware of that event;
(b) the Issuing Agent or such Lender shall not be obliged to issue or participate in (as the case may be) any Letter of Credit;
(c) each Borrower shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure the release of each Letter of Credit issued by that Issuing Agent or in which such Lender participates and which is outstanding at such time. If a Borrower fails to procure the release of a Letter of Credit it will be obliged to prepay that Letter of Credit; and
(d) in the case of illegality affecting the Issuing Agent, unless any other Lender has agreed to be an Issuing Agent pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, then the Revolving Facility shall cease to be available for the issue of Letters of Credit.
Nothing in this Clause 12.2 shall prevent a Borrower from utilising a Revolving Facility to prepay a Letter of Credit in accordance with paragraph (c) above.
12.3 Voluntary cancellation
(a) The relevant Borrower may, if it gives the Agent not less than five (5) Business Days (or such shorter period as the Majority Lenders may agree) prior notice, cancel the whole or any part (being a minimum amount of US$5,000,000 for Revolving Facility A and 5,000,000 for Revolving Facility B) of an Available Revolving Facility.
(b) The relevant Borrower may not make a cancellation pursuant to paragraph (a) above to the extent that that cancellation would result in a Lender (or its Affiliate) failing to meet the requirement set out in paragraph (g) of Clause 30.2 ( Conditions of assignment or transfer ).
(c) Any cancellation under this Clause 12.3 shall reduce the Revolving Facility Commitments of the Lenders rateably under that Facility.
12.4 Voluntary prepayment of Loans
Each Borrower may, if it gives the Agent not less than five (5) Business Days (or such shorter period as the Majority Lenders may agree) prior notice, prepay the whole or any part of a Loan drawn by it under the Facility made available to it (but, if in part, being an amount that reduces that Loan by a minimum amount of US$5,000,000 for Revolving Facility A and 5,000,000 for Revolving Facility B).
12.5 Voluntary prepayment of Letters of Credit
Each Borrower may, if it gives the Agent not less than five (5) Business Days (or such shorter period as the Majority Lenders may agree) prior notice, prepay the whole or any part of a Letter of Credit requested by it under a Revolving Facility made available to it.
12.6 Right of cancellation and repayment in relation to a single Lender or the Issuing Agent
(a) If:
(i) any sum payable to any Lender by an Obligor is required to be increased under paragraph (c) of Clause 19.2 ( Tax gross-up ); or
(ii) any Lender or the Issuing Agent claims indemnification from the Parent or an Obligor under Clause 19.3 ( Tax indemnity ) or Clause 20.1 ( Increased costs ); or
(iii) any Lender is a Defaulting Lender,
(iv) any amount payable to any Lender by an Italian Obligor under a Finance Document is not, or will not be treated as a deductible charge or expense for Italian Tax purposes for that Italian Obligor by reason of that amount originating from transactions occurred with Blacklisted Resident Entities, other than where any limitation in the deduction of that amount results from any inaction of the Italian Obligor which is not the consequence of the lack of cooperation of the entity residing or localized in a Blacklisted Jurisdiction in providing the documentation necessary for that Obligor to treat the payment as a deductible charge or expense; or
the Parent (on behalf of each Borrower) may (but shall not be obligated to), whilst the circumstance giving rise to the events referred to above continues, give the Agent notice :
(A) (if such circumstances relate to a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender) of cancellation of the Revolving Facility Commitment of such Lender and of any Affiliate of that Lender which is a US Dollar Swingline Lender or its intention to procure the repayment of such Lenders and any such Affiliates participation in the Utilisations or give the Agent notice of its intention to replace that Lender (together with any Affiliate of that Lender) in accordance with paragraph (c) below; or
(B) (if such circumstances relate to a Lender or to the Issuing Agent) of repayment of any outstanding Letter of Credit issued by it and cancellation of its appointment as an Issuing Agent or Lender under this Agreement in relation to any Letters of Credit to be issued in the future.
(b) On receipt of a notice referred to in paragraph (a) above in relation to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, the Available Revolving Commitment of such Lender and any such Affiliate shall immediately be reduced to zero. The Parent shall ensure that a Borrower to which a Utilisation is outstanding shall promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days, repay such Lenders and any such Affiliates participation in each Loan and Letter of Credit together with all interest and other amounts accrued under the Finance Documents.
(c) In lieu of the cancellations referred to in Clause 12.1 ( Illegality ) and above in this Clause 12.6, each Borrower shall have the right, but not the obligation, at its own expense, upon notice from that Borrower to such Lender (the Terminated Lender ) and the Agent, to replace such Terminated Lender (together with any Affiliate of that Terminated Lender) with a New Lender (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Clause 30 ( Changes to Lenders )) approved by the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent, and such Terminated Lender hereby agrees to transfer and assign without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Clause 30 ( Changes to Lenders )) all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to such assignee; provided that no Terminated Lender shall be obligated to make any such assignment:
(i) unless such assignee or that Borrower shall pay to the affected Terminated Lender such Terminated Lenders and such Affiliates participation in all Utilisations together with all interest and other amounts accrued under the Finance Documents; and
(ii) if to make such transfer or assignment would cause such Terminated Lender or such Affiliate to breach, or such transfer or assignment is of and in itself in breach of, in each case, any provision of law or regulation.
(d) A Terminated Lender shall not be obliged to transfer its rights and obligations pursuant to paragraph (c) above to the extent that the transfer would result in that Terminated Lender (or its Affiliate) failing to meet the requirement set out in paragraph (g) of Clause 30.2 ( Conditions of assignment or transfer ).
13. MANDATORY PREPAYMENT
13.1 Change of Control or Sale
(a) Upon the occurrence of:
(i) a Change of Control; or
(ii) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Group whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (other than as a result of a Permitted Transaction):
(A) a Lender shall not be obliged to fund a Utilisation (except for a Rollover Loan); and
(B) the Agent shall, upon written instructions from an individual Lender and, by not less than thirty (30) days notice, cancel the Revolving Facility Commitment of such Lender and of any Affiliate of that Lender which is a US Dollar Swingline Lender and require repayment of the participation of such Lender in the Loans, whereupon the Revolving Facility Commitment of
such Lender and of any such Affiliate will be cancelled and all outstanding participations of such Lender and of any such Affiliate, together with accrued interest, and all other amounts accrued under the Finance Documents and owing to such Lender and of any such Affiliate, shall become immediately due and payable and the Borrowers shall repay or prepay such amounts.
14. RESTRICTIONS
14.1 Notices of cancellation or prepayment
Any notice of cancellation, prepayment, authorisation or other election given by any Party under Clause 12 ( Illegality, voluntary prepayment and cancellation ) shall (subject to the terms of those Clauses) be irrevocable and, unless a contrary indication appears in this Agreement, any such notice shall specify the date or dates upon which the relevant cancellation or prepayment is to be made and the amount of that cancellation or prepayment.
14.2 Interest and other amounts
Any prepayment under this Agreement shall be made together with accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, subject to any Break Costs, without premium or penalty.
14.3 Reborrowing of Loans; Reutilisation of Facility
Unless a contrary indication appears in this Agreement, any part of the Revolving Facility which is prepaid by the Borrower to which such Revolving Facility has been made available, in accordance with Clause 12.4 ( Voluntary prepayment of Loans ) or Clause 12.5 ( Voluntary prepayment of Letters of Credit ) may be reborrowed (in the case of Loans) or reutilised (in the case of Letters of Credit) by the relevant Borrower in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
14.4 Prepayment in accordance with Agreement
The Borrowers shall not repay or prepay all or any part of the Utilisations or cancel all or any part of the Revolving Facility Commitments except at the times and in the manner expressly provided for in this Agreement.
14.5 No reinstatement of Commitments
No amount of the Total Facility Commitments cancelled under this Agreement may be subsequently reinstated.
14.6 Agents receipt of notices
If the Agent receives a notice under Clause 12 ( Illegality, Voluntary Prepayment and Cancellation ), it shall promptly forward a copy of that notice or election to either the Borrowers or the affected Lender, as appropriate.
15. INTEREST
15.1 Calculation of interest
The rate of interest on each Loan for each Interest Period is the percentage rate per annum which is the aggregate of the applicable:
(a) Margin;
(b) LIBOR or, in relation to any Loan in Euro, EURIBOR.
15.2 Usury Cap
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if at any time the rate of interest applicable to a Loan made available under this Agreement to any Borrower incorporated in Italy (including the relevant component of any applicable fee and expense) exceeds the maximum rate permitted by the Italian law 7 March 1996 no. 108 and related implementation regulations (the Italian Usury Legislation ), the rate of interest payable by the relevant Borrower shall be deemed to be automatically reduced, for the shortest possible period, to the maximum rate permitted under the Italian Usury Legislation.
15.3 Payment of interest
Each Borrower to which a Loan has been made shall pay accrued interest on that Loan on the last day of each Interest Period (and, if the Interest Period is longer than six (6) Months, on the dates falling at six (6) Monthly intervals after the first day of the Interest Period).
15.4 Default interest
(a) If an Obligor fails to pay any amount payable by it under a Finance Document on its due date, interest shall accrue on the overdue amount from the due date up to the date of actual payment (both before and after judgment) at a rate which, subject to paragraph (b) below, is one per cent. (1%) higher than the rate which would have been payable if the overdue amount had, during the period of non-payment, constituted a Loan in the currency of the overdue amount for successive Interest Periods, each of a duration selected by the Agent (acting reasonably). Any interest accruing under this Clause 15.4 shall be immediately payable by the Obligor on demand by the Agent.
(b) If any overdue amount consists of all or part of a Loan which became due on a day which was not the last day of an Interest Period relating to that Loan:
(i) the first Interest Period for that overdue amount shall have a duration equal to the unexpired portion of the current Interest Period relating to that Loan; and
(ii) the rate of interest applying to the overdue amount during that first Interest Period shall be one per cent. (1%) higher than the rate which would have applied if the overdue amount had not become due.
(c) Default interest (if unpaid) arising on an overdue amount will be compounded (to the extent permitted under any applicable law and regulation, including article 1283 of the Italian Civil Code, as amended, supplemented or implemented from time to time) with the overdue amount at the end of each Interest Period applicable to that overdue amount but will remain immediately due and payable.
15.5 Notification of rates of interest
The Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders and the relevant Borrower of the determination of a rate of interest under this Agreement.
15.6 Interest Rate Limitation
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Utilisation by a US Borrower, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Utilisation under applicable law (collectively the Charges ), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the Maximum Rate ) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Utilisation in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Utilisation, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Utilisation but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Clause 15.6 shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Utilisation or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Margin to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.
16. INTEREST PERIODS
16.1 Selection of Interest Periods and Terms
(a) Each Borrower may select an Interest Period for a Revolving Facility Loan in the Utilisation Request for that Revolving Facility Loan.
(b) Subject to this Clause 16 each Borrower may select an Interest Period of one (1), three (3) or six (6) Months or (in the case of the Swingline Facility) one (1) through five (5) New York Business Day(s) in relation to the Facility made available to it or any other period agreed between the relevant Borrower and the Agent (acting on the instructions of all the Lenders under the relevant Facility).
(c) An Interest Period for a Revolving Facility Loan shall not extend beyond the Final Maturity Date applicable to its Facility.
(d) A Revolving Facility Loan and a US Dollar Swingline Loan have one Interest Period only.
(e) The Parent and the Agent may select an Interest Period of two (2) weeks (or a shorter period) for the purpose of aligning the Interest Period with the effective date of the Holdco Merger.
16.2 Non-Business Days
If an Interest Period would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, that Interest Period will instead end on the next Business Day in that calendar month (if there is one) or the preceding Business Day (if there is not).
17. CHANGES TO THE CALCULATION OF INTEREST
17.1 Absence of quotations
(a) Subject to Clause 17.2 ( Market disruption ) if LIBOR or, if applicable, EURIBOR is to be determined by reference to the Base Reference Banks but a Base Reference Bank does not supply a quotation by the Specified Time on the Quotation Day, then the applicable LIBOR or EURIBOR shall be determined on the basis of the quotations of the remaining Base Reference Banks.
(b) If a Market Disruption Event occurs, then the Agent shall, as soon as is practicable, notify the Parent.
17.2 Market disruption
(a) If a Market Disruption Event occurs in relation to a Loan for any Interest Period, then the rate of interest on each Lenders share of that Loan for the Interest Period shall be the percentage rate per annum which is the sum of:
(i) the Margin; and
(ii) the rate notified to the Agent by such Lender, as soon as practicable and in any event before interest is due to be paid in respect of that Interest Period, to be that which expresses as a percentage rate per annum the cost to such Lender of funding its participation in that Loan from whatever source it may reasonably select;
(b) In this Agreement Market Disruption Event means:
(i) at or about noon on the Quotation Day for the relevant Interest Period (i) the Screen Rate is not available or (ii), LIBOR or, if available, EURIBOR is to be determined by reference to the Base Reference Banks and none or only one of the Base Reference Banks supplies a rate to the Agent to determine LIBOR or, if applicable, EURIBOR for the relevant currency and Interest Period; or
(ii) before close of business in New York on the Quotation Day for the relevant Interest Period, the Agent receives notifications from a Lender or Lenders (whose participations in a Loan exceed thirty-five per cent. (35%) of that Loan) that the cost to it of obtaining matching deposits in the Relevant Interbank Market would be in excess of LIBOR or, if applicable, EURIBOR.
17.3 Alternative basis of interest or funding
(a) If a Market Disruption Event occurs and the Agent or a Borrower so requires, the Agent and that Borrower shall enter into negotiations (for a period of not more than thirty (30) days) with a view to agreeing a substitute basis for determining the rate of interest.
(b) Any alternative basis agreed pursuant to paragraph (a) above shall, with the prior consent of all the Lenders and the relevant Borrower, be binding on all Parties.
17.4 Break Costs
(a) Each Borrower shall, within three (3) Business Days of demand by a Finance Party, pay to that Finance Party its Break Costs attributable to all or any part of a Loan or Unpaid Sum being paid by that Borrower on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period for that Loan or Unpaid Sum.
(b) Each Lender shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after a demand by the Agent, provide a certificate confirming the amount of its Break Costs for any Interest Period in which they accrue.
18. FEES
18.1 Commitment fee
(a) The Borrowers under each Facility (as applicable) shall pay to the Agent (for the account of each Lender):
(i) a fee in US Dollars in respect of Revolving Facility A, and, as applicable, a fee in Euro in respect of Revolving Facility B, computed at the rate of thirty five per cent. (35%) of the relevant Margin per annum on such Lenders Available Revolving Commitment under the relevant Facility from the date of this Agreement to the end of the Availability Period applicable to the relevant Facility; provided that the Public Debt Ratings are higher than BB (with at least a stable outlook) and Ba2 (with at least a stable outlook) and provided further that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, this paragraph (i) shall be interpreted to mean at least two of the three Public Debt Ratings issued by the Rating Agencies being higher than BB (with at least a stable outlook) or Ba2 (with at least a stable outlook) as applicable; or
(ii) a fee in US Dollars in respect of Revolving Facility A and, as applicable a fee in Euro in respect of Revolving Facility B, computed at the rate of thirty seven and one half per cent. (37.5%) of the relevant Margin per annum on such Lenders Available Revolving Commitment under the relevant Facility from the date of this Agreement until the end of the Availability Period applicable to the relevant Facility; provided that the Public Debt Ratings are equal or lower than BB (with a stable outlook) or Ba2 (with a stable outlook) provided further that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, this paragraph (ii) shall be interpreted to mean at least two of the three Public Debt Ratings issued by the Rating Agencies being equal to or lower than BB or Ba2 as applicable;
provided that :
(A) in the event that the Public Debt Ratings differ such that the applicable rate cannot be determined for purposes of both (i) and (ii) above, the rate used to calculate the commitment fee shall be the average of the two (or three, as applicable) applicable rates specified in (i) and (ii) above;
(B) in the event of withdrawal of a Public Debt Rating, the rate used to calculate the commitment fee shall be such rate which is the average of the applicable rate or rates (as the case may be) for the remaining Public Debt Rating as specified in (i) or (ii) above and thirty seven and one half per cent. (37.5%); and
(C) in the event of withdrawal of all Public Debt Ratings, the rate used to calculate the commitment fee shall be thirty seven and one half per cent. (37.5%).
(b) Starting on the date of this Agreement, the accrued commitment fee calculated in accordance with paragraph (a) above is payable on the last day of each successive period of three (3) Months which ends during the relevant Availability Period, on the last day of the Availability
Period and, if cancelled in full, on the cancelled amount of the relevant Lenders Commitment at the time the cancellation is effective.
(c) No commitment fee is payable to the Agent (for the account of a Lender) on any Available Revolving Commitment of such Lender for any day on which such Lender is a Defaulting Lender.
18.2 Arrangement fee
The Parent shall pay to the relevant Arranging Parties an arrangement fee for the purposes of remunerating their activities as Arranging Parties in the amount and at the times agreed in each Arrangement Fee Letter(s).
18.3 Agency fee
The Parent shall pay to the Agent (for its own account) an agency fee to remunerate its activities as Agent in the amount and at the times agreed in the Agents Fee Letter.
18.4 Swingline Agency fee
GTECH Corporation shall pay to the Swingline Agent (for its own account) an agency fee to remunerate its activities as Swingline Agent in the amount and at the times agreed in the Swingline Agents Fee Letter.
18.5 Utilisation fee
(a) The Borrowers shall pay a utilisation fee calculated by reference to the daily amount outstanding under the Facilities during each consecutive period of three (3) Months (the first of such period beginning on the date of this Agreement) multiplied by the percentage as set out in the table below:
Utilisation level |
|
Utilisation fee (per annum) |
|
Less than or equal to 33 1 / 3 per cent. of the aggregate Revolving Facility Commitments from time to time |
|
0.15 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Higher than 33 1 / 3 per cent. but less than or equal to 66 2 / 3 per cent. of the aggregate Revolving Facility Commitments from time to time |
|
0.30 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Higher than 66 2 / 3 per cent. of the aggregate Revolving Facility Commitments from time to time |
|
0.60 |
% |
(b) The accrued utilisation fee with respect to Revolving Facility A shall be payable in US Dollars and the accrued utilisation fee with respect to Revolving Facility B shall be payable in Euro in each case starting from the date of first Utilisation under the Facilities, quarterly in arrears and on the date on which all outstanding amounts under the Facilities are prepaid and the Facilities are cancelled in full.
18.6 Fees payable in respect of Letters of Credit
(a) The applicable Borrowers shall pay to the Agent (for the account of each Lender participating in the relevant Revolving Facility) a Letter of Credit Fee in the Base Currency (computed at the rate equal to the Margin from time to time applicable to a Loan) on the outstanding amount of each Letter of Credit requested by it for the period from the issue of that Letter of Credit until its Expiry Date. The Letter of Credit Fee shall be distributed according to each such Lenders L/C Proportion of that Letter of Credit.
(b) The accrued issuing agency fee and the accrued Letter of Credit Fee on a Letter of Credit shall be payable on the last day of each successive period of three (3) Months ending on each 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December in each year (or such shorter period as shall end on the Expiry Date for that Letter of Credit) starting on the date of issue of that Letter of Credit. The accrued issuing agency fee and the accrued Letter of Credit Fee is also payable to the Agent on the cancelled amount of any Lenders Revolving Facility Commitment at the time the cancellation is effective if that Commitment is cancelled in full and the Letter of Credit are prepaid or repaid in full.
18.7 Fees payable in respect of Wells Fargo Bank, NA
Any fees payable under this Clause 18 with respect to Wells Fargo Bank, NA shall only accrue from and including the Target Accession Date.
19. TAX GROSS UP AND INDEMNITIES
19.1 Definitions
In this Agreement:
Borrower DTTP Filing means an HM Revenue & Customs Form DTTP2 duly completed and filed by the relevant Borrower, which:
(a) where it relates to a UK Treaty Lender that is an Original Lender, contains the scheme reference number and jurisdiction of tax residence stated opposite such Lenders name in Part II of Schedule 1 ( The Original Parties ) or (in the case of the scheme reference number, that is subsequently communicated to the Agent and the relevant Borrower promptly upon it becoming available), and
(i) where the Borrower is an Original Borrower, is filed with HM Revenue & Customs within thirty (30) days of the date of this Agreement; or
(ii) where the Borrower is an Additional Borrower, is filed with HM Revenue & Customs within thirty (30) days of the date on which that Borrower becomes an Additional Borrower; or
(b) where it relates to a UK Treaty Lender that is a New Lender, contains the scheme reference number and jurisdiction of tax residence stated in respect of such Lender in the relevant Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement, and
(i) where the Borrower is a Borrower as at the relevant Transfer Date, is filed with HM Revenue & Customs within thirty (30) days of that Transfer Date; or
(ii) where the Borrower is not a Borrower as at the relevant Transfer Date, is filed with HM Revenue & Customs within thirty (30) days of the date on which that Borrower becomes an Additional Borrower.
Change of Tax Law means with respect to the Lender, any change in, or in the published interpretation, administration or the application of, any law or regulation or Double Taxation Treaty or any published practice or published concession of any relevant taxing authority.
Exempt Lender means a Lender that is a financial institution or any other entity (including, any entity included in the provision of article 26, paragraph 5-bis, of Presidential Decree No. 600 of 29 September 1973 as introduced by the Law Decree No. 91 of 24 June 2014, converted into law by the Law No. 116 of 11 August 2014 and subsequently amended by Law Decree No.133 of 29 September 2014) which is authorised to provide finance to an Italian Borrower and to which any payment of interest under the Finance Documents can be made without a Tax Deduction in respect of Tax being imposed by the Republic of Italy; provided that such Lender is not a Blacklisted Resident Entity.
Italian Qualifying Lender means:
(a) a bank or financial institution duly authorised or licensed to carry out banking activity in Italy pursuant to Legislative Decree No. 385 dated 1 September 1993 that is a resident of Italy for Tax purposes pursuant to article 73 of Italian Presidential Decree No. 917 of 22 December 1986 not acting for the purposes of the Finance Document through a Facility Office qualifying as a Permanent Establishment, or in any case a Permanent Establishment, located outside of Italy; or
(b) a Facility Office qualifying as a Permanent Establishment, or in any case a Permanent Establishment, in Italy of a bank or financial institution duly authorised or licensed to carry out banking activity in Italy - other than a Blacklisted Resident Entity - for which any payment received under the Finance Document is business income ( reddito di impresa ) pursuant to article 81, 151 and 152, paragraph 1, of Italian Presidential Decree No. 917 of 22 December 1986.
Italian Treaty Lender means a Lender which:
(a) is resident for Tax purposes in a country which has a Double Taxation Treaty in force with Italy, pursuant to which no withholding on account of Tax is required to be made on the interest and similar payments deriving from Italy;
(b) is entitled to benefit of such Double Taxation Treaty and consequently (subject to the completion of procedural formalities) such full exemption from Tax;
(c) does not carry on business in Italy through a Permanent Establishment with which any payment under the Finance Document is effectively connected; and
(d) it is not a Blacklisted Resident Entity.
Protected Party means a Finance Party which is or will be subject to any liability, or required to make any payment, for or on account of Tax in relation to a sum received or receivable (or any sum deemed for the purposes of Tax to be received or receivable) under a Finance Document.
Qualifying Lender means a Lender:
(a) in respect of any payment under or in connection with a Loan made to an Italian Borrower, which is beneficially entitled to interest payable to such Lender in respect of such Loan and, at any time, is a Lender which is:
(i) an Exempt Lender;
(ii) an Italian Qualifying Lender; or
(iii) an Italian Treaty Lender;
and
(b) in respect of any payment under or in connection with a Loan made to a UK Borrower, which is beneficially entitled to interest payable to such Lender in respect of such Loan and, at any time is:
(i) a Lender:
(A) which is a bank (as defined for the purpose of section 879 of the ITA) making such Loan and which is within the charge to United Kingdom corporation tax as respects any payments of interest made in respect of that advance or would be within such charge as respects such payments apart from section 18A of the CTA; or
(B) which was a bank (as defined for the purpose of section 879 of the ITA) at the time that that Loan was made and which is within the charge to United Kingdom corporation tax as respects any payments of interest made in respect of that advance; or
(ii)
(A) a company resident in the United Kingdom for United Kingdom tax purposes;
(B) a partnership each member of which is:
(i) a company so resident in the United Kingdom; or
(ii) a company not so resident in the United Kingdom which carries on a trade in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment and which brings into account in computing its chargeable profits (within the meaning of Section 19 of the CTA) the whole of any share of interest payable in respect of that advance that falls to it by reason of Part 17 of the CTA; or
(C) a company not so resident in the United Kingdom which carries on a trade in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment and which brings into account interest payable in respect of that advance in computing the chargeable profits (within the meaning of Section 19 of the CTA) of that company;
(iii) a Lender which is a UK Treaty Lender; or
(iv) a Lender which is a building society (as defined for the purpose of Section 880 of the ITA) making an advance under a Finance Document;
and
(c) in respect of any payment under or in connection with a Loan made to a US Borrower, which is beneficially entitled to interest payable to such Lender in respect of such Loan and, at any time, is a Lender which is:
(i) a United States Person; or
(ii) not a United States Person but is entitled to complete exemption from withholding of United States federal income tax on all payments made pursuant to this Agreement;
and
(d) in relation to any other payment, any Lender.
Tax Confirmation means a confirmation by a Lender that the person beneficially entitled to interest payable to that Lender in respect of an advance under a Finance Document is either:
(a) a company resident in the United Kingdom for United Kingdom tax purposes; or
(b) a partnership each member of which is:
(i) a company so resident in the United Kingdom; or
(ii) a company not so resident in the United Kingdom which carries on a trade in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment and which brings into account in computing its chargeable profits (within the meaning of Section 19 of the CTA) the whole of any share of interest payable in respect of that advance that falls to it by reason of Part 17 of the CTA; or
(c) a company not so resident in the United Kingdom which carries on a trade in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment and which brings into account interest payable in respect of that advance in computing the chargeable profits (within the meaning of Section 19 of the CTA) of that company.
Tax Credit means a credit against, relief or remission for, or repayment of any Tax.
Tax Deduction means a deduction or withholding for or on account of Tax from a payment or a deemed payment under a Finance Document, other than a FATCA Deduction.
Tax Payment means either the increase in a payment made by an Obligor to a Finance Party under Clause 19.2 ( Tax gross-up ) or a payment under Clause 19.3 ( Tax indemnity ).
Treaty Lender means an Italian Treaty Lender or a UK Treaty Lender.
UK Borrower means a Borrower which is incorporated in the United Kingdom.
UK Non-Bank Lender means a Lender which gives a Tax Confirmation in the Assignment Agreement or Transfer Certificate which it executes on becoming a Party.
UK Treaty Lender means a Lender which:
(a) is treated as a resident of a UK Treaty State for the purposes of the UK Treaty; and
(b) does not carry on a business in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment with which that Finance Partys participation in the Loans is effectively connected; and
(c) fulfils any conditions which must be fulfilled under the Treaty by residents of that Treaty State for such residents to obtain full exemption from taxation on interest imposed by the United Kingdom, subject to the completion of procedural formalities.
UK Treaty State means a jurisdiction having a double taxation agreement with the United Kingdom (a UK Treaty ) which makes a provision for full exemption from tax imposed by the United Kingdom on interest.
United States Person means a United States Person as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code and includes an entity that is disregarded as separate from a United States Person (as defined in such Section) for United States federal income tax purposes.
US Borrower means any Borrower whose jurisdiction of formation or organisation is a state in the United States of America or the District of Colombia or, for the purposes of this Clause 19 ( Tax Gross Up and Indemnities ) a Borrower that is a United States Person.
Unless a contrary indication appears, in this Clause 19 a reference to determines or determined means a determination made in the sole discretion of the person making the determination.
19.2 Tax gross-up
(a) Each Obligor shall make all payments to be made by it without any Tax Deduction, unless a Tax Deduction is required by law.
(b) A Borrower shall promptly upon becoming aware that an Obligor must make a Tax Deduction from any payment made under a Finance Document (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of a Tax Deduction) notify the Agent of (i) the Lender with respect to which such Tax Deduction applies and (ii) the rate at which such Tax Deduction is required to be made. Similarly, a Lender shall notify the Agent on becoming so aware in respect of a payment payable to such Lender. If the Agent receives such notification from a Lender it shall promptly notify the Borrowers and, if necessary, any Obligors making the payment.
(c) Except as provided in this Clause 19.2 and subject to paragraph (d) below, if a Tax Deduction is required by law to be made by an Obligor, the amount of the payment due from that Obligor shall be increased to an amount which (after making any Tax Deduction) leaves an amount equal to the payment which would have been due if no Tax Deduction had been required.
(d) An Obligor is not required to make an increased payment to a Lender under paragraph (c) above for a Tax Deduction from any payment under this Agreement if on the date on which the payment falls due:
(i) with reference to any payment made under the Finance Document by any Borrower, the payment could have been made to the relevant Lender without a Tax Deduction, other than with respect to any US federal withholding Tax, if the Lender had been a Qualifying Lender in relation to that payment, but on that date such Lender is not or has ceased to be a Qualifying Lender in relation to that payment other than as a result of:
(A) any Change of Tax Law; or
(B) a change in the jurisdiction in which an Obligor is established or resident for tax purposes at the date it becomes an Obligor under this Agreement other than as a result of a Permitted Merger;
(ii) a Tax Deduction is required to be made in respect of any payment under or in connection with a Loan made to a US Borrower for United States federal withholding tax, other than any such Tax Deduction that is required as a result of any Change of Tax Law occurring after the date the relevant Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement.
(iii) the relevant Lender is an Exempt Lender, an Italian Treaty Lender or a UK Treaty Lender and the Obligor making the payment is able to demonstrate that the payment could have been made to the Lender without a Tax Deduction had such Lender complied with its obligations under paragraph (f) below;
(iv) with reference to any payment made under the Finance Document by any US Borrower, the Tax Deduction would not be required but for the Lenders failure to comply with paragraph (i)(iv) below;
(v) the relevant Lender is a Qualifying Lender in relation to the payment solely by virtue of sub-paragraph (b)(ii) of the definition of Qualifying Lender and:
(A) an officer of Her Majestys Revenue & Customs has given (and not revoked) a direction (a Direction ) under section 931 of the ITA which relates to the payment and that Lender has received from the Obligor making the payment or from the Parent a certified copy of that Direction; and
(B) the payment could have been made to the Lender without any Tax Deduction if that Direction had not been made; or
(vi) the relevant Lender is a Qualifying Lender in relation to the payment solely by virtue of sub-paragraph (b)(ii) of the definition of Qualifying Lender and:
(A) the relevant Lender has not given a Tax Confirmation to the Obligor; and
(B) the payment could have been made to the Lender without any Tax Deduction if the Lender had given a Tax Confirmation to the Obligor, on the basis that the Tax Confirmation would have enabled the Obligor to have formed a reasonable belief that the payment was an excepted payment for the purpose of section 930 of the ITA.
(e) If an Obligor is required to make a Tax Deduction, that Obligor shall make that Tax Deduction and any payment required in connection with that Tax Deduction within the time
allowed and in the minimum amount required by law. Within thirty (30) days of making either a Tax Deduction or any payment required in connection with that Tax Deduction, the Obligor making that Tax Deduction shall deliver to the Agent for the Finance Party entitled to the payment evidence reasonably satisfactory to that Finance Party that the Tax Deduction has been made or (as applicable) any appropriate payment paid to the relevant taxing authority.
(f) A Lender and each Obligor which makes a payment to which that Lender is entitled, shall cooperate in completing any procedural formalities, from time to time required or necessary for that Obligor to obtain authorisation to make that payment without a Tax Deduction, or with a reduced Tax Deduction, including, but not limited to, the provision of the information and documentation specified in the following paragraphs (g), (h) and (i) of this Clause 19.2 to the extent applicable.
(g) With respect to each Italian Obligor, each Italian Treaty Lender, each Lender requiring the application of a Double Taxation Treaty with respect to any interest payable by such Italian Obligor and each Exempt Lender agree to provide the Italian Obligor with an Affidavit, any Self-Declaration Form or any other form necessary for that Obligor to be entitled to make any payment under this Agreement without a Tax Deduction on a date which falls, in case of any interest payment made by an Italian Borrower, at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the date upon which interest is first due to be paid to it or, in case of any payment made by an Italian Guarantor, upon ten (10) Business Days of request by a such Italian Obligor, and thereafter: (i) within the end of January of any subsequent calendar year (or, if earlier, within at least five (5) Business Days prior to the subsequent date upon which the interest is due to be paid) and, (ii) whenever there is a change in the Lenders status under a Double Taxation Treaty (including if it changes its tax residence) within twenty (20) Business Days from the time such change is effective (or, if earlier, within at least five (5) Business Days prior to the subsequent date upon which interest is due to be paid by an Italian Obligor).
(h) With respect to each UK Borrower :
(i)
(A) a Lender which becomes a Party on the day on which this Agreement is entered into that holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme, and which wishes that scheme to apply to this Agreement, shall confirm its scheme reference number and its jurisdiction of tax residence opposite its name in Part II of Schedule 1 ( The Original Parties ); and
(B) a New Lender that holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme, and which wishes that scheme to apply to this Agreement, shall confirm its scheme reference number and its jurisdiction of tax residence in the Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement which it executes, and, having done so, such Lender shall be under no obligation pursuant to paragraph (f) above.
(ii) If a Lender has confirmed its scheme reference number and its jurisdiction of tax residence in accordance with paragraph (h)(i) above and:
(A) a Borrower making a payment to such Lender has not made a Borrower DTTP Filing in respect of such Lender; or
(B) a Borrower making a payment to such Lender has made a Borrower DTTP Filing in respect of such Lender but:
(1) such Borrower DTTP Filing has been rejected by HM Revenue & Customs; or
(2) HM Revenue & Customs has not given such Borrower authority to make payments to such Lender without a Tax Deduction within sixty (60) Business Days of the date of the Borrower DTTP Filing,
and in each case, such Borrower has notified such Lender in writing, such Lender and such Borrower shall co-operate in completing any additional procedural formalities necessary for such Borrower to obtain authorisation to make that payment without a Tax Deduction;
(iii) if a Lender has not confirmed its scheme reference number and jurisdiction of tax residence in accordance with paragraph (h)(ii) above, no Obligor shall make a Borrower DTTP Filing or file any other form relating to the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme in respect of such Lenders Commitment(s) or its participation in any Loan unless the Lender otherwise agrees;
(iv) an Obligor shall, promptly on making a Borrower DTTP Filing, deliver a copy of that Borrower DTTP Filing to the Agent for delivery to the relevant Lender;
(v) a UK Non-Bank Lender which becomes a Party on the day on which this Agreement is entered into gives a Tax Confirmation to the Parent by entering into this Agreement; and
(vi) a UK Non-Bank Lender shall promptly notify the Parent and the Agent if there is any change in the position from that set out in the Tax Confirmation.
(i) With respect to each US Borrower:
(i) with respect to a Tax Deduction made on account of Tax imposed by the United States, the Obligor shall certify (under the signature of either its Director, International Tax or another Director or superior officer) on the GTECH Withholding Schedule (as defined in paragraph (j) below) for the immediately succeeding payment period and within the time period specified therefor, the amount of each (if any) Tax Deduction that has been made with respect to a payment made on behalf of any Finance Party and the amount of the related payment made to the relevant taxing authority on account of such Tax Deduction in each case with respect to the immediately preceding payment period; and
(ii) the Obligor will provide the relevant Finance Party with IRS Forms 1042-S and 1099, as applicable (and relevant) (or any successor form or forms) relating to such Tax Deduction in a manner and at a time in accordance with United States law, and in any case as soon as practicable following the close of the Obligors taxable year, and will simultaneously provide the Agent with a copy thereof. With respect to a Tax Deduction on account of non-United States Taxes, within thirty (30) days of making either a Tax Deduction or any payment required in connection with that Tax Deduction, the Obligor making that Tax Deduction shall deliver to the Agent for the Finance Party entitled to the payment an original receipt (or certified copy thereof),
or if unavailable, evidence reasonably satisfactory to that Finance Party that the Tax Deduction has been made or (as applicable) any appropriate payment paid to the relevant taxing authority;
(iii) in the case of any payment of interest hereunder by or on behalf of an Obligor through an account or branch outside the United States or by or on behalf of an Obligor by a payer that is not a United States Person (other than a payment made pursuant to a Guarantee), if such Obligor determines that no Taxes are payable in respect thereof, such Obligor shall furnish, or shall cause such payer to furnish, to the Agent, an opinion of counsel acceptable to the Agent stating that such payment is exempt from Taxes; and
(iv) promptly after becoming a Party to this Agreement, but in any event before a payment pursuant to this Agreement is due, each Lender will provide, as relevant, to each US Borrower two original executed IRS forms or certifications that establish the Lender is entitled to a complete exemption or reduction (as applicable) from US withholding Taxes on all payments made pursuant to this Agreement and in the case of a Lender claiming the portfolio interest exemption, IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or any successor form) together with a statement certifying that such Lender is not (i) a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (ii) a 10 percent shareholder of the relevant US Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (iii) a controlled foreign corporation that is related to such US Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code. Upon a change of facts which causes the prior forms to no longer be valid or upon the reasonable request of a US Borrower, a Lender shall again provide the forms and documents described above unless it is unable to do so because of any change after the date it became a Lender under this Agreement in (or in the interpretation, administration, or application of) any law or treaty, or any published practice or concession of any relevant taxing authority; if a Lender is unable to provide such forms and documents, then such Lender shall provide such other forms and certifications to establish any exemption or reduction from US withholding Taxes for which such Lender is eligible.
(j) At least three (3) Business Days prior to the due date of any amount payable by an Obligor under any Finance Document, the Agent shall provide to each Borrower by pdf or facsimile a schedule setting forth the portion of the total amount of such payment that will be payable to each Lender on such due date. Within a reasonable amount of time prior to the close of business on the date on which such scheduled amount becoming payable by an Obligor under any Finance Document, each Borrower shall provide to the Agent by pdf or facsimile a reciprocal schedule setting forth the amount of any Tax Deduction that the Obligor will withhold from each payment to be made to each Lender included on such schedule on the due date for such payment (the GTECH Withholding Schedule ). No failure or delay of the Agent to provide the Borrowers with the schedule contemplated hereunder shall affect the obligation of any Obligor to make the payments otherwise required to be made by them under this Agreement.
(k) Any Lender which enters into any sub-participation or other risk sharing arrangement with a Relevant Sub-Participant shall only be entitled to receive payments under this Clause 19.2 with reference to any interest paid on the sub-participated commitment (i) to the same extent as such Lender would have been if it had not entered into such sub-participation or (ii) for an amount equivalent to the Tax Deduction required by law to be applied on any
payment made under this Agreement and beneficially owned by the Relevant Sub-Participant, if lower; provided that this paragraph (k) shall not apply to limit any entitlement to receive payments under this Clause 19.2 if the right to receive a greater payment results from a Change of Tax Law that occurs after the Relevant Sub-Participant acquired the applicable sub-participated commitment.
19.3 Tax indemnity
(a) The relevant Obligor shall (within five (5) Business Days of demand by the Agent) pay (or cause to be paid) to a Protected Party an amount equal to the loss, liability or cost which that Protected Party determines will be or has been (directly or indirectly) suffered for or on account of Tax by that Protected Party in respect of a Finance Document (and for which it has provided, or will provide, documentary evidence).
(b) Paragraph (a) above shall not apply:
(i) with respect to any Tax assessed on a Finance Party:
(A) under the law of the jurisdiction in which that Finance Party is incorporated or, if different, the jurisdiction (or jurisdictions) in which that Finance Party is treated as resident or engaged in a trade or business for tax purposes; or
(B) under the law of the jurisdiction in which that Finance Partys Permanent Establishment or Facility Office is located in respect of amounts received or receivable in that jurisdiction,
if that Tax is imposed on or calculated by reference to the net income received or receivable, including for the avoidance of any doubt the value of production determined for IRAP purposes (but not any sum deemed to be received or receivable) by that Finance Party, including branch profits tax and minimum tax; or
(ii) to the extent a loss, liability or cost:
(A) is compensated for by an increased payment under Clause 19.2 ( Tax gross-up ); or
(B) would have been compensated for by an increased payment under Clause 19.2 ( Tax gross-up ) but was not so compensated solely because one of the exclusions in paragraph (d) of Clause 19.2 ( Tax gross-up ) applied; or
(C) is compensated for by Clause 19.6 ( Stamp taxes ) (or would have been so compensated for under that Clause but was not so compensated solely because any of the exceptions set out therein applied); or
(D) relates to a FATCA Deduction required to be made by a Party.
(c) A Protected Party making, or intending to make a claim under paragraph (a) above shall promptly notify the Agent of the event which will give, or has given, rise to the claim, following which the Agent shall notify the relevant Obligor.
(d) Such claim and Agent notification shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis for the claim being made by the relevant Finance Party and appropriate documentation supporting such claim.
(e) A Protected Party shall, on receiving a payment from an Obligor under this Clause 19.3 notify the Agent.
19.4 Tax Credit
If an Obligor makes a Tax Payment and the relevant Finance Party determines that:
(a) a Tax Credit is attributable either to an increased payment of which that Tax Payment forms part, or to that Tax Payment; and
(b) that Finance Party has obtained, utilised and fully retained that Tax Credit on an affiliated group basis,
the Finance Party shall pay an amount to the Obligor which that Finance Party determines will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by the Obligor.
19.5 Lender Status Confirmation
(a) In respect of an Italian Obligor, each Lender which becomes a Party to this Agreement after the date of this Agreement (or which enters into any sub-participation or other risk sharing arrangement with a Relevant Sub-Participant) shall indicate in the Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement which it executes on becoming a Party, and for the benefit of the Agent and without liability to any Obligor, which of the following categories it (or the Relevant Sub-Participant, if on the date of the Sub-Participation or risk arrangement, such Relevant Sub-Participant was treated as if it were a Lender under this Agreement) falls in:
(i) an Exempt Lender;
(ii) an Italian Qualifying Lender;
(iii) an Italian Treaty Lender; or
(iv) not a Qualifying Lender.
(b) In respect of a UK Borrower, each Lender which becomes a Party to this Agreement after the date of this Agreement shall indicate, in the Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement which it executes on becoming a Party, and for the benefit of the Agent and without liability to any Obligor, which of the following categories it falls in:
(i) not a Qualifying Lender;
(ii) a Qualifying Lender other than a UK Treaty Lender; or
(iii) a UK Treaty Lender.
(c) In respect of a US Borrower, each Lender which becomes a Party to this Agreement after the date of this Agreement shall indicate, in the Transfer Certificate or Assignment
Agreement which it executes on becoming a Party, and for the benefit of the Agent and without liability to any Obligor, which of the following categories it falls in:
(i) not a Qualifying Lender; or
(ii) a Qualifying Lender within paragraph 19.5.
(d) If a New Lender fails to indicate its status in accordance with this Clause 19.5 then such New Lender shall be treated for the purposes of this Agreement (including by each Obligor) as if it is not a Qualifying Lender until such time as it notifies the Agent which category applies (and the Agent, upon receipt of such notification, shall inform the Obligors). If in respect of an Italian Obligor, any Lender fails to indicate the status of the Relevant Sub-Participant or the Relevant Sub-Participant fails to provide the Agent with any Affidavit possibly required or necessary in accordance with this Clause 19.5, then such Lender shall with respect to the Relevant Sub-Participant be treated for the purposes of this Agreement (including by each Obligor) as if it is not an Italian Qualifying Lender until such time as it notifies the Agent which category applies (and the Agent, upon receipt of such notification, shall inform the Borrower) or the Relevant Sub-Participant provides the Agent with such Affidavit.
(e) For the avoidance of doubt, a Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement shall not be invalidated by any failure of any Lender to comply with this Clause 19.5.
19.6 Stamp taxes
The relevant Borrower shall, or shall procure that an Obligor shall, pay and, within ten (10) Business Days of demand, indemnify each Finance Party against any duly documented liability, loss, cost or expense that Finance Party incurs in relation to all stamp duty, registration and other similar Taxes payable in respect of any Finance Document; provided that no Obligor shall be liable for the aforementioned liability, loss, cost or expense:
(a) in relation to any such Taxes payable in respect of an assignment, transfer or sub-participation by a Finance Party, unless that assignment, transfer or sub-participation is carried out at the request of any Obligor and the Finance Party agrees to such request voluntarily (in circumstances where it is not required to agree to such request on the terms of this Agreement);
(b) to the extent that such Taxes become payable upon a voluntary registration made by any Finance Party if such registration is not necessary to evidence, prove, maintain, enforce, compel or otherwise assert the rights of such Party or obligations of any Party under an Finance Document or when such registration is necessary in order to produce or rely on such document for any other purposes; or
(c) in case it arises as a consequence of, or in connection to, any claims by any authority, including, but not limited to, any Tax authority, and the Lender has not provided the relevant Borrower with copies of any relevant written communications relating to the Finance Document, including, but not limited to, any notices of payment, (the Tax Notice ) received from that authority within fifteen (15) Business Days from receipt (the Tax Notice Term ). If the Lender notifies the relevant Borrower with the Tax Notice within the Tax Notice Term, then the Parties will agree, without prejudice of any rights of the relevant Lender, including the right to be indemnified, under this Clause 19.6, as far as reasonably
practicable acting in good faith, possible defensive strategies and the substance and conduct of such defensive strategies and such Lender will, as far as reasonably practicable acting in good faith, share in a timely fashion any relevant information for the relevant Borrower in relation to the development of any litigation proceedings or any settlement or other procedures which may be in progress as the result of the implementation of such defensive strategies.
19.7 Value added tax
(a) All amounts set out, or expressed to be payable under a Finance Document by any Party to a Finance Party which (in whole or in part) constitute the consideration for VAT purposes shall be deemed to be exclusive of any VAT which is chargeable on each supply, and accordingly, subject to paragraph (b) below, if VAT is chargeable on any supply made by any Finance Party to any Party under a Finance Document and such Finance Party is required to account for the VAT to the relevant Tax Authority that Party shall pay to the Finance Party (in addition to and at the same time as paying the consideration) an amount equal to the amount of the VAT (and such Finance Party shall promptly provide an appropriate VAT invoice to such Party).
(b) If VAT is or becomes chargeable on any supply made by any Finance Party (the Supplier ) to any other Finance Party (the Recipient ) under a Finance Document, and any Party other than the Recipient (the Relevant Party ) is required by the terms of any Finance Document to pay an amount equal to the consideration for such supply to the Supplier (rather than being required to reimburse or indemnify the Recipient in respect of that consideration):
(i) (where the Supplier is the person required to account to the relevant tax authority for the VAT) the Relevant Party must also pay to the Supplier (at the same time as paying that amount) an additional amount equal to the amount of the VAT. The Recipient must (where this paragraph (i) applies) promptly pay to the Relevant Party an amount equal to any credit or repayment the Recipient receives from the relevant tax authority which the Recipient reasonably determines relates to the VAT chargeable on that supply; and
(ii) (where the Recipient is the person required to account to the relevant tax authority for the VAT) the Relevant Party must promptly, following demand from the Recipient, pay to the Recipient an amount equal to the VAT chargeable on that supply but only to the extent that the Recipient reasonably determines that it is not entitled to credit or repayment from the relevant tax authority in respect of that VAT.
(c) Where a Finance Document requires any Party to reimburse or indemnify a Finance Party for any costs or expenses, that Party shall reimburse or indemnify the Finance Party in respect of the full amount of such costs or expenses, including such part thereof as represents VAT, save to the extent that such Finance Party reasonably determines that it is entitled to credit or repayment from the relevant tax authority in respect of such VAT.
(d) Any reference in this Clause 19.7 to any Party shall, at any time when such Party is treated as a member of a group or unity (or fiscal unity) for VAT purposes, include (where appropriate and unless the context otherwise requires) a reference to the person who is treated at that time as making the supply, or (as appropriate) receiving the supply, under the grouping rules (provided for in Article 11 of Council Directive 2006/112/EC (or as
implemented by the relevant member state of the European Union) or any other similar provision in any jurisdiction which is not a member state of the European Union) so that a reference to a Party shall be construed as a reference to that Party or the relevant group or unity (or fiscal unity) of which that Party is a member for VAT purposes at the relevant time or the relevant representative member (or head) of that group or unity (or fiscal unity) at the relevant time (as the case may be).
(e) In relation to any supply made by a Finance Party to any Party under a Finance Document, if reasonably requested by such Finance Party, that Party must promptly provide such Finance Party with details of that Partys VAT registration and such other information as is reasonably requested in connection with such Finance Partys VAT reporting requirements in relation to such supply.
19.8 No application of the Imposta Sostitutiva
The Parties hereby acknowledge that this Agreement was negotiated and is executed outside the Republic of Italy, and therefore the requirements provided for by article 15 and subsequent of Italian Presidential Decree No. 601 of 1973 as amended and supplemented from time to time ( D.P.R. 601/1973 ) for the application of the Imposta Sostitutiva on medium term financing are not met. Accordingly, the Lenders cannot exercise, at the request of a Borrower, any option for the application to this Agreement of the Imposta Sostitutiva pursuant to article 15 and subsequent of the D.P.R. 601/1973 .
19.9 FATCA Information
(a) Subject to paragraph (c) below, each Party shall, within ten (10) Business Days of a reasonable request by another Party:
(i) confirm to that other Party whether it is:
(A) a FATCA Exempt Party; or
(B) not a FATCA Exempt Party;
(ii) supply to that other Party such forms, documentation and other information relating to its status under FATCA as that other Party reasonably requests for the purposes of that other Partys compliance with FATCA;
(iii) supply to that other Party such forms, documentation and other information relating to its status as that other Party reasonably requests for the purposes of that other Partys compliance with any other law, regulation, or exchange of information regime.
(b) If a Party confirms to another Party pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) above that it is a FATCA Exempt Party and it subsequently becomes aware that it is not or has ceased to be a FATCA Exempt Party, that Party shall notify that other Party reasonably promptly.
(c) Paragraph (a) above shall not oblige any Finance Party to do anything, and paragraph (a)(iii) above shall not oblige any other Party to do anything, which would or might in its reasonable opinion constitute a breach of:
(i) any law or regulation;
(ii) any fiduciary duty; or
(iii) any duty of confidentiality.
(d) If a Party fails to confirm whether or not it is a FATCA Exempt Party or to supply forms, documentation or other information requested in accordance with paragraph (a)(i) or (ii) above (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where paragraph (c) above applies), then such Party shall be treated for the purposes of the Finance Documents (and payments under them) as if it is not a FATCA Exempt Party until such time as the Party in question provides the requested confirmation, forms, documentation or other information.
(e) If a Borrower is a US Tax Obligor or the Agent reasonably believes that its obligations under FATCA or any other applicable law or regulation require it, each Lender shall, within ten (10) Business Days of:
(i) where an Original Borrower is a US Tax Obligor and the relevant Lender is an Original Lender, the date of this Agreement;
(ii) where a Borrower is a US Tax Obligor on a Transfer Date and the relevant Lender is a New Lender, the relevant Transfer Date;
(iii) the date a new US Tax Obligor accedes as a Borrower; or
(iv) where a Borrower is not a US Tax Obligor, the date of a request from the Agent,
supply to the Agent:
(A) a withholding certificate on Form W-8, Form W-9 or any other relevant form; or
(B) any withholding statement or other document, authorisation or waiver as the Agent may require to certify or establish the status of such Lender under FATCA or that other law or regulation.
(f) The Agent shall provide any withholding certificate, withholding statement, document, authorisation or waiver it receives from a Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) above to the relevant Borrower.
(g) If any withholding certificate, withholding statement, document, authorisation or waiver provided to the Agent by a Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) above is or becomes materially inaccurate or incomplete, such Lender shall promptly update it and provide such updated withholding certificate, withholding statement, document, authorisation or waiver to the Agent unless it is unlawful for the Lender to do so (in which case the Lender shall promptly notify the Agent). The Agent shall provide any such updated withholding certificate, withholding statement, document, authorisation or waiver to the relevant Borrower.
(h) The Agent may rely on any withholding certificate, withholding statement, document, authorisation or waiver it receives from a Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) or (g) above without further verification. The Agent shall not be liable for any action taken by it under or in connection with paragraph (e), (f) or (g) above.
19.10 FATCA Deduction
(a) Each Party may make any FATCA Deduction it is required to make by FATCA, and any payment required in connection with that FATCA Deduction, and no Party shall be required to increase any payment in respect of which it makes such a FATCA Deduction or otherwise compensate the recipient of the payment for that FATCA Deduction.
(b) Each Party shall promptly, upon becoming aware that it must make a FATCA Deduction (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of such FATCA Deduction), notify the Party to whom it is making the payment and, in addition, shall notify the Parent and the Agent and the Agent shall notify the other Finance Parties.
20. INCREASED COSTS
20.1 Increased Costs
(a) Subject to Clause 20.3 ( Exceptions ) the Obligors shall, within three (3) Business Days of a demand by the Agent, pay for the account of a Finance Party the amount of any Increased Costs incurred by that Finance Party or any of its Affiliates as a result of (i) the introduction of or any change in (or in the interpretation, administration or application of) any law or regulation; (ii) compliance with any law or regulation ( provided that , notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements and directives thereunder issued in connection therewith or in implementation thereof shall be deemed to be a change in law, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented) made after the date of this Agreement or (iii) the implementation or application of or compliance with Basel III or CRD IV or any law or regulation that implements or applies Basel III or CRD IV.
(b) In this Agreement:
Basel III means:
(i) the agreements on capital requirements, a leverage ratio and liquidity standards contained in Basel III: A global regulatory framework for more resilient banks and banking systems, Basel III: International framework for liquidity risk measurement, standards and monitoring and Guidance for national authorities operating the countercyclical capital buffer published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2010, each as amended, supplemented or restated;
(ii) the rules for global systemically important banks contained in Global systemically important banks: assessment methodology and the additional loss absorbency requirement Rules text published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in November 2011, as amended, supplemented or restated; and
(iii) any further guidance or standards published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision relating to Basel III.
CRD IV means:
(i) Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms; and
(ii) Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions and investment firms.
Increased Costs means:
(i) a reduction in the rate of return from a Facility or on a Finance Partys (or its Affiliates) overall capital;
(ii) an additional or increased cost; or
(iii) a reduction of any amount due and payable under any Finance Document,
which is incurred or suffered by a Finance Party or any of its Affiliates to the extent that it is attributable to that Finance Party having entered into its Revolving Facility Commitment or a US Dollar Swingline Commitment or funding or performing its obligations under any Finance Document or Letter of Credit.
20.2 Increased Cost claims
(a) A Finance Party intending to make a claim pursuant to Clause 20.1 ( Increased Costs ) shall notify the Agent of the event giving rise to the claim, following which the Agent shall promptly notify the Borrowers.
(b) Each Finance Party shall, as soon as practicable after a demand by the Agent, provide a certificate confirming the amount of its Increased Costs.
20.3 Exceptions
Clause 20.1 ( Increased Costs ) does not apply to the extent any Increased Cost is:
(a) attributable to a Tax Deduction required by law to be made by an Obligor;
(b) compensated for by Clause 19.3 ( Tax indemnity ) (or would have been compensated for under Clause 19.3 ( Tax indemnity ) but was not so compensated solely because any of the exclusions in paragraph (b) of Clause 19.3 ( Tax indemnity ) applied);
(c) attributable to the wilful breach by the relevant Finance Party or its Affiliates of any law or regulation;
(d) attributable to the implementation or application of or compliance with the International Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards, a Revised Framework published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in June 2004 in the form existing on the date of this Agreement (but excluding any amendment arising out of Basel III) ( Basel II ) or any other law or regulation which implements Basel II (whether such implementation, application or compliance is by a government, regulator, Finance Party or any of its Affiliates); or
(e) attributable to a FATCA Deduction required to be made by a Party.
21. OTHER INDEMNITIES
21.1 Currency indemnity
(a) If any sum due from an Obligor under the Finance Documents (a Sum ), or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a Sum, has to be converted from the currency (the First Currency ) in which that Sum is payable into another currency (the Second Currency ) for the purpose of:
(i) making or filing a claim or proof against that Obligor; or
(ii) obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings,
that Obligor shall as an independent obligation, within three (3) Business Days of demand, indemnify each Finance Party to whom that Sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that Sum from the First Currency into the Second Currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that Sum.
(b) Each Obligor waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Finance Documents in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable.
21.2 Other indemnities
Each Borrower shall (or shall procure that an Obligor will), within three (3) Business Days of demand, indemnify the Arranging Parties and each other Finance Party against any cost, loss or liability incurred by it as a result of:
(a) the occurrence of any Event of Default;
(b) a failure by an Obligor to pay any amount due under a Finance Document on its due date, including, without limitation, any cost, loss or liability arising as a result of Clause 34 ( Sharing among the Finance Parties );
(c) funding, or making arrangements to fund, its participation in a Utilisation requested by it in a Utilisation Request but not made by reason of the operation of any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement (other than by reason of default or negligence by that Finance Party alone); or
(d) a Utilisation (or part of a Utilisation) not being prepaid in accordance with a notice of prepayment given by it.
21.3 Indemnity to the Agent
Each Borrower shall promptly indemnify the Agent against any cost, loss or liability incurred by the Agent (acting reasonably) as a result of:
(a) investigating any event which it reasonably believes is a Default;
(b) entering into or performing any foreign exchange contract for the purposes of paragraph (b) of Clause 35.10 ( Change of currency ); or
(c) acting or relying on any notice, request or instruction which it reasonably believes to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised.
22. MITIGATION
22.1 Mitigation by the Lenders
(a) Each Finance Party shall, in consultation with the Parent, take all reasonable steps, including to the extent possible, but not limited to, making any Utilisation available from an Affiliate, to mitigate any circumstances which arise and which would result in any amount becoming payable under or pursuant to, or cancelled pursuant to, any of Clause 12.1 ( Illegality ) (or, in respect of the Issuing Agent, Clause 12.2 ( Illegality in relation to the Issuing Agent )), Clause 19 ( Tax Gross Up and Indemnities ) or Clause 20.1 ( Increased Costs ) or in any amount payable under a Finance Document by an Italian Obligor becoming not deductible from that Italian Obligors taxable income for Italian tax purposes by reason of that amount originating from transactions occurred with Blacklisted Resident Entities including (but not limited to) transferring its rights and obligations under the Finance Documents to another Affiliate or Facility Office.
(b) Paragraph (a) above does not in any way limit the obligations of any Obligor under the Finance Documents.
22.2 Mitigation by the Obligors
Should a Finance Party become subject to Taxes because of its failure to deliver a form, certificate or other document required under Clause 19.2 Tax gross-up ), the Obligors shall take such steps as such Finance Party shall reasonably request to assist such Finance Party to recover such Taxes.
22.3 Limitation of liability
(a) Each Borrower shall indemnify each Finance Party, for all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by that party as a result of steps taken by it under Clause 22.1 ( Mitigation by the Lenders ).
(b) A Finance Party is not obliged to take any steps under Clause 22.1 ( Mitigation by the Lenders ) if, in the opinion of that Finance Party (acting reasonably), to do so might be prejudicial to it.
23. COSTS AND EXPENSES
23.1 Transaction expenses
The Borrowers shall within ten (10) Business Days of demand pay each Finance Party the amount of all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including legal fees up to the amount agreed with the Parent) reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with the negotiation, preparation, printing, execution, syndication (and previously approved by the Borrowers) and perfection of:
(a) this Agreement and any other documents referred to in this Agreement; and
(b) any other Finance Documents executed after the date of this Agreement, and
if, requested, the Borrowers shall pay directly the relevant advisers upon receipt of the relevant reasonably detailed invoice; provided that there shall be no double recovery under this Clause 23.1 and paragraph 6 of the Mandate Letter.
23.2 Amendment costs
If (a) an Obligor requests an amendment, waiver or consent or (b) an amendment is required pursuant to Clause 35.10 ( Change of currency ), the Borrowers shall, within three (3) Business Days of demand, reimburse the Agent for the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) reasonably incurred by the Agent in responding to, evaluating, negotiating or complying with that request or requirement.
23.3 Enforcement and preservation costs
The Borrowers shall, within three (3) Business Days of demand, pay to the Arranging Parties and each other Finance Party the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) incurred by it in connection with the enforcement of or the preservation of any rights under any Finance Document and any proceedings instituted by or against the Agent as a consequence of taking or holding or enforcing these rights.
24. GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY
24.1 Guarantee and indemnity
Each Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally jointly and severally:
(a) guarantees to each Finance Party and each Hedging Bank as primary obligor the punctual performance by a member of the Group of all of such member of the Groups obligations under the Finance Documents and Hedging Documents and the punctual payment when due by such member of the Group of all sums payable under the Finance Documents and Hedging Documents;
(b) undertakes with each Finance Party and each Hedging Bank that whenever a member of the Group fails to perform any obligation or pay any of the indebtedness referred to in paragraph (a) above, it will perform such obligation or pay to such Finance Party or Hedging Bank such sum on demand, in each case, as if it were the primary obligor; and
(c) indemnifies, as an independent and primary obligation, each Finance Party and each Hedging Bank immediately on demand against any cost, loss or liability suffered by that Finance Party or Hedging Bank if any obligation guaranteed by it is or becomes unenforceable, invalid or illegal. The amount of the cost, loss or liability shall be equal to the amount which that Finance Party or Hedging Bank would otherwise have been entitled to recover.
24.2 Continuing guarantee
This guarantee is a continuing guarantee and will extend to the ultimate balance of sums payable by any Obligor under the Finance Documents and Hedging Documents, regardless of any intermediate payment or discharge in whole or in part.
24.3 Reinstatement
If any payment by an Obligor or any discharge given by a Finance Party or a Hedging Bank (whether in respect of the obligations of any Obligor or any Security for those obligations or otherwise) is avoided or reduced as a result of insolvency or any similar event:
(a) the liability of each Obligor shall continue as if the payment, discharge, avoidance or reduction had not occurred; and
(b) each Finance Party and each Hedging Bank shall be entitled to recover the value or amount of such Security or payment from each Obligor, as if the payment, discharge, avoidance or reduction had not occurred.
24.4 Waiver of defences
The obligations of each Guarantor under this Clause 24 will not, to the extent permitted under mandatory law, be affected by an act, omission, matter or thing which, but for this Clause 24, would reduce, release or prejudice any of its obligations under this Clause 24 (without limitation and whether or not known to it or any Finance Party or any Hedging Bank) including:
(a) any time, waiver or consent granted to, or composition with, any Obligor or other person;
(b) the release of any other Obligor or any other person under the terms of any composition or arrangement with any creditor of any member of the Group;
(c) the making or absence of any demand on a member of the Group or any other person (other than the notice referred to in Clause 24.1(b) ( Guarantee and indemnity )) for payment or performance of any other obligations, or the application of any moneys at any time received from a member of the Group or any other person;
(d) the taking, variation, compromise, exchange, renewal or release of, or refusal or neglect to perfect, take up or enforce, any rights against, or Security over assets of, any Obligor or other person or any non-presentation or non-observance of any formality or other requirement in respect of any instrument or any failure to realise the full value of any Security;
(e) any incapacity or lack of power, authority or legal personality of or dissolution or change in the members or status of an Obligor or any other person;
(f) any amendment, novation, supplement, extension, restatement (however fundamental and whether or not more onerous) or replacement of any Finance Document, Hedging Document, or any other document or Security including without limitation any change in the purpose of, any extension of or any increase in any facility or the addition of any new facility under any Finance Document or Hedging Document or other document or Security;
(g) any unenforceability or illegality or invalidity of any obligation of any person under any Finance Document, Hedging Document or any other document or Security; or
(h) any insolvency or similar proceedings,
(other than the irrevocable payment in full of such obligations).
24.5 Guarantor intent
Without prejudice to the generality of Clause 24.4 ( Waiver of defences ), each Guarantor expressly confirms that it intends that this guarantee shall extend from time to time to any (however fundamental) variation, increase, extension or addition of or to any of the Finance Documents or any of the Hedging Documents or any facility or amount made available under any of the Finance Documents or Hedging Documents for the purposes of or in connection with any of the following: acquisitions of any nature; increasing working capital; enabling investor distributions to be made; carrying out restructurings; refinancing existing facilities; refinancing any other indebtedness; making facilities available to new borrowers; any other variation or extension of the purposes for which any such facility or amount might be made available from time to time; and any fees, costs or expenses associated with any of the foregoing.
24.6 Immediate recourse
Each Guarantor waives any right it may have of first requiring any Finance Party or any Hedging Bank (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) to proceed against or enforce any other rights or Security or claim payment from any person before claiming from that Guarantor under this Clause 24. This waiver applies irrespective of any law or any provision of a Finance Document or Hedging Document to the contrary.
24.7 Appropriations
Until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Obligors under or in connection with the Finance Documents and Hedging Documents have been irrevocably paid in full, each Finance Party and each Hedging Bank (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) may:
(a) refrain from applying or enforcing any other moneys, Security or rights held or received by that Finance Party or Hedging Bank (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) in respect of those amounts, or apply and enforce the same in such manner and order as it sees fit (whether against those amounts or otherwise), and no Guarantor shall be entitled to the benefit of the same; and
(b) hold in an interest-bearing suspense account any moneys received from any Guarantor or on account of any Guarantors liability under this Clause 24.
24.8 Deferral of Guarantors rights
(a) Each Obligor acknowledges and agrees with each Guarantor that, subject to the terms and conditions of this Clause 24.8 and to the extent permitted by applicable law, upon the payment by the Guarantors of any of their obligations under this guarantee (whether pursuant to the guarantees, undertakings or indemnities given in Clause 24.1 ( Guarantee and indemnity ) or otherwise):
(i) each Obligor shall indemnify the Guarantors for the full amount of such payment; and
(ii) the Guarantors shall be subrogated to the rights of the person to whom such payment shall have been made to the extent of such payment (such rights of indemnification and subrogation, together with all other rights of the Guarantors, by reason of the performance of any of their obligations under this guarantee, or any action taken pursuant to any rights conferred by or pursuant to this guarantee, to be
indemnified by any person, to prove in respect of any liability in the winding-up of any person or to take the benefit of or enforce any Security or guarantees or to exercise any rights of contribution are, collectively, the Subrogation Rights ).
(b) Until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Obligors under or in connection with the Finance Documents or Hedging Documents have been irrevocably paid in full, no Guarantor will exercise any rights which it may have by reason of performance by it of its obligations under the Finance Documents or the Hedging Documents:
(i) to be indemnified by an Obligor;
(ii) to claim any contribution from any other Guarantor of any Obligors obligations under the Finance Documents or the Hedging Documents; or
(iii) to take the benefit (in whole or in part and whether by way of subrogation or otherwise) of any rights of the Finance Parties or the Hedging Banks under the Finance Documents or of any other guarantee or Security taken pursuant to, or in connection with, the Finance Documents or Hedging Documents by any Finance Party or Hedging Bank.
From and after the date when all amounts which may be or become payable by the Obligors under or in connection with the Finance Documents and Hedging Documents have been irrevocably paid in full, the Subrogation Rights of the Guarantors may be exercised and enforced by the Guarantors in their sole discretion.
24.9 Release of Guarantors right of contribution
If any Guarantor (a Retiring Guarantor ) ceases to be a Guarantor in accordance with the terms of the Finance Documents or Hedging Documents for the purpose of any sale or other disposal of that Retiring Guarantor, then on the date such Retiring Guarantor ceases to be a Guarantor:
(a) that Retiring Guarantor is released by each other Guarantor from any liability (whether past, present or future and whether actual or contingent) to make a contribution to any other Guarantor arising by reason of the performance by any other Guarantor of its obligations under the Finance Documents or Hedging Documents; and
(b) each other Guarantor waives any rights it may have by reason of the performance of its obligations under the Finance Documents or Hedging Documents to take the benefit (in whole or in part and whether by way of subrogation or otherwise) of any rights of the Finance Parties or Hedging Banks under any Finance Document or any Hedging Document or of any other Security taken pursuant to, or in connection with, any Finance Document or Hedging Document where such rights or Security are granted by or in relation to the assets of the Retiring Guarantor.
24.10 Additional security
This guarantee is in addition to and is not in any way prejudiced by any other guarantee or Security now or subsequently held by any Finance Party or Hedging Bank.
24.11 Limitations on US Guarantees
(a) Each US Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive valuable direct or indirect benefits as a result of the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents and the Hedging Documents (including utilisations thereunder).
(b) Each US Guarantor represents, warrants and agrees that:
(i) it is US Solvent; and
(ii) it has not made a transfer or incurred any obligation under any Finance Document or Hedging Document with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud any of its present or future creditors.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Finance Document or Hedging Document:
(i) each Finance Party and Hedging Bank agrees that the maximum liability of each US Guarantor under Clause 24 ( Guarantee and indemnity ) shall in no event exceed an amount equal to the greatest amount that would not render such US Guarantors obligations hereunder and under the other Finance Documents and Hedging Documents subject to avoidance under US Bankruptcy Law or to being set aside, avoided or annulled under any Fraudulent Transfer Law, in each case after giving effect to
(A) all other liabilities of such US Guarantor, contingent or otherwise, that are relevant under such Fraudulent Transfer Law (specifically excluding, however, any liabilities of such US Guarantor in respect of intercompany indebtedness to any Borrower to the extent that such Financial Indebtedness would be discharged in an amount equal to the amount paid by such US Guarantor hereunder) and
(B) the value as assets of such US Guarantor (as determined under the applicable provisions of such Fraudulent Transfer Law) of any rights to subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar rights held by such US Guarantor pursuant to
(1) applicable law or
(2) any other agreement providing for an equitable allocation among such US Guarantor and the Borrowers and other Guarantors of obligations arising under this Agreement or other guarantees of such obligations by such parties: and
(ii) each party agrees that, in the event any payment or distribution is made on any date by a Guarantor under this Clause 24, each such Guarantor shall be entitled to be indemnified from each other Guarantor in an amount equal to such payment, in each case multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the net worth of the contributing Guarantor and the denominator shall be the aggregate net worth of all the Guarantors.
24.12 Controlled Foreign Corporations
Notwithstanding any term or provision of this Clause 24 or any other term in this Agreement or any Finance Document:
(a) no member of the Group that is a controlled foreign corporation for US federal income tax purposes (a CFC ) will have any obligation or liability, directly or indirectly, as guarantor or otherwise under this Agreement or any Finance Document with respect to any obligation or liability arising under any Finance Document of a US Borrower (a US Obligation ); and
(b) not more than sixty-five per cent. (65%) of the stock or other equity interests (measured by the total combined voting power of the issued and outstanding voting stock or other equity interests) of, and none of the assets or property of, a person that is a CFC will be required to be pledged directly or indirectly as Security for any US Obligations.
24.13 Guarantee limitations applicable to GTECH as Parent
Pursuant to article 1938 of the Italian Civil Code, for as long as GTECH is the Parent, the maximum aggregate amount that GTECH may be required to pay in respect of its obligations under this Clause 24 shall not exceed an amount equal to US$1,650,000,000 in respect of Revolving Facility A and 935,000,000 in respect of Revolving Facility B (the Maximum Amount ). Subject to and without prejudice to Clause 24.2 ( Continuing guarantee ) and 24.3 ( Reinstatement ), the Maximum Amount shall be reduced by the amount of any cancellation of the Facility Commitments.
24.14 Italian guarantee limitations
(a) In the case of any Guarantor incorporated in Italy (other than GTECH for such time as it is the Parent) (an Italian Guarantor ), its liability as Guarantor under this Clause 24 shall not exceed, at any time, the aggregate at that time of:
(i) the highest outstanding principal amount at any time of the indebtedness of such Italian Guarantor (or any of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries) as a Borrower under any Facility; and
(ii) the highest outstanding principal amount at any time of all inter-company loans advanced (or granted) to such Italian Guarantor (or any of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries) by any Obligor or any other member of the Group after the date of this Agreement.
(b) In any event, pursuant to article 1938 of the Italian Civil Code, the maximum amount an Italian Guarantor may be required to pay in respect of its obligations as Guarantor under this Agreement shall not exceed the amount equal to US$1,650,000,000 in respect of Revolving Facility A and 935,000,000 in respect of Revolving Facility B.
24.15 Keepwell
Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other member of the Group to honour all of its obligations under its guaranty in respect of Swap Obligations, subject to the limitation otherwise set forth herein. The obligations of each
Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Clause 24.15 shall remain in full force and effect until discharged in accordance with the provisions of its guarantee. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Clause 24.15 constitute, and this Clause shall be deemed to constitute, a keepwell, support, or other agreement for the benefit of each other member of the Group for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
25. REPRESENTATIONS
25.1 General
On the date of this Agreement and at the times set out in Clause 25.25 ( Repetition ) each Obligor makes the representations and warranties set out in this Clause 25 to each Finance Party.
25.2 Status
(a) It and each of its Material Subsidiaries is a limited liability corporation, duly incorporated or organised (as applicable) and validly existing under the law of its jurisdiction of incorporation.
(b) It and each of its Material Subsidiaries has the power to own its material assets and carry on its business as it is being conducted.
25.3 Binding obligations
Subject to the Legal Reservations, the obligations expressed to be assumed by it in each Finance Document to which it is a party and which have been executed by it are legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations.
25.4 Non-conflict with other obligations
The entry into and performance by it of its obligations under, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents, to which it is a party do not and will not conflict with:
(a) any law or regulation applicable to it;
(b) its constitutional documents; or
(c) any agreement or instrument binding upon it or any of its assets or constitute a default or termination event (however described) under any such agreement or instrument, unless any such conflict does not and is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
25.5 Power and authority
(a) It has the power to enter into, perform and deliver, and has taken all necessary action to authorise its entry into, performance and delivery of, the Finance Documents to which it is or will be a party and the transactions contemplated by those Finance Documents.
(b) No limit on its powers will be exceeded as a result of the borrowing or giving of guarantees or indemnities contemplated by the Finance Documents to which it is a party.
25.6 Validity and admissibility in evidence
(a) All Authorisations required:
(i) to enable it lawfully to enter into, exercise its rights and comply with its obligations in the Finance Documents to which it is a party; and
(ii) to make the Finance Documents to which it is a party admissible in evidence in its jurisdictions of incorporation,
have been obtained or effected and are in full force and effect.
(b) All Authorisations necessary for the conduct of the business, trade and ordinary activities of members of the Group have been obtained or effected and are in full force and effect other than those Authorisations the failure of which to obtain or effect has not and is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
25.7 Governing law and enforcement
(a) Subject to the Legal Reservations, the choice of governing law of the Finance Documents will be recognised and enforced in its Relevant Jurisdictions.
(b) Subject to the Legal Reservations, any judgment obtained in relation to a Finance Document in the jurisdiction of the governing law of that Finance Document will be recognised and enforced in its Relevant Jurisdictions.
25.8 Deduction of Tax
It is not required to make any Tax Deduction from any payment it may make under any Finance Document to a Lender which is:
(a) a Qualifying Lender,
(i) falling within paragraphs (a)(i), (a)(ii), (b)(i), (b)(iv), (c) or (d) of the definition of Qualifying Lender; or
(ii) except where a Direction has been given under section 931 of the ITA in relation to the payment concerned, falling within paragraph (b)(ii) of the definition of Qualifying Lender; or
(b) a Treaty Lender; provided that in the case of a UK Treaty Lender the payment is one specified in a direction given by the Commissioners of Revenue and Customs under Regulation 2 of the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (General) Regulations 1970 (SI 1970/488) and in the case of a US Borrower the Lender has satisfied its obligations under Clause 19.2(i)(iv) ( Tax gross-up ).
25.9 No filing or stamp taxes
Under the laws of its Relevant Jurisdictions it is not necessary that the Finance Documents be filed, recorded or enrolled with any court or other authority in that jurisdiction or that any stamp, registration, notarial or similar Taxes or fees be paid on or in relation to the Finance Documents or the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents, subject always to the Legal Reservations, except with reference to Italy:
(a) where any Finance Document is executed before or deposited with an Italian notary public or in any case formed and executed within the Italian territory in the form of a deed;
(b) on voluntarily registration of any Finance Document with the Italian tax authority;
(c) in any case of use ( caso duso ), including the filing, recording or enrolment of any Finance Document with any Italian judicial authority (when carrying out any administrative activity) or administrative authority (unless such filing is mandatory at law);
(d) in the event any of the provisions of the Finance Document is mentioned (according to the enunciazione principle) in any separate document entered into between the same parties (alone or together with other parties) which have not been previously registered and in respect of which any of the conditions described at paragraphs (a) through (c) above is met; or
(e) if any Finance Document is enforced in Italy either by way of a direct court judgment or an exequatur of a judgment rendered outside Italy.
25.10 No default
(a) No Event of Default or Default is continuing or will result from the making of any Utilisation or the entry into, the performance of, or any transaction contemplated by any Finance Document.
(b) No other event or circumstance is outstanding which constitutes a default or termination event (however described) under any other agreement or instrument which is binding on it or any of its Subsidiaries or to which its (or any of its Subsidiaries) assets are subject which has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
25.11 No misleading information
All of the written factual information supplied by each of the Original Obligors in connection with the Finance Documents and the matters contemplated therein was (to the best of its knowledge after due and careful enquiry) true, complete and accurate in all material respects as at the date it was given and was not misleading in any material respect.
25.12 Financial statements
(a) The Original Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with the Accounting Principles consistently applied unless expressly disclosed therein or otherwise disclosed to the Agent in writing to the contrary prior to the date of this Agreement.
(b) Its Original Financial Statements give a true and fair view of its financial condition and results of operations during the relevant Financial Year unless expressly disclosed therein to the contrary or otherwise disclosed to the Agent in writing to the contrary prior to the date of this Agreement.
25.13 No proceedings pending or threatened
No litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings or investigations of, or before, any court, arbitral body or agency which are reasonably likely, if adversely determined, to have a Material Adverse Effect (to the best of the Parents knowledge and belief) have been started or threatened against it or any of its Subsidiaries.
25.14 Security
No Security or Quasi-Security exists over all or any of the present or future assets of any member of the Group other than as permitted by this Agreement.
25.15 Pari Passu Ranking
Its payment obligations under the Finance Documents rank at least pari passu with the claims of all its other unsecured and unsubordinated creditors, except for obligations mandatorily preferred by law applying to companies generally.
25.16 US Government Regulations
(a) It is not a public utility within the meaning of, or subject to regulation under, the United States Federal Power Act of 1920 (16 U.S.C. §§791 et seq.).
(b) It is not an investment company as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the United States Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. §§ 80a-1 et seq.) or in violation of regulation under any United States federal or state law or regulation that limits its ability to incur or guarantee indebtedness.
(c) It has not made (or attempted to make) an unlawful payment within the meaning of, and is not in any other way in violation of, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1 et seq.) or any similar laws.
25.17 ERISA
(a) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that has resulted in or is reasonably expected to result in a material liability of it or its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate.
(b) Schedule B ( Actuarial Information ) to the most recent annual report (Form 5500 Series) for each Plan, copies of which have been filed with the Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America, is complete and accurate and fairly presents the funding status of such Plan, and since the date of such Schedule B there has been no material adverse change in such funding status.
(c) Neither it, nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred or is reasonably expected to incur any Withdrawal Liability to any Multiemployer Plan.
(d) Neither it, nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any ERISA Affiliate has been notified by the sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan that such Multiemployer Plan is in reorganisation or has been terminated, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA, and to the best of its knowledge, no such Multiemployer Plan is reasonably expected to be in reorganisation or to be terminated, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.
(e) Except as does not have and could not reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, and except to the extent required under Section 4980B of the Code, no Plan provides health or welfare benefits (through the purchase of insurance or otherwise) for any retired or former employee of the Obligors, any of their Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates.
25.18 Solvency (US Obligors)
GTECH Corporation is, on a consolidated basis, as of the date hereof, US Solvent.
25.19 Material Adverse Effect
No Material Adverse Effect has occurred since the date of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Clause 26.1 ( Financial statements ).
25.20 US Anti-Terrorism laws
It, and to the best of its knowledge, each of its Material Subsidiaries:
(a) has taken reasonable measures to ensure compliance with Anti-Terrorism Laws;
(b) is not a Designated Person; and
(c) does not deal in any property or interest in property known by it to be blocked pursuant to any Anti-Terrorism Law.
25.21 US Margin Regulations
No part of the proceeds of any Utilisation will be used (i) in contravention of Regulation T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board, or (ii) for buying or carrying (within the meaning of Regulation T, U or X) any Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of buying or carrying any Margin Stock, other than in the case of clause (ii), that a portion of the proceeds of any Utilisation may be used to make Restricted Payments permitted under paragraph (e) of the definition of Permitted Restricted Payments or as consideration to finance Permitted Acquisitions. Following the application of the proceeds of each Utilisation, not more than twenty five per cent. (25%) of the value of the assets of the Obligors subject to any restriction contained in this Agreement or any other agreement or instrument between the Obligors, on the one hand, and any Lender or Affiliate of any Lender, on the other hand, relating to Financial Indebtedness will be Margin Stock.
25.22 Sanctions, Anti-Corruption and other laws
The Parent represents that:
(a) each member of the Group has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance by each such member and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and each member of the Group and their respective directors and officers and, to the knowledge of the Parent, their respective employees and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects and are not knowingly engaged in any activity that would reasonably be expected to result in a Borrower being designated as a Sanctioned Person;
(b) none of (a) the Parent, any member of the Group or any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or (b) to the knowledge of the Parent, any agent of the Parent or any member of the Group that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the Facilities, is a Sanctioned Person; and
(c) no Utilisation, use of proceeds or issuance of Letter of Credit pursuant to this Agreement will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or in any other Finance Document, the representations and warranties under this Clause 25.22 shall not be made to or for the benefit of any Specified Lender, no Specified Lender shall have any rights under this Clause 25.22 and each Specified Lender shall be deemed not to be a Lender solely for purposes of calculating any consent or vote of the Majority Lenders under Clause 29.16 ( Acceleration ) with respect to any breach of this Clause 25.22 (but in each case without prejudice to any other rights or obligations of any Specified Lender as a consequence of any Default occurring as a result of any breach of this Clause 25.22).
25.23 Gaming
(a) Each member of the Group complies in the jurisdiction in which it operates and conducts its business and operations:
(i) where applicable, with the laws of the United States of America that prohibit internet gambling, including, but not limited to, the US Wire Wager Act (18 U.S.C. §1084);
(ii) based on advice of reputable and experienced counsel, in all material respects with the laws that prohibit, or are reasonably capable of enforcing against any member of the Group prohibitions on, internet gambling of all other Prohibited Jurisdictions; and
(iii) in all material respects with all gaming and internet gaming laws that are applicable in the jurisdictions in which it operates and conducts its business and operations.
(b) The Group has implemented and maintains reasonable safeguards and procedures to determine whether any additional jurisdictions should be included within the category of Prohibited Jurisdictions and exclude persons in the Prohibited Jurisdictions from placing wagers on any of the Groups internet websites and will continue to maintain such safeguards and procedures until the Final Maturity Date or until, in respect of any Prohibited Jurisdiction, such time as it ceases to be a Prohibited Jurisdiction and the Group has received advice to this effect from reputable and experienced counsel.
25.24 Compliance with laws
Each Obligor complies in all respects with all laws to which it may be subject to the extent that failure so to comply would have or would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
25.25 Repetition
(a) The Repeating Representations are deemed to be made by each Obligor by reference to the facts and circumstances then existing on:
(i) the date of each Utilisation Request and the first day of each Interest Period; and
(ii) in the case of an Additional Obligor, the day on which the company becomes (or it is proposed that the company becomes) an Additional Obligor.
(b) Each representation or warranty deemed to be made after the date of this Agreement shall be deemed to be made by reference to the facts and circumstances existing at the date the representation or warranty is deemed to be made.
26. INFORMATION UNDERTAKINGS
The undertakings in this Clause 26 remain in force from the date of this Agreement for so long as any amount is outstanding under the Finance Documents or any Commitment is in force.
26.1 Financial statements
The Parent shall supply to the Agent, who will distribute to each Lender, each of the following:
(a) within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each of its Financial Years, its annual audited consolidated financial statements by making the same available on the Parents public website;
(b) as soon as they become available but in any event within seventy-five (75) days after the end of each of its financial half years its consolidated financial statements for its financial half year by making the same available on the Parents public website;
(c) as soon as they are available, but in any event within sixty (60) days after the end of the first and third Financial Quarter of each of its Financial Years, its consolidated financial statements for those Financial Quarters by making the same available on the Parents public website; and
(d) as soon as the same become available, but in any event within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of each of its financial years, the balance sheet and income statement or, if available, audited financial statements of each Guarantor other than the Parent.
26.2 Provision and contents of Compliance Certificate
(a) The Parent shall supply to the Agent, who will distribute to each Lender:
(i) with each set of financial statements delivered pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of Clause 26.1 ( Financial statements ) if the Public Debt Ratings are equal to or higher than BBB- and Baa3 (with at least a stable outlook); provided that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, this paragraph (i) shall be interpreted to mean at least two of the three Public Debt Ratings issued by the Rating Agencies being equal to or higher than BBB- or Baa3 as applicable; or
(ii) otherwise with each set of financial statements delivered pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of Clause 26.1 ( Financial statements ),
a Compliance Certificate setting out (in reasonable detail) computations as to compliance with Clause 27 ( Financial Covenants ) as at the date as at which those financial statements were prepared, including, prior to the completion of the Mergers, an explanation as to how the average US$/ rate has been calculated and disclosure of items included in EBITDA, Total Net Debt and Total Net Interest Costs with an indication of the value of each item expressed as per the consolidated financial statements.
(b) Commencing with the Compliance Certificate that is deliverable with respect to the Financial Quarter ending on 31 December 2014, the Compliance Certificate delivered in respect of the Financial Quarters ending in June and December in each Financial Year shall set out (in reasonable detail) computations as to compliance with Clause 28.24 ( Guarantor Threshold Test and Additional Guarantors ).
(c) Commencing with the Compliance Certificate that is deliverable with respect to the Financial Quarter ending on 31 December 2014, the Compliance Certificate delivered in respect of the Financial Quarters ending December in each Financial Year shall list the Material Subsidiaries or confirm that there has been no change to the list of Material Subsidiaries since the previous Compliance Certificate for the Financial Quarter ending 31 December.
(d) Each Compliance Certificate shall be signed by duly authorised signatory of the Parent and shall be reported on by the Auditors with respect to the information provided pursuant to Clause 25.2(a) (in the form agreed by the Auditors) when the audited consolidated Financial Statements for the Group are delivered pursuant to paragraph (a) of Clause 26.1 ( Financial statements) .
26.3 Requirements as to financial statements
The Parent shall procure that each set of financial statements delivered pursuant to Clause 26.1 ( Financial statements ) is prepared using the Accounting Principles and financial reference periods consistent with those applied in the presentation of the Original Financial Statements for the Parent unless, in relation to any set of financial statements, the Parent notifies the Agent that there has been a change in the Accounting Principles or the accounting practices and its Auditors deliver to the Agent, who will distribute to each Lender:
(a) a description of any change necessary for those financial statements to reflect the Accounting Principles or accounting practices upon which the Parents Original Financial Statements were prepared; and
(b) sufficient information, in form and substance as may be reasonably required by the Agent, to enable the Lenders to determine whether Clause 27 ( Financial Covenants ) has been complied with, to determine the Margin as set out in the definition of Margin, and to make an accurate comparison between the financial position indicated in those financial statements.
Any reference in this Agreement to any financial statements shall be construed as a reference to those financial statements as adjusted to reflect the basis upon which the Original Financial Statements of the Parent were prepared.
26.4 Information: miscellaneous
The Parent shall supply to the Agent who will distribute to each Lender and, in the case of paragraph (b) below, GTECH Corporation shall also supply to the Agent (in sufficient copies for all the Lenders, if the Agent so requests) who will distribute to each Lender:
(a) promptly, copies of all documents dispatched by the Parent to its shareholders generally (or any class of them) or dispatched by any Obligor to its creditors generally (or any class of them);
(b) promptly upon becoming aware of them, the details of any ERISA Events, material environmental issues, material litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings which are, in each case, current, threatened or pending against any member of the Group, which if adversely determined has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(c) promptly upon it becoming publicly available information, notice of any change to, or withdrawal of, any Public Debt Rating;
(d) promptly upon completion, notice that the Transactions are completed;
(e) promptly upon termination or upon publication (as the case may be), notice that the Merger Agreement has been terminated or that the Parent has disclosed publicly that it no longer intends to proceed with the completion of the Mergers; and
(f) promptly on request, such further information regarding the financial condition, assets and operations of the Group or any member of the Group as any Finance Party through the Agent may reasonably request,
it being understood that the Parent and GTECH Corporation may satisfy their obligations under this Clause 26.4 by publishing the relevant information to its website and notifying the Agent in writing that the relevant information has been so published.
26.5 Notification of Default
Each Obligor shall notify the Agent of any Default (and the steps, if any, being taken to remedy it) promptly upon becoming aware of its occurrence (unless that Obligor is aware that a notification has already been provided by another Obligor).
26.6 Know your customer checks
(a) If:
(i) the introduction of or any change in (or in the interpretation, administration or application of) any law or regulation made after the date of this Agreement;
(ii) any change in the status of an Obligor or the composition of the shareholders of an Obligor after the date of this Agreement; or
(iii) a proposed assignment or transfer by a Lender of any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement to a party that is not a Lender prior to such assignment or transfer,
obliges the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent or any Lender (or, in the case of paragraph (iii) above, any prospective new Lender) to comply with know your customer or similar identification procedures in circumstances where the necessary information is not already available to it, each Obligor shall promptly upon the request of the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent or any Lender supply, or procure the supply of, such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (in each case for itself or on behalf of any Lender) or any Lender (for itself or, in the case of the event described in paragraph (iii) above, on behalf of any prospective new Lender) in order for the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent such Lender or, in the case of the event described in paragraph (iii) above, any prospective
new Lender to carry out and be satisfied with the results of all necessary know your customer or other checks in relation to any relevant person pursuant to the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents.
(b) Each Lender shall promptly upon the request of the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent supply, or procure the supply of, such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (in each case for itself) in order to carry out and be satisfied with the results of all necessary know your customer or other checks on Lenders or prospective new Lenders pursuant to the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents.
(c) The Parent shall, by not less than ten (10) Business Days prior written notice to the Agent, notify the Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders) of its intention to request that one of its Subsidiaries becomes an Additional Guarantor or Additional Borrower pursuant to Clause 31 ( Changes to the Obligors ).
(d) Following the giving of any notice pursuant to paragraph (c) above, if the accession of such Additional Guarantor or Additional Borrower obliges the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent or any Lender to comply with know your customer or similar identification procedures in circumstances where the necessary information is not already available to it, the Parent shall promptly upon the request of the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent or any Lender supply, or procure the supply of, such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (in each case for itself or on behalf of any Lender) or any Lender (for itself or on behalf of any prospective new Lender) in order for the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent or such Lender or any prospective new Lender to carry out and be satisfied it has complied with all necessary know your customer or other checks in relation to any relevant person pursuant to the accession of such Subsidiary to this Agreement as an Additional Guarantor or as the case may be, an Additional Borrower.
26.7 Posting on electronic system
Each of the Borrowers hereby acknowledges that (a) the Agent or the Global Coordinators will make available to the other Finance Parties materials or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrowers hereunder (collectively, Borrower Materials ) by posting the Borrower Materials on Debt Domain (the Platform ) and (b) certain of the Lenders may be public-side Lenders ( i.e ., Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrowers or their securities) (each, a Public Lender ). Each Borrower hereby agrees that so long as such Borrower is the issuer of any outstanding debt or equity securities that are registered or issued pursuant to a private offering or is actively contemplating issuing any such securities; (w) all Borrower Materials that are to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked PUBLIC which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word PUBLIC shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials PUBLIC, the Borrowers shall be deemed to have authorised the Finance Parties to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Borrowers or their securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws ( provided that such Borrower Materials shall be treated as set forth in Clause 44 ( Confidentiality )); (y) all Borrower Materials marked PUBLIC are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated Public Investor; and (z) the Agent and the Global Coordinators shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked PUBLIC as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated Public Investor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Borrower shall not be under any obligation to mark any Borrower Materials PUBLIC.
27. FINANCIAL COVENANTS
27.1 Financial definitions
In this Clause 27:
Calculation Date means (i) at any time the Public Debt Ratings are equal to or higher than BBB- (with at least a stable outlook) and Baa3 (with at least a stable outlook) 30 June and 31 December of each year ( provided that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, this paragraph shall be interpreted to mean at least two of the three Public Debt Ratings issued by the Rating Agencies being equal to or higher than BBB- (with at least a stable outlook) or Baa3 (with at least a stable outlook) as applicable) and (ii) at any time any Public Debt Rating is lower than BBB- (with at least a stable outlook) or Baa3 (with at least a stable outlook), or any Public Debt Rating is withdrawn, 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December of each year ( provided that if at any time after the date hereof three Public Debt Ratings have been issued, this paragraph shall be interpreted to mean at least two of the three Public Debt Ratings issued by the Rating Agencies being lower than BBB- (with at least a stable outlook) or Baa3 (with at least a stable outlook) as applicable).
Consolidated Interest Expense means the amount of interest, discount, acceptance and commitment fees, amounts payable under interest rate hedging agreements and the interest element of payments under finance leases, including, for the avoidance of doubt, interest payable on the Capital Securities.
EBITDA means the amount of the consolidated operating income of the Group:
(a) plus depreciation, amortization and impairment loss; and
(b) plus extraordinary and non-cash items of expense but only to the extent such items have been deducted in the determination of operating income; and
(c) minus extraordinary and non-cash items of income, but only to the extent such items are included in operating income; and
(d) minus amounts attributable to minority interests in excess of US$60,000,000.
Relevant Period means a period of twelve (12) months ending on the last day of a Financial Year or half year or, as the case may be, financial quarter of the Parent.
Total Net Debt means the total Financial Indebtedness of the Group (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the outstanding amount of the Capital Securities and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any accrued Consolidated Interest Expense) minus the aggregate amount of cash and Cash Equivalent Investments held by the Group.
Total Net Interest Costs means Consolidated Interest Expense of the Group less interest received and amounts received under interest rate hedging agreements less capitalised up-front debt issuance costs recorded as interest expense.
27.2 Financial condition
The Parent shall ensure that:
(a) EBITDA to Total Net Interest Costs : EBITDA to Total Net Interest Costs at each Calculation Date shall not be less than the ratio set out next to the relevant Calculation Date in the table below:
EBITDA to
|
|
2014 |
|
2015 |
|
2016 |
|
2017 |
|
2018 |
|
2019 |
|
March |
|
|
|
2.75:1.00 |
|
2.75:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
June |
|
|
|
2.75:1.00 |
|
2.75:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
September |
|
|
|
2.75:1.00 |
|
2.75:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
December |
|
2.75:100 |
|
2.75:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
3.00:1.00 |
|
(b) Total Net Debt to EBITDA : Total Net Debt to EBITDA at each Calculation Date shall:
(i) if the Mergers are not completed, not be greater than 4.00:1.00 as tested at each Calculation Date in accordance with Clause 27.3 ( Financial testing ) below; and
(ii) if the Mergers are completed, not be greater than the ratio set out next to the relevant Calculation Date in the table below:
Total Net
|
|
2014 |
|
2015 |
|
2016 |
|
2017 |
|
2018 |
|
2019 |
|
March |
|
|
|
5.50:1.00 |
|
5.50:1.00 |
|
5.00:1.00 |
|
4.50:1.00 |
|
4.25:1.00 |
|
June |
|
|
|
5.50:1.00 |
|
5.50:1.00 |
|
5.00:1.00 |
|
4.50:1.00 |
|
4.00:1.00 |
|
September |
|
|
|
5.50:1.00 |
|
5.00:1.00 |
|
4.75:1.00 |
|
4.25:1.00 |
|
4.00:1.00 |
|
December |
|
5.50:1.00 |
|
5.50:1.00 |
|
5.00:1.00 |
|
4.75:1.00 |
|
4.25:1.00 |
|
4.00:1.00 |
|
27.3 Financial testing
The financial covenants set out in Clause 27.2 ( Financial condition ) shall be calculated in accordance with the Accounting Principles and tested in relation to the Group on a consolidated basis by reference to each Compliance Certificate delivered in accordance with Clause 26.2 ( Provision and contents of Compliance Certificate ).
28. GENERAL UNDERTAKINGS
The undertakings in this Clause 28 remain in force from the date of this Agreement for so long as any amount is outstanding under the Finance Documents or any Commitment is in force.
28.1 Authorisations
Each Obligor shall promptly:
(a) obtain, comply with and do all that is necessary to maintain in full force and effect; and
(b) supply certified copies to the Agent (at its request) of, any Authorisation required under any law or regulation of a Relevant Jurisdiction to:
(i) enable it to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents; and
(ii) ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of any Finance Document to which it is a party.
28.2 Compliance with laws
(a) Each Obligor shall (and the Obligors shall ensure that each member of the Group will) comply in all respects with all laws to which it may be subject, if (except as regards (i) Sanctions, to which Clause 28.20 ( Use of proceeds and Sanctions ) below applies, and (ii) Anti-Corruption Laws, to which Clause 28.21 ( Anti-Corruption ) below applies) failure so to comply has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The Borrowers will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance by the Borrowers, their Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.
28.3 Merger
No Obligor shall (and the Obligors shall ensure that no other member of the Group will) enter into any amalgamation, demerger, merger, consolidation or corporate reconstruction other than a Permitted Merger or Permitted Acquisition.
28.4 Change of business
The Obligors shall ensure that no substantial change is made to the general nature of the business of the Group from the Business.
28.5 Acquisitions
(a) Except as permitted under paragraph (b) below, no Obligor shall (and the Obligors shall ensure that no other member of the Group will):
(i) acquire a company or any shares or securities or a business or undertaking (or, in each case, any interest in any of them); or
(ii) incorporate a company.
(b) Paragraph (a) above does not apply to an acquisition of a company, of shares, securities or a business or undertaking (or, in each case, any equity or partnership interest in any of them), or the incorporation of a company or Joint Venture which is a Permitted Acquisition.
28.6 Pari passu ranking
Each Obligor shall ensure that at all times any unsecured and unsubordinated claims of a Finance Party against it under the Finance Documents rank at least pari passu with the claims of all its other unsecured and unsubordinated creditors except those creditors whose claims are mandatorily preferred by laws of general application to companies.
28.7 Negative pledge
(a) In this Clause 28.7, Quasi-Security means a transaction described in paragraph (b) below.
(b) Except as permitted under paragraph (c) below:
(i) No Obligor shall (and the Obligors shall ensure that no other member of the Group will) create or permit to subsist any Security over any of its assets.
(ii) No Obligor shall (and the Obligors shall ensure that no other member of the Group will):
(A) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its assets on terms whereby they are or may be leased to or re-acquired by an Obligor or any other member of the Group;
(B) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its receivables on recourse terms (it being understood for the avoidance of doubt that a member of the Group may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of its receivables on non-recourse terms);
(C) enter into any arrangement under which money or the benefit of a bank or other account may be applied, set-off or made subject to a combination of accounts; or
(D) enter into any other preferential arrangement having a similar effect,
in circumstances where the arrangement or transaction is entered into primarily as a method of raising Financial Indebtedness or of financing the acquisition of an asset.
(c) Paragraphs (a) and (b) above do not apply to any Security or (as the case may be) Quasi-Security, which is Permitted Security.
28.8 Disposals
(a) Except as permitted under paragraph (b) below, no Obligor shall (and the Obligors shall ensure that no member of the Group will) enter into a single transaction or a series of transactions (whether related or not) and whether voluntary or involuntary to sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any asset.
(b) Paragraph (a) above does not apply to any sale, lease, transfer or other disposal which is a Permitted Disposal.
28.9 Loans or credit
(a) Except as permitted under paragraph (b) below, no Obligor shall (and the Obligors shall ensure that no member of the Group will) be a creditor in respect of any Financial Indebtedness.
(b) Paragraph (a) above does not apply to a Permitted Loan.
28.10 No Guarantees or indemnities
(a) Except as permitted under paragraph (b) below, no Obligor shall (and the Obligors shall ensure that no member of the Group will) incur or allow to remain outstanding any guarantee in respect of any obligation of any person.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a guarantee which is a Permitted Guarantee.
28.11 Dividends and share redemption
(a) The Parent shall not declare, make or pay or allow any member of the Group to declare, make or pay any Restricted Payment.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a Restricted Payment which is a Permitted Restricted Payment and, for the avoidance of doubt, does not prohibit the Merger Capital Reduction.
28.12 Priority Financial Indebtedness
The Obligors shall ensure that at no time will Financial Indebtedness incurred or allowed to remain outstanding by all members of the Group (including non-Guarantors) that are not Obligors exceed in the aggregate five per cent. (5%) of the consolidated total assets of the Group.
28.13 Pensions and employee benefit schemes
(a) The Parent shall ensure that all pension schemes operated or maintained for the benefit of members of the Group or any of its employees are maintained and fully funded on the basis of reasonable actuarial assumptions and valuations prepared by actuaries of recognised standing most recently used to account for such obligations in accordance with the Accounting Principles and, in any case, in compliance with applicable law and the contracts governing their provision and that no action or omission is taken by any member of the Group in relation to such a pension scheme which has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The Parent shall ensure that no member of the Group establishes any defined benefit occupational pension scheme.
(c) The Parent shall deliver to the Agent copies of any actuarial reports prepared in relation to the pension schemes for the time being operated by or maintained for the benefit of members of the Group or any of its employees promptly after those reports are prepared in
order to comply with the then current statutory or auditing requirements (as applicable either to the trustees of any relevant schemes or to the Parent) or otherwise.
(d) The Parent shall promptly notify the Agent of any material change in the rate of contributions to any pension schemes referred to in paragraph (a) above paid or recommended to be paid (whether by the scheme actuary or otherwise) or required (by law or otherwise).
(e) The Parent shall (and shall ensure that each of its Subsidiaries incorporated in Italy will):
(i) fully and timely pay and discharge all mandatory and supplementary social security and health care assistance contributions (including interest and penalties) which the same companies are requested to pay under applicable laws, regulations, by-laws and any agreement entered into by the same companies;
(ii) duly and timely file or cause to be filed, according to applicable law, all social security returns and social security reports which are required to be filed by same companies;
(iii) properly and entirely accrue in the financial statements the TFR ( Trattamento di fine rapporto ) with regard to all its employees according to the applicable laws; and
(iv) make adequate provisions in their accounts, pertaining to mandatory and supplementary social security and health care contributions which have not been paid because they are not yet due under the terms of any applicable laws, regulations, by-laws and any agreement entered into by the same companies.
28.14 Intellectual Property
Each Obligor shall (and the Obligors shall procure that each Group member will):
(a) preserve and maintain the subsistence and validity of the Intellectual Property necessary for the business of the relevant Group member;
(b) use reasonable endeavours to prevent any infringement in any material respect of the Intellectual Property;
(c) make registrations and pay all registration fees and taxes necessary to maintain the Intellectual Property in full force and effect and record its interest in that Intellectual Property;
(d) not use or permit the Intellectual Property to be used in a way or take any step or omit to take any step in respect of that Intellectual Property which may materially and adversely affect the existence or value of the Intellectual Property or imperil the right of any member of the Group to use such property; and
(e) not discontinue the use of the Intellectual Property,
where failure to do so, in the case of paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above, or in the case of paragraphs (d) and (e) above, such use, permission to use, omission or discontinuation, is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
28.15 No speculative Hedging Arrangements
No Borrower shall enter into any derivative transaction other than any derivative transaction entered into in connection with protection against or benefit from fluctuations in any rate or price.
28.16 ERISA reporting requirements
Each Obligor shall (and the Parent shall ensure that each relevant member of the Group will):
(a) ERISA Events and ERISA Reports
(i) promptly and in any event within ten (10) days after such Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate knows or has reason to know that any ERISA Event has occurred, deliver to the Agent a statement of the finance director of the Parent describing such ERISA Event and the action, if any, that such Obligor or such ERISA Affiliate has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto; and
(ii) on the date any records, documents or other information must be furnished to the PBGC with respect to any Plan pursuant to Section 4010 of ERISA, a copy of such records, documents and information;
(b) Plan Terminations : promptly and in any event within five (5) Business Days after receipt thereof by any Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate, deliver to the Agent copies of each notice from the PBGC stating its intention to terminate any Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer any Plan;
(c) Plan Annual Reports : promptly upon the written request of the Agent, deliver to the Agent copies of each Schedule B ( Actuarial Information ) to the annual report (Form 5500 Series) most recently filed by it with the Employee Benefits Security Administration of the United States with respect to each Plan; and
(d) Multiemployer Plan notices : promptly and in any event within five (5) Business Days after receipt thereof by it or any ERISA Affiliate from the sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan, deliver to the Agent copies of each notice concerning:
(i) the imposition of Withdrawal Liability by any such Multiemployer Plan;
(ii) the reorganisation or termination, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA, of any such Multiemployer Plan; or
(iii) the amount of liability incurred, or that may be incurred, by such Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate in connection with any event described in paragraph (i) or (ii) above.
28.17 Italian segregation of assets or finanziamenti destinati
No Italian Obligor shall:
(a) segregate assets or revenues pursuant to Article 2447 bis ( Patrimoni Destinati ad uno Specifico Affare ) of the Italian Civil Code;
(b) enter into any transaction which could qualify as a finanziamento destinato pursuant to article 2447-decies;
(c) issue any class of stock or any other financial instruments under article 2447-ter of the Italian Civil Code, or
(d) in each case, without the prior written consent of the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders).
28.18 US Anti-Terrorism Laws
(a) No Obligor shall engage in any transaction that violates any of the applicable prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law.
(b) None of the funds or assets of such Obligor or its Subsidiaries that are used to repay the Facilities shall constitute property of, or shall be beneficially owned by, any Designated Person or be derived from transactions known to an Obligor to violate the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law, and no Designated Person shall have any direct or indirect interest in such Obligor that would constitute a violation of any Anti-Terrorism Laws.
28.19 US Margin Regulations
No part of the proceeds of any Utilisation will be used (i) in contravention of Regulation T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board, or (ii) for buying or carrying (within the meaning of Regulation T, U or X) any Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of buying or carrying any Margin Stock, other than in the case of clause (ii), that a portion of the proceeds of any Utilisation may be used to make Restricted Payments permitted under paragraph (e) of the definition of Permitted Restricted Payments or as consideration to finance Permitted Acquisitions. Following the application of the proceeds of each Utilisation, not more than twenty five per cent. (25%) of the value of the assets of the Obligors subject to any restriction contained in this Agreement or any other agreement or instrument between the Obligors, on the one hand, and any Lender or Affiliate of any Lender, on the other hand, relating to Financial Indebtedness will be Margin Stock.
28.20 Use of proceeds and Sanctions
(a) The undertakings in this Clause 28.20 remain in force from the date of this Agreement for as long as any amount is outstanding under the Finance Documents or any Commitment is in force:
(i) a Borrower will not request any Utilisation, and a Borrower shall not use, and shall procure that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Utilisation (A) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, or (B) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto. Each Obligor shall, and shall procure that each other member of the Group shall, not knowingly use any revenue or benefit derived from any activity or dealing with a Sanctioned Person to be used in discharging any obligation due or owing to the Finance Parties; and
(ii) each Obligor shall, and shall procure that each other member of the Group shall, to the extent permitted by law promptly upon becoming aware of them supply to the
Agent, who will distribute to each Lender, details of any claim, action, suit, proceedings or investigation against it with respect to Sanctions by any Sanctions Authority.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or in any other Finance Document, the undertakings in this Clause 28.20 shall not be made to or for the benefit of any Specified Lender, no Specified Lender shall have any rights under this Clause 28.20 and each Specified Lender shall be deemed not to be a Lender solely for purposes of calculating any consent or vote of the Majority Lenders under Clause 29.16 ( Acceleration ) with respect to any breach of this Clause 28.20 (but in each case without prejudice to any other rights or obligations of any Specified Lender as a consequence of any Default occurring as a result of any breach of this Clause 28.20).
28.21 Anti-Corruption
(a) Neither the Parent nor any Obligor shall (and the Parent shall ensure that no other member of the Group will) directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the Facilities in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws.
(b) The Parent and each Obligor shall (and the Parent shall ensure that each other member of the Group will) not violate applicable Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions in any material respect.
28.22 Existing Target Facility Repayment
The Parent shall procure that following the completion of the Mergers and the accession of Target to this Agreement pursuant to Clause 31.2 ( Additional Obligors ) any amounts outstanding under the Existing Target Facility shall be promptly repaid, cancelled and discharged in full and any guarantees with respect to the Existing Target Facility shall be released.
28.23 Security following Debt Ratings decrease
(a) If following completion of the Mergers:
(i) any two Public Debt Ratings (or any Public Debt Rating, if two Public Debt Ratings are issued) are either equal to BB or Ba2 or lower or have been withdrawn, then the Parent shall procure that, as soon as practicable and in any event within ninety (90) days after the relevant Public Debt Rating(s) or Public Debt Rating withdrawal(s) or reduction(s) become(s) public, Security:
(A) is granted by Holdco over the shares of the Target and the quotas of Italian Holdco;
(B) is granted by:
(1) each Obligor over each intercompany note or loan in excess of US$10,000,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies) between the Obligor as creditor and a member of the Group as debtor; and
(2) each member of the Group over each intercompany note or loan in excess of US$10,000,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies) between such member of the Group as creditor and an Obligor as debtor,
whether documented by a promissory note or otherwise and including any such intercompany note or loan between Holdco and any of the Target, Italian Holdco or GTECH Corporation at completion of the Transaction; and
(ii) any Public Debt Rating is equal to BB- or Ba3 or lower (in circumstances where the remaining Public Debt Ratings are equal to BB+ or Ba1 or lower) or any Public Debt Rating has been withdrawn, then the Parent shall procure that, as soon as practicable and in any event within ninety (90) days after the relevant Public Debt Rating(s) or Public Debt Rating withdrawal(s) or reduction(s) become(s) public, Security is granted over:
(A) the assets referred to in paragraph (a)(i) above, to the extent it has not already been granted; and
(B) all of the accounts receivable under contracts for the supply of goods and services to customers of the Material Subsidiaries,
it being understood that granting of Security under this paragraph (a)(ii) will not be required to the extent that it would cause a default (however defined) under any equal and rateable security or most favoured nation provisions (or other provisions of equivalent effect) under the Pari Passu Indebtedness due to an inability (despite the exercise of reasonable commercial endeavours) to overcome any obstacle to compliance with such provisions.
(b) If at any time after the date of this Agreement:
(i) any new Security or Quasi-Security is granted over assets of the Group in favour of the holders or creditors of Pari Passu Indebtedness; or
(ii) any existing Security or Quasi Security is amended on terms favourable to the holders or creditors of Pari Passu Indebtedness;
then, at the same time any such grant or amendment becomes effective, the Parent shall do all acts and deliver all documents as are necessary (including accessions pursuant to Clause 31 ( Changes to the Obligors )) to procure that the Finance Parties receive the benefit of the same or substantially the same new Security or Quasi-Security (on the same or substantially the same terms and conditions) or receive the benefit of the same or substantially the same amended terms (as the case may be) in substance and form satisfactory to the Agent (acting reasonably).
(c) With respect to any Security or Quasi-Security granted or to be granted by any member of the Group pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) above (the Transaction Security ), each Obligor shall, as soon as reasonably practicable following the relevant public announcement (or in the case of any Transaction Security granted to holder of Pari Passu Indebtedness, at the same time as such Transaction Security is so granted), do all such acts or execute all such documents as the Agent may reasonably specify (and in such form as the Agent may reasonably require) to grant and perfect the Transaction Security created or intended to be
created under or evidenced by the relevant security documents entered into with respect to the Transaction Security (the Security Documents ) and shall thereafter take all such action as is available to it (including making all filings and registrations and entering into any deeds of confirmation) as may be necessary for the purpose of the creation, perfection, protection or maintenance of any Transaction Security conferred or intended to be conferred by or pursuant to the Security Documents, in each case promptly following a reasonable request of the Agent (including without limitation following the completion of any Permitted Merger).
(d) With respect to the granting of any Security or Quasi-Security granted or to be granted by any member of the Group pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) above, the obligation shall be subject always to the Agreed Security Principles. With respect to the granting of Security over accounts receivable referred to in paragraph (b) above in circumstances where Agreed Security Principle 2.1(d) relating to third party arrangements would apply due to the requirement of third party consent, then the Parent shall request such consent within the applicable timeframe in respect of accounts receivable that together, at that time, constitute a percentage of consolidated Group revenues that is at least the greater of (i) the percentage of revenues represented by the ten (10) largest relevant contracts by revenue and (ii) twenty five per cent. (25%).
(e) In this Agreement, Pari Passu Indebtedness means any Financial Indebtedness incurred by any member of the Group pursuant to any loan, facility, any public or private financing in the domestic or international debt capital markets (including any public or private bond issue, placement or note, security or other debt issuance or indebtedness), in each case incurred by any member of the Group (including, without limitation, the Bridge Facilities and the Existing GTECH Notes) as well as any Financial Indebtedness incurred by any member of the Group for the purposes of refinancing any of the aforementioned Financial Indebtedness but excludes Financial Indebtedness which is secured by Security that falls within the basket set out in paragraph (o) of the definition of Permitted Security.
(f) The provisions of Clause 28.23 ( Security following Debt Ratings decrease ) shall continue with full force and effect notwithstanding any intervening application of Clause 42.7 ( Release of Security on Permitted Disposal and Investment Grade Rating ) and in the event that the relevant trigger conditions are met subsequently, the Parent shall again be obliged to procure the granting of Security in accordance with this Clause 28.23.
28.24 Guarantor Threshold Test and Additional Guarantors
(a) Subject in each case to the Agreed Security Principles, the Parent shall do all acts and deliver all documents as are necessary, including procuring accessions pursuant to Clause 31 ( Changes to the Obligors ), to ensure that commencing from 31 December 2014, and by reference to the Compliance Certificate and accompanying financial statements to be delivered pursuant to Clause 26.2(b) ( Provision and contents of Compliance Certificate ): (i) the ratio of (A) the aggregate of the total unconsolidated assets of the Guarantors excluding the Excluded Assets to (B) the consolidated total assets of the Group excluding Excluded Assets is greater than or equal to eighty five per cent. (85%) and (ii) the ratio of (A) the unconsolidated aggregate earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (calculated on the same basis as EBITDA is calculated but excluding the Excluded EBITDA Entries) of the Guarantors to (B) EBITDA of the Group excluding Excluded EBITDA Entries is greater than or equal to eighty five per cent. (85%).
(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a) above, the consolidated total assets and EBITDA of the Group (i) may exclude the total assets and EBITDA of Subsidiaries with negative assets or negative EBITDA and (ii) shall exclude the total assets and EBITDA of all Subsidiaries which the Agent (acting reasonably) is satisfied are either not eligible (on the basis of the Agreed Security Principles) to be Guarantors or over whose shares (on the basis of the Agreed Security Principles) no Security is required to be granted .
(c) If at any time after the date of this Agreement:
(i) any new guarantee is granted in favour of any holder or creditor of Pari Passu Indebtedness; or
(ii) any guarantee is amended on terms favourable to the holders or creditors of Pari Passu Indebtedness;
then, at the same time any such grant or amendment becomes effective, the Parent shall do all acts and deliver all documents as are necessary (including accessions pursuant to Clause 31 ( Changes to the Obligors )) to procure that the Finance Parties receive the benefit of the same or substantially the same new guarantee (on the same or substantially the same terms and conditions) or receive the benefit of the same or substantially the same amended terms (as the case may be) in substance and form satisfactory to the Agent (acting reasonably).
(d) With respect to any guarantee granted or to be granted by any member of the Group pursuant to paragraph (c) above, the obligation shall be subject always to the Agreed Security Principles.
28.25 MFN to Financial Covenants and Mandatory Prepayments
(a) If at any time:
(i) any new financial covenant is put in place in favour of any holder or creditor of Pari Passu Indebtedness; or
(ii) the levels of any financial covenant in favour of the holders or creditors of Pari Passu Indebtedness is or is amended to become more stringent than the levels of the same or an equivalent financial covenant in favour of the Finance Parties under this Agreement;
then, at the same time any such financial covenant is put in place, becomes more stringent or such amendment becomes effective, the Parent shall do all acts and deliver all documents as are necessary (including entering into an amendment and restatement of this Agreement) to procure that the Finance Parties receive the benefit of the same or substantially the same financial covenants (on the same or substantially the same terms and conditions and at substantially the same levels) (as the case may be) in substance and form satisfactory to the Agent (acting reasonably).
(b) If at any time:
(i) any new mandatory prepayment provision is put in place in favour of any holder or creditor of Pari Passu Indebtedness; or
(ii) any mandatory prepayment provision in favour of the holders or creditors of Pari Passu Indebtedness is or is amended to become more favourable than any mandatory prepayment provision in favour of the Finance Parties under this Agreement;
then, at the same time any such mandatory prepayment provision is put in place, or such amendment becomes effective, the Parent shall do all acts and deliver all documents as are necessary (including entering into an amendment and restatement of this Agreement) to procure that the Finance Parties receive the benefit of the same or substantially the same mandatory prepayment provisions (on the same or substantially the same terms and conditions subject to paragraph (c) below) (as the case may be) in substance and form satisfactory to the Agent (acting reasonably).
(c) For the purposes of paragraph (b) above, it is acknowledged and agreed that any such mandatory prepayment provision introduced into this Agreement as a result shall provide for prepayment of the Facilities without cancellation such that the amount prepaid may subsequently be re-drawn (thought it is understood that the amount redrawn may not be used to finance, directly or indirectly, the equivalent mandatory prepayment of Pari Passu Indebtedness).
28.26 Structure Memorandum
The Parent shall not amend the Structure Memorandum in a way that is reasonably likely to be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Lenders without the consent of the Majority Lenders (acting reasonably).
29. EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Each of the events or circumstances set out in this Clause 29 is an Event of Default.
29.1 Non-payment
An Obligor does not pay on the due date any amount payable pursuant to a Finance Document at the place at and in the currency in which it is expressed to be payable unless such failure to pay is due to administrative or technical error and payment is made within three (3) Business Days of its due date.
29.2 Financial covenants and other obligations
Any requirement of Clause 27 ( Financial Covenants ) is not satisfied or an Obligor does not comply with the provisions of Clauses 28.7 ( Negative pledge ), 28.8 ( Disposals ), 28.20 ( Use of proceeds and Sanctions ), 28.21 ( Anti-Corruption ), 28.11 ( Dividends and share redemption ) or Clause 28.12 ( Priority Financial Indebtedness ).
29.3 Other obligations
(a) An Obligor does not comply with any provision of the Finance Documents (other than those referred to in Clause 29.1 ( Non-payment ) and Clause 29.2 ( Financial covenants and other obligations )).
(b) No Event of Default under paragraph (a) above will occur if (i) the failure to comply is capable of remedy and is remedied within twenty (20) Business Days of the Agent giving
notice to the Parent or relevant Obligor or the Parent or an Obligor becoming aware of the failure to comply.
29.4 Misrepresentation
Any representation or statement made or deemed to be made by an Obligor in the Finance Documents or any other document delivered by or on behalf of any Obligor under or in connection with any Finance Document is or proves to have been incorrect or misleading when made or deemed to be made and, if capable of cure, is not cured within twenty (20) Business Days.
29.5 Cross-default
(a) Any Financial Indebtedness of any member of the Group is not paid when due nor within any originally applicable grace period.
(b) Any Financial Indebtedness of any member of the Group is declared to be or otherwise becomes due and payable prior to its specified maturity as a result of an event of default (however described).
(c) Any commitment for any Financial Indebtedness of any member of the Group is cancelled or suspended by a creditor of any member of the Group as a result of an event of default (however described).
(d) Any creditor of any member of the Group becomes entitled to declare any Financial Indebtedness of any member of the Group due and payable prior to its specified maturity as a result of an event of default (however described).
(e) No Event of Default will occur under this Clause 29.5 if the aggregate amount of Financial Indebtedness or commitment for Financial Indebtedness falling within paragraphs (a) through (d) above is less than 50,000,000 or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies (or, following completion of the Mergers, US$75,000,000 or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies).
29.6 Insolvency
(a) An Obligor or Material Subsidiary is unable or admits inability to pay its debts as they fall due or is deemed to or declared to be unable to pay its debts under applicable law, suspends or threatens to suspend making payments on any of its debts or, by reason of actual or anticipated financial difficulties, commences negotiations with one or more of its creditors with a view to rescheduling any of its indebtedness.
(b) The value of the assets of any Obligor (other than the Parent) or Material Subsidiary is less than its liabilities (taking into account contingent and prospective liabilities) and such circumstances continue for sixty (60) days commencing on the earlier of the date when the directors of such Obligor acknowledge or have evidence that such circumstances exist; or
(c) Any circumstance contemplated under Section 2447 of the Italian Civil Code occurs in relation to the Parent and:
(i) no shareholders meeting takes place for the recapitalisation of the Parent; or
(ii) the recapitalisation of the Parent is not completed,
in each case within sixty (60) days of the earlier of the date when the directors of the Parent acknowledge or have evidence that the aforementioned circumstance is in existence.
(d) A moratorium is declared in respect of any indebtedness of an Obligor or Material Subsidiary. If a moratorium occurs, the ending of the moratorium will not remedy any Event of Default caused by that moratorium.
29.7 Insolvency proceedings
(a) Any corporate action, legal proceedings or other procedure or step (including a petition or a judicial or court order) is taken or filed in relation to:
(i) the suspension of payments, a moratorium of any indebtedness, winding-up, dissolution, administration, bankruptcy, other insolvency proceedings or reorganisation (by way of voluntary arrangement, scheme of arrangement or otherwise) of an Obligor (other than the Parent) or Material Subsidiary;
(ii) a composition, compromise, assignment or arrangement with any creditor of an Obligor (other than the Parent) or Material Subsidiary;
(iii) the appointment of a liquidator, receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, compulsory manager or other similar officer in respect of an Obligor (other than the Parent) or Material Subsidiary or any of its assets;
(iv) enforcement of any Security over any assets of an Obligor (other than the Parent) or Material Subsidiary;
(v) enforcement of any Security over any asset or assets of the Parent having an aggregate value greater than or equal to 50,000,000 or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies (or, following completion of the Mergers, US$75,000,000 or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies); or
(vi) Italian Insolvency Proceedings,
or any analogous procedure or step is taken in any jurisdiction.
(b) Paragraph (a) shall not apply to:
(i) any winding-up petition against any Obligor (other than the Parent) or Material Subsidiary which is frivolous or vexatious and is discharged, stayed or dismissed within sixty (60) days of commencement or, if earlier, the date on which it is advertised; or
(ii) any petition filed by creditors against the Parent in respect of an Italian Insolvency Proceeding to the extent that (a) the Parent is contesting in good faith and by appropriate means such petition, (b) the Parent provides evidence to the Lenders that
it is reasonably likely that such petition will be discharged within ninety (90) days of its filing and (c) such petition is discharged within ninety (90) days of its filing.
29.8 Creditors process
Pursuant to any creditors process, any expropriation, attachment, sequestration, distress or execution or any analogous process in any jurisdiction affects any asset or assets of an Obligor or Material Subsidiary having an aggregate value greater than or equal to 25,000,000 or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies (or, following completion of the Mergers, US$35,000,000 or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies) and is not discharged within sixty (60) days.
29.9 Unlawfulness and invalidity
(a) It is or becomes unlawful for an Obligor to perform any of its material obligations under the Finance Documents.
(b) Any obligation or obligations of any Obligor under any Finance Documents are not or cease to be legal, valid, binding or enforceable and the cessation individually or cumulatively materially and adversely affects the interests of the Lenders under the Finance Documents.
(c) Any Finance Document ceases to be in full force and effect in any material respect ceases to be legal, valid, binding, enforceable or effective or is alleged by a party to it (other than a Finance Party) to be ineffective.
29.10 Cessation of business
Any Obligor or any Material Subsidiary suspends or ceases to carry on (or threatens to suspend or cease to carry on) all or a substantial part of its business except as a result of a Permitted Disposal or a Permitted Merger.
29.11 Repudiation and rescission of agreements
An Obligor (or any other relevant party) rescinds or purports to rescind or repudiates or purports to repudiate a Finance Document or a material provision thereof or evidences an intention to rescind or repudiate a Finance Document or a material provision thereof.
29.12 Litigation
Any litigation, or administrative, proceedings are commenced or threatened in writing against an Obligor or any Material Subsidiary which have been adversely determined, or would be reasonably likely to be adversely determined and if so determined, be reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect.
29.13 Material adverse change
Any event or circumstance occurs which has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
29.14 ERISA Events of Default
(a) Any ERISA Event shall have occurred with respect to a Plan and such ERISA Event taken together with the sum (determined as of the date of occurrence of such ERISA Event) of the Insufficiency of such Plan and the Insufficiency of any and all other Plans with respect to which an ERISA Event shall have occurred and then exist (or the liability of the Obligors and the ERISA Affiliates related to such ERISA Event) and shall have caused, or shall reasonably be expected to cause, a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Any ERISA Event shall have occurred with respect to a plan that shall have caused or shall be reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Any Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate shall have been notified by the sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan that it has incurred Withdrawal Liability to such Multiemployer plan in an amount that, when aggregated with all other amounts required to be paid to Multiemployer Plans by the Obligors and the ERISA Affiliates as Withdrawal Liability (determined as of the date of such notification), shall be reasonably expected to cause a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Any Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate shall have been notified by the sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan that such Multiemployer Plan is being terminated, within the meaning of title IV of ERISA, and as a result of such termination the aggregate annual contributions of the Obligors and the ERISA Affiliates to all Multiemployer Plans that are then in reorganisation or being terminated have been or will be increased over the amounts contributed to such Multiemployer Plans for the plan years of such Multiemployer plans immediately preceding the plan year in which such termination occurs by an amount that shall be reasonably expected to cause a Material Adverse Effect.
29.15 US Insolvency Proceedings
(a) An involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States seeking:
(i) relief in respect of any Obligor or Material Subsidiary, or of a substantial part of the property or assets of any Obligor or Material Subsidiary, under US Bankruptcy Law;
(ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Obligor or Material Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property or assets of any Obligor or Material Subsidiary; or
(iii) the winding-up or liquidation of any Obligor or Material Subsidiary,
and such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered.
(b) Any Obligor or Material Subsidiary shall:
(i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking relief under US Bankruptcy Law; or
(ii) apply for or consent to the appointment, pursuant to the laws of the United States or any state thereof, of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or
similar official for any Obligor or Material Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property or assets of any Obligor or Material Subsidiary.
29.16 Acceleration
(a) On and at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default, other than an Event of Default referred to in paragraph (b) below, which is continuing the Agent may, and shall if so directed by the Majority Lenders, by notice to the Parent:
(i) cancel the Total Facility Commitments or US Dollar Swingline Commitments or both at which time they shall immediately be cancelled;
(ii) declare that all or part of the Utilisations, together with accrued interest, and all other amounts accrued or outstanding under the Finance Documents be immediately due and payable, at which time they shall become immediately due and payable;
(iii) declare that all or part of the Utilisations be payable on demand, at which time they shall immediately become payable on demand by the Agent on the instructions of the Majority Lenders;
(iv) declare that cash cover in respect of each Letter of Credit is immediately due and payable at which time it shall become immediately due and payable;
(v) declare that cash cover in respect of each Letter of Credit is payable on demand at which time it shall immediately become due and payable on demand by the Agent on the instructions of the Majority Lenders;
(vi) declare all or any part of the amounts outstanding under the US Dollar Swingline Facility to be immediately due and payable, at which time they shall become immediately due and payable;
(vii) declare that all or any part of the amounts outstanding under the US Dollar Swingline Facility be payable on demand, at which time they shall immediately become payable on demand by the Agent on the instructions of the Majority Lenders; or
(viii) exercise any or all of its rights, remedies, powers or discretions under the Finance Documents.
(b) If an Event of Default occurs under Clause 29.15 ( US Insolvency Proceedings ) in respect of an Obligor:
(i) the Facility Commitments shall immediately be cancelled; and
(ii) all of the Loans, together with accrued interest, and all other amounts accrued under the Finance Documents shall be immediately due and payable;
in each case automatically and without any direction, notice, declaration or other act.
30. CHANGES TO THE LENDERS
30.1 Assignments and transfers by the Lenders
Subject to this Clause 30.1, a Lender (the Existing Lender ) may:
(a) assign any of its rights; or
(b) transfer by novation any of its rights and obligations,
under any Finance Document to another bank or financial institution or to a trust, fund or other entity which is regularly engaged in or established for the purpose of making, purchasing or investing in loans, securities or other financial assets (the New Lender ) and in the case of a Revolving Facility made available to the Parent or any other Italian Borrower, it is (i) not a Blacklisted Resident Entity and (ii) a person authorised under applicable Italian law or regulation to (x) make loans to a borrower incorporated in Italy; or (y) acquire participations in or provide guarantees or cash cover in relation to loans made to a borrower incorporated in Italy.
30.2 Conditions of assignment or transfer
(a) Except where such assignment or transfer is from a Lender to an Affiliate, another Lender or a Related Fund, the minimum amount of any assignment or transfer undertaken pursuant to this Clause 30 must be greater than or equal to the Base Currency Amount of US$5,000,000 with respect to Revolving Facility A and 5,000,000 with respect to Revolving Facility B.
(b) The consent of the Parent shall be required for any assignment or transfer by an Existing Lender of any of such Existing Lenders rights or obligations under this Agreement, unless the transfer or assignment is:
(i) to another Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender; or
(ii) following an Event of Default which is continuing.
Where the consent of the Parent is required it shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and shall be deemed to have been given if no response has been received from the Parent within five (5) Business Days of the date of the request for its consent.
(c) An assignment will only be effective on:
(i) receipt by the Agent of written confirmation from the New Lender (in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent) that the New Lender will assume the same obligations to the other Finance Parties and the other Secured Parties as it would have been under if it had been an Original Lender;
(ii) the recordation of such assignment on the Register; and
(iii) the performance by the Agent of all necessary know your customer or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to such assignment to a New Lender, the completion of which the Agent shall promptly notify to the Lender and the New Lender.
(d) If:
(i) a Lender assigns or transfers any of its rights or obligations under the Finance Documents or changes its Facility Office; and
(ii) as a result of circumstances existing at the date the assignment, transfer or change occurs, an Obligor would be obliged to make a payment to the New Lender or Lender acting through its new Facility Office under Clause 19 ( Tax Gross Up and Indemnities ) or Clause 20.1 ( Increased costs ),
then the New Lender or Lender acting through its new Facility Office is only entitled to receive payment under those Clauses to the same extent as the Existing Lender or Lender acting through its previous Facility Office would have been if the assignment, transfer or change had not occurred. This paragraph (e) shall not apply in relation to Clause 19.2 ( Tax gross-up ), to a Treaty Lender that has included a confirmation of its scheme reference number and its jurisdiction of tax residence in accordance with paragraph (h)(ii)(B) of Clause 19.2 ( Tax gross-up ) if the Obligor making the payment has not made a Borrower DTTP Filing in respect of that Treaty Lender.
(e) Any Lender may, without the consent of any Obligor, at any time sub-participate or sub-contract any of its rights or obligations under the Finance Documents.
(f) By becoming party to this Agreement each Obligor expressly grants its consent to any assignment or transfer of the rights and obligations from an Existing Lender to a New Lender for the purposes of article 1407 of the Italian Civil Code.
(g) Notwithstanding any other term of this Agreement, each Lender shall ensure that at all times its Overall Facility A Commitment is not less than:
(i) its US Dollar Swingline Commitment; or
(ii) if it does not have a US Dollar Swingline Commitment, the US Dollar Swingline Commitment of a Lender which is its Affiliate.
30.3 Assignment or transfer fee
Unless the Agent otherwise agrees and excluding an assignment or transfer (i) to an Affiliate of a Lender, (ii) to a Related Fund or (iii) made in connection with primary syndication of the Facilities, the New Lender shall, on the date upon which an assignment or transfer takes effect, pay to the Agent (for its own account) a fee of 1,500 (or, following completion of the Mergers, US$2,000).
30.4 Limitation of responsibility of Existing Lenders
(a) Unless expressly agreed to the contrary, an Existing Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility to a New Lender for:
(i) The legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of the Finance Documents or any other documents;
(ii) the financial condition of any Obligor;
(iii) the performance and observance by any Obligor or any other member of the Group of its obligations under the Finance Documents or any other documents; or
(iv) the accuracy of any statements (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with any Finance Document or any other document,
and any representations or warranties implied by law are excluded.
(b) Each New Lender confirms to the Existing Lender and the other Finance Parties that it:
(i) has made (and shall continue to make) its own independent investigation and assessment of the financial condition and affairs of each Obligor and its related entities in connection with its participation in this Agreement and has not relied exclusively on any information provided to it by the Existing Lender or any other Finance Party in connection with any Finance Document; and
(ii) will continue to make its own independent appraisal of the creditworthiness of each Obligor and its related entities whilst any amount is or may be outstanding under the Finance Documents or any Commitment is in force.
(c) Nothing in any Finance Document obliges an Existing Lender to:
(i) accept a re-transfer or re-assignment from a New Lender of any of the rights and obligations assigned or transferred under this Clause 30; or
(ii) support any losses directly or indirectly incurred by the New Lender by reason of the non-performance by any Obligor of its obligations under the Finance Documents or otherwise.
30.5 Procedure for transfer
(a) Subject to the conditions set out in Clause 30.2 ( Conditions of assignment or transfer ), a transfer is effected in accordance with paragraph (c) below when:
(i) the Agent executes an otherwise duly completed Transfer Certificate delivered to it by the Existing Lender and the New Lender; and
(ii) the transfer is recorded on the Register.
The Agent shall, subject to paragraph (b) below, as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt by it of a duly completed Transfer Certificate appearing on its face to comply with the terms of this Agreement and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, execute that Transfer Certificate and record the transfer on the Register.
(b) The Agent shall only be obliged to execute a Transfer Certificate delivered to it by the Existing Lender and the New Lender upon its completion of all know your customer or other checks relating to any person that it is required to carry out in relation to the transfer to such New Lender.
(c) Subject to Clause 30.9 ( Pro rata interest settlement ) on the Transfer Date:
(i) to the extent that in the Transfer Certificate the Existing Lender seeks to transfer by novation its rights and obligations under the Finance Documents each of the Obligors and the Existing Lender shall be released from further obligations towards one another under the Finance Documents and their respective rights against one another under the Finance Documents shall be cancelled (being the Discharged Rights and Obligations );
(ii) each of the Obligors and the New Lender shall assume obligations towards one another or acquire rights against one another which differ from the Discharged Rights and Obligations only insofar as that Obligor or other member of the Group and the New Lender have assumed or acquired the same in place of that Obligor and the Existing Lender;
(iii) the Agent, the Global Coordinators, the Bookrunners, the New Lender, the other Lenders, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent and any relevant US Dollar Swingline Lender shall acquire the same rights and assume the same obligations between themselves as they would have acquired and assumed had the New Lender been an Original Lender with the rights, or obligations acquired or assumed by it as a result of the transfer and to that extent the Agent, the Global Coordinators, the Bookrunners, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent and any relevant US Dollar Swingline Lender and the Existing Lender shall each be released from further obligations to each other under the Finance Documents; and
(iv) the New Lender shall become a Party as a Lender .
30.6 Procedure for assignment
(a) Subject to the conditions set out in Clause 30.2 ( Conditions of assignment or transfer ) an assignment may be effected in accordance with paragraph (c) below when the Agent executes an otherwise duly completed Assignment Agreement delivered to it by the Existing Lender and the New Lender. The Agent shall, subject to paragraph (b) below, as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt by it of a duly completed Assignment Agreement appearing on its face to comply with the terms of this Agreement and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, execute that Assignment Agreement.
(b) The Agent shall only be obliged to execute an Assignment Agreement delivered to it by the Existing Lender and the New Lender once it is satisfied it has complied with all necessary know your customer or similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the assignment to such New Lender.
(c) Subject to Clause 30.9 ( Pro rata interest settlement ), on the Transfer Date:
(i) the Existing Lender will assign absolutely to the New Lender its rights under the Finance Documents expressed to be the subject of the assignment in the Assignment Agreement;
(ii) the Existing Lender will be released from the obligations (the Relevant Obligations ) expressed to be the subject of the release in the Assignment Agreement; and
(iii) the New Lender shall become a Party as a Lender and will be bound by obligations equivalent to the Relevant Obligations.
(d) Lenders may utilise procedures other than those set out in this Clause 30.6 to assign their rights under the Finance Documents (but not, without the consent of the relevant Obligor or unless in accordance with Clause 30.5 ( Procedure for transfer ), to obtain a release by that Obligor from the obligations owed to that Obligor by the Lenders nor the assumption of equivalent obligations by a New Lender); provided that they comply with the conditions set out in Clause 30.2 ( Conditions of assignment or transfer ).
30.7 Copy of Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement to Parent
The Agent shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after it has executed a Transfer Certificate or an Assignment Agreement, send to the Parent a copy of that Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement.
30.8 Security over Lenders rights
In addition to the other rights provided to Lenders under this Clause 30, each Lender may without consulting with or obtaining consent from any Obligor, at any time charge, assign or otherwise create Security in or over (whether by way of collateral or otherwise) all or any of its rights under any Finance Document to secure obligations of such Lender including, without limitation:
(a) any charge, assignment or other Security to secure obligations to a federal reserve or central bank; and
(b) in the case of any Lender which is a fund, any charge, assignment or other Security granted to any holders (or trustee or representatives of holders) of obligations owed, or securities issued, by such Lender as Security for those obligations or securities,
except that no such charge, assignment or Security shall:
(i) release a Lender from any of its obligations under the Finance Documents or substitute the beneficiary of the relevant charge, assignment or Security for the Lender as a party to any of the Finance Documents; or
(ii) require any payments to be made by an Obligor other than or in excess of, or grant to any person any more extensive rights than, those required to be made or granted to the relevant Lender under the Finance Documents.
30.9 Pro rata interest settlement
If the Agent has notified the Lenders that it is able to distribute interest payments on a pro rata basis to Existing Lenders and New Lenders then (in respect of any transfer pursuant to Clause 30.5 ( Procedure for transfer ) or any assignment pursuant to Clause 30.6 ( Procedure for assignment ) the Transfer Date of which, in each case, is after the date of such notification and is not on the last day of an Interest Period):
(a) any interest or fees in respect of the relevant participation which are expressed to accrue by reference to the lapse of time shall continue to accrue in favour of the Existing Lender up to but excluding the Transfer Date ( Accrued Amounts ) and shall become due and payable to the Existing Lender (without further interest accruing on them) on the last day of the current Interest Period (or, if the Interest Period is longer than six (6) Months, on the next of the dates which falls at six (6) Monthly intervals after the first day of that Interest Period); and
(b) the rights assigned or transferred by the Existing Lender will not include the right to the Accrued Amounts, so that, for the avoidance of doubt:
(i) when the Accrued Amounts become payable, those Accrued Amounts will be payable to the Existing Lender; and
(ii) the amount payable to the New Lender on that date will be the amount which would, but for the application of this Clause 30.9, have been payable to it on that date, but after deduction of the Accrued Amounts.
30.10 Disclosure to numbering service providers
(a) Any Finance Party may disclose to any national or international numbering service provider appointed by that Finance Party to provide identification numbering services in respect of this Agreement, the Facilities and one or more Obligors the following information:
(i) names of Obligors;
(ii) country of domicile of Obligors;
(iii) place of incorporation of Obligors;
(iv) date of this Agreement;
(v) the names of the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent and the Arrangers;
(vi) date of each amendment and restatement of this Agreement;
(vii) amount of Total Facility Commitments;
(viii) currencies of the Facilities;
(ix) type of Facilities;
(x) ranking of Facilities;
(xi) Final Maturity Date for Facilities;
(xii) changes to any of the information previously supplied pursuant to paragraphs (i) to (xi) above; and
(xiii) such other information agreed between such Finance Party and the Parent,
to enable such numbering service provider to provide its usual syndicated loan numbering identification services.
(b) The Parties acknowledge and agree that each identification number assigned to this Agreement, the Facilities and one or more Obligors by a numbering service provider and the information associated with each such number may be disclosed to users of its services in accordance with the standard terms and conditions of that numbering service provider.
(c) Each Obligor represents that none of the information set out in paragraphs (i) to (xiii) of paragraph (a) above is, nor will at any time be, unpublished price-sensitive information.
(d) The Agent shall notify the Parent and the other Finance Parties of:
(i) the name of any numbering service provider appointed by the Agent in respect of this Agreement, the Facilities and one or more Obligors; and
(ii) the number or, as the case may be, numbers assigned to this Agreement, the Facilities and one or more Obligors by such numbering service provider.
30.11 The Register
(a) The Agent, acting solely for this purpose as the agent of the Obligors (and to the extent necessary for the Facilities to be considered as being in registered form for US federal income tax purposes), shall maintain at its address referred to in Clause 37 ( Notices ):
(i) a copy of each notice and written confirmation referred to in Clause 30.2 ( Conditions of assignment or transfer ) and in Clause 30.5 ( Procedure for transfer ) delivered to and accepted by it; and
(ii) with respect to each Facility, a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Revolving Facility Commitments of, and principal amounts (and related interest amounts) owing to, each Lender from time to time (the Register ) under such Facility.
The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Obligors, the agents and the Lenders shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by any Obligor at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. This Clause (a) shall be construed so that each Facility is at all times maintained in registered form within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2) of the Code and any related Treasury regulations (or any other relevant or successor provisions of the Code or of such Treasury regulations).
(b) Each Party to this Agreement irrevocably authorises the Agent to make the relevant entry in the Register on its behalf for the purposes of this Clause 30.11 without any further consent of, or consultation with, such Party.
30.12 Accession, assignments and transfers by Hedging Banks
(a) No Affiliate of a Lender may become a Hedging Bank unless and until the proposed Hedging Bank accedes to this Agreement as a Hedging Bank by delivering to the Agent a duly completed and signed Accession Letter.
(b) No Hedging Bank may assign any of its rights or transfer any of its rights or obligations as Hedging Bank under this Agreement or any Hedging Document to any person:
(i) except as permitted under the relevant Hedging Document; and
(ii) unless and until the proposed Hedging Bank accedes to this Agreement as a Hedging Bank by delivering to the Agent a duly completed and signed Accession Letter, save where it is already party to this Agreement as a Hedging Bank.
30.13 Participant Register
The applicable Lender, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Obligors (and to the extent necessary for the Facilities to be considered as being in registered form for US federal income tax purposes), shall maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Relevant Sub-Participant, and the amount of each such Relevant Sub-Participants interest in such Lenders rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (the Participant Register ); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Relevant Sub-Participant or any information relating to a Relevant Sub-Participants interest in any Commitments, Loans, Letters of Credit or its other obligations under any Finance Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary in connection with a Tax audit or other proceeding to establish that such Facilities or other obligation is in registered form within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2) of the Code and any related Treasury regulations (or any successor provisions of the Code or of such Treasury regulations). The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Obligor (to the extent it has been notified of such entry) and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of the applicable rights and/or obligations of such Lender under this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary.
31. CHANGES TO THE OBLIGORS
31.1 Assignment and transfers by Obligors
Save in the context of a Permitted Merger, no Obligor may assign any of its rights or transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Finance Documents.
31.2 Additional Obligors
(a) Subject to compliance with the provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of Clause 26.6 ( Know your customer checks ), the Parent may request that any of its wholly owned Subsidiaries become a Guarantor or a Borrower (each an Additional Obligor ).
(b) Subject always to the provisions of Clause 28.24 ( Guarantor Threshold Test and Additional Guarantors ), the Parent shall procure that:
(i) within ten (10) Business Days following completion of the Italian Reorganisation, Italian Holdco will accede to this Agreement as an Additional Borrower and an Additional Guarantor;
(ii) within ten (10) Business Days following completion of the Holdco Merger, Holdco will accede to this Agreement as an Additional Borrower and an Additional Guarantor;
(iii) within ten (10) Business Days following completion of the Target Merger, Target will accede to this Agreement as an Additional Borrower and an Additional Guarantor; and
(iv) from time to time thereafter, each member of the Group required to comply with Clause 28.24 ( Guarantor Threshold Test and Additional Guarantors ) will accede to this Agreement as an Additional Guarantor, in each case subject to delivery of the documentation referred to in paragraph (c)(iii) below
(c) A member of the Group which is a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Parent shall become an Additional Obligor if:
(i) other than with respect to those Additional Obligors set out at paragraph (b) above, all Lenders (in the case of a proposed Additional Borrower) or the Majority Lenders (in the case of a proposed Additional Guarantor) have approved that member of the Group;
(ii) the Parent and the proposed Additional Guarantor or the proposed Additional Borrower deliver to the Agent a duly completed and executed Accession Letter; and
(iii) the Agent has received all of the documents and other evidence listed in Part II of Schedule 2 ( Conditions Precedent ) in relation to that Additional Obligor, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent.
(d) In the case of an Additional Borrower under Revolving Facility B or an Additional Guarantor incorporated in Italy, the Parties have agreed to make an appropriate increase to the guarantee limitation set out in Clause 24.12 ( Guarantee limitations applicable to GTECH as Parent ) or Clause 24.14 ( Italian guarantee limitations ).
(e) Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement, no Subsidiary of the Parent may become or remain a Borrower at any time unless, at that time, it is also a Guarantor.
(f) The Agent shall notify the Parent and the Lenders promptly upon being satisfied that it has received (in form and substance satisfactory to it) all the documents and other evidence listed in Part II of Schedule 2 ( Conditions Precedent ).
(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, a Subsidiary of the Parent that is a controlled foreign corporation (as such term is defined in Section 957 of the Code) may not (and shall not be obligated to) become a Guarantor for purposes of the Finance Documents.
31.3 Resignation of an Obligor
(a) The Parent may request that a Guarantor (other than the Parent or GTECH Corporation) or a Borrower (other than the Parent or GTECH Corporation) ceases to be a Guarantor or, as the case may be, Borrower by delivering to the Agent a Resignation Letter if:
(i) that Guarantor (other than a Guarantor which is also an Original Borrower) or a Borrower is being disposed of by way of a Third Party Disposal and the Parent has confirmed this is the case;
(ii) following the completion of any Permitted Transaction, any Guarantor (other than a Guarantor which is also an Original Borrower) ceases to be a Material Subsidiary; or
(iii) all the Lenders have consented to the resignation of that Guarantor.
(b) The Agent shall accept a Resignation Letter and notify the Parent and the Lenders of its acceptance if:
(i) the Parent has confirmed that no Default is continuing or would result from the acceptance of the Resignation Letter; and
(ii) no payment is due from the Guarantor under Clause 24.1 ( Guarantee and indemnity ) or from a Borrower under Clause 11.3 ( Repayment ) or Clause 15.3 ( Payment of interest ).
(c) The resignation of that Guarantor shall not be effective until the date of the relevant Third Party Disposal at which time that company shall cease to be a Guarantor and shall have no further rights or obligations under the Finance Documents as a Guarantor.
31.4 Repetition of Representations
Delivery of an Accession Letter constitutes confirmation by the relevant Subsidiary that the representations and warranties referred to in paragraph (a)(ii) of Clause 25.25 ( Repetition ) are true and correct in relation to it as at the date of delivery as if made by reference to the facts and circumstances then existing.
32. ROLE OF THE AGENT, THE ARRANGING PARTIES, THE GLOBAL COORDINATORS, THE SWINGLINE AGENT, THE ISSUING AGENT AND OTHERS
32.1 Appointment
(a) Each of the Arranging Parties, the Lenders and the Issuing Agent hereby irrevocably appoints The Royal Bank of Scotland plc to act on its behalf as the Agent (and, in particular, for the purposes of Italian law, as mandatario con rappresentanza (common representative)) hereunder and under the other Finance Documents and authorises the Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.
(b) Each of the US Dollar Swingline Lenders hereby irrevocably appoint KeyBank National Association to act on its behalf as the Swingline Agent (and, in particular, for the purposes of Italian law, as mandatario con rappresentanza (common representative)) hereunder and under the other Finance Documents and authorises the Swingline Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Swingline Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.
(c) Each of the Arranging Parties, the Lenders and the Issuing Agent authorises the Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers to exercise the rights, powers, authorities and discretions specifically given to the Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers under or in connection with the Finance Documents together with any other incidental rights, powers, authorities and discretions.
(d) Unless otherwise expressly stated, the provisions of this Clause 32 are solely for the benefit of the Agent, the Arranging Parties, the Lenders, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent and no Obligor shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.
32.2 Rights as a Lender
The person serving as the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the
same as though it were not the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent and the term Lender or Lenders shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the person serving as the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrowers or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such person were not the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.
32.3 Duties of the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent
(a) The Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent shall promptly forward to a Party the original or a copy of any document which is delivered to it for that Party by any other Party.
(b) Without prejudice to Clause 30.7 ( Copy of Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement to Parent ), paragraph (a) above shall not apply to any Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement.
(c) Except where a Finance Document specifically provides otherwise, the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent is not obliged to review or check the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any document it forwards to another Party.
(d) If the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent receives notice from a Party referring to this Agreement, describing a Default and stating that the circumstance described is a Default, it shall promptly notify the other Finance Parties.
(e) If the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) is aware of the non-payment of any principal, interest, commitment fee or other fee payable to a Finance Party (other than the Agent or the Arrangers) under this Agreement, it shall promptly notify the other Finance Parties.
(f) The duties of the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent under the Finance Documents are solely mechanical and administrative in nature.
(g) The Agent, acting solely for this purpose as agent of the Obligors, shall maintain the Register referred to in Clause 30.11 ( The Register ).
(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of any Finance Document to the contrary, none of the Agent, the Arranging Parties, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent or the Bookrunners is obliged to do or omit to do anything if it would or might in its reasonable opinion constitute a breach of any law, regulation or a breach of a fiduciary duty or duty of confidentiality.
32.4 Roles of the Global Coordinators and Bookrunners
Except as specifically provided in the Finance Documents, the Global Coordinators and the Bookrunners have no obligations of any kind to any other Party under or in connection with any Finance Document.
32.5 No fiduciary duties
(a) Nothing in this Agreement constitutes the Agent, the Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent as a trustee or fiduciary of any other person.
(b) None of the Agent, the Global Coordinators, the Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers or the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent or any US Dollar Swingline Lender shall be bound to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by it for its own account.
32.6 Business with the Group
The Agent, the Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent and each US Dollar Swingline Lender may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of banking or other business with any member of the Group.
32.7 Rights and discretions of the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent
The Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent:
(a) may rely on any representation, notice or document believed by them to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised;
(b) may rely on any statement made by a director, authorised signatory or employee of any person regarding any matters which may reasonably be assumed to be within his knowledge or within his power to verify; and
(c) may disclose the identity of a Defaulting Lender to the other Finance Parties and the Parent and shall disclose the same upon the written request of the Parent or the Majority Lenders.
32.8 Majority Lenders instructions
(a) Unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document, the Agent shall exercise any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it as Agent in accordance with any instructions given to it by the Majority Lenders (or, if so instructed by the Majority Lenders, refrain from exercising any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it as Agent).
(b) Unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document, any instructions given by the Majority Lenders will be binding on all the Finance Parties.
(c) The Agent is not authorised to act on behalf of a Lender (without first obtaining such Lenders consent) in any legal or arbitration proceedings relating to any Finance Document.
(d) In making any determination with a view to granting or refusing a consent under this Agreement, the Majority Lenders shall act reasonably in making such determination.
32.9 Exculpatory Provisions
The Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Finance Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent:
(a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;
(b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Finance Documents that it is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Majority Lenders (or such other number of percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the Finance Documents); provided that it shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose it to liability or that is contrary to any Finance Document or applicable law;
(c) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Finance Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to a Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the person serving as the Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity;
(d) shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Majority Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as it shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Clauses 42.1 ( Required consents ) and 29.16 ( Acceleration )) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or wilful misconduct. The Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given to it by the Borrowers, a Lender or another agent of the Finance Parties under this Agreement; and
(e) shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Finance Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default or (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Finance Document or any other agreement, instrument or document.
32.10 Reliance by the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent
(a) The Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent shall each be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper person.
(b) The Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent also may each rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon.
(c) In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent, the Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent unless the Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or the Issuing Agent prior to the making of such Loan, US Dollar Swingline Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit.
(d) The Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent may each consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for a Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.
32.11 Replacement of the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent
(a) After consultation with the Parent, the Majority Lenders may, by giving thirty (30) days notice to the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (or, where any one of them is an Impaired Agent, by giving such shorter notice agreed to by the Majority Lenders), replace the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) by appointing a successor which shall be a bank with offices in the United States and Italy, or an Affiliate of any such bank with offices in the United States and Italy.
(b) The retiring Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent(as applicable) shall (at its own cost if it is an Impaired Agent and otherwise at the expense of the Lenders) make available to the successor Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) such documents and records and provide such assistance as the successor Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its functions as Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) under the Finance Documents.
(c) The appointment of the successor Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) shall take effect on the date specified in the notice from the Majority Lenders to the retiring Agent. As from this date, the retiring Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) shall be discharged from any further obligation in respect of the Finance Documents but shall remain entitled to the benefit of this Clause 32 (and any agency fees for the account of the retiring Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) shall cease to accrue from (and shall be payable on) that date).
(d) Any successor Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent and each of the other Parties shall have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as they would have had if such successor had been an original Party.
32.12 Delegation of Duties
(a) The Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Finance Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent.
(b) The Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent and any such sub-agent may perform all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties.
(c) The provisions of Clause 32.9 ( Exculpatory Provisions ) shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent and any such sub-agent and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the Facilities provided for herein as well as activities as the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent.
32.13 Resignation of the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent
(a) The Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the other agents to the Finance Parties under this Agreement and the Borrowers.
(b) Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Majority Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrowers, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with offices in the United States and Italy, or an Affiliate of any such bank with offices in the United States and Italy.
(c) If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring agent may on behalf of the Lenders and the other agents to the Finance Parties under this Agreement, appoint a successor agent meeting the qualifications set forth above and any such appointment made by the agent shall be deemed to be accepted by the Lenders and the relevant agents.
(d) Upon the acceptance of a successors appointment as the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) agent, and the retiring agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Finance Documents.
(e) The fees payable by the Borrowers to a successor agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrowers and such successor.
(f) After the retiring agents resignation hereunder and under the other Finance Documents, the provisions of this Clause 32 and Clause 23 ( Costs and Expenses ) shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring agent and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring agent was acting as agent.
(g) Upon the acceptance of a successors appointment as the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent hereunder, (i) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring agent, (ii) the retiring agent shall be discharged from all of its respective duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Finance Documents and (iii) in the case of the Issuing Agent, the successor Issuing Agent shall issue Letters of Credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to the retiring Issuing
Agent to effectively assume the obligations of the retiring Issuing Agent with respect to such Letters of Credit.
(h) The retiring agent shall, at its own cost, make available to the successor agent such documents and records and provide such assistance as the successor agent may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its functions under the Finance Documents.
(i) The Agent shall resign in accordance with paragraph (a) and (b) above (and, to the extent applicable, shall use reasonable endeavours to appoint a successor Agent pursuant to paragraph (c) above) if on or after the date which is three (3) months before the earliest FATCA Application Date relating to any payment to the Agent under the Finance Documents, either:
(i) the Agent fails to respond to a request under Clause 19.9 ( FATCA Information ) and the Parent or a Lender reasonably believes that the Agent will not be (or will have ceased to be) a FATCA Exempt Party on or after that FATCA Application Date;
(ii) the information supplied by the Agent pursuant to Clause 19.9 ( FATCA Information ) indicates that the Agent will not be (or will have ceased to be) a FATCA Exempt Party on or after that FATCA Application Date; or
(iii) the Agent notifies the Parent and the Lenders that the Agent will not be (or will have ceased to be) a FATCA Exempt Party on or after that FATCA Application Date;
and (in each case) the Parent or a Lender reasonably believes that a Party will be required to make a FATCA Deduction that would not be required if the Agent were a FATCA Exempt Party, and the Parent or such Lender, by notice to the Agent, requires it to resign.
32.14 Non-Reliance on the Agent and the Other Finance Parties
Each Lender, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Finance Party or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Finance Party or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Finance Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder and that it has been, and will continue to be, solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal and investigation of all risks arising under or in connection with any Finance Document including:
(a) the financial condition, status and nature of each member of the Group;
(b) the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Finance Document and any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Finance Document;
(c) whether that Finance Party has recourse, and the nature and extent of that recourse, against any Party or any of its respective assets under or in connection with any Finance Document, the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents or any other agreement,
arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Finance Document; and
(d) the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any other information provided by the Agent, any Party or any other person under or in connection with any Finance Document, the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Finance Document.
32.15 Responsibility for documentation
None of the Agent, the Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers or the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent:
(a) is responsible for the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information (whether oral or written) supplied by the Agent, the Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent, a US Dollar Swingline Lender, an Obligor or any other person given in or in connection with any Finance Document or the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents; or
(b) is responsible for the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Finance Document or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of or in connection with any Finance Document.
32.16 Exclusion of liability
(a) Without limiting paragraph (b) below (and without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph (e) of Clause 35.11 ( Disruption to Payment Systems, etc. )), none of the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent will be liable (including, without limitation, for negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever) for any action taken by it under or in connection with any Finance Document, unless directly caused by its gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
(b) No Party (other than the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable)) may take any proceedings against any officer, employee or agent of the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent in respect of any claim it might have against the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent or in respect of any act or omission of any kind by that officer, employee or agent in relation to any Finance Document and any officer, employee or agent of the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent may rely on this Clause 32.16 subject to Clause 1.3 ( Third party rights ) and the provisions of the Third Parties Act.
(c) The Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent will not be liable for any delay (or any related consequences) in crediting an account with an amount required under the Finance Documents to be paid by it if it has taken all necessary steps as soon as reasonably practicable to comply with the regulations or operating procedures of any recognised clearing or settlement system used by the relevant agent for that purpose.
(d) Nothing in this Agreement shall oblige the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent or the Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers to carry out any know your customer or other checks in relation to any person on behalf of any Lender, and each Lender confirms to the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent and the
Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers that it is solely responsible for any such checks it is required to carry out and that it may not rely on any statement in relation to such checks made by the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent or the Global Coordinators, Bookrunners or Mandated Lead Arrangers.
32.17 Lenders indemnity to the Agent
(a) Each Lender shall (in proportion to its share of the Total Facility Commitments or, if the Total Facility Commitments are then zero, to its share of the Total Facility Commitments immediately prior to their reduction to zero) indemnify the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent, within three (3) Business Days of demand, against any cost, loss or liability (including, without limitation, for negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever) incurred by that agent (otherwise than by reason of the agents gross negligence or wilful misconduct) (or, in the case of any cost, loss or liability pursuant to Clause 35.11 ( Disruption to Payment Systems, etc. ), notwithstanding the agents negligence, gross negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever but not including any claim based on the fraud of the relevant agent) in acting as the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) under the Finance Documents (unless the relevant agent has been reimbursed by an Obligor pursuant to a Finance Document).
(b) Wells Fargo Bank, NA will only be deemed to be a Lender for the purposes of the indemnity in paragraph (a) after the Target Accession Date has occurred.
32.18 Confidentiality
(a) In acting as agent for the Finance Parties, the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent shall be regarded as acting through its agency division which shall be treated as a separate entity from any other of its divisions or departments.
(b) If information is received by another division or department of the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent it may be treated as confidential to that division or department, and the relevant agent shall not be deemed to have notice of it.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of any Finance Document to the contrary, neither the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent nor the Arranging Parties are obliged to disclose to any other person (i) any confidential information or (ii) any other information if the disclosure would or might in its reasonable opinion constitute a breach of any law or a breach of a fiduciary duty.
32.19 Relationship with the Lenders
Subject to Clause 30.9 ( Pro rata interest settlement ), the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent may treat each Lender as a Lender, entitled to payments under this Agreement and acting through its Facility Office unless it has received not less than five (5) Business Days prior notice from such Lender to the contrary in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
32.20 Deduction from amounts payable by the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent
If any Party owes an amount to the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent under the Finance Documents, the relevant agent may, after giving notice to that Party, deduct an amount not exceeding that amount from any payment to that Party which the agent would otherwise be obliged to make under the Finance Documents and apply the amount deducted in or towards satisfaction of
the amount owed. For the purposes of the Finance Documents, that Party shall be regarded as having received any amount so deducted.
33. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY THE FINANCE PARTIES
No provision of this Agreement will:
(a) interfere with the right of any Finance Party to arrange its affairs (tax or otherwise) in whatever manner it thinks fit;
(b) oblige any Finance Party to investigate or claim any credit, relief, remission or repayment available to it or the extent, order and manner of any claim; or
(c) oblige any Finance Party to disclose any information relating to its affairs (tax or otherwise) or any computations in respect of Tax.
34. SHARING AMONG THE FINANCE PARTIES
34.1 Payments to Finance Parties
(a) Subject to paragraph (b) below, if a Finance Party (a Recovering Finance Party ) receives or recovers any amount from an Obligor other than in accordance with Clause 35 ( Payment Mechanics ) and applies that amount to a payment due under the Finance Documents, then:
(i) the Recovering Finance Party shall, within three (3) Business Days, notify details of the receipt or recovery to the Agent;
(ii) the Agent shall determine whether the receipt or recovery is in excess of the amount the Recovering Finance Party would have been paid had the receipt or recovery been received or made by the Agent and distributed in accordance with Clause 35 ( Payment Mechanics ), without taking account of any Tax which would be imposed on the Agent in relation to the receipt, recovery or distribution; and
(iii) the Recovering Finance Party shall, within three (3) Business Days of demand by the Agent, pay to the Agent an amount (the Sharing Payment ) equal to such receipt or recovery less any amount which the Agent determines may be retained by the Recovering Finance Party as its share of any payment to be made, in accordance with Clause 35.6 ( Partial payments ).
(b) Paragraph (a) above shall not apply to any amount received or recovered by the Issuing Agent in respect of any cash cover placed in an account with the Issuing Agent.
34.2 Redistribution of payments
The Agent shall treat the Sharing Payment as if it had been paid by the relevant Obligor and distribute it between the Finance Parties (other than the Recovering Finance Party) in accordance with Clause 35.6 ( Partial payments ).
34.3 Recovering Finance Partys rights
(a) On a distribution by the Agent under Clause 34.2 ( Redistribution of payments ), the Recovering Finance Party will be subrogated to the rights of the Finance Parties which have shared in the redistribution.
(b) If and to the extent that the Recovering Finance Party is not able to rely on its rights under paragraph (a) above, the relevant Obligor shall be liable to the Recovering Finance Party for a debt equal to the Sharing Payment which is immediately due and payable.
34.4 Reversal of redistribution
If any part of the Sharing Payment received or recovered by a Recovering Finance Party becomes repayable and is repaid by that Recovering Finance Party, then:
(a) each Finance Party which has received a share of the relevant Sharing Payment pursuant to Clause 34.2 ( Redistribution of payments ) shall, upon request of the Agent, pay to the Agent for account of that Recovering Finance Party an amount equal to the appropriate part of its share of the Sharing Payment (together with an amount as is necessary to reimburse that Recovering Finance Party for its proportion of any interest on the Sharing Payment which that Recovering Finance Party is required to pay); and
(b) that Recovering Finance Partys rights of subrogation in respect of any reimbursement shall be cancelled, and the relevant Obligor will be liable to the reimbursing Finance Party for the amount so reimbursed.
34.5 Exceptions
(a) This Clause 34 shall not apply to the extent that the Recovering Finance Party would not, after making any payment pursuant to this Clause 34, have a valid and enforceable claim against the relevant Obligor.
(b) A Recovering Finance Party is not obliged to share with any other Finance Party any amount which the Recovering Finance Party has received or recovered as a result of taking legal or arbitration proceedings if:
(i) it notified the other Finance Party of the legal or arbitration proceedings; and
(ii) the other Finance Party had an opportunity to participate in those legal or arbitration proceedings but did not do so as soon as reasonably practicable having received notice and did not take separate legal or arbitration proceedings.
35. PAYMENT MECHANICS
35.1 Payments to the Agent
(a) On each date on which an Obligor or a Lender is required to make a payment under a Finance Document, excluding a payment under the terms of a US Dollar Swingline Loan, that Obligor or Lender shall make the same available to the Agent (unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document) for value on the due date not later than:
(i) 1:00 p.m. (New York, New York time) in the case of payments to be made by or to GTECH Corporation;
(ii) 1:00 p.m. (London time) in the case of payments to be made by or to the Parent,
and in such funds specified by the Agent as being customary at the time for settlement of transactions in the relevant currency in the place of payment. All payments received by the Agent after the above mentioned times, shall in each case be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by the Borrowers shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.
(b) Payment shall be made to such account in the principal financial centre of the country of that currency (or, in relation to Euro, in a principal financial centre in a Participating Member State or London) with such bank as the Agent specifies.
35.2 Distributions by the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent
Each payment received by the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) under the Finance Documents for another Party shall, subject to Clause 35.3 ( Distributions to an Obligor ) and Clause 35.4 ( Clawback ), be made available by the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) as soon as practicable after receipt to the Party entitled to receive payment in accordance with this Agreement (in the case of a Lender, for the account of its Facility Office) to such account as that Party may notify to the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) by not less than five (5) Business Days notice with a bank in the principal financial centre of the country of that currency (or, in relation to Euro, in the principal financial centre of a Participating Member State or London).
35.3 Distributions to an Obligor
The Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent may (with the consent of the Obligor or in accordance with Clause 36 ( Set-Off )) apply any amount received by it for that Obligor in or towards payment (on the date and in the currency and funds of receipt) of any amount due from that Obligor under the Finance Documents or in or towards purchase of any amount of any currency to be so applied.
35.4 Clawback
(a) Where a sum is to be paid to the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent under the Finance Documents for another Party, the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) is not obliged to pay that sum to that other Party (or to enter into or perform any related exchange contract) until it has been able to establish to its satisfaction that it has actually received that sum.
(b) If the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) pays an amount to another Party and it proves to be the case that the agent had not actually received that amount, then the Party to whom that amount (or the proceeds of any related exchange contract) was paid by the relevant agent shall on demand refund the same to the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) together with interest on that amount from the date of payment to the date of receipt by the Agent or the Issuing Agent (as
applicable), calculated by the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) to reflect its cost of funds.
35.5 Impaired Agent
(a) If, at any time, the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent becomes an Impaired Agent, then an Obligor or a Lender which is required to make a payment under the Finance Documents to the relevant agent in accordance with Clause 35.1 ( Payments to the Agent ) may instead either pay that amount direct to the required recipient or pay that amount to an interest-bearing account held with an Acceptable Bank within the meaning of paragraph (a) of the definition of Acceptable Bank and in relation to which no Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing, in the name of the Obligor or the Lender making the payment and designated as a trust account for the benefit of the Party or Parties beneficially entitled to that payment under the Finance Documents. In each case such payments must be made on the due date for payment under the Finance Documents.
(b) All interest accrued on the amount standing to the credit of the trust account shall be for the benefit of the beneficiaries of that trust account pro rata to their respective entitlements.
(c) A Party which has made a payment in accordance with this Clause 35.5 shall be discharged of the relevant payment obligation under the Finance Documents and shall not take any credit risk with respect to the amounts standing to the credit of the trust account.
(d) Promptly upon the appointment of a successor agent in accordance with Clause 32.10 ( Reliance by the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent ), each Party which has made a payment to a trust account in accordance with this Clause 35.5 shall give all requisite instructions to the bank with whom the trust account is held to transfer the amount (together with any accrued interest) to the successor agent for distribution in accordance with Clause 35.2 ( Distributions by the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent ).
35.6 Partial payments
(a) Subject to this Clause 35.6 if the Agent receives a payment for application against amounts due in respect of any Finance Documents that is insufficient to discharge all the amounts then due and payable by an Obligor under those Finance Documents, the Agent shall apply that payment towards the obligations of that Obligor under those Finance Documents in the following order:
(i) first , in or towards payment pro rata of any unpaid fees, costs and expenses of the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent under those Finance Documents;
(ii) secondly , in or towards payment pro rata of any accrued interest, fee or commission due but unpaid under those Finance Documents;
(iii) thirdly , in or towards payment pro rata of any principal due but unpaid under those Finance Documents and any amount due but unpaid under Clause 8.3 ( Claims under a Letter of Credit ) and Clause 8.5 ( Indemnities ); and
(iv) fourthly , in or towards payment pro rata of any other sum due but unpaid under the Finance Documents.
(b) The Agent shall, if so directed by the Majority Lenders, vary the order set out in paragraphs (a)(ii) to (iv) above.
(c) Paragraphs (a) and (b) above will override any appropriation made by an Obligor.
35.7 No set-off by Obligors
All payments to be made by an Obligor under the Finance Documents shall be calculated and be made without (and free and clear of any deduction for) counterclaim, recoupment or setoff.
35.8 Business Days
(a) Any payment which is due to be made on a day that is not a Business Day shall be made on the next Business Day in the same calendar month (if there is one) or the preceding Business Day (if there is not).
(b) During any extension of the due date for payment of any principal or Unpaid Sum under this Agreement, interest is payable on the principal or Unpaid Sum at the rate payable on the original due date.
35.9 Currency of account
(a) Subject to paragraphs (b) to (e) below, the Base Currency is the currency of account and payment for any sum due from an Obligor under any Finance Document.
(b) A repayment of a Utilisation or Unpaid Sum or a part of a Utilisation or Unpaid Sum shall be made in the currency in which that Utilisation or Unpaid Sum is denominated on its due date.
(c) Each payment of interest shall be made in the currency in which the sum in respect of which the interest is payable was denominated when that interest accrued.
(d) Each payment in respect of costs, expenses or Taxes shall be made in the currency in which the costs, expenses or Taxes are incurred.
(e) Any amount expressed to be payable in a currency other than the Base Currency shall be paid in that other currency.
35.10 Change of currency
(a) Unless otherwise prohibited by law, if more than one currency or currency unit are at the same time recognised by the central bank of any country as the lawful currency of that country, then:
(i) any reference in the Finance Documents to, and any obligations arising under the Finance Documents in, the currency of that country shall be translated into, or paid in, the currency or currency unit of that country designated by the Agent (after consultation with the Borrowers and with the consent of each Lender); and
(ii) any translation from one currency or currency unit to another shall be at the official rate of exchange recognised by the central bank for the conversion of that currency
or currency unit into the other, rounded up or down by the Agent (acting reasonably and with the consent of each Lender).
(b) If a change in any currency of a country occurs, this Agreement will, to the extent the Agent (acting reasonably and after consultation with the Borrowers and with the consent of each Lender) specifies to be necessary, be amended to comply with any generally accepted conventions and market practice in the Relevant Interbank Market and otherwise to reflect the change in currency.
35.11 Disruption to Payment Systems, etc.
If either the Agent determines (in its discretion) that a Disruption Event has occurred or the Agent is notified by a Borrower that a Disruption Event has occurred:
(a) the Agent may, and shall if requested to do so by a Borrower, consult with the Borrowers with a view to agreeing with the Borrowers such changes to the operation or administration of the Facilities as the Agent may deem necessary in the circumstances;
(b) the Agent shall not be obliged to consult with the Borrowers in relation to any changes mentioned in paragraph (a) if, in its opinion, it is not practicable to do so in the circumstances and, in any event, shall have no obligation to agree to such changes;
(c) the Agent may consult with the Finance Parties in relation to any changes mentioned in paragraph (a) but shall not be obliged to do so if, in its opinion, it is not practicable to do so in the circumstances;
(d) any such changes agreed upon by the Agent and the Borrowers shall (whether or not it is finally determined that a Disruption Event has occurred) be binding upon the Parties as an amendment to (or, as the case may be, waiver of) the terms of the Finance Documents notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 42 ( Amendments and Waivers );
(e) the Agent shall not be liable for any damages, costs or losses whatsoever (including, without limitation, for negligence, gross negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever but not including any claim based on the fraud of the Agent) arising as a result of its taking, or failing to take, any actions pursuant to or in connection with this Clause 35.11; and
(f) the Agent shall notify the Finance Parties of all changes agreed upon pursuant to paragraph (d) above.
35.12 USA Patriot Act notice
(a) Each Lender and the Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Obligors that, pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Obligor, which information includes the name and address of such Obligor and other information that will allow such Lender or the Agent (as applicable) to identify such Obligor in accordance with the USA Patriot Act. Each of the Obligors shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, provide such information and take such actions as are reasonably requested by the Agent or any Lender in order to assist the Agent and the Lenders in maintaining compliance with the USA Patriot Act.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or in any other Finance Document, the covenants under paragraph (a) above shall not be made to or for the benefit of any Specified Lender, no Specified Lender shall have any rights under such paragraph and each Specified Lender shall be deemed not to be a Lender solely for purposes of calculating any consent or vote of the Majority Lenders under Clause 29.16 ( Acceleration ) with respect to any breach of such paragraph (but in each case without prejudice to any other rights or obligations of any Specified Lender as a consequence of any Default occurring as a result of any breach of such paragraph).
36. SET-OFF
A Finance Party may set off any matured obligation due from an Obligor under the Finance Documents (to the extent beneficially owned by that Finance Party) against any matured obligation owed by that Finance Party to that Obligor, regardless of the place of payment, booking branch or currency of either obligation. If the obligations are in different currencies, the Finance Party may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off.
37. NOTICES
37.1 Notices generally
Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in Clause 37.3 ( Electronic Communications ) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by fax as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:
(a) if to a Borrower or the other Original Obligors, to the address, fax number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such person below, with respect to each Original Borrower as set out in Schedule 12 ( Original Borrowers Details );
(b) if the any Arranger or any Bookrunner, to the address, fax number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such person below;
(c) if to the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent, to the address, fax number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in Schedule 11 ( Agents Details ); and
(d) if to any other Finance Party, to the address, fax number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in the Administrative Questionnaire supplied by the Agent.
Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by fax shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient). Notices delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in Clause 37.3 ( Electronic Communications ) below shall be effective as provided in such Clause.
37.2 Communication with Impaired Agent
If the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent is an Impaired Agent, then the Parties other then the Impaired Agent may, instead of communicating with each other through the relevant agent, communicate with each other directly and (while the relevant agent is an Impaired Agent) all the provisions of the Finance Documents which require communications to be made or notices to be given to or by the relevant agent shall be varied so that communications may be made and notices given to or by the relevant Parties directly. This provision shall not operate after a replacement agent has been appointed.
37.3 Electronic Communications
Notices and other communications to the Lenders, the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic mail or other electronic means pursuant to procedures approved by the Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or the Issuing Agent pursuant to Clause 5 ( Utilisation Revolving Facility Loans ) if such Lender or the Issuing Agent (as applicable) has notified the Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Clause by electronic communication. Each agent for a Finance Party or a Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.
Unless an agent for a Finance Party otherwise prescribes, notices and other communications sent to an electronic mail address shall be deemed received upon the senders receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the return receipt requested function, as available, return electronic mail or other written acknowledgement); provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.
37.4 The Platform
The platform is provided as is and as available. The Agent Parties (as defined below) do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the Borrower Materials or the adequacy of the platform, and expressly disclaim liability for errors in or omissions from the Borrower Materials. No warranty of any kind, express, implied or statutory, including any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects, is made by any agent party in connection with the Borrower Materials or the platform. In no event shall the Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the Agent Parties ) have any liability to any Borrower, any Lender, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent or any other person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrowers or the Agents transmission of Borrower Materials through the Internet, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of such Agent Party; provided that in no event shall any Agent Party have any liability to any Borrower, any Lender, the Issuing Agent or any other person for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages).
37.5 Change of address, etc.
Each of the Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers, the Obligors, the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent may change its address, fax or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. Each other Finance Party may change its address, fax or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrowers, the Agent, the Swingline Agent and the Issuing Agent. In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Agent from time to time to ensure that the Agent has on record an effective address, contact name, telephone number, fax number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and accurate wire instructions for such Lender.
37.6 Reliance by the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent and the Lenders
The Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Utilisation Requests) purportedly given by or on behalf of a Borrower even if (a) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (b) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. Each Borrower shall indemnify the Agent, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of a Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Agent may be recorded by the Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.
37.7 Use of websites
(a) Each Borrower may satisfy its obligation under this Agreement to deliver any information in relation to those Lenders (the Website Lenders ) who accept this method of communication by posting this information onto an electronic website designated by the Borrowers and the Agent (the Designated Website ) if:
(i) the Agent expressly agrees (after consultation with each of the Lenders) that it will accept communication of the information by this method;
(ii) both the Borrowers and the Agent are aware of the address of and any relevant password specifications for the Designated Website; and
(iii) the information is in a format previously agreed between the Borrowers and the Agent.
If any Lender (a Paper Form Lender ) does not agree to the delivery of information electronically, then the Agent shall notify the Borrowers accordingly, and each Borrower shall at its own cost supply the information to the Agent (in sufficient copies for each Paper Form Lender) in paper form. In any event, each Borrower shall at its own cost supply the Agent with at least one copy in paper form of any information required to be provided by it.
(b) The Agent shall supply each Website Lender with the address of and any relevant password specifications for the Designated Website following designation of that website by the Borrowers and the Agent.
(c) The Borrowers shall promptly upon becoming aware of its occurrence notify the Agent if:
(i) the Designated Website cannot be accessed due to technical failure;
(ii) the password specifications for the Designated Website change;
(iii) any new information which is required to be provided under this Agreement is posted onto the Designated Website;
(iv) any existing information which has been provided under this Agreement and posted onto the Designated Website is amended; or
(v) the Borrowers become aware that the Designated Website or any information posted onto the Designated Website is or has been infected by any electronic virus or similar software.
If a Borrower notifies the Agent under paragraph (c)(i) or paragraph (c)(v) above, all information to be provided by a Borrower under this Agreement after the date of that notice shall be supplied in paper form unless and until the Agent and each Website Lender is satisfied that the circumstances giving rise to the notification are no longer continuing.
(d) Any Website Lender may request, through the Agent, one paper copy of any information required to be provided under this Agreement which is posted onto the Designated Website. Each Borrower shall at its own cost comply with any such request within ten (10) Business Days.
37.8 English language
(a) Any notice given under or in connection with any Finance Document must be in English.
(b) All other documents provided under or in connection with any Finance Document must be:
(i) in English; or
(ii) if not in English and if so required by the Agent, accompanied by a certified English translation, and, in this case, the English translation will prevail unless the document is a constitutional, statutory or other official document.
38. CALCULATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
38.1 Accounts
In any litigation or arbitration proceedings arising out of or in connection with a Finance Document, the entries made in the accounts maintained by a Finance Party are prima facie evidence of the matters to which they relate.
38.2 Certificates and determinations
Any certification or determination by a Finance Party of a rate or amount under any Finance Document is, in the absence of manifest error, conclusive evidence of the matters to which it relates.
38.3 Day count convention
Any interest, commission or fee accruing under a Finance Document will accrue from day to day and is calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a year of three hundred and sixty (360) days or, in any case where the practice in the Relevant Interbank Market differs, in accordance with that market practice.
39. TAX CHARACTERIZATION
Each party hereto agrees that, consistent with the specific terms of this Agreement, the loan relationships created hereby shall be treated as resulting in borrowings by and loans to the Borrowers for all US Tax purposes.
40. PARTIAL INVALIDITY
If, at any time, any provision of the Finance Documents is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under any law of any jurisdiction, neither the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions nor the legality, validity or enforceability of such provision under the law of any other jurisdiction will in any way be affected or impaired.
41. REMEDIES AND WAIVERS
No failure to exercise nor any delay in exercising, on the part of any Finance Party, any right or remedy under the Finance Documents shall operate as a waiver, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy prevent any further or other exercise or the exercise of any other right or remedy. The rights and remedies provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
42. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS
42.1 Required consents
(a) Subject to Clause 42.2 ( Exceptions ), any term of the Finance Documents may be amended or waived only with the consent of the Majority Lenders and the Borrowers, and any such amendment or waiver will be binding on all Parties.
(b) The Agent may effect, on behalf of any Finance Party, any amendment or waiver permitted by this Clause 42.
(c) Each Obligor agrees to any such amendment or waiver permitted by this Clause 42 which is agreed to by the Borrowers. This includes any amendment or waiver which would, but for this paragraph (c), require the consent of all of the Guarantors.
42.2 Exceptions
(a) An amendment or waiver that has the effect of changing or which relates to:
(i) the definition of Change of Control in Clause 1.1 ( Definitions );
(ii) the definition of Majority Lenders in Clause 1.1 ( Definitions );
(iii) an extension to the date of payment of any amount under the Finance Documents;
(iv) a reduction in the Margin or a reduction in the amount of any payment of principal, interest, fees or commission payable;
(v) a change in currency of payment of any amount under the Finance Documents;
(vi) an increase in or an extension of any Commitment or the Total Facility Commitments, an extension of the Availability Period, or any requirement that a cancellation of Revolving Commitments reduces the Revolving Commitments of the Lenders rateably under the relevant Facility;
(vii) a change to the Borrowers or Guarantors other than in accordance with Clause 31 ( Changes to the Obligors );
(viii) any provision which expressly requires the consent of all the Lenders;
(ix) Clause 2.2 ( Finance Parties rights and obligations ), Clause 13 ( Mandatory Prepayment ), Clause 24 ( Guarantee and Indemnity ), Clause 30 ( Changes to the Lenders ), Clause 31.3 ( Resignation of an Obligor ), this Clause 42, Clause 46 ( Governing Law ) or Clause 47.1 ( Jurisdiction of English courts ).
shall not be made without the prior consent of all the Lenders.
(b) An amendment or waiver which relates to the rights or obligations of the Agent, the Arranging Parties, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent or a Hedging Bank may not be effected without the consent of the Agent, the Arranging Parties, the Swingline Agent, the Issuing Agent or such Hedging Bank.
(c) Any amendment or waiver that has the effect of changing or which relates to:
(i) other than as expressly permitted by the provisions of this Agreement, any release of any guarantee or indemnity; or
(ii) any Security (or the nature or scope of the assets expressed to be subject to a Security Document) unless expressly permitted under this Agreement or relating to a sale or disposal of such asset where such sale or disposal is expressly permitted under this Agreement,
in each case following the date on which it is created and perfected pursuant to the provision of this Agreement shall not be made without the consent of the Super Majority Lenders. For the avoidance of doubt any amendment or waiver of the provisions of Clauses 28.23 ( Security following Debt Ratings decrease ), 28.24 ( Guarantor Threshold Test and Additional Guarantors ) and to the Agreed Security Principles shall be governed by Clause 42.1 ( Required consents ).
42.3 Replacement of Lender
(a) If at any time any Lender becomes a Non-Consenting Lender (as defined in paragraph (c) below) then the Parent may, on five (5) Business Days prior written notice to the Agent and such Lender, replace such Lender by requiring such Lender to (and such Lender shall) transfer pursuant to Clause 30 ( Changes to the Lenders ) all (and not part only) of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a Lender or other bank, financial institution, trust, fund or other entity (a Replacement Lender ) selected by the Parent, and which is
acceptable to the Agent and (in the case of any transfer of a Revolving Facility Commitment or a participation in a Letter of Credit) the Issuing Agent and (in the case of any transfer of a US Dollar Swingline Commitment or a participation in a US Dollar Swingline Loan) the Swingline Agent, which confirms its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations of the transferring Lender (including the assumption of the transferring Lenders participations on the same basis as the transferring Lender) for a purchase price in cash payable at the time of transfer equal to the outstanding principal amount of such Lenders participation in the outstanding Utilisations and all accrued interest or Letter of Credit fees, Break Costs and other amounts payable in relation thereto under the Finance Documents.
(b) The replacement of a Lender pursuant to this Clause 42.3 shall be subject to the following conditions:
(i) the Borrowers shall have no right to replace the Agent, the Swingline Agent or the Issuing Agent pursuant to this Clause 42.3;
(ii) neither the Agent nor the Non-Consenting Lender shall have any obligation to the Borrowers to find a Replacement Lender;
(iii) the replacement must take place no later than ninety (90) days after the date the Non-Consenting Lender notifies the Borrowers and the Agent of its failure or refusal to agree to any consent, waiver or amendment to the Finance Documents requested by the Borrowers; and
(iv) in no event shall the Lender replaced under this paragraph (b) be required to pay or surrender to such Replacement Lender any of the fees received by such Lender pursuant to the Finance Documents.
(c) In the event that:
(i) the Borrowers or the Agent (at the request of the Borrowers) has requested the Lenders to consent to a waiver or amendment of any provisions of the Finance Documents;
(ii) the waiver or amendment in question requires the consent of all the Lenders; and
(iii) Lenders whose Commitments aggregate more than eighty per cent. (80%) of the Total Facility Commitments (or, if the Total Facility Commitments have been reduced to zero, aggregated more than eighty per cent. (80%) of the Total Facility Commitments prior to that reduction) have consented to such waiver or amendment,
then any Lender who does not and continues not to agree to such waiver or amendment shall be deemed a Non-Consenting Lender .
42.4 Disenfranchisement of Defaulting Lenders
(a) For so long as a Defaulting Lender has any Available Revolving Commitment, in ascertaining the Majority Lenders or whether any given percentage (including, for the avoidance of doubt, unanimity) of the Total Facility Commitments or Total Commitments has been obtained to approve any request for a consent, waiver, amendment or other vote
under the Finance Documents, that Defaulting Lenders Commitments will be reduced by the amount of its Available Revolving Commitments.
(b) For the purposes of this Clause 42.4, the Agent may assume that the following Lenders are Defaulting Lenders:
(i) any Lender which has notified the Agent that it has become a Defaulting Lender;
(ii) any Lender in relation to which it is aware that any of the events or circumstances referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of Defaulting Lender has occurred,
unless it has received notice to the contrary from the Lender concerned (together with any supporting evidence reasonably requested by the Agent) or the Agent is otherwise aware that the Lender has ceased to be a Defaulting Lender.
42.5 Replacement of a Defaulting Lender
(a) The Parent may, at any time a Lender has become and continues to be a Defaulting Lender, by giving five (5) Business Days prior written notice to the Agent and such Lender:
(i) replace such Lender by requiring such Lender to (and such Lender shall) transfer pursuant to Clause 30 ( Changes to the Lenders ) all (and not part only) of its rights and obligations under this Agreement;
(ii) require such Lender to (and such Lender shall) transfer pursuant to Clause 30 ( Changes to the Lenders ) all (and not part only) of the undrawn Commitment of the Lender; or
(iii) require such Lender to (and such Lender shall) transfer pursuant to Clause 30 ( Changes to the Lenders ) all (and not part only) of its rights and obligations in respect of the Facility,
to a Lender or a Replacement Lender selected by the Parent, and which (unless the Agent is an Impaired Agent) is acceptable to the Agent (acting reasonably) and (in the case of any transfer of a Revolving Facility Commitment or a participation in a Letter of Credit) to the Issuing Agent, which confirms its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations of the transferring Lender (including the assumption of the transferring Lenders participations in Loans or Letters of Credit (as the case may be) on the same basis as the transferring Lender).
(b) Any transfer of rights and obligations of a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this Clause 42.5 shall be subject to the following conditions:
(i) the Borrowers shall have no right to replace the Agent pursuant to this Clause 42.5;
(ii) neither the Agent nor the Defaulting Lender shall have any obligation to the Parent to find a Replacement Lender;
(iii) the transfer must take place no later than ninety (90) days after the notice referred to in paragraph (a) above; and
(iv) in no event shall the Defaulting Lender be required to pay or surrender to the Replacement Lender any of the fees received by the Defaulting Lender pursuant to the Finance Documents.
42.6 Amendment to correct manifest error
The Agent may (without receiving any instructions from the Majority Lenders) agree with the Borrowers any amendment to or the modification of the provisions of any Finance Document or any schedule or annex thereto, which is necessary to correct a manifest error.
42.7 Release of Security on Permitted Disposal and Investment Grade Rating
(a) The Finance Parties shall procure that if an Obligor or a Material Subsidiary has created Security over any of its assets (other than shares) in favour of any of the Finance Parties, which assets subsequently become the subject of a Permitted Disposal or any other disposal approved by the Majority Lenders to a person which is not a member of the Group the Finance Parties which are the beneficiaries of such Security will, at the cost and request of the Parent (to the extent that such cost is duly documented), release the Security promptly following the Parents request.
(b) The release of the Security referred to in paragraph (a) above shall not become effective until the date of that Permitted Disposal or such earlier date agreed between the Agent and the Parent.
(c) The Finance Parties shall further procure that if at any time following the granting of Security pursuant to Clause 28.23 ( Security following Debt Ratings Decrease ) all Public Debt Ratings received are at least BBB- or higher by S&P or Fitch or Baa3 or higher by Moodys (in each case with a stable outlook), the Finance Parties which are the beneficiaries of such Security will at the cost and request of the Parent (to the extent that such cost is duly documented), release the Security promptly following the Parents request. It is understood however that following any such release, the provisions of Clause 28.23 ( Security following Debt Ratings Decrease ) shall continue with full force and effect and in the event that the relevant trigger conditions are met, the Parent shall again be obliged to procure the granting of Security in accordance with Clause 28.23.
43. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT
For the purposes of the transparency rules set forth in the CICR Resolution of March 4, 2003 and by the Disposizioni sulla trasparenza delle operazioni e dei servizi bancari e finanziari issued by the Bank of Italy on 20 June 2012 and published in the Italian Official Gazette on 30 June 2012, the Parties hereby acknowledge and confirm that this Agreement (and each of the provisions hereof) has been specifically negotiated with the support of legal advisors on each side.
44. CONFIDENTIALITY
44.1 Confidential Information
Each Finance Party agrees to keep all Confidential Information confidential and not to disclose it to anyone, save to the extent permitted by Clause 44.2 ( Disclosure of Confidential Information ) and Clause 30.10 ( Disclosure to numbering service providers ), and to ensure that all Confidential Information is protected with security measures and a degree of care that would apply to its own confidential information.
44.2 Disclosure of Confidential Information
Any Finance Party may disclose:
(a) to any of its Affiliates and Related Funds and any of its or their officers, directors, employees, professional advisers, auditors, partners and Representatives such Confidential Information as that Finance Party shall consider appropriate if any person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given pursuant to this paragraph (a) is informed in writing of its confidential nature and that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information except that there shall be no such requirement to so inform if the recipient is subject to professional obligations to maintain the confidentiality of the information or is otherwise bound by requirements of confidentiality in relation to the Confidential Information;
(b) to any person:
(i) to (or through) whom it assigns or transfers (or may potentially assign or transfer) all or any of its rights and/or obligations under one or more Finance Documents and to any of that persons Affiliates, Related Funds, Representatives and professional advisers;
(ii) with (or through) whom it enters into (or may potentially enter into), whether directly or indirectly, any sub-participation in relation to, any securitisation (or similar transaction of broadly equivalent economic effect), or any other transaction under which payments are to be made or may be made by reference to, one or more Finance Documents or one or more Obligors and to any of that persons Affiliates, Related Funds, Representatives and professional advisers;
(iii) appointed by any Finance Party or by a person to whom paragraph (b)(i) or (ii) above applies to receive communications, notices, information or documents delivered pursuant to the Finance Documents on its behalf;
(iv) who invests in or otherwise finances (or may potentially invest in or otherwise finance), directly or indirectly, any transaction referred to in paragraph (b)(i) or (b)(ii) above;
(v) to whom information is required or requested to be disclosed by any court of competent jurisdiction or any governmental, banking, taxation or other regulatory authority or similar body, the rules of any relevant stock exchange or pursuant to any applicable law or regulation;
(vi) to whom or for whose benefit that Finance Party charges, assigns or otherwise creates Security (or may do so) pursuant to Clause 30.8 ( Security over Lenders rights );
(vii) to whom information is required to be disclosed in connection with, and for the purposes of, any litigation, arbitration, administrative or other investigations, proceedings or disputes;
(viii) who is a Party; or
(ix) with the consent of the Parent;
in each case, such Confidential Information as that Finance Party shall consider appropriate if:
(A) in relation to paragraphs (b)(i), (b)(ii) and (b)(iii) above, the person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given has entered into a Confidentiality Undertaking except that there shall be no requirement for a Confidentiality Undertaking if the recipient is a professional adviser and is subject to professional obligations to maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information;
(B) in relation to paragraph (b)(iv) above, the person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given has entered into a Confidentiality Undertaking or is otherwise bound by requirements of confidentiality in relation to the Confidential Information they receive and is informed that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information;
(C) in relation to paragraphs (b)(v), (b)(vi) and (b)(vii) above, the person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given is informed of its confidential nature and that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information except that there shall be no requirement to so inform if, in the opinion of that Finance Party, it is not practicable so to do in the circumstances;
(c) to any person appointed by that Finance Party or by a person to whom paragraph (b)(i) or (b)(ii) above applies to provide administration or settlement services in respect of one or more of the Finance Documents including without limitation, in relation to the trading of participations in respect of the Finance Documents, such Confidential Information as may be required to be disclosed to enable such service provider to provide any of the services referred to in this paragraph (c) if the service provider to whom the Confidential Information is to be given has entered into a confidentiality agreement substantially in the form of the LMA Master Confidentiality Undertaking for Use With Administration/Settlement Service Providers or such other form of confidentiality undertaking agreed between the Parent and the relevant Finance Party;
(d) to any rating agency (including its professional advisers) such Confidential Information as may be required to be disclosed to enable such rating agency to carry out its normal rating activities in relation to the Finance Documents or the Obligors if the rating agency to whom the Confidential Information is to be given is informed of its confidential nature and that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information;
(e) to any insurer (including its professional advisers) such Confidential Information as required to be disclosed to enable it to carry out its normal insurance activities in relation to the Finance Documents, the Obligors or its assets if the insurer is informed of its confidential nature; and
(f) to any Sanctions Authority.
44.3 Continuing obligations
The obligations in this Clause 44 are continuing and, in particular, shall survive and remain binding on each Finance Party for a period of one (1) year from the earlier of:
(a) the date on which all amounts payable by the Obligors under or in connection with this Agreement have been paid in full and all Commitments have been cancelled or otherwise cease to be available; and
(b) the date on which such Finance Party otherwise ceases to be a Finance Party.
45. COUNTERPARTS
Each Finance Document may be executed in any number of counterparts, and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of the Finance Document.
46. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by English law.
47. ENFORCEMENT
47.1 Jurisdiction of English courts
(a) The courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (including a dispute regarding the existence, validity or termination of this Agreement or any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with this Agreement) (a Dispute ).
(b) The Parties agree that the courts of England are the most appropriate and convenient courts to settle Disputes, and, accordingly, no Party will argue to the contrary.
(c) This Clause 47.1 is for the benefit of the Finance Parties and Hedging Banks only. As a result, no Finance Party shall be prevented from taking proceedings relating to a Dispute in any other courts with jurisdiction. To the extent allowed by law, the Finance Parties and Hedging Banks may take concurrent proceedings in any number of jurisdictions.
(d) Each Obligor agrees not to claim and hereby irrevocably waives any immunity from legal process in connection with a Finance Document under any law of any applicable jurisdiction which it is entitled to claim or which may be attributed to it in respect of itself or its assets to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of such jurisdiction.
47.2 Service of process
(a) Without prejudice to any other mode of service allowed under any relevant law, each Obligor (other than an Obligor incorporated in England and Wales):
(i) irrevocably appoints Holdco of 70 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1AF, England, as its agent for service of process in relation to any proceedings before the English courts in connection with any Finance Document; and
(ii) agrees that failure by an agent for service of process to notify the relevant Obligor of the process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned.
(b) If any person appointed as an agent for service of process is unable for any reason to act as agent for service of process, the Parent (on behalf of all the Obligors) must immediately (and in any event within fifteen (15) days of such events taking place) appoint another agent on terms acceptable to the Agent. Failing this, the Agent may appoint another agent for this purpose.
47.3 Waiver of Jury Trial
EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION IN ANY UNITED STATES FEDERAL OR STATE COURT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER FINANCE DOCUMENTS OR ANY DEALINGS BETWEEN THE PARTIES RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE LENDER/BORROWER/GUARANTOR RELATIONSHIP. Each party hereto hereby acknowledges that this waiver is a material inducement to enter into a business relationship, it has relied on this waiver in entering into this Agreement, and it will continue to rely on this waiver in related future dealings. Each party hereto hereby further warrants and represents that it has reviewed this waiver with its legal counsel and it knowingly and voluntarily waives its jury trial rights following consultation with legal counsel. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE AND MAY NOT BE MODIFIED OTHER THAN BY A WRITTEN WAIVER SPECIFICALLY REFERRING TO THIS CLAUSE 47.3 AND EXECUTED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO. In the event of litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a written consent to a trial by the court.
This Agreement has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.
SCHEDULE 1
THE ORIGINAL PARTIES
PART I
THE ORIGINAL OBLIGORS
Name of Borrower |
|
Registration number (or equivalent, if any) and
|
|
|
|
GTECH S.p.A. |
|
08028081001 Italy |
|
|
|
GTECH Corporation |
|
090517 Delaware |
Name of Original Guarantors |
|
Registration number (or equivalent, if any) and
|
|
|
|
GTECH S.p.A. |
|
08028081001 Italy |
|
|
|
GTECH Corporation |
|
090517 Delaware |
PART II A
THE ORIGINAL LENDERS
Name of Original Lender |
|
Revolving Facility A
|
|
Treaty Passport Scheme
|
|
Jurisdiction of Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barclays Bank PLC |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
n/a |
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BNP Paribas, Succursale Italia |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
005/B/0255139/DTTP |
|
France |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citibank, N.A. |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
13/C/62301/DTTP |
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crédit Agricole Corporate Investment Bank, New York branch |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
5/C/222082/DTTP |
|
France |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Suisse AG, Milan Branch |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
n/a |
|
Italy (and Switzerland for DTT purposes) and meets definition of UK Treaty Lender |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A. |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
48/D/72718/DTTP |
|
Luxembourg |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ING Bank N.V. Milan Branch |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
1/I/70193/DTTP |
|
The Netherlands |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A NYC Branch |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
n/a |
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., London Branch |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
n/a |
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mediobanca International (Luxembourg) S.A. |
|
89,370,829.37 |
|
48/M/315419/DTTP |
|
Luxembourg |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Milan Branch |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
n/a |
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scotiabank Europe plc |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
n/a |
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SOCIETE GENERALE PARIS |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
5/S/70085/DTTP |
|
France |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unicredit Bank AG, New York Branch |
|
89,370,829.36 |
|
n/a |
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fifth Third |
|
99,523,355.58 |
|
13/F/24267/DTTP |
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wells Fargo Bank, NA(1) |
|
99,523,355.58 |
|
13/W/61173/DTTP |
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KeyBank National Association |
|
49,761,677.79 |
|
13/K/216374/DTTP |
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
1,500,000,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
(1) Wells Fargo Bank, NAs commitment is conditional on Target Accession Date occurring.
Name of Original Lender |
|
Revolving Facility B
|
|
Treaty Passport
|
|
Jurisdiction of Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barclays Bank PLC, Milan Branch |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
n/a |
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BNP Paribas, Succursale Italia |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
005/B/0255139/DTTP |
|
France |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citibank, N.A. |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
13/C/62301/DTTP |
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Milan branch |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
5/C/222082/DTTP |
|
France |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Suisse AG, Milan Branch |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
n/a |
|
Italy (and Switzerland for DTT purposes) and meets definition of UK Treaty Lender |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A. |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
48/D/72718/DTTP |
|
Luxembourg |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ING Bank N.V. Milan Branch |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
1/I/70193/DTTP |
|
The Netherlands |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
n/a |
|
Italy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Milan Branch |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
13/M/0268710/DTTP |
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mediobanca International (Luxembourg) S.A. |
|
46,824,875.08 |
|
48/M/315419/DTTP |
|
Luxembourg |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Milan Branch |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
n/a |
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scotiabank Europe plc |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
n/a |
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SOCIETE GENERALE, MILAN BRANCH |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
5/S/70085/DTTP |
|
France |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unicredit Bank AG, Milan Branch |
|
46,824,875.10 |
|
7/U/237605/DTTP |
|
Italy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banca Popolare di Milano S.c.a.r.l. |
|
77,780,699.45 |
|
n/a |
|
Italy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UBI Banca S.c.p.a. |
|
77,780,699.45 |
|
n/a |
|
Italy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banco Popolare S.C., London Branch |
|
38,890,349.72 |
|
n/a |
|
UK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
850,000,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
PART IIB
THE ORIGINAL US DOLLAR SWINGLINE LENDERS
Name of Original US
|
|
US Dollar Swingline
|
|
Treaty Passport
|
|
Jurisdiction of Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citibank, N.A. |
|
20,000,000.00 |
|
13/C/62301/DTTP |
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, New York branch |
|
20,000,000.00 |
|
5/C/222082/DTTP |
|
France |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KeyBank National Association |
|
20,000,000.00 |
|
13/K/216374/DTTP |
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
|
20,000,000.00 |
|
13/M/0268710/DTTP |
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc, Milan Branch |
|
20,000,000.00 |
|
n/a |
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
100,000,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
PART III
THE BOOKRUNNERS AND MANDATED LEAD ARRANGERS
Banca IMI S.p.A.
Barclays Bank PLC
BNP Paribas Succursale Italia
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Milan branch
Credit Suisse AG, Milan Branch
Citigroup Global Markets Limited
Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A.
J.P. Morgan Limited
ING Bank N.V. Milan Branch
Mediobanca - Banca di Credito Finanziario S.p.A
The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc
Scotiabank Europe Plc
SOCIETE GENERALE
Unicredit Bank AG New York Branch
Unicredit Bank AG, Milan Branch
PART IV
THE MANDATED LEAD ARRANGERS
Banca Popolare di Milano S.c.a.r.l
Fifth Third
UBI Banca S.c.p.a.
Wells Fargo Bank, NA
PART VI
THE INITIAL MATERIAL SUBSIDIARIES
As at the date of this Agreement:
· GTECH Corporation
· GTECH Global Services Corporation Limited
· Lotterie Nazionali S.r.l.
· Lottomatica Scommesse S.r.l.
· Lottomatica Videolot Rete S.p.A.
SCHEDULE 2
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
PART I
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO INITIAL UTILISATION
1. Original Obligors
(a) A certificate of the Parent (signed by an authorised signatory) confirming that borrowing or guaranteeing, as appropriate, the Total Facility Commitments would not cause any borrowing, guaranteeing or similar limit binding on any Original Obligor to be exceeded.
(b) A certificate of an authorised signatory of the relevant Original Obligor certifying that each copy document relating to it specified in this Part I or in Part III of Schedule 2 is correct, complete and in full force and effect as at a date no earlier than the date of this Agreement.
2. Legal opinions
Executed forms of the following legal opinions, in each case addressed to, and capable of being relied on by the Finance Parties (other than the Hedging Banks) and dated as at the date of this Agreement:
(a) a legal opinion of Studio Legale Associato, in associazione con Clifford Chance, legal advisers to the Obligors as to Italian law as to due incorporation and capacities, powers and authority to enter into the Finance Documents in the form distributed to the Original Lenders prior to signing of this Agreement.
(b) a legal opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP as advisors to the Obligors as to the laws of Delaware as to due incorporation and capacities, powers and authority to enter into the Finance Documents and legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations, in the form distributed to the Original Lenders prior to signing of this Agreement.
(c) a legal opinion of Linklaters Studio Legale Associato, legal advisers to the Arranging Parties and the Agent in England, substantially in the form distributed to the Original Lenders prior to signing this Agreement.
(d) a legal opinion of Linklaters Studio Legale Associato, legal advisers to the Arranging Parties and the Agent in Italy, substantially in the form distributed to the Original Lenders prior to signing this Agreement.
3. US Conditions Precedent
In the case of GTECH Corporation:
(a) a solvency certificate signed by the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and its counsel; and
(b) a certificate as to existence and good standing from the appropriate governmental authorities in its jurisdiction of organisation.
4. Italian Conditions Precedent
A certificate ( certificato di vigenza ) issued by the competent Registro delle Imprese in respect of each Original Obligor incorporated in Italy dated no earlier than five (5) Business Days prior to the date of this Agreement
5. Other documents and evidence
(a) Evidence that Holdco has accepted its appointment as process agent.
(b) A copy of any other Authorisation or other document, opinion or assurance which the Agent considers to be necessary or desirable (if it has notified the Parent accordingly) in connection with the entry into and performance of the transactions contemplated by any Finance Document or for the validity and enforceability of any Finance Document.
(c) The Original Financial Statements.
(d) Evidence that the fees, costs and expenses then due from the Borrowers pursuant to Clause 18 ( Fees ) and Clause 23 ( Costs and Expenses ) have been paid or will be paid by the first Utilisation Date.
PART II
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO BE DELIVERED
BY ADDITIONAL OBLIGORS
1. An Accession Letter, duly executed by the Additional Obligor and the Borrowers.
2. A copy of the constitutional documents of the Additional Obligor.
3. A copy of a resolution of the board of directors of the Additional Obligor:
(a) approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Accession Letter and the Finance Documents and resolving that it execute the Accession Letter;
(b) authorising a specified person or persons to execute the Accession Letter on its behalf; and
(c) authorising a specified person or persons, on its behalf, to sign or despatch all other documents and notices (including, in relation to an Additional Borrower, any Utilisation Request) to be signed or despatched by it under or in connection with the Finance Documents.
4. A specimen of the signature of each person authorised by the resolution referred to in paragraph 3 above.
5. If required by applicable law, a copy of a resolution signed by all the holders of the issued shares of the Additional Guarantor, approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents to which the Additional Guarantor is a party.
6. A certificate of the Additional Obligor (signed by a director (or an officer if the Additional Obligor is a US Obligor)) confirming that borrowing or guaranteeing, as appropriate, the Total Facility Commitments would not cause any borrowing, guaranteeing or similar limit binding on it to be exceeded.
7. A certificate of an authorised signatory of the Additional Obligor certifying that each copy document listed in this Part II of Schedule 2 is correct, complete and in full force and effect as at a date no earlier than the date of the Accession Letter.
8. A copy of any other Authorisation or other document, opinion or assurance which the Agent considers to be necessary or desirable in connection with the entry into and performance of the transactions contemplated by the Accession Letter or for the validity and enforceability of any Finance Document.
9. If available, the latest audited financial statements of the Additional Obligor.
10. A legal opinion of Linklaters Studio Legale Associato, legal advisers to the Global Coordinators and the Agent in England.
11. If the Additional Obligor is incorporated in a jurisdiction other than England and Wales, a legal opinion of the legal advisers to the Arranger and the Agent in the jurisdiction in which the Additional Obligor is incorporated.
12. A legal opinion of from Clifford Chance LLP or other reputable counsel to the relevant Additional Obligor as advisors to the Obligors as to the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation of the
proposed Additional Obligors in relation to due incorporation and capacities, powers and authority to enter into the Finance Documents.
13. If the proposed Additional Obligor is incorporated in a jurisdiction other than England and Wales, evidence that the process agent specified in Clause 47.2 ( Service of process ), if not an Obligor, has accepted its appointment in relation to the proposed Additional Obligor.
14. If the proposed Additional Obligor is a US Obligor:
(a) a solvency certificate signed by the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of such Obligor in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and its counsel; and
(b) a certificate as to the existence and good standing of such US Obligor from the appropriate governmental authorities in such US Obligors jurisdiction of organisation.
15. Copies of any information and any other evidence reasonably requested by any Lender required in order to comply with know your customer or anti-money laundering requirements under applicable laws.
PART III
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO SIGNING
1. Prepayment and Cancellation Notice
A copy of the irrevocable notices of cancellation and prepayment in respect of the Existing GTECH Facilities confirming that the Existing GTECH Facilities will be cancelled in full and repaid in an amount equal to the outstanding amounts under the Existing GTECH Facilities.
2. Original Obligors
(a) A copy of the constitutional documents of each Original Obligor (being, in the case of the Parent, its statuto and atto costititutivo ).
(b) A copy of a resolution of the board of directors or, if applicable, equivalent body of each Original Obligor:
(i) approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents to which it is a party and resolving that it execute the Finance Documents to which it is a party;
(ii) authorising a specified person or persons to execute the Finance Documents to which it is a party on its behalf;
(iii) authorising a specified person or persons, on its behalf, to sign or despatch all documents and notices (including, if relevant, any Utilisation Request) to be signed or despatched by it under or in connection with the Finance Documents to which it is a party;
(iv) in the case of an Obligor other than the Parent, authorising the Parent to act as its agent in connection with the Finance Documents; and
(v) if applicable, a copy of the resolution of the board of directors of the relevant company, establishing the body referred to in sub-paragraph (iv) above.
(c) A specimen of the signature of each person authorised by the resolution referred to in paragraph (b) above.
(d) The Structure Memorandum together addressed to or capable of being relied on by the Finance Parties (other than the Hedging Banks).
3. Legal Opinions
Agreed forms of the legal opinions set out at Part I of this Schedule 2 ( Conditions Precedent ).
4. Know your customer checks
Copies of any information and any other evidence reasonably requested by any Lender prior to the first Utilisation Date required in order to comply with know your customer or anti-money laundering requirements under applicable laws.
SCHEDULE 3
REQUESTS
PART IA
UTILISATION REQUEST LOANS
From: |
[ Borrower ] |
|
|
To: |
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as Agent |
|
|
Dated: |
[ Date ] |
Ladies and Gentlemen
GTECH Senior Facilities Agreement
dated 4 November 2014 (the Facilities Agreement)
1. We refer to the Facilities Agreement. This is a Utilisation Request. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meaning in this Utilisation Request unless given a different meaning in this Utilisation Request.
2. We wish to borrow a Loan on the following terms:
(a) Borrower: [ · ]
(b) Proposed Utilisation Date: [ · ] (or, if that is not a Business Day, the next Business Day)
(c) Facility to be utilised: [Revolving Facility[A/B]]
(d) Currency of Loan: [ · ]
(e) Amount: [ · ] or, if less, the Available Revolving Facility
(f) Interest Period: [ · ]
3. We confirm that each condition specified in Clause 4.2 ( Further conditions precedent ) is satisfied on the date of this Utilisation Request.
4. [The proceeds of this Loan should be credited to [account]].
5. This Utilisation Request is irrevocable.
Yours faithfully
|
|
authorised signatory for |
|
[ the Borrower ] |
PART IB
UTILISATION REQUEST
LETTERS OF CREDIT
From: |
[ Borrower ] |
|
|
To: |
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as Agent |
Dated:
Ladies and Gentlemen
GTECH Senior Facilities Agreement
dated 4 November 2014 (the Facilities Agreement)
We refer to the Facilities Agreement. This is a Utilisation Request. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meaning in this Utilisation Request unless given a different meaning in this Utilisation Request.
1. We wish to arrange for a Letter of Credit to be issued by the Issuing Agent specified below (which has agreed to do so) on the following terms:
(a) Borrower: [ · ]
(b) Issuing Agent: The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
(c) Proposed Utilisation Date: [ · ] (or, if that is not a Business Day, the next Business Day)
(d) Facility to be utilised: Facility[A/B]
(e) Currency of Letter of Credit: [ · ]
(f) Amount: [ · ] or, if less, the Available Revolving Facility in relation to the Facility[A/B]
(g) Term: [ · ]
(h) Delivery instructions as follows: [ · ]
2. We confirm that each condition specified in paragraph (c) of Clause 6.7 ( Issue of Letters of Credit ) is satisfied on the date of this Utilisation Request.
3. We attach a copy of the proposed Letter of Credit.
4. The purpose of this proposed Letter of Credit is [ · ].
5. This Utilisation Request is irrevocable.
Yours faithfully
|
|
authorised signatory for |
|
[ the Borrower ] |
PART IC
UTILISATION REQUEST
US DOLLAR SWINGLINE LOANS
From: |
[ Borrower ] |
|
|
To: |
KeyBank National Association, as Agent for the US Dollar Swingline Lenders |
|
|
|
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as Agent |
|
|
Dated: |
[ insert date ] |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
GTECH Senior Facilities Agreement
dated 4 November 2014 (the Facilities Agreement)
We refer to the Facilities Agreement. This is a Utilisation Request. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meaning in this Utilisation Request unless given a different meaning in this Utilisation Request. The Swing Line Borrowing requested herein complies with the requirements of Clauses 7 ( Utilisations US Dollar Swingline Loans ) and 11 ( US Dollar Swingline Facility ) of the Agreement.
1. We wish to borrow on the following terms:
(a) Borrower: [ · ]
(b) Proposed Utilisation Date: [ · ] (or, if that is not a New York Business Day, the next New York Business Day)
(c) Facility to be utilised: US Dollar Swingline Facility
(d) Currency of Loan: US Dollars
(e) Amount: [ · ]
(f) Interest Period: [ · ]
2. We confirm that each condition specified in Clause 4.2 ( Further conditions precedent ) is satisfied on the date of this Utilisation Request.
3. [The proceeds of this US Dollar Swingline Loan should be credited to [account]].
4. This Utilisation Request is irrevocable.
5. The Borrower certifies that it shall not use the proceeds of the US Dollar Swingline Loan requested herein to refinance any outstanding US Dollar Swingline Loan.
Yours faithfully
|
|
authorised signatory for |
|
[ the Borrower ] |
SCHEDULE 4
FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE
To: |
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as Agent |
|
|
From: |
[ The Existing Lender ] (the Existing Lender ) and [ The New Lender ] (the New Lender ) |
|
|
Dated: |
[ insert date ] |
GTECH Senior Facilities Agreement
dated 4 November 2014 (the Facilities Agreement)
1. We refer to the Facilities Agreement. This is a Transfer Certificate. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meaning in this Transfer Certificate unless given a different meaning in this Transfer Certificate.
2. We refer to Clause 30.5 ( Procedure for transfer ):
(a) The Existing Lender and the New Lender agree to the Existing Lender transferring to the New Lender by novation all or part of the Existing Lenders Commitment, rights and obligations referred to in the Schedule in accordance with Clause 30.5 ( Procedure for transfer ).
(b) The proposed Transfer Date is [ · ].
(c) The Facility Office and address, fax number and attention details for notices of the New Lender for the purposes of Clause 37.1 ( Notices generally ) are set out in the Schedule.
3. The New Lender expressly acknowledges the limitations on the Existing Lenders obligations set out in paragraph (c) of Clause 30.4 ( Limitation of responsibility of Existing Lenders ).
4. This Transfer Certificate may be executed in any number of counterparts and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Transfer Certificate.
5. The New Lender expressly acknowledges the limitations on the Existing Lenders obligations set out in paragraph (c) of Clause 30.4 ( Limitation of responsibility of Existing Lenders ).
6. The New Lender confirms, for the benefit of the Agent and without liability to any Obligor, that it is:
(a) [in respect of an Italian Obligor,:
(i) [an Exempt Lender];
(ii) [an Italian Qualifying Lender];
(iii) [an Italian Treaty Lender];
(iv) [not a Qualifying Lender].]
(b) [in respect of a UK Borrower,:
(i) [not a Qualifying Lender];
(ii) [a Qualifying Lender other than a UK Treaty Lender]; or
(iii) [a UK Treaty Lender].]
(c) [in respect of a US Borrower,:
(i) [not a Qualifying Lender]; or
(ii) [a Qualifying Lender within limb (b) of the definition of Qualifying Lender].
7. [The New Lender confirms that it holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme (reference number [ · ]) and is tax resident in [ · ], so that interest payable to it by borrowers is generally subject to [full exemption from][a reduced rate of] UK withholding tax, and requests that the Parent notify:
(a) each UK Borrower which is a Party as a Borrower as at the Transfer Date; and
(b) each Additional Borrower which is a UK Borrower and becomes an Additional Borrower after the Transfer Date,
that it wishes that scheme to apply to the Agreement.] **
8. The New Lender confirms that is not a Blacklisted Resident Entity.
9. This Transfer Certificate and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by English law.
** delete as applicable
THE SCHEDULE
Commitment/rights and obligations to be transferred
[ insert relevant details ]
[ Facility Office address, fax number and attention details for notices and account details for payments ,]
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This Transfer Certificate is accepted by the Agent and the Transfer Date is confirmed as [ · ].
[ Agent ]
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SCHEDULE 5
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT
To: The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as Agent
From: [the Existing Lender ] (the Existing Lender ) and [the New Lender ] (the New Lender )
Dated: [ insert date ]
GTECH Senior Facilities Agreement
dated 4 November 2014 (the Facilities Agreement)
1. We refer to the Facilities Agreement. This is an Assignment Agreement. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meaning in this Assignment Agreement unless given a different meaning in this Assignment Agreement.
2. We refer to Clause 30.6 ( Procedure for assignment ):
(a) The Existing Lender assigns absolutely to the New Lender all the rights of the Existing Lender under the Facilities Agreement and the other Finance Documents which relate to that portion of the Existing Lenders Commitments and participations in Loans under the Facilities Agreement as specified in the Schedule.
(b) The Existing Lender is released from all the obligations of the Existing Lender which correspond to that portion of the Existing Lenders Commitments and participations in Loans under the Facilities Agreement specified in the Schedule.
(c) The New Lender becomes a Party as a Lender and is bound by obligations equivalent to those from which the Existing Lender is released under paragraph (b) above.
3. The proposed Transfer Date is [ · ].
4. On the Transfer Date the New Lender becomes Party to the Finance Documents as a Lender.
5. The Facility Office and address, fax number and attention details for notices of the New Lender are set out in the Schedule.
6. The New Lender expressly acknowledges the limitations on the Existing Lenders obligations set out in paragraph (c) of Clause 30.4 ( Limitation of responsibility of Existing Lenders ).
7. The New Lender confirms, for the benefit of the Agent and without liability to any Obligor, that it is:
(a) [in respect of an Italian Obligor,:
(i) [an Exempt Lender];
(ii) [an Italian Qualifying Lender];
(iii) [an Italian Treaty Lender];
(iv) [not a Qualifying Lender].]
(b) [in respect of a UK Borrower,:
(i) [not a Qualifying Lender];
(ii) [a Qualifying Lender other than a UK Treaty Lender]; or
(iii) [a UK Treaty Lender].]
(c) [in respect of a US Borrower,:
(i) [not a Qualifying Lender]; or
(ii) [a Qualifying Lender within limb (b) of the definition of Qualifying Lender].
8. [The New Lender confirms that it holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme (reference number [ · ]) and is tax resident in [ · ], so that interest payable to it by borrowers is generally subject to [full exemption from][a reduced rate of] UK withholding tax, and requests that the Parent notify:
(a) each UK Borrower which is a Party as a Borrower as at the Transfer Date; and
(b) each Additional Borrower is a UK Borrower which becomes an Additional Borrower after the Transfer Date,
that it wishes that scheme to apply to the Agreement.]**
[8/9]. The New Lender confirms that is not a Blacklisted Resident Entity.
[9/10]. This Assignment Agreement acts as notice to the Agent (on behalf of each Finance Party) and, upon delivery in accordance with Clause 30.7 ( Copy of Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement to Parent ), to the Parent (on behalf of each Obligor) of the assignment referred to in this Assignment Agreement.
[10/11]. This Assignment Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Assignment Agreement.
[11/12]. This Assignment Agreement [and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it] [is/are] governed by English law.
[12/13]. This Assignment Agreement has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Assignment Agreement.
** delete as applicable
SCHEDULE 6
FORM OF ACCESSION LETTER
To: The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as Agent
From: [ Subsidiary ] and [ Parent ]
Dated:
Ladies and Gentlemen
GTECH Senior Facilities Agreement
dated 4 November 2014 (the Facilities Agreement)
1. We refer to the Facilities Agreement. This is an Accession Letter. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meaning in this Accession Letter unless given a different meaning in this Accession Letter.
2. [ Subsidiary ]/[ Hedging Bank ] agrees to become [an Additional Guarantor][and][an Additional Borrower]/[a Hedging Bank] and to be bound by the terms of the Facilities Agreement and the other Finance Documents as [an Additional Guarantor] [and][an Additional Borrower]/ [a Hedging Bank] pursuant to [Clause 31.2 ( Additional Obligors )]/[Clause 30.12 ( Accession, assignments and transfers by Hedging Banks )] of the Facilities Agreement [ Subsidiary ]/[ Hedging Bank ] is a company duly incorporated in [ name of relevant jurisdiction ] and is a limited liability company and its registered number is [ · ].
3. [ Subsidiarys ]/ [ Hedging Banks ] administrative details are as follows:
Address:
Fax No.:
Attention:
4. [The guarantee to be granted by [Subsidiary] pursuant to Clause 24 ( Guarantee and Indemnity ) of the Facilities Agreement shall be subject to the following limitations [ insert as applicable subject to agreement with Agent (acting reasonably) ].
5. [This Accession Letter is governed by English law.] (2)
This Accession Letter is entered into by deed.
[ Parent ] |
[ Subsidiary ]/ [ Hedging Bank ] |
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(2) For Additional Obligor accessions
SCHEDULE 7
FORM OF RESIGNATION LETTER
To: The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as Agent
From: [ resigning Obligor ] and [ Parent ]
Dated:
Ladies and Gentlemen
GTECH Senior Facilities Agreement
dated 4 November 2014 (the Facilities Agreement)
1. We refer to the Facilities Agreement. This is a Resignation Letter. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meaning in this Resignation Letter unless given a different meaning in this Resignation Letter.
2. Pursuant to Clause 31.3 ( Resignation of an Obligor ), we request that [ resigning Obligor ] be released from its obligations as a [Guarantor] [Borrower] under the Facilities Agreement and the other Finance Documents.
3. We confirm that:
(a) no Default is continuing or would result from the acceptance of this request; and
(b) this request is given in relation to [a Third Party Disposal of [ resigning Obligor ]]/[( resigning Obligor ) ceasing to be a Material Subsidiary]; [the all Lender consent obtained on [ insert date ]];
4. This letter is governed by English law.
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SCHEDULE 8
FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
To: The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as Agent
From: [ Parent ]
Dated:
Ladies and Gentlemen
GTECH Senior Facilities Agreement
dated 4 November Facilities Agreement)
1. We refer to the Facilities Agreement. This is a Compliance Certificate. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meaning when used in this Compliance Certificate unless given a different meaning in this Compliance Certificate.
2. We confirm that:
[ Insert details of covenants to be certified ].
[ Insert details and calculations required pursuant to Clause 26.1 of the Facilities Agreement ].
3. [ When applicable ] We confirm that the Parent has complied with Clause 27 ( Financial Covenants ) of the Facilities Agreement.
4. [ When applicable ] We confirm that the Parent has complied with Clause 28.24 ( Guarantor Threshold Test and Additional Guarantors )of the Facilities Agreement. Following are the computations (in reasonable detail): [ · ]
5. [ When applicable ] Pursuant to Clause 26.2(c) of the Facilities Agreement, we confirm that [there have been no change to the list of Material Subsidiaries since the Compliance Certificate for the Financial Quarter ending 31 December [ · ].]/[The following is the list of Material Subsidiaries as at ( insert date ):]
Signed |
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SCHEDULE 9
TIMETABLES - LOANS
- NOTICES TO THE AGENT
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Loans in Euro |
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Loans in US
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Loans in Other
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Approval as an Optional Currency, if required (Clause 4.3 ( Conditions relating to Optional Currencies )) |
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U-4
11:00 a.m. (London time) |
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The Agent notifies the Parent if a currency is approved as an Optional Currency in accordance with Clause 4.3 ( Conditions relating to Optional Currencies ) |
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U-3
11:00 a.m. (London time) |
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Delivery of a duly completed Utilisation Request (Clause 5.1 ( Delivery of a Utilisation Request ) for Interest Periods of one (1), three (3) or six (6) Months (Clause 16.1 ( Selection of Interest Periods and Terms ) |
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U-3
11:00 a.m. (London time) |
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U-3
9:00 a.m. (New York time) |
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U-3 (U-4 in the case of a Special Notice Currency)
11:00 a.m. (London time) |
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Delivery of a duly completed Utilisation Request (Clause 7.2 ( Delivery of a Utilisation Request for US Dollar Swingline Loans )) |
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11:00 a.m. (New York time) |
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The Agent determines (in relation to a Utilisation) the Base Currency Amount of the Loan, if required under Clause 5.4 ( Lenders participation ) |
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U-3
1:00 p.m. (London time) |
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U-3
3:00 p.m. (London time) |
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U-3 (U-4 in the case of a Special Notice Currency)
1:00 p.m. (London time) |
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The Agent notifies the Lenders of the Loan in accordance with Clause 5.4 ( Lenders participation ) |
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U-3
3:00 p.m. (London time) |
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U-3
5:00 p.m. (London time) |
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U-3 (U-4 in the case of a Special Notice Currency)
3:00 p.m. (London time) |
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The Swingline Agent determines (in relation to a Utilisation) the Base Currency Amount of the US Dollar Swingline Loan, if required under Clause 7.4 ( US Dollar Swingline Lenders participation ) and notifies each US Dollar Swingline Lender of |
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1:00 p.m. New York time) |
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Loans in Euro |
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Loans in US
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Loans in Other
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the amount of its participation in the US Dollar Swingline Loan under Clause 7.4 ( US Dollar Swingline Lenders participation ) |
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The Agent sets the lending rate in dollars under Clause 15.5 ( Notification of rates of interest ). |
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U-0
11.00 a.m. (New York time) |
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The Agent receives a notification from a Lender under Clause 10.2 ( Unavailability of a currency ) |
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U-2
11:00 a.m. (London time) |
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The Agent gives notice in accordance with Clause 10.2 ( Unavailability of a currency ) |
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U-2
2:00 p.m. (London time) |
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The Agent determines amount of the Loan in Optional Currency in accordance with Clause 35.10 ( Change of currency ) |
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U-3
11:00 a.m. (London time) |
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U-3
11:00 a.m. (London time) |
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U-4
11:00 a.m. (London time) |
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LIBOR or EURIBOR is fixed |
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EURIBOR Quotation Day as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (Brussels time) |
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LIBOR Quotation Day as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) |
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LIBOR Quotation Day as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) |
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U = |
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date of Utilisation |
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PART I
LETTERS OF CREDIT
NOTICES TO AGENT
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Letters of Credit |
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Delivery of a duly completed Utilisation Request (Clause 6.3 ). |
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11:00 a.m. (London time) |
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The Agent determines (in relation to a Utilisation) the Base Currency Amount of the Letter of Credit if required under paragraph (d) of Clause 6.6 and notifies the Issuing Agent and Lenders of the Letter of Credit in accordance with paragraph (d) of Clause 6.5 . |
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Delivery of duly completed Renewal Request |
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11:00 a.m. (London time) |
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SCHEDULE 10
FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT
To: [Beneficiary] (the Beneficiary )
Date []
Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No. []
Our customer, [] (the Applicant ) has entered into an agreement for [] (the Contract ) with the Beneficiary.
At the request of the banks whose names are set out below and in the attached Appendix 2 (each a Lender and together the Lenders ) issue on a several basis this unconditional and irrevocable standby Letter of Credit ( Letter of Credit ) in your favour on the following terms:
1. Definitions
1.1 In this Letter of Credit:
Business Day means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for general business in London.
Demand means a demand for a payment under this Letter of Credit in the form of Appendix 2 to this Letter of Credit.
Expiry Date means: [].
Issuing Agent means The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, London Trade Services Centre, PO Box 66891, Aldgate Union, 10 Whitechapel High Street, London E1W 9FQ.
Participation Amount means in respect of a Lender and any drawings under this Letter of Credit, the sum which is equal to that Lenders Participation Percentage of the Total L/C Amount.
Participation Percentage means in respect of a Lender, the percentage set opposite its name in the second column in Appendix 2.
Total L/C Amount means [].
2. Lenders Agreement
(a) The Beneficiary may request a drawing or drawings under this Letter of Credit by giving to the Issuing Agent a duly completed Demand. A Demand must be received by the Issuing Agent by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the Expiry Date.
(b) Subject to terms of this Letter of Credit, each Lender shall, no later than five (5) Business Days after the deemed date of receipt by the Issuing Agent of a Demand (the Due Date ), pay to the Beneficiary (by making payment via us, the Issuing Agent) its respective Participation Percentage of the sum demanded in the Demand.
(c) The obligations of the Lenders under this Letter of Credit shall be several, not joint, and no Lender shall ever be obliged to make a payment under this Letter of Credit if as a result the aggregate of all payments made by it under this Letter of Credit would exceed its
Participation Amount. The Lenders together, shall never be obliged to make payments hereunder in aggregate exceeding the Total L/C Amount.
(d) The Beneficiary is entitled to make multiple requests pursuant to this Letter of Credit; provided that the total sum claimed under this Letter of Credit does not in aggregate exceed the Total L/C Amount.
(e) Each Lender shall accept any Demand made in accordance with this Letter of Credit as evidence, for the purposes of this Letter of Credit alone, that the amount claimed is due to the Beneficiary (waiving all rights of objection and defence and without reference to the Applicant or any third party).
(f) If the identity or commitment of the Lenders as set out in Appendix 2 changes after this Letter of Credit is issued, then the Agent shall deliver to the Beneficiary an adjusted Appendix 2 (an Adjusted Letter of Credit Schedule ) setting out the then current Lenders and their Commitments, and this will replace the immediately preceding Appendix 2 that was in effect. Any Adjusted Letter of Credit Schedule provided pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be effective; provided that : (i) the adjusted aggregate Participation Amounts (as defined in each case in the relevant Letter of Credit) are no less than the aggregate Participation Amounts (as defined in each case in the relevant Letter of Credit) under the former Appendix 2; and (ii) it is dated and includes the reference number of this Letter of Credit.
3. Liability of Lenders
The liability of the Lenders under this Letter of Credit is several and not joint and neither we (as the Issuing Agent or the Lender) nor any Lender shall be liable for the failure of any other Lender to perform its obligations under the Letter of Credit.
4. Expiration
(a) Each Lender will be released from its obligations under this Letter of Credit on the date (if any) notified by the Beneficiary to the Issuing Agent as the date upon which the obligations of each Lender under this Letter of Credit are released.
(b) Unless previously released under paragraph 4(a) above, at 3.30 pm (London time) on the Expiry Date the obligations of each Lender under this Letter of Credit will cease with no further liability on the part of any Lender except for any Demand validly presented under the Letter of Credit before 3.30 pm (London time) on the Expiry Date that remains unpaid.
(c) When the Lenders are no longer under any further obligations under this Letter of Credit, the Beneficiary must return the original of this Letter of Credit to the Issuing Agent.
5. Liability of the Issuing Agent
This Letter of Credit is signed by the Issuing Agent solely as agent and mandatario con rappresentanza for the Lenders and the Issuing Agent makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, concerning, and accepts no responsibility for the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of this Letter of Credit or concerning its power to enter into this Letter of Credit on behalf of any Lender (except for itself as a Lender) and, accordingly, it shall not be liable for any cost, loss or expense sustained or incurred by the Beneficiary as a result of any present or future total or partial invalidity, illegality or unenforceability affecting this Letter of Credit or the failure of any Lender (except for itself as a Lender, if applicable) to be bound by its terms.
6. Payments
All payments under this Letter of Credit shall be made by wire transfer in [] and for value on or before the Due Date for the Demand under which such payment was demanded to the following account
Name: []
Account number: []
Bank: []
7. Delivery of Demand
Each Demand shall be in writing, and, unless otherwise stated, may be made by letter or fax. All Demands must be presented to the Issuing Agent in legible form at the following address and addressed to the department stated below:
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
London Trade Services Centre,
PO Box 66891,
Aldgate Union,
10 Whitechapel High Street,
London E1W 9FQ
FAO: The Centre Manager
Any Demand shall be deemed to be received by the Issuing Agent (i) if sent by fax, at the date and time received by the Issuing Agent in legible form ( provided that an original is received by post or hand within two (2) Business Days thereafter); and (ii) if sent by post or hand, when the Demand is delivered. For the purposes of this paragraph, signature of a couriers proof of delivery shall be sufficient evidence of delivery.
8. Assignment and Transfer
The Beneficiarys rights under this Letter of Credit may not be assigned or transferred.
9. ISP
Except to the extent it is inconsistent with the express terms of this Letter of Credit, this Letter of Credit is subject to the International Standby Practices (ISP 98), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590.
10. Third Parties
This Letter of Credit shall not confer any benefit on or be enforceable by anyone other than the Beneficiary.
11. Governing Law
For any matter not regulated by ISP 98, this Letter of Credit and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by [English] [New York] law.
12. Jurisdiction
The courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Letter of Credit (including a dispute relating to any non-contractual obligation arising out of or in connection with this Letter of Credit).
Yours faithfully |
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for and on behalf of |
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[Names of all Lenders] |
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By: |
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The Issuing Agent |
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APPENDIX 1
FORM OF DEMAND
To: [ Issuing Agent ]
[ Date ]
Ladies and Gentlemen
Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No. [ ] issued in favour of [Beneficiary] (Letter of Credit)
We refer to the Letter of Credit. Terms defined in the Letter of Credit have the same meaning when used in this Demand.
1. We certify that the Applicant has failed to pay the sum of [ ] when due under the Contract. We therefore demand payment of the sum of [ ].
2. Payment should be made to the account specified in the Letter of Credit as follows:
3. Name:
a. Account number: []
b. Bank: []
4. The date of this Demand is not later than the Expiry Date.
Yours faithfully
(Authorised Signatory) |
(Authorised Signatory) |
For
[Beneficiary]
APPENDIX 2
Irrevocable Standby Letter Credit No. [ ] (Letter of Credit)
Name and Address of Lender |
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Participation Percentage |
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Total |
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SCHEDULE 11
AGENTS DETAILS
Notices to the Agent and the Issuing Agent
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
250 Bishopsgate
London, EC2M 4AA
United Kingdom
Attention: Natalie Brown
email: Natalie.Brown@rbs.com
Tel: +44 20 3361 1101
Notices to the Swingline Agent:
KeyBank National Association
127 Public Square
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
US
Attention: Matthew Bradley / Kathy Koenig
email: matthew_j_bradley@keybank.com / Kathy_koenig@keybank.com
Tel: +1 216 689 3270 / +1 216 813 4814
SCHEDULE 12
ORIGINAL BORROWERS DETAILS
Notices to GTECH:
GTECH S.p.A.
Via del Campo Boario 19
00156 Rome
Italy
Attention: Treasury Department
Facsimile: 00 39 06 51894205
Notices to GTECH Corporation:
GTECH Corporation
GTECH Center
10 Memorial Boulevard
Providence, RI 02903-1125
USA
Attention: Treasury Department
Facsimile: 001-401-392-4951
SCHEDULE 13
AGREED SECURITY PRINCIPLES
1. SECURITY PRINCIPLES
1.1 The Security to be provided pursuant to Clause 28.23 ( Security following Debt Ratings decrease ) will be given in accordance with these agreed security principles and the limitations set forth in Clauses 24.11 ( Limitations on US Guarantees ) to 24.13 ( Guarantee Limitations applicable to GTECH as Parent ) (the Agreed Security Principles ). This Schedule addresses the manner in which the Agreed Security Principles will impact on the guarantees and Security proposed to be taken pursuant to Clause 28.23 ( Security following Debt Rating decrease ) or Clause 28.24 ( Guarantor Threshold Test and Additional Guarantors ). Terms defined in Clause 28.23 ( Security following Debt Ratings decrease ) or Clause 28.24 ( Guarantor Threshold Test and Additional Guarantors ) shall have the same meaning where used in this Schedule.
1.2 The Security Principles embody a recognition by all parties that there may be certain legal and practical difficulties in obtaining effective guarantees and security from members of the Group in the relevant jurisdictions of incorporation. In particular:
(a) general statutory limitations, financial assistance, corporate benefit, fraudulent preference, tax restrictions or costs, retention of title claims and similar principles may limit the ability of a member of the Group to provide Security or any guarantee or may require that the Security or guarantee be limited by an amount or otherwise;
(b) a key factor in determining whether or not Security shall be taken or the extent of its perfection is the applicable cost (including but not limited to adverse effects on interest deductibility and stamp duty, notarisation and registration fees) which shall not be disproportionate to the benefit to the Lenders of obtaining such Security. In particular, the Parties acknowledge that Imposta Sostitutiva pursuant to article 15 and subsequent of Italian Presidential Decree No. 601/1973 as amended and supplemented from time to time will not be available with respect to the Agreement. Accordingly, Security that requires payment of an ad valorem registration tax on the amount of the Secured obligations will not be taken subject to paragraph (c) below;
(c) the maximum guaranteed or secured amount may be limited to minimise stamp duty, notarisation, registration or other applicable fees, taxes and duties where the benefit of increasing the guaranteed or secured amount is disproportionate to the level of such fee, taxes and duties;
(d) where there is material incremental cost involved in creating Security over assets owned by an Obligor in a particular category the principle stated at paragraph 1.2(b)above shall apply and, subject to the Agreed Security Principles, only the material assets in that category shall be subject to Security;
(e) it is acknowledged that in certain jurisdictions it may be either impossible or impractical to create Security over certain categories of assets in which event Security will not be taken over such assets;
(f) any assets subject to third party arrangements which may prevent those assets from being charged will be excluded from any relevant Security Document; provided that such third party arrangements are permitted under this Agreement and provided that the consent of
that third part has been requested. In particular, in certain circumstances, the granting of Security over the shares of a member of the Group which holds a gaming license or concession will require the prior consent of the relevant gaming or licensing authority. No guarantee or assurance can be given in such respect;
(g) members of the Group will not be required to enter into Security Documents or guarantees if the same would conflict with the fiduciary duties of the directors (or other officers) of the relevant member of the Group or contravene any legal prohibition or would result in (or in a material risk of) personal or criminal liability on the part of any director (or other officer) of any member of the Group; provided that the relevant member of the Group shall use reasonable endeavours to overcome any such obstacle;
(h) members of the Group will not be required to enter into Security Documents or guarantees if the same would conflict with the terms of any applicable shareholder agreements or if the granting of the relevant Security or guarantee would be prohibited for regulatory reasons;
(i) no Joint Venture shall be required to become a Guarantor nor shall any member of the Group be required to grant Security over any interest in any Joint Venture;
(j) the granting of Security or the perfection of the Security granted will not be required if it would restrict the ability of the relevant member of the Group to conduct its operations and business in the ordinary course as otherwise permitted by the Finance Documents. Accordingly, no Security shall be granted over bank accounts or insurance policies of members of the Group;
(k) to the extent possible and without prejudice to the rights of the Finance Parties, all Security shall be given in favour of a security agent and not the Finance Parties individually; Parallel debt provisions will be used where necessary, subject to applicable law. Where Security is granted in respect of more than one instrument or category of creditor of Pari Passu Indebtedness, there shall be a single security agent or trustee appointed in respect of each relevant Security Document and customary intercreditor arrangements shall be entered into between the relevant creditors of the Pari Passu Indebtedness setting out, inter alia , a common waterfall on enforcement and customary security agent or trustee protections; and
(l) with regard to Security over any intercompany notes, the fact they are secured shall not prevent the relevant debtors from repaying or prepaying or otherwise discharging the relevant outstandings at any time prior to the taking of any action pursuant to Clause 29.16 ( Acceleration ).
1.3 The Parent need only perform its obligations to procure that any member of the Group becomes an Additional Guarantor or to procure the granting of Security over its shares or other ownership interests if: (i) it is not unlawful for the relevant person to become a Guarantor and that person becoming a Guarantor would not result in personal liability for that persons directors or other management, and (ii) the guarantee would have some economic value having regard to corporate benefit and other relevant restrictions applicable to the person granting the guarantee. Each Obligor must use, and must procure that the relevant person uses, all reasonable endeavours lawfully available to avoid any such unlawfulness or personal liability. This includes agreeing to a limit on the amount guaranteed. The Agent may (but shall not be obliged to) agree to such a limit if, in its opinion, to do so would avoid the relevant unlawfulness or personal liability. The Agent and the relevant Additional Guarantor (each acting reasonably and on the basis of the advice of their respective local counsel) may agree to other limitations for the purpose of avoiding any obstacle to the grating of an additional guarantee.
2. TERMS OF SECURITY DOCUMENTS
2.1 The following principles will be reflected in the terms of any Security taken:
(a) Security will not be enforceable until an Event of Default has occurred and notice of acceleration has been given by the Agent under this Agreement;
(b) the Security Documents should only operate to create Security rather than to impose new commercial obligations; accordingly, they should not contain additional representations, warranties, undertaking and indemnities, unless these are (i) required to be included in any Security Document for the validity and enforceability of the Security Documents or (ii) are the same as or consistent with those contained in this Agreement;
(c) until an Event of Default has occurred and notice of acceleration has been given by the Agent under this Agreement, pledgors of shares in Obligors shall be permitted to retain and to exercise voting rights to any shares pledged by them in a manner which does not adversely affect the validity or enforceability of the Security or cause an Event of Default to occur and the Obligors shall be permitted to pay dividends on pledged shares to the pledgors and the pledgors shall be entitled to retain such dividends to the extent permitted under this Agreement;
(d) any accounts receivable which, if charged, such charge would be prohibited by anti-assignment provisions of contracts or applicable law or would breach the terms of any contract relating to such accounts receivable or would be a default or event of default under the relevant contract or entitle the counterparty to the relevant contract a right to terminate the relevant contract will be excluded from any relevant Security Document; provided that the consent of that counterparty has been sought;
(e) notification to debtors of Security over accounts receivable will only be given if an Event of Default has occurred and notice of an acceleration has been given by the Agent under this Agreement;
(f) security over any loan or note intercompany receivables will be perfected upon execution of the Security Document either by virtue of notification to debtors or by acknowledgement in writing by such debtor (as may be required by local law to perfect such Security) subject to no adverse tax consequences;
(g) the Finance Parties should only be able to exercise any power of attorney granted to them under the Security Documents following the occurrence of an Event of Default in respect of which notice of acceleration has been given by the Agent under this Agreement or material failure to comply with a written request to fulfil a further assurance or perfection obligation;
(h) the Security Documents shall not operate so as to prevent transactions which are permitted under this Agreement or to require additional consents or authorisations;
(i) unless the restriction is required by law, the constitutional documents of the Obligors whose shares have been pledged will be amended to remove any restriction on the transfer or the registration of the transfer of the shares on enforcement of the Security granted over them. If the pledging of shares of an Obligor under the Agreed Security Principles requires the
prior consent of any gaming or licensing authority, the Parent shall use its commercial reasonable efforts to obtain such consent in a reasonable time frame; and
(j) in furtherance of Clause 24.11 ( Limitations on US Guarantees ),
(i) no member of the Group that is a CFC will have any obligation or liability, directly or indirectly, to grant Security with respect to any US Obligation;
(ii) not more than sixty-five per cent. (65%) of the stock or other equity interests (measured by the total combined voting power of the issued and outstanding voting stock or other equity interests) of, and none of the assets or property of, a person that is a CFC will be required to be pledged directly or indirectly as security for any US Obligations; and
(iii) no member of the Group shall grant any Security for the obligations of a US Borrower if (a) such member of the Group is a related person (as defined in Section 267(b) or Section 707(b) of the Code) to such US Borrower, (b) such member of the Group is not a United States person (as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) and (c) such US Borrower does not own a controlling interest (as defined in Section 163(j) of the Code) in such member of the Group, to the extent such guarantee or pledge would cause such US Borrower to be disallowed, for US federal or state income tax purposes, a deduction (or any portion thereof) for interest expense paid that could otherwise have been utilised.
3. FIRST RANKING SECURITY
3.1 Subject to the due execution of all relevant Security Documents, completion of relevant perfection formalities within statutorily prescribed time limits, payment of all registration fees and documentary taxes, any other rights arising by operation of law, and any qualifications contained in any legal opinion delivered under this Agreement, the Agent shall (in the case of those Security Documents creating pledges of shares in an Obligor) obtain a first priority valid pledge of the shares in issue at any time in that Obligor which are owned by another Obligor. Such Security Document shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which such Obligor whose shares are being pledged is formed.
3.2 It is further acknowledged that pursuant to each Security Document (or, if applicable, this Agreement) any costs, fees, taxes or other amounts payable in connection with any re-taking, renotarisation, perfection, presentation, novation or re-registration of any Security or any interest in any Finance Document in connection with an assignment or transfer by any Lender shall be borne by the applicable Lender.
SCHEDULE 14
FORM OF AFFIDAVIT
COVER PAGE
Claim for the refund, exemption or application of the reduced tax rate on income paid to non-residents
Conventions for the avoidance of double taxation |
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o dividends (FORM A) |
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o interest (FORM B) |
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o royalties (FORM C) |
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o other income (FORM D) |
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EU Directives |
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o parent-subsidiary tax regime dir. 90/435/EEC (FORM E) |
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o interest and royalty tax regime dir. 2003/49/EC (FORM F) |
o DETAILS OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNER
COVER PAGE
o DETAILS OF THE LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE
o OTHER CO-BENEFICIARIES OF THE INCOME FOR WHICH REFUND IS BEING REQUESTED
COVER PAGE
o DETAILS OF THE PROXY APPOINTED TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION (IF PRESENT) (3)
PAYMENT METHOD (for refunds) |
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FINANCIAL ISTITUTION: |
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BANK ACCOUNT HOLDER (4) |
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(if part of the Economic and Monetary Union): BIC (5) IBAN |
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(if outside the Economic and Monetary Union) (6) : BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS |
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ADDRESS OF THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION |
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SIGNATURE |
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ATTACHMENTS: |
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(3) Attach the original copy of the relative power of attorney
(4) If the beneficiary uses a proxy for the payment, fill in the application with the bank account of the proxy. For powers of attorney released abroad, the original copy with translation must be sent to Centro Operativo di Pescara. If the proxy for the collection is also the proxy for the submission of the application and/or for making the requested declarations, only one original copy with translation is required.
(5) If Economic and Monetary Union: the BIC code is mandatory.
(6) If not Economic and Monetary Union: the BIC code is an alternative to the address of the financial institutions.
FORM B - INTEREST
o EXEMPTION/APPLICATION OF THE TAX RATE PROVIDED BY THE CONVENTION
o REFUND
Article of the Convention for the avoidance of double taxation between Italy and
ITALIAN INTEREST PAYER
Person |
Surname Name / Business Name |
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Italian TIN |
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Residence |
Full address |
DEPOSITARY BANK (FOR CUSTODY OF SECURITIES)
Legal Person |
Business Name |
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Italian TIN |
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Residence |
Full address |
DESCRIPTION OF THE INTEREST RECEIVED
Payment date |
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Amount of
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Amount of the
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Applicable tax
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Amount of the
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Requested
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TOTAL |
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DECLARATION OF THE BENEFICIARY OR ITS AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE (7)
The undersigned acting as
Declares
· to reside / that the entity is resident in pursuant to the Convention with for the tax period / periods ;
· to be / that the entity above mentioned is the beneficial owner of the interest;
· not to have / that the above mentioned entity does not have a permanent establishment or a fixed base in Italy to which the income effectively connects;
o to be / that the above mentioned entity is subject to tax for the specified interest in the Country of residence;
o NOT to be / that the above mentioned entity is NOT subject to tax for the specified interest in the Country of residence (explain the reasons for exemption) ;
· to comply with all other necessary requirement for applying the benefits granted by the Convention regarding the income received;
· that all information in this declaration is correct and complete, and that the undersigned shall communicate if one or more of the requirements described above ceases to be, as well as of any variations in the supplied data and information.
Requests
o exemption from Italian tax or application within the limits provided by the mentioned Convention;
o refund of taxes regarding the income specified above;
· that the refund should be made according to the payment methods specified on the cover page.
Place and date |
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Signature |
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(7) The authorised representative is the delegated person authorised to submit the application and/or supply the declarations requested by the Convention on behalf of the beneficial owner (see cover page), on the basis of the document that grants the relative power of representation (the original copy of which must be attached).
CERTIFICATION OF THE TAX AUTHORITY
The Tax Authority of certifies that for the tax period/s the beneficiary
described above is resident in according to Article of the Convention with Italy and that the declarations given in this form are true to the best of the knowledge of this Tax administration.
Date |
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Signature and Office stamp |
SCHEDULE 15
FORM OF SUBSTITUTE AFFILIATE LENDER DESIGNATION NOTICE
To: [The Royal Bank of Scotland plc] (as Agent) for itself and each of the other parties to the Facilities Agreement referred to below.
Cc: [The Parent]
From: [Designating Lender] (the Designating Lender )
Dated: []
Ladies and Gentlemen
GTECH Senior Facilities Agreement
dated 4 November 2014 (the Facilities Agreement)
1. We refer to the Facilities Agreement. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meaning in this Designation Notice.
2. We hereby designate our [Affiliate/Facility Office] details of which are given below as a Substitute [Affiliate Lender/Facility Office] in respect of [details of the Utilisation or Utilisations] required to be advanced to [specify name of borrower or refer to all borrowers in a particular jurisdiction etc.] ( Designated Loans ).
3. The details of the Substitute [Affiliate Lender/Facility Office] are as follows:
Name:
Facility Office:
Fax Number:
Attention:
Jurisdiction of Incorporation:
4. [By countersigning this notice below the Designated Affiliate Lender agrees to become a Designated Affiliate Lender in respect of Designated Loans as indicated above and agrees to be bound by the terms of the Facilities Agreement accordingly.]
5. This Designation Notice and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by English law.
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For and on behalf of |
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[Designating Lender] |
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We acknowledge and agree to the terms of the above. |
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For and on behalf of |
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[Substitute Affiliate Lender] |
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We acknowledge the terms of the above. |
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For and on behalf of |
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The [Agent] [and the Security Agent] |
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Dated |
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SCHEDULE 16
SELF DECLARATION FORM
The undersigned [Lenders legal representative], domiciled at [Lenders legal representative address], legal representative of [Lenders Name], with its registered office at [Lenders registered address]
CONSIDERING THAT
pursuant to article 26, paragraph 5-bis, of Presidential Decree No. 600 of 29 September 1973 as amended by article 22 of Law Decree No. 91 of 24 June 2014, converted into law by Law No. 144 of 11 August 2014, and Article 10, paragraph 2, of Law Decree No. 133 dated 12 September 2014 no Italian withholding tax applies to interest payments made by Italian entities to:
· Credit institutions established in a EU Member State;
· Insurance companies incorporated in a EU Member State and authorised under the legislative provisions of a EU Member State;
· Collective investment founds established in a EU Member State or in a EEA Member State included within the list provided by article 168-bis of Italian Presidential Decree No. 917 of 22 December 1986, as amended and implemented from time to time, to the extent they do not make recourse to leverage debt financing ( non fanno ricorso alla leva finanziaria );
· Entities listed under Article 2, paragraph 5, numbers from 4) to 23), of Directive 2013/36/EU.
DECLARES
(Please check one of the following three boxes, if applicable)
· That [Lenders Name] is a credit institution established in a EU Member State.
· That [lenders Name] is an insurance company incorporated in a EU Member State and authorized under the legislative provisions of a EU Member State.
· That [Lenders Name] is a collective investment found established in a EU Member State or in a EEA Member State including within the list provided by article 168-bis of Italian Presidential Decree nr. 917 of 22 December 1986, as amended and implemented from time to time, to the extent it does not make recourse to leverage debt financing.
· That [Lenders Name] is an entities listed under Article 2, paragraph 5, numbers from 4) to 23), of Directive 2013/36/EU.
and as such is entitled to receive interest payments under the US$1,500,000,000 and 850,000,000 Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facilities for GTECH Corporation and GTECH S.p.A without the application of any tax deduction to interest payments made by Italian entities.
Place and date of signature |
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Signature of Legal Representative of |
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[Name and Surname] |
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[Title] |
SIGNATORIES
The Parent |
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GTECH S.P.A. |
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By: CLAUDIO DEMOLLI |
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The Original Borrowers |
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GTECH S.P.A. |
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By: CLAUDIO DEMOLLI |
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GTECH CORPORATION |
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By: CLAUDIO DEMOLLI |
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The Original Guarantors |
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GTECH S.P.A. |
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By: CLAUDIO DEMOLLI |
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GTECH CORPORATION |
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By: CLAUDIO DEMOLLI |
Global Coordinators, Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers |
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J.P. MORGAN LIMITED |
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By: MICHAEL HOLLAND, NIA HORNE |
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MEDIOBANCA BANCA DI CREDITO |
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FINANZIARIO S.P.A. |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers |
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BANCA IMI S.P.A |
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By: ALESSANDRA CAPOZZI |
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BARCLAYS BANK PLC |
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By: ROBERT AZURDIA, SINEAD HARRIS |
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BNP PARIBAS, SUCCURSALE ITALIA |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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CRÉDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK, MILAN BRANCH |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
CREDIT SUISSE AG, MILAN BRANCH |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED |
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By: LUCY DEVLIN |
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DEUTSCHE BANK LUXEMBOURG S.A. |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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J.P. MORGAN LIMITED |
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By: MICHAEL HOLLAND |
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ING BANK N.V. MILAN BRANCH |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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MEDIOBANCA - BANCA DI CREDITO FINANZIARIO S.P.A |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC |
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By: JOSEP BUADES |
SCOTIABANK EUROPE PLC |
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By: STEVE CALLER, JOHN OCONNOR |
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SOCIETE GENERALE |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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UNICREDIT BANK AG, MILAN BRANCH |
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By: |
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UNICREDIT BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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Mandated Lead Arrangers |
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BANCA POPOLARE DI MILANO S.C.A.R.L |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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FIFTH THIRD |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
UBI BANCA S.C.P.A. |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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WELLS FARGO BANK, NA |
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By: KEITH W ENDERSON |
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Arrangers |
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BANCO POPOLARE S.C., LONDON BRANCH |
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By: DARIO MANCINI, PETER SOULSBY |
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KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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Agent |
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THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC |
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By: JOSEP BUADES |
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Issuing Agent |
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THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC |
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By: JOSEP BUADES |
Swingline Agent |
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KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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Original Lenders |
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BARCLAYS BANK PLC |
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By: ROBERT AZURDIA, SINEAD HARRIS |
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BARCLAYS BANK PLC, MILAN BRANCH |
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By: ROBERT AZURDIA, SINEAD HARRIS |
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BNP PARIBAS, SUCCURSALE ITALIA |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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CITIBANK, N.A. |
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By: LUCY DEVLIN |
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CRÉDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK, MILAN BRANCH |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
CRÉDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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CREDIT SUISSE AG, MILAN BRANCH |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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DEUTSCHE BANK LUXEMBOURG S.A. |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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ING BANK N.V. MILAN BRANCH |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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INTESA SANPAOLO S.P.A |
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By: ALESSANDRA CAPOZZI |
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INTESA SANPAOLO S.P.A NYC BRANCH |
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By: ALESSANDRA CAPOZZI |
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JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH |
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By: MICHAEL HOLLAND |
JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. |
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By: MICHAEL HOLLAND |
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JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., MILAN BRANCH |
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By: MICHAEL HOLLAND |
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MEDIOBANCA INTERNATIONAL (LUXEMBOURG) S.A. |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC, MILAN BRANCH |
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By: JOSEP BUADES |
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SCOTIABANK EUROPE PLC |
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By: STEVE CALLER, JOHN OCONNOR |
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SOCIETE GENERALE PARIS |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
SOCIETE GENERALE, MILAN BRANCH |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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UNICREDIT BANK AG, MILAN BRANCH |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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UNICREDIT BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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BANCA POPOLARE DI MILANO, S.C.A.R.L |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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FIFTH THIRD |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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UBI BANCA S.C.P.A. |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
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WELLS FARGO BANK, NA |
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By: KEITH W ENDERSON |
BANCO POPOLARE S.C., LONDON BRANCH |
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By: DARIO MANCINI, PETER SOULSBY |
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KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
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By: JOSEP BUADES (ATTORNEY) |
Exhibit 10.7
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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DECREES, RESOLUTIONS AND MINISTERIAL ORDERS
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THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DECREE 7 March 1993
Act granting Lottomatica S.c.p.a. in Rome the running of the automated lottery service.
Given law No. 528 of August 02, 1982 on regulations for lottery games and measures for lottery staff; Given Law No. 85 of April 19, 1990, containing amendments to law No. 528 of August 02, 1982, regarding regulations for lottery games; Given letter m) of resolution by the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Economic Programming (CIPE) of 18 February 1993 containing (Procedures for transforming the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies into a S.p.a according to which: The Minister of Finance, notwithstanding State ownership in accordance with current laws, may license out the automated lottery service to individuals who provide suitable guarantees as to the consistency of their assets and their technical and organizational structure; Considered the opportunity of adopting a translational grant of public authorities for the automated lottery service, in accordance with the letter m) of the CIPE of 18 February 1993; Considering the licensing out of the automated lottery meets the requirements of efficiency and functionality of the service and allows for adequate protection of the Treasurys interests, achieving greater special revenue resulting from the management of the automated lotteries; Considering that grater operational function of the automated system, which derives from licensing out the service, may have favorable effects on local legality by preventing the creation of those conditions that favor illegal gambling. Considering that, on the basis of previous reasoning, in compliance with the assessment of absolute urgency made by the CIPE in adopting resolution of 18 February 1993, there is a need and urgency to implement the relative letter m); Considering that Lottomatica S.c.p.a. as a result of significant investments, is equipped with a computer system, as well proven facilities for the installation and maintenance of this system, which would minimize the costs and times for automating the lottery, with significant public interest for the related Treasury benefits. ensure, directly and through coordination, the integration and control of the activities of its associates, Considering that Lottomatica S.c.p.a., directly and through coordination, ensures the integration and the control of their associates, proven experience in the management of complex systems with widespread territorial characterization
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and provides appropriate guarantees of reliability and security in relation to the consistency of the assets and the technical/organizational structure.
Decrees:
Article 1
Subject of the concession
1. The public authority of the Ministry of Finance relating to the automated lottery service is transferred to Lottomatica S.c.p.a, within the limits of this decree. 2. As a result of the concession referred to in paragraph 1, the automated lottery service is directly organized and managed by Lottomatica S.c.p.a. 3. The methods to operating the concession are defined in this decree.
Article 2
Control and Supervision
1. The Ministry of Finance exercises the powers of control and supervision on the performance of the authorized concessions with specific reference to the exercise of the public powers transferred. 2. Such power is governed by art. 19 and 25 of this Decree
Article 3
Revocation of the concession
1. The Ministry of Finance reserves the right to terminate the concession. 2. Violation by the licensee of internal and Community regulations regarding tenders for the assignment of works and services constitutes a reason for terminating the concession. 3. The conditions and the regulation for revocation are set out in Article 26 of this Decree.
Art. 4
EU regulations
1. In contracting third parties for the carrying out of activities connected to the concession referred to in art. 1, the licensee shall comply with both national and EU legislations. 2. For the purposes of par. 1, associated or consortium partners of Lottomatica S.c.p.a. are not regarded as third parties. 3. The Minister of Finance exercise control and supervisory powers regarding the
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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compliance of the licensee reported in par. 1.
Art. 5
Calls for tenders
1. For the purpose of contracting third parties, the licensee is required to communicate in advance to the Ministry of Finance the intention to publish a call for tenders. 2. The call shall guarantee transparency, stating all application requirements, technical specs and economic provisions and the specifications of the selection procedure. 3. The public notice must report Lottomatica S.c.p.a. as the sole licensee of the Ministry of Finance. 4. The Ministry of Finance exercises control and supervision powers. 5. The selection panel is appointed by the Ministry of Finance and consists of high-rank officials of the Ministry of Finance. 6. The Chairman of the Panel is appointed by the Minister of Finance, and must be an Administrative Magistrate, with a rank higher than Member of the Council of State.
Art. 6
Duration
1. The duration of the concession is 9 years starting from the date following the publication of this decree by the Court of Auditors and the authorization of the Administration for the activation of the first draw lot. 2. The concession is divided into 3 terms: a. The activation of the service on the Sardinian territory (that is the Cagliari draw lot), to be performed by a month after the Ministerial authorization to activate such lot. b. The implementation of the service on the whole national territory, pursuant to art. 12, par. 1 of Law No. 528 of 2 August 1982, as substituted by art. 5 of Law No. 85 of 19 April 1990, to be completed by nine months after the activation of the Cagliari draw lot. c. The progressive extension of the service to new Lotto collection points pursuant to art. 12, par. 2 and 3 of Law No. 528 of 2 August 1982, as substituted by art. 5 of Law No. 85 of 19 April 1990, to be
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completed the month following the full completion of the service. 3. At its expiry date, the contract will be tacitly renewed for the same duration, unless a revocation is issued with an advance notice of at least six months before the expiry of the concession.
Art. 7
Payment of winnings
1. Winnings must be paid following the provisions approved by the Ministry of Finance and the Treasury.
Art. 8
Technical requirements
1. The venues, equipment, supplies and collaborations included in any form as part of the concession must fully comply with the executive project attached to this decree. 2. The licensee is required to carry out at its own expenses a promotional campaign, both at the beginning of the game and during its performance, using suitable media (TV, radio, newspapers, cinema). 3. The cost of the following shall be borne by the licensee: a. Provision of two original copied of the documentation of the software implemented (teleprocessing OS, terminal management and centralized activities); b. Provision of ten copies of Users Manuals including all computerized procedures; c. Training of collection points operators at all gaming venues; d. Provision of ten copies of a brochure including all instruction for the use of computerized machines intended for gamers and operators in a sufficient number (one for each machine). Printed version of any modification thereof and/or other copies; e. In general, any required material connected with the supply, preliminary check, installation, verification, functioning, maintenance and full performance of the entire system, without the Administration being required to pay any fee or cost connected in addition to the amount agreed upon, as of art. 21. 4. The supply of electric power is not included in this contract as to the functioning of the gaming stations.
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reported in the list of draw lots, as reported in art. 2, par. 1 of Law No. 528 of 2 August 1982. Such matrices are stored in safe boxes equipped with three-key locks and a control device. 3. Two officials of the Financial Administration and the Head of the relevant ICT centre keep the three keys.
Art. 13 Bet check
The validity of the bets is verified by the licensee, who is responsible for the productivity of such bets, the latter having been acquired through the prescribed and approved devices, the matrices of which are kept in the above-mentioned safe boxes.
Art. 14 Exclusion from the draw
1. The Licensee may exclude from a draw lot any bet submitted in any way not complying with the provisions stated in art. 3 of Law No. 528 of 2 August 1982, as modified by art. 1 of Law No. 85 or 19 April 1990, or is the matrices fail to include all necessary data and are not delivered to the ICT centre of the area. 2. The exclusion from the draw lot is declared by the licensee and published on the Official Journal of the draw lot area. 3. Any used may ask for a refund of the amount paid in the form of a bet for an excluded bet, within 30 days from the date of publication.
Art. 15 Validation of drawn numbers
1. The licensee shall draft the local draw lot report for each draw and send it to each collection point of the area of reference.
Art. 16 Validation of winnings and computation of the amount won
1. Based on the draws and the number of gamers, the licensee shall identify the winners, validate their winnings and calculate the amount won, based on the winning ratios and the winning forecasts for each combination provided for by the regulations in force.
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2. The licensee shall draft the local official journal including the list of the winning bets for each lot, to be transmitted to the panel for publication. 3. Each gaming venue will receive the journal for publication purposes, including the list of winnings at each venue. The data relating to the winnings gained at any other venue will be made available for reference through the terminal. 4. The data reported on the Official Journal will attest for the calculation of the taxes due and the responsibility of each licensee to pay them.
Art. 17 Activation and penalties
1. Within 15 days from the date of registration of this decree by the Court of Auditors, the Administration has the right to arrange with the licensee (and in the event of a disagreement, within 7 days) for the number and types of tests and simulations to be performed before the implementation of the Cagliari pilot draw lot. 2. Starting from the activation of the first session of the service described in art. 6, par. 2, lett. a), the computerized lotto service starts. 3. The computerized lotto service will be regarded as fully functions at the end of the second term provided for by the same article, par. 2, lett. a). 4. The dates of the two sessions are reported on the network diagram included in art. 8, par. 1, that is intended to minimize the implementation schedule. 5. If the territorial coverage is finalized later than expected, a daily penalty of 5 million liras will be applied, based on the provision of the project, except for the first ten days of delay.
Art. 18 Guarantees and penalties
1. The licensee guarantees the efficiency of the service, the high quality of materials and the equipment used for the whole duration of the concession, in addition to their correct installation and their functioning.
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2. For the whole duration of the concession, the licensee shall also guarantee a comprehensive, efficient and timely maintenance of the system, providing for any adjustment or correction of flaws which are visible while gambling, and fixing any issue reported on the machines and the terminals at all collection points, except any claim filed by third party users, caused by fraud or gross negligence. 3. Failure to fix such issues immediately and/or substitute faulty devices will result in one of the following penalties for each day after the report of such issues: a. L 300,000 ICT centre device not operational b. L 200,000 Terminal not operational c. L 100,000 Terminal partially operational. 4. At the end of a yearly contract, the penalty-related amount will be adjusted by 10%.
Art. 19 Checks and inspections
1. The Minister of Finance exercises a control and validation power, relating to the public power transferred, in order to verify the efficiency and service functionality of the computerized lotto service. 2. The Administration has the right to unilaterally perform tests and inspections, providing a communication of such activities to the licensee. 3. For particular tests and inspections that might be required during the period of concession, from time to time, special panels may be appointed by decree by the Minister of Finance. 4. For any check or inspection, the licensee is required to provide the Administration with all necessary equipment and devices of measurement, and to provide a copy of all compulsory certifications, issued by the Municipalities and the relevant institutions. 5. All the costs connected to the check and inspections activities shall be borne by the licensee, including the amounts due
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for the attainment of the above-mentioned certifications. 6. The licensee is required to provide for the fixing of any flaw or fault reported during the preliminary check and inspections, without being entitled to any additional payment.
Art. 20 Licensees specific commitments
1. For the whole duration of the concession, the licensee shall guarantee that: a. All of its share will not be transferred to new shareholders without the consent of the Ministry of Finance. The new shareholders shall, in any case, declare in written form to be willing to comply with all the commitments accepted by the licensee at the time of the concession; b. The share capital shall not be reduced without the prior consent of the Ministry of Finance; c. The Ministry of Finance must approve the appointment of the Chairman, the CEO/GD and the President of the Board of Auditors.
Art. 21 Payment or the concession
1. The concession will be paid an amount calculated based on the current VAT regulations and the following rates, by the licensee. Such payment will be made by means of the terminals after the activation of the Cagliari draw lot, based on the bets collected: 1 st rate (up to L 1,000 billion): 7.916% 2 nd rate (L 1,001-1,500 billion): 7.910% 3 rd rate (L 1,501-2,000 billion) 7.880% 4 th rate (L 2,001-3,000 billion) 7.850% 2. As for the following thousand billion, a steady reduction of 0.160% will be applied to each of the following rates. 3. Since the winnings are a form of payment that is adjusted automatically based on monetary fluctuations, no
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review is allowed. The Administration will provide no advance on the revenues.
Art. 22 Payments
1. Starting with the Cagliari draw lot, the licensee has the right to pay months, the amount of which is calculated based on the gross revenues of the bets managed by each electronic terminal during the previous month, as described in art. 21, penalty-net. 2. For the purpose of paying such amount, the licensee shall send the Administration within thirty days after the end of each month, an invoice with the monthly amount calculated according to the modalities reported in the first par. of this art., in addition to VAT is applicable. 3. The payments due to the licensee shall be made by the Administration pursuant to the provisions stated in art. 533 of the General instructions of the Treasury and by means of direct orders.
Art. 23 Guarantee deposit
1. The Administration shall deduct, as a guarantee for the contracted activities, before paying the amounts reported in art. 21, a 0.3% share of the due amount, based on the actual revenues. 2. The Administration shall pay such sum to the licensee at the end of the contract. 3. The licensee may substitute such guarantee with a bank guaranty or a first demand payment insurance guarantee, without any exception or fee to be paid for an early levy.
Art. 24 Extension of the service
1. Once the computerized lotto service is operational on the whole national territory, the progressive extension of the collection points will be performed by means of yearly plans submitted by the licensee to the Administration. 2. The drafting of such plans shall comply with the following general criteria: a. Each plan shall be submitted six months in advance for the purpose of creating an automating collection service in all venues;
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b. Four months before the implementation stage, the licensee will be provided with the list of the new collection points, including the addresses where the terminals must be installed. Failure to install all terminals will result in the postponement of the start of the activities. 3. The Administration shall exercise the right to control and inspection by approving the annual plan submitted by the licensee. 4. After thirty days since the day of acquisition by the Administration, the plan is to be regarded as approved. The term is suspended if the Administration required legal or technical specifications. 5. Each working day of delay with respect to the planned scheduling will result in a L 200,000 penalty.
Art. 25 Directives and checks
1. The license shall be required to provide, by the terms agreed upon, the information and documents requested by the Administration. 2. The licensee is also required to comply with all provisions issued by the Administration on the modes of safeguarding, inspecting and control the mechanical matrices, also with the purpose of identifying the winnings. 3. The licensee shall be engaged since the very beginning to take all necessary actions to activate the winning payment service and any other service contracted based on other conditions.
Art. 26 Revocation of the concession
1. The Ministry of Finance may revoke the concession based on a clearly justified decision, in the following events: a. Failure to comply with the subjective requirements as described in letter m) of the CIPE resolution of 18 February 1993; b. When the exercise of public powers is performed in a non-compliant way, with regards to the Public Administrations
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interest to safeguard public interest; c. When the computerized lotto service is not efficient and functional as a whole; d. When the licensee does not comply will all national or EU regulations in contracting third parties; e. When the concession does not comply with the specific commitments of art. 20 2. If one of the previous cases applies, the Ministry of Finance will question the licensee with a formal written notice, reporting the term to settle the amount due, within 30 days. 3. The licensee shall take all necessary actions and communicate them to the Ministry of Finance. 4. If the issue is not solved, the Ministry of Finance will revoke the concession immediately.
Art 27 Employed personnel
1. The licensee is required to comply with all national regulations, both current and future, concerning the employment of personnel. 2. The licensee is required to comply, in the contractualization of the personnel involved in the carrying out of activities included in the concession, such as the implementation of parts of the system, the general organization of maintenance activities, the functioning of each centre, and in general, any activity connected to the contract, (and as for cooperative, such provisions apply also to their members), the minimum requirements of the national collective labor agreements approved at the date of the contract for the categories involved. Also, following amendments to such agreements will apply. The licensee will do its best to make sure that the personnel involved is not paid less that a person employed by the Administration, carrying out similar activities. 3. The licensee shall continue to apply such collective agreements also after the end of the contract and until they are amended. 4. The above-mentioned obligations bind the licensee also in the event that the licensee is not a member or is a former |
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member of the Trade unions that approved the agreement implemented in the first place. Regardless of the rights deriving from the contract with the Administration, the licensee shall be responsible for the full compliance of the provisions of this article, even if, with or without the consent of the Administration, contract activities have been assigned to other contracted companies.
Art. 28 Patents and IPRs
1. The Administration will not be responsible for the unauthorized use of sole-right patented technical solutions or devices, the property of which is held by others. 2. The licensee shall release the Administration from any liability connected to any claim, loose or damages filed by the proprietor, and all costs, expenses or responsibility attached to them as a result of a claim connected to the infringement of IPRs or unauthorized use of Italian or foreign brand. 3. The licensee shall provide its consent so as to release the Administration from any liability, as reported in art. 111, par. 3 of the Italian Code of Civil Procedure.
Art. 29 Final concession requirements
1. At the end of the concession, for any cause, and except in the event of an extension or renewal, the licensee shall transfer to the Administration, upon request and free of charge, the property of the entire computerized system, including the terminal, including the availability of the terminals at all venues, collection points, software, archives and any other item necessary for the full completion, management and implementation of the system. 2. Any transfer operations, cross-examined by the Administration and the licensee by the analysis of the relevant reports, will start during the previous ix months before the end of the contract, making sure to not compromise the integrity of the system. 3. During the six-month period, the licensee shall provide the Administration with qualified officials, who may be assisted by technical |
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experts, who will provide information and useful data to facilitate the transfer of management. 4. All the studies, computerized procedures and documentation made by the licensee per the fulfillment of all contracted requirements, will remain at the disposal of the Administration free of charge. 5. In order to avoid any interruption on the functioning of the automated system, the Administration may appoint itself 8or ask for the licensee to appoint it) as the manager of part of the management contracts. 6. At the end of any transfer operation, the active and passive labor contracts between the Administration and the licensee will be settles. The licensee shall define all work contracts and settle the amount due by the Administration.
Art. 30 Arbitration clause
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1. Any dispute arising between the financial Administration and the licensee on the interpretation and implementation of this concession are filed to an arbitration panel, consisting of three members, one of which is appointed by the central Administration, one by the licensee and one, being a President, appointed jointly by the parties, or, failing to do so, the President of the State Council. 2. The panel shall decide according to the Law.
This degree will be transmitted to the Court of Auditors for registration purposes.
Rome, 17 march 1993
The Minister: REVIGLIO Registered at the Count of Auditors on 15 November 1993 Registry No. 24 Finanze, Page No. 72
97AO238
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I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Ministry of Finance dated January 11, 1995, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series No. 12 dated 16.1.1997.
It consists of seven pages.
Rome, November 26, 2008
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Round rubber stamp: DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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APOSTILLE |
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(The Hague Convention of October 5, 1961) |
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1. Country: ITALY |
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This public deed |
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2. has been signed by IGNAZIO DE FRANCHIS |
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3. acting in his capacity as NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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4. is accompanied by the seal/stamp of the NOTARY |
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Certified |
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5. in Rome 6. on 03 DEC 2008 |
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7. by the PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ROME |
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8. with number 4089/2 |
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9. seal/stamp of the Legalization office |
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10. Signature |
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PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC C/O ROME |
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LEGALIZATIONS OFFICE |
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THE LEGALIZATIONS OFFICIAL |
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Dr. Ferdinando Correale |
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[handwritten] OMISSIS |
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DECREE 8 November 1993
Act granting Lottomatica S.c.p.a. in Rome the running of the automated lottery service
THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Given law No. 528 of August 2, 1982 on regulations for lottery games and measures for lottery staff; Given Law No. 85 of April 19, 1990, containing amendments to law No. 528 of August 2, 1981, regarding regulations for lottery games; Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 303 of August 7, 1990 which approved the regulation for the application and execution of |
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law no. 528 of August 2, 1982 and No. 85 of April 19, 1990;
Given art. 7, par. 3 of the LD No. 47 of 1 February 1992, and No. 244 of 26 March 1992, and No. 298 and art. 1 of Law No. 75 of 24 March 1993;
Given let. m) of the Resolution of the Inter-ministerial Panel for economic planning (CIPE) of 18 February 1993;
Given art. 14 of the LD No. 333 of 11July 1992, as converted into Law No. 359 of 8 August 1992;
Given the ministerial degree on 14 June 1992 that provided for the publication of the call for tenders to the Lottomatica consortium, by which Lottomatica was appointed as the manager of the computerized lotto service system; Given the ministerial decree of 23 November 191, registered by the Court of Auditors on 7 January 1992, No. 1 Finanze, page 143, by which the contract signed on 22 November 1991 was signed, Reg. No. 3972, with the above-mentioned consortium. Given the ministerial decree No. 13950/Gab. Of 6 November 1992 by which the above-mentioned appointment and concession agreements were terminated ex tunc , in compliance with the resolution of the Chairman of the Court of Justice of the EC N. C. 272/91 of 31 January 1992 and No. C. 272/91 R f 12 June 1992, for the alleged infringement by the EEC of some regulations of the EEC Treaty; Given the ministerial decree No. 4832/Gab of 17 March 1993, by means of which, pursuant to the resolution of the Inter-ministerial panel for economic planning (CIPE) on 18 February 1993, concerning the Procedures for the conversion of a joint-stock company into a State Monopoly Company, the transfer of public power was carried out to allow the newly founded Lottomatica S.c.p.a. to acquire the management of the computerized lotto system; Given the note of 17 March 1993, by means of which Lottomatica committed to comply with all regulations for the purpose of exercising the concession granted with MD No. 4832/Gab. of 17 March 1993. Whereas the above-mentioned decree of 17 March 1993 was implemented for the purpose of starting the process for the creation of a computerized lotto system, and that its efficient and functional management provides for the protection and promotion of tax State revenues, and an increase of resources, and it may have a favorable effect of public order, hindering the thrive of illicit gambling; Considering that Lottomatica S.c.p.a. underlines the requirements for the effective and efficient implementation of the service that, following the major investments made in the sector, benefits from an ICT organizational system and a
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structure responsible for the installation, management and maintenance of said system; Whereas, following the ideas voiced by the Regioneria Centrale of the Ministry of Finance with note No. 8967 of 14 April 1993, relating to the granting decree on 17 March 1993, a panel was appointed by decree No. 7364/Gab. of 30 April 1993, in order to examine all legal aspects of the Regioneria, and to evaluate, through an in-depth analysis of contract-related costs and the cost-benefit ratio regarding the service quality level, with a possible review of said costs; Given the report submitted by the above-mentioned panel, underscoring the results of the analysis conducted on the judicial and economic aspects of the contract signed with Lottomatica; Considering the opportunity to provide for the modification, based on the conclusions of the Panel, and the integration of the deed signed by Lottomatica S.c.p.a., as specified in the ministerial decree of 17 March 1993; Whereas: a) The Ministry of Finance reserves the right to hold the power to define the level of investments in the promotions and advertising that the licensee must perform, considering the role played by these activities in terms of public interest, for the balanced development of all public games, such as lotto; b) There is a possibility to develop the dedicated communication network, to be made by Lottomatica, into a Itapac network, if they enjoy the same efficiency, functionality, security, and result in a reduction of costs, guaranteeing the same level of stability and system security; c) Regarding the right to decide the level of investment in promotion and advertising, and the cuts in costs connected to the use of the Itapac network, the amount to be paid to the licensee is to be calculated, and will be based on the volume generated by the users of each gaming venue. d) In the future, a more precise definition of the implementation procedures of the system is to be provided.
Considering the need for a higher value that the Italian State attaches to the full compliance with the obligations deriving from the membership of the EEC, making sure that the provisions governing the granting of State concessions do not lash with current EC Treaty provisions;
Considering the afore-mentioned considerations as submitted by the count of Auditors with Note No. 664 of 18 October 1993; |
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DOES HEREBY DECREE:
Art. 1
1. Art. 1 par. 6 of MD No. 832/Gab. of 17 March 1993 is substituted by the following par.: 6. The Chairman of the Panel, appointed by the Minister of Finance, must be a high-rank magistrate, and may also be retired.
Art. 2
1. Art 8 par. 2 of MD No. 4832/Gab. of 17 March 1993 is revoked
Art. 3
This par. is added: Art. 8-bis. Investments in the promotion and advertising of the game of lotto
1. The Administration reserves the right to defined, on the basis of the public interest reported in the premises, the level of investment in the promotion and advertising that licensee will be required to make. 2. By the 30 th of April of each year, Lottomatica shall send by registered post to the Ministry of Finance the proposed investment in promotion and advertising, deemed necessary to the following year, varying between 5 to 15% of the remuneration accrued during the previous year. 3. The Ministry of Finance shall send by registered mail, within thirty days from the acquisition of the concession application, its acceptance to the proposal or shall indicate, on the basis of the public interest connected to the development of a single State gaming system, the level of investment to be made as part of the concession. 4. In the event that the Minister of Finance makes no communication by the afore-mentioned term, the proposal shall be deemed accepted, without any other document being needed.
Art. 4 This par. is added: Art. 9-bis. ICT network 1. Lottomatica shall start a provisional service for the computerized lotto service, using a system that is already implemented, based on the use of an ICT dedicated network as described by the technical project. 2. Lottomatica must carry out, in collaboration with Sip and in compliance with the decisions taken by the Ministry of Finance, |
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within 90 days since the start of the concession period, an experimental stage when the Itapac network will be tested, as a secondary line in a significant part of the territory. 3. At the end of the experimental stage, and based on the results of the evaluation of the Ministry of Finance regarding the opportunity for the progressively high use of the Itapac network, Lottomatica shall use the Itapac network directly as a secondary line on the whole Italian territory, by migrating the system already in place. The payment will therefore be reduced as provided for by art. 21 par. 4. The experimentation and migration will be performed under the technical guidance of the Ministry of finance. 4. If the Itapac service is also enhanced and it is possible to also absorb the management of the primary network, within three years since the date of this decree, in the light of the investments made and necessary, such investment shall be made by the Ministry of Finance and the licensee the scheduling will be revised, including the system migration (incl. primary network) to the Itapac network, based on digit circuits, instead of analogical ones, and the reduction of payments, proportional to the possible cuts.
Art. 5 This par. is added: Art. 8-ter. Employed personnel
1. The companies associated to the licensee during the performance of the concession, shall employ qualified staff, with a professional profile equivalent to those reported in the operational project, attached to MD No. 4832/Gab. of 17 March 1993. The licensee is nonetheless fully responsible for the execution of all planned actions. 2. All studies, the computerized procedures incl. software, applications, software developed by the licensee based on specific needs incl. the relevant documentation made by the licensee for the carrying out of all contract activities, also for supply contracts, will be property of the Administration as to art. 29.
Art. 6 1. The first par. of art. 10 of the MD no. 4832/Gab of 17 March 1993 is substituted by the following: 1. As for the carrying out of contracted activities, the licensee in the event of operative needs requiring specific specializations by acquiring full responsibility and, in any case, being |
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responsible for the execution of all activities, may employ external experts or professionals, who enjoy technical skills and expertise to guarantee top quality activities, under cost-effective conditions.
Art. 7 1. After par. 2 of art 10 of MD no. 4832/Gab of 17 March 1993, the following par 2-bis is added: 2-bis. The acquisition of goods and services, within the limits set by the previous paragraphs, may involve: a) Electronic central and peripheral devices, incl. base software; b) ICT networks necessary for the connection of peripheral systems to central systems, incl ICT nodes for packet switching, protocol concentrators/converters, data processing transmissions both dedicated and commuted, modems, specialized devices to be installed at central data processing centers and peripherals for the control and measurement of the network itself, and telephone service equipment; c) Accessory electronic equipment, such as optical discs, etc. And auxiliary and photo-reproduction devices; d) Furniture, office equipment (such as copiers and computers), special equipment (fire-resistant cupboards, disc boxes, trolleys and similar), technological devices (power stations, generators, fridges, etc.), various materials and accessories or the different venues, and also transports for people and goods, incl trucks for the transport of printouts and other materials; e) Maintenance of the goods reported in the afore-mentioned letters; f) Materials for the processing and management of data necessary for the central maintenance of venues and all relevant equipment, such as. Optical discs and cartridges Central printers Photo-reproduction materials Stationery Audio-visual means, didactic and illustrative materials Spare parts and materials necessary for the functioning of all plants; g) Consumables and various supplies, such as electrical power, telephones, water and similar, for the functioning of the ICT centers and their plants; |
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h) Auxiliary and support services, such as: Assistance for the installation of terminals at the gaming venues; Technical assistance; Graphics Audio-visual support Creation of information materials for the promotion and advertising of the service.
Art. 8
1. The following is added:
Art. 9-bis System implementation new games
1. The Administration acknowledges that the licensee, on 6 September 1993, submitted a feasibility report for the management of computerized lotteries and the issuing of tickets in collaboration with SIAE. 2. The licensee will modify such reports based on the feedback provided by the Administration. 3. The Ministry shall use the computerized system free of charge for the purpose above. 4. Lottomatica, upon request of the Ministry, shall bear documented marginal direct costs, for the following services and supplies: a. The use of the ICT network connecting the ICT central and peripheral centers b. The analysis and implementation of the software for the purpose of validating the winnings and managing the game from an administrative point of view c. The marketing support for the creation of new forms of immediate lotteries d. Technical assistance for the logistic preparation of the distribution network and the technical and commercial training of the sales network e. Storage of tickets at the central and peripheral warehouses managed by Lottomatica, and transport and delivery of tickets to gaming venues. 5. Lottomatica shall carry out similar activities for traditional lotteries and the selling of tickets for performances, always with documented marginal direct costs, using the ICT network and system implemented for the lotto game. 6. The publication of the afore-mentioned feasibility studies, which do not involve the definition of organizational and functional objectives of the Administration, but the |
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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actual used by the Administration of the computerized lotto service does not imply any preferential treatment to the licensee for future appointments.
Art. 9
1. Art. 18 par. 3 of the MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 march 1993 is substituted by the following:
3. Any delay in the execution of repairs will result in the following penalties:
Delayed repair and/or substitution of a terminal, per each day after the first day of failure report, L 200,000;
Delayed repair and/or substitution of intermediate devices featuring degraded performances, for each day after the first day of failure report, L 100,000 by the number of faulty terminals;
Idem, for each day of failure after the first day of failure report L 200,000 by the number of faulty terminals
Delayed repair or substitution of devices at critical ICT centers connected to the functioning of terminals, for each day of degraded functioning after the first day of failure report, L 100,000 by the number of faulty terminals;
Idem, for each day of failure after the first day of failure report L 200,000 by the number of faulty terminals
Delayed repair or substitution of devices at non-critical ICT centers connected to the functioning of terminals, for each day of delay after the first day of failure report, L 300,000.
Art 10.
1. Art. 19 par. 2 of MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 March 1993 is substituted by the following:
2. The administration has the right to act unilaterally to verify and inspect the equipment, providing a written communication to the licensee. In particular, inspections will be intended to verify:
the compliance of software applications developed within the concession with the relevant technical operational specifications, attached to the MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 march 1993; |
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the compliance with the standards described in the operational project;
the actual upload of the software on the system libraries.
Art. 11
1. Art. 21 of MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 March 1993 is substituted by the following:
Art. 21 Payment for the concession
1. As a payment calculated based on the current VAT rate, the licensee will receive an amount resulting from the following rates, applied to the gross revenues cashed by the used terminals, starting with the Cagliari draw lot:
1 st rate (up to L 1,000 billion): 6.916% 2 nd rate (L 1,001-1,500 billion): 6.910% 3 rd rate (L 1,501-2,000 billion) 6.880% 4 th rate (L 2,001-3,000 billion) 6.850% 2. As for the following thousand billion, a steady reduction of 0.160% will be applied to each rate. 3. As for the yearly level of investment in promotion and advertising that the Administration will define as reported in art. 8-bis, le licensee shall make such investments, being entitled to a reimbursement by the Administration, based on all documented expenses, with a percentage adjustment, during the following year, as specified in the previous paragraph 1, up to the full coverage of the expenses borne by the licensee. 4. Since the Itapac network will be used, the amount due to the licensee will be decreased by 6%, that is, by the costs connected to the use of such network. As a result, the first rate will amount to 6.501 %. The same with apply to the rest of the rates. Annual adjustments will be made as reported in par. 3. 5. The application of the different rated, in order to calculate the amount due, will be made by taking into account inflation-net revenues, based on the ISTAT consumer prices (adj. 30 June 1993). 6. For the rates exceeding L 7.000 billion a year, the following reduction will be applied: a) L 7 to 8.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 85% share of the revenue rate; |
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OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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b) L 8 to 9.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 78% share of the revenue rate; c) L 9 to 10.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 68% share of the revenue rate; d) L 10 to 11.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 55% share of the revenue rate; e) L 11 to 12.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 40% share of the revenue rate; f) L 12 to 14.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 25% share of the revenue rate; g) Over L 14.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 10% share of the revenue rate; 7. The Administration will not pay any advance.
Art. 12
1. Art 26, par. 1, lett. c) of MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 March 1993 is substituted by the following: c) When the licensee fails to comply more than once to the provisions reported in par. 1 and 2 of art. 18, impairing the efficiency and functionality of the system as a whole.
Art. 13
1. Art 30, of MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 March 1993 is substituted by the following:
Art. 30
Arbitration clause
Any dispute arising between the financial Administration and the licensee on the interpretation and implementation of this concession are filed to an arbitration panel, consisting of three members, one of which is appointed by the central Administration, one by the licensee and one, being a President, appointed jointly by the parties, or, failing to do so, by a magistrate, incl. retired. In the event of a disagreement, the President shall be appointed by the Council of the Presidency of the Court of Auditors among magistrates, incl. retired.
Art. 14 |
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1. After Art 30, of MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 March 1993, the following articles are added:
Art. 31 Temporary regime
1. The Administration shall take all necessary actions as quickly as possible for any issue concerning the implementation of the computerized lotto system, in order to speed up the activation process of the Cagliari draw lot. 2. By 31 December 1994, Lottomatica shall invest L 40 billion in promotion and advertising. 3. At the end of such period of time, and based on documented evidence for the invested funds, the % variation will be determined for the 1995 rate to be applied to the first bracket and the following ones.
Art. 32 Final declaration
1. The MD of 17 March 1993 and this decree will be transmitted pursuant to art. 5 of the EEC Treaty and current EC regulations, to the EEC Commission for compliance. 2. The Ministry of Finance will implement the same decrees if the EEC validates it for compliance.
Art. 33 Compliance
1. For the purpose of activating the concession, the licensee shall issue a formal declaration of full compliance with the provisions of this decree. 2. By means of such declaration, Lottomatica shall waive any claim connected to the previous appointment procedure, as long as the concession acquires and keeps a full judicial efficacy. 3. This decree will be transmitted to the Count of Auditors per registration and, pursuant to art. 5 of the EEC Treaty to the EEC Commission for compliance.
Rome, 8 November 1993
Registered by the Court of Auditors on 15 November 1993 Reg. No. 24 Finanze, page 73
97A0239 |
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Ministry of Finance dated January 11, 1995, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series No. 12 dated 16.1.1997.
It consists of seven pages.
Rome, November 26, 2008
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Ministry of Finance dated January 11, 1995, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series No. 12 dated 16.1.1997.
It consists of two pages.
Rome, November 26, 2008
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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APOSTILLE |
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(The Hague Convention of October 5, 1961) |
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6. Country: ITALY |
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This public deed |
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7. has been signed by IGNAZIO DE FRANCHIS |
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8. acting in his capacity as NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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9. is accompanied by the seal/stamp of the NOTARY |
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Certified |
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10. in Rome 6. on 03 DEC 2008 |
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7. by the PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ROME |
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8. with number 4089/5 |
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9. seal/stamp of the Legalization office |
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10. Signature |
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PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC C/O ROME |
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LEGALIZATIONS OFFICE |
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THE LEGALIZATIONS OFFICIAL |
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Dr. Ferdinando Correale |
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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OMISSIS
DECREE July 25, 1995
Act granting Lottomatica S.c.p.a. in Rome the running of the automated lottery service
THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Given law No. 528 of August 2, 1982 on regulations for lottery games and measures for lottery staff; Given Law No. 85 of April 19, 1990, containing amendments to law No. 528 of August 2, 1981, regarding regulations for lottery games; Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 303 of August 7, 1990 which approved the regulation for the application and execution of
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law no. 528 of August 2, 1982 and No. 85 of April 19, 1990;
Given article 11, paragraph 1 of Legal Decree No. 557 of December 30, 1993 converted, with amendments, by Law No. 133 of February 26, 1994; Given Ministerial Decree No. 239 of March 23, 1994, amending and supplementing the Regulation on the organization of lottery games, Decree of the President of the Republic of 303/1990. Given Ministerial Decree No. 4832/gab of March 17, 1993, and Ministerial Decree No. 8099 of November 8, 1993, registered by the Court of Auditors on November 15, 1993, with which Lottomatica S.c.p.a was entrusted with the translational authority, organization and management of the automated lottery service; Given Ministerial Decree No. 472 of January 11, 1995, by which the Agency is transferred public authority for the collection of gaming proceeds, the payment of winnings, draws and oppositions. Given the need to attribute to the selection board for tenders offered by the Licensee for the award of works and supply of goods and services, including the task of preventive examination of invitations to tender, in order to ensure full transparency, as well as the neutrality of the requirements of the object of the tender on the basis of substantial implementation of the clause referred to in Article 6, paragraph 2 of Ministerial Decree of January 11, 1995, according to which the members of the Lottomatica consortium consider themselves third parties; Considering also the need to make a number of changes to Ministerial Decrees of March 17, 1993 and January 11, 1995, aimed at making more obvious the willingness of the administration to completely transfer public rights under the translational concession; Considering also the need to ensure full transparency, autonomy and independence of the activities of the licensee at all stages of the procurement process, particularly in those involving procedures for the preparation and issuance of invitations to tender for the acquisition of goods and services;
Decrees:
Article 1 1. At Article 5 Fulfillment of tenders - Ministerial Decree No. 4832 of March 17, 1993, the following paragraph is added:
7. In order to ensure the implementation of the obligation of full application of internal and Community legislation, as well as the neutrality of
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Ministry of Finance dated July 25, 1995 concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series no. 12 dated 16.1.1997.
It consists of two pages.
Rome, November 26, 2008 |
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Ministry of Finance dated July 25, 1995, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series no. 12 dated 16.1.1997.
It consists of two pages.
Rome, November 26, 2008 |
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
APOSTILLE (The Hague Convention of October 5, 1961)
1. Country: ITALY
This public deed
2. has been signed by IGNAZIO DE FRANCHIS
3. acting in his capacity as NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME
4. is accompanied by the seal/stamp of the NOTARY
Certified
5. in Rome 6. on 03 DEC 2008
7. by the PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ROME
8. with number 4089/4
9. seal/stamp of the Legalization office
10. Signature
PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC C/O ROME
LEGALIZATIONS OFFICE
THE LEGALIZATIONS OFFICIAL Dr. Ferdinando Correale
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 560 of September 16, 1996, which issued the regulation concerning lottery under license; Given the opportunity to actually start exercising public authority to collect lottery proceeds, pay winnings, declaring exclusion from draws by the Licensee managing the lottery;
Decrees:
As of May 4, 1998, public authority for collecting lottery proceeds, paying winnings, declaring the exclusion from draws and bets shall be transferred, in the manner and under the terms of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 560 of September 16, 1996, to the Licensee running the lottery, Lottomatica S.c.p.a. of Rome. For the payment of winnings from extractions of May 2, 1998 the procedures observed, subject to availability, are those in force prior to the effective date of this Decree. This Decree shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic.
Rome, April 14, 1998
The Director General : CUTRUPI |
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MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DECREE April 14, 1998.
Transfer of public authority to Lottomatica S.c.p.a. Rome with regards to the collection of lottery proceeds, the payment of winnings and declaring the exclusion of gaming bets.
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE AUTONOMOUS ADMINISTRATION OF STATE MONOPOLIES
Given law No. 528 of August 2, 1982 on the organization of the lottery, as amended by Law No. 85 of April 19, 1990. Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 303, which issued the regulation which applies and enforces the laws mentioned above, as amended by Decree of the Ministry of Finance No. 239 of March 23,1994. |
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Ministry of Finance dated April 14, 1998, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic -/ General Series no. 91 dated 20.4.1998.
It consists of one page.
Rome, November 26, 2008 |
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
APOSTILLE (The Hague Convention of October 5, 1961)
1. Country: ITALY
This public deed
2. has been signed by IGNAZIO DE FRANCHIS
3. acting in his capacity as NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME
4. is accompanied by the seal/stamp of the NOTARY
Certified
5. in Rome 6. on 03 DEC 2008
7. by the PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ROME
8. with number 4089/6
9. seal/stamp of the Legalization office
10. Signature
PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC C/O ROME
LEGALIZATIONS OFFICE
THE LEGALIZATIONS OFFICIAL Dr. Ferdinando Correale
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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DECREE June 26, 1998.
Transfer of public authority to Lottomatica S.c.p.a. Rome related to lottery draws.
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE AUTONOMOUS ADMINISTRATION OF STATE MONOPOLIES
Given law No. 528 of August 2, 1982 on the organization of the lottery, as amended by Law No. 85 of April 19, 1990. Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 303, which issued the regulation which applies and enforces the laws mentioned above, as amended by Decree of the Ministry of Finance No. 239 of March 23,1994. Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 560 of September 16, 1996, which issued the regulation concerning lottery under license; Given the opportunity to actually start exercising public authority to collect lottery proceeds, pay winnings, declaring exclusion from draws by the Licensee managing the lottery;
Decrees:
As of July 1, 1998, public authority related to lottery extractions are transferred, in the manner and under the terms of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 560 of September 16, 1996, to the Licensee running the lottery, Lottomatica S.c.p.a. of Rome. This Decree shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic.
Rome, June 26, 1998
The Director General : CUTRUPI
98A5751 |
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OMISSIS
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
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I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Director General of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies dated June 26, 1998, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series no. 150 dated 30.6.1998.
It consists of one page.
Rome, November 26, 2008 |
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
APOSTILLE (The Hague Convention of October 5, 1961)
1. Country: ITALY
This public deed
2. has been signed by IGNAZIO DE FRANCHIS
3. acting in his capacity as NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME
4. is accompanied by the seal/stamp of the NOTARY
Certified
5. in Rome 6. on 03 DEC 2008
7. by the PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ROME
8. with number 4089/7
9. seal/stamp of the Legalization office
10. Signature
PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC C/O ROME
LEGALIZATIONS OFFICE
THE LEGALIZATIONS OFFICIAL Dr. Ferdinando Correale
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 280 |
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DECREES, RESOLUTIONS AND MINISTERIAL ORDERS
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MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DECREE November 15, 2000
Integration to Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993 regarding the concession to Lottomatica
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE AUTONOMOUS ADMINISTRATION OF STATE MONOPOLIES
Given Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993 as amended, regarding the concession to Lottomatica S.p.A of Rome for the administration of the Lottery service;
Given article 33, paragraph 1 of Law No. 724/1994 revising the expansion of the Lotto gaming network admitting into the network any tobacconist who makes such request;
Given that the cited article 33 was implemented through Management Decree of December 30, 1999, according to which the collection network should pass from 15,000 points to approximately 35,000 overall points;
Considering that the expansion of the network cannot be postponed because of its value for related services of public interest
Considering, in this regard, the commitment assumed by the Under Secretary of State for Finance of the VI Financial Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, on September 1, 2000, with regards to the administration of the Lottery;
Considering that the costs for facilities and management of the expansion have been estimated at approximately 1,000 billion Lira.
Noting that there are no budgetary conditions that permit the government to assume the estimated burden.
Given that the company Lottomatica participates in the specific and direct exercise of public authority inherent to gaming
Given article of the cited Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993, according to which the duration of the license is established as nine years (paragraph 1) it being understood that (paragraph 3) when this license expires it will be tacitly renewed for an equal period of time, unless terminated by the Administration, to be notified at least 6 months prior to the expiration of the license itself;
Given letter of September 14, 200, with which the company Lottomatica indicated that it was willing, under certain conditions, to sustain all the costs connected with the expansion of the Lottery network;
Given, furthermore, that during negotiations the Licensee confirmed willingness in return for greater stability in the relationship within the maximum limits already evaluated by the European Community;
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Considering that there is public interest in the fact that the company, at no additional cost for Treasury, proceeds with expanding the network in exchange for greater stability and certainty of the duration of the relationship;
Considering however that the duration cannot exceed an overall period of eighteen years, as provided by the current license (unless terminated or revoked);
Noting in fact that this is the original deadline for identifying the Licensee, term which the administration had earlier planned under Article 6, paragraph 3 of the license;
Considering that this may compensate for the lack of funds with the provision of ensuring the dies ad quem of concession, save cases of breach by the Licensee;
Noting that the power of cancellation provided for in Article 6, paragraph 3 of the concession depends on the negative verification by the administration with regards to successful technical activation of the points provided for by the network expansion program;
Noting that in the aforesaid case of cancellation, the Licensee must still be guaranteed compensation as determined by the usual criteria, laid down in Article 936 of the Italian Civil Code, based on whichever is the lowest amount between spending and enhancements;
Considering it necessary, based on the activity carried out by Lottomatica, to integrate the concession with new provisions to safeguard public interest, in agreement with the Licensee;
Given the indications contained in the note of November 14, 2000 from the Under Secretary of State assigned to this matter:
Decrees:
Article 1
Paragraph 5, article 5 of Ministerial Decree of March 17 1993 and subsequent paragraph 6 of the same article, as replaced by article 1, paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree of November 8, 1993 the following are replaced:
5. The selection board for tenders called by the Licensee is appointed by the Director General of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies.
6. The Chairman and members of the commissions are selected on the basis of specific professional qualifications, correlated with the type of tender to be carried out.
Article 2
New paragraphs have been included in article 6 after paragraph 3 of Ministerial Decree of March 17 1992
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3b - Except for the power of revocation provided for in Article 3, the termination referred to in paragraph 3 may be declared by the administration only in the event in which, on the date of the verification mentioned in the next paragraph, it ascertains that the technical activation has not taken place for reasons attributable to the Licensee, by more than 10% of the points set out in the measures adopted and communicated according to the procedures set forth in Article 8, paragraph 1a, compared to the lower amount of compensation between spending and enhancement.
In the case of non-fulfillment of the obligations that do not involve activation of the cancellation of the concession a penalty will be applied proportional to ITL 1,000,000 per point-year.
3-c. The review referred to in the preceding paragraph to be carried out seven months before the expiry date referred to in Article 6, paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993, inconsistent with the dealer, is left to a ministerial committee appointed by the Director General of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies and presided over by an administrative judge.
3-d. The commission referred to in the previous subsection reports the results of the audit to the Director-General of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies.
3-e. The Director General of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies, based on the final report of the Commission referred to in paragraph 3-b, adopts the determinations based on cancellations in paragraph 3.
Article 3
The following new paragraph is inserted in Article 8, after paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree of 17 March 1993:
1b The licensee is obliged, at its own expense, to activate the service at Receiving Offices referred to in the Decree of December 30, 1999, notwithstanding full compliance with internal and Community regulations concerning European public tenders for supplies and services, in the two years following the effective date of this decree, on a monthly basis for at least 1,000 Receiving Offices for which measures have been communicated by the licensee with a minimum notice of three months.
Article 4
Article 20 of Ministerial Decree of March 17 1993 is replaced by the following:
Specific obligations of the licensee
1. The licensee, for the entire duration of this concession, guarantees that:
a) Shares that form its capital will not be transferred without prior binding approval of the Ministry of Finance. New shareholders must in any case give written acknowledgment that they are aware of and are bound to comply with the commitments made by the licensee with this license;
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b) the share capital will not be reduced without prior authorization of the Ministry of Finance.
2. The dealer has the faculty to go public on the stock market. As of the application for listing paragraph 1 letters a) and b) above do not apply. The joint acquisition, implemented by third parties, other than current shareholders of the company, of control of the company, under section 2359 (illegible) 1 Civil Code, is subject to the authorization of the Ministry of Finance which will take action within thirty days from the date of the application.
3. The appointment of the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director and the Chairman of the Board of Auditors will be subject to the prior approval of the Minister of Finance.
Article 5
Over the first three trillion collected, for subsequent installments of one trillion each, a steady reduction of 0.160% is applied on the rate of the previous installment, as referred to in Article 21, paragraph 2 of the Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993 as replaced by Article 1 of the Ministerial Decree of November 8, 1993.
Article 6
At article 23, paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree of March 17 1993, the words to the extent of 0.3% of the fees themselves are replaced with the following words: to the extent of 0.3% of collections by the licensee referred to in Article 31 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 560 of September 16, 1992.
Article 7
At article 29, paragraph 5 of Ministerial Decree of March 17 1993, after the words for the management of the service itself add the words including those stipulated for implementing and managing the expansions indicated in article 8, paragraph 1b above.
Article 8
1. Articles 8b and paragraph 8 of article 21, respectively introduced by articles 3 and 11 of ministerial decree of November 8, 1993, have been revoked.
2. The company Lottomatica supports investments for promoting and advertising lottery games, from the date of entry into force of this decree and will submit, for prior approval by administration, the annual promotion and advertising plan for no less than 7% of the fee received by the licensee for the previous year.
Article 9
The management economies for the licensees telecommunications network arising from direct or indirect provision of services other than collections from the Lottery are determined by a joint commission appointed by the Director General of the State Monopolies and proportionately renewed each year by the State from the effective date of this |
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OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 280 |
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Decree, to the percentage of utilization verified by the commission itself.
Article 10
The company Lottomatica supports the operational costs of the commissions appointed by the Administration for matters relating to the concession and shall endeavor to implement a Lottery monitoring system for the analysis and study of gaming trends.
Article 11
The concession stands firm in any other clause not changed by this Decree.
Rome, November 15, 2000
The Director General : CUTRUPI
00A14902
[handwritten:] OMISSIS
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[handwritten:] OMISSIS |
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16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 280 |
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I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Director General of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies dated November 15, 2000, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series no. 150 dated 30.6.1998.
It consists of three pages.
Rome, November 26, 2008
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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APOSTILLE |
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(The Hague Convention of October 5, 1961) |
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1. Country: ITALY |
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This public deed |
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2. has been signed by IGNAZIO DE FRANCHIS |
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3. acting in his capacity as NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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4. is accompanied by the seal/stamp of the NOTARY |
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Certified |
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5. in Rome 6. on 03 DEC 2008 |
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7. by the PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ROME |
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8. with number 4089/8 |
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9. seal/stamp of the Legalization office |
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10. Signature |
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PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC C/O ROME |
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LEGALIZATIONS OFFICE |
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THE LEGALIZATIONS OFFICIAL |
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Dr. Ferdinando Correale |
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ADDENDUM TO THE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE AUTOMATED LOTTERY SERVICE,
The Customs and Monopolies Agency, monopolies area hereinafter referred to as Agency or AAMS, with head office in Rome, via della Luce, 34/a bis, represented by Roberto FANELLI in his capacity as Director of Gaming, Directors Resolution no. 41078/Risorse UD of 3 December 2012
AND
Lottomatica Group S.p.A., with registered office in Rome, Viale Campo Boario 56/D, represented by Marco SALA, in his capacity as CEO.
AGREE THAT
unless otherwise explicitly indicated, the terms in bold in this deed shall have the meaning indicated alongside each of them in the sole nomenclature of definitions which is an integral, essential and binding part of this Addendum to the Concession Agreement.
WHEREAS
by the Deed of Concession referred to in the decrees of the Ministry of Finances of March 17, 1993, November 8, 1993, January 11, 1995 and July 25, 1995 and the decree of the Director of AAMS of November 15, 2000, the management of the automated Lottery service was assigned to Lottomatica S.p.A. (now known as Lottomatica Group S.p.A.);
Law no. 88, of July 7, 2009 Community law 2008 and, in particular, art. 24, paragraph 14, stipulated, inter alia, provisions relating to the remote collection of takings from public gaming;
Decree Law no. 138 of August 13, 2011, converted by Law no. 148 of September 14, 2011, as amended and supplemented in public gaming subject matter and, in particular, art. 2, paragraph 3, envisaged that AAMS would be empowered as it saw fit to issue provisions in public gaming subject matter wherever this was deemed useful for ensuring greater takings;
Art. 2, paragraph 1 of the Directors Decree of 12 October 2011containing the Implementation of the provisions set out in art. 2, paragraph 3 of the Decree Law no. 138 of August 13, 2011, converted into Law no. 148 of September 14, 2011, in public gaming subject matter, as amended by art. 10, paragraph 9, letter a) of the Decree Law no. 16 of March2, 2012, containing Urgent provisions relating to tax simplification and strengthening and rendering more efficient tax assessment procedures, amongst the new arrangements for playing the lottery, envisaged the remote collection method for playing the lottery (gioco del lotto) and for the gioco 10elotto outside the opening hours of tobacconists;
Decree Law no. 95 of July 6, 2012, converted as amended into Law no. 135 of August 7, 2012, in particular, art. 23 quarter , stipulated, inter alia, the incorporation of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies into the Customs Agency, now known as the Customs and Monopolies Agency;
The Directors Decree issued by the Agency on 23 January 2013 regulated the technical and organizational characteristics for collecting lottery (gioco del Lotto) takings for all procedures involving remote collection;
[initialed]
the Agency has verified that the Licensees planned processing system, submitted on March 21, 2013, complies with the technical and organizational requirements laid down for the remote collection of lottery (gioco del lotto) takings set out in the Directors Decree AAMS of January 23, 2013, with the general provisions for the remote collection of public gaming takings set out in the Community Law 2008 and with the corresponding implementing provisions set out in the Directors Decree AAMS of February 8, 2011 prot. 2011/190/CGV and the documents referred to in art. 1 of this addendum, with specific reference and in a manner that is compatible with the particularities of the lottery (gioco del lotto), while reserving the right to check the regularity and consistency of the adjustment of the systems, organizational procedures and activities to the project;
Lottomatica Group S.p.A., in line with that provided for in art. 24, paragraph 14, letter b) of Law no. 88 of July 7, 2009, is obliged to conclude an addendum to the concession agreement for the remote collection arrangements for lottery (gioco del lotto) takings for incorporation into the Deed of Concession
HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS
SECTION I
PREAMBLE, SUBJECT MATTER AND DURATION
Article 1
Validity of the preamble and other documents
1. The preamble, the legislative and administrative provisions, the technical rules, the service charters, with specific reference to the particular characteristics of the lottery (gioco del lotto) for all methods involving remote participation, constitute an integral, essential and binding part of this addendum and its corresponding annexes.
Article 2
Subject matter
1. The addendum encompasses the operations and functions for remote collection, with the exclusion of the collection at public places with machines enabling participation using data communication systems, of lottery (gioco del lotto) takings in all its forms, hereinafter referred to as lotto on line.
2. AAMS, with regard to collection operations for lotto on line, is entitled to suspend operations at any moment, by providing sixty days notice, as it sees fit and without any compensation for the licensee.
Article 3
Amendments to the concession agreement
1. The provisions in this deed shall supplement and replace, restricted to lotto on line operations, those stipulated in the Deed of Concession wherever they clash with the latter.
2. The licensee undertakes as of now to modify the activities described in this addendum wherever necessary following legislative amendments or following orders issued by AAMS.
3. Any amendments or supplements to this addendum shall be incorporated and formalized in a subsequent supplementary deed which, once concluded by the parties, shall constitute an integral part of this addendum.
[initialed]
Article 4
Duration
1. This addendum shall be effective until the expiry date of the current concession agreement, into which this addendum has been incorporated.
SECTION II
GENERAL OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LICENSEE
Article 5
General obligations of the licensee
1. The licensee is obliged to carry out the operations and functions assigned to it while abiding by the instructions indicated in the concession agreement and in this addendum and guaranteeing the service levels envisaged in Annex 1 to the addendum, using its own organizational means or those of third parties, and the provisions of the Consolidation Act of Laws on Public Safety and Security, approved by Royal Decree no. 773 of June 18, 1931, as amended.
2. The licensee, with reference to lotto on line operations, in addition to abiding by the instructions contained in the deed of concession and in this addendum, in legislative and administrative provisions and in technical rules, with specific reference to the particular characteristics of lotto on line, and in Directors Decree AAMS of January 23, 2013 containing Technical characteristics for collecting lottery takings involving remote participation, also undertakes to:
a. comply with its obligations and take any measures envisaged under the rules governing the lottery (gioco del lotto) in all its forms;
b. provide information to consumers in relation to the gaming regulations, the offer conditions contained in the outline gaming account contract, the requirements and provisions in force for the supervision of legal gaming and for the promotion of secure, legal and responsible gaming, and for preventing and combating gaming addition, and to implement specific institutional communication campaigns by AAMS,
c. observe the provisions decided upon by AAMS with regard to the institutional logo and the logo gioco legale e responsabile [legal and responsible gaming] and any changes thereto;
d. communicate in advance to AAMS any initiatives and advertising campaigns at national level organized by the licensee itself, also for the purpose of ensuring the necessary coordination with those envisaged by AAMS and the monitoring provided for in Decree Law no. 158 of September 13, 2012, converted into Law no. 189 of November 8, 2012,;
e. carry out any marketing activities exclusively by means of the preselected channel/s and communicated in advance to AAMS using the specific methods indicated in art. 13 below;
f. observe, if acting as the holder of gaming accounts and/or ensure observance at remote points of sale whenever activities for the promotion and popularization of the lotto on line lottery, the corresponding gaming account contracts and the sale of recharge cards are carried out the prohibition of the use of intermediaries for the collection of remote lottery takings, also through duly instructed third-party entities, even using machines that enable participation using data communication systems;
g. comply with any legislative provisions relating to the treatment of personal data;
h. comply, on pain of forfeiture, with the provisions of anti-money-laundering legislation, wherever they apply, and fulfill the obligations concerning the duty to take any measures envisaged thereunder, including the drafting of corresponding periodic reports;
i. to incorporate the service charters for remote gaming issued by AAMS, if acting as the holder of gaming accounts and to ensure compliance therewith at remote points of sale;
[initialed]
4. The licensee undertakes to indemnify and hold AAMS free and harmless from any liability vis-à-vis third parties howsoever related to the operations and functions assigned to it under this deed, even those related to remote points of sale.
5. In any case, the licensee undertakes to hold AAMS free and harmless from any charges incurred, including legal fees, following:
a) orders, even those of an indefinite nature, relating to legal proceedings or proceedings, at any level or of any nature, related, directly or indirectly, to violations of the obligations set out in this addendum, in the gaming regulations and in the provisions decided upon in the field of lotto on line;
b) agreements, including settlement agreements, concluded at the end of any legal proceedings or disputes related, directly or indirectly, to violations of the obligations set out in this addendum.
Article 6
Prohibition of assignment and obligations to uphold the licensing requirements and conditions
1. The assignment, either directly or indirectly, of the rights and duties in this addendum is prohibited.
2. The licensee is expressly obliged:
a) to maintain the legal form of a joint-stock company, with registered office in one of the States of the European Economic Area, for the entire duration of the concession;
b) to maintain the processing system in one of the States of the European Economic Area.
Article 7
Obligations relating to the treatment of employees
1. As regards the obligations relating to the treatment of employees, the provisions of art. 27 of the deed of concession referred to in Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993 as amended and supplemented shall apply.
Article 8
Exclusive responsibility of licensee
1. The licensee shall be solely responsible for organizational, technical and financial matters and of any other nature concerning the implementation and management of the operations and functions that constitute the subject matter of this deed.
Article 9
Financial responsibility of licensee
1. The licensee expressly declares that it has full knowledge of the current situation and potential of the lotto on line market segment. Therefore, no objection or request in this respect, including those related to a lack of information, may be lodged.
2. Therefore, the licensee shall assume the entrepreneurial risk associated with the implementation and management of the operations and functions set out in this addendum and, accordingly, any operating losses incurred, holding AAMS free and harmless from any liability in relation to any claims for compensation, on whatsoever basis, asserted vis-à-vis AAMS.
[initialed]
3. The licensee shall bear full and sole responsibility arising from any objections by consumers, howsoever related to lotto on line operations, and undertakes to hold AAMS free and harmless from any responsibility.
4. The licensee expressly and unconditionally accepts to bear all the expenses and charges associated with the activities that constitute the subject matter of this deed, even those of a tax-related nature, including:
a) the registration charges for this addendum;
b) the remuneration payable to any provider of payment management services and any third party;
c) all the charges associated with the implementation of the security, confidentiality and accuracy rules described in the draft processing system;
d) the expenses related to the management and the adaptation of and expansion to the technological equipment and those required to ensure the correct and timely performance of the operations and functions that constitute the subject matter of this addendum;
e) management and certification expenses, wherever envisaged, for the technological platforms for the collection of lottery takings in all their forms in distribution channels with remote participation.
5. No expense related to the remote distribution network may be charged to AAMS.
Article 10
Financial responsibility and accounting requirements of licensee
1. The licensee expressly and unconditionally undertakes to pay any amounts due in relation to the implementation of this addendum and any other rules or orders or regulations regulating lotto on line, in accordance with the methods and timeframes envisaged in such rules, orders or regulations.
2. In particular, the licensee undertakes to pay the tax revenues deriving from the total value of the lotto on line takings, less the commission and remuneration payable and the winnings paid out or requested, by the 13 th day following the end of each accounting week.
3. The parties expressly agree that the licensee shall be directly responsible for the correct and timely payment to the lottery player of amounts corresponding to those winnings for which it is solely responsible in addition to paying out any sums due following claims, as set out in the rules regulating this subject matter.
4. Payment of winnings takes place under the sole responsibility of the licensee which, accordingly, expressly declares that it shall hold AAMS free and harmless from any charges and responsibility for undue payments made for any reason whatsoever.
5. The parties expressly agree that in the event that the licensee, in line with the lotto on line regulations, performs the collection by using the remote points of sale for paying out winnings, it is obliged to ensure the correct and timely fulfillment by the third party of the requirements set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 of this article. The licensee, after providing advance notice to AAMS and as set out in article 14 of Decree AAMS of January 23, 2013, undertakes to pay out winnings for amounts not exceeding 10,500 euros in the event that the remote point of sale fails to credit the gaming account with the relative amount.
6. In the event of an excessive number of wins, the licensee shall make the relative payments as provided for in articles 35 and 36 of Presidential Decree no. 560 of 1996 after obtaining explicit authorization from AAMS.
[initialed]
7. The licensee shall account for its financial management in relation to the collection of takings and to the payment of lotto on line winnings including such management tasks in the accounting documentation and in the documentation envisaged under art. 38 of Presidential Decree of August 7, 1990, no. 303. As set out in letters d) and e) of the same article, the licensee undertakes to furnish a separate statement of accounts for the financial management of lotto on line to whosoever is entitled to separate payments of the amount due.
Article 11
Obligations relating to intellectual property
1. As far as obligations relating to intellectual property are concerned, the provisions of art. 27 of the deed of concession referred to in the Ministerial Decree of 17 March 1993 as amended and supplemented shall apply.
2. The licensee undertakes to assign all the exclusive industrial property rights and the rights of use and economic exploitation related to the intellectual work associated with lotto on line, created, introduced or developed by it during the licensing period. Such intellectual work includes developments and upgrades in the gaming software in respect of which the licensee expressly undertakes to return the exclusive property rights to the resulting software codes free of charge to AAMS, upon request, at the end, for whatsoever reason of the concession.
3. Each party undertakes to immediately notify the other party in writing if legal actions are taken in relation to the subject matter of this article.
SECTION III
OPERATION OF LOTTO ON LINE
Article 12
Technical-functional inspection and corresponding requirements
1. The collection of lotto on line takings takes place using a remote gaming network as set out in Directors Decree AAMS of February8 2011 prot. no. 2011/90/CGV, taken pursuant to art. 24, paragraph 26 of Law no. 88/2009 and in line with the requirements and technical specifications set out in the Directors Decree issued by the Agency on January 23, 2013 and with legislative and administrative provisions, technical rules and this addendum.
2. The collection of lotto on line takings depends on the creation of a data communication network provided by the licensee in accordance with the technical rules and on the positive outcome of the technical-functional inspection, as described below in paragraphs 3 and 4 of this article.
3. AAMS will carry out the technical inspection on the functioning of the data communication network following notification of its completion by the licensee.
4. The date of the technical-functional inspection will be communicated by AAMS to the licensee at least five days in advance. The inspection itself will conclude with the drafting of a corresponding report and, in the event of any discrepancies, AAMS, after consultation with the licensee, will establish the interventions that the latter is obliged to carry out in order to resolve such discrepancies, as well as communicating the date of the next and final technical-functional inspection.
[initialed]
5. AAMS is entitled to carry out subsequent technical-functional inspections in the event of technological upgrades and extraordinary maintenance.
6. The licensee, throughout the licensing period, undertakes to guarantee full compliance with the adjustments ordered by AAMS to the remote gaming network and to the corresponding technological devices.
7. The licensee, as soon as this deed has been signed, explicitly undertakes to activate the data communication network before the date laid down in the corresponding order issued by AAMS for the initiation of the collection of lotto online takings.
8. Failure to comply with the provision set out in paragraph 7 above will trigger application of the contractual penalty described in art. 17, paragraph 2, letter a) of this deed, within a maximum of 30 days. In the event that the delay lasts for more than thirty days, AAMS is entitled to initiate the process for the extinction of the concession regulated in this addendum.
9. The licensee undertakes to guarantee the regular operation of lotto on line using the remote gaming network in accordance with the service levels envisaged in Annex 1 to this deed and the quality standards laid down in the service charters for remote gaming adopted by AAMS. Any interruption to the collection of the gaming takings in question, even at just one point of sale, will trigger application of the contractual penalties envisaged in art. 17, paragraph 2, letter b) of this deed, in addition to the application of other penalties, wherever the conditions are fulfilled, envisaged in this addendum or under other rules. In the event that said interruption lasts for more than 90 consecutive days or for nine none-consecutive months during the period in which the concession is in force, AAMS is entitled to initiate the process for the extinction of the concession that constitutes the subject matter of this addendum.
10. With regard to the performance of its operations and functions, even if it engages third-party entities, the licensee shall be exclusively answerable vis-à-vis AAMS and the players for services rendered by the third parties on its behalf.
11. Furthermore, the licensee undertakes to expressly guarantee the implementation of the innovations ordered by AAMS in relation to lotto on line for the entire duration of the concession.
12. The licensee, using a data communication network and on a continual basis, shall pass on all the subsequent information stored in its processing system to AAMS according to the methods and timeframes envisaged in the technical rules, with specific reference to the particular characteristics of the game that constitutes the subject matter of this addendum.
13. The licensee, in accordance with the methods and timeframes defined by AAMS, shall furnish any further information to AAMS as requested by it in relation to the functioning of lotto on line.
Article 13
Obligations of the licensee relating to the collection of lotto on line takings
1. The licensee expressly undertakes:
a) to verify possession of the requirements and authorizations provided for by the legislation in force and by this addendum by the remote gaming venues, providing immediately for termination of the agreement in the cases where conditions for such termination exist;
b) to subject the collection of takings from remote gaming venues to the positive outcome of the check on possession of requirements and authorizations pursuant to letter a) above, as well as the technical-functional check carried out by AAMS, in accordance with art- 12 above and the trial pursuant to art. 4, paragraph 2 of Directors Decree of
[initialed]
the Agency of January 23, 2013;
c) to check the correctness of the activity exercised in remote gaming venues, verifying the existence of any illegal or improper behavior, providing immediately for termination of the agreement in the cases where conditions for such termination exist;
d) to report the aforesaid illegal or improper behavior to AAMS, along with anomalies in the remote gaming network and the measures taken to rectify them;
e) to inform AAMS, using the methods defined by the latter, of all the collection channels used, also for the purposes of publicizing them on the AAMS institutional website;
f) to consent to access by players to the operational area of the licensees website, in the event that the licensee holds gaming accounts, and/or the point of sale of every other website and remote channel referable to it, already authorized and exclusively following communication of remote sub-registration by the central system of AAMS;
g) when a holder of gaming accounts, to exclude players residing in Italy from the offer of lotto on line through sites other than those authorized in observance of that provided for by this addendum, even when they are managed directly by the same licensee or through its parent companies, subsidiaries or associated companies;
h) when a holder of gaming accounts, to implement or place at the disposal of the player, tools and devices for self-limitation, preventing the activation of the gaming account by those who have not selected a deposit limit per period of time, and for self-exclusion from gaming;
i) when a holder of gaming accounts, to implement or make available, tools and devices for the exclusion of minors from gaming, as well as the display of the relative ban in virtual gaming venues, managed by the licensee;
j) to promote responsible gaming conduct and monitor its adoption by players, also promoting and implementing measures to defend it, as provided for by the consumer code pursuant to legislative decree no. 206 of September 6, 2005, as amended and supplemented;
k) when a holder of gaming accounts, to use, also for each gaming account already existing on the date that this addendum is signed, a gaming account agreement for the exercise of remote gaming, compliant with the model approved by AAMS, to be entered into with the player, complying with the relative clauses. If, on the other hand, the licensee should use the system of gaming accounts activated and operated by another party, he shall guarantee that the relationship for each gaming account belonging to the aforesaid system and managed in his name and on his behalf, even when it already existed on the date that this addendum was signed, is regulated by a gaming account agreement for the exercise of remote gaming, approved previously by AAMS, compliant with the model approved by AAMS with, in addition, express indication of clauses relating to the particularities of the methods described above;
l) when a holder of gaming accounts, to allow the player to top up the gaming account using suitable payment tools, i.e.: prepaid top up cards compliant with the legislation in force;
m) to transmit the analytical transactions of gaming accounts to the central system of AAMS via channels that do not provide for sub registration by the central system of AAMS, pursuant to letter f) of this paragraph;
n) to send AAMS, using the methods defined by the latter, the personal data present in the gaming account agreement, obtaining the players consent by means of a specific clause;
o) to place at the disposal of AAMS; within the times and using the methods indicated by the later at the time of request, all the documents and information necessary for the monitoring and control by AAMS or parties appointed by the latter;
[initialed]
p) to inform the remote gaming venues, in advance, of the provisions and obligations provided for by the legislation concerning lotto on line, also immediately providing information of all amendments and supplements to the aforesaid legislation;
q) to guarantee that remote gaming venues receive:
I. constant professional updates on legislation and regulation of lotto on line;
II. supply of the tools required for the correct marketing of the product:
III. management and use of the technological services, including procedures for the management of any operating anomalies in the telecommunications network;
r) to keep a copy of each agreement with the remote gaming venue and the relative annexes for the entire duration of the license and to give them to AAMS, when specifically requested to do so, also in electronic format;
s) when a holder of gaming accounts, to use a dedicated bank or post office current account registered in the name of the licensee to keep and manage the sums held in players gaming accounts, to forward the bank details of the aforesaid current account to AAMS, to use the sums exclusively for debit and credit transactions on gaming accounts entered into expressly by players or to pay to the tax department the sums held in each gaming account which lies dormant for three years, and to release, within three business days of a request to such extent by AAMS, information regarding use of the current account and its balance on the date indicated by the latter;
SECTION IV
REGULATION OF THE LICENSING RELATIONSHIP
Article 14
Guarantee
1. The licensee shall provide a guarantee, in the form of a deposit, in cash or government bonds, via bank guarantee or insurance policy, for the amount of 10,000,000.00 euros; the aforesaid guarantee shall be irreversible, independent with respect to the main obligation, payable upon first request without exceptions, with express waiver of the benefit of prior collection from the main debtor and with express waiver of the exception pursuant to art. 1957, paragraph 2 of the Civil Code.
2. The subject of said guarantee is the correct and complete fulfillment of the obligations relating to the exercise of lotto on line and to the operation of the remote gaming network, and particularly:
a) the prompt and precise payment of any proceeds established by the pertinent legislation, for the duration of the license;
b) the correct execution of the activities and functions assigned by this addendum, as well as fulfillment of all the licensees obligations towards players;
3. In the event of transformation of the companys legal status during the period of validity of the license in accordance with art. 6, paragraph 2, the licensee is bound to present the guarantee pursuant to paragraph 1 above, again. Failure to present the aforesaid guarantee within the term of fifteen days, starting from the date of transformation, shall cause the loss of the license covered by this addendum.
4. The guarantee pursuant to art. 1 shall be adjusted, for the first time, by March 31, 2015, and for each successive year of collection, by March 31 of every year, to an amount equating to 0.3% of the takings of lotto on line of the previous year, for a minimum amount of 10,000,000.00 euros.
[initialed]
Failure to adapt the above guarantee within the aforesaid term shall cause the loss of the license covered by this addendum.
5. The guarantee shall be valid for any effects which arise during the licensing relationship, including those that emerge after the end of the license, up to one year following its expiry. The guarantee shall expressly provide that, in the event of expiry, following communication to the licensee and to the bank or insurance company, it shall be appropriated by AAMS, notwithstanding the right of the latter to request compensation for further damages. In the event of total or partial appropriation of the guarantee, the licensee is bound to restore it to the full amount within the term of thirty days from the date of appropriation. Failure to do so within the aforesaid term shall cause loss of the license covered by this addendum.
Article 15
Payment of the licensee and premium of the venues
1. The takings collected from the exercise of the activity and the functions provided for by this addendum shall be used to determine the payment pursuant to art. 21 of Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993, as amended. Remote gaming venues are acknowledged an 8% premium is accordance with the legislation in force.
Article 16
Exercise of the powers of supervision, control and inspection
1. Through its operators, AAMS may unilaterally perform checks and inspections, also without prior notice, at the premises of the licensee and, with regard to the technological apparatuses used, also at the premises of third-party suppliers, when located within the European economic space. The licensee undertakes to agree with the third-party supplier the possibility of the aforesaid access and is also bound to keep, within the terms established, all the information and documents required by AAMS, as well as all the apparatuses and tools necessary to find the elements necessary to the check on service levels. In the event of inspects and accesses, the licensees collaborators are bound to allow access and to offer unconditional assistance to the operators of AAMS.
2. All expenses and charges connected with the access, inspection, verification and checking operations, including transfer expenses, shall be borne by the licensee.
3. The licensee is bound to remove, at his own expense, any problems found by AAMS, including those found at the premises of third-party suppliers, within the terms indicated by AAMS at the time that the aforesaid problems are found and, in any case, within a maximum of thirty days from the relative complaint.
Article 17
Penalties
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of art. 24, paragraph 23 of law no. 88/2009, as well as the cases of expiry provided for by this addendum, following the issue of formal complaint to the licensee, AAMS may apply, in accordance with criteria of proportionality and reasonability, the penalties provided for by paragraph 2 hereto. The penalties do not exonerate the licensee from any third party liability nor from that connected to any damage caused by interest applicable.
2. In the event of failure to fulfill the obligations and commitments relating to the activities and functions covered by this addendum, the following penalties are provided for:
[initialed]
a) for failure to observe the obligation pursuant to art. 12, paragraphs 7 and 8 of this addendum, a penalty of 500.00 (five hundred point zero zero) is applied for every day of delay in activating the telecommunications network. With the aforesaid penalty being reduced by 50% for the first fifteen days of delay;
b) for failure to observe the obligation pursuant to art. 12, paragraph 9 of this addendum, a penalty equating to the average daily tax profit per venue plus 5% (five percent) is applied, to be calculated on the tax profits of the month prior to that in which the interruption occurs, for every day of interruption and for every venue concerned; for the first month of collection the aforesaid penalty shall be calculated on the tax profits made during the same month prior to interruption;
c) for failure to observe the service levels details in Annex 1 to this addendum, a penalty shall be applied for each failure found, in relation to the severity and duration thereof. The amount of the relative penalties is indicated in Annex 1;
d) for failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 5, paragraph 2, letters f) and g), a penalty of between 1,000.00 (one thousand point zero zero) and 50,000.00 (fifty thousand point zero zero) is applied for every problem found, in relation to the severity and reiteration thereof;
e) for the documented delay in paying our winnings and refunds to players with respect to that provided for by the regulations of lotto on line, as well as for failure to inform the central system of AAMS of the payment of the winnings and refunds, a penalty of between 50% (fifty percent) and 75% (seventy five percent) of the total amount of the winnings or refund which have not been promptly paid/communicated, up to the maximum limit of 50,000.00 (fifty thousand point zero zero).
3. The licensee is bound to pay the penalties defined under paragraph 2 of this document, with the methods indicated in the provision of formal complaint, pursuant to paragraph 1 above.
4. In the event of delayed payment of any sum, owing for any reason to AAMS in compliance with this addendum, interest shall be applicable at the legal rate, calculated from the day after expiry until that of payment. The applicability of the sanctions provided for by the regulations currently in force in the event of failure to pay or delayed payment of the amounts due as taxes is not affected.
Article 18
Obligations regarding the processing of personal data and appointment of the relative external manager.
1. The activities covered by this addendum implicate, in accordance with Legislative Decree no. 196 of 30 June 2003 Code regulating the protection of personal data as amended and supplemented, the processing of the players personal data:
a) by the licensee, in its capacity as independent holder, in relation to all the aspects connected to the management of the gaming activities (including the legal obligations);
b) by AAMS, in its capacity as independent holder, in relation to all the aspects connected to the institutional and public control objectives for which it is responsible. AAMS, within the scope of its responsibilities, independently appoints So.Ge.I. Società Generale di Informatica, as external manager of the processing of the personal data of customers who have entered into the gaming account agreement with the licensee. The licensee may not, in any case, appoint So.Gei.I to act on its behalf as external manager of the process of the data of customers with whom it has entered into gaming account agreements.
2. Should the licensee, in observance of the legislation in force and of the directives of AAMS, intend to process the players personal data for further and other objectives, such as, for example, profiling and transfer of the players data to third parties, it shall inform the player in advance, obtaining his/her consent if necessary.
[initialed]
3. The licensee undertakes to expressly exonerate AAMS and hold it free from all consequences deriving from failure to observe, where appropriate, the legislation on the processing of the players personal details, in accordance with legislative decree no. 196/2003Code regulating the protection of personal data as amended and supplemented.
SECTION V
WITHDRAWAL AND TERMINATION
Article 19
Withdrawal, suspension and termination
1. AAMS may withdraw this addendum, in observance of the prescriptions of article 21 e), of law no. 241 and August 7, 1990 as amended and supplemented, for reasons of public interest or in the event of changes in the existing situation or of a new assessment of the original public interest.
2. AAMS may suspend the exercise of lotto on line on a precautionary basis, until the date on which the licensee fulfills the prescriptions issued by AAMS, notwithstanding the pursuit of the termination procedure in the event of continued failure to fulfill the obligation after the thirtieth day:
a) due to failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 13, paragraph 1, letter g), above;
b) due to failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 13, paragraph 1, letters h), i) and j) above;
c) due to failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 13, paragraph 1, letter m) above;
d) due to failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 13, paragraph 1, letter o), above;
e) due to failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 13, paragraph 1, letter s), above;
f) due to failure to observe the provisions relating to the gaming account pursuant to art. 24, paragraph 19 of law no. 88/2009, if the licensee is the holder of the gaming accounts;
g) due to repeated failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 5, paragraph 2, letters f) and g), for cautionary purposes;
h) due to failure to observed the obligation pursuant to art. 5, paragraph 2, letter i), as well as in the event of failure to obtain a score above 50 points, with respect to the initial 100, following the application of the penalties provided for in the service charter;
For every day of cautionary suspension of the exercise of lotto on line, the licensee is bound to pay the Tax Department a sum equating to the average daily tax profit plus 5% (five percent), to be calculated on the tax profits of the month prior to that in which the failure occurred.
3. AAMS shall launch the procedure for termination of this addendum in accordance with and by the effects of article 7 and 8 of law no. 241/1990, as amended and supplemented, as well as in the cases already expressly provided for in the previous articles and in those listed hereto, when:
a) the licensee does not exceed the technical-functional check pursuant to art. 12 of this addendum;
b) the licensee breaches the legislation on the repression of improper, illegal and clandestine gaming and, in particular, when it markets other games on the Italian territory, either directly or through parent companies, subsidiaries or associated companies, wherever located, without being entitled to do so;
c) the licensee collects takings from gaining through channels other than remote channels, without the necessary permits or authorizations, or using methods or apparatuses that allow participation in remote gaming at physical premises;
[initialed]
d) the licensee fails on three occasions, notwithstanding the penalties for delayed payment, to pay the sums owed within the terms and using the methods established by art. 10, paragraph 2, within thirty days of their expiry;
e) the licensee has not complied, within the terms established, with that provided for by art. 14 above;
f) the licensee formally or substantially prevents the correct and thorough exercise of the checks made by AAMS pursuant to art. 16 above;
g) the licensee fails to communicate the data provided for by art. 16, paragraph 1 above, for more than thirty days following request;
h) in all cases of repeated failure to fulfill the obligations provided for by paragraph 17, letters c), d), e), f), g), i), l) and m) and by paragraph 19 of art. 24 of law no. 88/2009, contested three times.
4. In the event of withdrawal or termination of the license, this accessive addendum shall automatically lose all validity.
5. The licensee shall not be entitled to any indemnification as a consequence of the early termination of this addendum, unless provided for by article 21 e) of Law no. 241/1990, as amended and supplemented.
6. Should AAMS intend to withdraw this addendum or announce its termination in the cases pursuant to the previous paragraphs of this article, it shall communicate the launch of the procedure to the licensee in accordance with articles 7 and 8 of law no. 241/1990, as amended and supplemented, assigning a term of at least 15 days for the written counter-deductions. AAMS, following the outcome of the procedure, shall implement the motivated provision of withdrawal or cancellation.
7. In the event of provision for termination of the licensee relating to lotto on line, the guarantee pursuant to art. 14 above, shall be appropriated by AAMS, notwithstanding the right to claim further compensation for every kind of damaged endured and being endured, as well as the payment of expenses.
SECTION VI
FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 20
Applicable law
1. For anything not expressly agreed between the parties in this addendum, the rules of substantial and procedural law provided for by the European and national legal orders shall apply.
Article 21
Applicable law
1. This addendum is effective and binding to the licensee from the date of signing and to AAMS from the date of approval by the competent management bodies.
Rome, APRIL 12, 2013
For AAMS
(signature)
For the licensee
(signature)
[initialed]
In accordance with article 1341 et seq. of the Civil Code, the licensee specifically approves the following articles:
· article 2, paragraph 2;
· article 3, paragraph 2;
· article 4, paragraph 1;
· article 5;
· article 6;
· article 8;
· article 9;
· article 10;
· article 11;
· article 12;
· article 13;
· article 14;
· article 16;
· article 17;
· article 19.
For the licensee
(signature)
ANNEXES TO THE ADDENDUM
Annex 1 Service levels and penalties;
Annex 2 Unique nomenclature of the definitions;
[initialed]
Annex 1
Service levels and penalties
The service levels that the licensees processing system and the system of the supplier of the connectivity service to the remote gaming venues must assure, concern:
system performance;
technical-operational operation of the system;
assistance to remote gaming venues.
The methods used to obtain the data necessary for the verification of the service levels, together with the relative verification instruments, have to be described in the technical report to be delivered to AAMS.
The data has to be supplied in accordance with the methods established by AAMS.
To guarantee the observance of the service levels, general obligations and commitments relating to the activities and functions subject to license, AAMS, following the formal complaint to the licensee, for each failure noted and in relation to its severity and its duration, shall apply the penalties specified hereto.
The processing system shall guarantee the continuity of the service during the gaming operation, under any circumstances, regardless of the load to be handled by the aforesaid processing system. Within the scope of technical operation, service levels must be guaranteed for the operation of the processing system and the telecommunications network.
The following services shall be guaranteed in particular:
percentage of availability of the system and of the telecommunications network, measured in the interval of availability of the service provided for Lotto on line by the provisions of AAMS, from Monday to Sunday, not less than 92% (ninety two percent) on a daily basis 24 hours and not less than 96% (ninety six percent) on a monthly basis. In the event of a difference with respect to the threshold values established for service levels on a daily basis and on a monthly basis, the following penalties shall be applied:
[initialed]
Service level |
|
Threshold value |
|
Measurement
|
|
Penalty |
Availability of the processing system and the telecommunications network |
|
92% (ninety two percent) of the minutes provided for on a daily basis |
|
Daily |
|
1.2% (one point two percent) of the average daily tax profit of Lotto on line, for every point of difference from the threshold value.
The average daily tax profit is calculated on the basis of the previous calendar month.
If, when the license becomes effective, no breaches of the same nature have been ascertained, the penalty is reduced by 50% (fifty percent). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96% (ninety six percent) of the minutes provided for on a monthly basis |
|
Monthly |
|
1.5% (one point five percent) of the average monthly tax profit of Lotto on line, for every point of difference from the threshold value.
The average monthly tax profit is calculated on the basis of the previous three calendar months.
If, when the license becomes effective, no breaches of the same nature have been ascertained, the penalty is reduced by 50% (fifty percent). |
These service levels must be ensured at the start of operation of the apparatuses.
Lack of availability of the service shall be considered net of the time required for extraordinary and scheduled maintenance, agreed to previously with AAMS.
These penalties can be applied as of the date on which the remote collection of Lotto in all methods, established by a specific provision by AAMS, begins.
Rounding off
For the purposes of calculation of the difference between the effective percentages and those established by contract, the former shall be rounded of as follows:
· to 0% for differences between 0.00% and 0.49%;
· to 1% for differences in excess of 0.49%.
The licensee may present a report containing its considerations regarding the reasons for any differences with respect to the pre-established values.
[initialed]
Annex 2
UNIQUE NOMENCLATURE OF THE DEFINITIONS
The terms in bold type contained in this document which are used, depending on the cases, in the single or plural sense, take on the meaning indicated by the side of each of them.
1. Agency or AAMS: indicates the Agency of Customs and Monopolies monopolies area, previously known as the autonomous administration of the State monopolies;
2. activation of the remote gaming network: indicates the activities and the functions of activation of the telecommunications network, in relation to the component that connects the processing system to the remote collection channels;
3. premium: indicates the part of the gross collection, equating to 8%, that the gaming venues receive for the fulfillment of obligations connected to the exercise of the activities and functions assigned;
4. deed of license or license: indicates the deed of license pursuant to the decrees of the Ministry of Finance of March 17, 1993, November 8, 1993, January 11, 1995 and July 25, 1995 and to the decree of the General Manager of the AAMS of November 15, 2000, with which Lottomatica Group S.p.A. was assigned the management of the automated Lotto gaming service;
5. addendum: indicates the supplementary document to the license that Lottomatica Group S.p.A. , licensee for the management of the automated Lotto gaming service, signs for the exercise of the remote collection of the Lotto gaming service;
6. service charter: indicates the tool to ensure that players are correctly informed, also with regard to the obligations of conduct binding licensees, implemented in accordance with article 24, paragraph 21 of law no. 88 of 2009;
7. top up card: indicates the top up on a physical support which can be transferred to the gaming account, by means of telematics or telephone connection with the licensees IT system or call center service;
8. marketing: indicates the activity aimed at the final contracting of players;
9. payment: indicates the part of the gross collection received by the licensee in exchange for fulfillment of the obligations connected to the exercise of the activities and functions covered by the license and the addendum;
10. licensee: indicates the holder of the license for the management of the Lotto gaming service in all its aspects;
11. gaming account: indicates the account registered in the name of the player, on which the operations deriving from implementation of the gaming account agreement are recorded;
12. gaming account agreement: indicates the agreement between the player and remote gaming venue pursuant to paragraph 19 of art. 24 of law no. 88 of July 7, 2009 and to the connected provisions of AAMS;
[initialed]
13. technological devices: indicates the combination of hardware apparatuses used by the licensee for the exercise of lotto on line;
14. technological apparatuses: indicates the combination of technological structures and hardware and software apparatuses, as well as the data transmission networks used by the licensee for the exercise of lotto on line;
15. supplier of the connectivity service: indicates each party which has the requirements provided for by the technical rules for supplying the service of connection and transportation of information between the processing system and the centralized system;
16. supplier of services for the management of means of payment: indicates each party which, in conformity to the legislation I force, has been assigned activities and functions connected to the management and distribution of the means of payment;
17. player: indicates the holder of a gaming account agreement who participates in lotto on line;
18. gioco del lotto: indicates the fixed amount numerical game pursuant to law no. 528 of August 2, 1982, as amended and supplemented;
19. public games: indicates games the exercise of which is reserved for the State, which can manage them either directly or through physical or legal persons who provide adequate guarantees of suitability;
20. lotto on line: indicates the gioco del lotto in all its aspects, the collection of which is carried out on a remote basis;
21. extraordinary maintenance: indicates the operations carried out on the telecommunications network by the licensee, also following instruction by AAMS, necessary to ensure the maintenance of the performance and service levels provided for by Annex 1 and which change that provided for in the technical report; extraordinary maintenance operations can be, for example, the renewal of software applications of the processing system or the adoption of different methods of connection or different technological apparatuses, with technical features that align or improve the performances and service levels provided for by Annex 1, but different than those described in the technical report;
22. means of payment: indicates the methods of access and the relative systems and tools that implement them to the payment of bets and of winnings and refunds provided for by the legislation in force;
23. party: indicates one of the two parties that have signed the addendum to the license (AAMS or the licensee);
24. parties: jointly indicates AAMS and the licensee, in the addendum to the license, or the licensee and the player in the gaming account agreement;
25. remote gaming venues: indicates the holder of the license for the exercise and remote collection of one or more public games, pursuant to art. 24, paragraph 13 of law no. 88/2009, authorized by AAMS; following a specific claim, to the remote collection of Lotto, who has signed with the licensee a special agreement for the remote collection of gioco del lotto, i.e.: the licensee, in the exercise of remote collection;
26. remote collection: indicates the collection, carried out, alternatively or jointly, via the Internet, digital television, both terrestrial and satellite, fixed and mobile telephone, and
[initialed]
any other means providing similar methods and features, excluding collection in public places with apparatuses that allow remote communications using telecommunications devices;
27. technical rules; indicates the document, forming an integral part of the documentation relating to the procedure for integration of the license pursuant to D.D. no. 190/GCV of 02/08/2011, which outlines the features and technical methods of realization and operations of the telecommunications network for the performance of the activities and functions licensed, as well as the performance and service levels that the licensee is bound to guarantee;
28. technical report: indicates the document, drawn up by the licensee in conformity with that established in the technical rules, which contains the technical and functional features of the telecommunications network, as well as the relative technological apparatuses;
29. remote gaming network: indicates the telecommunications network activated and operated by the licensee for collection of lotto on line:
30. remote distribution network: indicates the network activated and operated by the licensee, consisting of the remote gaming venues connected to the telecommunications network;
31. telecommunications network: indicates the hardware and software infrastructure for the transmission and processing of data, activated and operated by the licensee in conformity to that provided for by the addendum to the license and relative annexes and by the technical rules which comprises the processing system, the interface apparatuses for connection with the telecommunications networks of the remote gaming venues as well as the networks connecting the processing system and the central system of AAMS;
32. top up of the gaming account: indicates the operation via which the player feeds his/her gaming account;
33. central system: indicates the system of AAMS for the registration and control of the gaming data transmitted by the licensees processing system;
34. licensees processing system: indicates the licensees multichannel technological and IT platform, consisting of hardware apparatuses and software application, for the production and centralized management of Lotto on line. The licensees system takes on the functions of transmission and reception of flows, registration, control and validation of bets;
35. sub-registration: indicates the registration, using telecommunications devices, of the player by the central system, pursuant to article 24, paragraph 17, letter c) of Law no. 88/2009, which allows access by the player to the operating area of the licensees website dedicated to offering public games.
[initialed]
ADDENDUM TO THE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE AUTOMATED LOTTERY SERVICE,
The Customs and Monopolies Agency, monopolies area hereinafter referred to as Agency or AAMS, with head office in Rome, via della Luce, 34/a bis, represented by Roberto FANELLI in his capacity as Director of Gaming, Directors Resolution no. 41078/Risorse UD of 3 December 2012
AND
Lottomatica Group S.p.A., with registered office in Rome, Viale Campo Boario 56/D, represented by Marco SALA, in his capacity as CEO.
AGREE THAT
unless otherwise explicitly indicated, the terms in bold in this deed shall have the meaning indicated alongside each of them in the sole nomenclature of definitions which is an integral, essential and binding part of this Addendum to the Concession Agreement.
WHEREAS
by the Deed of Concession referred to in the decrees of the Ministry of Finances of March 17, 1993, November 8, 1993, January 11, 1995 and July 25, 1995 and the decree of the Director of AAMS of November 15, 2000, the management of the automated Lottery service was assigned to Lottomatica S.p.A. (now known as Lottomatica Group S.p.A.);
Law no. 88, of July 7, 2009 Community law 2008 and, in particular, art. 24, paragraph 14, stipulated, inter alia, provisions relating to the remote collection of takings from public gaming;
Decree Law no. 138 of August 13, 2011, converted by Law no. 148 of September 14, 2011, as amended and supplemented in public gaming subject matter and, in particular, art. 2, paragraph 3, envisaged that AAMS would be empowered as it saw fit to issue provisions in public gaming subject matter wherever this was deemed useful for ensuring greater takings;
Art. 2, paragraph 1 of the Directors Decree of 12 October 2011containing the Implementation of the provisions set out in art. 2, paragraph 3 of the Decree Law no. 138 of August 13, 2011, converted into Law no. 148 of September 14, 2011, in public gaming subject matter, as amended by art. 10, paragraph 9, letter a) of the Decree Law no. 16 of March2, 2012, containing Urgent provisions relating to tax simplification and strengthening and rendering more efficient tax assessment procedures, amongst the new arrangements for playing the lottery, envisaged the remote collection method for playing the lottery (gioco del lotto) and for the gioco 10elotto outside the opening hours of tobacconists;
Decree Law no. 95 of July 6, 2012, converted as amended into Law no. 135 of August 7, 2012, in particular, art. 23 quarter , stipulated, inter alia, the incorporation of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies into the Customs Agency, now known as the Customs and Monopolies Agency;
The Directors Decree issued by the Agency on 23 January 2013 regulated the technical and organizational characteristics for collecting lottery (gioco del Lotto) takings for all procedures involving remote collection;
[initialed]
the Agency has verified that the Licensees planned processing system, submitted on March 21, 2013, complies with the technical and organizational requirements laid down for the remote collection of lottery (gioco del lotto) takings set out in the Directors Decree AAMS of January 23, 2013, with the general provisions for the remote collection of public gaming takings set out in the Community Law 2008 and with the corresponding implementing provisions set out in the Directors Decree AAMS of February 8, 2011 prot. 2011/190/CGV and the documents referred to in art. 1 of this addendum, with specific reference and in a manner that is compatible with the particularities of the lottery (gioco del lotto), while reserving the right to check the regularity and consistency of the adjustment of the systems, organizational procedures and activities to the project;
Lottomatica Group S.p.A., in line with that provided for in art. 24, paragraph 14, letter b) of Law no. 88 of July 7, 2009, is obliged to conclude an addendum to the concession agreement for the remote collection arrangements for lottery (gioco del lotto) takings for incorporation into the Deed of Concession
HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS
SECTION I
PREAMBLE, SUBJECT MATTER AND DURATION
Article 1
Validity of the preamble and other documents
1. The preamble, the legislative and administrative provisions, the technical rules, the service charters, with specific reference to the particular characteristics of the lottery (gioco del lotto) for all methods involving remote participation, constitute an integral, essential and binding part of this addendum and its corresponding annexes.
Article 2
Subject matter
1. The addendum encompasses the operations and functions for remote collection, with the exclusion of the collection at public places with machines enabling participation using data communication systems, of lottery (gioco del lotto) takings in all its forms, hereinafter referred to as lotto on line.
2. AAMS, with regard to collection operations for lotto on line, is entitled to suspend operations at any moment, by providing sixty days notice, as it sees fit and without any compensation for the licensee.
Article 3
Amendments to the concession agreement
1. The provisions in this deed shall supplement and replace, restricted to lotto on line operations, those stipulated in the Deed of Concession wherever they clash with the latter.
2. The licensee undertakes as of now to modify the activities described in this addendum wherever necessary following legislative amendments or following orders issued by AAMS.
3. Any amendments or supplements to this addendum shall be incorporated and formalized in a subsequent supplementary deed which, once concluded by the parties, shall constitute an integral part of this addendum.
[initialed]
Article 4
Duration
1. This addendum shall be effective until the expiry date of the current concession agreement, into which this addendum has been incorporated.
SECTION II
GENERAL OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LICENSEE
Article 5
General obligations of the licensee
1. The licensee is obliged to carry out the operations and functions assigned to it while abiding by the instructions indicated in the concession agreement and in this addendum and guaranteeing the service levels envisaged in Annex 1 to the addendum, using its own organizational means or those of third parties, and the provisions of the Consolidation Act of Laws on Public Safety and Security, approved by Royal Decree no. 773 of June 18, 1931, as amended.
2. The licensee, with reference to lotto on line operations, in addition to abiding by the instructions contained in the deed of concession and in this addendum, in legislative and administrative provisions and in technical rules, with specific reference to the particular characteristics of lotto on line, and in Directors Decree AAMS of January 23, 2013 containing Technical characteristics for collecting lottery takings involving remote participation, also undertakes to:
a. comply with its obligations and take any measures envisaged under the rules governing the lottery (gioco del lotto) in all its forms;
b. provide information to consumers in relation to the gaming regulations, the offer conditions contained in the outline gaming account contract, the requirements and provisions in force for the supervision of legal gaming and for the promotion of secure, legal and responsible gaming, and for preventing and combating gaming addition, and to implement specific institutional communication campaigns by AAMS,
c. observe the provisions decided upon by AAMS with regard to the institutional logo and the logo gioco legale e responsabile [legal and responsible gaming] and any changes thereto;
d. communicate in advance to AAMS any initiatives and advertising campaigns at national level organized by the licensee itself, also for the purpose of ensuring the necessary coordination with those envisaged by AAMS and the monitoring provided for in Decree Law no. 158 of September 13, 2012, converted into Law no. 189 of November 8, 2012,;
e. carry out any marketing activities exclusively by means of the preselected channel/s and communicated in advance to AAMS using the specific methods indicated in art. 13 below;
f. observe, if acting as the holder of gaming accounts and/or ensure observance at remote points of sale whenever activities for the promotion and popularization of the lotto on line lottery, the corresponding gaming account contracts and the sale of recharge cards are carried out the prohibition of the use of intermediaries for the collection of remote lottery takings, also through duly instructed third-party entities, even using machines that enable participation using data communication systems;
g. comply with any legislative provisions relating to the treatment of personal data;
h. comply, on pain of forfeiture, with the provisions of anti-money-laundering legislation, wherever they apply, and fulfill the obligations concerning the duty to take any measures envisaged thereunder, including the drafting of corresponding periodic reports;
i. to incorporate the service charters for remote gaming issued by AAMS, if acting as the holder of gaming accounts and to ensure compliance therewith at remote points of sale;
[initialed]
4. The licensee undertakes to indemnify and hold AAMS free and harmless from any liability vis-à-vis third parties howsoever related to the operations and functions assigned to it under this deed, even those related to remote points of sale.
5. In any case, the licensee undertakes to hold AAMS free and harmless from any charges incurred, including legal fees, following:
a) orders, even those of an indefinite nature, relating to legal proceedings or proceedings, at any level or of any nature, related, directly or indirectly, to violations of the obligations set out in this addendum, in the gaming regulations and in the provisions decided upon in the field of lotto on line;
b) agreements, including settlement agreements, concluded at the end of any legal proceedings or disputes related, directly or indirectly, to violations of the obligations set out in this addendum.
Article 6
Prohibition of assignment and obligations to uphold the licensing requirements and conditions
1. The assignment, either directly or indirectly, of the rights and duties in this addendum is prohibited.
2. The licensee is expressly obliged:
a) to maintain the legal form of a joint-stock company, with registered office in one of the States of the European Economic Area, for the entire duration of the concession;
b) to maintain the processing system in one of the States of the European Economic Area.
Article 7
Obligations relating to the treatment of employees
1. As regards the obligations relating to the treatment of employees, the provisions of art. 27 of the deed of concession referred to in Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993 as amended and supplemented shall apply.
Article 8
Exclusive responsibility of licensee
1. The licensee shall be solely responsible for organizational, technical and financial matters and of any other nature concerning the implementation and management of the operations and functions that constitute the subject matter of this deed.
Article 9
Financial responsibility of licensee
1. The licensee expressly declares that it has full knowledge of the current situation and potential of the lotto on line market segment. Therefore, no objection or request in this respect, including those related to a lack of information, may be lodged.
2. Therefore, the licensee shall assume the entrepreneurial risk associated with the implementation and management of the operations and functions set out in this addendum and, accordingly, any operating losses incurred, holding AAMS free and harmless from any liability in relation to any claims for compensation, on whatsoever basis, asserted vis-à-vis AAMS.
[initialed]
3. The licensee shall bear full and sole responsibility arising from any objections by consumers, howsoever related to lotto on line operations, and undertakes to hold AAMS free and harmless from any responsibility.
4. The licensee expressly and unconditionally accepts to bear all the expenses and charges associated with the activities that constitute the subject matter of this deed, even those of a tax-related nature, including:
a) the registration charges for this addendum;
b) the remuneration payable to any provider of payment management services and any third party;
c) all the charges associated with the implementation of the security, confidentiality and accuracy rules described in the draft processing system;
d) the expenses related to the management and the adaptation of and expansion to the technological equipment and those required to ensure the correct and timely performance of the operations and functions that constitute the subject matter of this addendum;
e) management and certification expenses, wherever envisaged, for the technological platforms for the collection of lottery takings in all their forms in distribution channels with remote participation.
5. No expense related to the remote distribution network may be charged to AAMS.
Article 10
Financial responsibility and accounting requirements of licensee
1. The licensee expressly and unconditionally undertakes to pay any amounts due in relation to the implementation of this addendum and any other rules or orders or regulations regulating lotto on line, in accordance with the methods and timeframes envisaged in such rules, orders or regulations.
2. In particular, the licensee undertakes to pay the tax revenues deriving from the total value of the lotto on line takings, less the commission and remuneration payable and the winnings paid out or requested, by the 13 th day following the end of each accounting week.
3. The parties expressly agree that the licensee shall be directly responsible for the correct and timely payment to the lottery player of amounts corresponding to those winnings for which it is solely responsible in addition to paying out any sums due following claims, as set out in the rules regulating this subject matter.
4. Payment of winnings takes place under the sole responsibility of the licensee which, accordingly, expressly declares that it shall hold AAMS free and harmless from any charges and responsibility for undue payments made for any reason whatsoever.
5. The parties expressly agree that in the event that the licensee, in line with the lotto on line regulations, performs the collection by using the remote points of sale for paying out winnings, it is obliged to ensure the correct and timely fulfillment by the third party of the requirements set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 of this article. The licensee, after providing advance notice to AAMS and as set out in article 14 of Decree AAMS of January 23, 2013, undertakes to pay out winnings for amounts not exceeding 10,500 euros in the event that the remote point of sale fails to credit the gaming account with the relative amount.
6. In the event of an excessive number of wins, the licensee shall make the relative payments as provided for in articles 35 and 36 of Presidential Decree no. 560 of 1996 after obtaining explicit authorization from AAMS.
[initialed]
7. The licensee shall account for its financial management in relation to the collection of takings and to the payment of lotto on line winnings including such management tasks in the accounting documentation and in the documentation envisaged under art. 38 of Presidential Decree of August 7, 1990, no. 303. As set out in letters d) and e) of the same article, the licensee undertakes to furnish a separate statement of accounts for the financial management of lotto on line to whosoever is entitled to separate payments of the amount due.
Article 11
Obligations relating to intellectual property
1. As far as obligations relating to intellectual property are concerned, the provisions of art. 27 of the deed of concession referred to in the Ministerial Decree of 17 March 1993 as amended and supplemented shall apply.
2. The licensee undertakes to assign all the exclusive industrial property rights and the rights of use and economic exploitation related to the intellectual work associated with lotto on line, created, introduced or developed by it during the licensing period. Such intellectual work includes developments and upgrades in the gaming software in respect of which the licensee expressly undertakes to return the exclusive property rights to the resulting software codes free of charge to AAMS, upon request, at the end, for whatsoever reason of the concession.
3. Each party undertakes to immediately notify the other party in writing if legal actions are taken in relation to the subject matter of this article.
SECTION III
OPERATION OF LOTTO ON LINE
Article 12
Technical-functional inspection and corresponding requirements
1. The collection of lotto on line takings takes place using a remote gaming network as set out in Directors Decree AAMS of February8 2011 prot. no. 2011/90/CGV, taken pursuant to art. 24, paragraph 26 of Law no. 88/2009 and in line with the requirements and technical specifications set out in the Directors Decree issued by the Agency on January 23, 2013 and with legislative and administrative provisions, technical rules and this addendum.
2. The collection of lotto on line takings depends on the creation of a data communication network provided by the licensee in accordance with the technical rules and on the positive outcome of the technical-functional inspection, as described below in paragraphs 3 and 4 of this article.
3. AAMS will carry out the technical inspection on the functioning of the data communication network following notification of its completion by the licensee.
4. The date of the technical-functional inspection will be communicated by AAMS to the licensee at least five days in advance. The inspection itself will conclude with the drafting of a corresponding report and, in the event of any discrepancies, AAMS, after consultation with the licensee, will establish the interventions that the latter is obliged to carry out in order to resolve such discrepancies, as well as communicating the date of the next and final technical-functional inspection.
[initialed]
5. AAMS is entitled to carry out subsequent technical-functional inspections in the event of technological upgrades and extraordinary maintenance.
6. The licensee, throughout the licensing period, undertakes to guarantee full compliance with the adjustments ordered by AAMS to the remote gaming network and to the corresponding technological devices.
7. The licensee, as soon as this deed has been signed, explicitly undertakes to activate the data communication network before the date laid down in the corresponding order issued by AAMS for the initiation of the collection of lotto online takings.
8. Failure to comply with the provision set out in paragraph 7 above will trigger application of the contractual penalty described in art. 17, paragraph 2, letter a) of this deed, within a maximum of 30 days. In the event that the delay lasts for more than thirty days, AAMS is entitled to initiate the process for the extinction of the concession regulated in this addendum.
9. The licensee undertakes to guarantee the regular operation of lotto on line using the remote gaming network in accordance with the service levels envisaged in Annex 1 to this deed and the quality standards laid down in the service charters for remote gaming adopted by AAMS. Any interruption to the collection of the gaming takings in question, even at just one point of sale, will trigger application of the contractual penalties envisaged in art. 17, paragraph 2, letter b) of this deed, in addition to the application of other penalties, wherever the conditions are fulfilled, envisaged in this addendum or under other rules. In the event that said interruption lasts for more than 90 consecutive days or for nine none-consecutive months during the period in which the concession is in force, AAMS is entitled to initiate the process for the extinction of the concession that constitutes the subject matter of this addendum.
10. With regard to the performance of its operations and functions, even if it engages third-party entities, the licensee shall be exclusively answerable vis-à-vis AAMS and the players for services rendered by the third parties on its behalf.
11. Furthermore, the licensee undertakes to expressly guarantee the implementation of the innovations ordered by AAMS in relation to lotto on line for the entire duration of the concession.
12. The licensee, using a data communication network and on a continual basis, shall pass on all the subsequent information stored in its processing system to AAMS according to the methods and timeframes envisaged in the technical rules, with specific reference to the particular characteristics of the game that constitutes the subject matter of this addendum.
13. The licensee, in accordance with the methods and timeframes defined by AAMS, shall furnish any further information to AAMS as requested by it in relation to the functioning of lotto on line.
Article 13
Obligations of the licensee relating to the collection of lotto on line takings
1. The licensee expressly undertakes:
a) to verify possession of the requirements and authorizations provided for by the legislation in force and by this addendum by the remote gaming venues, providing immediately for termination of the agreement in the cases where conditions for such termination exist;
b) to subject the collection of takings from remote gaming venues to the positive outcome of the check on possession of requirements and authorizations pursuant to letter a) above, as well as the technical-functional check carried out by AAMS, in accordance with art- 12 above and the trial pursuant to art. 4, paragraph 2 of Directors Decree of the Agency of January 23, 2013;
[initialed]
c) to check the correctness of the activity exercised in remote gaming venues, verifying the existence of any illegal or improper behavior, providing immediately for termination of the agreement in the cases where conditions for such termination exist;
d) to report the aforesaid illegal or improper behavior to AAMS, along with anomalies in the remote gaming network and the measures taken to rectify them;
e) to inform AAMS, using the methods defined by the latter, of all the collection channels used, also for the purposes of publicizing them on the AAMS institutional website;
f) to consent to access by players to the operational area of the licensees website, in the event that the licensee holds gaming accounts, and/or the point of sale of every other website and remote channel referable to it, already authorized and exclusively following communication of remote sub-registration by the central system of AAMS;
g) when a holder of gaming accounts, to exclude players residing in Italy from the offer of lotto on line through sites other than those authorized in observance of that provided for by this addendum, even when they are managed directly by the same licensee or through its parent companies, subsidiaries or associated companies;
h) when a holder of gaming accounts, to implement or place at the disposal of the player, tools and devices for self-limitation, preventing the activation of the gaming account by those who have not selected a deposit limit per period of time, and for self-exclusion from gaming;
i) when a holder of gaming accounts, to implement or make available, tools and devices for the exclusion of minors from gaming, as well as the display of the relative ban in virtual gaming venues, managed by the licensee;
j) to promote responsible gaming conduct and monitor its adoption by players, also promoting and implementing measures to defend it, as provided for by the consumer code pursuant to legislative decree no. 206 of September 6, 2005, as amended and supplemented;
k) when a holder of gaming accounts, to use, also for each gaming account already existing on the date that this addendum is signed, a gaming account agreement for the exercise of remote gaming, compliant with the model approved by AAMS, to be entered into with the player, complying with the relative clauses. If, on the other hand, the licensee should use the system of gaming accounts activated and operated by another party, he shall guarantee that the relationship for each gaming account belonging to the aforesaid system and managed in his name and on his behalf, even when it already existed on the date that this addendum was signed, is regulated by a gaming account agreement for the exercise of remote gaming, approved previously by AAMS, compliant with the model approved by AAMS with, in addition, express indication of clauses relating to the particularities of the methods described above;
l) when a holder of gaming accounts, to allow the player to top up the gaming account using suitable payment tools, i.e.: prepaid top up cards compliant with the legislation in force;
m) to transmit the analytical transactions of gaming accounts to the central system of AAMS via channels that do not provide for sub registration by the central system of AAMS, pursuant to letter f) of this paragraph;
n) to send AAMS, using the methods defined by the latter, the personal data present in the gaming account agreement, obtaining the players consent by means of a specific clause;
o) to place at the disposal of AAMS; within the times and using the methods indicated by the later at the time of request, all the documents and information necessary for the monitoring and control by AAMS or parties appointed by the latter;
[initialed]
p) to inform the remote gaming venues, in advance, of the provisions and obligations provided for by the legislation concerning lotto on line, also immediately providing information of all amendments and supplements to the aforesaid legislation;
q) to guarantee that remote gaming venues receive:
I. constant professional updates on legislation and regulation of lotto on line;
II. supply of the tools required for the correct marketing of the product:
III. management and use of the technological services, including procedures for the management of any operating anomalies in the telecommunications network;
r) to keep a copy of each agreement with the remote gaming venue and the relative annexes for the entire duration of the license and to give them to AAMS, when specifically requested to do so, also in electronic format;
s) when a holder of gaming accounts, to use a dedicated bank or post office current account registered in the name of the licensee to keep and manage the sums held in players gaming accounts, to forward the bank details of the aforesaid current account to AAMS, to use the sums exclusively for debit and credit transactions on gaming accounts entered into expressly by players or to pay to the tax department the sums held in each gaming account which lies dormant for three years, and to release, within three business days of a request to such extent by AAMS, information regarding use of the current account and its balance on the date indicated by the latter;
SECTION IV
REGULATION OF THE LICENSING RELATIONSHIP
Article 14
Guarantee
1. The licensee shall provide a guarantee, in the form of a deposit, in cash or government bonds, via bank guarantee or insurance policy, for the amount of 10,000,000.00 euros; the aforesaid guarantee shall be irreversible, independent with respect to the main obligation, payable upon first request without exceptions, with express waiver of the benefit of prior collection from the main debtor and with express waiver of the exception pursuant to art. 1957, paragraph 2 of the Civil Code.
2. The subject of said guarantee is the correct and complete fulfillment of the obligations relating to the exercise of lotto on line and to the operation of the remote gaming network, and particularly:
a) the prompt and precise payment of any proceeds established by the pertinent legislation, for the duration of the license;
b) the correct execution of the activities and functions assigned by this addendum, as well as fulfillment of all the licensees obligations towards players;
3. In the event of transformation of the companys legal status during the period of validity of the license in accordance with art. 6, paragraph 2, the licensee is bound to present the guarantee pursuant to paragraph 1 above, again. Failure to present the aforesaid guarantee within the term of fifteen days, starting from the date of transformation, shall cause the loss of the license covered by this addendum.
4. The guarantee pursuant to art. 1 shall be adjusted, for the first time, by March 31, 2015, and for each successive year of collection, by March 31 of every year, to an amount equating to 0.3% of the takings of lotto on line of the previous year, for a minimum amount of 10,000,000.00 euros.
[initialed]
Failure to adapt the above guarantee within the aforesaid term shall cause the loss of the license covered by this addendum.
5. The guarantee shall be valid for any effects which arise during the licensing relationship, including those that emerge after the end of the license, up to one year following its expiry. The guarantee shall expressly provide that, in the event of expiry, following communication to the licensee and to the bank or insurance company, it shall be appropriated by AAMS, notwithstanding the right of the latter to request compensation for further damages. In the event of total or partial appropriation of the guarantee, the licensee is bound to restore it to the full amount within the term of thirty days from the date of appropriation. Failure to do so within the aforesaid term shall cause loss of the license covered by this addendum.
Article 15
Payment of the licensee and premium of the venues
1. The takings collected from the exercise of the activity and the functions provided for by this addendum shall be used to determine the payment pursuant to art. 21 of Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993, as amended. Remote gaming venues are acknowledged an 8% premium is accordance with the legislation in force.
Article 16
Exercise of the powers of supervision, control and inspection
1. Through its operators, AAMS may unilaterally perform checks and inspections, also without prior notice, at the premises of the licensee and, with regard to the technological apparatuses used, also at the premises of third-party suppliers, when located within the European economic space. The licensee undertakes to agree with the third-party supplier the possibility of the aforesaid access and is also bound to keep, within the terms established, all the information and documents required by AAMS, as well as all the apparatuses and tools necessary to find the elements necessary to the check on service levels. In the event of inspects and accesses, the licensees collaborators are bound to allow access and to offer unconditional assistance to the operators of AAMS.
2. All expenses and charges connected with the access, inspection, verification and checking operations, including transfer expenses, shall be borne by the licensee.
3. The licensee is bound to remove, at his own expense, any problems found by AAMS, including those found at the premises of third-party suppliers, within the terms indicated by AAMS at the time that the aforesaid problems are found and, in any case, within a maximum of thirty days from the relative complaint.
Article 17
Penalties
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of art. 24, paragraph 23 of law no. 88/2009, as well as the cases of expiry provided for by this addendum, following the issue of formal complaint to the licensee, AAMS may apply, in accordance with criteria of proportionality and reasonability, the penalties provided for by paragraph 2 hereto. The penalties do not exonerate the licensee from any third party liability nor from that connected to any damage caused by interest applicable.
2. In the event of failure to fulfill the obligations and commitments relating to the activities and functions covered by this addendum, the following penalties are provided for:
[initialed]
a) for failure to observe the obligation pursuant to art. 12, paragraphs 7 and 8 of this addendum, a penalty of 500.00 (five hundred point zero zero) is applied for every day of delay in activating the telecommunications network. With the aforesaid penalty being reduced by 50% for the first fifteen days of delay;
b) for failure to observe the obligation pursuant to art. 12, paragraph 9 of this addendum, a penalty equating to the average daily tax profit per venue plus 5% (five percent) is applied, to be calculated on the tax profits of the month prior to that in which the interruption occurs, for every day of interruption and for every venue concerned; for the first month of collection the aforesaid penalty shall be calculated on the tax profits made during the same month prior to interruption;
c) for failure to observe the service levels details in Annex 1 to this addendum, a penalty shall be applied for each failure found, in relation to the severity and duration thereof. The amount of the relative penalties is indicated in Annex 1;
d) for failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 5, paragraph 2, letters f) and g), a penalty of between 1,000.00 (one thousand point zero zero) and 50,000.00 (fifty thousand point zero zero) is applied for every problem found, in relation to the severity and reiteration thereof;
e) for the documented delay in paying our winnings and refunds to players with respect to that provided for by the regulations of lotto on line, as well as for failure to inform the central system of AAMS of the payment of the winnings and refunds, a penalty of between 50% (fifty percent) and 75% (seventy five percent) of the total amount of the winnings or refund which have not been promptly paid/communicated, up to the maximum limit of 50,000.00 (fifty thousand point zero zero).
3. The licensee is bound to pay the penalties defined under paragraph 2 of this document, with the methods indicated in the provision of formal complaint, pursuant to paragraph 1 above.
4. In the event of delayed payment of any sum, owing for any reason to AAMS in compliance with this addendum, interest shall be applicable at the legal rate, calculated from the day after expiry until that of payment. The applicability of the sanctions provided for by the regulations currently in force in the event of failure to pay or delayed payment of the amounts due as taxes is not affected.
Article 18
Obligations regarding the processing of personal data and appointment of the relative external manager.
1. The activities covered by this addendum implicate, in accordance with Legislative Decree no. 196 of 30 June 2003 Code regulating the protection of personal data as amended and supplemented, the processing of the players personal data:
a) by the licensee, in its capacity as independent holder, in relation to all the aspects connected to the management of the gaming activities (including the legal obligations);
b) by AAMS, in its capacity as independent holder, in relation to all the aspects connected to the institutional and public control objectives for which it is responsible. AAMS, within the scope of its responsibilities, independently appoints So.Ge.I. Società Generale di Informatica, as external manager of the processing of the personal data of customers who have entered into the gaming account agreement with the licensee. The licensee may not, in any case, appoint So.Gei.I to act on its behalf as external manager of the process of the data of customers with whom it has entered into gaming account agreements.
2. Should the licensee, in observance of the legislation in force and of the directives of AAMS, intend to process the players personal data for further and other objectives, such as, for example, profiling and transfer of the players data to third parties, it shall inform the player in advance, obtaining his/her consent if necessary.
[initialed]
3. The licensee undertakes to expressly exonerate AAMS and hold it free from all consequences deriving from failure to observe, where appropriate, the legislation on the processing of the players personal details, in accordance with legislative decree no. 196/2003Code regulating the protection of personal data as amended and supplemented.
SECTION V
WITHDRAWAL AND TERMINATION
Article 19
Withdrawal, suspension and termination
1. AAMS may withdraw this addendum, in observance of the prescriptions of article 21 e), of law no. 241 and August 7, 1990 as amended and supplemented, for reasons of public interest or in the event of changes in the existing situation or of a new assessment of the original public interest.
2. AAMS may suspend the exercise of lotto on line on a precautionary basis, until the date on which the licensee fulfills the prescriptions issued by AAMS, notwithstanding the pursuit of the termination procedure in the event of continued failure to fulfill the obligation after the thirtieth day:
a) due to failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 13, paragraph 1, letter g), above;
b) due to failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 13, paragraph 1, letters h), i) and j) above;
c) due to failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 13, paragraph 1, letter m) above;
d) due to failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 13, paragraph 1, letter o), above;
e) due to failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 13, paragraph 1, letter s), above;
f) due to failure to observe the provisions relating to the gaming account pursuant to art. 24, paragraph 19 of law no. 88/2009, if the licensee is the holder of the gaming accounts;
g) due to repeated failure to observe the obligations pursuant to art. 5, paragraph 2, letters f) and g), for cautionary purposes;
h) due to failure to observed the obligation pursuant to art. 5, paragraph 2, letter i), as well as in the event of failure to obtain a score above 50 points, with respect to the initial 100, following the application of the penalties provided for in the service charter;
For every day of cautionary suspension of the exercise of lotto on line, the licensee is bound to pay the Tax Department a sum equating to the average daily tax profit plus 5% (five percent), to be calculated on the tax profits of the month prior to that in which the failure occurred.
3. AAMS shall launch the procedure for termination of this addendum in accordance with and by the effects of article 7 and 8 of law no. 241/1990, as amended and supplemented, as well as in the cases already expressly provided for in the previous articles and in those listed hereto, when:
a) the licensee does not exceed the technical-functional check pursuant to art. 12 of this addendum;
b) the licensee breaches the legislation on the repression of improper, illegal and clandestine gaming and, in particular, when it markets other games on the Italian territory, either directly or through parent companies, subsidiaries or associated companies, wherever located, without being entitled to do so;
c) the licensee collects takings from gaining through channels other than remote channels, without the necessary permits or authorizations, or using methods or apparatuses that allow participation in remote gaming at physical premises;
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d) the licensee fails on three occasions, notwithstanding the penalties for delayed payment, to pay the sums owed within the terms and using the methods established by art. 10, paragraph 2, within thirty days of their expiry;
e) the licensee has not complied, within the terms established, with that provided for by art. 14 above;
f) the licensee formally or substantially prevents the correct and thorough exercise of the checks made by AAMS pursuant to art. 16 above;
g) the licensee fails to communicate the data provided for by art. 16, paragraph 1 above, for more than thirty days following request;
h) in all cases of repeated failure to fulfill the obligations provided for by paragraph 17, letters c), d), e), f), g), i), l) and m) and by paragraph 19 of art. 24 of law no. 88/2009, contested three times.
4. In the event of withdrawal or termination of the license, this accessive addendum shall automatically lose all validity.
5. The licensee shall not be entitled to any indemnification as a consequence of the early termination of this addendum, unless provided for by article 21 e) of Law no. 241/1990, as amended and supplemented.
6. Should AAMS intend to withdraw this addendum or announce its termination in the cases pursuant to the previous paragraphs of this article, it shall communicate the launch of the procedure to the licensee in accordance with articles 7 and 8 of law no. 241/1990, as amended and supplemented, assigning a term of at least 15 days for the written counter-deductions. AAMS, following the outcome of the procedure, shall implement the motivated provision of withdrawal or cancellation.
7. In the event of provision for termination of the licensee relating to lotto on line, the guarantee pursuant to art. 14 above, shall be appropriated by AAMS, notwithstanding the right to claim further compensation for every kind of damaged endured and being endured, as well as the payment of expenses.
SECTION VI
FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 20
Applicable law
1. For anything not expressly agreed between the parties in this addendum, the rules of substantial and procedural law provided for by the European and national legal orders shall apply.
Article 21
Applicable law
1. This addendum is effective and binding to the licensee from the date of signing and to AAMS from the date of approval by the competent management bodies.
Rome, APRIL 12, 2013
For AAMS
(signature)
For the licensee
(signature)
[initialed]
In accordance with article 1341 et seq. of the Civil Code, the licensee specifically approves the following articles:
· article 2, paragraph 2;
· article 3, paragraph 2;
· article 4, paragraph 1;
· article 5;
· article 6;
· article 8;
· article 9;
· article 10;
· article 11;
· article 12;
· article 13;
· article 14;
· article 16;
· article 17;
· article 19.
For the licensee
(signature)
ANNEXES TO THE ADDENDUM
Annex 1 Service levels and penalties;
Annex 2 Unique nomenclature of the definitions;
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Annex 1
Service levels and penalties
The service levels that the licensees processing system and the system of the supplier of the connectivity service to the remote gaming venues must assure, concern:
system performance;
technical-operational operation of the system;
assistance to remote gaming venues.
The methods used to obtain the data necessary for the verification of the service levels, together with the relative verification instruments, have to be described in the technical report to be delivered to AAMS.
The data has to be supplied in accordance with the methods established by AAMS.
To guarantee the observance of the service levels, general obligations and commitments relating to the activities and functions subject to license, AAMS, following the formal complaint to the licensee, for each failure noted and in relation to its severity and its duration, shall apply the penalties specified hereto.
The processing system shall guarantee the continuity of the service during the gaming operation, under any circumstances, regardless of the load to be handled by the aforesaid processing system. Within the scope of technical operation, service levels must be guaranteed for the operation of the processing system and the telecommunications network.
The following services shall be guaranteed in particular:
percentage of availability of the system and of the telecommunications network, measured in the interval of availability of the service provided for Lotto on line by the provisions of AAMS, from Monday to Sunday, not less than 92% (ninety two percent) on a daily basis 24 hours and not less than 96% (ninety six percent) on a monthly basis. In the event of a difference with respect to the threshold values established for service levels on a daily basis and on a monthly basis, the following penalties shall be applied:
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Service level |
|
Threshold value |
|
Measurement
|
|
Penalty |
Availability of the processing system and the telecommunications network |
|
92% (ninety two percent) of the minutes provided for on a daily basis |
|
Daily |
|
1.2% (one point two percent) of the average daily tax profit of Lotto on line, for every point of difference from the threshold value. The average daily tax profit is calculated on the basis of the previous calendar month. If, when the license becomes effective, no breaches of the same nature have been ascertained, the penalty is reduced by 50% (fifty percent).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96% (ninety six percent) of the minutes provided for on a monthly basis |
|
Monthly |
|
1.5% (one point five percent) of the average monthly tax profit of Lotto on line, for every point of difference from the threshold value. The average monthly tax profit is calculated on the basis of the previous three calendar months. If, when the license becomes effective, no breaches of the same nature have been ascertained, the penalty is reduced by 50% (fifty percent). |
These service levels must be ensured at the start of operation of the apparatuses.
Lack of availability of the service shall be considered net of the time required for extraordinary and scheduled maintenance, agreed to previously with AAMS.
These penalties can be applied as of the date on which the remote collection of Lotto in all methods, established by a specific provision by AAMS, begins.
Rounding off
For the purposes of calculation of the difference between the effective percentages and those established by contract, the former shall be rounded of as follows:
· to 0% for differences between 0.00% and 0.49%;
· to 1% for differences in excess of 0.49%.
The licensee may present a report containing its considerations regarding the reasons for any differences with respect to the pre-established values.
[initialed]
Annex 2
UNIQUE NOMENCLATURE OF THE DEFINITIONS
The terms in bold type contained in this document which are used, depending on the cases, in the single or plural sense, take on the meaning indicated by the side of each of them.
1. Agency or AAMS: indicates the Agency of Customs and Monopolies monopolies area, previously known as the autonomous administration of the State monopolies;
2. activation of the remote gaming network: indicates the activities and the functions of activation of the telecommunications network, in relation to the component that connects the processing system to the remote collection channels;
3. premium: indicates the part of the gross collection, equating to 8%, that the gaming venues receive for the fulfillment of obligations connected to the exercise of the activities and functions assigned;
4. deed of license or license: indicates the deed of license pursuant to the decrees of the Ministry of Finance of March 17, 1993, November 8, 1993, January 11, 1995 and July 25, 1995 and to the decree of the General Manager of the AAMS of November 15, 2000, with which Lottomatica Group S.p.A. was assigned the management of the automated Lotto gaming service;
5. addendum: indicates the supplementary document to the license that Lottomatica Group S.p.A. , licensee for the management of the automated Lotto gaming service, signs for the exercise of the remote collection of the Lotto gaming service;
6. service charter: indicates the tool to ensure that players are correctly informed, also with regard to the obligations of conduct binding licensees, implemented in accordance with article 24, paragraph 21 of law no. 88 of 2009;
7. top up card: indicates the top up on a physical support which can be transferred to the gaming account, by means of telematics or telephone connection with the licensees IT system or call center service;
8. marketing: indicates the activity aimed at the final contracting of players;
9. payment: indicates the part of the gross collection received by the licensee in exchange for fulfillment of the obligations connected to the exercise of the activities and functions covered by the license and the addendum;
10. licensee: indicates the holder of the license for the management of the Lotto gaming service in all its aspects;
11. gaming account: indicates the account registered in the name of the player, on which the operations deriving from implementation of the gaming account agreement are recorded;
12. gaming account agreement: indicates the agreement between the player and remote gaming venue pursuant to paragraph 19 of art. 24 of law no. 88 of July 7, 2009 and to the connected provisions of AAMS;
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13. technological devices: indicates the combination of hardware apparatuses used by the licensee for the exercise of lotto on line;
14. technological apparatuses: indicates the combination of technological structures and hardware and software apparatuses, as well as the data transmission networks used by the licensee for the exercise of lotto on line;
15. supplier of the connectivity service: indicates each party which has the requirements provided for by the technical rules for supplying the service of connection and transportation of information between the processing system and the centralized system;
16. supplier of services for the management of means of payment: indicates each party which, in conformity to the legislation I force, has been assigned activities and functions connected to the management and distribution of the means of payment;
17. player: indicates the holder of a gaming account agreement who participates in lotto on line;
18. gioco del lotto: indicates the fixed amount numerical game pursuant to law no. 528 of August 2, 1982, as amended and supplemented;
19. public games: indicates games the exercise of which is reserved for the State, which can manage them either directly or through physical or legal persons who provide adequate guarantees of suitability;
20. lotto on line: indicates the gioco del lotto in all its aspects, the collection of which is carried out on a remote basis;
21. extraordinary maintenance: indicates the operations carried out on the telecommunications network by the licensee, also following instruction by AAMS, necessary to ensure the maintenance of the performance and service levels provided for by Annex 1 and which change that provided for in the technical report; extraordinary maintenance operations can be, for example, the renewal of software applications of the processing system or the adoption of different methods of connection or different technological apparatuses, with technical features that align or improve the performances and service levels provided for by Annex 1, but different than those described in the technical report;
22. means of payment: indicates the methods of access and the relative systems and tools that implement them to the payment of bets and of winnings and refunds provided for by the legislation in force;
23. party: indicates one of the two parties that have signed the addendum to the license (AAMS or the licensee);
24. parties: jointly indicates AAMS and the licensee, in the addendum to the license, or the licensee and the player in the gaming account agreement;
25. remote gaming venues: indicates the holder of the license for the exercise and remote collection of one or more public games, pursuant to art. 24, paragraph 13 of law no. 88/2009, authorized by AAMS; following a specific claim, to the remote collection of Lotto, who has signed with the licensee a special agreement for the remote collection of gioco del lotto, i.e.: the licensee, in the exercise of remote collection;
26. remote collection: indicates the collection, carried out, alternatively or jointly, via the Internet, digital television, both terrestrial and satellite, fixed and mobile telephone, and any other means providing similar methods and features, excluding collection in public places with apparatuses that allow remote communications using telecommunications devices;
[initialed]
27. technical rules; indicates the document, forming an integral part of the documentation relating to the procedure for integration of the license pursuant to D.D. no. 190/GCV of 02/08/2011, which outlines the features and technical methods of realization and operations of the telecommunications network for the performance of the activities and functions licensed, as well as the performance and service levels that the licensee is bound to guarantee;
28. technical report: indicates the document, drawn up by the licensee in conformity with that established in the technical rules, which contains the technical and functional features of the telecommunications network, as well as the relative technological apparatuses;
29. remote gaming network: indicates the telecommunications network activated and operated by the licensee for collection of lotto on line:
30. remote distribution network: indicates the network activated and operated by the licensee, consisting of the remote gaming venues connected to the telecommunications network;
31. telecommunications network: indicates the hardware and software infrastructure for the transmission and processing of data, activated and operated by the licensee in conformity to that provided for by the addendum to the license and relative annexes and by the technical rules which comprises the processing system, the interface apparatuses for connection with the telecommunications networks of the remote gaming venues as well as the networks connecting the processing system and the central system of AAMS;
32. top up of the gaming account: indicates the operation via which the player feeds his/her gaming account;
33. central system: indicates the system of AAMS for the registration and control of the gaming data transmitted by the licensees processing system;
34. licensees processing system: indicates the licensees multichannel technological and IT platform, consisting of hardware apparatuses and software application, for the production and centralized management of Lotto on line. The licensees system takes on the functions of transmission and reception of flows, registration, control and validation of bets;
35. sub-registration: indicates the registration, using telecommunications devices, of the player by the central system, pursuant to article 24, paragraph 17, letter c) of Law no. 88/2009, which allows access by the player to the operating area of the licensees website dedicated to offering public games.
[initialed]
Exhibit 10.8
16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 12 |
DECREES, RESOLUTIONS AND MINISTERIAL ORDERS
THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DECREE 7 March 1993
Act granting Lottomatica S.c.p.a. in Rome the running of the automated lottery service.
Given law No. 528 of August 02, 1982 on regulations for lottery games and measures for lottery staff;
Given Law No. 85 of April 19, 1990, containing amendments to law No. 528 of August 02, 1982, regarding regulations for lottery games;
Given letter m) of resolution by the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Economic Programming (CIPE) of 18 February 1993 containing (Procedures for transforming the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies into a S.p.a according to which: The Minister of Finance, notwithstanding State ownership in accordance with current laws, may license out the automated lottery service to individuals who provide suitable guarantees as to the consistency of their assets and their technical and organizational structure;
Considered the opportunity of adopting a translational grant of public authorities for the automated lottery service, in accordance with the letter m) of the CIPE of 18 February 1993;
Considering the licensing out of the automated lottery meets the requirements of efficiency and functionality of the service and allows for adequate protection of the Treasurys interests, achieving greater special revenue resulting from the management of the automated lotteries;
Considering that grater operational function of the automated system, which derives from licensing out the service, may have favorable effects on local legality by preventing the creation of those conditions that favor illegal gambling.
Considering that, on the basis of previous reasoning, in compliance with the assessment of absolute urgency made by the CIPE in adopting resolution of 18 February 1993, there is a need and urgency to implement the relative letter m);
Considering that Lottomatica S.c.p.a. as a result of significant investments, is equipped with a computer system, as well proven facilities for the installation and maintenance of this system, which would minimize the costs and times for automating the lottery, with significant public interest for the related Treasury benefits.
ensure, directly and through coordination, the integration and control of the activities of its associates,
Considering that Lottomatica S.c.p.a., directly and through coordination, ensures the integration and the control of their associates, proven experience in the management of complex systems with widespread territorial characterization and provides appropriate guarantees of reliability and security in relation to the consistency of the assets and the technical/organizational structure.
Decrees:
Article 1
Subject of the concession
1. The public authority of the Ministry of Finance relating to the automated lottery service is transferred to Lottomatica S.c.p.a, within the limits of this decree.
2. As a result of the concession referred to in paragraph 1, the automated lottery service is directly organized and managed by Lottomatica S.c.p.a.
3. The methods to operating the concession are defined in this decree.
Article 2
Control and Supervision
1. The Ministry of Finance exercises the powers of control and supervision on the performance of the authorized concessions with specific reference to the exercise of the public powers transferred.
2. Such power is governed by art. 19 and 25 of this Decree
Article 3
Revocation of the concession
1. The Ministry of Finance reserves the right to terminate the concession.
2. Violation by the licensee of internal and Community regulations regarding tenders for the assignment of works and services constitutes a reason for terminating the concession.
3. The conditions and the regulation for revocation are set out in Article 26 of this Decree.
Art. 4
EU regulations
1. In contracting third parties for the carrying out of activities connected to the concession referred to in art. 1, the licensee shall comply with both national and EU legislations.
2. For the purposes of par. 1, associated or consortium partners of Lottomatica S.c.p.a. are not regarded as third parties.
3. The Minister of Finance exercise control and supervisory powers regarding the
compliance of the licensee reported in par. 1.
Art. 5
Calls for tenders
1. For the purpose of contracting third parties, the licensee is required to communicate in advance to the Ministry of Finance the intention to publish a call for tenders.
2. The call shall guarantee transparency, stating all application requirements, technical specs and economic provisions and the specifications of the selection procedure.
3. The public notice must report Lottomatica S.c.p.a. as the sole licensee of the Ministry of Finance.
4. The Ministry of Finance exercises control and supervision powers.
5. The selection panel is appointed by the Ministry of Finance and consists of high-rank officials of the Ministry of Finance.
6. The Chairman of the Panel is appointed by the Minister of Finance, and must be an Administrative Magistrate, with a rank higher than Member of the Council of State.
Art. 6
Duration
1. The duration of the concession is 9 years starting from the date following the publication of this decree by the Court of Auditors and the authorization of the Administration for the activation of the first draw lot.
2. The concession is divided into 3 terms:
a. The activation of the service on the Sardinian territory (that is the Cagliari draw lot), to be performed by a month after the Ministerial authorization to activate such lot.
b. The implementation of the service on the whole national territory, pursuant to art. 12, par. 1 of Law No. 528 of 2 August 1982, as substituted by art. 5 of Law No. 85 of 19 April 1990, to be completed by nine months after the activation of the Cagliari draw lot.
c. The progressive extension of the service to new Lotto collection points pursuant to art. 12, par. 2 and 3 of Law No. 528 of 2 August 1982, as substituted by art. 5 of Law No. 85 of 19 April 1990, to be completed the month following the full completion of the service.
3. At its expiry date, the contract will be tacitly renewed for the same duration, unless a revocation is issued with an advance notice of at least six months before the expiry of the concession.
Art. 7
Payment of winnings
1. Winnings must be paid following the provisions approved by the Ministry of Finance and the Treasury.
Art. 8
Technical requirements
1. The venues, equipment, supplies and collaborations included in any form as part of the concession must fully comply with the executive project attached to this decree.
2. The licensee is required to carry out at its own expenses a promotional campaign, both at the beginning of the game and during its performance, using suitable media (TV, radio, newspapers, cinema).
3. The cost of the following shall be borne by the licensee:
a. Provision of two original copied of the documentation of the software implemented (teleprocessing OS, terminal management and centralized activities);
b. Provision of ten copies of Users Manuals including all computerized procedures;
c. Training of collection points operators at all gaming venues;
d. Provision of ten copies of a brochure including all instruction for the use of computerized machines intended for gamers and operators in a sufficient number (one for each machine). Printed version of any modification thereof and/or other copies;
e. In general, any required material connected with the supply, preliminary check, installation, verification, functioning, maintenance and full performance of the entire system, without the Administration being required to pay any fee or cost connected in addition to the amount agreed upon, as of art. 21.
4. The supply of electric power is not included in this contract as to the functioning of the gaming stations.
Art. 9
Company obligations
The licensee is required to comply with all provisions included in Law No. 528 of 2 August 1992, as modified by Law No. 85 of 19 April 1990, and by the set of regulations approved by PRD No. 303 of 7 August 1990.
Art. 10
Other services
1. For the purpose of carrying out the activities of the concession, the licensee may hire other companies or professionals not employed by its company, being in any case responsible for the full compliance of the obligations stated in this decree
2. By contracting other parties for the above purposes, the licensee shall make its best to perform all the activities already contracted at the date of this decree, and shall comply with all obligations stated by Law No. 57 of 10 February 1962 and following amendments, on the fight against mafia-related crimes, as provided for by art. 5 of this decree.
3. For the purpose of publishing the calls for tenders to contract third parties, the licensee shall comply with all national and EU rules, submitting the following documents to the Administration:
a. Call for tenders;
b. Technical and Economic Specifications;
c. Invitation letter;
d. The operational scheduling based on the service requirements.
4. After thirty days since the acquisition of all documents by the Administration, the call is regarded as approved. Such approval is suspended if the Administration requests legal or technical specifications.
5. The licensee shall carry out, at its own expense, all the preliminary activities required for the submission of the proposals.
6. The licensee shall:
a. Comply with all requirements connected to the national and EU regulations of transparency
b. Collect all submissions sent by the participating companies
c. Perform a preliminary selection of all proposals based on the basic requirements for participating in the call for tenders
d. Send the invitation letters directly to the appointed panel, as specified in art. 6 of this decree.
7. By the date reported in the call, the ministerial panel shall assess the offers and select a winner. Such procedures will be reported in an appointment report that will be transmitted to the licensee.
Art. 11
Objectives
1. The Automated lotto service must be carried out through a single system that is coordinated and suitable to support all stages and allows the achievement of the following objectives:
a. Enhancement of the service provided to the users through:
i. the acquisition of all bets up to an hour before the draw;
ii. the reduction of the amount of time needed to pay all winnings;
iii. the progressive increase of the number of gaming venues
iv. the high reliability if the system to reduce the number of complaints
b. the timeliness of the incorporation of the revenues deriving from the gaming activity in the State Treasury
c. The enhancement of the administrative and budgetary procedures
d. The enhancement of security measures against illicit gaming and frauds
e. The improvement of ht e game with multiple weekly draw lots, management of other types of ability games, prediction games, draw types and gambling.
Art. 12
Safe custody of mechanical matrices
1. The licensee provides for the safe custody of the mechanical matrices, in order to guarantee the reliability of the game on behalf of the ministry of Finance.
2. The mechanical matrices are safeguarded at the ICT centers based in the main provincial capital cities
reported in the list of draw lots, as reported in art. 2, par. 1 of Law No. 528 of 2 August 1982. Such matrices are stored in safe boxes equipped with three-key locks and a control device.
3. Two officials of the Financial Administration and the Head of the relevant ICT centre keep the three keys.
Art. 13
Bet check
The validity of the bets is verified by the licensee, who is responsible for the productivity of such bets, the latter having been acquired through the prescribed and approved devices, the matrices of which are kept in the above-mentioned safe boxes.
Art. 14
Exclusion from the draw
1. The Licensee may exclude from a draw lot any bet submitted in any way not complying with the provisions stated in art. 3 of Law No. 528 of 2 August 1982, as modified by art. 1 of Law No. 85 or 19 April 1990, or is the matrices fail to include all necessary data and are not delivered to the ICT centre of the area.
2. The exclusion from the draw lot is declared by the licensee and published on the Official Journal of the draw lot area.
3. Any used may ask for a refund of the amount paid in the form of a bet for an excluded bet, within 30 days from the date of publication.
Art. 15
Validation of drawn numbers
1. The licensee shall draft the local draw lot report for each draw and send it to each collection point of the area of reference.
Art. 16
Validation of winnings and
computation of the amount won
1. Based on the draws and the number of gamers, the licensee shall identify the winners, validate their winnings and calculate the amount won, based on the winning ratios and the winning forecasts for each combination provided for by the regulations in force.
2. The licensee shall draft the local official journal including the list of the winning bets for each lot, to be transmitted to the panel for publication.
3. Each gaming venue will receive the journal for publication purposes, including the list of winnings at each venue. The data relating to the winnings gained at any other venue will be made available for reference through the terminal.
4. The data reported on the Official Journal will attest for the calculation of the taxes due and the responsibility of each licensee to pay them.
Art. 17
Activation and penalties
1. Within 15 days from the date of registration of this decree by the Court of Auditors, the Administration has the right to arrange with the licensee (and in the event of a disagreement, within 7 days) for the number and types of tests and simulations to be performed before the implementation of the Cagliari pilot draw lot.
2. Starting from the activation of the first session of the service described in art. 6, par. 2, lett. a), the computerized lotto service starts.
3. The computerized lotto service will be regarded as fully functions at the end of the second term provided for by the same article, par. 2, lett. a).
4. The dates of the two sessions are reported on the network diagram included in art. 8, par. 1, that is intended to minimize the implementation schedule.
5. If the territorial coverage is finalized later than expected, a daily penalty of 5 million liras will be applied, based on the provision of the project, except for the first ten days of delay.
Art. 18
Guarantees and penalties
1. The licensee guarantees the efficiency of the service, the high quality of materials and the equipment used for the whole duration of the concession, in addition to their correct installation and their functioning.
2. For the whole duration of the concession, the licensee shall also guarantee a comprehensive, efficient and timely maintenance of the system, providing for any adjustment or correction of flaws which are visible while gambling, and fixing any issue reported on the machines and the terminals at all collection points, except any claim filed by third party users, caused by fraud or gross negligence.
3. Failure to fix such issues immediately and/or substitute faulty devices will result in one of the following penalties for each day after the report of such issues:
a. L 300,000 ICT centre device not operational
b. L 200,000 Terminal not operational
c. L 100,000 Terminal partially operational.
4. At the end of a yearly contract, the penalty-related amount will be adjusted by 10%.
Art. 19
Checks and inspections
1. The Minister of Finance exercises a control and validation power, relating to the public power transferred, in order to verify the efficiency and service functionality of the computerized lotto service.
2. The Administration has the right to unilaterally perform tests and inspections, providing a communication of such activities to the licensee.
3. For particular tests and inspections that might be required during the period of concession, from time to time, special panels may be appointed by decree by the Minister of Finance.
4. For any check or inspection, the licensee is required to provide the Administration with all necessary equipment and devices of measurement, and to provide a copy of all compulsory certifications, issued by the Municipalities and the relevant institutions.
5. All the costs connected to the check and inspections activities shall be borne by the licensee, including the amounts due for the attainment of the above-mentioned certifications.
6. The licensee is required to provide for the fixing of any flaw or fault reported during the preliminary check and inspections, without being entitled to any additional payment.
Art. 20
Licensees specific commitments
1. For the whole duration of the concession, the licensee shall guarantee that:
a. All of its share will not be transferred to new shareholders without the consent of the Ministry of Finance. The new shareholders shall, in any case, declare in written form to be willing to comply with all the commitments accepted by the licensee at the time of the concession;
b. The share capital shall not be reduced without the prior consent of the Ministry of Finance;
c. The Ministry of Finance must approve the appointment of the Chairman, the CEO/GD and the President of the Board of Auditors.
Art. 21
Payment or the concession
1. The concession will be paid an amount calculated based on the current VAT regulations and the following rates, by the licensee. Such payment will be made by means of the terminals after the activation of the Cagliari draw lot, based on the bets collected:
1 st rate (up to L 1,000 billion): 7.916%
2 nd rate (L 1,001-1,500 billion): 7.910%
3 rd rate (L 1,501-2,000 billion) 7.880%
4 th rate (L 2,001-3,000 billion) 7.850%
2. As for the following thousand billion, a steady reduction of 0.160% will be applied to each of the following rates.
3. Since the winnings are a form of payment that is adjusted automatically based on monetary fluctuations, no
review is allowed. The Administration will provide no advance on the revenues.
Art. 22
Payments
1. Starting with the Cagliari draw lot, the licensee has the right to pay months, the amount of which is calculated based on the gross revenues of the bets managed by each electronic terminal during the previous month, as described in art. 21, penalty-net.
2. For the purpose of paying such amount, the licensee shall send the Administration within thirty days after the end of each month, an invoice with the monthly amount calculated according to the modalities reported in the first par. of this art., in addition to VAT is applicable.
3. The payments due to the licensee shall be made by the Administration pursuant to the provisions stated in art. 533 of the General instructions of the Treasury and by means of direct orders.
Art. 23
Guarantee deposit
1. The Administration shall deduct, as a guarantee for the contracted activities, before paying the amounts reported in art. 21, a 0.3% share of the due amount, based on the actual revenues.
2. The Administration shall pay such sum to the licensee at the end of the contract.
3. The licensee may substitute such guarantee with a bank guaranty or a first demand payment insurance guarantee, without any exception or fee to be paid for an early levy.
Art. 24
Extension of the service
1. Once the computerized lotto service is operational on the whole national territory, the progressive extension of the collection points will be performed by means of yearly plans submitted by the licensee to the Administration.
2. The drafting of such plans shall comply with the following general criteria:
a. Each plan shall be submitted six months in advance for the purpose of creating an automating collection service in all venues;
b. Four months before the implementation stage, the licensee will be provided with the list of the new collection points, including the addresses where the terminals must be installed. Failure to install all terminals will result in the postponement of the start of the activities.
3. The Administration shall exercise the right to control and inspection by approving the annual plan submitted by the licensee.
4. After thirty days since the day of acquisition by the Administration, the plan is to be regarded as approved. The term is suspended if the Administration required legal or technical specifications.
5. Each working day of delay with respect to the planned scheduling will result in a L 200,000 penalty.
Art. 25
Directives and checks
1. The license shall be required to provide, by the terms agreed upon, the information and documents requested by the Administration.
2. The licensee is also required to comply with all provisions issued by the Administration on the modes of safeguarding, inspecting and control the mechanical matrices, also with the purpose of identifying the winnings.
3. The licensee shall be engaged since the very beginning to take all necessary actions to activate the winning payment service and any other service contracted based on other conditions.
Art. 26
Revocation of the concession
1. The Ministry of Finance may revoke the concession based on a clearly justified decision, in the following events:
a. Failure to comply with the subjective requirements as described in letter m) of the CIPE resolution of 18 February 1993;
b. When the exercise of public powers is performed in a non-compliant way, with regards to the Public Administrations
interest to safeguard public interest;
c. When the computerized lotto service is not efficient and functional as a whole;
d. When the licensee does not comply will all national or EU regulations in contracting third parties;
e. When the concession does not comply with the specific commitments of art. 20
2. If one of the previous cases applies, the Ministry of Finance will question the licensee with a formal written notice, reporting the term to settle the amount due, within 30 days.
3. The licensee shall take all necessary actions and communicate them to the Ministry of Finance.
4. If the issue is not solved, the Ministry of Finance will revoke the concession immediately.
Art 27
Employed personnel
1. The licensee is required to comply with all national regulations, both current and future, concerning the employment of personnel.
2. The licensee is required to comply, in the contractualization of the personnel involved in the carrying out of activities included in the concession, such as the implementation of parts of the system, the general organization of maintenance activities, the functioning of each centre, and in general, any activity connected to the contract, (and as for cooperative, such provisions apply also to their members), the minimum requirements of the national collective labor agreements approved at the date of the contract for the categories involved. Also, following amendments to such agreements will apply. The licensee will do its best to make sure that the personnel involved is not paid less that a person employed by the Administration, carrying out similar activities.
3. The licensee shall continue to apply such collective agreements also after the end of the contract and until they are amended.
4. The above-mentioned obligations bind the licensee also in the event that the licensee is not a member or is a former member of the Trade unions that approved the agreement implemented in the first place. Regardless of the rights deriving from the contract with the Administration, the licensee shall be responsible for the full compliance of the provisions of this article, even if, with or without the consent of the Administration, contract activities have been assigned to other contracted companies.
Art. 28
Patents and IPRs
1. The Administration will not be responsible for the unauthorized use of sole-right patented technical solutions or devices, the property of which is held by others.
2. The licensee shall release the Administration from any liability connected to any claim, loose or damages filed by the proprietor, and all costs, expenses or responsibility attached to them as a result of a claim connected to the infringement of IPRs or unauthorized use of Italian or foreign brand.
3. The licensee shall provide its consent so as to release the Administration from any liability, as reported in art. 111, par. 3 of the Italian Code of Civil Procedure.
Art. 29
Final concession requirements
1. At the end of the concession, for any cause, and except in the event of an extension or renewal, the licensee shall transfer to the Administration, upon request and free of charge, the property of the entire computerized system, including the terminal, including the availability of the terminals at all venues, collection points, software, archives and any other item necessary for the full completion, management and implementation of the system.
2. Any transfer operations, cross-examined by the Administration and the licensee by the analysis of the relevant reports, will start during the previous ix months before the end of the contract, making sure to not compromise the integrity of the system.
3. During the six-month period, the licensee shall provide the Administration with qualified officials, who may be assisted by technical
experts, who will provide information and useful data to facilitate the transfer of management.
4. All the studies, computerized procedures and documentation made by the licensee per the fulfillment of all contracted requirements, will remain at the disposal of the Administration free of charge.
5. In order to avoid any interruption on the functioning of the automated system, the Administration may appoint itself 8or ask for the licensee to appoint it) as the manager of part of the management contracts.
6. At the end of any transfer operation, the active and passive labor contracts between the Administration and the licensee will be settles. The licensee shall define all work contracts and settle the amount due by the Administration.
Art. 30
Arbitration clause
1. Any dispute arising between the financial Administration and the licensee on the interpretation and implementation of this concession are filed to an arbitration panel, consisting of three members, one of which is appointed by the central Administration, one by the licensee and one, being a President, appointed jointly by the parties, or, failing to do so, the President of the State Council.
2. The panel shall decide according to the Law.
This degree will be transmitted to the Court of Auditors for registration purposes.
Rome, 17 march 1993
The Minister: REVIGLIO
Registered at the Count of Auditors on 15 November 1993
Registry No. 24 Finanze, Page No. 72
97AO238
[handwritten] OMISSIS
[round stamp: De Franchis Ignazio son of the late Franco Notary in Rome]
I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Ministry of Finance dated January 11, 1995, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series No. 12 dated 16.1.1997.
It consists of seven pages.
Rome, November 26, 2008
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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(The Hague Convention of October 5, 1961) |
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1. Country: ITALY |
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This public deed |
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2. has been signed by IGNAZIO DE FRANCHIS |
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3. acting in his capacity as NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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Certified |
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5. in Rome 6. on 03 DEC 2008 |
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7. by the PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ROME |
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8. with number 4089/2 |
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PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC C/O ROME |
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LEGALIZATIONS OFFICE |
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THE LEGALIZATIONS OFFICIAL Dr. Ferdinando Correale [Illegible signature] |
[handwritten] OMISSIS
[round stamp: De Franchis Ignazio son of the late Franco Notary in Rome]
DECREE 8 November 1993
Act granting Lottomatica S.c.p.a. in Rome the running of the automated lottery service
THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Given law No. 528 of August 2, 1982 on regulations for lottery games and measures for lottery staff;
Given Law No. 85 of April 19, 1990, containing amendments to law No. 528 of August 2, 1981, regarding regulations for lottery games;
Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 303 of August 7, 1990 which approved the regulation for the application and execution of
law no. 528 of August 2, 1982 and No. 85 of April 19, 1990;
Given art. 7, par. 3 of the LD No. 47 of 1 February 1992, and No. 244 of 26 March 1992, and No. 298 and art. 1 of Law No. 75 of 24 March 1993;
Given let. m) of the Resolution of the Inter-ministerial Panel for economic planning (CIPE) of 18 February 1993;
Given art. 14 of the LD No. 333 of 11July 1992, as converted into Law No. 359 of 8 August 1992;
Given the ministerial degree on 14 June 1992 that provided for the publication of the call for tenders to the Lottomatica consortium, by which Lottomatica was appointed as the manager of the computerized lotto service system;
Given the ministerial decree of 23 November 191, registered by the Court of Auditors on 7 January 1992, No. 1 Finanze, page 143, by which the contract signed on 22 November 1991 was signed, Reg. No. 3972, with the above-mentioned consortium.
Given the ministerial decree No. 13950/Gab. Of 6 November 1992 by which the above-mentioned appointment and concession agreements were terminated ex tunc , in compliance with the resolution of the Chairman of the Court of Justice of the EC N. C. 272/91 of 31 January 1992 and No. C. 272/91 R f 12 June 1992, for the alleged infringement by the EEC of some regulations of the EEC Treaty;
Given the ministerial decree No. 4832/Gab of 17 March 1993, by means of which, pursuant to the resolution of the Inter-ministerial panel for economic planning (CIPE) on 18 February 1993, concerning the Procedures for the conversion of a joint-stock company into a State Monopoly Company, the transfer of public power was carried out to allow the newly founded Lottomatica S.c.p.a. to acquire the management of the computerized lotto system;
Given the note of 17 March 1993, by means of which Lottomatica committed to comply with all regulations for the purpose of exercising the concession granted with MD No. 4832/Gab. of 17 March 1993.
Whereas the above-mentioned decree of 17 March 1993 was implemented for the purpose of starting the process for the creation of a computerized lotto system, and that its efficient and functional management provides for the protection and promotion of tax State revenues, and an increase of resources, and it may have a favorable effect of public order, hindering the thrive of illicit gambling;
Considering that Lottomatica S.c.p.a. underlines the requirements for the effective and efficient implementation of the service that, following the major investments made in the sector, benefits from an ICT organizational system and a structure responsible for the installation, management and maintenance of said system;
Whereas, following the ideas voiced by the Regioneria Centrale of the Ministry of Finance with note No. 8967 of 14 April 1993, relating to the granting decree on 17 March 1993, a panel was appointed by decree No. 7364/Gab. of 30 April 1993, in order to examine all legal aspects of the Regioneria, and to evaluate, through an in-depth analysis of contract-related costs and the cost-benefit ratio regarding the service quality level, with a possible review of said costs;
Given the report submitted by the above-mentioned panel, underscoring the results of the analysis conducted on the judicial and economic aspects of the contract signed with Lottomatica;
Considering the opportunity to provide for the modification, based on the conclusions of the Panel, and the integration of the deed signed by Lottomatica S.c.p.a., as specified in the ministerial decree of 17 March 1993;
Whereas:
a) The Ministry of Finance reserves the right to hold the power to define the level of investments in the promotions and advertising that the licensee must perform, considering the role played by these activities in terms of public interest, for the balanced development of all public games, such as lotto;
b) There is a possibility to develop the dedicated communication network, to be made by Lottomatica, into a Itapac network, if they enjoy the same efficiency, functionality, security, and result in a reduction of costs, guaranteeing the same level of stability and system security;
c) Regarding the right to decide the level of investment in promotion and advertising, and the cuts in costs connected to the use of the Itapac network, the amount to be paid to the licensee is to be calculated, and will be based on the volume generated by the users of each gaming venue.
d) In the future, a more precise definition of the implementation procedures of the system is to be provided.
Considering the need for a higher value that the Italian State attaches to the full compliance with the obligations deriving from the membership of the EEC, making sure that the provisions governing the granting of State concessions do not lash with current EC Treaty provisions;
Considering the afore-mentioned considerations as submitted by the count of Auditors with Note No. 664 of 18 October 1993;
DOES HEREBY DECREE:
Art. 1
1. Art. 1 par. 6 of MD No. 832/Gab. of 17 March 1993 is substituted by the following par.:
6. The Chairman of the Panel, appointed by the Minister of Finance, must be a high-rank magistrate, and may also be retired.
Art. 2
1. Art 8 par. 2 of MD No. 4832/Gab. of 17 March 1993 is revoked
Art. 3
This par. is added:
Art. 8-bis.
Investments in the promotion and advertising of the game of lotto
1. The Administration reserves the right to defined, on the basis of the public interest reported in the premises, the level of investment in the promotion and advertising that licensee will be required to make.
2. By the 30 th of April of each year, Lottomatica shall send by registered post to the Ministry of Finance the proposed investment in promotion and advertising, deemed necessary to the following year, varying between 5 to 15% of the remuneration accrued during the previous year.
3. The Ministry of Finance shall send by registered mail, within thirty days from the acquisition of the concession application, its acceptance to the proposal or shall indicate, on the basis of the public interest connected to the development of a single State gaming system, the level of investment to be made as part of the concession.
4. In the event that the Minister of Finance makes no communication by the afore-mentioned term, the proposal shall be deemed accepted, without any other document being needed.
Art. 4
This par. is added:
Art. 9-bis.
ICT network
1. Lottomatica shall start a provisional service for the computerized lotto service, using a system that is already implemented, based on the use of an ICT dedicated network as described by the technical project.
2. Lottomatica must carry out, in collaboration with Sip and in compliance with the decisions taken by the Ministry of Finance, within 90 days since the start of the concession period, an experimental stage when the Itapac network will be tested, as a secondary line in a significant part of the territory.
3. At the end of the experimental stage, and based on the results of the evaluation of the Ministry of Finance regarding the opportunity for the progressively high use of the Itapac network, Lottomatica shall use the Itapac network directly as a secondary line on the whole Italian territory, by migrating the system already in place. The payment will therefore be reduced as provided for by art. 21 par. 4. The experimentation and migration will be performed under the technical guidance of the Ministry of finance.
4. If the Itapac service is also enhanced and it is possible to also absorb the management of the primary network, within three years since the date of this decree, in the light of the investments made and necessary, such investment shall be made by the Ministry of Finance and the licensee the scheduling will be revised, including the system migration (incl. primary network) to the Itapac network, based on digit circuits, instead of analogical ones, and the reduction of payments, proportional to the possible cuts.
Art. 5
This par. is added:
Art. 8-ter.
Employed personnel
1. The companies associated to the licensee during the performance of the concession, shall employ qualified staff, with a professional profile equivalent to those reported in the operational project, attached to MD No. 4832/Gab. of 17 March 1993. The licensee is nonetheless fully responsible for the execution of all planned actions.
2. All studies, the computerized procedures incl. software, applications, software developed by the licensee based on specific needs incl. the relevant documentation made by the licensee for the carrying out of all contract activities, also for supply contracts, will be property of the Administration as to art. 29.
Art. 6
1. The first par. of art. 10 of the MD no. 4832/Gab of 17 March 1993 is substituted by the following:
1. As for the carrying out of contracted activities, the licensee in the event of operative needs requiring specific specializations by acquiring full responsibility and, in any case, being
responsible for the execution of all activities, may employ external experts or professionals, who enjoy technical skills and expertise to guarantee top quality activities, under cost-effective conditions.
Art. 7
1. After par. 2 of art 10 of MD no. 4832/Gab of 17 March 1993, the following par 2-bis is added:
2-bis. The acquisition of goods and services, within the limits set by the previous paragraphs, may involve:
a) Electronic central and peripheral devices, incl. base software;
b) ICT networks necessary for the connection of peripheral systems to central systems, incl ICT nodes for packet switching, protocol concentrators/converters, data processing transmissions both dedicated and commuted, modems, specialized devices to be installed at central data processing centers and peripherals for the control and measurement of the network itself, and telephone service equipment;
c) Accessory electronic equipment, such as optical discs, etc. And auxiliary and photo-reproduction devices;
d) Furniture, office equipment (such as copiers and computers), special equipment (fire-resistant cupboards, disc boxes, trolleys and similar), technological devices (power stations, generators, fridges, etc.), various materials and accessories or the different venues, and also transports for people and goods, incl trucks for the transport of printouts and other materials;
e) Maintenance of the goods reported in the afore-mentioned letters;
f) Materials for the processing and management of data necessary for the central maintenance of venues and all relevant equipment, such as.
Optical discs and cartridges
Central printers
Photo-reproduction materials
Stationery
Audio-visual means, didactic and illustrative materials
Spare parts and materials necessary for the functioning of all plants;
g) Consumables and various supplies, such as electrical power, telephones, water and similar, for the functioning of the ICT centers and their plants;
h) Auxiliary and support services, such as:
Assistance for the installation of terminals at the gaming venues;
Technical assistance;
Graphics
Audio-visual support
Creation of information materials for the promotion and advertising of the service.
Art. 8
1. The following is added:
Art. 9-bis
System implementation new games
1. The Administration acknowledges that the licensee, on 6 September 1993, submitted a feasibility report for the management of computerized lotteries and the issuing of tickets in collaboration with SIAE.
2. The licensee will modify such reports based on the feedback provided by the Administration.
3. The Ministry shall use the computerized system free of charge for the purpose above.
4. Lottomatica, upon request of the Ministry, shall bear documented marginal direct costs, for the following services and supplies:
a. The use of the ICT network connecting the ICT central and peripheral centers
b. The analysis and implementation of the software for the purpose of validating the winnings and managing the game from an administrative point of view
c. The marketing support for the creation of new forms of immediate lotteries
d. Technical assistance for the logistic preparation of the distribution network and the technical and commercial training of the sales network
e. Storage of tickets at the central and peripheral warehouses managed by Lottomatica, and transport and delivery of tickets to gaming venues.
5. Lottomatica shall carry out similar activities for traditional lotteries and the selling of tickets for performances, always with documented marginal direct costs, using the ICT network and system implemented for the lotto game.
6. The publication of the afore-mentioned feasibility studies, which do not involve the definition of organizational and functional objectives of the Administration, but the
actual used by the Administration of the computerized lotto service does not imply any preferential treatment to the licensee for future appointments.
Art. 9
1. Art. 18 par. 3 of the MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 march 1993 is substituted by the following:
3. Any delay in the execution of repairs will result in the following penalties:
Delayed repair and/or substitution of a terminal, per each day after the first day of failure report, L 200,000;
Delayed repair and/or substitution of intermediate devices featuring degraded performances, for each day after the first day of failure report, L 100,000 by the number of faulty terminals;
Idem, for each day of failure after the first day of failure report L 200,000 by the number of faulty terminals
Delayed repair or substitution of devices at critical ICT centers connected to the functioning of terminals, for each day of degraded functioning after the first day of failure report, L 100,000 by the number of faulty terminals;
Idem, for each day of failure after the first day of failure report L 200,000 by the number of faulty terminals
Delayed repair or substitution of devices at non-critical ICT centers connected to the functioning of terminals, for each day of delay after the first day of failure report, L 300,000.
Art 10.
1. Art. 19 par. 2 of MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 March 1993 is substituted by the following:
2. The administration has the right to act unilaterally to verify and inspect the equipment, providing a written communication to the licensee. In particular, inspections will be intended to verify:
the compliance of software applications developed within the concession with the relevant technical operational specifications, attached to the MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 march 1993;
the compliance with the standards described in the operational project;
the actual upload of the software on the system libraries.
Art. 11
1. Art. 21 of MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 March 1993 is substituted by the following:
Art. 21
Payment for the concession
1. As a payment calculated based on the current VAT rate, the licensee will receive an amount resulting from the following rates, applied to the gross revenues cashed by the used terminals, starting with the Cagliari draw lot:
1 st rate (up to L 1,000 billion): 6.916%
2 nd rate (L 1,001-1,500 billion): 6.910%
3 rd rate (L 1,501-2,000 billion) 6.880%
4 th rate (L 2,001-3,000 billion) 6.850%
2. As for the following thousand billion, a steady reduction of 0.160% will be applied to each rate.
3. As for the yearly level of investment in promotion and advertising that the Administration will define as reported in art. 8-bis, le licensee shall make such investments, being entitled to a reimbursement by the Administration, based on all documented expenses, with a percentage adjustment, during the following year, as specified in the previous paragraph 1, up to the full coverage of the expenses borne by the licensee.
4. Since the Itapac network will be used, the amount due to the licensee will be decreased by 6%, that is, by the costs connected to the use of such network. As a result, the first rate will amount to 6.501 %. The same with apply to the rest of the rates. Annual adjustments will be made as reported in par. 3.
5. The application of the different rated, in order to calculate the amount due, will be made by taking into account inflation-net revenues, based on the ISTAT consumer prices (adj. 30 June 1993).
6. For the rates exceeding L 7.000 billion a year, the following reduction will be applied:
a) L 7 to 8.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 85% share of the revenue rate;
b) L 8 to 9.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 78% share of the revenue rate;
c) L 9 to 10.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 68% share of the revenue rate;
d) L 10 to 11.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 55% share of the revenue rate;
e) L 11 to 12.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 40% share of the revenue rate;
f) L 12 to 14.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 25% share of the revenue rate;
g) Over L 14.000 billion: the rate will be calculated of the 10% share of the revenue rate;
7. The Administration will not pay any advance.
Art. 12
1. Art 26, par. 1, lett. c) of MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 March 1993 is substituted by the following:
c) When the licensee fails to comply more than once to the provisions reported in par. 1 and 2 of art. 18, impairing the efficiency and functionality of the system as a whole.
Art. 13
1. Art 30, of MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 March 1993 is substituted by the following:
Art. 30
Arbitration clause
Any dispute arising between the financial Administration and the licensee on the interpretation and implementation of this concession are filed to an arbitration panel, consisting of three members, one of which is appointed by the central Administration, one by the licensee and one, being a President, appointed jointly by the parties, or, failing to do so, by a magistrate, incl. retired.
In the event of a disagreement, the President shall be appointed by the Council of the Presidency of the Court of Auditors among magistrates, incl. retired.
Art. 14
1. After Art 30, of MD No. 4832/Gab. of 15 March 1993, the following articles are added:
Art. 31
Temporary regime
1. The Administration shall take all necessary actions as quickly as possible for any issue concerning the implementation of the computerized lotto system, in order to speed up the activation process of the Cagliari draw lot.
2. By 31 December 1994, Lottomatica shall invest L 40 billion in promotion and advertising.
3. At the end of such period of time, and based on documented evidence for the invested funds, the % variation will be determined for the 1995 rate to be applied to the first bracket and the following ones.
Art. 32
Final declaration
1. The MD of 17 March 1993 and this decree will be transmitted pursuant to art. 5 of the EEC Treaty and current EC regulations, to the EEC Commission for compliance.
2. The Ministry of Finance will implement the same decrees if the EEC validates it for compliance.
Art. 33
Compliance
1. For the purpose of activating the concession, the licensee shall issue a formal declaration of full compliance with the provisions of this decree.
2. By means of such declaration, Lottomatica shall waive any claim connected to the previous appointment procedure, as long as the concession acquires and keeps a full judicial efficacy.
3. This decree will be transmitted to the Count of Auditors per registration and, pursuant to art. 5 of the EEC Treaty to the EEC Commission for compliance.
Rome, 8 November 1993
Registered by the Court of Auditors on 15 November 1993
Reg. No. 24 Finanze, page 73
97A0239
I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Ministry of Finance dated January 11, 1995, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series No. 12 dated 16.1.1997.
It consists of seven pages.
Rome, November 26, 2008
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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DECREE January 11, 1995
Act granting Lottomatica S.c.p.a. in Rome the running of the automated lottery service.
THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Given law No. 528 of August 02, 1982 on regulations for lottery games and measures for lottery staff;
Given Law No. 85 of April 19, 1990, containing amendments to law No. 528 of August 02, 1982, regarding regulations for lottery games;
Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 303 of August 07, 1990 which approved the regulation for the application and execution of law no. 528 of August 02, 1982 and No. 85 of April 19, 1990;
Given article 11, paragraph 1 of Legal Decree No. 557 of December 30, 1993 converted, with amendments, by Law No. 133 of February 26, 1994;
Given Ministerial Decree No. 239 of March 23, 1994, amending and supplementing the Regulation on the organization of lottery games, Decree of the President of the Republic of 303/1990.
Give Ministerial Decree No. 4832/gab of March 17, 1993, and Ministerial Decree No. 8099 of November 8, 1993, registered for the Court of Auditors on November 15, 1993, with which Lottomatica S.c.p.a was entrusted with the translational authority, organization and management of the automated lottery service;
Considering that article 7 cited in Ministerial Decree No. 4832/Gab, establishes that the procedures for paying winnings will be defined by a decree of the Ministry of Finance, in consultation with Treasury;
Considering that article 30 of cited Ministerial Decree No. 239/1994 establishes that should the authority to pay the winnings be transferred to the Agency, the Agency and the Ministry of Finance shall be governed by the rules of concession;
Given the need to transfer to the Agency, public authority for collecting gaming proceeds, paying winnings, draws and oppositions;
Given note No. 14 of October 27, 1994 with which the company Lottomatica agrees to accept the obligations resulting from the transfer of the above authorities, under the conditions of the following clauses;
Decrees:
Article 1
S u b j e c t
1. The public authority of the Ministry of Finance, regarding the collection of income from gaming, the payment of winnings, draws and oppositions are transferred to the Agency Lottomatica S.c.p.a.
2. As a result of the provisions of paragraph 1, the activities related to the exercise of the above mentioned public authorities are organized and managed directly by the Agency.
Article 2
Collection of gaming income and payment of winnings
1. The procedures for exercising public authority, collecting gamings proceeds and paying winnings, are defined in the appropriate decree of the Ministry of Finance in consultation with Treasury.
Article 3
Draws
1. The weekly draw, indicated in the first paragraph of Article 3 of Law No. 85, April 19, 1990, are publicly executed by the Agency at the selected premises, and in the provincial capitals where the wheels are located.
2. Draws take place under the responsibility of the Agency.
3. In exercising the powers of control and supervision of the administration, the draw is assisted by two officials who sign the draw report.
4. The manner in which the Agency proceeds with the draw are laid down in Article 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 of Decree No. 1077 of July 25, 1940 and subsequent amendments.
Article 4
Acknowledgement of bets, winnings, endorsements, exclusions, statements
1. The Agency on the day of the draw proceeds with operations to acknowledge bets, validate winnings, and prepare the official bulletin for the area and the exclusions statement.
Article 5
Oppositions
In appeal against declaring the exclusion of gaming bets communicated by the Licensee, the player in possession of the ticket admitted to participate in the draw can appeal on plain paper sent by registered mail with acknowledgment receipt to the Licensee within eight days from the day posted in the Official Gazette of the area. For the purposes of prompt opposition, the mailing will apply. On the opposition the Licensee can decide within fifteen days communicating the decision by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt.
[round stamp: De Franchis Ignazio son of the late Franco Notary in Rome]
2. In appeal against the rejection of the opposition, the person concerned can appeal to the ordinary legal authorities, within ninety days from receipt of the registered letter referred to in paragraph above.
3. The competent Court is that of Rome.
Article 6
Community Guidelines
1. The Licensee, in entrusting the work, supply or service to a third party, as prescribed by Article 10 of Ministerial Decree No. 4832 of March 18, 1993, as amended by section 7 of Ministerial Decree No. 8099 of November 8, 1992, must comply with the provisions of Legislative Decree No. 358/1992 and fully apply Community regulations regarding procurement of supplies and services, as established by Article 10, or be subject to revocation of the license pursuant to Article 26, letter d) of the decree mentioned above.
2. In amendment to Article 4, paragraph 2 of Ministerial Decree No. 44832/Gab of March 17, 1993, for the purpose of awarding work and the supply of goods and services referred to in paragraph 1 above, as of the date of this Decree, consortium members of Lottomatica S.c.p.a. consider themselves to be third parties.
3. Article 10, paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree No. 4832 of March 17, 1993, must be interpreted as meaning that it configures, for the Licensee, a faculty to use or not use persons outside the organization to prepare and manage insolvency proceedings for European competitions. It should be understood that if the value of these proceedings, that make up the services, exceeds the EU threshold, the provisions of Directive 92/50 EEC on contracted service will apply.
Rome, January 11, 1995
The Minister : TREMONTI
Registered at the Court of Auditors on November 8, 1993
Register No. 1, Page No. 129
97A0249
[handwritten] OMISSIS
[round stamp: De Franchis Ignazio son of the late Franco Notary in Rome]
I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Ministry of Finance dated January 11, 1995, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series No. 12 dated 16.1.1997.
It consists of two pages.
Rome, November 26, 2008
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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10. in Rome 6. on 03 DEC 2008 |
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7. by the PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ROME |
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PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC C/O ROME |
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LEGALIZATIONS OFFICE |
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THE LEGALIZATIONS OFFICIAL Dr. Ferdinando Correale [Illegible signature] |
OMISSIS
DECREE July 25, 1995
Act granting Lottomatica S.c.p.a. in Rome the running of the automated lottery service
THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Given law No. 528 of August 2, 1982 on regulations for lottery games and measures for lottery staff;
Given Law No. 85 of April 19, 1990, containing amendments to law No. 528 of August 2, 1981, regarding regulations for lottery games;
Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 303 of August 7, 1990 which approved the regulation for the application and execution of law no. 528 of August 2, 1982 and No. 85 of April 19, 1990;
Given article 11, paragraph 1 of Legal Decree No. 557 of December 30, 1993 converted, with amendments, by Law No. 133 of February 26, 1994;
Given Ministerial Decree No. 239 of March 23, 1994, amending and supplementing the Regulation on the organization of lottery games, Decree of the President of the Republic of 303/1990.
Given Ministerial Decree No. 4832/gab of March 17, 1993, and Ministerial Decree No. 8099 of November 8, 1993, registered by the Court of Auditors on November 15, 1993, with which Lottomatica S.c.p.a was entrusted with the translational authority, organization and management of the automated lottery service;
Given Ministerial Decree No. 472 of January 11, 1995, by which the Agency is transferred public authority for the collection of gaming proceeds, the payment of winnings, draws and oppositions.
Given the need to attribute to the selection board for tenders offered by the Licensee for the award of works and supply of goods and services, including the task of preventive examination of invitations to tender, in order to ensure full transparency, as well as the neutrality of the requirements of the object of the tender on the basis of substantial implementation of the clause referred to in Article 6, paragraph 2 of Ministerial Decree of January 11, 1995, according to which the members of the Lottomatica consortium consider themselves third parties;
Considering also the need to make a number of changes to Ministerial Decrees of March 17, 1993 and January 11, 1995, aimed at making more obvious the willingness of the administration to completely transfer public rights under the translational concession;
Considering also the need to ensure full transparency, autonomy and independence of the activities of the licensee at all stages of the procurement process, particularly in those involving procedures for the preparation and issuance of invitations to tender for the acquisition of goods and services;
Decrees:
Article 1
1. At Article 5 Fulfillment of tenders - Ministerial Decree No. 4832 of March 17, 1993, the following paragraph is added:
7. In order to ensure the implementation of the obligation of full application of internal and Community legislation, as well as the neutrality of
[round stamp: De Franchis Ignazio son of the late Franco Notary in Rome]
the requirements of the subject of tender in relation to the members of the Lottomatica company, which, in respect of such tenders, shall be deemed third parties the selection board referred to in paragraphs 5 and 6 above shall proceed with prior review and approval of the tenders and other tender documents.
Article 2
1. At Article 1, paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree of January 11, 1995, after the words are transferred add the words fully and totally.
2. At Article 1, paragraph 2 of Ministerial Decree of January 11, 1995, after the words by the Licensee, add the words who exercises them in full autonomy and independence.
Article 3
1. At Article 3, paragraph 2 of Ministerial Decree of January 11, 1995, after the words the responsibility add the words exclusive and total.
Article 4
1. At Article 5, paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree of January 11, 1995, after the words notification of receipt add the word exclusively.
Article 5
1. At Article 6 of Ministerial Decree of January 11, 1995, the following paragraphs are added:
4. Any form of assistance or consultation by associates, subsidiaries or affiliates and any third parties with respect to Lottomatica, must comply with internal and Community regulations and in particular, Lottomatica cannot solicit nor accept consultations that may be used to establish specifications regarding the tenders, by any company that may have a commercial interest in the tender itself and particularly from consortium members.
5. Any behavior undertaken by the Licensee Lottomatica intended to circumvent the rules referred to in this Article or in any direct way favor consortium members, subsidiaries or affiliates and however distort competition results in the immediate termination of concession.
Rome, July 25, 1995
The Minister : FANTOZZI
Registered at the Court of Auditors on November 8, 1993
Register No. 1, Page No. 129
97A0249
OMISSIS
[round stamp: De Franchis Ignazio son of the late Franco Notary in Rome]
I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Ministry of Finance dated July 25, 1995 concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series no. 12 dated 16.1.1997.
It consists of two pages.
Rome, November 26, 2008
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Ministry of Finance dated July 25, 1995, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series no. 12 dated 16.1.1997.
It consists of two pages.
Rome, November 26, 2008
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO OF FRANCO |
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1. Country: ITALY |
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5. in Rome 6. on 03 DEC 2008 |
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7. by the PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ROME |
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8. with number 4089/4 |
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LEGALIZATIONS OFFICE |
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THE LEGALIZATIONS OFFICIAL Dr. Ferdinando Correale [Illegible signature] |
OMISSIS
[round stamp: De Franchis Ignazio son of the late Franco Notary in Rome]
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DECREE April 14, 1998.
Transfer of public authority to Lottomatica S.c.p.a. Rome with regards to the collection of lottery proceeds, the payment of winnings and declaring the exclusion of gaming bets.
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL
OF THE AUTONOMOUS ADMINISTRATION
OF STATE MONOPOLIES
Given law No. 528 of August 2, 1982 on the organization of the lottery, as amended by Law No. 85 of April 19, 1990.
Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 303, which issued the regulation which applies and enforces the laws mentioned above, as amended by Decree of the Ministry of Finance No. 239 of March 23,1994.
Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 560 of September 16, 1996, which issued the regulation concerning lottery under license;
Given the opportunity to actually start exercising public authority to collect lottery proceeds, pay winnings, declaring exclusion from draws by the Licensee managing the lottery;
Decrees:
As of May 4, 1998, public authority for collecting lottery proceeds, paying winnings, declaring the exclusion from draws and bets shall be transferred, in the manner and under the terms of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 560 of September 16, 1996, to the Licensee running the lottery, Lottomatica S.c.p.a. of Rome.
For the payment of winnings from extractions of May 2, 1998 the procedures observed, subject to availability, are those in force prior to the effective date of this Decree.
This Decree shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic.
Rome, April 14, 1998
The Director General : CUTRUPI
98A3217
OMISSIS
[round stamp: De Franchis Ignazio son of the late Franco Notary in Rome]
I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Ministry of Finance dated April 14, 1998, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic -/ General Series no. 91 dated 20.4.1998.
It consists of one page.
Rome, November 26, 2008
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[Illegible signature] |
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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APOSTILLE |
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(The Hague Convention of October 5, 1961) |
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1. Country: ITALY |
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This public deed |
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2. has been signed by IGNAZIO DE FRANCHIS |
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3. acting in his capacity as NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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4. is accompanied by the seal/stamp of the NOTARY |
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Certified |
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5. in Rome 6. on 03 DEC 2008 |
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7. by the PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ROME |
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8. with number 4089/6 |
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9. seal/stamp of the Legalization office |
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10. Signature |
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PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC C/O ROME |
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LEGALIZATIONS OFFICE |
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THE LEGALIZATIONS OFFICIAL Dr. Ferdinando Correale [Illegible signature] |
DECREE June 26, 1998.
Transfer of public authority to Lottomatica S.c.p.a. Rome related to lottery draws.
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL
OF THE AUTONOMOUS ADMINISTRATION
OF STATE MONOPOLIES
Given law No. 528 of August 2, 1982 on the organization of the lottery, as amended by Law No. 85 of April 19, 1990.
Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 303, which issued the regulation which applies and enforces the laws mentioned above, as amended by Decree of the Ministry of Finance No. 239 of March 23,1994.
Given Decree of the President of the Republic No. 560 of September 16, 1996, which issued the regulation concerning lottery under license;
Given the opportunity to actually start exercising public authority to collect lottery proceeds, pay winnings, declaring exclusion from draws by the Licensee managing the lottery;
Decrees:
As of July 1, 1998, public authority related to lottery extractions are transferred, in the manner and under the terms of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 560 of September 16, 1996, to the Licensee running the lottery, Lottomatica S.c.p.a. of Rome.
This Decree shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic.
Rome, June 26, 1998
The Director General : CUTRUPI
98A5751
OMISSIS
[Signature]
[round stamp: De Franchis Ignazio son of the late Franco Notary in Rome]
I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Director General of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies dated June 26, 1998, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series no. 150 dated 30.6.1998.
It consists of one page.
Rome, November 26, 2008
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[Illegible signature] |
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DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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APOSTILLE |
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(The Hague Convention of October 5, 1961) |
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1. Country: ITALY |
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This public deed |
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2. has been signed by IGNAZIO DE FRANCHIS |
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3. acting in his capacity as NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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4. is accompanied by the seal/stamp of the NOTARY |
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Certified |
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5. in Rome 6. on 03 DEC 2008 |
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7. by the PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ROME |
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8. with number 4089/7 |
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9. seal/stamp of the Legalization office |
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10. Signature |
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PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC C/O ROME |
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LEGALIZATIONS OFFICE |
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THE LEGALIZATIONS OFFICIAL Dr. Ferdinando Correale [Illegible signature] |
16-1-1997 |
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC |
Series - No. 280 |
DECREES, RESOLUTIONS AND MINISTERIAL ORDERS
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DECREE November 15, 2000
Integration to Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993 regarding the concession to Lottomatica
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL
OF THE AUTONOMOUS ADMINISTRATION
OF STATE MONOPOLIES
Given Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993 as amended, regarding the concession to Lottomatica S.p.A of Rome for the administration of the Lottery service;
Given article 33, paragraph 1 of Law No. 724/1994 revising the expansion of the Lotto gaming network admitting into the network any tobacconist who makes such request;
Given that the cited article 33 was implemented through Management Decree of December 30, 1999, according to which the collection network should pass from 15,000 points to approximately 35,000 overall points;
Considering that the expansion of the network cannot be postponed because of its value for related services of public interest
Considering, in this regard, the commitment assumed by the Under Secretary of State for Finance of the VI Financial Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, on September 1, 2000, with regards to the administration of the Lottery;
Considering that the costs for facilities and management of the expansion have been estimated at approximately 1,000 billion Lira.
Noting that there are no budgetary conditions that permit the government to assume the estimated burden.
Given that the company Lottomatica participates in the specific and direct exercise of public authority inherent to gaming
Given article of the cited Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993, according to which the duration of the license is established as nine years (paragraph 1) it being understood that (paragraph 3) when this license expires it will be tacitly renewed for an equal period of time, unless terminated by the Administration, to be notified at least 6 months prior to the expiration of the license itself;
Given letter of September 14, 200, with which the company Lottomatica indicated that it was willing, under certain conditions, to sustain all the costs connected with the expansion of the Lottery network;
Given, furthermore, that during negotiations the Licensee confirmed willingness in return for greater stability in the relationship within the maximum limits already evaluated by the European Community;
Considering that there is public interest in the fact that the company, at no additional cost for Treasury, proceeds with expanding the network in exchange for greater stability and certainty of the duration of the relationship;
Considering however that the duration cannot exceed an overall period of eighteen years, as provided by the current license (unless terminated or revoked);
Noting in fact that this is the original deadline for identifying the Licensee, term which the administration had earlier planned under Article 6, paragraph 3 of the license;
Considering that this may compensate for the lack of funds with the provision of ensuring the dies ad quem of concession, save cases of breach by the Licensee;
Noting that the power of cancellation provided for in Article 6, paragraph 3 of the concession depends on the negative verification by the administration with regards to successful technical activation of the points provided for by the network expansion program;
Noting that in the aforesaid case of cancellation, the Licensee must still be guaranteed compensation as determined by the usual criteria, laid down in Article 936 of the Italian Civil Code, based on whichever is the lowest amount between spending and enhancements;
Considering it necessary, based on the activity carried out by Lottomatica, to integrate the concession with new provisions to safeguard public interest, in agreement with the Licensee;
Given the indications contained in the note of November 14, 2000 from the Under Secretary of State assigned to this matter:
Decrees:
Article 1
Paragraph 5, article 5 of Ministerial Decree of March 17 1993 and subsequent paragraph 6 of the same article, as replaced by article 1, paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree of November 8, 1993 the following are replaced:
5. The selection board for tenders called by the Licensee is appointed by the Director General of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies.
6. The Chairman and members of the commissions are selected on the basis of specific professional qualifications, correlated with the type of tender to be carried out.
Article 2
New paragraphs have been included in article 6 after paragraph 3 of Ministerial Decree of March 17 1992
3b - Except for the power of revocation provided for in Article 3, the termination referred to in paragraph 3 may be declared by the administration only in the event in which, on the date of the verification mentioned in the next paragraph, it ascertains that the technical activation has not taken place for reasons attributable to the Licensee, by more than 10% of the points set out in the measures adopted and communicated according to the procedures set forth in Article 8, paragraph 1a, compared to the lower amount of compensation between spending and enhancement.
In the case of non-fulfillment of the obligations that do not involve activation of the cancellation of the concession a penalty will be applied proportional to ITL 1,000,000 per point-year.
3-c. The review referred to in the preceding paragraph to be carried out seven months before the expiry date referred to in Article 6, paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993, inconsistent with the dealer, is left to a ministerial committee appointed by the Director General of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies and presided over by an administrative judge.
3-d. The commission referred to in the previous subsection reports the results of the audit to the Director-General of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies.
3-e. The Director General of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies, based on the final report of the Commission referred to in paragraph 3-b, adopts the determinations based on cancellations in paragraph 3.
Article 3
The following new paragraph is inserted in Article 8, after paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree of 17 March 1993:
1b The licensee is obliged, at its own expense, to activate the service at Receiving Offices referred to in the Decree of December 30, 1999, notwithstanding full compliance with internal and Community regulations concerning European public tenders for supplies and services, in the two years following the effective date of this decree, on a monthly basis for at least 1,000 Receiving Offices for which measures have been communicated by the licensee with a minimum notice of three months.
Article 4
Article 20 of Ministerial Decree of March 17 1993 is replaced by the following:
Specific obligations of the licensee
1. The licensee, for the entire duration of this concession, guarantees that:
a) Shares that form its capital will not be transferred without prior binding approval of the Ministry of Finance. New shareholders must in any case give written acknowledgment that they are aware of and are bound to comply with the commitments made by the licensee with this license;
b) the share capital will not be reduced without prior authorization of the Ministry of Finance.
2. The dealer has the faculty to go public on the stock market. As of the application for listing paragraph 1 letters a) and b) above do not apply. The joint acquisition, implemented by third parties, other than current shareholders of the company, of control of the company, under section 2359 (illegible) 1 Civil Code, is subject to the authorization of the Ministry of Finance which will take action within thirty days from the date of the application.
3. The appointment of the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director and the Chairman of the Board of Auditors will be subject to the prior approval of the Minister of Finance.
Article 5
Over the first three trillion collected, for subsequent installments of one trillion each, a steady reduction of 0.160% is applied on the rate of the previous installment, as referred to in Article 21, paragraph 2 of the Ministerial Decree of March 17, 1993 as replaced by Article 1 of the Ministerial Decree of November 8, 1993.
Article 6
At article 23, paragraph 1 of Ministerial Decree of March 17 1993, the words to the extent of 0.3% of the fees themselves are replaced with the following words: to the extent of 0.3% of collections by the licensee referred to in Article 31 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 560 of September 16, 1992.
Article 7
At article 29, paragraph 5 of Ministerial Decree of March 17 1993, after the words for the management of the service itself add the words including those stipulated for implementing and managing the expansions indicated in article 8, paragraph 1b above.
Article 8
1. Articles 8b and paragraph 8 of article 21, respectively introduced by articles 3 and 11 of ministerial decree of November 8, 1993, have been revoked.
2. The company Lottomatica supports investments for promoting and advertising lottery games, from the date of entry into force of this decree and will submit, for prior approval by administration, the annual promotion and advertising plan for no less than 7% of the fee received by the licensee for the previous year.
Article 9
The management economies for the licensees telecommunications network arising from direct or indirect provision of services other than collections from the Lottery are determined by a joint commission appointed by the Director General of the State Monopolies and proportionately renewed each year by the State from the effective date of this
Decree, to the percentage of utilization verified by the commission itself.
Article 10
The company Lottomatica supports the operational costs of the commissions appointed by the Administration for matters relating to the concession and shall endeavor to implement a Lottery monitoring system for the analysis and study of gaming trends.
Article 11
The concession stands firm in any other clause not changed by this Decree.
Rome, November 15, 2000
The Director General : CUTRUPI
00A14902
[handwritten:] OMISSIS
I, the undersigned Notary Public, Ignazio de Franchis, of Rome, registered in the Roll of Notaries of the United Districts of Rome, Velletri and Civitavecchia, hereby certify that the annexed document is a true copy of the Decree of the Director General of the Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies dated November 15, 2000, concerning Lottomatica S.p.A., published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic - General Series no. 150 dated 30.6.1998.
It consists of three pages.
Rome, November 26, 2008
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[Illegible signature] |
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Round rubber stamp: |
DE FRANCHIS IGNAZIO SON OF FRANCO |
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NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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APOSTILLE |
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(The Hague Convention of October 5, 1961) |
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1. Country: ITALY |
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This public deed |
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2. has been signed by IGNAZIO DE FRANCHIS |
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3. acting in his capacity as NOTARY PUBLIC IN ROME |
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4. is accompanied by the seal/stamp of the NOTARY |
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Certified |
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5. in Rome 6. on 03 DEC 2008 |
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7. by the PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ROME |
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8. with number 4089/8 |
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9. seal/stamp of the Legalization office |
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10. Signature |
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PROSECUTORS OFFICE OF THE REPUBLIC C/O ROME |
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LEGALIZATIONS OFFICE |
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THE LEGALIZATIONS OFFICIAL Dr. Ferdinando Correale [Illegible signature] |
Exhibit 10.9
Deed of agreement
DEED OF AGREEMENT FOR THE RELATIONSHIP OF LICENSE HAVING AS SUBJECT MATTER THE REALIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE DATA COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT NETWORK FOR GAMING BY MEANS OF APPARATUSES FOR ENJOYMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED FOR BY ARTICLE 110, PARAGRAPH 6 OF THE CONSOLIDATING ACT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY LAWS PURSUANT TO ROYAL DECREE JUNE 18, 1931, NO. 773 AS AMENDED, AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES AND FUNCTIONS
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In the year 2013, on March twentieth, at the premises in Via della Luce, 34/a bis 00153 Rome, the Agency of Customs and Monopolies, Tax Code 97210890584, in the person of Roberto Fanelli, Director gaming pro tempore at the Agency of Customs and Monopolies, AAMS
and
LOTTOMATICA VIDEOLOT RETE S.p.A., with registered office in Rome Viale del Campo Boario 56/D postcode 00153, Tax Code 08360081007, enrolled in the Register of Companies of Rome, under R.E.A. no. 1090475, in the person of Guglielmo Angelozzi, born in Guardiagrele (CH) on December 21, 1972, Tax Code NGLGLL72T21E243C, in the capacity of Chairman and Managing Director, licensee [C.I.G. 460686379B]
AGREE THAT
unless otherwise explicitly stated, the terms written in bold type, contained in this deed, take on the meaning indicated alongside them in the only nomenclature of definitions, with the specification that the acronym AAMS indicates the Agency of Customs and Monopolies in accordance with article 23-quarter of Decree Law no. 95 of July 6, 2012, amended by Law no. 135 of August 7, 2012;
WHEREAS
· on August 8, 2011, the open selection procedure to identify the parties to which the license should be granted was announced by notification published in the Official Gazette of the European Union;
· on December 22, 2011, the provisional adjudication phase of the recruit selection procedure was completed, with publication of the results on the website www.aams.gov.it on December 23, 2011, from which it appeared that the aforesaid company was among the parties appointed by the Selection Committee, elected by AAMS with provision no. 1172/CGV of October 11, 2011;
· on July 27, 2012, the data communication management network for gaming by means of apparatuses for enjoyment and entertainment passed the test in accordance with the methods outlined in the technical specifications and relative annexes;
· AAMS verified the proper and complete nature of the documentation on the basis of that provided for by the specifications for charges and relative annexes, as well as the proper and congruous nature of the guarantees presented by said licensee;
[SEAL]
· AAMS has ascertained the payment of the price due for the release or maintenance of the approval for AWP gaming apparatuses as well as an amount equal to at least 15,000.00 Euros(fifteen thousand point zero zero), multiplied by the minimum number of VLT apparatuses to be installed, according to that provided for by the specifications of charges;
· on February 14, 2013, AAMS announced the final appointment and subsequently activated the controls and verified fulfillment of that provided for by the specifications of charges for the purposes of entry into the agreement;
AGREE AND STIPULATE AS FOLLOWS
SECTION I
PREAMBLE, SUBJECT AND DURATION OF THE LICENSE
Article 1
Value of the preamble and of the other documents
1. The preamble and the annexes to this deed of agreement are an integral, substantial and binding part of the aforesaid deed of agreement.
2. The specification of charges, technical specification and relative annexes, as well as the only nomenclature of definitions which are part of the documentation of tender relating to the selection procedure announced as stated in the preamble, while not being tangibly annexed to this deed, are also an integral, substantial and binding part of the deed of agreement.
Article 2
Subject of the license
1. The subject of the license concerns the activities and functions for the realization and operation of the data communication management network for gaming by means of apparatuses for enjoyment and entertainment provided for by article 110, paragraph 6, of the consolidating act for public safety laws (T.U.L.P.S.) pursuant to Royal Decree June 18, 1931, no. 773 as amended, and particularly:
a) the realization of the data communication management network for lawful gaming by means of AWP gaming apparatuses and VLT gaming systems, where not already realized;
b) the operation of the network indicated under the letter a) for a minimum number of AWP gaming apparatuses, equal to 5,000 (five thousand), and a minimum number of VLT apparatuses, equal to 350 (three hundred and fifty);
c) all the activities and functions related directly or indirectly to the data communication management for lawful gaming by means of AWP gaming apparatuses and VLT gaming systems.
2. The activities indicated in paragraph 1 must be indicated in the business purpose of the licensee.
Article 3
Integrations of the license
1. AAMS may ask the licensee, who undertakes herewith to accept, to make, during the term of validity of the license, changes to the activities indicated in the deed of agreement and in the technical specification and relative annexes, which become necessary in the event of unforeseeable circumstances which determine substantial changes in context, also following amendments to legislation or provisions by AAMS relating to the management of lawful gaming by means of apparatuses for enjoyment and entertainment.
2. AAMS may ask the licensee, who undertakes herewith to accept, to sign access deeds to the license which contain clauses, conditions and terms to ensure the observance of the obligations pursuant to article 1, paragraph 78 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments, and to article 24 of Decree Law no. 98 of July 6, 2011, converted with amendments into Law no. 111 of July 15, 2011, and subsequent amendments.
3. AAMS may identify activities and functions relating to new methods or types of gaming by means of AWP gaming apparatuses and VLT gaming systems, or further utilizations of the aforesaid data communication network. In such case, it shall indicate:
a) the times at the disposal of the licensee for the performance of the relative operations, which shall never be shorter than ninety calendar days however, unless expressly accepted by the licensee;
b) the methods and conditions of realization and operation.
4. Integrations of the deed of agreement, pursuant to paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, are acknowledged and formalized in a specific additional deed which, signed by the parties, forms a further integral element of the deed of agreement.
Article 4
Duration of the license
1. The license shall have duration of nine years from the date on which the deed of agreement is signed, unless otherwise provided for by paragraph 2.
2. In order to avoid possible and damaging terminations to the service and to the collection of tax revenues, in extreme emergency, resulting from unforeseeable events that are not compatible with the terms imposed by the selection procedure which provide for the publication of a new tender, AAMS shall be entitled, upon the natural expiry after nine years, to unilaterally extend the duration of the license for a further twelve months, under the same terms and conditions provided for by the same deed of agreement, informing the licensee of such intention at least ninety days before the expiry of the license.
After the aforesaid term, any extension shall require the consent of the licensee.
SECTION II
GENERAL OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LICENSEE
Article 5
General obligations of the licensee
1. The licensee is required to perform the public activities and functions transferred in force of this deed of agreement, adhering to the prescriptions of the deed of agreement and guaranteeing the levels of service provided for in Annex 2 to this deed of agreement, by means of its own organization or that of third parties, for which it undertakes direct responsibility, notifying AAMS in advance.
2. The licensee, in relation to the exercise of the aforesaid public activities and functions, besides observing the prescriptions of the deed of agreement, the specification of charges and the technical specifications and relative annexes, is required also to:
a) observe and fulfill all the obligations provided for by the regulations relating to apparatuses for enjoyment and entertainment provided for by article 110, paragraph 6, of the consolidating act for public safety laws (T.U.L.P.S.) pursuant to Royal Decree June 18, 1931, no. 773 as amended, and also provided for other regulations;
b) observe the provisions of the current consolidating act for public safety laws, all the legislation and all the present or future provisions in force on the matter of public authority;
c) respect the provisions established by AAMS regarding utilization of the institutional logo and the words legal and responsible gaming, as well as the correct use of promotional and advertising tools;
d) enter into projects, agreed annually with AAMS, with the aim of implementing operations for the promotion of responsible gaming and useful to the defense of minors relating to access to gaming;
e) guarantee the respect of the ban on underage gaming, ensuring the commitment to such extent of those with contractual relationships for the licensed activities;
f) enter into activities to inform users, relating to the discipline of collections from gaming, as well as the prescriptions and provisions in force for defense against unlawful gaming, the promotion of legal and responsible gaming and of responsible gaming conduct, the monitoring of their adoption by players, the prevention of possible pathological gaming activities, also implementing specific institutional campaigns of AAMS;
g) promote measures to defend users, provided for by the consumer code, pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 206 of September 6, 2005;
h) guarantee that, in the exercise of the games licensed, there are no illegal elements that flout public order and common decency;
i) implement and disseminate the service chart, according to the instructions supplied by AAMS;
j) draw up the financial statements, also in compliance with any instructions supplied by AAMS;
k) guarantee the respect of the regulations in force to prevent money laundering;
l) observe the directives issued by AAMS, having heard the licensees and representatives of the users, concerning the provision of services by the licensee, particularly defining the general levels of quality referred to the overall services and the specific levels of quality referred to the single service to be guaranteed to the player;
m) observe the directives on separate accounts and administration issued by AAMS in accordance with article 1, paragraph 80, letter c) of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010.
3. The licensee acknowledges and accepts that the assignment of the license is subject to the complete and absolute respect of the anti-Mafia laws in force. In particular, notwithstanding that provided for by the documentation relating to the selection procedure, the licensee acknowledges and accepts that if provisional or final provisions are issued, in application of the anti-Mafia laws, against it and/or against its legal representatives, members of the boards of directors and statutory auditors or, in the cases contemplated by article 2477 of the Civil Code, the independent auditor, as well as the parties that carry out the monitoring activities pursuant to article 6, paragraph 1, letter b) of Legislative Decree no. 231 of June 8, 2001, the other parties indicated in article 85, paragraphs 2-c, 2-d and 3, of Legislative Decree no. 159 of September 6, 2011, and subsequent amendments, AAMS shall launch the procedures to terminate the license, without affecting the right of AAMS to apply for compensation for damages. To such end, the licensee undertakes to present substitute declarations, in accordance with Presidential Decree no. 445 of December 28, 2000, and subsequent amendments regarding the parties indicated in article 85 of Legislative Decree no. 159 of September 6, 2011, and subsequent amendments.
4. The legal representative of the licensee undertakes to present annually, by January 31 of every year, the declarations pursuant to Presidential Decree no. 445 of December 28, 2000, and subsequent amendments, indicating the non-existence of the causes for prohibition, termination or suspension pursuant to article 67 of Legislative Decree no. 159 of September 6, 2011, and subsequent amendments, as well as the non-existence of procedures pending for the application of one of the preventative measures pursuant to article 6 of Legislative Decree no. 159 of September 6, 2011, and subsequent amendments, against the legal representative, the members of the boards of directors and statutory auditors or, in the cases contemplated by article 2477 of the Civil Code, the independent auditor, as well as the parties that carry out the monitoring activities pursuant to article 6, paragraph 1, letter b) of Legislative Decree no. 231 of June 8, 2001, and the other parties indicated in article 85, paragraphs 2-c, 2-d and 3, of Legislative Decree no. 159 of September 6, 2011, and subsequent amendments. The same declaration shall be issued, notwithstanding the existence of the requirements provided for by the specification of charges, in the event of changes, within one month of their appointment, of the directors and legal representatives, auditors and the parties that carry out the monitoring activities pursuant to article 6, paragraph 1, letter b) of Legislative Decree no. 231 of June 8, 2001, including the parties indicated in article 85, paragraphs 2-c, 2-d and 3, of Legislative Decree no. 159 of September 6, 2011, and subsequent amendments.
5. The licensee acknowledges and accepts, expressly waiving every pertinent exception, that AAMS shall launch the procedure for termination of the license, notwithstanding the right to apply for compensation for damages in the event that anti-Mafia information indicating the untruthful or partial nature of that stated in the declarations and certifications presented should be received from the competent authorities.
6. The licensee undertakes to maintain all the requirements provided for by the selection procedure for the entire duration of the license and, in the event of changes, to take the appropriate measures to guarantee respect by all bound parties in accordance with the selection procedure. To this end, the licensee undertakes to report every change relating to the aforesaid requirements and the actions taken. It also undertakes, at least annually or upon request by AAMS, to prove the persistence of the requirements for participation, and to report the names and identifying details of the physical or legal persons that directly or indirectly hold more than two percent of the companys capital or equity.
7. The licensee shall, for the entire duration of the license, respect the prescriptions provided for by the specification of charges and by the technical specifications and the respective annexes.
8. The licensee undertakes to expressly and unconditionally accept that AAMS, in accordance with article 24, paragraph 35 of Decree Law no. 98 of July 6, 2011, converted with amendments into Law no. 111 of July 15, 2011, and subsequent amendments, may, as of January 1, 2014, increase the number of video terminal apparatuses already authorized at the time of launch of the selection procedure or in accordance with the aforesaid selection procedure.
9. The licensee undertakes, expressly and unconditionally, to pay the price of 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) for every AWP gaming apparatus for which it applies for approval, allowing for the possibility for claims against the parties that own such apparatuses, in accordance with article 24, paragraph 36 of Decree Law no. 98 of July 6, 2011, converted with amendments into Law no. 111 of July 15, 2011, and subsequent amendments.
10. The licensee is bound to declare, within the terms and using the methods established by AAMS, the number of VLT apparatuses that it wishes to install, on the basis of the minimum and maximum limits of authorizations that can be applied for, communicated by AAMS, between seven and fourteen percent of the number of AWP gaming apparatuses approved and active upon expiry of the sixth month from the date of entry into the deed of agreement. Consequently, the licensee shall provide, within thirty days of the date of its declaration, for payment of the sum of 15,000.00 Euros (fifteen thousand point zero zero) multiplied by the number of VLT apparatuses that it intends to install. From this sum it shall be necessary to deduct any amounts already paid in accordance with paragraph 16.2, letter h) of the specification of charges for the minimum number of authorizations for installation that can be applied for, and in accordance with article 21 of Decree Law no. 78 of July 1, 2009, converted with amendments from Law no. 102 of August 3, 2009.
11. The licensee is bound to pay the amount provided for by article 24, paragraph 35 of Decree Law no. 98 of July 6, 2011, converted with amendments into Law no. 111 of July 15, 2011 and subsequent amendments, for any further applications for authorization to install VLT appliances, as of January 1, 2014.
12. For the purposes of calculating the percentages provided for, the licensee shall round up the amount when the first two decimal figures have a value higher than 50.
Article 6
Regulation of the transferal of the license and variation of the company composition
1. The complete or partial transferal of ownership of the license, either directly or indirectly, is forbidden.
2. AAMS may, by exception to that established by paragraph 1, authorize transferal only in cases in which such operation is in the public interest and the transferee fulfills all the obligations provided for by this deed of agreement.
3. The licensee shall submit the operations entered into which produce subjective changes in the aforesaid licensee, including, purely by way of example, mergers, splits, company transfers, changes in registered office or business purpose, and dissolution of the company, excluding those of sale or placement of the shares of the licensee on a regulated financial market, to the prior authorization of AAMS, or else lose the license.
4. For the purposes of release of authorization. AAMS shall assess the impact of the subjective changes on the overall company organization of the licensee, also with regard to the requirements in terms of financial solidity, the debt ratio and appropriate gearing of capital, as defined by Inter-managerial Decree of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance no. 1845/Strategie/UD of June 28, 2011, implementing article 1, paragraph 78, letter a), point 4 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments.
Furthermore, in cases of complete transfer, AAMS shall ascertain the presentation of the commitment to supply the guarantees required in compliance with that provided for by the selection procedure, also assessing whether:
a) the transferee, who is not a licensee, possesses all the requirements in line with this deed of agreement, the specification of charges and the technical specifications;
b) the transferee is another licensee, and:
i. does not exceed, following acquisition of the new licensee, the concentration limits of the AWP apparatuses and VLT apparatuses pursuant to article 17;
ii. undertakes the obligation to transfer the rights and obligations deriving from the license transferred, to its own license, with simultaneous and immediate termination of the transferring licensee.
5. The transferal of the dealer shall, however, be subject to the binding condition that the licensee is not in a situation of default with respect to AAMS, in relation to one or more obligations deriving from the deed of agreement. AAMS may authorize the transfer is the licensee takes in the licensees debts, following presentation of adequate further guarantee.
6. The licensee undertakes to inform AAMS of every other change in addition to those indicated in paragraph 3 above, with the declaration made in accordance with article 1 of Decree of President of the Council of Ministers no. 187 of May 11, 1991. Furthermore, the licensee undertakes to inform AAMS of every change in the company organization existing at the time of signing of this deed of agreement, which implicates participation in the company capital or equity by more than two percent.
7. The licensee shall submit to AAMS for prior authorization all operations for transferal of shares, including controlling shares, held by the aforesaid licensee, which might implicate, in the year in which the operation is completed, a reduction in the financial solidity index, as determined by Inter-managerial Decree of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance no. 1845/Strategie/UD of June 28, 2011, implementing article 1, paragraph 78, letter a), point 4 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments.
8. For the purposes of release of the authorization pursuant to paragraph 7 above, the licensee shall annex to the application appropriate documentation to explain increases in capital or other instruments or operations to restore the aforesaid index within six months of the date on which the financial statements are approved, otherwise losing the license.
9. The licensee, to which authorization pursuant to paragraph 8 above has been issued, is required to restore the financial solidity index pursuant to paragraph 7 above within six months of the date on which the financial statements are approved, otherwise losing the license.
Article 7
Particular obligation of diligence of the licensee
1. In order to allow transferal of the activities and functions subject to license, the licensee is expressly bound to guarantee, within the semester prior to expiry of the license, full cooperation of its technical and organizational structure to AAMS, to the new licensee or to a third party indicated by AAMS. The licensee is particularly obliged to supply all the helpful information and news to simplify the transferal of management.
2. In the event of compulsory management following withdrawal of the license of expiry of the license, and upon the natural expiry of the duration of the license, the licensee is bound, in accordance with article 25, to carry out all the activities of ordinary administration required to ensure continuity of the collection from gaming and to allow the passage of the activities and functions to another party until transferal of management to the new licensee.
3. In the cases indicated in paragraph 2 above, the licensee undertakes to present the guarantees required for the duration of further management.
Article 8
Obligations of operation of the company to which the license is assigned
1. The licensee is expressly bound:
a) to immediately and fully reform the share capital if it should be reduced for any reason, increasing it, upon request to such extent by AAMS, in the event in which the development of activities in functions licensed should require this;
b) to maintain the debt ratio, for the entire duration of the license, within a value which does not exceed that established with Inter-managerial Decree of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance no. 1845/Strategie/UD of June 28, 2011, implementing article 1, paragraph 78, letter b), point 4 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments;
c) to deliver to AAMS, within a maximum of fifteen days of approval, the financial statements and the quarterly accounting reports, relating to the licensee and to its subsidiaries, accompanied by a specific certification report drawn up by a leading independent auditor, enrolled in the special register held by the Consob, or proven by documentation that is equivalent and suitable in the State where the company has its registered office;
d) to proceed with the distribution, also on an exceptional basis, of dividends only subject to the fulfillment of all investments obligations, pursuant to articles 14 and 24, especially those necessary in order to maintain the levels of service required of the licensee, pursuant to Annex 2, as per prior declaration forwarded to AAMS;
e) to inform AAMS of every change in the composition of its corporate bodies and, in the event of formation of a dedicated organizational unit, of the manager of the aforesaid unit, in advance so that the changes may be assessed;
f) to send AAMS, within a maximum of four months of signing this deed of agreement, the document attesting the Quality Certification of the companys management systems, compliant to UNI EN ISO 9001:208, expressly undertaking to maintain the aforesaid certification for the entire duration of the license;
g) to send AAMS, within eighteen months of signing this deed of agreement, the document attesting the Quality Certification of the systems network manager, compliant to UNI EN ISO 9001:208, expressly undertaking to maintain the aforesaid certification for the entire duration of the license;
h) to supply AAMS, by specific request of the latter, with all the information that may be helpful to assess the methods of organization, management, assistance and control of the telecommunications network and of the physical distribution network, with particular reference to the customer service and distributive logistics functions related, with regard to the physical distribution network, to the production, storage and distribution of gaming material;
i) to maintain, for the entire duration of the license, the registered office in Italy or in one of the other States within the European Economic Space;
j) to maintain possession, for the entire duration of the license, of adequate financial solidity, identified with Inter-managerial Decree of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance no. 1845/Strategie/UD of June 28, 2011, implementing article 1, paragraph 78, letter a), point 4 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments;
k) to maintain, for the entire duration of the license, in the articles of association of the licensee, the provision of appropriate measures to prevent conflicts of interest in the directors, also providing, for the aforesaid directors, the chairman and those holding power of attorney, special requirements of reliability, honorability and professionals, as well as, for some of them, independence, defined with Inter-managerial Decree of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance no. 1845/Strategie/UD of June 28, 2011, implementing article 1, paragraph 78, letter a), point 5 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments;
l) to maintain, for the entire duration of the license, the residence of the infrastructures, including those of a technological nature, hardware and software, dedicated to the activities subject to license in Italy or in one of the other States within the European Economic Space.
2. The licensee undertakes to transmit to the AWP control system and to the VLT control system of AAMS, the information, data and accounts relating to the gaming activity specified with AAMS Directorial Decree no. 1861/Strategie/UD of June 28, 2011, implementing article 1, paragraph 78, letter b), point 19 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments.
3. The licensee undertakes to transmit annually to AAMS, also using the telecommunications system, the minimum reporting framework, indicating economic, financial, technical and management data of the aforesaid licensee, specified with Inter-managerial Decree of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance no. 1845/Strategie/UD of June 28, 2011, implementing article 1, paragraph 78, letter b), point 20 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments.
Article 9
Obligations for the treatment of employees
1. For the duration of the license, the licensee is bound to observe all the standards in force relating to its employees, with specific reference to the legislation on social security and the prevention of accidents in the workplace.
2. The licensee also undertakes to fully observe the legislation in force with regard to employee health and safety in the workplace, in accordance with Legislative Decree no. 626 of September 19 and subsequent amendments.
3. The licensee expressly undertakes to exonerate AAMS and hold it free from all consequences deriving from failure to observe the standards and technical prescription pursuant to the legislation referred to in this article.
4. The licensee undertakes, taking all responsibility for pertinent costs, to fulfill all the obligations towards its employees, deriving from legislative and regulatory provisions in force with regard to employment and social security, as well as collective labor agreements, including those of a supplementary nature.
5. The licensee also undertakes to apply, in relation to its employees, legislative and payment conditions that are not below the resulting from the collective labor agreements applicable to the category and in the place where the services subject to license are performed and, in general, from every other collective agreement subsequently entered into for the category, applicable in the place in question.
6. The licensee undertakes to apply the aforesaid collective agreements also after the expiry and until their renewal.
7. It is expressly agreed that any higher costs deriving from the application of the standards and technical prescription listed in this article shall be borne entirely by the licensee, who may not make any claim, for any reason, relating to costs to AAMS.
Article 10
Sole responsibility of the licensee
1. The licensee expressly undertakes all organizational, technical and economic responsibility, as well as every other responsibility, including that for the fulfillment of obligations relating to the payment of taxes, relating to the performance and management of the activities and functions subject to license, even in the case in which part of its activity should be assigned, with the prior authorization of AAMS where necessary, to third parties, notwithstanding the responsibilities of the aforesaid third parties provided for by legislation.
2. The licensee expressly undertakes to exonerate AAMS and hold it free from all responsibility towards third parties, connected to the activities and functions assigned by license. In particular, the licensee expressly declares that it shall exonerate AAMS from every responsibility relating to the activities and the services performed directly by third parties in relation to the license.
3. The licensee undertakes to exonerate AAMS and hold it free from all costs sustained, including legal costs, following:
a) Legal action, also of a non-final nature, relating to cases or proceedings of any kind of nature referring directly or indirectly to breaches of the obligations contained in this deed of agreement, to the legislation regulating gaming by means of enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses or of provisions established for AWP gaming apparatuses and VLT gaming systems, as well as all the other prescription that AAMS intends to impose for the activities and functions subject to license;
b) agreements also for transactional purposes, entered into at the end of any judgment or sentence, referring directly or indirectly to breaches of the obligations indicated in this deed of agreement.
4. By virtue of the obligation to entertain contractual relations pertinent to the activities and functions subject to license exclusively with the enabled parties, the licensee undertakes the obligation to exonerate AAMS and hold it free from any claim, charge or responsibility for activities performed by such parties in relation to the subject of the license.
5. The licensee shall guarantee that, in the event that another party should exercise control over the aforesaid licensee in accordance with article 2359 of the Civil Code, the controlling party shall have the requirements provided for by the specification of charges and shall undertake the following further obligations:
· maintenance of the appropriate gearing of capital, meaning that the arty shall have a shareholders equity, as resulting from the last financial statements approved and certified, that is at least equal to the amount determined by Inter-managerial Decree of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance no. 1845/Strategie/UD of June 28, 2011, implementing article 1, paragraph 78, letter b), point 10.1 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments, for every percentage point held in the licensees share capital;
· maintenance of the registered office, or residence in the case of a physical person, in a country which is not included in the list of States and territories classified as tax havens in accordance with articles 110 and 167 of the consolidating law on income taxes, pursuant to Presidential Decree no. 917 of December 1986 and subsequent amendments;
· assurance of maintenance of the licensees registered office within the territory, also for tax purposes, when the aforementioned registered office was in Italy at the time the license was assigned, as well as maintenance within the same territory of the technical-organizational skills of the licensee, formally undertaking to guarantee the licensee the necessary means to undertake the obligations deriving from the deed of agreement and from the deeds annexed to it, as well as from all the other deeds of the selection procedure, acting to the best of its ability;
· assurance that the management consists, in the number required, of directors and auditors in possession of the special requirements of reliability, honorability and professionals, as well as, for some of them, independence, defined with Inter-managerial Decree of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance no. 1845/Strategie/UD of June 28, 2011, implementing article 1, paragraph 78, letter a), point 5 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments, and also having, where applicable, the requirements of honorability provided for the purposes of listing on regulated markets.
Article 11
Economic responsibility of the licensee
1. The licensee expressly declares that, following its specific investigations and research, it has fully gained and matured knowledge of the current situation and the potential of the segment of the market of AWP gaming apparatuses and VLT Gaming systems. Therefore, no relative complaint or request, including those related to a lack of information, may be presented in future.
2. Therefore, the licensee undertakes the business risk relating to the realization and management of the activities and functions subject to this deed of agreement, other than in cases of force majeure or third-party occurrences which exclude the absence of any responsibility of the licensee, including that of a slight nature. To this end, the licensee consents to take all the appropriate measures to prevent third parties from intervening on the telecommunications network and on the correct transmission of data flows. Consequently, the licensee undertakes responsibility for its losses of exercise, exonerating AAMS from all responsibility and simultaneously waiving the right to present any claims for compensation, for any reason, to the latter.
3. The licensee particularly undertakes, fully and exclusively, the responsibility deriving from every kind of complaint presented by users, with reference to collections from gaming by means of enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses, undertaking to exonerate AAMS and free it from all related responsibility.
4. The licensee expressly and unconditionally agrees to pay all expenses and costs connected to the activities subject to license, including those related to taxes, and also:
a) any costs for the registration of this deed of agreement;
b) expenses relating to the management and to the adaptation and expansion of the technological equipment and everything necessary to ensure the correct and prompt performance of the activities and functions subject to license;
c) all costs deriving from the application of the rules described in the technical specifications and relative annexes, particularly including those relating to security and confidentiality;
d) any payments due to parties with whom contractual relations are entertained for any reason;
e) all the costs, as quantified by AAMS, to sustain checks on conformity, upgrades and additions to the VLT gaming systems, relative trials and conformity checks of the games, also by request of AAMS;
f) all costs relating to the supervision and control activities of AAMS over the correctness of payments in excess of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero);
g) the payment of 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) for every approval for the installation of AWP gaming apparatuses;
h) the payment of 15,000.00 Euros (fifteen thousand point zero zero) for every authorization to install the VLT apparatuses requested, including any further authorizations for the installation of VLT apparatuses as of January 1, 2014.
5. The licensee envisages, for the AWP gaming apparatuses and the VLT apparatuses, the collection of the sums bet, the payment of the PREU, of the license fee and of the deposit, in the amount and with the methods compliant with that established by the legislative and regulatory provisions in force, sustaining all direct or indirect costs relating to the collection and to the payment of the PREU, the license fee and the deposit, as well as those relating to the management of all the activities and function assigned by license, notwithstanding the maintenance of every obligation towards the Tax Department an AAMS.
6. However, the licensee shall ensure the free availability of access points for the connection of the AWP gaming apparatuses to the AWP licensee system for the enabled parties with which it entertains contractual relations and is bound to pay any sums collected in breach of such provision to AAMS.
Article 12
Financial responsibility of the licensee
1. The licensee expressly and unconditionally undertakes to pay the sums owed for any reason in application of the deed of agreement, as well as every other standard of provision which regulates AWP gaming apparatuses and VLT gaming systems, in accordance with the methods and timing provided for.
2. The licensee is particularly bound to ensure the payments to AAMS and the Tax Department, in accordance with that defined by the legislative and regulatory provisions in force, and by the provisions issued by AAMS.
3. In the event of delayed payment of any sum that the licensees are bound to pay to AAMS, in compliance with this deed of agreement, interest shall be calculated at the legal interest rate, from the day after the date of expiry until that of effective payment. In the event of delay of failure to pay the PREU, the provisions of the regulations in force shall be applied.
4. The licensee also expressly and unconditionally undertakes to guarantee the correct and prompt payment of winnings to users, including payments following complaints, in compliance with the provisions of Annex 3 and the regulations in force. In particular the licensee undertakes to guarantee the amount of the winnings realized by means of the VLT gaming systems, payable at the gaming venues. For prizes in excess of 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero), the payment shall be made against presentation, within ninety days of attribution of the prize, of the ticket issued by the licensee in accordance with the rules contained in the technical specifications, within a maximum of thirty days of the date of presentation of the winning ticket at the venues indicated by the licensee. In the event of delayed payment of the prizes, the licensee shall be bound to pay the penalty pursuant to article 30, paragraph 2, letter n), as well as the interest calculated at the legal interest rate, from the day after the date of expiry until that of effective payment. Prizes that are not claimed within ninety days of their attribution shall be paid to AAMS according to the methods indicated by the latter.
5. The licensee shall, however, for prizes in excess of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero), respect the legislation to prevent money laundering, identifying the applicants and associating the tickets with them.
6. The licensee undertakes all the obligations for tracking financial flows pursuant to article 3 of Law no. 136 of August 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments, within the limits of that established by the competent authorities. It also undertakes to include in the agreements signed by third parties for any reason interested in exercising the games subject to the deed of agreement, a special clause with which each of them undertakes the same obligations for tracking financial flows pursuant to article 3 of Law no. 136 of August 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments, otherwise the aforesaid agreements will not be considered valid.
7. The licensee also undertakes to immediately inform AAMS and the Prefects Office Government Office competent for the territory, of failure to fulfill the obligations of financial tracking.
8. Failure to use bank or post office monetary transfers or other instruments suited to allowing full tracking of the operations, in compliance with that provided for by Law no. 136 of August 13 2010 and subsequent amendments shall be considered just cause for termination of the deed of agreement.
9. The licensee is bound to present the judicial account relating to the collection from gaming by means of enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses and to report on the cashflows relating to the PREU, the license fee, the deposit, the winnings paid out, the amounts deriving for any reason from collection from gaming and payable to third parties and to the licensees fee in accordance with the Laws on general accounts and the relative regulations, also separately for AWP appliances and VLT gaming systems, according to the model communicated by AAMS.
Article 13
Obligations relating to intellectual property
1. The licensee is bound to exonerate AAMS and hold it free from all claims, responsibilities, losses and damages claimed by any party, also in the event that licensee uses devices and technical solutions that are already protected by patent.
2. If, due to the breach of exclusive industrial property rights, copyrights and of utilization and economic exploitation rights relating to intellectual property, action should be taken in or out of court, the licensee undertakes to give its unconditional consent to the expulsion of AAMS in accordance with and by the effects of article 108 of the Code for Civil Procedure.
3. Each party shall inform the other immediately in writing if any of the legal actions listed in this article shall be taken.
4. The licensee expressly and unconditionally undertakes to sustain, under all circumstances, AAMS in all court actions, at every degree and at every level, promoted against AAMS for the breaches pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2.
5. The licensee undertakes to acknowledge AAMS all the exclusive industrial property rights relating to the intellectual properties, conceived by it or developed, in connection to the collection from gaming by means of AWP gaming apparatuses and VLT gaming systems, as well as utilization and economic exploitation rights relating to those introduced or developed by third parties. Intellectual property includes the developments and adaptations of the gaming software which the licensee expressly undertakes to acknowledge, also after the expiry of the license, AAMS the exclusive property right to the relative source codes, this being the utilization and economic exploitation rights. The licensee undertakes, therefore, to register all of the aforesaid rights in the name of AAMS within thirty days of entry into the deed of agreement or from their first year.
SECTION III
ACTIVATION AND OPERATION OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF AWP APPARATUSES AND VLT GAMING SYSTEMS
Article 14
Commitments by the licensee relating to the exercise of the activities assigned by license
1. The licensee undertakes to guarantee the exercise of the activities subject to license by means of AWP gaming apparatuses and VLT gaming systems, according to the methods provided for in this deed of agreement and, in particular, the respect of the service levels provided for in Annex 2 to this deed of agreement.
2. The unauthorized suspension of collection from gaming implicates the application of the penalties provided for by article 30, paragraph 2, letter p), as well as the application, where the conditions exist, of other sanctions provided for in the deed of agreement or in other standards. In the event that the aforesaid unauthorized suspension should continue for more than ninety-six consecutive hours, or for ten non-consecutive days over a period of two years, AAMS shall launch the procedure for termination of the license.
3. The licensee undertakes to forward to the competent authorities all the useful information to check the income relating to the collection from gaming by means of enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses received by all the enabled parties.
4. The licensee also undertakes to abstain from exceeding the maximum number of AWP gaming apparatuses, pursuant to article 17 of the deed of agreement.
5. The licensee undertakes to enter into agreements for the installation of the AWP gaming apparatuses at venues in possession of the authorizations pursuant to article 86 and 88 of the T.U.L.P.S. and subsequent amendments, the holders of which are enabled parties.
6. The licensee undertakes to install the video terminal apparatuses exclusively in the types of venues in possession of authorization pursuant to article 88 of the T.U.L.P.S. and subsequent amendments, indicated by the legislative in force and by the implementative decrees of AAMS; the venues shall be owned by enabled parties.
7. As regards the activities and function connected to the management of the enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses, the licensee also undertakes expressly and unconditionally to:
a) apply for the authorization provided for by the legislation in force and subsequent amendments to allow the exercise of the collection from lawful gaming by means of AWP gaming apparatuses and VLT gaming systems;
b) determine and pay the PREU, according to the methods defined by the legislation in force and by the decrees of AAMS, issued during the validity of the license;
c) fulfill the administrative obligations relating to AWP gaming apparatuses to be connected to access points and those relating to VLT gaming systems, as defined by the selection procedure and by special AAMS provisions;
d) check the possession of the authorizations provided for by the legislation currently in force and subsequent amendment, by the enabled parties under contract;
e) observe the quantitative numeric parameters in each venue according to that provided for by the legislation currently in force and by the implementative decrees of AAMS;
f) allow the connection to the telecommunications network only by enabled parties under contract;
g) ensure to all parties with which contractual relations inherent to the activities subject to license are held, a constant profession update concerning the legislative and regulatory provisions on enjoyment and entertainment appliances, the specific activity of management of the technological structures made available, the correct management of access points relating to AWP gaming apparatuses, the interpretation of any diagnostic messages, as well as the procedures to implement for the necessary and prompt communications relating to any operating anomalies of the telecommunications network of AWP gaming apparatuses and video terminal apparatuses; furthermore, ensure that the same parties receive continuous specific training in the activities subject to license;
h) enter into activities to inform users in relation to the rules of operation and gaming of the enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses, as well as the prescriptions and provisions in force for the defense of legal and responsible gaming, also implementing specific AAMS communication campaigns;
i) take statistical measurements at the venues and gaming rooms, to gather further information considered necessary by AAMS for the management of the sector as a whole;
j) carry out, for each year, an overall number of checks on the licensee in at least twenty-five percent of the venues where the licensee has installed AWP apparatuses, and in at least ten percent of the gaming rooms where it has installed VLT apparatuses, on the basis of that provided for by the legislation on the matter, the implementative provisions of AAMS and precise prescriptions by AAMS in relation to the planning of the aforesaid checks;
k) promptly inform AAMS, using the methods indicated by AAMS itself, of the results of the checks on the licensee pursuant to the pervious letter and supply on a six-monthly basis, the totals of the checks performed;
l) bring in, within the terms and using the methods provided for, the sums owed as PREU, license fee and deposit, calculated on the collection from gaming by means of enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses;
m) supply the judicial account and the two-monthly account of the activity performed in relation to the subject of the license, in accordance with the Law on general accounting and the relative regulations, also separately for AWP apparatuses and VLT gaming systems, according to the model communicated by AAMS;
n) inform AAMS of the amount of the payments due in relation to the collection from gaming by means of enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses, even when they have not been paid during to calendar year to each of the enabled parties under contract, by the final deadline of December 31 of the year following that in which the right to receive the aforesaid payments arose.
8. The licensee expressly undertakes to respect the instructions issued by AAMS with a development plan, issued every year, concerning:
a) the necessary activities to improve the security and inalterability of the registration and transmission of data;
b) the innovations considered necessary for the requirements of the defense of public order and user safety;
c) the communication and information initiatives for the defense of legal and responsible gaming;
d) the provisions to safeguard the potential of the sector.
9. The licensee undertakes to inform AAMS in advance of its communication and information initiatives at national and local level, in order to allow the necessary coordination with those provided for by AAMS.
10. For the realization of the institutional communication and information initiatives implemented by AAMS, the licensee expressly undertakes to allocate, as of the start of the license, the annual amount provided for by the development plan, up to a maximum limit of 1,000,000.00 Euros (one million point zero zero).
11. The licensee undertakes not to allow enabled parties under contract to promote the activity unless this takes place in conformity to the directives of AAMS.
12. The license expressly and unconditionally undertakes to constantly update the website, pursuant to paragraph 16.3 letter e) of the specification of charges, dedicated to information for users.
13. The licensee undertakes to ensure that the games offered to not breach the provisions of the legislation currently in force with regard to copyrights, trademarks and patents.
14. The licensee agrees to sustain the civil and criminal risks deriving from its conduct and to exonerate AAMS and hold it free from the consequences deriving from any breach.
15. The licensee, notwithstanding the loans and guarantees already existing on the date the deed of agreement is signed unless strictly aimed at indirectly obtaining infra-group loans, more financial resources at better market conditions that are more functional to the exercise of activities falling within the licensees business purpose, or within the subject of the license may not issue loans or guarantees in favor of parent companies, subsidiaries or associated companies in accordance with article 2359 of the Civil Code, or in favor of companies associated with or controlled by the same parent company, with the exception of subsidiaries or associated companies in accordance with article 2359 of the Civil Code, operating the gaming infrastructures sector, maintaining the requirements of financial solidity pursuant to Inter-managerial Decree of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance no. 1845/Strategie/UD of June 28, 2011, implementing article 1, paragraph 78, letter a), point 4 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments.
In the cases in which the ban does not apply, the licensee is bound to promptly inform AAMS of the loans and guarantees issued, within a maximum of ten days of occurrence of the event.
16. Following authorization by AAMS, the licensee may any extra profit generated by virtue of the provision of loans or guarantees in favor of subsidiaries or associated companies for purposes other than investments linked to the activities subject to license, in accordance with article 2359 of the Civil Code, operating in the gaming infrastructures sector, maintaining the requirements of financial solidity as determined with Inter-managerial Decree of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance no. 1845/Strategie/UD of June 28, 2011, implementing article 1, paragraph 78, letter a), point 4 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments.
17. For the purposes of application for authorization, as per the previous paragraph, the licensee is obliged to supply AAMS with the documentation attesting the extra profitability certified by an independent auditor, enrolled in the special register held by the Consob, or proven by documentation that is equivalent and suitable in the State where the licensee has its registered office.
18. For the purposes of application for authorization, having verified the respect of the investment obligations provided for by the deed of agreement, AAMS assesses the impact of the destination of the extra profits pursuant to paragraph 16, for purposes other than investments linked to the activities subject to license, on the overall corporate organization, with particular regard to the respect of the requirements of financial solidity as determined with Inter-managerial Decree of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance no. 1845/Strategie/UD of June 28, 2011, implementing article 1, paragraph 78, letter a), point 4 of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments.
19. The licensee is obliged to exclude the staff of its organization or linked to it by cooperative relationships for participation in gaming activities.
Article 15
Commitments of the license relating to the operation of the network for the telecommunications management of lawful gaming by means of enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses
1. The licensee, in relation to the operation of the network of AWP gaming apparatuses, as well as respecting the prescription pursuant to the technical specifications and annexes thereto, undertakes expressly and unconditionally to:
a) ensure that the telecommunications network absolves all the functions provided for, according to the methods and the terms defined in the technical specifications and annexes thereto;
b) apply for the approvals, prescribed by the legislation, for AWP gaming apparatuses compliant with the technical rules provided for by Inter-managerial Decree of December 4, 2003, as amended by Inter-managerial Decree of September 19, 2006 and subsequent amendments;
c) connect all the AWP gaming apparatuses for which approval is applied for to the telecommunications network;
d) to use exclusively dedicated infrastructures for the connection of the access points to the AWP licensee system;
e) apply the administrative prescriptions for AWP gaming apparatuses defined by AAMS;
f) collect the data recorded in the AWP gaming apparatuses, both with fixed frequency and upon specific request by AAMS, transferring them simultaneously to the AWP control system, according to the methods and timing defined in the technical specification and in the paragraph 6a of the communication protocol;
g) ensure the exchange with AAMS of all the data and all the information provided for by paragraph 6a of the communication protocol and by any successive upgrades and additions defined with provisions of AAMS, according to the methods and terms defined in the technical specifications and its annexes;
h) check, also via the processing of the data indicated in point f) above, the conformity of the operation of the AWP gaming apparatuses to the prescriptions for lawful gaming;
i) check the operation of the AWP gaming apparatuses and to intervene with actions to suspend the collection from gaming where the non-conformity of operation should be found, reporting immediately to AAMS with information relating to the possible non-conformity of an AWP gaming apparatus to the prescriptions for lawful gaming, as well as every other element that might be useful to prevent unlawful or improper gaming, and informing AAMS of AWP gaming apparatuses considered non-compliant, for the performance of any checks;
j) prepare information that might be helpful to the assessment of the profitability of AWP Gaming apparatuses and forward it regularly to AAMS;
k) provide for the administrative management of AWP gaming apparatuses and the immediate transmission of the relative information to the AWP control system, for the update of the database in accordance with that provided for by the legislation in force for the entire duration of the license;
l) prepare the accounts and regularly transmit to the AWP control system the data relating to the sums played, the winnings paid out, the PREU and the license fee, according to the methods provided for by the selection procedure and by the legislation in force for the entire duration of the license;
m) implement, if it is impossible to interrogate the AWP gaming apparatus, all the instruments available, including those contained in the contracts of all those who have the apparatuses at their disposal, for the removal of the cause the swift repair of the problems found;
n) activate the blocking procedures in the cases provided for and within the deadlines set;
o) check that, for the AWP gaming apparatuses for which AAMS has organized the termination of effect of the relative approvals, the blocking procedure has been immediately applies and that the aforesaid apparatuses are removed from the venues where they were installed, within five days of communication of the relative provision;
p) acquire from the owner of the AWP gaming apparatuses, for which the licensee holds approval, the smartcard inserted inside the gaming card, as well as the other security devices that the legislation or AAMS shall see fit to provide with its provisions, in the event of loss of effectiveness of the authorizations and, however, in the cases of disposal of the aforesaid apparatuses, and return them to AAMS;
q) check that the AWP gaming appliances installed in venues for which the owners have lost the authorizations provide for by articles 86 or 88 of the T.U.L.P.S., are removed from the venue, immediately activating the blocking procedure, within five days of becoming aware of the withdrawal provision;
r) remove any apparatuses in excess of the number provided for, within the terms established by the legislation in force and by provisions of AAMS;
s) inform AAMS, with regard to extraordinary maintenance operations, of the subject of the aforesaid operations, at least three days before they are carried out. After the extraordinary maintenance operation, AAMS may carry out as new partial or complete test of the telecommunications network;
t) manage the functions provided for by AAMS in relation to the access point as well as the AWP licensee system for the receipt and simultaneous processing of the messages sent automatically from the access points, in order to:
i. update the information of the access point according to that provided for in the technical specifications and relative annexes;
ii. equip the access point with appropriate geo-referencing mechanisms which allow the identification of the exact geographic location in a given geodetic system of reference according to the instructions supplied by AAMS;
iii. update the associations between access points and AWP gaming apparatuses;
iv. properly organize the daily readings of the AWP gaming apparatuses;
v. carry out the appropriate checks relating to the AWP gaming apparatuses which are no longer connected to the access point and to the access points that cannot be detected by the AWP licensee system;
vi. carry out the appropriate actions in relation to any reports of irregularity forwarded from the access point or detected by the licensee.
2. The licensee, in relation to the operation of the telecommunications network of the VLT gaming systems, beside respecting the prescriptions pursuant to the technical specifications and annexes thereto, is bound to:
a) subject the VLT gaming systems to the necessary checks of conformity for adaptation to the prescriptions pursuant to the technical specifications, also ensuring that their operation and that of the relative networks in compliance with that provided for by the legislation currently in force and by the implementative provisions of AAMS, also with reference to the VLT technical rules;
b) collect the data recorded by the VLT gaming systems and transfer it to the VLT control system, according to the methods and terms defined in the VLT technical riles, the technical specifications and paragraph 6b of the communication protocol, as well as in any subsequent provisions of AAMS; the collection and production of the data shall be guaranteed, by specific request of AAMS, also outside of the period established;
c) proceed with the processing and the analysis of the data collected, in order to check the regularity of the operation of the VLT gaming systems with respect to the legislation in force and to the implementative provisions of AAMS, including the VLT technical rules, as well as the preparation of information relating to the collection, also on a territorial basis, of the VLT gaming systems and to their regular transmission to AAMS;
d) promptly report any malfunction of the VLT gaming systems and of the games, taking action, upon request by AAMS, to immediately suspend the collection from gaming where necessary, also for the restoration of service, or to request the necessary upgrades or additions;
e) ensure the application of the administrative prescriptions defined by AAMS for the management of VLT gaming systems and promptly transmit the information for the update of the data required using the methods established by AAMS;
f) prepare the accounts and regularly transmit to the VLT control system the data relating to the sums played, the winnings paid out, the PREU and the license fee and the deposit;
g) implement, if it is impossible to interrogate the VLT gaming system, all the instruments available, including those contained in the contracts of all those who have the VLT gaming systems at their disposal, for the removal of the cause the swift repair of the problems found, immediately reporting to AAMS all information relating to any anomalies in the VLT gaming system and the situations that required the performance of any checks;
h) keep the register of maintenance of the VLT gaming systems on the basis of that provided for by the legislation in force and by the implementative provisions of AAMS, including the VLT technical rules;
i) promptly inform AAMS of any changes relating to the state and position of the video terminal apparatuses, on the basis of the telecommunications procedure identified in the technical specifications and in paragraph 6b of the communication protocol;
j) ensure that the portion of the telecommunications network for connection of the gaming system present in the gaming is subject to the application of that provided for the security of the network in compliance with the legislation in force and the implementative provisions of AAMS, include the VLT technical rules;
k) ensure that the environments where the video terminal apparatuses are installed are fitted with closed circuit video surveillance systems, as well as any additional devices considered necessary;
l) ensure the maintenance of the VLT gaming systems in accordance with the prescriptions contained in the technical rules, in the check on conformity of the system and also in any upgrades and additions;
m) ensure the respect of the progress of the games as defined by the conformity certificate;
n) define the system and gaming room jackpot only after communication to the VLT control system of the allocations made to allow the definition of the aforesaid jackpot;
o) use, as the form of payment of winnings deriving from VLT gaming systems in excess of 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero), tickets which indicate the minimum requirements provided for by the technical specifications and relative annexes to make the changes considered necessary by virtue of the legislative provisions or the provisions of AAMS;
p) ensure the management and keeping of the gaming tickets, for which winnings have been paid out, for a period of six months from the payment date and keep them at the disposal of AAMS for any requirement;
q) identify the tickets and, should they be used to take part in the game again, not allow their payment;
r) highlight, in all cases in which the game does not return, or cannot return, in winnings, the amount provided for by the conformity certificate, the excess sums, calculated by AAMS as the difference between the collection and the percentage identified by the conformity certificate for the return in winnings, according to the methods indicated by AAMS;
s) transfer, in all cases in which the game does not return, or cannot return, in winnings, the amount provided for by the conformity certificate, the excess sums, calculated by AAMS as the difference between the collection and the percentage identified by the conformity certificate for the return in winnings, according to the methods indicated by AAMS;
t) update the telecommunications network, extending the provision of allocations for technological adaptations to the VLT gaming system, in keeping with that provided for by the technological adaptations, in accordance with article 24 of the deed of agreement;
u) prepare and maintain, in the venues where the VLT apparatuses are going to be installed, the requirements provided for by the VLT technical rules and by the subsequent provisions of AAMS for the suitability of the gaming rooms;
v) remove any apparatuses in excess of the number provided for, within the terms established by the legislation in force and by provisions of AAMS.
3. The licensee is bound to implement or to make available instruments and measures for self-limitation, or for the self-exclusion from the game, for the exclusion from access to the game by minors, as well as for the visible display of the relative ban in the gaming venue, manage in accordance with that provided for by the legislation in force and subsequent amendments and by the provisions of AAMS.
4. Within the scope of the exercise and collection from lawful gaming by means of enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses, the licensee is bound to carry out any marketing activities exclusively through the chosen channel.
5. The telecommunications network cannot be used for activities other than those of the collection for gaming by means of enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses; it may be used, following authorization by AAMS, for activities instrumental to collection from gaming. In such case, the schedules of deeds, also for the purposes of negotiation, which the licensee implements for the regulation of the aforesaid activities are subject to the prior approval of AAMS.
Article 16
Guarantees relating to the technical requirements of the telecommunications networks of enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses
1. The licensee, with reference to AWP gaming apparatuses and VLT gaming systems, guarantees, for the entire duration of the license:
a) full conformity of the telecommunications network to the requirements provided for by the technical specifications, by the project for the realization and operation of the telecommunications network and by the technological adaptations;
b) the operation, efficiency and quality of the aforesaid telecommunications network, according to the prescriptions and service levels envisaged;
c) the complete, efficient and prompt maintenance of the telecommunications network, undertaking to correct all critical situations that should emerge and repair all malfunctions, of any kind, whatever may have caused them, which might occur during operation, in relation to the systems and the equipment, including the access points to which the AWP gaming apparatuses installed in the venues are connected, notwithstanding any actions or claims against third parties, including the owner of the venue, in the event of willful or serious fault.
2. In order to ensure the maintenance of the technological and market value of the telecommunications network, the licensee is bound to carry out the operations provided for by the technological adaptations required by AAMS, also upon proposal by the licensee, sustaining the relative costs.
3. All costs for operations to check conformity of the VLT gaming systems, the relative updates, additions and tests, as well as the conformity of the games, shall be borne by the licensee.
Article 17
Concentration limit
1. In order to avoid the creation of dominant positions, the maximum number of AWP gaming apparatuses held by each single licensee may not exceed the maximum limit identified by the rules indicated in the following paragraphs.
2. AAMS shall determine, by January 15 and July 15 of every year, the maximum number of AWP apparatuses that each licensee may connect to the telecommunications network. To this end, AAMS shall calculate the number of licensees and the number of approvals overall referred to that can be installed in the following semester per licensee:
a) if there are two or three licensees, it cannot exceed sixty six percent of the total number of AWP gaming apparatuses connected to the telecommunications network;
b) if there are between four and seven licensees, it cannot exceed the result of the following formula:
( AWP gaming appliances x2 );
number of licensees
c) if there are eight licensees or more, it cannot exceed twenty-five percent of the total number of AWP gaming apparatuses connected to the telecommunications network.
3. In order to safeguard the potential of the sector, within the terms provided for by the development plan pursuant to article 14, paragraph 8, should the annual application of the rules pursuant to paragraph 2 determine a maximum number of AWP gaming apparatuses below 65,000 (sixty five thousand) per licensee, AAMS shall set, for that year, the maximum number of AWP gaming apparatuses at 65,000 (sixty five thousand).
4. The maximum number of video terminal apparatuses assigned to each licensee cannot exceed the concentration index of twenty-five percent of the total number of video terminal apparatuses for which specific authorization has been issued.
5. AAMS shall issue to each licensee and maximum number of approvals for AWP gaming apparatuses and authorizations for the installation of VLT apparatuses not in excess of the values identified in accordance with the previous paragraphs.
Article 18
Contents of the agreement with the operator
1. The licensee may enter into agreements only with operators that are enabled parties. The loss of the requirements shall lead to the rightful termination of the contractual relationship already existing.
2. The licensee is bound to enter into an agreement with the operator that shall provide for the following minimum contents:
a) the obligation by the operator to immediately inform the licensee of loss of the requirements pursuant to implementative decree of article 1, paragraph 533 of Law no, 266 of December 23, 2005 and subsequent amendments;
b) the obligation by the operator to immediately inform the licensee of any damage or anomaly detected on the access points or on the AWP gaming apparatuses connected to them, which implicates the regular operation or connection to the telecommunications network;
c) the obligation by the operator to return all the authorizations of the AWP gaming apparatuses to AAMS, through the licensee, in the event of termination, for any reason, of the agreement, or loss of effect of the aforesaid authorizations;
d) the obligation, by the operator who owns the AWP gaming apparatuses, to return to AAMS the smartcard inserted inside the gaming card, as well as the other security devices that the legislation or AAMS shall see fit to provide with its provisions, in the event of loss of effectiveness of the authorizations and, however, in the cases of disposal of the aforesaid apparatuses;
e) the obligation by the operator to abstain from any conduct, direct or indirect, with the aim of altering the AWP gaming apparatuses, as well as the communication flows between the AWP gaming apparatuses and the telecommunications network;
f) The obligation by the operator to supply AAMS, should it carry out collection activities and placement at the disposal of the licensee of the residual amount, all the information required by AAMS in relation to the sums played with AWP gaming apparatuses which the aforesaid operator has collected on the basis of the agreement entered into with the licensee and to make the transferals to the licensee on the dates agreed to;
g) The obligation by the operator to ensure the tracking of cashflows in accordance with that provided for by article 3 of Law no. 136 of August 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments, and within the limits of that established by the competent authorities;
h) in the event of the operator collecting or providing to the licensee the remaining amount due , by the terms agreed upon, the operators obligation to submit to the licensee a suitable warranty by and not later than 30 days after the signing of the contract, for a total amount of at least 1,500.00 Euros (one thousand five hundred/00) for each AWP machine, either owned or held, and subject to an increase based on the amount collected by all AWP machines included in the contract, pursuant to the provisions of art. 1 par. 533 on the Italian Law No. 266 of December 23, 2005 and following amendments and additions. The warranty shall be provided upon request or in the form of a guarantee deposit and it shall be connected to the full compliance of the obligations providing for the amount due to the licensee and the Inland Revenue, by the terms agreed upon;
i) the operators obligation to allow AAMS , the licensee and their appointees to freely access, check and verify the venues where the activity is carried out, being such activity either functional or, in any case, connected to the game collection;
j) in the event of the operator collecting or providing to the licensee the remaining amount due , by the terms agreed upon, and having such collection or provision failed on two consecutive collection dates, the operator understands that failure to collect or provide the amount due will result the activation, by the licensee , of the remote lock of the relevant AWP machine ;
k) the operator s commitment to employ trained personnel for all contracted activities. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the contract;
l) the operators obligation to accept all the penalties provided for by the licensee for non-compliance of contract provisions, within the terms stated in this deed of agreement , and, in particular, in the event of the operators failing to comply with the necessary requirements for the successful enrolment in the list referred to in art. 1 par. 533 on the Italian Law No. 266 of December 23, 2005 following amendments and additions, or in the event it carries out contracted activities with parties failing to comply with such requirements;
m) in the event AAMS, by the expiry date of this deed, finds it necessary to add additional clauses to the contract, based on any future enhancement or evolution of the AWP machines , the operators commitment to modify this contract based of such additions provided by the AAMS to the licensee ;
n) the operator s acceptance, once a license is expired or cancelled, of another licensee or a third party appointed by AAMS, the details of which shall be communicated by AAMS ;
o) the operator s commitment to inform users on the rules of the game and the functioning of the AWP machines , both in terms of prescriptions and legal provision regarding the protection and promotion of legal gaming and a responsible use of it, in line with AAMS national information campaigns;
p) the operator s obligation to submit all promotion activities to the licensee for validation, the latter being responsible for the verification of their compliance with AAMS guidelines;
q) the obligation to comply with the provisions regarding the number of AWP machines to be installed at the contracted venues, as specified in art. 1, par. 881 of Law No. 220 of December 13, 2010, and following amendments and additions, and in AAMS operational decrees;
r) the licensees unconditional acceptance to communicate to the relevant authorities all revenues accrued through game collection by means of enjoyment and entertainment machines;
s) the licensees and operators option to terminate the contract with an advance notice of at least six months.
3. The minimal contents of the agreements involving the licensee and the operator, as specified in the previous paragraph, may be validated by means of contract drafted by the licensee and previously approved by AAMS.
4. The licensee is required to hold a copy of each contract signed with the operator, annexes included, for at least twelve months after the date of the PREU settlement (i.e., after taxes) regarding the previous fiscal year, and provide them to AAMS (also in electronic format), if a request is filed by the latter.
5. The licensee is required to add a unilateral cancellation clause to the contract in its favor, in the event of irregular or illicit behaviors by the operator.
6. If the licensee intends to avail itself to his right to compensation, provided for in art. 24, par. 36 of Law Decree No. 98 of July 6, 2011, converted - with modifications into Law 7.15.2011, no. 111, and subsequent modifications and integrations, said provision must be mandatorily included in the contract.
Article 19
Contents of the contract with the operator
1. The licensee may enter into contracts only with authorized operators . Failure to comply with the qualifying requirements will result in the termination of the contractual relationship already in place.
2. The licensee is required to enter into a contract with the operator. Such contract must include the following minimum contents:
a) an obligation of the operator that fails to comply with the requirements laid down in Article 1, paragraph 533, of Law No. 266 of December 23, 2005, as amended and supplemented, to immediately report to the licensee such circumstances and to withdraw from the venue , or to grant the licensee or the person authorized by it clearance to remove from the venue any of the installed AWP gaming machines ;
b) an obligation of the operator to declare, also in the form of an affidavit as to Presidential Decree no. 445/2000, the certification of the absence of any impediments provided for in Article 10 of Law no. 575 of May 31, 1965, and, if the authorization referred to in Article 88 of the TULPS is obtained, a certification of non-existence of mafia-related activities, as to Article 10 of DPR No. 252 of June 3, 1998, as amended and supplemented;
c) the obligation on the part of the operator , to safeguard all the equipment required to connect the AWP gaming machines to a telecommunications network, immediately communicating to the licensee any damage or fault detected on any of the new technological devices installed at the gaming venue which may prevent the collection of bets or the regular operation of the devices, or the connection of the AWP gaming machines to the telecommunications network ;
d) the obligation on the part of the operator to return all of the authorizing qualifications of the AWP gaming machines to AAMS , through the licensee in the event of termination, for any reason, of the contract or loss of the effectiveness of such qualifications;
e) the obligation on the part of the operator owning the AWP gaming machines to return to AAMS the smart cards inserted into the game board, as well as other safety devices that the legislation or AAMS make reference to in the event of a loss of efficacy of all qualifying authorizations and, in any case, in the event of the disposal of the devices;
f) the obligation on the part of the operator to refrain from engaging any behavior, directly or indirectly, aimed at altering the AWP gaming machines , or the communication flows between the AWP gaming machines and the telecommunications network ;
g) the obligation on the part of the operator to provide AAMS, if responsible for the collection and provision of the amount due to the licensee, with all the information relating to the amount entered in the AWP gaming machines that the above-mentioned operator collects on the basis of the contract signed with the licensee and to make the payments to the licensee on the dates agreed upon;
h) the obligation on the part of the operator , to grant the licensee beneficiary of a clearance to operate or an entity authorized by it, during the opening hours of the venue and, also when a prior notice is not required, to access the venue to carry out inspections or maintenance activities on AWP gaming machines and the telecommunications network ;
i) the obligation on the part of the operator , to verify that the clearance is attached on the AWP gaming machines and ensure their integrity during the entire period of installation at the venue ;
j) the obligation on the part of the operator, to engage in information activities to the benefit of users in relation to both the operating rules of the game and the AWP gaming machines, and for the requirements and guidelines relating to the protection of licit gaming and the promotion of legal and responsible gaming, and to the exclusion of the underage from gaming and the exposure/publication of the relevant prohibition in a visible area at all gaming venues, also in accordance with specific AAMS communication campaigns;
k) the obligation on the part of the operator to submit all promotional activities to the preliminary approval of the licensee, who shall validate their compatibility with the guidelines set forth by AAMS ;
l) the commitment on the part of the operator to employ, on pain of nullity of the contract, qualified personnel to carry out its planned activities;
m) the operators obligation to accept the penalties provided for by the licensee for any infringement of contract provisions, subject to the provisions of this deed of agreement , and, in particular, in the event the operator fails to comply with the qualifying requirements to enter the list referred to in Article 1, paragraph 533, of Law no. 266 of December 23, 2005, as amended and supplemented, or enter into or maintain contractual relationships with partners excluded from the list;
n) the obligation on the part of the operator to trace financial flows as provided for in Article 3 of Law No. 136 of August 13, 2010, as amended and supplemented, and to the extent required by the competent authority;
o) the obligation on the part of the operator to collect and provide the amount due, to submit to the licensee, within thirty days after the signing of the contract, an appropriate guarantee for an amount higher than 1,500.00 Euros (one thousand five hundred/00) for each AWP machine owned or held and likely to increase as a function of the collection recorded by the contracted AWP gaming machines , as determined by the decree implementing Article 1, paragraph 533 of the Law No. 266 of December 23, 2005, as amended and supplemented. The guarantee is a first demand guarantee or a guarantee deposit, and it is connected to the correct and complete compliance with settlement obligations, on a regular basis, of the amount due to the licensee and the Treasury;
p) the obligation on the part of the operator to grant AAMS , the licensee and their appointed personnel, free access and the possibility to inspect and verify all the gaming venues in terms of functionality and collection capability;
q) if the operator collects and provides the licensee with the amount due by the deadlines agreed upon, the obligation that failure to pay such amounts to the licensee for two consecutive times in a row, that is, twice in the first six months, will result in the activation by the licensee of the remote lock of the AWP machine the infringement relates to;
r) the operator s acceptance, in the event of a termination or revocation of the license , to take over or replace the contract with another licensee or a third party designated by AAMS and confirmed by written notice by AAMS ;
s) the commitment, on the part of the operator, if during the license period AAMS find it suitable to integrate the minimum contents of the contract with additional clauses in the light of the evolution on the AWP gaming machine sector, to modify the contents of the contract in compliance with the provisions provided for by AAMS and the licensee;
t) the possibility for the licensee and for the operator to terminate the contract with at least a six-month notice;
u) the commitment to comply with the quantitative numerical parameters for the installation of AWP gaming machines at each sales points pursuant to Article 1, par. 81 of Law No. 220 of December 13, 2010, as amended and supplemented, and AAMS implementing decrees, providing for the specific number of devices which may be installed by a single licensee ;
v) the unconditional acceptance to notify the competent authorities, on the part of the licensee , of the revenues accrued by collecting bets by means of amusement and entertainment devices.
3. The minimum content of the agreements between the licensee and the operator, referred to in the previous paragraph, can also be added through contracts drafted by the licensee and approved in advance by AAMS .
4. The licensee is required to keep a copy of each contract entered into with the operator and its annexes for twelve months after the payment of the PREU amount relating to the last year of license and to deliver them to AAMS upon specific request, in digital form.
5. The licensee is required to include in the contract a clause of unilateral termination in its favor, in the event of an irregular or illegal behavior carried out by the operator.
6. If the licensee claims its right to be refunded, as provided for in Article 24, paragraph 36 of the Decree Law No. 98 of July 6, 2011, converted and amended into Law No. 111 of July 15, 2011, as amended and supplemented, such provision must be included in the contract.
Article 20
Contents of the contract relating to the collection of game revenues through lottery VDTs in gaming venues
1. The licensee may enter into contracts for the management of gaming venues only if qualified personnel is involved. Failure to comply with the qualifying requirements will result in the termination of the contractual relationship already in place.
2. The licensee is required to enter into a contract with the operator. Such contract must include the following minimum contents:
a) the obligation of the venue manager that no longer meets the requirements specified by the implementing decree of Article 1, paragraph 533, of Law No. 266 of December 23, 2005, as amended and supplemented, to immediately report to the licensee such circumstances and allow the licensee to remove lottery VDTs installed therein, or to allow authorized third parties to remove them;
b) an obligation of the operator to declare, also in the form of an affidavit as to Presidential Decree no. 445/2000, the certification of the absence of any impediments provided for in Article 10 of Law no. 575 of May 31, 1965, and, if the authorization referred to in Article 88 of the TULPS is obtained, a certification of non-existence of mafia-related activities, as to Article 10 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 252 of June 3, 1998, as amended and supplemented;
c) the obligation on the part of the venue manager to prepare the premises where the VLT equipment is intended to be installed, making sure the requirements reported in the VLT technical rules and the AAMS measures on the suitability of the venues, are complied with at all time;
d) the obligation on the part of the venue manager , to guard all the equipment belonging to the VLT gaming system, communicating immediately to the licensee any damage or fault found on any of the technological equipment, which could prevent the collection of the game revenues or the smooth operation of the VLT gaming systems ;
e) the obligation on the part of the venue manager , to refrain from engaging in any behavior, either direct or indirect, intended to affect the operation of the lottery VDTs , as well as the communication network connecting the lottery VDTs to the venue systems ;
f) the obligation on the part of the venue manager , to grant the licensee or any person authorized by it, during the opening hours and without a prior notice being required, to access and carry out inspections or maintenance on the lottery VDTs and the communication network connecting the lottery VDTs and the venue systems ;
g) the obligation on the part of the venue manager , to refrain from installing in the venue any VLT gaming system
owned by other licensees ;
h) the obligation on the part of the venue manager , to constantly ensure the visibility and the integrity of the AAMS identification code ;
i) the obligation on the part of the venue manager, if the latter is responsible for the collection and provision to licensee, within the deadlines agreed upon, of the amount due, to submit to the licensee within thirty days after the signing of the contract, all appropriate guarantees for an amount of at least 1,500.00 Euros (one thousand five hundred/00) for each VLT device possessed and susceptible to increase, depending on the gains recorded by the VLT gaming system , pursuant to the implementing decree of Article 1, paragraph 533 of Law No. 266 of December 23, 2005, as amended and supplemented. The guarantee is a first demand guarantee or a guarantee deposit, and it is connected to the correct and full compliance with settlement obligations, on a regular basis, of the amount due to the licensee and the Treasury;
j) the obligation on the part of the operator to provide AAMS, if responsible for the collection and provision of the amount due to the licensee, with all the information relating to the amount entered
in the AWP gaming machines that the above-mentioned operator collects on the basis of the contract signed with the licensee and to make the payments to the licensee on the dates agreed upon;
k) the obligation on the part of the venue manager to trace financial flows as provided for in Article 3 of Law No. 136 of August 13, 2010, as amended and supplemented, and to the extent required by the competent authority;
l) the obligation on the part of the venue manager to grant AAMS, the licensee and their appointed personnel, free access and the possibility to inspect and verify all the gaming venues in terms of functionality and collection capability;
m) the venue managers acceptance, in the event of a termination or revocation of the license, to take over or replace the contract with another licensee or a third party designated by AAMS and confirmed by written notice by AAMS;
n) the venue managers commitment to employ, under penalty of nullity of the contract,
qualified personnel to carry out its planned activities;
o) the obligation on the part of venue manager to accept the penalties provided for by the licensee for any infringement to the contract, subject to the provisions of this deed of agreement , and, in particular, in cases where the venue manager fails to comply with the requirements necessary for the inclusion in the list referred to in Article 1, paragraph 533, of Law No.266 of December 23, 2005, as amended and supplemented, or enters into or holds contractual relationships with members not included in the list;
p) the commitment to comply with the quantitative numerical parameters required for the installation of VLT gaming machines at the venues as provided by VLT technical regulations , as well as Article 1, paragraph 81 of Law No. 220 of December 13, 2010, as amended and supplemented, and all AAMS implementing decrees;
q) the unconditional acceptance to notify the competent authorities, on the part of the licensee, of the revenues accrued by collecting bets through amusement and entertainment devices.
r) the obligation on the part of the venue manager, to engage in information activities to the benefit of users in relation to both the operating rules of the game and the AWP gaming machines, and for the requirements and guidelines relating to the protection of licit gaming and the promotion of legal and responsible gaming, and to the exclusion of the underage from gaming and the exposure/publication of the relevant prohibition in a visible area at all gaming venues, also in accordance with specific AAMS communication campaigns;
s) the obligation on the part of the venue manager to submit all promotional activities to the preliminary approval of the licensee, who shall validate their compatibility with the guidelines set forth by AAMS;
t) the commitment, on the part of the venue manager, if during the license period AAMS finds it suitable to integrate the minimum contents of the contract with additional clauses in the light of the evolution on the AWP gaming machine sector, to modify the contents of the contract in compliance with the provisions provided for by AAMS and the licensee;
u) the cases in which the licensee and the venue manager reserve the right to terminate the contract unilaterally.
3. The agreements between the licensee and the venue manager may also be formalized by means of contracts drafted by the licensee , previously verified by AAMS as to the existence of the minimum contents.
4. The licensee is required to keep a copy of each contract entered into with the venue manager, and its annexes, for twelve months after the payment of the PREU amount relating to the last year of license and to deliver them to AAMS upon specific request, in digital form.
5. The licensee is required to add to the contract a clause of unilateral termination in its favor, in the event of an irregular or illegal behavior on the part of the venue manager.
Article 21
Contents of the contract entered into with the manufacturers of AWP gaming machines, game cards, VDTs and VLT gaming systems
1. The licensee may enter into contracts with authorized manufacturers of AWP devices , game cards , VDTs and VLT gaming systems . Failure to comply with the qualifying requirements will result in the termination of the contractual relationship already in place.
2. The licensee is required to enter into a contract with the manufacturer. Such contract must include the following minimum contents:
a) the obligation on the part of the manufacturer to communicate immediately to the licensee its failure to comply with the requirements described in the implementing decree of Article 1, par. 533 of Law No. 266 of December 23, 2005, as amended and supplemented;
b) the obligation on the part of the manufacturer to communicate immediately to the licensee any damage or fault detected on the AWP devices, game cards , VDTs and VLT gaming systems manufactured, which prevent the smooth operation or the connection to the telecommunications network ;
c) the obligation on the part of the manufacturer , to refrain from engaging in any behavior, directly or indirectly aimed at altering the AWP devices, the game cards , the communication flows between them and the telecommunications network , the VDTs and the VLT gaming systems ;
d) the obligation on the part of the manufacturer to trace financial flows as provided for in Article 3 of Law No. 136 of August 13, 2010, as amended and supplemented, and to the extent required by the competent authority;
e) the obligation on the part of the manufacturer , to grant AAMS and its appointed personnel, access to the venue, so that they may inspect and verify all the gaming venues where the production, storage, distribution and maintenance activities are performed;
f) the commitment, on the part of the manufacturer, if during the license period AAMS finds it suitable to integrate the minimum contents of the contract with additional clauses in the light of the evolution on the AWP gaming machine sector, to modify the contents of the contract in compliance with the provisions provided for by AAMS and the licensee;
g) the manufacturers acceptance, in the event of a termination or revocation of the license, to take over or replace the contract with another licensee or a third party designated by AAMS and confirmed by written notice by AAMS;
h) the obligation to install devices inside the AWP gaming machines which national regulations and AAMS measures will provide, and to return them in the event of sale or discontinuation of the effectiveness of authorizing qualifications;
i) the obligation to make whatever modifications that that AAMS deems necessary to upgrade and integrate the VLT gaming systems ;
j) the commitment on the part of the manufacturer to employ, on pain of nullity of the contract, qualified personnel to carry out its planned activities;
k) the obligation on the part the manufacturer to accept the penalties provided for by the licensee for any infringement to the contract, subject to the provisions of this deed of agreement, and, in particular, in cases where the manufacturer fails to comply with the requirements necessary for the inclusion in the list referred to in Article 1, paragraph 533, of Law No. 266 of December 23, 2005, as amended and supplemented, or enters into or holds contractual relationships with members not included in the list;
l) the obligation to manufacture AWP devices based on the certified template according to the rules of the Intra-sector Decree of December 4, 2003, as amended by the Intra-sector Decree of 19 September 2006, as amended and supplemented;
m) the possession or statement of commitment on the part of the manufacturer to achieve, within one hundred and eighty days after the enrollment in the list referred to in Article 1, paragraph 533, of Law No. 266 of December 23, 2005, as amended and supplemented, the ISO 9001:2008 quality certification, regarding the processes listed below, being compatible with ones business:
· design of game cards , AWP gaming machines ,
VDTs, VLT gaming systems and all the devices connected to them;
· construction and production of game cards , AWP gaming machines , VDTs , VLT gaming systems and all the devices connected to them, including the software necessary for its operation;
· maintenance of game cards, AWP gaming machines,
VDTs , VLT gaming systems and all the devices connected to them.
3. The licensee is required to keep a copy of each contract entered into with the current manufacturer, and its annexes, for twelve months after the payment of the PREU amount relating to the last year of license and to deliver them to AAMS upon specific request, in digital form.
4. The licensee is required to include in the contract a clause of unilateral termination in its favor, in the event of an irregular or illegal behavior on the part of the venue manufacturer.
5. The contents of paragraph 2 letters a), b), c), d), e), f), g), j) and m) shall be secured, each of which for its own area of reference, also in the contracts signed with parties appointed for the maintenance of the AWP gaming machines , game cards , VDTs , and VLT gaming systems .
6. If the licensee claims its right to the be refunded, as provided for in Article 24, paragraph 36 of the Decree Law No. 98 of July 6, 2011, as converted and amended into Law No. 111 of July 15, 2011, as amended and supplemented, such provision must be included in the contract.
Article 22
Commitments of the licensee concerning the presentation and updating of the inventory of tangible and intangible assets
1. Within two months after the signing of this deed of agreement, and thereafter not later than 31 March of each year, the licensee will send to AAMS the inventory of the goods listed in Annex 1 of the deed of agreement , that also make up the telecommunications network , divided into tangible assets and intangible assets, and its amendments resulting from any action taken by the licensee during the previous calendar year.
2. By June 15th of each year, AAMS approves the update of the inventory of goods referred to in paragraph 1, after a meeting with the licensee in case of dispute.
3. Starting at the beginning of the license, making an exception for the period referred to in paragraph 1, the licensee expressly updates the list of assets, under the Intangible assets category, within 10 days after the registration in favor of AAMS as provided for in Article 13, paragraph 5.
Article 23
Use of intangible assets
1. The licensee may use, either for its own benefit or that of third parties, after the approval of AAMS , the intangible assets (patents and trademarks) necessary for the carrying out of all license -related activities, for the following purposes:
a) commercial exploitation through the production or distribution of dedicated objects;
b) commercial exploitation of any part of such property, including any wider development and reproduction of the same;
c) the creation or dissemination of formats through different means of communication platform.
2. For the use of the goods referred to in paragraph 1, the licensee submits to AAMS its economic-technical feasibility study with an indication of the amount.
3. The use of intangible assets referred to in paragraph 1 will be subject to AAMS specific measures, ensuring equal opportunities for the exploitation of such goods to all dealers.
Article 24
Provisions for investments relating to technological adjustments
1. In order to ensure a technological and dimensional adjustment, over time, of the telecommunications
network and also for the purpose of enhancing the assets of the infrastructure required for the game collection, the licensee is required to make, during the period of license, an annual allocation of special funds dedicated to technological adjustments . Such adjustments are indicated by AAMS or authorized, upon proposal of the licensee . The licensee is required to document, in a timely manner, to AAMS the effective implementation of all technological adjustments and, for those required by the licensee , the benefits connected to such adjustments.
2. For each licensee, the annual amount of this provision is at least 10.00 Euros (ten/00) for each device connected to the telecommunications network on December 31st of each year. For the purpose of calculating the number of devices specified in this paragraph:
a) as for VLT devices, the number of VDTs connected at least once during the previous year is taken into account;
b) as for AWP devices, the number of clearances issued in the previous year or maintained for part of the year, is taken into account.
3. The rest of the investments that AAMS may request to make by November 30th of each year, in order to maintain the value of the telecommunications network , for the purpose of refunding the deposit therein, pursuant to Article 1, paragraph 530 of Law No. 266 of December 23, 2005, as amended and supplemented, in accordance with the criteria established by AAMS, shall also be included in the fund referred to in the above paragraph 1.
4. Any unspent portion of the funds referred to in par. 1 will be paid by the licensee to AAMS , at the end of the process of transfer, pursuant to the following article 25, in order to allow the technological adjustments deemed necessary by AAMS to ensure the continuity in the use of the telecommunications network and its service.
5. AAMS verifies the licensees compliance with the investment plan relating to technological adjustments, with the full and unconditional support of the licensee .
Article 25
Disposal of assets
1. In accordance with the provisions of article 21, paragraph 11 of the Decree Law No. 78 of July 1, 2009,as converted into law and amended, by art. 1, paragraph 1, of Law No. 102 of August 3, 2009, at the end of the period of license , the licensee shall donate AAMS, free of charge, all the assets which make up the telecommunications network , upon AAMS request, that must be notified at least six months before the end of the license , or communicated on the occasion of the revocation or termination of the license . The assets, at the time of the transfer, should be free from any rights and claims on the part of third parties.
2. The assets to be handed over are identified in the inventory and its following reviews as required in Article 22.
3. The transfer operations - which will take place in a joint procedure supervised by AAMS and the licensee, through the drafting of special reports - will start six months before the expiry date of this deed of agreement, safeguarding the need to preserve, also in this period of time, the functionality of the system, since the assets will be donated to AAMS in such conditions as to ensure the continuity of the operations of the telecommunications network . The costs of any physical transfer of equipment, the installations and the elements of the telecommunications network are charged to the licensee .
4. During the six months referred to in paragraph 3, the licensee shall provide the personnel appointed by AAMS, which may be assisted by appointed technical experts, with all the information and data useful to facilitate the management transfer.
5. All of the studies, the computerized procedures and the related documents drafted by the licensee for carrying out the obligations laid down in this deed of agreement , even if not registered on behalf of AAMS, pursuant to Article 13, will be donated free of charge to AAMS .
6. AAMS is entitled to succeed the licensee in any supply contract the sustainability of which is made possible by the full operation of the telecommunications network . To this end the licensee agrees, as
of now, to add in all supply contracts a special clause providing for the right of AAMS to succeed and/or renew such contracts as they expire.
7. Upon completion of any transfer transactions, existing assets and liabilities between AAMS and the licensee will be adjusted. The licensee will have to terminate any relationship of subordination and collaboration in place for the implementation of the license , not including, in any case and without exception, residual charges for AAMS . The same will apply to the contracts signed by the collaborators employed by the licensee to carry out all contracted license activities and functions.
8. The licensee commits itself, by bearing all connected costs, to release AAMS from any liability and responsibility - emerging from the transfer put in place - for activities, open contractual relationships and work contracts established for the execution of license-related activities and functions.
9. In the event of a termination or revocation of the license , the process of transfer to AAMS will commence on the date specified in the clause of termination or cancellation.
10. In the event of an extension of the license, in accordance with Article 4, paragraph 2, the transfer will take place at the end of the extension period, in the same way as referred to in paragraph 3 and following paragraphs.
11. In the event of a total transfer, as referred to in Article 6, the licensee assignor must transfer to AAMS the assets which, for whatever reason, are not the object of the transfer.
SECTION IV
LICENSING RELATIONSHIP REGULATIONS
Article 26
Guarantees for the proper fulfillment of the licensing obligations and commitments
1. The licensee will provide the guarantees referred to in this article in the form of a bond, in cash or in Treasury bonds or via surety bonds issued by banks or insurance companies. Such guarantees must be irrevocable, independent from the principal obligation, at first demand, with no exceptions, with express waiving of any prior benefit of discussion of the principal debtor, and with express waiving of the exception provided for in article 1957, paragraph 2 of the Civil Code.
2. The purpose of the first guarantee, whose total amount is equal to 6,000,000.00 Euros (six million point zero zero), is to cover the correct fulfillment of the activities and functions implied in the license agreement during the regular licensing relationship and also during an eventual compulsory operation; the payment of the amounts due for the granting of installation permits of the VLT [Video Lottery Terminal]; the proper functioning of the data communication network for the operation of legal gaming through AWP [Amusement With Prizes] gaming machines and VLT gaming systems; and the set-up and adaptation of the infrastructure dedicated to the connection of the access points of the AWP gaming machines to the licensees AWP system and for the connection of all components of the VLT gaming systems.
3. The purpose of the second guarantee is the timely and accurate payment of the PREU [ PrelievoErarialeUnico ] tax, the licensing fee and the security deposit. The amount of the aforementioned guarantee is 62,440,542.72 Euros (sixty-two million, four-hundred and forty thousand, five-hundred and forty-two, point seventy-two), [10,000,000.00 Euros (ten million point zero zero), or the other amount, if more than 10,000,000.00 Euros (ten million point zero zero), derived from paragraph 13.4 of the specifications and equal to fifty percent of the bi-monthly average of the PREU, of the licensing fee and security deposit accrued during the six-month calendar period before the date of submission of the application to participate in the selection process, in addition to the other amounts to be guaranteed in accordance with current legislation]. Said amount is recalculated on an annual basis and it is equal to one-twelfth of the amount of the PREU, the licensing fee and security deposit accrued in the previous calendar year.
4. The amount of the guarantee referred to in paragraph 3 shall be adjusted or supplemented annually by the 15 June, based on the amounts reported by the controlling body AAMS [ AmministrazioneAutonomadeiMonopoli di Stato ] by the March 15 of each year. The licensees failure to comply with or the lack of supplementation of the guarantees as stated above, will result in the annulment of the licensing.
5. The guarantees referred to in the preceding paragraphs shall expressly provide that, in the event of a measure to annul the licensing, the relative amount, with prior notice to the licensee and to the bank or the insurance company will be appropriated by AAMS without prejudice to AAMSs right to claim compensation for damages.
6. The guarantees provided pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 are valid for all the possible consequences arising during the licensing relationship, even after the expiry of the license for up to five years after the expiry of the license or of any extension.
7. In the events of sentences pending promoted by AAMS due to default by the licensee,, the guarantees shall be effective also after the term pursuant to paragraph 6 and are released only after the final result of the aforesaid proceedings, following deduction of credits and charges payable to AAMS, plus any interest and sanctions relating to the aforesaid amounts.
8. 8. In the event of total or partial seizure of the guarantees pursuant to this article, by effect of that provided for by the deed of agreement, the licensee shall be bound to reform said guarantees within the term of ninety days, starting from the moment in which AAMS issues a request to such extent. Failure to reform the guarantees within the aforesaid term shall result in termination of the license.
9. The deposit, paid in accordance with article 1, paragraph 530 of Law no. 266 of December 23, 2005 and subsequent amendments, equating to 0.5 percent (zero point five) of the collection of the licensee shall be classed as a further guarantee for the failures indicated therein. The amount that AAMS shall calculate as necessary to return in accordance with the aforesaid legislation can be used by AAMS in the event of failure to pay the PREU and/or license fee and/or deposit, in alternative to the levy on the bank guarantee, at its discretion and up to the unpaid amount..
10. In the event of transfer in accordance with article 6, the new licensee is bound to provide the guarantees pursuant to this article in the forms indicated in paragraph 1. The presentation of the commitment to provide said guarantees is a condition for obtaining the authorization of AAMS provided for by article 6.
11. The calculation of the PREU, for taxation purposes, takes place only and exclusively on the basis of the regulations in force. The license fee is established in accordance with the license fee decree.
12. The guarantees pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 above shall cover the obligations deriving from the agreement relating to the activation and operation of the telecommunications network for lawful gaming by means of enjoyment and entertainment apparatuses entered into on 15 July 2004, within the limits provided for by said agreement.
Article 27
License fee and further sums payable to AAMS
1. The licensee is bound to pay the State, unless otherwise instructed by AAMS, an amount equating to 0.8 (zero point eight) percent of the sums played 0.3 (zero point three) percent as the license fee and 0.5 (zero point five) percent as deposit, in accordance with article 1, paragraph 530 of Law no. 266 f December 23, 2005 and subsequent amendments on each of the AWP gaming apparatuses and VLT apparatuses for which AAMS has issued approval or an AAMS ID code.
2. The terms and methods of payment of the sum provided for by the previous paragraph are regulated by the provisions of AAMS.
3. In the event of delayed payment, AAMS may, following a specific payment request, levy the guarantee pursuant to article 26, paragraph 3.
Article 28
Remuneration of the licensee
1. If all the duties arising from the award of the activities and functions provided for by the license are fulfilled, the licensee receives all-inclusive remuneration, calculated on the basis of the takings from the gaming machines minus the amount due to AAMS, to National Revenue, to the users, to authorized persons contracted to collect the remaining amount under this deed of agreement.
2. The remuneration received for the operation of the data communication network must be shown in the accounting statements separately from the amounts received for other activities related to the takings from the gaming machines.
3. By February 15 of each year, the licensee is required to provide the figure for the annual remuneration received for the activities covered by the license and, at AAMSs request, for any other period.
4. All fees for any service inherent to the takings from the gaming machines defined in contracts with qualified entities must be made available as specified by AAMS for reasons of public law.
5. The licensee is required to submit documentary proof, even in summary form, of the remuneration referred to in paragraph 2 above, as an attachment to the accounting statements required by law.
Article 29
Supervision, controls and inspections
1. During the period of validity and effectiveness of the license, AAMS exercises the powers of supervision, control and inspection of the licensee, with specific reference to the fulfillment of all licensed activities and functions.
2. Through its officers, AAMS may proceed unilaterally with controls and inspections, even without notice, at the licensees premises including those where the VLT gaming systems and the AWP licensee systems are located, and also at the offices of authorized entities with whom the licensee has direct or indirect relationships. The licensee expressly and unconditionally agrees to make available all the documents and information necessary to carry out the supervision and control activities in the times and in the manner specified by AAMS, as well as the tools and equipment needed for the detection of the elements needed to verify service levels. In the event of inspections and accesses, the licensees employees are required to provide unconditional assistance to AAMSs officers.
3. From this moment, the licensee grants AAMSs employees or agents access, in the time and in the manner specified by the Administration, to the premises of the licensee for the purpose of control and inspection, as well as the commitment to provide maximum assistance and co-operation to such employees or agents.
4. All fees and expenses arising from access, inspection, audit and control, including travel expenses, shall be the licensees responsibility.
5. The licensee is required to perform at a minimum the checks listed in article 14, paragraph 7, letter D, using the powers referred to in the Directorial Decree of August 10, 2009 and subsequent amendments and additions.
6. The licensee expressly and unconditionally agrees to fix the malfunctions that were found by AAMS at his own expense and within the time specified by AAMS at the time of the dispute.
Article 30
Penalties
1. Without prejudice to the licensing annulment instances provided for in this deed of agreement, following formal notification to the licensee, AAMS may apply the penalties laid down in the following paragraphs, according to the principles of reasonableness, proportionality and actual existence of the penalty in relation to the seriousness of the non-fulfillment; penalties are in the form of sanctions provided for in article 1, paragraph 78, letter b), bullet point 25, of Law no. 220 of December 13, 2010 and subsequent amendments and additions, and relate to non-fulfillments attributable to the licensee, even for negligence, of requirements deemed critical by AAMS, and are meant as a lump sum and anticipated compensation of damage arising from such non-fulfillments. This does not affect AAMSs ability to make a claim for additional and different damages for conduct in violation of this deed of agreement attributable to the licensee, even for negligence, which caused harm to others, the National Revenue or the AAMS.
2. In case of non-fulfillment of the general obligations and commitments relating to the licensing activities and functions, the following penalties are provided:
a) for the non-activation of the number of AWP gaming machines indicated in the statement of commitment referred to in paragraph 10.2, letter a) of the specifications by the end of the sixth months from the date of signing of the deed of agreement, a penalty of 10.00 Euros (ten point zero zero) to 50.00 Euros (fifty point zero zero) per non-activated AWP unit is applied;
b) for the impossibility of requesting the number of installation authorizations of VLT machines as can be seen in the statement of commitment referred to in paragraph 10.2, letter a) of the specifications, as it exceeds the maximum number of VLT machines that can be installed on the basis of the number of AWP gaming machines that are active at the end of the sixth months from the date of signing of the deed of agreement, a penalty of 1,500.00 Euros (one thousand five hundred point zero zero) to 7,500.00 Euros (seven thousand five hundred point zero zero) is applied for each VLT unit for which it is impossible to request permission on said date;
c) for the failure to comply with the obligations set out in article 5, paragraph 2, letters c), d), e), f) and g), a penalty of 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) to 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) is applied for each violation found;
d) for the failure to comply with the obligations set out in article 5, paragraph 2, letters j), l), and m), a penalty of 500.00 Euros (five hundred point zero zero) to 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) is applied for each violation found, unless the action constitutes an administrative offence;
e) for any failure to communicate, as provided for in article 6, paragraph 6, and article 8, paragraph 1, letter c), a penalty of 500.00 Euros (five hundred point zero zero) to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) is applied for each violation found, without prejudice to the annulment when AAMS detects the loss of the requirements provided for by the selection of those who have acquired shares in the capital or corporate assets in excess of two percent;
f) if, without the prior permission of the AAMS, the licensee starts operations, referred to in article 6, paragraph 7, to transfer shares, including controlling shares, held by the licensee himself, which may result in the reduction of the financial soundness index, without prejudice to the annulment provided for in the event of failure of rebalancing said index within six months from the date of approval of the financial statements, a penalty of 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) to 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) is applied per percent point of reduction of the financial soundness index;
g) for violations of article 8, paragraph 1, letter a), a penalty of one-hundredth to one-fiftieth of the amount of the non-increase or of the non-reconstitution of the share capital is applied;
h) for the non-compliance with the filing date of the financial statements and of the quarterly reports and of the certification referred to in article 8, paragraph 1, letter c), a penalty of 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) to 1,500.00 Euros (one thousand five hundred point zero zero) is applied through and including the tenth day; of 1,500.00 Euros (one thousand five hundred point zero zero) to 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) for a delay past the tenth and through the twentieth day; of 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) in case of delay beyond the twentieth day and until the thirtieth day, and up to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) to 20,000.00 Euros (twenty thousand point zero zero) beyond the thirtieth day; from the thirty-first day, AAMS applies the penalty and provides for a further time period beyond which, in the event of non-compliance, additional penalties are applied with the same criteria;
i) in case of failure to submit the declaration referred to in article 8, paragraph 1, letter d), prior to the distribution of dividends and with the investment requirements completely fulfilled, a penalty of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) to 20,000.00 Euros (twenty thousand point zero zero) is applied;
j) if the licensee carries out the distribution referred to in article 8, paragraph 1, letter d), includingspecial dividends, without having first preemptively fulfilled the investment obligations provided for in the deed of agreement, a penalty of 0.5 (zero point five) to ten percent of the value of the non-realized investments is applied;
k) for failure to meet the deadline for filing the Certificate of Quality, referred to in article 8, paragraph 1, letter f) of this deed of agreement, a penalty of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) is applied for each month or fraction of a month of delay, without prejudice to annulment once twelve months from the date of signing of this deed have elapsed;
l) for failure to meet the deadline for filing the Certificate of Quality relating to the operator of systems networks, referred to in article 8, paragraph 1, letter g) of this deed of agreement, a penalty of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) to 10,000.00 (ten thousand point zero zero) is applied for each month or fraction of a month of delay;
m) in the event of failure to transmit the minimum information sheet to AAMS, showing economic, financial, technical and company management data, referred to in article 8, paragraph 3, a penalty of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) is applied until the thirtieth day of delay; from the thirty-first day, AAMS applies the penalty and provides for a further time period beyond which, in the event of non-compliance, additional penalties are applied with the same criteria;
n) for the documented late payment of winnings and refunds to users referred to in article 12, paragraph 4, a penalty of a variable amount ranging from a minimum of ten percent to a maximum of fifty percent of the amount due to the user, without prejudice to the obligation of paying the user the due amount, is applied;
o) for any failure to comply with the requirements relating to the registration of intellectual property rights referred to in article 13, paragraph 5, a penalty of a variable amount ranging from a minimum of 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) to a maximum of 50,000.00 Euros(fifty thousand point zero zero) is applied, without prejudice to the possible initiation of annulment proceedings in cases of manifest harm to the public interest;
p) for the non-authorized suspension, under article 14, paragraph 2, of the licensed activities and functions aimed at accruing takings from gaming, a penalty of 10.00 Euros (ten point zero zero) to 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) is applied for each hour or fraction of an hour of suspension;
q) in the event of breach of the obligations referred to in article 14, paragraph 7, letter j) and article 29, paragraph 5, a penalty of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand/00) to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand/00) is applied for each percentage point or fraction of a percent point of premises or rooms not under control;
r) in the event of breach of the obligations referred to in article 14, paragraph 7, letter k), a penalty of 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) to 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) is applied through and including the tenth day of delay; of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) to 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) for a delay between the eleventh and the twentieth day; of 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) in case of delay between the twenty-first and the thirtieth day, and up to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) to 20,000.00 Euros (twenty thousand point zero zero) beyond the thirtieth day; from the end of the thirtieth day, AAMS applies the penalty and provides for a new time period beyond which, in the event of non-compliance, additional penalties are applied with the same criteria;
s) for the partial implementation of the development plan referred to in article 14, paragraph 8, and of the measures referred to in article 14, paragraph 10, a penalty ranging from a minimum of 5% (five percent) and a maximum of 20% (twenty percent) of the unused amounts is applied;
t) for failure to timely report loans and guarantees provided for in article 14, paragraph 15, where a ban does not apply, a penalty of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) is applied for each operation;
u) in the case of the issuance of loans or guarantees prohibited by article 14, paragraph 15, a penalty from two to ten percent of the value of services rendered is applied;
v) in the case of allocation of additional profits, referred to in article 14, paragraphs 16 and 17, without authorization, a penalty of 0.5 (zero point five) to ten percent of the amount is applied, without prejudice to annulment if the funds are not used toward investments established by AAMS within the deadline;
w) for the non-fulfillment of the obligation under article 15, paragraph 1, letter i) a penalty of 100,00 (one hundred point zero zero) to 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) is applied for each AWP unit involved for each day of delay;
x) for the non-fulfillment of the obligation under article 15, paragraph 1, letter p), a penalty of two to ten times the value of the device is applied for each device involved;
y) for the non-fulfillment of the obligation under article 15, paragraph 2, letter d) a penalty of 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) to 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) is applied for each violation for each day of delay;
z) for the failure to comply with the obligations set out in article 15, paragraph 2, letters m), n), o), p), q), r) and s), a penalty of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) is applied for each violation;
aa) for the failure to comply with the terms of filing of the inventory of assets and of its update, pursuant to article 22, paragraph 1 and 3, a penalty of 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) to 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) is applied through and including the tenth day of delay; of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) to 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) for a delay between the eleventh and the twentieth day; of 5,000.00 (five thousand point zero zero) to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) in case of delay between the twenty-first and the thirtieth day, and up to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) to 20,000.00 Euros (twenty thousand point zero zero) beyond the thirtieth day; from the end of the thirtieth day, AAMS applies the penalty and provides for a new time period beyond which, in the event of non-compliance, additional penalties are applied with the same criteria;
bb) if the filed inventory shows a decrease in the technological and market value with respect to that resulting from the previous inventory and without indication of the measures required for maintaining the aforementioned value, the penalties described below apply:
up to a 10% (ten percent) decrease, a penalty of 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero);
from a 10% (ten percent) to 20% (twenty percent) decrease, a penalty of 2,000.00 Euros (two thousand point zero zero) is applied for each point or fraction of a percentage point higher than 10%;
a more than 20% (twenty percent) decrease, a penalty of 2,500.00 Euros (two thousand five hundred point zero zero) is applied for each point or fraction of a percentage point higher than 20%;
cc) for failure to comply with the requirements for maintaining market value of the data communication network, referred to in articles 14 and 24, a penalty from two to ten per cent of the investment that was not made is applied;
dd) for each use of the assets referred to in article 23, paragraph 1, without prior permission of the AAMS, a penalty of a minimum of 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) and a maximum of 30,000.00 Euros (thirty thousand point zero zero) is applied, without prejudice to the possible start of annulment proceedings in cases of manifest harm to the public interest;
ee) for the delayed payment of the license fee and other amounts payable to the AAMS pursuant to article 27, a penalty from one to five percent of the total amount due and not paid by the deadline is applied, plus lawful interest. The total amount of the penalty is reduced by thirty percent if the licensee pays the licensing fee and the additional amount and the penalty itself within fifteen days from the formal notification by the AAMS;
ff) for any activity preventing AAMS from exercising its powers of supervision, control and inspection provided for in article 29, paragraph 2, a penalty of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) to 50,000.00 Euros (fifty thousand point zero zero) is applied;
gg) for the delay in fixing malfunctions referred to in article 29, paragraph 6, that were observed by AAMS in any location, there is a penalty of 20.00 Euros (twenty point zero zero) to 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) for each day of delay;
hh) for the failure to comply with the requirements relative to compulsory operation defined by AAMS during the proceedings of license revocation or annulment, as per the following article 32, the penalties applied are proportional to the gravity and duration of the infringement, up to the amount of the guarantee referred to in article 26, paragraph 2 of this deed and no less than 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero);
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ii) for the use of services deriving from void or legally rescinded contracts pursuant to article 1, paragraph 533, of Law no. 266 of December 23 2005, and subsequent modifications and integrations, and pursuant to AAMS implementation measures, a penalty of two to ten percent of the ascertained amount of the services rendered is applied;
jj) for failure to meet the service levels specified in Attachment 2, the penalties in the amount provided for in the Attachment itself are applied to each non-compliance found, in relation to the gravity and duration of the infringement.
3. For each instance of lack of official notification provided for in this deed or in current legislation, a penalty of 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) to 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) is applied through and including the tenth day of delay; of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) to 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) for a delay between the eleventh and the twentieth day; of 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) in case of delay between the twenty-first and the thirtieth day, and up to 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) to 20,000.00 Euros (twenty thousand point zero zero) beyond the thirtieth day; from the end of the thirtieth day, AAMS applies the penalty and provides for a new time period beyond which, in the event of non-compliance, additional penalties are applied with the same criteria;
4. For those non-fulfillments of licensee obligations under existing provisions, that is from the deed of agreement, AAMS may apply, where not otherwise sanctioned, a penalty of a minimum of 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) to a maximum of 100,000.00 Euros (hundred thousand point zero zero).
5. The licensee is required to pay the penalties set out in the preceding paragraphs in the manner specified in the notification of penalty referred to in paragraph 1.
6. The annual cap on the penalties that can be imposed on the licensee pursuant to the provisions contained in the preceding paragraphs, including the penalties provided for in Attachment 2, cannot be otherwise superior to eleven percent of the actual remuneration for the electronic operation of the AWP gaming machines and of the VLT gaming systems received annually by the licensee for infringements in the same year, as referred to in art. 28, paragraph 2.
7. Unless otherwise provided, without prejudice to the limits referred to in paragraph 6, the maximum daily limit of penalties that can be imposed on the licensee pursuant to the provisions contained in the preceding paragraphs, including the penalties provided for in Attachment 2, cannot be superior to eleven percent of the actual remuneration for the electronic operation of the AWP gaming machines and of the VLT gaming systems received annually by the licensee during the days in question. In case of unavailability of the daily value of the actual remuneration, the daily average of the remuneration received by the licensee in the two-month period in which the infringement was made is used.
8. In case of late payment of any sum due to AAMS for any reason, in accordance with this deed of agreement, unless otherwise specified, interest is due at the legal rate, calculated from the day following the day of expiration of the deadline to that of the actual payment.
9. This is without prejudice to the applicability of the penalties prescribed by the current pertinent legislation in the case of late or non-payment of amounts due to the National Revenue.
10. If, for the same action, there are theoretically two or more of the preceding clauses containing penalties that apply, the highest penalty absorbs the lower ones.
[initialed]
SECTION V
REVOCATION OF AND WITHDRAWAL FROM THE LICENSE
Article 31
Revocation and withdrawal
1. AAMS may revoke the license due to arising grounds of public interest, or in the case of change in the situation de facto or new assessment of the original public interest.
[seal]
2. AAMS initiates the procedure for withdrawal from the license , apart from the cases where expressly envisaged in this deed of agreement or the normative in force, also in the following cases:
a) With regard to the licensee, the legal representative or the licensees administrators, precautionary measures or measures for committal to trial have been adopted for all alleged crimes pursuant to Law March 19, 1990, no. 55 as amended, as well as all other alleged crimes susceptible to invalidating the relationship of trust with AAMS ;
b) The licensee seriously and repeatedly violates provisions in force on the matter of apparatuses for enjoyment and entertainment pursuant to article 110, paragraph 6, of the T.U.L.P.S . as amended;
c) The licensee violates the normative on the matter of the repression of irregular, illicit and clandestine gaming and, in particular, on their own or by means of subsidiary or associated companies, wherever located, markets games forbidden by Italian law in the territory of Italy;
d) Following stipulation of the deed of agreement , emerging, for any reason, for the purposes of the permanent license relationship regarding all the subjects indicated therein, is the non-subsistence of an essential requirement envisaged by the procedure of selection and the normative in force;
e) False declaration pursuant to paragraph 8.2 of the specifications , even when given, pursuant to article 5, paragraph 6, consistently with the license relationship;
f) An entity exercising control over the licensee pursuant to article 2359 of the civil code loses the requisites or violates the obligations envisaged by article 10, paragraph 5;
g) The licensee seriously and repeatedly violates the obligations and duties, also regarding communication, pursuant to this deed of agreement ;
h) The licensee fails to amend, three times, also not consecutive, over a period of twelve months, effective failure to settle the amount due by way of PREU , as well as any interest and sanctions envisages by the tax regulation on the matter of PREU ;
i) The number of AWP gaming apparatuses connected to the licensees data communications network , starting from the expiry of the sixth month from the date of stipulation of the deed of agreement, is lower than the minimum number equal to 5,000 (five thousand);
j) The number of VLT apparatuses connected to the licensees data communication network , starting from the expiry of the eighteenth month from the date of stipulation of the deed of agreement, is lower than the minimum number envisaged equal to 350 (three hundred and fifty);
k) Failure to make, on the expiry of the terms indicated by AAMS by communication pursuant to article 5, paragraph 10, the payment for authorization to install the VLT apparatuses in the
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minimum amount of seven percent of the AWP gaming apparatuses active upon expiry of the sixth month from the date of stipulation of the deed of agreement;
l) The licensee seriously and repeatedly violates the provisions for carrying out gaming collection in authorized businesses ;
m) The licensee has not adapted or integrated the guarantees pursuant to article 26 within the terms fixed therein;
n) The licensee seriously and repeatedly impedes the correct and exhaustive performance of controls carried out by AAMS pursuant to article 29;
o) If the licensee loses the requisites for registration in the list pursuant to article 1, paragraph 533, of Law December 23, 2005, no. 266 within the limits defined by the implementing directorial decree, as amended;
[seal]
p) The licensee fails to maintain the debt-to-equity ratio within the value pursuant to article 8, paragraph 1, letter b) hereabove;
q) The licensee does not submit operations implying subjective changes pursuant to article 6, paragraphs 3 and 4 for prior authorization from AAMS ;
r) The licensee fails to rebalance their index of financial solidity within six months where the latter has undergone a decrease following transactions entailing the transfer of stock, also controlling, held by the licensee , pursuant to article 6, paragraph 9;
s) The licensee fails to observe the obligations related to maintaining the requisites pursuant to article 8, paragraph 1, letters i), j), k) and l).
3. In the event of revocation of the license or withdrawal from the license , this deed of agreement is automatically discontinued.
4. The licensee is not due any indemnity whatsoever by effect of early termination of the license for any reason, without prejudice to the provisions of article 21 sub-section five of Law August 7, 1990, no. 241 as amended.
5. AAMS , where the conditions exist pursuant to paragraph 1 and paragraph 2 respectively, notifies the licensee of the initiated procedure of revocation or contests the licensee , upon initiation of the procedure of withdrawal, the related charges. The procedure of revocation or withdrawal from the license is performed by AAMS in compliance with the normative on the matter of administrative proceedings pursuant to Law August 7, 1990, no. 241 as amended, with particular regard to articles 2, 2 sub-section two, 3, 3 sub-section two, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of said law, as amended;
6. In the course of the procedure, AAMS assesses the observations and clarifications submitted by the licensee and decides on the matter of emanating the measure of revocation or withdrawal, considering the effects thereof on public interest;
7. On the outcome of the procedure, AAMS adopts, where pertinent, the grounded measure of revoking the license or withdrawing from the license , establishing, amongst others:
a) The terms for devolving the assets pursuant to article 25;
b) The methods and duration of obligatory management ;
c) The fines to be applied to the revoked or withdrawn licensee in the case of failure to observe the terms and procedures pursuant to letters a) and b).
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8. In the case of a provision to revoke the license or withdrawal from the license , the guarantees pursuant to article 26, paragraphs 2 and 3, are seized by AAMS , without prejudice to the right to claim compensation for further damage suffered and suffering, as well as refund of expenses.
Article 32
The licensees obligations in the case of revocation or withdrawal
1. In the case of revocation of the license or withdrawal from the license pursuant to article 31, the licensee is expressly and unconditionally bound, within the terms indicated by AAMS in the provision for revocation or withdrawal, to the devolution to AAMS , to another licensee or a third party indicated by AAMS , of all the tangible and intangible assets which from the data communication network according to the procedures envisaged by article 25.
[seal]
2. The licensee is also expressly bound to guaranteeing obligatory management, using the methods and for the duration indicated by AAMS in the provision of revocation or withdrawal, in order to ensure continuity in gaming collection and allow the transfer of the activities and functions subject matter of the license to AAMS , to another licensee or to a third party indicated by AAMS .
Article 33
Identification of other licensees
1. In the event of revocation of the license or withdrawal from the license , AAMS has the faculty, during the period of the license , to identify, by procedure in public evidence, other licensees , also amongst those with which it already holds a license relationship; the revoked or withdrawn license is assigned to new licensees or to successor licensees which undertake the obligation pursuant to article 6, paragraph 4, letter b), point ii).
2. The licensee acknowledges and accepts, in the case of revocation or withdrawal from the license , possible transfer of its contractual part to third parties identified by AAMS pursuant to the section hereabove.
3. The takeover, pursuant to paragraph 1, envisages the same subject matter and conditions pursuant to this deed of agreement ; the other clauses are applied inasmuch as compatible with the situations, in fact and law, existing upon stipulation.
4. AAMS , moreover, reserves the faculty to identify other licensees for the management of gaming by means of apparatuses for enjoyment and entertainment, by procedure in public evidence, should the general and also technological, conditions change in the market of AWP gaming apparatuses and the VLT gaming systems , or the number of AWP gaming apparatuses connected to the data communication network is higher than five thousand.
[initialed]
SECTION VI
FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 34
Protecting the confidentiality of information
1. In observance of the provisions pursuant to legislative decree June 30, 2003, no. 196 as amended, the parties are expressly bound not to disclose, in any way or form, confidential information and not to make the latter the subject matter of use, for any reason, for purposes other than those strictly connect to the execution of the activities and functions subject matter of the license.
Article 35
Applicable law and regulation of litigation
1. The license is governed and interpreted according to community and Italian law.
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2. For all that not expressly agreed upon between the parties, the norms of substantive and procedural law envisaged on the matter by the community and Italy legal systems apply.
Article 36
Execution
1. This deed of agreement is effective and binding to the licensee from the date it is signed and AAMS from the date of approval by the competent supervisory bodies.
Rome, MARCH 20, 2013
For the Agency of Customs and Monopolies |
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For the licensee |
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Pursuant to article 1341 et seq. of the civil code, the following articles are hereby approved:
For the licensee
[signed]
[initialed]
[seal]
ATTACHMENT 1
DEED OF AGREEMENT FOR THE RELATIONSHIP OF CONCESSION HAVING AS SUBJECT MATTER THE REALIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE DATA COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT NETWORK FOR GAMING BY MEANS OF APPARATUSES FOR ENJOYMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED FOR BY ARTICLE 110, PARAGRAPH 6 OF THE CONSOLIDATING ACT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY LAWS PURSUANT TO ROYAL DECREE JUNE 18, 1931, NO. 773 AS AMENDED, AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES AND FUNCTIONS
INVENTORY OF ASSETS
INTANGIBLE ASSETS SECTION AND TANGIBLE ASSETS SECTION
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Deed of agreement - Attachment 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREAMBLE |
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A. |
INTANGIBLE ASSETS INVENTORY SECTION |
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SECTION A1) |
EXCLUSIVE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND RIGHTS OF UTILIZATION AND |
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ECONOMIC USE RELATED TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES |
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SECTION A2) |
SUPPLY CONTRACTS |
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SECTION A3) |
AUTOMATED AND MANUAL PROCEDURES, STUDIES AND OTHER |
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SECTION A4) |
SOFTWARE PACKAGE |
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SECTION A5) |
LIST OF DATABASES |
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B. |
TANGIBLE ASSETS INVENTORY SECTION |
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SECTION B1) |
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SECTION B2) |
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PREAMBLE
This document describes the structure and contents of the assets inventory which, according to article 22 of the deed of agreement, the licensee must submit to AAMS no later than two months from the date of stipulating the deed of agreement and periodically send AAMS , no later than March 31 of each year, with updates on interventions carried out during the previous calendar year.
The licensee shall guarantee that the technological and market value of the data communications network for gaming collection by means of enjoyment and entertainment machines is maintained over time.
The inventory shall be divided into two Sections, that of intangible assets and tangible assets.
The following table summarizes the inventory format which the licensee is bound to submit and update.
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Inventory - Tangible Assets Section (B) |
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B1) |
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List of hardware components related to the data communications network for gaming collection by means of AWP apparatuses ;
· List of the access points
· List of other components.
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B2) |
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List of hardware components related to the data communications network for gaming collection by means of VLT apparatuses ;
· List of video terminal apparatuses
· List of other components. |
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Shown hereunder are the formats identified in each of the aforesaid sections, these may be subject to amendment by subsequent AAMS provisions.
[seal]
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A. INTANGIBLE ASSETS INVENTORY SECTION
Section A1) Exclusive industrial property rights and rights of utilization and economic use related to intellectual properties.
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DESCRIPTION |
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TYPE OF USE |
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DATE OF
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Trademarks and logos |
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Intellectual properties |
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Section A2) Supply contracts
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SUPPLY CONTRACTS
DESCRIPTION |
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SUPPLIER |
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CONTRACT
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DATE OF
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EXPIRY DATE |
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POSSIBILITY
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TYPE (**) |
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(*) ENTER YES OR NO
(**) ENTER FIXED AMOUNT, PAY PER USE, MIXED, OTHER
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Section A3) Automated and manual procedures, studies and other
AUTOMATED AND MANUAL PROCEDURES, STUDIES AND OTHER
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INVESTMENTS MADE |
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VALORIZATION |
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INVESTMENTS |
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(*) TO BE VALORIZED BY MEANS OF COSTS DIRECTLY IMPUTABLE TO THE RELATED INTERNAL JOB ORDERS
(**) VALUE NET OF COMPLETED AMORTIZATION
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Section A4) SOFTWARE PACKAGE
STANDARD SOFTWARE PACKAGE WITH USER LICENSE
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IDENTIFICATION |
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STANDARD SOFTWARE PACKAGE WITH USER LICENSE
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PURCHASE INVOICE |
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VALORIZATION |
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ASSETS/EXTERNAL |
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TECHNICAL |
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IDENTIFICATION/ |
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[initialed]
[seal]
[initialed]
SOFTWARE DEVELOPED AD HOC BY THE LICENSEE
DESCRIPTION |
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TECHNICAL
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INSTALLED
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INVESTMENTS MADE (*) |
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CURRENT VALUE
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(*) TO BE VALORIZED USING THE FUNCTION POINT METHOD OR THE COSTS OF THE RELATED INTERNAL JOB ORDERS
(**) VALUE NET OF COMPLETED AMORTIZATION
Section A5) List of databases
LIST OF DATABASES
PROGRESSIVE NUMBER |
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LICENSEES NOTES |
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[initialed]
B. TANGIBLE ASSETS INVENTORY SECTION
[seal]
Section B1)
List of hardware components related to the data communication network for gaming collection by means of AWP apparatuses .
LIST OF ACCESS POINTS
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LOCATION |
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CONNECTION |
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(*) VALUE NET OF COMPLETED AMORTIZATION
LIST OF COMPONENTS
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IDENTIFICATION |
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PURCHASE INVOICE |
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[initialed]
[seal]
Section B2)
List of hardware components related to the data communication network for gaming collection by means of VLT apparatuses .
LIST OF VIDEO TERMINAL APPARATUSES
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(*) VALUE NET OF COMPLETED AMORTIZATION
LIST OF COMPONENTS
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(*) VALUE NET OF COMPLETED AMORTIZATION
[initialed]
Deed of agreement - Attachment 2
[seal]
ATTACHMENT 2
DEED OF AGREEMENT FOR THE RELATIONSHIP OF CONCESSION HAVING AS SUBJECT MATTER THE REALIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE DATA COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT NETWORK FOR GAMING BY MEANS OF APPARATUSES FOR ENJOYMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED FOR BY ARTICLE 110, PARAGRAPH 6 OF THE CONSOLIDATING ACT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY LAWS PURSUANT TO ROYAL DECREE JUNE 18, 1931, NO. 773 AS AMENDED, AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES AND FUNCTIONS
SERVICE LEVELS AND RELATED FINES
[initialed] |
[initialed] |
[seal]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREAMBLE |
3 |
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1. RUNNING THE DATA COMMUNICATION NETWORK FOR GAMING COLLECTION BY MEANS OF AWP GAMING APPARATUSES |
4 |
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1.1 SERVICE LEVELS |
4 |
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1.2 FINES |
5 |
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2. RUNNING THE VLT GAMING SYSTEMS |
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2.1 SERVICE LEVELS |
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2.2 FINES |
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3. METHODS FOR CONTROLLING SERVICE LEVELS AND PROCEDURE FOR THE APPLICATION OF FINES |
9 |
[initialed] |
[initialed] |
PREAMBLE
This attachment describes the service levels which each licensee must ensure when running the data communication network, starting from the date the deed of agreement was stipulated and in compliance with the various legal, administrative and conventional requirements they are bound to guarantee.
The service levels for this attachment are defined according to:
1) the experience accrued by AAMS and its technological partner SOGEI regarding the operation of the data communication network.
2) the necessity to guarantee efficient services according to objective, measurable criteria suited to emphasizing the comprehensive correct operation of the data communication network .
Service level measurement is performed by AAMS , with the support of its technological partner SOGEI in conformity with the provisions of the deed of agreement, based on the data in the AWP control system and the VLT control system , originating from the licensees AWP system and the VLT gaming system . The measurement procedures and monitoring instruments to be used for controlling observance of the service levels are communicated by AAMS .
[initialed] |
[initialed] |
[seal]
1. RUNNING THE DATA COMMUNICATION NETWORK FOR GAMING COLLECTION BY MEANS OF AWP GAMING APPARATUSES
1.1 Service levels
The licensee shall guarantee observance of the following service levels:
a) Activation of the blocking procedure , requested by the AWP control system , within one hour from the request and no later than midnight GMT of the same day;
The time the electronic message concerning the block command is normally considered in order to verify the service level, whereas the time the return message showing the outcome of the operation from the AWP control system is acknowledged for the time for activating the block procedure .
b) Execution of extraordinary maintenance operations within the term defined by AAMS in relation to the seriousness of the event;
The date of the communication from AAMS is normally considered in order to verify the service level, as well as that of the licensees notification of effective completion of the intervention;
c) Duration of the maintenance intervention for apparatuses no longer than thirty consecutive days;
The date the electronic message concerning the maintenance intervention is normally considered in order to verify the service level, whereas the date the message sent to the AWP control system concerning the first valid counter reading per apparatus following the intervention is acknowledged for the date of completed maintenance; the service level is verified on a yearly basis;
d) Recovery of off-line databases, maintained by the licensee within ten consecutive days from the request by AAMS;
The date of AAMSs communication and that of notification by the licensee of effective completion of the recovery intervention are normally considered in order to verify the service level;
e) Transmission to the AWP control system, for at least 70% of the apparatuses forming part of the total of the AWP gaming apparatuses, vested with authorization in the name of the licensee, for reading counters at least every four days, referred to the aforesaid period;
Normally considered, in order to verify the service level, carried out every two months, is the relationship between:
1. The number of AWP apparatuses which have not transmitted all the envisaged readings as indicated hereabove, on the days falling within the two months;
2. The total AWP apparatuses for which at least one reading was made;
Observance of the service level is given by the arithmetic mean of the percentage values measured every two months on a yearly basis.
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[initialed] |
[seal]
1.2 Fines
In the event of non-observance of the service level pursuant to point a) hereabove, a fine from 10.00 Euros (ten point zero zero) to 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) is applied for each hour or fraction of hour in the activation of the block procedure and for each single apparatus; in the absence of the return message by midnight GMT a fine from 500.00 Euros (five hundred point zero zero) to 5,000.00Euros (five thousand point zero zero) is applied for each single apparatus.
In the event of non-observance of the service level pursuant to point b) hereabove a fine from 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) to 1,000.00 (one thousand point zero zero) is applied for each day of delay following the date envisaged for the end of the intervention.
In the event of non-observance of the service level pursuant to point c) hereabove, a fine from 10.00 Euros (ten point zero zero) to 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) is applied for each day of delay following the thirty-day period and for each apparatus.
In the event of non-observance of the service level pursuant to point d) hereabove, a fine from 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) to 1,000.00 (one thousand point zero zero) is applied for each day of delay following the envisaged ten-day period.
In the event of non-observance of the service level pursuant to letter e) hereabove, a fine from 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) to 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) is applied for every tenth of percentage point of variance in the arithmetic mean, calculated on a yearly basis, of the percentage values measured every two months, respect to the threshold value defined as 70%.
The fines shall not be applied when failure to observe the service levels is due to technological upgrades requested by AAMS .
[initialed] |
[initialed] |
[seal]
2. RUNNING THE VLT GAMING SYSTEMS
2.1 Service levels
The licensee shall guarantee observance of the following service levels:
a) Operational block of each video terminal apparatus enabled for gaming within 60 minutes from the request by the VLT control system ; in order to verify the service level, the following are normally considered:
· As the moment measurement started, the time the VLT control system sent the message related to the request to disable the apparatus; in the absence of notification of receipt regarding the previous message, the time the same message was resent at least 10 minutes after the previous attempt;
· As the moment measurement ended, the time of receipt by the VLT control system of the message concerning effective change of status of the VLT apparatus ;
b) Operational recovery of the VLT gaming system , also by means of the recovery and backup system , within 24 hours from the operational interruption of the VLT central system ;
Normally considered, in order to verify the service level, are:
· As the moment measurement started, the time the VLT central system operational interruption report was sent by the licensee ;
· As the moment measurement ended, the time the first message following operational recovery of the VLT gaming system , received by the VLT control system ; to this end, considered as an event equivalent to restoring the primary system is the preparation and release of the backup and recovery system ;
c) Operational recovery of the VLT central system within 30 days from interruption; normally considered, in order to verify the service level, are:
· As the moment measurement started, the date the VLT central system operational interruption report of was sent by the licensee ;
· As the moment measurement ended, the date the licensee sent the report of operational recovery of the VLT central system ;
d) Transmission to the VLT control system of the communication concerning the installation/removal and enablement/disablement of one or more games on the VLT central system or the video terminal apparatuses enabled within 60 minutes from the event; normally considered, in order to verify the service level, are:
· As the moment measurement started, the time of installation, removal, enablement and disablement of a game on the VLT gaming system;
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[initialed] |
[seal]
· As the moment measurement ended, the time the VLT control system received the messages of notification of installation, removal, enablement and disablement of a game on a video terminal apparatus ;
e) Automatic verification of software integrity, as described in the technical specifications and as foreseen by the decree concerning VLT technical regulations , on at least a daily basis; normally considered, in order to verify the service level, is the request made by the VLT control system with dispatch of the related message;
The licensee observes the service level when sending the message of response and if the data returned within the message of response corresponds to that of the same day or the day before;
f) Verification of software integrity of a video terminal apparatus enabled for gaming on request of the VLT control system within 6 hours of the request and no later than midnight GMT of the same day; normally considered, in order to verify the service level, are:
· As the moment measurement started, the time of request by the VLT control system provided that effectively received by the licensee , or, in the absence of notification, that of the same message resent at least 10 minutes after the first attempt;
· As the moment measurement ended, the time of receipt of the message of response by the VLT control system ;
g) Transmission to the VLT control system of the accounting information concerning each VLT gaming system , gaming room , VLT apparatuses , also divided into single games, by 24:00 hours GMT of the day following that of reference; normally considered, in order to verify the service level, is:
· As the moment measurement ended, the time of receipt of the message of transmission of the accounting information by the VLT control system.
2.2 Fines
In the event of non-observance of the service level pursuant to letter a) hereabove, for each video terminal apparatus enabled for gaming concerning which a request is not processed or no response has been given to the VLT control system , a fine is applied:
· Up to 50.00 Euros (fifty point zero zero) once the first 60 minutes have lapsed and up to 24 hours from the request,
· From 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) to 300 Euros (three hundred point zero zero) from 24 hours after the request.
In the event of non-observance of the service level pursuant to letter b) hereabove, for each day or fraction of day exceeding 24 hours, a fine from 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) to 50,000.00 Euros (fifty thousand point zero zero) is applied.
[seal]
[initialed] |
[initialed] |
In the event of non-observance of the service level pursuant to letter c) hereabove, a fine from 10,000.00 Euros (ten thousand point zero zero) to 100,000.00 Euros (one hundred thousand point zero zero) is applied. Failure to recover the VLT central system beyond forty-five days shall bring about the procedure of annulment.
In the event of non-observance of the service level pursuant to letter d) hereabove, for each video terminal apparatus enabled for gaming which fails to transmit the information within the envisaged times, a fine is applied:
· Up to 20.00 Euros (fifty point zero zero) once the first 60 minutes have lapsed and up to 24 hours from the request,
· From 50.00 Euros (fifty point zero zero) to 150 Euros (one hundred and fifty point zero zero) from 24 hours after the request.
There is non-observance of the service level pursuant to letter e) hereabove when software integrity has not been found for over 50% of the number of video terminal apparatuses enabled for gaming upon which the verification at issue is to be made. In this case, a fine from 10.00 Euros (ten point zero zero) to 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) is applied for each video terminal apparatus concerning which non-observance of the service level has been verified.
In the event of non-observance of the service level pursuant to letter f) hereabove, a fine from 150.00 Euros (five hundred point zero zero) to 300.00 Euros is applied for each video terminal apparatus enabled for gaming concerning which a request is not processed or no response has been given to the VLT control system within six hours from the request.
In the event of non-observance of the service level pursuant to letter g) hereabove, a fine is applied:
· From 10.00 Euros (ten point zero zero) to 20.00 Euros (twenty point zero zero) for each video terminal apparatus enabled for gaming,
· From 50.00 Euros (fifty point zero zero) to 100.00 Euros (one hundred point zero zero) for each gaming room ,
· From 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) to 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) for each VLT gaming system ,
concerning which the gaming data have not been sent within the envisaged terms.
The fines shall not be applied when failure to observe the service levels is due to technological upgrades requested by AAMS or to maintenance interventions on the VLT gaming system , notified to AAMS beforehand.
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[seal]
3. METHODS FOR CONTROLLING SERVICE LEVELS AND PROCEDURE FOR THE APPLICATION OF FINES
For the purposes of controlling service levels and consequent application of fines, the procedure is as follows:
a) AAMS contests the licensee the results of the non-observance of service levels;
b) The licensee may submit their own counter deductions with regard to the causes for any variances in the pre-established values;
c) AAMS quantifies and applies the fines.
AAMS reserves the faculty to carry out inspections at the licensees premises in order to ascertain observance of the service levels; to this end, AAMS may define control plans, also availing of findings in the VLT control system and the AWP control system .
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Deed of agreement - Attachment 3
[seal]
ATTACHMENT 3
DEED OF AGREEMENT FOR THE RELATIONSHIP OF CONCESSION HAVING AS SUBJECT MATTER THE REALIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE DATA COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT NETWORK FOR GAMING BY MEANS OF APPARATUSES FOR ENJOYMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED FOR BY ARTICLE 110, PARAGRAPH 6 OF THE CONSOLIDATING ACT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY LAWS PURSUANT TO ROYAL DECREE JUNE 18, 1931, NO. 773 AS AMENDED, AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES AND FUNCTIONS
FINANCIAL FLOWS AND ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS
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[initialed] |
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[initialed] |
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[seal]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREAMBLE |
3 |
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1. |
ACCOUNT STATEMENT |
3 |
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THE LICENSEES COLLECTIONS |
4 |
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THE LICENSEES PAYMENTS |
4 |
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TERMS FOR PAYING THE WINNINGS |
4 |
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5. |
PAYMENT OF CREDIT BY MEANS OF VLT APPARATUSES |
5 |
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5.1 |
Credit not exceeding 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) |
5 |
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5.2 |
Credit exceeding 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) and not exceeding 5,000.00 Euros (five |
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thousand point zero zero) |
5 |
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5.3 |
Credit exceeding 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) |
5 |
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5.4 |
Common provisions |
6 |
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6. |
FINANCIAL FLOWS |
6 |
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7. |
THE LICENSEES ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS |
7 |
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8. |
COMPLAINTS |
7 |
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9. |
MANAGEMENT SUPERVISION |
8 |
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[initialed] |
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[initialed] |
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[seal]
PREAMBLE
This document describes the licensees accounting requirements for electronic management of gaming by means of apparatuses for enjoyment and entertainment.
1. ACCOUNT STATEMENT
For a contractually defined period which shall not exceed one calendar two-month period, the licensee provides each qualified entity collecting the residual amount, by virtue of the established contractual relationship, with an account statement bearing the following data for the considered period:
· In the case of AWP apparatuses :
a) The total amount of the collection;
b) The effective winnings found;
c) The fee to be withheld as contractually defined;
d) The net amount to be paid to the licensee, including the amount due by way of PREU [one-off tax withdrawal]and the amount equal to 0.8 percent of the amounts played;
· In the case of VLT apparatuses :
e) The total amount of the collection;
f) The effective winnings found to have been paid in the gaming room ;
g) The fee to be withheld as contractually defined;
h) The net amount to be paid to the licensee, including the amount due by way of PREU and the amount equal to 0.8 percent of the amounts played;
If the licensee manages the collection of the residual amount directly, they are, in any case, bound to drawing up an analogous summarizing document.
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[seal]
2. THE LICENSEES COLLECTIONS
Following the issue of the account statement, the licensee collects the net amount as outlined in points d) and h) of the previous chapter from the qualified entities contractually authorized for collecting the residual amount.
3. THE LICENSEES PAYMENTS
Within the terms established by the normative in force, AAMS provisions and as amended, the licensee shall pay 0.8 percent of the amounts collected to account 20050, opened at the central State Treasury of Rome, as well as the amount due by way of PREU in item 1821 Paragraph 5 of the State budget or in item 1614 Paragraph 9 of the budget for the Region of Sicily for the PREU of competence for the region.
Payment is made ordinarily by means of form F24/Excise Duties.
4. TERMS FOR PAYING THE WINNINGS
For AWP apparatuses , the payment of winnings is realized directly by means of the apparatus itself.
For VLT apparatuses , the payment of winnings, where not directly distributed by the apparatus, is requested within ninety days from issue of the claim certifying the win.
For wins of an amount not exceeding 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero), the related payment is realized in the gaming rooms where the win took place.
For wins of an amount exceeding 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) payment shall be made within the maximum term of thirty days from the date of presentation of the winning claim issued by the VLT gaming system , in the premises indicated by the licensee , according to the rules contained in the technical specifications . In the event of a delay in paying the winnings, apart from payment of the fine pursuant to article 30, paragraph 2, letter n), of the draft deed of agreement , the licensee is also bound to paying interest at the legal rate, calculated from the day after the expiry to the day of effective payment.
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[seal]
5. PAYMENT OF CREDIT BY MEANS OF VLT APPARATUSES
5.1 Credit not exceeding 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero)
The amount of the claim certifying the credit, even when not deriving from a win, can be collected directly from the gaming room against presentation of such claim, which shall be annulled by the gaming room operator, also by means of the VLT gaming system . In any case the VLT gaming system shall trace effective payment in the VLT service database and account for the winnings paid through the claim in the gaming database .
5.2 Credit exceeding 1,000.00 Euros (one thousand point zero zero) and not exceeding 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero)
The amount of the claim certifying the credit, even when not deriving from a win, can be collected directly from the gaming room against presentation of such claim. Before proceeding with the annulment of the claim and with payment of the corresponding amount, the VLT gaming system shall allow the claimant to be recognizable and the observance of all requirements envisaged by the normative in force on the matter of money laundering and, in particular, by Legislative Decree November 21, 2007, no. 231 as amended.
In any case the VLT gaming system shall trace effective payment in the VLT service database and account for the winnings paid through the claim in the gaming database.
5.3 Credit exceeding 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero)
Payment of the claim certifying the credit , even when not deriving from a win, can be requested from the licensee, at the premises indicated by the latter and according to the procedures envisaged by section 4 hereabove.
Following presentation of the claim certifying the credit , the licensee , in observance of all requirements envisaged by the normative in force on the matter of money laundering and, in particular, by Legislative Decree November 21, 2007, no. 231 as amended, shall acquire the data identifying the claimant and the method of payment chosen by the latter, as well as issuing relevant receipt.
The claim is then subjected to the necessary operations of validation and control. Validation of claims is performed by the licensee under the control of the apposite AAMS commission.
For the purposes of payment, the claim shall be found valid by the VLT gaming system which highlights, distinctly, the related winnings and remaining amounts in credit. Winnings must be established by apposite
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[seal]
certification of the VLT gaming system , which highlights the game generating them as well as any appropriations used. The remaining amounts due shall be shown in a specific certification of the VLT gaming system which highlights the VLT apparatuses in which such amounts were entered.
In any case the AAMS commission may request further informatory elements.
5.4 Common provisions
The licensee provides each gaming room with the regulations for each single game installed in the VLT apparatuses , present therein, as well as information about the tangential return in winnings of such game, as envisaged by the related certificate of conformity, as well as the procedures for submitting complaints.
Once the term for paying claims has lapsed, the amounts are devolved to AAMS according to the procedure indicated by the latter.
AAMS reserves the right to amend the procedures and amounts payable according to the descriptions given in the sections hereabove.
6. FINANCIAL FLOWS
The licensee uses bank or postal current accounts in their name, dedicated to the financial management of gaming collection by means of apparatuses for enjoyment and entertainment. Such accounts shall be opened at a foremost institute having offices throughout Italy and able to ensure service at the best market conditions.
AAMS shall be given the identifying details of such current accounts.
The net amount as per the period statements and analogous summarizing document pursuant to chapter 1 hereabove shall converge into each bank or postal current account.
The licensee pays AAMS the interest receivables accrued on the aforesaid accounts.
From the current accounts the licensee withdraws:
· The amounts to be paid pursuant to chapter 3 hereabove;
· The consideration due to them;
· Following validation by the AAMS commission, the amounts for paying sums exceeding 5,000.00 Euros (five thousand point zero zero) related to claims issued by the VLT apparatuses , of which payment is requested;
[seal]
· The amounts deriving from winnings by acceptance of any complaints submitted;
· The amounts to be devolved to AAMS , according to the procedures indicated by the latter, for winnings not requested within the term pursuant to chapter 4 hereabove.
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The licensee is bound to supplying a copy of the statements of the financial movements brought about on the aforesaid current accounts on a quarterly basis.
7. THE LICENSEES ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS
The licensee is responsible for accounting and financial management related to gaming by means of apparatuses for enjoyment and entertainment, distinctly for AWP apparatuses and VLT apparatuses by means of the production and delivery of the following documents:
· Judicial statement, for the requirements pursuant to the State General Accounting Law of amounts related to gaming collection and obtained winnings, containing an analysis of the financial management of the collections and payments for the whole year, with justifying documents for the payments made attached, according to the statement model proposed by AAMS and approved by the supervisory bodies. In any case, to be highlighted, at the least in the debit items, is the comprehensive collection for the game and in the credit items, all the amounts shown in the account statement or analogous document pursuant to chapter 1.
The judicial statement shall be transmitted within the terms envisaged by the normative in force.
· A two-month periodic statement containing an analysis of financial management for the periods of reference, the related collections and payments, according to the model proposed by AAMS .
Such statement is transmitted to AAMS within the terms envisaged by the normative in force.
· A report on the collection by means of AWP apparatuses and VLT apparatuses , according to the procedures and within the terms established by AAMS .
8. COMPLAINTS
The licensee has the task of examining complaints submitted by users for any reason and related to credit obtained by means of VLT apparatuses .
In the case of complaint due to failure to pay a winning, such complaint must, under penalty of nullification, be received by the licensees competent office within thirty days from issue
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of the related claim. The complaint shall enclose the original claim, subject matter of the controversy.
The licensee shall decide on the claim within thirty days from presentation of the request by act to be submitted to the AAMS commission pursuant to section 5.3 hereabove.
9. MANAGEMENT SUPERVISION
AAMS supervises the management of the accounting and financial flows, also by means of inspections carried out in the licensees offices and controls on accounting procedures. For such purposes the licensee is bound to providing the required information and documentation.
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Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the use of our report dated October 1, 2014, included in the proxy statement/prospectus of International Game Technology that is made a part of the Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-4 (No. 333-199096) of Georgia Worldwide PLC dated November 21, 2014.
/s/ RECONTA ERNST & YOUNG S.P.A.
Rome,
Italy
November 21, 2014
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form F-4 of Georgia Worldwide PLC of our report dated November 26, 2013 relating to the financial statements, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in International Game Technology's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2013. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
San
Jose, CA
November 21, 2014
Consent of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
We hereby consent to the inclusion in the Registration Statement of Georgia Worldwide PLC on Form F-4, as amended, and in the Preliminary Proxy Statement/Prospectus of International Game Technology, which is part of the Registration Statement, of our opinion dated July 15, 2014 appearing as Annex E, and our confirmatory letter dated September 15, 2014 appearing as Annex F to such Preliminary Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and to the description of such opinion and to the references to our name contained therein under the heading "SummaryOpinion of Morgan Stanley as Financial Advisor to IGT," "The MergersBackground of the Mergers," "The MergersReasons for the Mergers and Recommendation of the IGT Board," "The MergersOpinion of Morgan Stanley as Financial Advisor to IGT," and "The Merger AgreementRepresentations and Warranties." For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing consent is limited to the date hereof and does not apply with respect to any registration statement or proxy statement/prospectus dated subsequent to the date hereof. In giving the foregoing consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any part of such Registration Statement within the meaning of the term "experts" as used in the Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC | ||||
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By: |
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/s/ JEFFREY N. HOGAN Jeffrey N. Hogan Managing Director |
Los
Angeles, CA
November 21, 2014
[CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (EUROPE) LIMITED]
November 21, 2014
Board
of Directors
GTECH S.p.A.
Viale del Campo Boario 56/D
00154 Roma
Italy
We hereby consent to the inclusion of our opinion letter, dated July 15, 2014, and our opinion letter, dated October 1, 2014, to the Board of Directors of GTECH S.p.A. ("GTECH"), as Annex G and Annex H, respectively, to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus of GTECH and International Game Technology ("IGT") included in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as of the date hereof (the "Registration Statement") and the references to our firm and our opinions in such Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus under the headings "SUMMARYOpinion of Credit Suisse as Financial Advisor to GTECH", "THE MERGERSGTECH Reasons for the Mergers" and "THE MERGERSOpinion of Credit Suisse as Financial Advisor to GTECH." The foregoing consent applies only to the Registration Statement being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as of the date hereof and not to any amendments or supplements thereto, and is not to be filed with, included in or referred to in whole or in part in any other registration statement (including any subsequent amendments to the above-mentioned Registration Statement), proxy statement or any other document, except in accordance with our prior written consent.
In giving our consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any part of such Registration Statement within the meaning of the term "experts" as used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Yours faithfully, | ||||
CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (EUROPE) LIMITED |
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By: |
/s/ GIUSEPPE MONARCHI
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By: |
/s/ LAURENCE VAN LANCKER
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