a.
|
| |
☐
|
| |
The filing of solicitation materials or an information statement subject to Regulation 14A, Regulation 14C or Rule 13e-3(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
|
b.
|
| |
☐
|
| |
The filing of a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933.
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c.
|
| |
☐
|
| |
A tender offer.
|
d.
|
| |
☒
|
| |
None of the above.
|
Transaction Valuation*
|
| |
Amount of Filing Fee**
|
$311,275,464.50
|
| |
$40,403.56
|
*
|
Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the filing fee pursuant to Rule 0-11(d) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The filing fee is calculated based on the sum of (a) the aggregate cash payment for the proposed per share cash payment of $7.70 for 39,417,765 issued and outstanding Class A common shares of the issuer subject to the transaction and (b) the product of 1,007,620 Class A common shares of the issuer issuable under outstanding RSUs, assuming any performance-based vesting conditions were earned at target level of performance, multiplied by $7.70 per RSU ((a) and (b) together, the “Transaction Value”).
|
**
|
The amount of the filing fee was calculated in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 0-11(b)(1) and the Securities and Exchange Commission Fee Rate Advisory #1 for the Fiscal Year 2020, was calculated by multiplying the Transaction Value by 0.0001298.
|
☐
|
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing with which the offsetting fee was previously paid. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and date of its filing.
|
ITEM 1.
|
SUMMARY TERM SHEET
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
ITEM 2.
|
SUBJECT COMPANY INFORMATION
|
(a)
|
Name and Address. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“The Companies”
|
(b)
|
Securities. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“The Special General Meeting—Record Date; Shareholders Entitled to Vote”
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Hudson—Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management”
|
(c)
|
Trading Market and Price. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Hudson—Market Prices of Hudson Class A Common Shares and Dividends”
|
(d)
|
Dividends. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Hudson—Market Prices of Hudson Class A Common Shares and Dividends”
|
(e)
|
Prior Public Offerings. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Hudson—Prior Public Offerings”
|
(f)
|
Prior Stock Purchases. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Hudson—Certain Transactions in the Hudson Class A Common Shares”
|
ITEM 3.
|
IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND OF FILING PERSON
|
(a)
|
Name and Address. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“The Companies”
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Dufry and Merger Sub—Identity and Background of Dufry and Merger Sub”
|
(b)
|
Business and Background of Entities. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“The Companies”
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Dufry and Merger Sub—Identity and Background of Dufry and Merger Sub”
|
(c)
|
Business and Background of Natural Persons. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“The Companies”
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Dufry and Merger Sub—Identity and Background of Dufry and Merger Sub”
|
ITEM 4.
|
TERMS OF THE TRANSACTION
|
(a)-(1)
|
Material Terms—Tender Offers. Not applicable.
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(a)-(2)
|
Material Terms—Merger or Similar Transactions. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“The Special General Meeting”
|
•
|
“Special Factors”
|
•
|
“The Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Annex A—Merger Agreement”
|
(c)
|
Different Terms. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Effects of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Interests of Hudson’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger”
|
•
|
“The Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Annex A—Merger Agreement”
|
(d)
|
Appraisal Rights. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Appraisal Rights”
|
•
|
“Appraisal Rights of Shareholders”
|
•
|
“Annex E—Copy of Section 106 of the Bermuda Companies Act”
|
(e)
|
Provisions for Unaffiliated Security Holders. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Provisions for Unaffiliated Shareholders”
|
(f)
|
Eligibility for Listing or Trading. Not applicable.
|
ITEM 5.
|
PAST CONTACTS, TRANSACTIONS, NEGOTIATIONS AND AGREEMENTS
|
(a)
|
Transactions. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Interests of Hudson’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger”
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Hudson—Certain Transactions in the Hudson Class A Common Shares”
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Dufry and Merger Sub—Past Transactions and Contracts”
|
(b)-(c)
|
Significant Corporate Events; Negotiations or Contacts. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Plans for Hudson after the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Background of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Reasons for the merger; Recommendation of the special committee; Recommendation of the Hudson board of directors”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Dufry’s and Merger Subt’s Reasons for the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Interests of Hudson’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger”
|
•
|
“The Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Annex A—Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Annex B – Statutory Merger Agreement”
|
(e)
|
Agreements Involving the Subject Company’s Securities. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“The Special General Meeting”—Required Vote”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Plans for Hudson after the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Background of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Financing of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Interests of Hudson’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger”
|
•
|
“The Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Hudson—Certain Transactions in the Hudson Class A Common Shares”
|
•
|
“Annex A—Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Annex B – Statutory Merger Agreement”
|
ITEM 6.
|
PURPOSES OF THE TRANSACTION AND PLANS OR PROPOSALS
|
(b)
|
Use of Securities Acquired. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Effect of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Plans for Hudson after the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Dufry’s and Merger Sub’s Reasons for the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Delisting and Deregistration of Hudson Class A Common Shares”
|
•
|
“The Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Annex A—Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Annex B – Statutory Merger Agreement”
|
(c)(1)-(8)
|
Plans. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Effect of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Plans for Hudson after the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Background of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Reasons for the merger; Recommendation of the special committee; Recommendation of the Hudson board of directors”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Dufry’s and Merger Sub’s Reasons for the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Interests of Hudson’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Financing of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Delisting and Deregistration of Hudson Class A Common Shares”
|
•
|
“The Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Annex A—Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Annex B – Statutory Merger Agreement”
|
ITEM 7.
|
PURPOSES, ALTERNATIVES, REASONS AND EFFECTS
|
(a)
|
Purposes. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Reasons for the merger; Recommendation of the special committee; Recommendation of the Hudson board of directors”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Dufry’s and Merger Sub’s Reasons for the Merger”
|
(b)
|
Alternatives. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Effects on Hudson If the Merger Is Not Completed”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Background of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Reasons for the merger; Recommendation of the special committee; Recommendation of the Hudson board of directors”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Alternatives to the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Dufry’s and Merger Sub’s Reasons for the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Position of Dufry and Merger Sub as to the Fairness of the Merger”
|
(c)
|
Reasons. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Effects of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Background of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Reasons for the merger; Recommendation of the special committee; Recommendation of the Hudson board of directors”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Dufry’s and Merger Sub’s Reasons for the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Position of Dufry and Merger Sub as to the Fairness of the Merger”
|
(d)
|
Effects. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Effects of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Effects on Hudson If the Merger Is Not Completed”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Plans for Hudson after the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Background of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Reasons for the merger; Recommendation of the special committee; Recommendation of the Hudson board of directors”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Interests of Hudson’s Directors and Executive Officers in Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequence of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Material Bermuda Tax Consequences of the Merger”
|
•
|
“The Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Annex A—Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Annex B – Statutory Merger Agreement”
|
ITEM 8.
|
FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION
|
(a)-(b)
|
Fairness; Factors Considered in Determining Fairness. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Background of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Reasons for the merger; Recommendation of the special committee; Recommendation of the Hudson board of directors”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Position of Dufry and Merger Sub as to the Fairness of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Opinion of Banco Santander, S.A.”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Interests of Hudson’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger”
|
•
|
“Annex C—Fairness Opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC”
|
•
|
“Annex D—Fairness Opinion of Banco Santander, S.A.”
|
(c)
|
Approval of Security Holders. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“The Special General Meeting—Required Vote”
|
(d)
|
Unaffiliated Representative. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Background of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Reasons for the merger; Recommendation of the special committee; Recommendation of the Hudson board of directors”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Opinion of Banco Santander, S.A.”
|
•
|
“Annex C—Fairness Opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC”
|
•
|
“Annex D—Fairness Opinion of Banco Santander, S.A.”
|
(e)
|
Approval of Directors. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Background of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Reasons for the merger; Recommendation of the special committee; Recommendation of the Hudson board of directors”
|
(f)
|
Other Offers. Not applicable.
|
ITEM 9.
|
REPORTS, OPINIONS, APPRAISALS AND NEGOTIATIONS
|
(a)-(b)
|
Report, Opinion or Appraisal; Preparer and Summary of the Report, Opinion or Appraisal. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Background of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Opinion of Banco Santander, S.A.”
|
•
|
“Annex C—Fairness Opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC”
|
•
|
“Annex D—Fairness Opinion of Banco Santander, S.A.”
|
(c)
|
Availability of Documents. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Where You Can Find More Information”
|
ITEM 10.
|
SOURCE AND AMOUNTS OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION
|
(a)-(b)
|
Source of Funds; Conditions. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Financing of the Merger”
|
•
|
“The Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Annex A—Merger Agreement”
|
•
|
“Annex B – Statutory Merger Agreement”
|
(c)
|
Expenses. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Fees and Expenses”
|
(d)
|
Borrowed Funds. Not applicable.
|
ITEM 11.
|
INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE SUBJECT COMPANY
|
(a)
|
Securities Ownership. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Interests of Hudson’s Directors and Executive Officers in Merger”
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Hudson—Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management”
|
(b)
|
Securities Transactions. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Hudson—Certain Transactions in the Hudson Class A Common Shares”
|
ITEM 12.
|
THE SOLICITATION OR RECOMMENDATION
|
(d)
|
Intent to Tender or Vote in a Going-Private Transaction. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“The Special General Meeting—Required Vote”
|
•
|
“The Special General Meeting—Voting by Hudson’s Directors and Executive Officers”
|
•
|
“Merger Agreement”
|
(e)
|
Recommendations of Others. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular under the following captions is incorporated herein by reference:
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“The Special General Meeting—Recommendation of the Hudson board of directors and the special committee”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Background of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Reasons for the merger; Recommendation of the special committee; Recommendation of the Hudson board of directors”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Dufry’s and Merger Sub’s Reasons for the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Position of Dufry and Merger Sub as to the Fairness of the Merger”
|
ITEM 13.
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
(a)
|
Financial Information. The audited financial statements of Hudson for the two years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 are incorporated herein by reference to Hudson’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019, originally filed on March 11, 2020 (see page F-1 and the following pages).
|
•
|
“Other Important Information Regarding Hudson—Selected Historical Financial Information”
|
•
|
“Where You Can Find More Information”
|
(b)
|
Pro Forma Information. Not applicable.
|
ITEM 14.
|
PERSONS/ASSETS RETAINED, EMPLOYED, COMPENSATED OR USED
|
(a)-(b)
|
Solicitations or Recommendations; Employees and Corporate Assets
|
•
|
“Summary”
|
•
|
“The Special General Meeting—Solicitation of Proxies”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Effect of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Background of the Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Opinion of Banco Santander, S.A.”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Interests of Hudson’s Directors and Executive Officers in Merger”
|
•
|
“Special Factors—Fees and Expenses”
|
ITEM 15.
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
(c)
|
Other Material Information. The information set forth in the Shareholder Circular, including all annexes thereto, is incorporated herein by reference.
|
ITEM 16.
|
EXHIBITS
|
Exhibit
No.
|
| |
Description
|
| |
Preliminary Shareholder Circular of Hudson dated , 2020.
|
|
| |
Notice of Special General Meeting of Shareholders of Hudson, incorporated herein by reference to the Shareholder Circular.
|
|
(a)-(3)
|
| |
Form of Proxy Card, incorporated herein by reference to the Shareholder Circular.
|
| |
Press Release issued by Hudson, dated August 19, 2020, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Report on Form 6-K furnished by Hudson to the SEC on August 19, 2020.
|
|
(b)
|
| |
Not applicable.
|
| |
Fairness Opinion of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC, dated August 17, 2020, incorporated herein by reference to Annex C to the Shareholder Circular.
|
|
| |
Fairness Opinion of Banco Santander, S.A., dated August 19, 2020, incorporated herein by reference to Annex D to the Shareholder Circular.
|
|
| |
Discussion Materials prepared by Lazard Frères & Co. LLC for discussion with the special committee of the board of directors of Hudson, dated August 6, 2020.
|
|
| |
Discussion Materials prepared by Lazard Frères & Co. LLC for discussion with the special committee of the board of directors of Hudson, dated August 13, 2020.
|
|
| |
Discussion Materials prepared by Lazard Frères & Co. LLC for discussion with the special committee of the board of directors of Hudson, dated August 17, 2020.
|
|
| |
Discussion Materials prepared by Banco Santander, S.A. for discussion with the special committee of the board of directors of Hudson, dated July 24, 2020.
|
|
| |
Discussion Materials prepared by Banco Santander, S.A. for discussion with the special committee of the board of directors of Hudson, dated August 17, 2020.
|
|
| |
Discussion Materials prepared by Banco Santander, S.A. for discussion with the special committee of the board of directors of Hudson, dated August 19, 2020.
|
|
| |
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 18, 2020, by and among Hudson Ltd., Dufry AG and Dufry Holdco Ltd., incorporated herein by reference to Annex A of the Shareholder Circular.
|
|
| |
Statutory Merger Agreement by and among Hudson Ltd., Dufry AG and Dufry Holdco Ltd., incorporated herein by reference to Annex B of the Shareholder Circular.
|
|
| |
Registration Rights Agreement between Hudson Ltd. and Dufry International AG, dated February 1, 2018, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Hudson’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019.
|
|
| |
Master Relationship Agreement between Dufry International AG and Hudson Ltd., dated February 1, 2020, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Hudson’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019.
|
|
(d)-(5)
|
| |
Loan Agreement between Dufry Finances SNC and Hudson Group Inc., effective October 30, 2012 for $123,204,207.74, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Hudson’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019.
|
(d)-(6)
|
| |
Loan Agreement between Dufry Financial Services B.V. and the Nuance Group (Canada) Inc., effective August 1, 2017 for CAD 195,030,000, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Hudson’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019.
|
| |
Hudson Trademark License Agreement between Dufry International AG and Hudson Group (HG), Inc., dated February 1, 2018, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Hudson’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019.
|
|
| |
Franchising Agreement between Dufry International AG and Hudson Group (HG), Inc., dated February 1, 2018, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Hudson’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019.
|
|
| |
Section 106 of the Bermuda Companies Act, incorporated herein by reference Annex E to the Shareholder Circular
|
|
(g)
|
| |
Not applicable.
|
|
| |
DUFRY AG
|
|||
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
By:
|
| |
/s/ Julian Diaz
|
|
| |
Name:
|
| |
Julian Diaz
|
|
| |
Title:
|
| |
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
By:
|
| |
/s/ Luis Marin
|
|
| |
Name:
|
| |
Luis Marin
|
|
| |
Title:
|
| |
Chief Corporate Officer
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
DUFRY HOLDCO LTD.
|
|||
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
By:
|
| |
/s/ Yves Gerster
|
|
| |
Name:
|
| |
Yves Gerster
|
|
| |
Title:
|
| |
Director
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
By:
|
| |
/s/ David Haldimann
|
|
| |
Name:
|
| |
David Haldimann
|
|
| |
Title:
|
| |
Director
|
|
| |
Sincerely,
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Juan Carlos Torres Carretero
Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
DATE & TIME
|
| |
[•], 2020 at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.
|
PLACE
|
| |
The special general meeting of shareholders of Hudson will be held at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda and shareholders can attend exclusively online via live webcast (the “special general meeting”) which can be accessed by visiting [•] (the “virtual meeting website”), where you will be able to attend the special general meeting and vote.
|
ITEMS OF BUSINESS
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Consider and vote on: A proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 18, 2020, as may be amended from time to time (the “merger agreement”), and the related Statutory Merger Agreement (the “statutory merger agreement), by and among Hudson Ltd. (“Hudson”), Dufry AG (“Dufry”) and Dufry Holdco Ltd., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Dufry (“Merger Sub”), a copy of which is included as Annex A to the shareholder circular of which this notice forms a part, and the transactions contemplated thereby, including a merger pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into Hudson, with Hudson surviving the merger as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Dufry (the “merger”).
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RECORD DATE
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Holders of Hudson Class A common shares and Hudson Class B common shares of record at the close of business in New York City on [•], 2020 are entitled to notice of, to attend and to vote at the special general meeting.
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VOTING BY PROXY
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The Hudson board of directors is soliciting your proxy to assure that a quorum is present and that your shares are represented and voted at the special general meeting. For information on submitting your proxy over the internet, by telephone or by returning your proxy by mail (no extra postage is needed for the provided envelope if mailed in the United States), please see the attached shareholder circular and enclosed proxy card. If you later decide to vote at the special general meeting via the virtual meeting website, your proxy prior to the special general meeting will be revoked.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
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The Hudson board of directors recommends that you vote:
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• “FOR” the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and
the statutory merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger (the “merger proposal”) |
VOTING AGREEMENT
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Pursuant to the merger agreement, Dufry has irrevocably agreed to cause its subsidiaries to vote all shares of Hudson held by such subsidiaries in favor of the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement at the special general meeting, which shares represent approximately 93.1% of the total voting rights of all Hudson shares, which is sufficient to approve the merger proposal at the special general meeting without the affirmative vote of any other Hudson shareholder.
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APPRAISAL RIGHTS
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For the purposes of Section 106(6)(b)(i) of the Bermuda Companies Act the board of directors of Hudson has determined that $7.70 in cash, without interest thereon, is “fair value” for each Hudson Class A common share. Under Bermuda law, any record holder of Hudson Class A common shares who does not vote in favor of the merger and who is not satisfied that they have been offered “fair value” for their shares is permitted to apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda for an appraisal of the “fair value” of their shares within one month from the giving of this notice convening the special general meeting.
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By Order of the Board of Directors of Hudson Ltd.
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Juan Carlos Torres Carretero
Chairman of the Board of Directors
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At the effective time of the merger, each vested restricted stock unit, if any, with respect to Hudson Class A common shares will be canceled, and Hudson will pay the holder of any such award at or promptly after the effective time of the merger, but in no event later than 60 days following the date on which such vested restricted stock unit became vested, an amount in cash equal to the product of the merger consideration and the number of Hudson Class A common shares represented by such award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Hudson determines prior to the closing of the merger that any vested restricted stock unit constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time (the “Code”), and that it is not permitted to be paid as described in the immediately preceding sentence without triggering a tax under Section 409A of the Code, such payment will be made at the earliest time permitted under the applicable Hudson stock plan and award agreement that will not trigger a tax under Section 409A of the Code as determined by Hudson prior to the closing of the merger; and
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As promptly as practicable following the date of the merger agreement, the nomination and remuneration committee of Hudson and Dufry will cooperate in good faith to determine the appropriate treatment of the unvested restricted stock units with respect to Hudson Class A common shares in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
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“FOR” the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger (the “merger proposal”).
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The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of the Hudson Class A common shares and Class B common shares (voting as a single class) present at the special general meeting approving the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement will have been obtained in accordance with applicable law;
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No provision of any applicable law will restrain, enjoin, prohibit or otherwise make illegal the consummation of the merger or any of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;
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Subject to certain qualifications, the other party having performed in all material respects all of its obligations under the merger agreement contemplated to be performed by it at or prior to the effective time of the merger; and
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Subject to certain qualifications, the accuracy of representations and warranties made by the other party in the merger agreement (subject generally to a material adverse effect standard, with different standards applicable to certain representations and warranties).
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Settlement and completion by Dufry of the rights offering resulting in net proceeds in an amount at least equal to the amount of funds necessary to complete the merger;
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Receipt by Dufry of the consent to the merger of the lender or lenders whose commitments aggregate more than 662∕3 per cent of the total commitments outstanding at any time under each of (i) the $700,000,000, EUR 500,000,000 and EUR 1,300,000,000 Multicurrency Term and Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement dated 3 November 2017 and made between, among others, Dufry, Dufry International AG, the various lenders party thereto from time to time and ING Bank N.V. (as the agent), and (ii) the EUR 367,000,000 Multicurrency Term and Revolving Credit Facilities dated 29 May 2020 and made between, among others, Dufry, Dufry International AG, the various lenders party thereto from time to time and ING Bank N.V. (as the agent) (the “lender consents”); and
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Receipt by Dufry of the consents to the rights offering and related Dufry share capital increase by the joint global coordinators on behalf of the managers pursuant to the Accelerated Bookbuilding Agreement between Dufry and the managers named therein (the “manager consents”).
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Solicit, initiate or take any action to knowingly facilitate or encourage the submission of any “acquisition proposal” (as described in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement— Restrictions on Solicitation of Acquisition Proposals; Changes in Board or Special Committee Recommendation”);
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Enter into or participate in any discussions or negotiations with, furnish any non-public information relating to Hudson or any of its subsidiaries or afford access to the business, properties, assets, books or records of Hudson or any of its subsidiaries to, otherwise cooperate in any way with, or knowingly assist, participate in, facilitate or encourage any effort by, any third party that is seeking to make, or has made, an acquisition proposal;
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Make an adverse recommendation change (as described in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement— Restrictions on Solicitation of Acquisition Proposals; Changes in Board or Special Committee Recommendation”) with regard to the merger;
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Fail to enforce, grant a waiver or release under a standstill or similar agreement with respect to any class of equity securities of Hudson or any of its subsidiaries; or
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Enter into any agreement in principle, letter of intent, term sheet, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement or other similar instrument relating to an acquisition proposal.
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The merger agreement may be terminated and the merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the effective time of the merger (notwithstanding any approval or adoption of the merger agreement by the shareholders of Hudson or Dufry):
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by mutual written agreement of Hudson (at the direction of the special committee) and Dufry;
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by either Hudson (at the direction of the special committee) or Dufry if:
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The merger has not been consummated on or before 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on December 18, 2020 (the “end date”); provided that if the conditions requiring Dufry to have settled and completed the rights offering, to have received the lender consents and to have received the manager consents have not been satisfied, but all of the other conditions to Dufry’s obligation to close have been satisfied or waived by Dufry in writing (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing, but which are capable of being satisfied), the end date may be extended by Hudson or Dufry to a date not beyond April 18, 2021; and provided further that the right to terminate the merger agreement pursuant to this provision will not be available to any party whose breach of any provision of the merger agreement results in the failure of the merger to be consummated by such time;
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The approval by the shareholders of Dufry of an increase in Dufry’s share capital (necessary to consummate the rights offering) has not been obtained at the extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Dufry (including any postponement thereof); provided that the right to terminate the merger agreement pursuant to this provision will not be available to Dufry if it has not complied with its obligations to use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary to obtain such approval of the shareholders of Dufry and complete the rights offering; or
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There will be any applicable law that (A) makes consummation of the merger or any of the other transactions contemplated thereby illegal or otherwise prohibited or (B) enjoins Hudson, Dufry or Merger Sub from consummating the merger or any other transactions contemplated thereby and in each case if such applicable law is an order, such order will have become final and nonappealable;
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by Dufry if a breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement on the part of Hudson set forth in the merger agreement will have occurred that would cause the applicable conditions not to be satisfied, and such breach or failure is incapable of being cured by the end date or, if curable by the end date, has not been cured by Hudson within 30 days after receipt by Hudson of written notice from Dufry of such breach or failure to perform; and
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by Hudson if a breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement on the part of Dufry or Merger Sub set forth in the merger agreement has occurred that would cause the applicable conditions not to be satisfied and such breach or failure is incapable of being cured by the end date or, if curable by the end date, has not been cured by Dufry within 30 days after receipt by Dufry of written notice from Hudson of such breach or failure to perform.
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Dufry has agreed to pay Hudson a termination fee of (x) $6,000,000 or (y) in the event that the end date is extended beyond December 18, 2020, $12,000,000 in cash if the merger agreement is terminated by:
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Hudson or Dufry because the merger has not been consummated on or before the end date and at the time of such termination, any of the closing conditions requiring Dufry to have settled and completed the rights offering, received the lender consents or received the manager consents have
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Hudson or Dufry because the approval by the shareholders of Dufry to approve an increase in Dufry’s share capital has not been obtained at the extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Dufry (including any postponement thereof); or
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Hudson if a breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement on the part of Dufry or Merger Sub set forth in the merger agreement has occurred that would cause the applicable conditions not to be satisfied and such breach or failure is incapable of being cured by the end date or, if curable by the end date, has not been cured by Dufry within 30 days after receipt by Dufry of written notice from Hudson of such breach or failure to perform (or any other termination of the merger agreement at a time when the merger agreement is terminable pursuant to this bullet).
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Dufry is not entitled to receive a termination fee payable by Hudson.
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The occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement;
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The failure to receive, on a timely basis or otherwise, the required approvals by Hudson shareholders with regard to the merger agreement;
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The risk that a closing condition to the merger agreement may not be satisfied, including the risk that the rights offering is not successfully settled and completed by Dufry or the possibility that the COVID-19 pandemic may hinder Dufry’s ability to consummate the merger;
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The risk that the Dufry shareholders do not approve the share capital increase necessary to consummate the rights offering at the extraordinary meeting of the Dufry shareholders;
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The failure of the merger to be completed on a timely basis or at all for any other reason;
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The risks that Hudson’s business may suffer as a result of uncertainties surrounding the merger;
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The ability of Hudson to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners pending the consummation of the merger;
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The possibility of disruption to Hudson’s business from the proposed merger, including increased costs and diversion of management time and resources;
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Limitations placed on Hudson’s ability to operate its business under the merger agreement;
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General economic conditions, including the possibility that the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Hudson;
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The outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Hudson or others relating to the merger agreement or the merger; and
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Other financial, operational and legal risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Hudson’s SEC reports.
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By Internet — You can vote over the internet at [•] by following the instructions in the notice of the special general meeting and the proxy card. You will need to enter your control number, which is a 16-digit number located in a box on your proxy card that is included with your proxy materials. We encourage you to vote by internet.
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By Telephone — You may vote and submit your proxy by calling toll-free 1-800-690-6903 and providing your control number, which is a 16-digit number located in a box on your proxy card that is included with your proxy materials.
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By Mail — You can vote by mail by marking, dating, signing and returning the proxy card in the postage-paid envelope.
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Telephone and internet voting facilities for shareholders of record will be available 24 hours a day and will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on [•].
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attending the special general meeting and voting in person;
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submitting a further proxy by the internet or telephone (only the last proxy submitted by each shareholder of record will be counted), provided that the shareholder does so before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on [•];
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delivering a written notice, at the address given below, bearing a date later than that indicated on the proxy card or the date you voted by internet or telephone, but prior to the date of the special general meeting, stating that the proxy is revoked; or
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signing and delivering a subsequently dated proxy card prior to the vote at the special general meeting. You should send any written notice or new proxy card to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, at 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717, USA.
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approve and declare advisable the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement;
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approve and declare advisable, and authorize Hudson’s execution of, the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement; and
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recommend to the shareholders of Hudson that they approve and adopt the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger (subject to the determination of the Hudson board of directors or special committee that the merger consideration contemplated by the merger agreement constitutes “fair value” in accordance with the Bermuda Companies Act).
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Premium to Trading Price. The special committee considered the current and historical market prices of Hudson Class A common shares, including the fact that the per share merger consideration of $7.70 in cash constituted a premium of:
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approximately 52.2% based on the trading price of $5.06 per share at market close on July 2, 2020, the last trading day before Hudson’s receipt of Dufry’s merger proposal;
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approximately 50.1% based on the closing price of $5.13 per share at market close on August 18, 2020, the last trading day before the announcement of the execution of the merger agreement; and
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approximately 63.1% based on the volume weighted average price of $4.72 per share during the 30 days ended August 18, 2020, the last trading day before the announcement of the execution of the merger agreement.
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Financial Condition and Prospects. Certain factors related to Hudson’s business, financial condition and results of operations, and Hudson’s prospects, including:
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the special committee’s understanding of the business, operations, financial condition, earnings and prospects of Hudson, including the strategy and prospects (as well as the risks involved in achieving these prospects) of Hudson continuing as a standalone publicly traded entity;
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the ongoing business pressures faced by Hudson, including, among other things, the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative impact on Hudson’s liquidity position, demand for worldwide air travel (and in particular the demand from business travelers), future travel habits of Hudson’s customers and potential changes in transportation safety requirements;
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the nature of Hudson’s industry and economic and market conditions (including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in business, travel and tourism resulting therefrom), both on a historical and a prospective basis;
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Hudson’s potential near- and long-term performance, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic;
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the potential risks to Hudson of continuing to have publicly traded common shares, including the risks of market volatility and the expectation that air travel will not recover to 2019 levels until 2023 or 2024 at the earliest;
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certain compliance costs and obligations imposed on Hudson as a result of having publicly traded common shares, including those imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the NYSE; and
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the financial projections prepared by Hudson’s management for, or otherwise made available to, the special committee.
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Certain Value of Merger Consideration. The special committee considered the fact that the merger consideration consists solely of cash, which provides certainty of value and immediate liquidity to the shareholders of Hudson Class A common shares, while eliminating long-term business and execution risk, including that the current downturn in air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic is more prolonged than currently anticipated.
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Extensive Negotiations with Dufry. The special committee has been engaged in discussions with Dufry regarding the merger proposal since the special committee’s formation by the Hudson board of directors on July 7, 2020, following the Hudson board of directors’ receipt of the initial merger proposal on July 6, 2020. As a result of extensive negotiations, the special committee, in consultation with its financial and legal advisors, was able to secure improved terms and conditions in the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement, including a 23% increase to the per share merger consideration payable to Hudson Class A shareholders. With respect to the merger consideration payable, as a result of negotiations on the part of the special committee, Dufry’s initial proposal to acquire Hudson Class A common shares for $6.25 per share in cash, which was made on July 6, 2020, was ultimately increased to $7.70 per share in cash on August 15, 2020. See the section entitled “—Background of the Merger” beginning on page 21 of this shareholder circular for more information.
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Process Conducted by the special committee. The special committee consists of three independent and disinterested directors who are not affiliated with Dufry and are not employees of Hudson or any of its subsidiaries. As described above, the Hudson board of directors delegated to the special committee broad powers to consider and negotiate the merger proposal. The special committee held 39 meetings to consider the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and alternatives thereto, as discussed in more detail in the section entitled “—Background of the Merger” beginning on page 21 of this shareholder circular, and each member of the special committee was actively engaged in the process on a regular basis. The special committee recognized that they had no obligation to recommend the approval of the merger or any other transaction.
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Retention of Independent Counsel. The special committee retained Cravath as its independent legal counsel to assist the special committee in its evaluation of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and alternatives thereto.
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Retention of Independent Financial Advisors; Fairness Opinions. The special committee retained Lazard and Santander as its independent financial advisors to assist the special committee in its evaluation of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and alternatives thereto. On August 17, 2020, each of the financial advisors rendered to the special committee their oral opinions, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of that date, and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the scope of review undertaken by the respective financial advisor as set forth in its respective opinion, the merger consideration to be paid to the holders of Hudson Class A common shares (other than each Hudson Class A common share owned by Dufry or any of its subsidiaries and each Hudson Class A common share held by holders who are entitled to and properly demand an appraisal of such Hudson Class A common share) pursuant to the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Hudson Class A common shares. For more information, see the sections entitled “—Opinion of Lazard” and “—Opinion of Santander” beginning on pages 38 and 44, respectively of this shareholder circular.
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Best Transaction Reasonably Available. The special committee believes that the merger represents the best transaction reasonably available to shareholders of Hudson Class A common shares in light of the foregoing factors as well as, among other things, the fact that (i) Hudson is controlled by Dufry, (ii) Dufry has expressed that it is not interested in selling its shares in Hudson and therefore that it would not vote in favor of a third party deal at the present time such that the ability of Hudson and its shareholders (other than Dufry and its affiliates) to participate in an alternative transaction and to realize certain value for their investment (other than in connection with the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby) is limited and (iii) the special committee believes that the merger consideration was the highest price that could be obtained from Dufry, that the terms of the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement were the most favorable terms Dufry would be willing to agree to and that further negotiations would create a risk of causing Dufry to abandon the merger altogether or materially delay the entry into a definitive agreement for a transaction.
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Availability of Appraisal Rights. The special committee considered the availability of appraisal rights to shareholders of Hudson Class A common shares who do not vote in favor of the merger proposal, which rights provide eligible shareholders with the opportunity to have a Bermuda court appraise the “fair value” of their shares. For more information, see below under the heading “—Appraisal Rights”.
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Terms of the merger agreement. The terms and conditions of the merger agreement, including the parties’ respective representations, warranties and covenants, the conditions to their respective obligations to complete the transactions contemplated thereby and their ability to terminate the agreement. The special committee considered the following in connection with their evaluation of the merger agreement:
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the limited termination rights available to Dufry;
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the prohibitions on Hudson from soliciting alternative transactions, subject to certain exceptions, and the “last look” right provided to Dufry with respect to any alternative proposals the special committee concludes would be superior;
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the termination fee of $6,000,000 (or $12,000,000 if the end date under the merger agreement is extended) payable by Dufry to Hudson if Hudson terminates the merger agreement because Dufry fails to complete the rights offering, obtain the lender consents or obtain the manager consents by the end date or if Dufry fails to obtain approval of the share capital increase necessary to consummate the rights offering by the shareholders of Dufry at the extraordinary meeting of the shareholders of Dufry;
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the lack of a termination fee payable by Hudson for the termination of the merger agreement in accordance with its terms; and
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the other terms and conditions of the merger agreement, as discussed in the section entitled “The Merger Agreement” beginning on page 57 of this shareholder circular, which the special committee, after consulting with its independent legal advisor, considered to be reasonable.
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Potential Failure to Consummate the merger. The merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement may not be completed for a variety of reasons, including the failure of one or more closing conditions to be satisfied such as the failure of Dufry to obtain consents from certain lenders under its existing credit facilities, complete the rights offering or obtain the manager consents by the end date or if Dufry fails to obtain approval of the share capital increase necessary to consummate the rights offering by the shareholders of Dufry at the extraordinary meeting of the shareholders of Dufry. If the merger and other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement are not completed, Hudson may experience negative consequences, including the potential reduction to the trading price of Hudson Class A common shares, and erosion of employee confidence in Hudson.
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Effect of the merger on Hudson’s Shareholders. The fact that Hudson’s shareholders (other than Dufry and its affiliates) will have no ongoing equity participation in Hudson following the merger, and that such shareholders would forego the opportunity to participate in the potential future earnings or growth of Hudson, if any, and the possibility that, at some future time, Dufry could sell some or all of the surviving company or its securities, businesses or assets to one or more purchasers at a valuation higher than available in the merger, and that the shareholders of Hudson Class A common shares would not be able to participate in or benefit from such a sale.
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Controlled Company. The fact that Dufry’s controlling ownership of Hudson, and that Dufry has expressed that it would not vote in favor of any alternative transaction with a third party, may discourage other potential acquirers from making an acquisition proposal for Hudson.
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Higher Historical Trading Prices. The fact that the trading price of Hudson’s Class A common shares had at times during the 52-week period preceding Hudson’s receipt of Dufry’s merger proposal been higher than the merger consideration (with the 52-week high during that period being $15.72 per share at market close on January 8, 2020), although the special committee noted that such historical prices were by their nature not reflective of the most recently available information with respect to the financial condition and prospects of Hudson, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Interests of Hudson’s Directors and Executive Officers. Some directors and executive officers of Hudson, although not the members of the special committee, may have potential interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of the holders of Hudson Class A common shares generally, including that certain directors and executive officers are employees of Dufry. For more information, see the section entitled “—Interests of Hudson’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page 53 of this shareholder circular.
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Absence of Minority Shareholder Approval. The merger is not conditioned upon the approval of a majority of shares held by Hudson’s shareholders other than Dufry. The special committee raised the possibility of such a condition to closing with Dufry but Dufry was unwilling to provide for such a condition. The special committee discussed the potential additional benefit to certain Hudson shareholders if such condition was included as a part of the transaction but ultimately decided to recommend the merger without such a condition in light of the other considerations discussed herein.
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Diversion of Management. The substantial time and effort of management necessary to complete the merger could result in diverting time and attention from, and could have a detrimental impact on, Hudson’s business.
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Expenses; Litigation. The risk of incurring substantial expenses related to the merger, including in connection with any litigation that may arise in the future.
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Taxable Transaction. The merger will be a taxable transaction to holders of Hudson Class A common shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For more information, see the section entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger” beginning on page 55 of this shareholder circular.
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determined that the merger consideration constitutes “fair value” for each share of Hudson Class A common shares in accordance with Bermuda law;
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determined that the terms of the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, are fair to and in the best interests of Hudson and its shareholders (other than Dufry and its affiliates);
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approved, adopted and declared advisable the execution, delivery and performance of the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger;
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directed the submission of the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement to the vote of Hudson’s shareholders; and
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recommended that the shareholders of Hudson vote in favor of the adoption and approval of the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger.
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The independence and experience of the special committee and the factors relating to procedural safeguards of the special committee process.
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The unanimous recommendation of the special committee.
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The factors considered by the special committee, including the benefits, risks and potentially negative factors relating to the merger and other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement.
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Pursuant to the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement, the unaffiliated shareholders will receive the merger consideration of $7.70 per Hudson Class A common share, which represents a
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The merger consideration is payable to the unaffiliated shareholders entirely in cash which provides certainty of value and immediate liquidity to the shareholders of Hudson Class A common shares.
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Notwithstanding that each of the fairness opinions of Lazard and Santander was delivered to the special committee only and none of Dufry, Merger Sub or any of their respective affiliates was entitled to rely or relied upon any such opinions, the fact that the special committee received opinions from Lazard and Santander, to the effect that, as of the date of the opinion, and based upon and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Lazard and Santander, as applicable, set forth in the applicable written opinion, the merger consideration was fair, from a financial point of view, to the unaffiliated shareholders.
|
•
|
The special committee was established and given authority to, among other things, review, evaluate and negotiate the terms of the merger and to recommend to the Hudson board of directors what action should be taken by Hudson, including not to engage in the merger.
|
•
|
The special committee consists solely of directors independent and disinterested directors who are unaffiliated with Dufry and Merger Sub or any member of management of Hudson and none of the members of the special committee is or was an employee of Hudson or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
|
•
|
None of Dufry, Merger Sub or their respective affiliates participated in the deliberative process of, or the conclusions reached by, the Hudson special committee or the negotiating positions of the Hudson special committee.
|
•
|
The special committee retained and was advised by its independent legal counsel and financial advisors who are experienced in advising committees such as the special committee in similar transactions.
|
•
|
The special committee and the Hudson board of directors, acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the special committee, determined that the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and the transactions therein, including the merger, are fair to and in the best interests of the unaffiliated shareholders.
|
•
|
The availability of appraisal rights to shareholders of Hudson Class A common shares who do not vote in favor of the merger proposal provides eligible shareholders with the opportunity to have a Bermuda court appraise the “fair value” of their shares.
|
•
|
The merger agreement allows the special committee, subject to specific limitations and requirements set forth in the merger agreement, to consider and respond to unsolicited third-party acquisition proposals and to furnish confidential information to, and engage in discussions or negotiations with, the person or parties making such acquisition proposals prior to the time Hudson’s shareholders approve the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement.
|
•
|
The merger agreement requires Dufry to pay a reverse termination fee of either $6,000,000 or $12,000,000 as set forth in the merger agreement, if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances.
|
•
|
reviewed the financial terms and conditions of drafts, each dated August 17, 2020, of the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement;
|
•
|
reviewed certain publicly available historical business and financial information relating to Hudson;
|
•
|
reviewed various financial forecasts and other data provided to Lazard by Hudson relating to the business of Hudson, including alternative sets of financial projections prepared by the management of Hudson at the request of the special committee, which are referred to in this shareholder circular as the original summary financial projections and the revised summary financial projections, and which assume, respectively, a recovery in business-related travel to pre-COVID levels and a recovery in business-related travel that is 20% below pre-COVID levels (for more information on the original summary financial projections and the revised summary financial projections, see the section entitled “—Certain Financial Information” beginning on page 51 of this shareholder circular);
|
•
|
held discussions with members of the senior management of Hudson with respect to the business and prospects of Hudson;
|
•
|
reviewed public information with respect to certain other companies in lines of business Lazard believed to be generally relevant in evaluating the business of Hudson;
|
•
|
reviewed historical stock prices and trading volumes of Class A common shares; and
|
•
|
conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations as Lazard deemed appropriate.
|
•
|
Dufry AG;
|
•
|
Lagardère SCA;
|
•
|
Autogrill SpA;
|
•
|
SSP Group PLC;
|
•
|
WH Smith PLC; and
|
•
|
Valora Holding AG.
|
|
| |
EV
|
| |
2022E
|
|
| |
($ in billions)
|
| |
EBITDA Multiple
|
Selected Comparable Travel Retail Companies
|
| |
|
| |
|
Dufry AG
|
| |
$6.1
|
| |
6.2x
|
Lagardère SCA
|
| |
$4.9
|
| |
7.1x
|
Autogrill SpA
|
| |
$2.6
|
| |
5.5x
|
SSP Group PLC
|
| |
$2.4
|
| |
6.4x
|
WH Smith PLC(1)
|
| |
$2.2
|
| |
9.3x
|
Valora Holding AG
|
| |
$1.0
|
| |
6.9x
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
Median
|
| |
|
| |
6.7x
|
Mean
|
| |
|
| |
6.9x
|
(1)
|
WH Smith 2022 multiple calculated based on non-calendarized FYE 2022 (August 31, 2022) estimates.
|
•
|
compared the financial and operating performance of Hudson with publicly available information concerning certain other companies Santander deemed relevant;
|
•
|
compared the proposed financial terms of the proposed merger with the publicly available financial terms of certain transactions involving companies Santander deemed relevant and the consideration paid for such companies;
|
•
|
reviewed the current and historical market prices of the Class A common shares and certain publicly traded securities of such other companies;
|
•
|
reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the management of Hudson relating to Hudson’s business, which are referred to elsewhere in this shareholder circular as the “original summary financial projections” and the “revised summary financial projections” (the “management projections”) (for more information, see below in the section entitled “—Certain Financial Information” beginning on page 51 of this shareholder circular);
|
•
|
reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information concerning Hudson and the industries in which Hudson operates;
|
•
|
reviewed a draft of the merger agreement dated August 16, 2020;
|
•
|
reviewed current and historical trading prices and trading volume for the Class A common shares; and
|
•
|
performed such other financial studies and analyses and considered such other information as Santander deemed appropriate for the purposes of Santander’s opinion.
|
•
|
Autogrill S.p.A. (“Autogrill”)
|
•
|
Dufry AG (“Dufry”)
|
•
|
Lagardère SCA (Lagardère)
|
•
|
SSP Group plc (“SSP Group”)
|
•
|
WH Smith PLC (“WH Smith”)
|
•
|
the enterprise value (which represents the equity value plus book values of total debt and pension obligations, including preferred stock and minority interests, less cash and investments in associates) (“EV”) as of the end of the last quarter for which financials were publicly available and based on forecasts from equity research available as of August 14, 2020;
|
•
|
revenues based on consensus estimates of selected publicly available research analysts reports;
|
•
|
earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) based on consensus estimates of selected publicly available research analysts reports;
|
•
|
earnings before interest and tax (“EBIT”) based on consensus estimates of selected publicly available research analysts reports;
|
•
|
EV as a multiple of estimated revenues for the calendar years of 2020, 2021 and 2022;
|
•
|
EV as a multiple of estimated EBITDA for the calendar years of 2020, 2021 and 2022; and
|
•
|
EV as a multiple of estimated EBIT for the calendar years of 2020, 2021 and 2022.
|
|
| |
EV / Revenues
|
| |
EV / EBITDA
|
| |
EV / EBIT
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
| |
2020E
|
| |
2021E
|
| |
2022E
|
| |
2020E(2)
|
| |
2021E
|
| |
2022E
|
| |
2020E(3)
|
| |
2021E
|
| |
2022E
|
Autogrill
|
| |
0.66x
|
| |
0.53x
|
| |
0.47x
|
| |
n.m.
|
| |
9.1x
|
| |
6.0x
|
| |
n.m.
|
| |
n.m.
|
| |
20.2x
|
Dufry
|
| |
1.32x
|
| |
0.85x
|
| |
0.67x
|
| |
n.m.
|
| |
13.7x
|
| |
6.5x
|
| |
n.m.
|
| |
n.m.
|
| |
9.7x
|
Lagardère
|
| |
0.84x
|
| |
0.68x
|
| |
0.63x
|
| |
n.m.
|
| |
10.2x
|
| |
7.7x
|
| |
n.m.
|
| |
18.1x
|
| |
12.0x
|
SSP Group
|
| |
1.04x
|
| |
0.78x
|
| |
0.67x
|
| |
n.m.
|
| |
9.5x
|
| |
6.2x
|
| |
n.m.
|
| |
23.7x
|
| |
10.4x
|
WH Smith
|
| |
1.60x
|
| |
1.32x
|
| |
1.17x
|
| |
n.m.
|
| |
12.1x
|
| |
8.7x
|
| |
n.m.
|
| |
20.6x
|
| |
12.5x
|
Mean
|
| |
1.09x
|
| |
0.83x
|
| |
0.72x
|
| |
n.a.
|
| |
10.9x
|
| |
7.0x
|
| |
n.a.
|
| |
20.8x
|
| |
12.9x
|
Median
|
| |
1.04x
|
| |
0.78x
|
| |
0.67x
|
| |
n.a.
|
| |
10.2x
|
| |
6.5x
|
| |
n.a.
|
| |
20.6x
|
| |
12.0x
|
(2)
|
Not applicable due to material declines in EBITDA as a result of the impact of COVID-19 that distorted the trading multiples.
|
(3)
|
Not applicable due to material declines in EBITDA as a result of the impact of COVID-19 that distorted the trading multiples.
|
|
| |
2020E
|
| |
2021E
|
| |
2022E
|
| |
2023E
|
| |
2024E
|
|
| |
($ millions)
|
||||||||||||
Impairment Case Financial Projections
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Consolidated Net Sales
|
| |
$910
|
| |
$1,405
|
| |
$1,690
|
| |
$1,882
|
| |
$1,939
|
Consolidated EBITDA
|
| |
$(139)
|
| |
$40
|
| |
$136
|
| |
$218
|
| |
$231
|
Consolidated Free Cash Flow
|
| |
$(193)
|
| |
$(22)
|
| |
$57
|
| |
$120
|
| |
$129
|
|
| |
2020E
|
| |
2021E
|
| |
2022E
|
| |
2023E
|
| |
2024E
|
| |
2025E
|
|
| |
($ millions)
|
|||||||||||||||
Original Summary Financial Projections
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Consolidated Net Sales
|
| |
$838
|
| |
$1,410
|
| |
$1,692
|
| |
$1,918
|
| |
$2,088
|
| |
$2,244
|
Consolidated EBITDA
|
| |
$(106)
|
| |
$49
|
| |
$153
|
| |
$232
|
| |
$266
|
| |
$300
|
Free Cash Flow Attributable to Hudson
|
| |
$(164)
|
| |
$(4)
|
| |
$48
|
| |
$92
|
| |
$112
|
| |
$127
|
|
| |
2020E
|
| |
2021E
|
| |
2022E
|
| |
2023E
|
| |
2024E
|
| |
2025E
|
|
| |
($ millions)
|
|||||||||||||||
Revised Summary Financial Projections
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Consolidated Net Sales
|
| |
$838
|
| |
$1,410
|
| |
$1,692
|
| |
$1,858
|
| |
$2,022
|
| |
$2,173
|
Consolidated EBITDA
|
| |
$(106)
|
| |
$49
|
| |
$153
|
| |
$215
|
| |
$247
|
| |
$279
|
Free Cash Flow Attributable to Hudson
|
| |
$(164)
|
| |
$(4)
|
| |
$48
|
| |
$86
|
| |
$104
|
| |
$118
|
Description
|
| |
Amount
|
Financial advisory fees and expenses
|
| |
[•]
|
Legal fees and expenses
|
| |
[•]
|
Printing and mailing costs
|
| |
[•]
|
Total
|
| |
[•]
|
•
|
At the effective time of the merger, each vested company RSU will be canceled, and Hudson will pay the holder of any such award at or promptly after the effective time of the merger, but in no event later than 60 days following the date on which such vested restricted stock unit became vested, an amount in cash equal to the product of the merger consideration and the number of Hudson Class A common shares represented by such award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Hudson determines prior to the closing of the merger that any vested restricted stock unit constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and that it is not permitted to be paid as described in the immediately preceding sentence without triggering a tax under Section 409A of the Code, such payment will be made at the earliest time permitted under the applicable Hudson stock plan and award agreement that will not trigger a tax under Section 409A of the Code as determined by Hudson prior to the closing of the merger.
|
•
|
As promptly as practicable following the date of the merger agreement, the nomination and remuneration committee of Hudson and Dufry will cooperate in good faith to determine the appropriate treatment of the unvested restricted stock units with respect to Hudson Class A common shares in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
|
•
|
Prior to the effective time of the merger, Hudson and Dufry will take all actions as are reasonably necessary to (i) effectuate the treatment of the vested company RSUs set forth above and the treatment of the unvested company RSUs that is ultimately agreed upon by the nomination and remuneration committee of Hudson and Dufry, including obtaining consents from award holders and making any necessary amendments to the terms of the applicable company stock plan and award agreement governing such company RSUs, in accordance with applicable law and the terms of such applicable company stock plan and award agreement and (ii) if necessary, terminate, effective as of immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, the applicable company stock plan.
|
•
|
For purposes of the merger agreement, “vested company RSU” means each Hudson restricted stock unit with respect to which the applicable service-based and performance-based vesting conditions have been satisfied as of immediately prior to the effective time of the merger (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any such awards held by a former service provider of Hudson or any of its subsidiaries), “unvested company RSU” means each Hudson restricted stock unit, other than a vested company RSU, that is outstanding immediately prior the effective time of the merger and “company stock plan” means the Hudson Ltd. Long-Term Incentive Plan for Selected Management Members and any other equity or equity-based compensation plan that is sponsored or maintained by Hudson or any of its subsidiaries that provides for awards of stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance shares or units, 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 share capital of or voting securities of Hudson, in each case, as amended from time to time.
|
•
|
The organization, good standing and qualification of Hudson and its subsidiaries;
|
•
|
The corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement;
|
•
|
The receipt of the Hudson special committee recommendation and the Hudson board of directors recommendation;
|
•
|
Required regulatory filings and authorizations, consents or approvals of governmental entities;
|
•
|
The absence of certain breaches, violations, defaults or consent requirements under certain contracts, permits, organizational documents and laws, in each case arising out of the execution, delivery and performance of, and consummation of the transactions contemplated by, the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement;
|
•
|
The capital structure of Hudson and its subsidiaries;
|
•
|
The financial statements of Hudson;
|
•
|
The disclosure documents required to be filed by Hudson in connection with the merger and information supplied by Hudson to Dufry for inclusion in the disclosure documents to be filed by Dufry;
|
•
|
The absence of certain undisclosed liabilities;
|
•
|
Compliance with laws by Hudson and its subsidiaries;
|
•
|
The absence of certain litigation, actions, suits, investigations or proceedings;
|
•
|
The absence of certain brokers’ and finders’ fees and other expenses payable by Hudson;
|
•
|
Receipt of the opinions of Lazard and Santander, respectively, with respect to the fairness of the merger consideration from a financial point of view;
|
•
|
The absence of a rights plan and exemption from antitakeover statutes or similar applicable law; and
|
•
|
Compensation and benefits plans, agreements and arrangements with or concerning employees of Hudson.
|
•
|
The corporate organization, good standing and qualification of each of Dufry and Merger Sub;
|
•
|
The corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement;
|
•
|
Required regulatory filings and authorizations, consents or approvals of governmental entities;
|
•
|
The absence of certain breaches, violations, defaults or consent requirements under certain contracts, permits, organizational documents and laws, in each case arising out of the execution, delivery and performance of, and consummation of the transactions contemplated by, the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement;
|
•
|
The accuracy of information supplied by Dufry to be included in disclosure documents filed by Hudson;
|
•
|
The absence of brokers’ and finders’ fees and other expenses payable by Dufry;
|
•
|
The availability of funds to consummate the merger and pay related fees; and
|
•
|
The solvency of the surviving company after the consummation of the merger;
|
•
|
Changes in general economic or political conditions or the financial or capital markets globally or in any of the markets in which Hudson or any of its subsidiaries operate (including general changes in air or other travel or tourism behavior or patterns and changes by airport or other travel- or tourism-related operators in their licensing, franchising, merchandising and retailing strategies);
|
•
|
Acts of war, sabotage, terrorism or natural man-made disasters or pandemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic) or disease outbreaks or any escalation or worsening of any stoppages, shutdowns or habits or behavior of people in connection with any such pandemic or disease outbreak, or any response of any governmental authority thereto (including requirements for business closures or “sheltering-in-place”);
|
•
|
The announcement, pendency or performance of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the impact thereof on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with customers, suppliers, distributors, licensors, licensees or employees of Hudson or any of its subsidiaries (it being understood that this bullet point will not apply to a “company material adverse effect” as used in any representation or warranty contained in the merger agreement to the extent that such representation or warranty contained in the merger agreement expressly addresses the consequences resulting from the execution and delivery of the merger agreement, the announcement or pendency of the merger agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, or the performance of obligations thereunder);
|
•
|
The identity of Dufry as the indirect majority owner in Hudson or of Dufry or one of Dufry’s affiliates as party to the merger agreement or any facts or circumstances concerning Dufry or any of its affiliates, including their respective relationships with any customers, suppliers, distributors, licensors, licensees or partners of Hudson or any of its subsidiaries;
|
•
|
Changes or prospective changes in IFRS, applicable law or interpretation or enforcement thereof;
|
•
|
Changes in the market price or trading volume of the Hudson Class A common shares (provided that, to the extent not subject to any of the other exceptions therein, any fact, condition, change, development or event underlying or that contributed to such changes may be taken into account in determining whether there has been a company material adverse effect);
|
•
|
The failure of Hudson and its subsidiaries to meet internal or analysts’ expectations or projections, performance measures, operating statistics or revenue, earnings or other financial predictions (provided that, to the extent not subject to any of the other exceptions therein, any fact, condition, change, development or event underlying or that contributed to such failure may be taken into account in determining whether there has been a company material adverse effect); or
|
•
|
any action taken by Hudson or any of its subsidiaries at the written direction of Dufry or any of its subsidiaries or representatives, or in accordance with the express terms of the merger agreement.
|
•
|
solicit, initiate or take any action to knowingly assist, facilitate or encourage the submission of any acquisition proposal;
|
•
|
enter into or participate in any discussions or negotiations with, furnish any non-public information relating to Hudson or any of its subsidiaries or afford access to the business, properties, assets, books or records of Hudson or any of its subsidiaries to, otherwise cooperate in any way with, or knowingly assist, participate in, facilitate or encourage any effort by, any third party that is seeking to make, or has made, an acquisition proposal;
|
•
|
make an adverse recommendation change with regard to the merger;
|
•
|
fail to enforce, or grant any waiver or release under, any standstill or similar agreement with respect to any class of equity securities of Hudson or any of its subsidiaries; or
|
•
|
enter into any agreement in principle, letter of intent, term sheet, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement or other similar instrument relating to an acquisition proposal.
|
•
|
Any acquisition or purchase, directly or indirectly, of 15% or more of the consolidated assets of Hudson and its subsidiaries or 15% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of Hudson or any of its subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 15% or more of the consolidated assets of Hudson;
|
•
|
Any tender offer or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in such third party beneficially owning 15% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of Hudson or any of its subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 15% or more of the consolidated assets of Hudson;
|
•
|
A merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving Hudson or any of its subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 15% or more of the consolidated assets of Hudson; or
|
•
|
Any other transaction the consummation of which could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, prevent or materially delay the merger or that could reasonably be expected to dilute materially the benefits to Dufry of the transactions contemplated thereby.
|
•
|
The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the Hudson Class A common shares and Class B common shares (voting as a single class) present at the special general meeting approving the merger agreement and the statutory merger agreement will have been obtained in accordance with applicable law; and
|
•
|
No provision of any applicable law will restrain, enjoin, prohibit or otherwise make illegal the consummation of the merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
|
•
|
Certain of Hudson’s representations and warranties relating to the capitalization of Hudson will be true and correct, subject to only de minimis exceptions, at and as of the effective time of the merger as if made at and as of such time (other than any such representations and warranties that by their terms address matters only as of another specified time, which shall be true and correct (disregarding all materiality and company material adverse effect qualifications contained therein), subject only to de minimis exceptions, only at and as of such time);
|
•
|
Certain of Hudson’s representations and warranties relating to corporate existence and power, corporate authorization, non-contravention, capitalization and subsidiaries will be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the effective time of the merger as if made at and as of such time (other than any such representations and warranties that by their terms address matters only as of another specified time, which shall be true and correct in all material respects only as of such time);
|
•
|
All other representations and warranties of Hudson set forth in the merger agreement (disregarding all materiality and company material adverse effect qualifications contained therein) will be true and correct at and as of the effective time of the merger as if made at and as of such time (other than any such representations and warranties that by their terms address matters only as of another specified time, which shall be true and correct only as of such time), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a company material adverse effect;
|
•
|
Hudson will have performed in all material respects all of its obligations under the merger agreement required to be performed by it at or prior to the effective time of the merger;
|
•
|
Dufry will have received a certificate signed by an executive officer of Hudson confirming the satisfaction of the above conditions;
|
•
|
Dufry will have settled and completed the rights offering;
|
•
|
Dufry will have received the lender consents; and
|
•
|
Dufry will have received the manager consents.
|
•
|
Certain of Dufry’s representations and warranties relating to corporate existence and power, corporate authorization, non-contravention and finders’ fees will be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the effective time of the merger as if made at and as of such time (other than any such representations and warranties that by their terms address matters only as of another specified time, which shall be true and correct in all material respects only as of such time);
|
•
|
All other representations and warranties of Dufry set forth in the merger agreement (disregarding all materiality and parent material adverse effect qualifications contained therein) will be true and correct at and as of the effective time of the merger as if made at and as of such time (other than any such representations and warranties that by their terms address matters only as of another specified time, which shall be true and correct (disregarding all materiality and parent material adverse effect qualifications contained therein) only as of such time), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a parent material adverse effect;
|
•
|
each of Dufry and Merger Sub will have performed in all material respects all of its obligations under the merger agreement required to be performed by it at or prior to the effective time of the merger; and
|
•
|
Hudson will have received a certificate signed by an executive officer of Dufry confirming the satisfaction of the above conditions.
|
•
|
by mutual written agreement of Hudson (at the direction of the special committee) and Dufry;
|
•
|
by either Hudson (at the direction of the special committee) or Dufry if:
|
•
|
The merger has not been consummated on or before 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on December 18, 2020 (the “end date”); provided that if the conditions requiring Dufry to have settled and completed the rights offering, to have received the lender consents and to have received the manager consents have not been satisfied, but all of the other conditions to Dufry’s obligation to close have been satisfied or waived by Dufry in writing (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing, but which are capable of being satisfied), the end date may be extended by Hudson or Dufry to a date not beyond April 18, 2021; and provided further that the right to terminate the merger agreement pursuant to this bullet will not be available to any party whose breach of any provision of the merger agreement results in the failure of the merger to be consummated by such time;
|
•
|
The approval by the shareholders of Dufry of an increase in Dufry’s share capital (necessary to consummate the rights offering) has not been obtained at the extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Dufry (including any postponement thereof); provided that the right to terminate the merger agreement pursuant to this bullet will not be available to Dufry if it has not complied with its obligations to use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary to obtain such approval of the shareholders of Dufry and complete the rights offering; or
|
•
|
There will be any applicable law that (A) makes consummation of the merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement illegal or otherwise prohibited or (B) enjoins Hudson, Dufry or Merger Sub from consummating the merger or any other transactions by the merger agreement and in each case if such applicable law is an order, such order will have become final and nonappealable;
|
•
|
by Dufry if a breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement on the part of Hudson set forth in the merger agreement will have occurred that would cause the applicable conditions not to be satisfied, and such breach or failure is incapable of being cured by the end date or, if curable by the end date, has not been cured by Hudson within 30 days after receipt by Hudson of written notice from Dufry of such breach or failure to perform; and
|
•
|
by Hudson if a breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement on the part of Dufry or Merger Sub set forth in the merger agreement has occurred that would cause the applicable conditions not to be satisfied and such breach or failure is incapable of being cured by the end date or, if curable by the end date, has not been cured by Dufry within 30 days after receipt by Dufry of written notice from Hudson of such breach or failure to perform.
|
•
|
Hudson or Dufry because the merger has not been consummated on or before the end date and at the time of such termination, any of the closing conditions requiring Dufry to have settled and completed the rights offering, received the lender consents or received the manager consents have not been satisfied, but all of the other conditions to Dufry’s obligation to close have been satisfied or waived by Dufry in writing (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing, but which are capable of being satisfied);
|
•
|
Hudson or Dufry because the approval by the shareholders of Dufry to approve an increase in Dufry’s share capital has not been obtained at the extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Dufry (including any postponement thereof); or
|
•
|
Hudson if a breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement on the part of Dufry or Merger Sub set forth in the merger agreement has occurred that would cause the applicable conditions not to be satisfied and such breach or failure is incapable of being cured by the end date or, if curable by the end date, has not been cured by Dufry within 30 days after receipt by Dufry of written notice from Hudson of such breach or failure to perform (or any other termination of the merger agreement at a time when the merger agreement is terminable pursuant to this bullet).
|
•
|
“(6) Any shareholder who did not vote in favor of the amalgamation or merger and who is not satisfied that he has been offered “fair value” for his shares may within one month of the giving of the notice referred to in subsection (2) apply to the Court to appraise the “fair value” of his shares
|
•
|
(6A) Subject to subsection (6B), within one month of the Court appraising the “fair value” of any shares under subsection (6) the company shall be entitled either - (a) to pay to the dissenting shareholder an amount equal to the value of his shares as appraised by the Court; or (b) to terminate the amalgamation or merger in accordance with subsection (7).
|
•
|
(6B) Where the Court has appraised any shares under subsection (6) and the amalgamation or merger has proceeded prior to the appraisal then, within one month of the Court appraising the value of the shares, if the amount paid to the dissenting shareholder for his shares is less than that appraised by the Court, the amalgamated or surviving company shall pay to such shareholder the difference between the amount paid to him and the value appraised by the Court.
|
•
|
(6C) No appeal shall lie from an appraisal by the Court under this section.
|
•
|
(6D) The costs of any application to the Court under this section shall be in the discretion of the Court.
|
•
|
(7) An amalgamation agreement or merger agreement may provide that at any time before the issue of a certificate of amalgamation or merger the agreement may be terminated by the directors of an amalgamating or merging company, notwithstanding approval of the agreement by the shareholders of all or any of the amalgamating or merging companies.”
|
(1)
|
The net profit/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests is composed of the respective results of Hudson’s joint ventures or subsidiaries before income tax. However at Hudson parent entity level, the group recognized expenses in relation to (a) Dufry (see note 37 to the consolidated financial statements in Hudson’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019), (b) amortizations related to acquisitions, and (c) accrued income taxes due by Hudson, which have no impact on the net profit/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests.
|
IN MILLIONS OF USD
|
| |
31.12.2019
|
| |
31.12.2018
|
Summary of consolidated statements of financial position
|
| |
|
| |
|
Non-current assets
|
| |
2,286.4
|
| |
977.4
|
Current assets
|
| |
560.4
|
| |
473.8
|
Total assets
|
| |
2,846.8
|
| |
1,451.2
|
Non-current liabilities
|
| |
1,641.8
|
| |
533.6
|
Current liabilities
|
| |
546.2
|
| |
280.7
|
Total liabilities
|
| |
2,188.0
|
| |
814.3
|
Net assets
|
| |
2,846.8
|
| |
1,451.2
|
|
| |
High
|
| |
Low
|
| |
Dividends
|
Fiscal Year 2020
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Third Quarter (through September 21, 2020)
|
| |
$7.65
|
| |
$3.93
|
| |
—
|
Second Quarter
|
| |
$7.65
|
| |
$3.95
|
| |
—
|
First Quarter
|
| |
$15.87
|
| |
$2.26
|
| |
—
|
Fiscal Year 2019
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
—
|
Fourth Quarter
|
| |
$15.74
|
| |
$10.93
|
| |
—
|
Third Quarter
|
| |
$14.37
|
| |
$10.33
|
| |
—
|
Second Quarter
|
| |
$16.95
|
| |
$12.89
|
| |
—
|
First Quarter
|
| |
$17.06
|
| |
$12.67
|
| |
—
|
Fiscal Year 2018
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
—
|
Fourth Quarter
|
| |
$22.89
|
| |
$15.28
|
| |
—
|
Third Quarter
|
| |
$23.22
|
| |
$16.13
|
| |
—
|
Second Quarter
|
| |
$18.98
|
| |
$14.23
|
| |
—
|
First Quarter (from February 1, 2018)
|
| |
$10.50
|
| |
$6.08
|
| |
—
|
|
| |
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
|
||||||||||||
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER
|
| |
CLASS A
COMMON
SHARES
|
| |
%
|
| |
CLASS B
COMMON
SHARES
|
| |
%
|
| |
PERCENTAGE
OF TOTAL
VOTING
POWER1
|
Dufry AG2
|
| |
—
|
| |
—
|
| |
53,093,315
|
| |
100.00
|
| |
93.1
|
Clearbridge Investments, LLC3
|
| |
4,083,003
|
| |
10.36
|
| |
—
|
| |
—
|
| |
0.7
|
Magnetar Financial LLC4
|
| |
3,147,574
|
| |
7.99
|
| |
—
|
| |
—
|
| |
0.6
|
Baron Capital Group, Inc.5
|
| |
3,000,000
|
| |
7.61
|
| |
—
|
| |
—
|
| |
0.5
|
TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC6
|
| |
2,724,870
|
| |
6.91
|
| |
—
|
| |
—
|
| |
0.5
|
Clearbridge Investments, LLC7
|
| |
2,048,603
|
| |
5.2
|
| |
—
|
| |
—
|
| |
0.4
|
(1)
|
Percentage of total voting power represents voting power with respect to all of Hudson Class A and Class B common shares, as a single class. The holders of Hudson Class B common shares are entitled to 10 votes per share, and holders of Hudson Class A common shares are entitled to one vote per share.
|
(2)
|
For additional information relating to Hudson’s controlling shareholder, see the section entitled “Other Important Information Regarding Dufry and Merger Sub—Past Transactions and Contracts”] beginning on page 83 of this shareholder circular. The two-class structure of Hudson’s common shares has the effect of concentrating voting control with Dufry and its affiliates. Because of its significant share ownership, Dufry exerts control over Hudson, including with respect to Hudson’s business, policies and other
|
(3)
|
As reported on Form 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2020. The address of ClearBridge Investments, LLC is 620 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10018.
|
(4)
|
As reported on Form 13D filed with the SEC on August 31, 2020, consists of Class A common shares owned by Magnetar Financial LLC (“Magnetar”), Magnetar Capital Partners LP (“Magnetar Capital”), Supernova Management LLC (“Supernova”) and Alec N. Litowitz. Each of Magnetar, Magnetar Capital Supernova and Mr. Litowitz may be deemed to beneficially own 3,147,574 Class A common shares. The address for each of Magnetar, Magnetar Capital Supernova and Mr. Litowitz is 1603 Orrington Avenue, 13 Floor, Evanston, Illinois 60201.
|
(5)
|
As reported on Form 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2020, consists of Class A common shares owned by Baron Capital Group, Inc. (“BCG”), BAMCO, Inc. (“BAMCO”), Ronald Baron and Baron Small Cap Fund (“BSC”). Each of BCG, BAMCO, Mr. Baron and BSC may be deemed to beneficially own 3,000,000 Class A common shares. The address for each of BCG, BAMCO, Mr. Baron, and BSC is 767 Fifth Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, NY 10153.
|
(6)
|
As reported on Form 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2020. The address of TimesSquare Capital Management, LLC is 7 Times Square, 42nd Floor, New York, NY 10036.
|
(7)
|
As reported on Form 13G filed with the SEC on September 10, 2020. The address of Clearbridge Investments, LLC is 620 8th Ave. New York, NY 10018.
|
Name
|
| |
Position with Dufry and Current Occupation of
Employment and Five-Year Employment History
|
Juan Carlos Torres Carretero
|
| |
Mr. Torres Carretero is chairman of the board of directors of Dufry and was first elected to the board of directors in 2003. He has many years of private equity and senior management operating experience. From 1995 to 2016, he was managing director and senior partner in charge of Advent International Corporation’s investment activities in Latin America. Mr. Torres Carretero is also a member of the boards of directors of Acamar Partners Acquisition Corp. and Hudson Ltd. Mr. Torres Carretero graduated in physics from Universidad Complutense de Madrid and in management from MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Born in 1949, Mr. Torres Carretero is a Spanish citizen.
|
Heekyung (Jo) Min
|
| |
Heekyung (Jo) Min is the lead independent director of Dufry and was first elected to the board of directors in 2016. She has served as Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at CJ Cheiljedang Corporation, a publicly-listed multi-industry Korean conglomerate with retail operations since 2011; as Director General, Incheon Free Economic Zone, Korea from 2007 to 2010; as Country Advisor, Global Resolutions, Korea in 2006 and as Executive Vice President, Prudential Investment and Securities Co., Korea from 2004 to 2005. Ms. Min holds an undergraduate degree from Seoul National University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Columbia Graduate School of Business. Ms. Min is also a member of the board of directors of Asia New Zealand Foundation (Honorary Advisor) and CJ Welfare Foundation. Born in 1958, Ms. Min is an American citizen.
|
Jorge Born
|
| |
Jorge Born is a director of Dufry and was first elected to the board of directors in 2010. He is a member of the board of directors of Hochschild Mining, Ltd., Chairman of the Fundación Bunge y Born and a member of the board of governors of the Lauder Institute at Wharton Business School. From 2004 to 2005, Mr. Born was an independent member of Dufry’s Board of Directors. He also had served as a board member of Dufry South America Ltd. until its merger with us in 2010. Mr. Born holds a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Born in 1962, Mr. Born is an Argentinian citizen.
|
Name
|
| |
Position with Dufry and Current Occupation of
Employment and Five-Year Employment History
|
Claire Chiang
|
| |
Claire Chiang is a director of Dufry and was first elected to the board of directors in 2016. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Banyan Tree Gallery, a Co-founder and Senior Vice President of Banyan Tree Resort Group since 1994 and was a Member of Parliament for the Government of Singapore from 1997 to 2001. Ms. Chiang holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Singapore and a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Hong Kong. Ms. Chiang is also a member of the Board of ISS A/S, Banyan Tree Gallery (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., RHYC Pte. Ltd, Mandai Park Holdings Pte. Ltd., Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund, Mamaboss Pte. Ltd., Banyan Tree Global Foundation Limited, Banyan Tree Gallery (Thailand) Limited, Bibace Investments Ltd., Kap Holdings Ltd., Recourse Investments Ltd., Bibace Management Company Limited and Tian Rong (TIANJIN) Enterprise Management Consulting Service Co. Ltd., and the following non-profit organizations Singapore Book Council, SFP Singapore Management University, Ministry of Defense, SCCCI (Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry). Ms. Chiang is also a member of the advisory committee of the National Arts Council, Guilin Tourism University International and School of Hotel and Tourism Management — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School Advisory Committee. Born in 1951, Ms. Chiang is a Singaporean citizen.
|
Julián Díaz González
|
| |
Julián Díaz González is a director of Dufry and was first elected to the board of directors in 2013. He has been Dufry’s Group CEO since 2004. Mr. Díaz González served as General Manager at TNT Leisure, S.A., from 1989 to 1993, as Division Director at Aldeasa from 1993 to 1997, in various managerial and business positions at Aeroboutiques de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and Deor, S.A. de C.V. from 1997 to 2000, and as General Manager of Latinoamericana Duty-Free, S.A. de C.V. from 2000 to 2003. Mr. Díaz González is also a board member of Hudson Ltd. Mr. Díaz González holds a degree in business administration from Universidad Pontificia Comillas (I.C.A.D.E.) de Madrid. Born in 1958, Mr. González is a Spanish citizen.
|
Steven Tadler
|
| |
Steven Tadler is a director of Dufry and was first elected to the board of directors in 2018. He has served as Managing Partner of Advent International since 1985, as Director of Advent International Corp. since 2002 and as Director of wTe Corporation since 1989. He served as board member of Skill-soft from 2010 to 2014 and Transunion from 2012 to 2017. Mr. Tadler holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and B.S., with distinction, from the University of Virginia. Mr. Tadler is also trustee at Endicott College and Managing Director of Exeter Capital. Born in 1959, Mr. Tadler is an American citizen.
|
Lynda Tyler-Cagni
|
| |
Lynda Tyler-Cagni is a director of Dufry and was first elected to the board of directors in 2018. She is the founder and has been Chief Executive Officer at Only the Best Agency Ltd since 2015. She also served as a Director at Atlantia SpA from 2016 to 2018 and served on the board of directors of World Duty Free Group from 2013 until Dufry’s acquisition of World Duty Free Group in 2015. She has also served as an advisor to the management Board of Bonpoint and held various management positions with Fast Retailing Group, Uniqlo and Ermenegildo Zegna. Ms. Tyler-Cagni is currently a member of the business management advisory board of EDHEC Paris. She holds a B.A. (Honors) in Languages, Economics & Politics from the University of Kingston, London. Born in 1956, Ms. Tyler-Cagni is a British and Italian citizen
|
Mary Guilfoile
|
| |
Mary Guilfoile is a director of Dufry and was first elected to the board of directors in 2020. She is currently Chairman of MG Advisors, Inc., a privately owned financial services merger and acquisitions advisory and consulting firm, and is a Partner of The Beacon Group, LP, a private investment group. Ms. Guilfoile served as Executive Vice President and Corporate Treasurer at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and
|
Name
|
| |
Position with Dufry and Current Occupation of
Employment and Five-Year Employment History
|
|
| |
as Chief Administrative Officer of its investment bank from 2000 through 2002, previously served as a Partner, CFO and COO of The Beacon Group, LLC, a private equity, strategic advisory and wealth management partnership, from 1996 through 2000. She has been a member of the boards of directors of C. H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. since 2012, currently serving as a member of the compensation and governance committees, The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. since 2007, currently serving as the chair of the audit committee, and as a member of the executive and corporate governance committees, and Pitney Bowes Inc., since 2018, currently serving as a member of the audit and finance committees. Ms. Guilfoile holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Boston College Carroll School of Management and a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia Business School, and is a certified public accountant. Born in 1954, Ms. Guilfoile is an American citizen.
|
Luis Maroto Camino
|
| |
Luis Maroto Camino is a director of Dufry and was first elected to the board of directors in 2019. He has been the CEO and President of Amadeus IT Group since 2011. He joined Amadeus IT Group in 2000, where he served as Deputy CEO, CFO and Director Marketing Finance. Prior to joining Amadeus, he held several managerial positions at the Bertelsmann Group. Mr. Maroto Camino holds a B.S. in Law from the Universidad Complutense Madrid and an MBA from the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de la Empresa, Madrid (IESE). Born in 1964, Mr. Maroto Camino is a Spanish citizen.
|
José Antonio Gea
|
| |
José Antonio Gea has been Dufry’s Deputy Group CEO since 2018. Previously, he was Dufry’s Group Chief Operating Officer from 2004 to 2018. Before his positions at Dufry, Mr. Gea held various managerial positions in Aldeasa from 1995 to 2003, leaving that company as its Director of Operations. Prior to that, he held various positions at TNT Express España, S.A. from 1989 to 1995 and was a Director of its Blue Cow Division from 1993 to 1995. Mr. Gea graduated in economics and business sciences from Colegio Universitario de Estudios de Financieros. Born in 1963, Mr. Gea is a Spanish citizen.
|
Yves Manuel Gerster
|
| |
Yves Gerster has served as Dufry’s CFO since 2019. Before holding his current position, Mr. Gerster was Global Head Group Treasury at Dufry International AG. Prior to his positions at Dufry, Mr. Gerster was Assistant Group Treasurer at Danzas Management AG from 1999 to 2003 and Assistant Group Treasurer at Bucher Industries AG from 2003 to 2006. Mr. Gerster holds a degree in Business Administration & Finance from the University of Basel. Born in 1978, Mr. Gerster is a Swiss citizen.
|
Luis Marin
|
| |
Luis Marin has been Dufry’s GCCO since 2018. Prior to his appointment to this role, Mr. Marin served as Chief Corporate Officer from 2014 to 2018; Business Controlling Director from 2004 to 2014 and from 2012 to 2014 was also responsible for the M&A division. Mr. Marin had previously served as the Head of Finance and Administration of Spanish subsidiaries of Areas, a company member of the French group Elior, from 2001 to 2004. He was the Financial Controller at Derbi Motocicletas — Nacional Motor S.A. from 1998 to 2001, and prior to that was an Auditor at Coopers & Lybrand from 1995 to 1998. Mr. Marin holds a degree in Economic Sciences and Business Administration from Universidad de Barcelona. Born in 1971, Mr. Marin is a Spanish citizen.
|
Pascal C. Duclos
|
| |
Pascal C. Duclos has been Dufry’s GGC and Secretary of the Board of Directors since 2005. Before his current position at Dufry, Mr. Duclos was a senior foreign attorney at law at the Buenos Aires law firm Beretta Kahale Godoy from 2003 to 2004 and a financial planner at UBS AG in New York from 2001 to 2002. Prior to that, he was an associate at the New York law firm Kreindler & Kreindler from 1999 to 2001 and a senior associate at the Geneva law firm Davidoff & Partners from 1991 to 1997. From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Duclos was also academic assistant at
|
Name
|
| |
Position with Dufry and Current Occupation of
Employment and Five-Year Employment History
|
|
| |
the University of Geneva School of Law. Mr. Duclos received a license in law from Geneva University School of Law and an LL.M. from Duke University School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Switzerland and is admitted to the New York Bar. Born in 1967, Mr. Duclos is a Swiss citizen.
|
Eugenio Andrades
|
| |
Eugenio Andrades has been Dufry’s CEOO since September 1, 2020. Before his current position, he served as Chief Executive Officer Europe, Africa and Strategy from January 2019 to August 2020, as Dufry’s Chief Executive Officer Operations and Strategy from 2018 to 2019 and Dufry’s Chief Executive Officer Division UK, Central and Eastern Europe in 2016 and 2017. Prior to that, Mr. Andrades was Chief Executive Officer (2014 to 2015) and Chief Commercial Officer (2011 to 2014) at World Duty Free and held several positions at Aldeasa including Commercial Director and Operations Coordinator (2007 to 2010), Director of Strategy & Development and Investor Relations (2002 to 2007), Chief Executive Officer Jordan & Middle East (2000 to 2001) and Commercial Director and Operations Coordinator, Aldeasa (2011 to 2014), Director of Strategy & Development and Investor Relations Business & Corporate Development and Investor Relations Director (1996 to 2000). Prior to joining Aldeasa, he had been a consultant at the McKinsey group and worked for Carboex, a subsidiary of Endesa. Mr. Andrades is a graduate in Mining Engineering at the Politécnica University of Madrid. He holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Strategy from the Colorado School of Mines, (Colorado, USA), and an MMBA from McKinsey & Co. Denmark. Born in 1968, Mr. Andrades is a Spanish citizen.
|
Andrea Belardini
|
| |
Andrea Belardini has been Dufry’s CCO since September 1, 2020. Before his current position, he served as Dufry’s Divisional Chief Executive Officer for Asia Pacific and Middle East from 2016 to August 2020 and as Chief Operating Officer Region 5 & Integration Leader. Prior to that he was the Global Chief Commercial Officer for Nuance concurrent with regional CEO function from 2013 to 2014 and the CEO European Operations of Nuance from 2009 to 2014. He was the Executive Vice President Strategy and Development & Commercial Business for Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) from 2000 to 2009. Mr. Belardini graduated with Honours (Magna cum Laude) in Business and Economics from the University of Rome La Sapienza. Born in 1968, Mr. Belardini is an Italian citizen.
|
Roger Fordyce
|
| |
Roger Fordyce has been Dufry’s Chief Executive Officer for North America since January 2019. Before his current position he held several positions at Hudson Group, where he started working as District Manager in 1988. From 1992 to 1996, he was Vice President of Operations, from 1996 to 2008 he was Senior Vice President of Operations and from 2008 to 2018 he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to 1988 he held positions as Manager at Dobbs /Aeroplex, WH Smith and Greenman Bros. Mr. Fordyce is a board member of Hudson Ltd. Mr. Fordyce holds a B.A. in Psychology from SUNY Stony Brook. Born in 1955, Mr. Fordyce is an American citizen.
|
Name
|
| |
Position with Merger Sub and Current Occupation of
Employment and Five-Year Employment History
|
David Haldimann
|
| |
Mr. Haldimann is a director of Merger Sub. Since 2015, he has served as the Global Head Risk Management and Taxes of Dufry. Born in 1973, Mr. Haldimann is a Swiss citizen and holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of Basel.
|
Yves Manuel Gerster
|
| |
Mr. Gerster is a director and the Chief Executive Officer of Merger Sub. Since 2019, he has served as Chief Financial Officer of Dufry. Prior to holding that position, he was Global Head Group Treasury at Dufry International AG from 2006 to 2019 and Assistant Group Treasurer of Bucher Industries AG from 2003 to 2006. Born in 1978, Mr. Gerster is a Swiss citizen and holds a degree in Business Administration & Finance from the University of Basel.
|
•
|
Hudson will provide information concerning Hudson’s business to Dufry upon request;
|
•
|
subject to applicable law, Hudson will not publish press releases concerning Hudson’s business, results of operations or financial condition, reports, notices, proxy or information statements, registration statements or prospectuses without Dufry’s consent;
|
•
|
Hudson will cooperate with Dufry with respect to various matters, including the preparation of Dufry’s public reports;
|
•
|
unless Hudson obtains Dufry’s consent, Hudson will borrow funds only pursuant to facilities provided by members of the Dufry Group, and any such borrowing will be on substantially the same terms as Hudson’s outstanding borrowings from members of the Dufry Group at the date of Hudson’s initial public offering, provided that the principal amount, interest rate (which may be fixed or floating) and term of future borrowings may vary from facility to facility, and the interest rate that Dufry charges Hudson will correspond to Dufry’s weighted average cost of debt funding in the currency of Hudson’s borrowings at the time that Hudson borrows or refinances any such debt or, if a floating rate of interest is applied, Dufry’s weighted average cost of debt funding at each interest reset date, in each case plus an administration fee to reflect the cost to Dufry of providing the service;
|
•
|
unless Hudson obtains Dufry’s consent, Hudson will execute foreign exchange transactions only through members of the Dufry Group, and if Dufry executes such foreign exchange transactions for Hudson, it may execute them either with a third person on Hudson’s behalf at the best quoted price or directly with Hudson at the best price quoted by a third person, in each case as reasonably determined by Dufry, plus an administration fee to reflect the cost to Dufry of providing the service;
|
•
|
Dufry may direct Hudson to deposit cash in any Dufry Group cash pooling arrangement up to the aggregate principal amount of borrowings by Hudson from Dufry then outstanding, and such cash deposited by Hudson may be used to secure any credit positions in the cash pooling arrangements, either of Hudson or its subsidiaries, or other Dufry Group members, and with Dufry’s consent, Hudson may borrow from any cash pool at the then-prevailing market rate applicable to borrowings by similar borrowers from the bank operating the cash pooling arrangement, as reasonably determined by Dufry, plus an administration fee to reflect the cost to Dufry of providing the service; the agreement also provides that in the event of the insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership or other similar status of Dufry, the amount of any borrowing by Hudson from Dufry should be set off against any amount deposited by Hudson in any cash pooling arrangement that is not returned to us;
|
•
|
at Dufry’s option, Hudson will purchase certain categories of products for sale, either directly from Dufry or through a third person with which Dufry has a supply arrangement, at prices to be determined by Dufry in accordance with its transfer pricing policy as then in effect for all members of the Dufry Group;
|
•
|
Hudson will do all things necessary to comply with Dufry Group’s policies in effect from time to time;
|
•
|
Hudson will support the Dufry Group in its global sales and marketing strategy and take any action requested by Dufry in furtherance thereof that does not materially adversely affect Hudson;
|
•
|
Hudson will use, apply and implement any information technology system, application or software required by Dufry, and Hudson will be responsible to Dufry for the costs of any such system,
|
•
|
Hudson will reimburse the Dufry Group for all costs incurred by the Dufry Group in connection with the granting and vesting of any awards to Hudson employees, either before or after Hudson’s initial public offering, pursuant to the Dufry PSU Plan; and
|
•
|
at Dufry’s option, Hudson will participate in any insurance policy or arrangement that Dufry effects for the members of the Dufry Group, and Hudson will be responsible for any costs (incurred by Dufry or otherwise) associated with effecting or maintaining such policy or arrangement, as determined by Dufry in its sole discretion.
|
•
|
franchise intellectual property (such as trademarks), including guidance and training on its use;
|
•
|
franchise business concepts;
|
•
|
franchise global distribution center tools;
|
•
|
franchise supporting knowhow, such as marketing and promotion knowhow and training; and
|
•
|
ancillary franchise services, such as centralized support services including treasury, internal audit, legal, tax and other services to support the franchise.
|
•
|
3% of net sales for duty-free sales under the Dufry, Nuance and World Duty Free trademarks;
|
•
|
2% of net sales for duty-free sales not under any such trademark; and
|
•
|
0.35% of net sales for duty-paid sales.
|
•
|
Certain financial institutions;
|
•
|
Dealers or traders in securities that use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting;
|
•
|
Persons holding Hudson Class A common shares as part of a straddle or integrated transaction;
|
•
|
U.S. holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;
|
•
|
Partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
|
•
|
Persons that acquired Hudson Class A common shares through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation;
|
•
|
Regulated investment companies;
|
•
|
Real estate investment trusts; or
|
•
|
Tax-exempt entities, “individual retirement accounts” or “Roth IRAs.”
|
•
|
A citizen or resident of the United States;
|
•
|
A corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; or
|
•
|
An estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.
|
|
| |
|
| |
PAGE
|
ARTICLE 1
|
||||||
DEFINITIONS
|
||||||
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
|
| |
|
| |
|
ARTICLE 2
|
||||||
THE MERGER
|
||||||
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
|
| |
|
| |
|
ARTICLE 3
|
||||||
THE SURVIVING COMPANY
|
||||||
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
|
| |
|
| |
|
ARTICLE 4
|
||||||
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
|
||||||
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
PAGE
|
ARTICLE 5
|
||||||
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT
|
||||||
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
|
| |
|
| |
|
ARTICLE 6
|
||||||
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
|
||||||
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
|
| |
|
| |
|
ARTICLE 7
|
||||||
COVENANTS OF PARENT
|
||||||
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
|
| |
|
| |
|
ARTICLE 8
|
||||||
COVENANTS OF PARENT AND THE COMPANY
|
||||||
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
|
| |
|
| |
|
ARTICLE 9
|
||||||
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
|
||||||
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
PAGE
|
ARTICLE 10
|
||||||
TERMINATION
|
||||||
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
|
| |
|
| |
|
ARTICLE 11
|
||||||
MISCELLANEOUS
|
||||||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | |
(b)
|
Each of the following terms is defined in the Section set forth opposite such term:
|
Term
|
| |
Section
|
Adverse Recommendation Change
|
| |
6.02(a)
|
Agreement
|
| |
Preamble
|
Appraisal Withdrawal
|
| |
2.04
|
Appraised Fair Value
|
| |
2.04
|
Certificate of Merger
|
| |
2.01(c)
|
Certificates
|
| |
2.03(a)(i)
|
Class A Share
|
| |
2.02(a)
|
Class B Share
|
| |
2.02(b)
|
Closing
|
| |
2.01(b)
|
Closing Date
|
| |
2.01(b)
|
Company
|
| |
Preamble
|
Company Board
|
| |
Recitals
|
Company Board Recommendation
|
| |
4.02(c)
|
Company Proxy
|
| |
4.08(a)
|
Company Disclosure Documents
|
| |
4.08(a)
|
Company Securities
|
| |
4.05(c)
|
Company Shareholder Approval
|
| |
4.02(a)
|
Company Shareholders Meeting
|
| |
4.08(a)
|
D&O Tail Policy
|
| |
7.02(c)
|
Effective Time
|
| |
2.01(c)
|
End Date
|
| |
10.01(b)(i)
|
Existing D&O Insurance
|
| |
7.02(c)
|
Paying Agent
|
| |
2.03(a)
|
Indemnified Person
|
| |
7.02(a)
|
Manager Consents
|
| |
5.04
|
Merger
|
| |
2.01(a)
|
Merger Application
|
| |
2.01(c)
|
Merger Consideration
|
| |
2.02(a)
|
Merger Subsidiary
|
| |
Preamble
|
Parent
|
| |
Preamble
|
Parent Disclosure Documents
|
| |
4.08(c)
|
Parent Share Capital Increase
|
| |
5.02(a)
|
Parent Shareholder Approval
|
| |
5.02(a)
|
Parent Shareholders Meeting
|
| |
5.02(a)
|
Parent Termination Fee
|
| |
10.03(a)
|
Registrar
|
| |
2.01(c)
|
Representatives
|
| |
6.02
|
Schedule 13E-3
|
| |
7.03
|
Special Committee
|
| |
Recitals
|
Special Committee Recommendation
|
| |
4.02(b)
|
Specified Termination
|
| |
10.03(a)
|
Superior Proposal
|
| |
6.02(d)
|
Surviving Company
|
| |
2.01(a)
|
Uncertificated Shares
|
| |
2.03(a)(ii)
|
|
| |
Dufry AG
|
|||
|
| |
Brunngässlein 12,
|
|||
|
| |
CH – 4010
|
|||
|
| |
Basel, Switzerland
|
|||
|
| |
Attention:
|
| |
Legal Department
|
|
| |
Email:
|
| |
legal@dufry.com
|
|
| |
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
|
|||
|
| |
450 Lexington Avenue
|
|||
|
| |
New York, New York 10017
|
|||
|
| |
Attention:
|
| |
Daniel Brass
|
|
| |
Email:
|
| |
daniel.brass@davispolk.com
|
|
| |
Hudson Ltd.
|
|||
|
| |
4 New Square, Bedfont Lakes
|
|||
|
| |
Feltham, Middlesex TW148HA
|
|||
|
| |
United Kingdom
|
|||
|
| |
Attention:
|
| |
Legal Department
|
|
| |
Email:
|
| |
legal@hudsongroup.com
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
HUDSON LTD.
|
|||
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
By:
|
| |
/s/ Roger Fordyce
|
|
| |
|
| |
Name: Roger Fordyce
|
|
| |
|
| |
Title: Chief Executive Officer
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
DUFRY AG
|
|||
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
By:
|
| |
/s/ Juan Carlos Torres
|
|
| |
|
| |
Name: Juan Carlos Torres
|
|
| |
|
| |
Title: Chairman
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
By:
|
| |
/s/ Julian Diaz
|
|
| |
|
| |
Name: Julian Diaz
|
|
| |
|
| |
Title: Chief Executive Officer
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
DUFRY HOLDCO LTD.
|
|||
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
By:
|
| |
/s/ Yves Gerster
|
|
| |
|
| |
Name: Yves Gerster
|
|
| |
|
| |
Title: Director
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
By:
|
| |
/s/ David Haldimann
|
|
| |
|
| |
Name: David Haldimann
|
|
| |
|
| |
Title: Director
|
(1)
|
DUFRY AG
|
(2)
|
DUFRY HOLDCO LTD.
|
(3)
|
HUDSON LTD.
|
Clause
|
| |
Page
|
|||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| | | | |||
| |
(1)
|
Dufry AG, a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft) incorporated under the laws of Switzerland having its registered office at Brunngässlein 12, 4052 Basel, Switzerland (Parent);
|
(2)
|
Dufry Holdco Ltd., an exempted company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda having its registered office at Canons Court, 22 Victoria Street Hamilton HM12 (Merger Subsidiary); and
|
(3)
|
Hudson Ltd., an exempted company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda having its registered office at 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda (Company).
|
(A)
|
Merger Subsidiary is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent.
|
(B)
|
Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Parent, Merger Subsidiary, Company, dated August 18, 2020 (Plan of Merger), and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, Parent, Merger Subsidiary and Company have agreed that Merger Subsidiary will merge with and into Company (Merger), with Company continuing as the Surviving Company, in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, as amended (Companies Act).
|
(C)
|
This Agreement is the Statutory Merger Agreement referred to in the Plan of Merger.
|
1.
|
2.
|
2.1
|
The parties to this Agreement agree that, on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger and in accordance with the Companies Act, at the Effective Time Merger Subsidiary shall be merged with and into Company with Company continuing as the Surviving Company.
|
2.2
|
The Surviving Company will continue to be a Bermuda exempted company under the conditions of this Agreement and the Plan of Merger.
|
2.3
|
The Merger shall be conditional on the satisfaction or waiver on or before the Effective Time of each of the conditions to Merger identified in Article 9 of the Plan of Merger and the issuance of the Certificate of Merger by the Registrar, such certificate to be issued on the Closing Date.
|
2.4
|
The Merger shall become effective at the time and date shown on the Certificate of Merger issued by the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda.
|
2.5
|
Pursuant to Section 2.01(c) of the Plan of Merger, the parties to this Agreement have agreed to request that the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda provides in the Certificate of Merger that the Effective Time will be at the time of day mutually agreed upon by the Company and Parent and set forth in the Merger Application, on the Closing Date.
|
3.
|
4.
|
5.
|
6.
|
|
NAME
|
| |
ADDRESS
|
|
|
Juan Carlos Torres Carretero
|
| |
c/o Hudson Ltd.
4 New Square Bedfont Lakes Feltham,
Middlesex TW14 8HA
United Kingdom
|
|
|
Julián Díaz González
|
| |
c/o Hudson Ltd.
4 New Square Bedfont Lakes Feltham,
Middlesex TW14
8HA United Kingdom
|
|
|
James Cohen
|
| |
c/o Hudson Ltd.
4 New Square Bedfont Lakes Feltham,
Middlesex TW14 8HA
United Kingdom
|
|
|
Roger Fordyce
|
| |
c/o Hudson Ltd.
4 New Square Bedfont Lakes Feltham,
Middlesex TW14 8HA
United Kingdom
|
|
|
Andrés Holzer Neumann
|
| |
c/o Hudson Ltd.
4 New Square Bedfont Lakes Feltham,
Middlesex TW14 8HA
United Kingdom
|
|
|
Joaquín Moya-Angeler Cabrera
|
| |
c/o Hudson Ltd.
4 New Square Bedfont Lakes Feltham,
Middlesex TW14 8HA
United Kingdom
|
|
|
James E. Skinner
|
| |
c/o Hudson Ltd.
4 New Square Bedfont Lakes Feltham,
Middlesex TW14 8HA
United Kingdom
|
|
|
Eugenia M. Ulasewicz
|
| |
c/o Hudson Ltd.
4 New Square Bedfont Lakes Feltham,
Middlesex TW14 8HA
United Kingdom
|
|
7.
|
7.1
|
Conversion of Shares
|
(a)
|
Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.1(b), 7.1(c) or 7.3, each Class A Share, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into the right to receive the
|
(b)
|
Each Class A Share held by the Company as treasury shares or owned by Parent or Merger Subsidiary immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be canceled and shall cease to exist, no right to the Merger Consideration shall arise in respect of such shares and no payment shall be made with respect thereto.
|
(c)
|
Each Class A Share held by any Subsidiary of either the Company or Parent (other than the Merger Subsidiary) immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled and shall cease to exist, no right to the Merger Consideration shall arise in respect of such shares and no payment shall be made with respect thereto.
|
(d)
|
Each Class B Share, shall be converted into one fully paid and nonassessable common share of the Surviving Company without any further consideration payable in respect thereof.
|
(e)
|
Each common share of Merger Subsidiary issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become one fully paid and nonassessable common share of the Surviving Company with the same rights, powers and privileges as the shares so converted and shall, together with the shares contemplated by Section 7.1(d) of this Agreement (and Section 2.02(d) of the Plan of Merger), constitute the only issued and outstanding shares of the share capital of the Surviving Company.
|
7.2
|
Restricted Stock Units
|
7.3
|
Dissenting Shares
|
7.4
|
Adjustments
|
8.
|
9.
|
9.1
|
Termination, Amendment and Waiver
|
(a)
|
This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of: (i) agreement in writing between Parent, Merger Subsidiary and Company at any time prior to the Effective Time; and (ii) automatically upon termination of the Plan of Merger in accordance with its terms. Without prejudice to any liability of any party in respect of any antecedent breach hereof or to any accrued rights of any party hereto (including those which have accrued under the Plan of Merger), if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section then this Agreement shall terminate and there shall be no other liability between Parent and Merger Subsidiary, on the one hand, or Company, on the other hand.
|
(b)
|
The amendment and waiver provisions set out in Section 11.03 of the Plan of Merger shall apply to this Agreement mutatis mutandis.
|
9.2
|
Entire Agreement
|
9.3
|
Execution in Counterparts
|
10.
|
11.
|
SIGNED for and on behalf of PARENT
|
| |
)
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
)
|
| |
|
| ||
|
| |
)
|
| |
|
| ||
|
| |
)
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Authorised signatory
|
|
| |
|
| |
Name:
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Position:
|
| |
|
SIGNED for and on behalf of MERGER SUBSIDIARY
|
| |
)
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
)
|
| |
|
| ||
|
| |
)
|
| |
|
| ||
|
| |
)
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Authorised signatory
|
|
| |
|
| |
Name:
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Position:
|
| |
|
SIGNED for and on behalf of COMPANY
|
| |
)
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
)
|
| |
|
| ||
|
| |
)
|
| |
|
| ||
|
| |
)
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Authorised signatory
|
|
| |
|
| |
Name:
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Position:
|
| |
|
(i)
|
Reviewed the financial terms and conditions of drafts, each dated August 17, 2020, of the Agreements;
|
(ii)
|
Reviewed certain publicly available historical business and financial information relating to Company;
|
(iii)
|
Reviewed various financial forecasts and other data provided to us by Company relating to the business of Company, including alternative sets of financial projections prepared by the management of Company at the request of the Special Committee and identified as Initial Management Plan and Adjusted Management Plan, which assume, respectively, a recovery in business travel to pre-COVID levels and a recovery in business travel that is 20% below pre-COVID levels;
|
(iv)
|
Held discussions with members of the senior management of Company with respect to the business and prospects of Company;
|
(v)
|
Reviewed public information with respect to certain other companies in lines of business we believe to be generally relevant in evaluating the business of Company;
|
(vi)
|
Reviewed historical stock prices and trading volumes of Class A Shares; and
|
(vii)
|
Conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations as we deemed appropriate.
|
|
| |
Very truly yours,
|
|||
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
LAZARD FRERES & CO. LLC
|
|||
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
By:
|
| |
/s/ Albert H. Garner
|
|
| |
|
| |
Albert H. Garner
|
|
| |
|
| |
Managing Director
|
i.
|
compared the financial and operating performance of the Company with publicly available information concerning certain other companies we deemed relevant;
|
ii.
|
compared the proposed financial terms of the Transaction with the publicly available financial terms of certain transactions involving companies we deemed relevant and the consideration paid for such companies;
|
iii.
|
reviewed the current and historical market prices of the Common Shares and certain publicly traded securities of such other companies;
|
iv.
|
reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the management of the Company (“Management”) relating to its business (the “Management Projections”);
|
v.
|
reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information concerning the Company and the industries in which it operates;
|
vi.
|
reviewed a draft of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 16, 2020 (the “Draft Agreement”);
|
vii.
|
reviewed current and historical trading prices and trading volume for the Common Shares; and
|
viii.
|
performed such other financial studies and analyses and considered such other information as we deemed appropriate for the purposes of this Opinion.
|
106 (1)
|
The directors of each amalgamating or merging company shall submit the amalgamation agreement or merger agreement for approval to a meeting of the holders of shares of the amalgamating or merging company of which they are directors and, subject to subsection (4), to the holders of each class of such shares.
|
(2)
|
A notice of a meeting of shareholders complying with section 75 shall be sent in accordance with that section to each shareholder of each amalgamating or merging company, and shall-
|
(a)
|
include or be accompanied by a copy or summary of the amalgamation agreement or merger agreement; and
|
(b)
|
subject to subsection (2A), state-
|
(i)
|
the fair value of the shares as determined by each amalgamating or merging company; and
|
(ii)
|
that a dissenting shareholder is entitled to be paid the fair value of his shares.
|
(2A)
|
Notwithstanding subsection (2)(b)(ii), failure to state the matter referred to in that subsection does not invalidate an amalgamation or merger.
|
(3)
|
Each share of an amalgamating or merging company carries the right to vote in respect of an amalgamation or merger whether or not it otherwise carries the right to vote.
|
(4)
|
The holders of shares of a class of shares of an amalgamating or merging company are entitled to vote separately as a class in respect of an amalgamation or merger if the amalgamation agreement or merger agreement contains a provision which would constitute a variation of the rights attaching to any such class of shares for the purposes of section 47.
|
(4A)
|
The provisions of the bye-laws of the company relating to the holding of general meetings shall apply to general meetings and class meetings required by this section provided that, unless the bye-laws otherwise provide, the resolution of the shareholders or class must be approved by a majority vote of three-fourths of those voting at such meeting and the quorum necessary for such meeting shall be two persons at least holding or representing by proxy more than one-third of the issued shares of the company or the class, as the case may be, and that any holder of shares present in person or by proxy may demand a poll.
|
(5)
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An amalgamation or merger agreement shall be deemed to have been adopted when it has been approved by the shareholders as provided in this section.
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(6)
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Any shareholder who did not vote in favour of the amalgamation or merger and who is not satisfied that he has been offered fair value for his shares may within one month of the giving of the notice referred to in subsection (2) apply to the Court to appraise the fair value of his shares.
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(6A)
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Subject to subsection (6B), within one month of the Court appraising the fair value of any shares under subsection (6) the company shall be entitled either-
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(a)
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to pay to the dissenting shareholder an amount equal to the value of his shares as appraised by the Court; or
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(b)
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to terminate the amalgamation or merger in accordance with subsection (7).
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(6B)
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Where the Court has appraised any shares under subsection (6) and the amalgamation or merger has proceeded prior to the appraisal then, within one month of the Court appraising the value of the shares, if the amount paid to the dissenting shareholder for his shares is less than that appraised by the Court the amalgamated or surviving company shall pay to such shareholder the difference between the amount paid to him and the value appraised by the Court.
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(6C)
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No appeal shall lie from an appraisal by the Court under this section.
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(6D)
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The costs of any application to the Court under this section shall be in the discretion of the Court.
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(7)
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An amalgamation agreement or merger agreement may provide that at any time before the issue of a certificate of amalgamation or merger the agreement may be terminated by the directors of an amalgamating or merging company, notwithstanding approval of the agreement by the shareholders of all or any of the amalgamating or merging companies.
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