Exhibit 4.1
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
Dated as of November 14, 1997
between
LIGHTBRIDGE, INC.
and
AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER AND TRUST COMPANY
as Rights Agent
Table of Contents
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Section Page
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SECTION 1. Certain Definitions........................................................... 1
SECTION 2. Appointment of Rights Agent................................................... 7
SECTION 3. Issue of Rights and Right Certificates........................................ 7
SECTION 4. Form of Right Certificates.................................................... 8
SECTION 5. Execution, Countersignature and Registration.................................. 9
SECTION 6. Transfer, Split-Up, Combination and Exchange of Right Certificates; Mutilated,
Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Right Certificates; Uncertificated Rights......... 9
SECTION 7. Exercise of Rights; Expiration Date of Rights................................. 10
SECTION 8. Cancellation and Destruction of Right Certificates............................ 12
SECTION 9. Reservation and Availability of Preferred Shares.............................. 12
SECTION 10. Preferred Shares Record Date.................................................. 13
SECTION 11. Adjustments in Rights After There Is an Acquiring Person; Exchange of Rights
for Shares; Business Combinations............................................. 13
SECTION 12. Certain Adjustments........................................................... 17
SECTION 13. Certificate of Adjustment..................................................... 18
SECTION 14. Additional Covenants.......................................................... 19
SECTION 15. Fractional Rights and Fractional Shares....................................... 19
SECTION 16. Rights of Action.............................................................. 20
SECTION 17. Transfer and Ownership of Rights and Right Certificates....................... 20
SECTION 18. Right Certificate Holder Not Deemed a Stockholder............................. 21
SECTION 19. Concerning the Rights Agent................................................... 21
SECTION 20. Merger or Consolidation or Change of Rights Agent............................. 21
SECTION 21. Duties of Rights Agent........................................................ 22
SECTION 22. Change of Rights Agent........................................................ 24
SECTION 23. Issuance of Additional Rights and Right Certificates.......................... 25
SECTION 24. Redemption and Termination.................................................... 25
SECTION 25. Notices....................................................................... 25
SECTION 26. Supplements and Amendments.................................................... 26
SECTION 27. Successors.................................................................... 27
SECTION 28. Benefits of Rights Agreement; Determinations and Actions by the Board of
Directors, etc................................................................ 27
SECTION 29. Severability.................................................................. 27
SECTION 30. Governing Law................................................................. 28
SECTION 31. Counterparts; Effectiveness................................................... 28
SECTION 32. Descriptive Headings.......................................................... 28
Exhibits
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A Certificate of Designation
B Form of Right Certificate
This RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of November 14, 1997, is made between
LIGHTBRIDGE, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and American Stock
Transfer and Trust Company, a limited power banking trust company licensed by
the New York State Banking Authority, as Rights Agent (the "Rights Agent").
The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized and declared a
distribution of one Right (as hereinafter defined) for each share of Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the "Common Stock") outstanding
at the Close of Business (as hereinafter defined) on November 14, 1997 (the
"Record Date"), and has authorized the issuance of one Right (as such number may
hereafter be adjusted pursuant to the provisions of this Rights Agreement) with
respect to each share of Common Stock that shall become outstanding between the
Record Date and the earliest of the Distribution Date, the Redemption Date or
the Expiration Date (as such terms are hereinafter defined); provided, however,
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that Rights may be issued with respect to shares of Common Stock that shall
become outstanding after the Distribution Date and prior to the earlier of the
Redemption Date or the Expiration Date in accordance with the provisions of
Section 23. Each Right shall initially represent the right to purchase one one-
hundredth (1/100th) of a share of Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred
Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the "Preferred Shares"), having
the powers, rights and preferences set forth in the Certificate of Designation
attached as Exhibit A.
Accordingly, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements
herein set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Rights Agreement,
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the following terms have the meanings indicated:
"Acquiring Person" shall mean any Person who or which, alone or together
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with all Affiliates and Associates of such Person, shall be the Beneficial Owner
of Common Shares then outstanding that equals or exceeds such Person's Ownership
Threshold, but shall not include (A) the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company,
any employee benefit plan of the Company or of any of its Subsidiaries, or any
Person holding Common Shares for or pursuant to the terms of any such employee
benefit plan, or (B) any such Person who or which has become such a Beneficial
Owner solely because (i) of a change in the aggregate number of Common Shares
outstanding since the last date on which such Person acquired Beneficial
Ownership of any Common Shares or (ii) it acquired such Beneficial Ownership in
the good faith belief that such acquisition would not cause such Beneficial
Ownership to exceed such Person's Ownership Threshold and such Person relied in
good faith in computing the percentage of its Beneficial Ownership on publicly
filed reports or documents of the Company which are inaccurate or out-of-date.
Notwithstanding clause (B) of the immediately preceding sentence, if any Person
that is not an Acquiring Person due to such clause (B) does not reduce its
percentage of Beneficial Ownership of Common Shares to an amount less than such
Person's Ownership Threshold by the Close of Business on the fifth Business Day
after notice from the Company (the date of notice being the first day) that such
Person's Beneficial Ownership of Common Shares so exceeds such Person's
Ownership Threshold, such Person shall, at the end of such
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five Business Day period, become an Acquiring Person (and such clause (B) shall
no longer apply to such Person). For purposes of this definition, the
determination whether any Person acted in "good faith" shall be conclusively
determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.
"Affiliate" and "Associate", when used with reference to any Person, shall
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have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General
Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this
Rights Agreement.
A Person shall be deemed the "Beneficial Owner" of, and shall be deemed to
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"beneficially own", and shall be deemed to have "Beneficial Ownership" of, any
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securities:
(i) which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or
Associates is deemed to "beneficially own" within the meaning of Rule 13d-3
of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as in effect
on the date of this Rights Agreement;
(ii) which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or
Associates has (A) the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable
immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement,
arrangement or understanding (written or oral), or upon the exercise of
conversion rights, exchange rights, rights (other than the Rights),
warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a Person shall
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not be deemed the Beneficial Owner of, or to beneficially own, or to have
Beneficial Ownership of, securities tendered pursuant to a tender or
exchange offer made by or on behalf of such Person or any of such Person's
Affiliates or Associates until such tendered securities are accepted for
purchase or exchange thereunder, or (B) the right to vote pursuant to any
agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral); provided,
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however, that a Person shall not be deemed the Beneficial Owner of, or to
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beneficially own, any security if (1) the agreement, arrangement or
understanding (written or oral) to vote such security arises solely from a
revocable proxy or consent given to such Person pursuant to a definitive
proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
otherwise in accordance with, the applicable rules and regulations under
the Exchange Act and (2) the beneficial ownership of such security is not
also then reportable on Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act (or any
comparable or successor report); or
(iii) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any
other Person with which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or
Associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or
oral) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except pursuant to a
revocable proxy as described in clause (ii)(B) of this definition) or
disposing of any securities of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this definition shall cause
a Person ordinarily engaged in business as an underwriter of securities to be
the "Beneficial Owner" of, or to "beneficially own", any securities acquired in
a bona fide firm commitment underwriting pursuant to an underwriting agreement
with the Company.
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"Book Value", when used with reference to Common Shares issued by any
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Person, shall mean the amount of equity of such Person applicable to each Common
Share, determined (i) in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in effect on the date as of which such Book Value is to be
determined, (ii) using all the consolidated assets and all the consolidated
liabilities of such Person on the date as of which such Book Value is to be
determined, except that no value shall be included in such assets for goodwill
arising from consummation of a business combination, and (iii) after giving
effect to (A) the exercise of all rights, options and warrants to purchase such
Common Shares (other than the Rights), and the conversion of all securities
convertible into such Common Shares, at an exercise or conversion price, per
Common Share, which is less than such Book Value before giving effect to such
exercise or conversion (whether or not exercisability or convertibility is
conditioned upon occurrence of a future event), (B) all dividends and other
distributions on the capital stock of such Person declared prior to the date as
of which such Book Value is to be determined and to be paid or made after such
date, and (C) any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or
oral), or transaction or other action prior to the date as of which such Book
Value is to be determined which would have the effect of thereafter reducing
such Book Value.
"Business Combination" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
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11(c)(I).
"Business Day" shall mean each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and
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Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in Boston,
Massachusetts, or the city in which the principal office of the Rights Agent is
located, are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
"Certificate of Designation" shall mean the Certificate of Designation of
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Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock setting forth the powers,
preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of Series A
Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock of the Company, a copy of which is
attached as Exhibit A.
"Close of Business" on any given date shall mean 5:00 p.m., Boston time, on
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such date; provided, however, that, if such date is not a Business Day, "Close
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of Business" shall mean 5:00 p.m., Boston, Massachusetts time, on the next
succeeding Business Day.
"Common Shares", when used with reference to the Company prior to a
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Business Combination, shall mean the shares of Common Stock or any other shares
of capital stock of the Company into which the Common Stock shall be
reclassified or changed. "Common Shares", when used with reference to any
Person (other than the Company prior to a Business Combination), shall mean
shares of capital stock of such Person (if such Person is a corporation) of any
class or series, or units of equity interests in such Person (if such Person is
not a corporation) of any class or series, the terms of which do not limit (as a
maximum amount and not merely in proportional terms) the amount of dividends or
income payable or distributable on such class or series or the amount of assets
distributable on such class or series upon any voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of such Person and do not provide that
such class or series is subject to redemption at the option of such Person, or
any shares of capital stock or units of equity interests into which the
foregoing shall be reclassified or changed; provided, however, that, if at any
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time there shall be more than one such class or series of capital stock or
equity interests of such Person, "Common Shares"
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of such Person shall include all such classes and series substantially in the
proportion of the total number of shares or other units of each such class or
series outstanding at such time.
"Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory
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paragraph of this Rights Agreement.
"Company" shall have the meaning set forth in the heading of this Rights
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Agreement; provided, however, that if there is a Business Combination, "Company"
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shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11(c)(III).
The term "control" with respect to any Person shall mean the power to
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direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, by or
through stock ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection
with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or
more other Persons by or through stock ownership, agency or otherwise; and the
terms "controlling" and "controlled" shall have meanings correlative to the
foregoing.
"Distribution Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(b).
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"Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect
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on the date in question, unless otherwise specifically provided.
"Exchange Consideration" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
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11(b)(I).
"Expiration Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(a).
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"Formula Number" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2 of the
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Certificate of Designation.
"Major Part", when used with reference to the assets of the Company and its
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Subsidiaries as of any date, shall mean assets (i) having a fair market value
aggregating 50% or more of the total fair market value of all the assets of the
Company and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) as of the date in question, (ii)
accounting for 50% or more of the total value (net of depreciation and
amortization) of all the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries (taken as a
whole) as would be shown on a consolidated or combined balance sheet of the
Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date in question, prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles then in effect, or (iii)
accounting for 50% or more of the total amount of earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization or revenues of the Company and its
Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) as would be shown on, or derived from, a
consolidated or combined statement of income of the Company and its Subsidiaries
for the period of 12 months ending on the last day of the Company's monthly
accounting period next preceding the date in question, prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles then in effect.
"Market Value", when used with reference to any class of Common Shares on
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any date, shall be deemed to be the average of the daily closing prices, per
share, of any such class for the period which is the shorter of (1) 30
consecutive Trading Days immediately prior to the date in question or
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(2) the number of consecutive Trading Days beginning on the Trading Day
immediately after the date of the first public announcement of a Business
Combination with an Acquiring Person or Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring
Person requiring a determination of the Market Value and ending on the Trading
Day immediately prior to the record date of such Business Combination; provided,
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however, that, in the event that the Market Value of such class of Common Shares
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is to be determined in whole or in part during a period following the
announcement by the issuer of such class of Common Shares of any action of the
type described in Section 12(a) that would require an adjustment thereunder,
then, and in each such case, the Market Value of such class shall be
appropriately adjusted to reflect the effect of such action on the market price
of such class. The closing price for each Trading Day shall be the closing price
quoted on the composite tape for securities listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, or, if such securities are not quoted on such composite tape or if
such securities are not listed on such exchange, on the principal United States
securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act (or any recognized foreign
stock exchange) on which such securities are listed, or, if such securities are
not listed on any such exchange, the last quoted price or, if not so quoted, the
average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market with
respect to a share of such securities as reported by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System ("NASDAQ") or such other
system then in use, or if no such quotations are available, the average of the
closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making
a market in such securities selected by the Board of Directors of the Company.
If on any such Trading Day no market maker is making a market in such securities
for any reason, the closing price of such securities on such Trading Day shall
be deemed to be the fair value of such securities as determined in good faith by
the Board of Directors of the Company (whose determination shall be described in
a statement filed with the Rights Agent and shall be binding on the Rights
Agent, the holders of Rights and all other Persons); provided, however, that for
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the purpose of determining the closing price of the Preferred Shares for any
Trading Day on which there is no such market maker for the Preferred Shares the
closing price on such Trading Day shall be deemed to be the Formula Number times
the closing price of the Common Stock of the Company on such Trading Day.
"Ownership Threshold" shall mean, with respect to any Person, Beneficial
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Ownership of the greater of (A) 15% of the Common Shares at any time outstanding
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or (B) the percentage of the outstanding Common Shares Beneficially Owned by
such Person on the date of this Rights Agreement, plus in the case of this
clause (B) 1% of the Common Shares outstanding on such date.
"Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
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association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity.
"Preferred Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory
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paragraph of this Rights Agreement. Any reference in this Rights Agreement to
Preferred Shares shall be deemed to include any authorized fraction of a
Preferred Share, unless the context otherwise requires.
"Preferred Stock" shall mean the Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share,
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of the Company.
"Principal Party" shall mean the Surviving Person in a Business
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Combination; provided, however, that, if such Surviving Person is a direct or
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indirect Subsidiary of any other Person, "Principal Party" shall mean the Person
which is the ultimate parent of such Surviving Person and
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which is not itself a Subsidiary of another Person. In the event ultimate
control of such Surviving Person is shared by two or more Persons, "Principal
Party" shall mean that Person that is immediately controlled by such two or more
Persons.
"Purchase Price" with respect to each Right shall mean $75.00, as such
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amount may from time to time be adjusted as provided herein, and shall be
payable in lawful money of the United States of America. All references herein
to the Purchase Price shall mean the Purchase Price as in effect at the time in
question.
"Record Date" shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory
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paragraph of this Rights Agreement.
"Redemption Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 24(a).
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"Redemption Price" with respect to each Right shall mean $.01, as such
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amount may from time to time be adjusted in accordance with Section 12. All
references herein to the Redemption Price shall mean the Redemption Price as in
effect at the time in question.
"Registered Common Shares" shall mean Common Shares which are, as of the
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date of consummation of a Business Combination, and have continuously been for
the 12 months immediately preceding such date, registered under Section 12 of
the Exchange Act.
"Right Certificate" shall mean a certificate evidencing a Right in
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substantially the form attached as Exhibit B.
"Rights" shall mean the rights to purchase Preferred Shares (or other
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securities) as provided in this Rights Agreement.
"Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as in effect on the
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date in question, unless otherwise specifically provided.
"Subsidiary" shall mean a Person, at least a majority of the total
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outstanding voting power (being the power under ordinary circumstances (and not
merely upon the happening of a contingency) to vote in the election of directors
of such Person (if such Person is a corporation) or to participate in the
management and control of such Person (if such Person is not a corporation)) of
which is owned, directly or indirectly, by another Person or by one or more
other Subsidiaries of such other Person or by such other Person and one or more
other Subsidiaries of such other Person.
"Surviving Person" shall mean (1) the Person which is the continuing or
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surviving Person in a consolidation or merger specified in Section 11(c)(I)(i)
or 11(c)(I)(ii) or (2) the Person to which the Major Part of the assets of the
Company and its Subsidiaries is sold, leased, exchanged or otherwise transferred
or disposed of in a transaction specified in Section 11(c)(I)(iii); provided,
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however, that, if the Major Part of the assets of the Company and its
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Subsidiaries is sold, leased, exchanged or otherwise transferred or disposed of
in one or more related transactions specified in Section 11(c)(I)(iii) to more
than one Person, the "Surviving Person" in such case shall mean the Person that
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acquired assets of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries with the greatest fair
market value in such transaction or transactions.
"Trading Day" when used with reference to the Market Value of a security,
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shall mean a day on which the principal national securities exchange (or
principal recognized foreign stock exchange, as the case may be) on which such
securities are listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of
business or, if such securities in question are not listed or admitted to
trading on any national securities exchange (or recognized foreign stock
exchange, as the case may be), a Business Day.
SECTION 2. Appointment of Rights Agent. The Company hereby appoints the
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Rights Agent to act as agent for the Company in accordance with the terms and
conditions hereof, and the Rights Agent hereby accepts such appointment. The
Company may from time to time appoint one or more co-Rights Agents as it may
deem necessary or desirable (the term "Rights Agent" being used herein to refer,
collectively, to the Rights Agent together with any such co-Rights Agents). In
the event the Company appoints one or more co-Rights Agents, the respective
duties of the Rights Agent and any co-Rights Agents shall be as the Company
shall determine.
SECTION 3. Issue of Rights and Right Certificates. (a) One Right shall be
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associated with each Common Share outstanding on the Record Date, each
additional Common Share that shall become outstanding between the Record Date
and the earliest of the Distribution Date, the Redemption Date or the Expiration
Date and each additional Common Share with which Rights are issued after the
Distribution Date but prior to the earlier of the Redemption Date or the
Expiration Date as provided in Section 23, in each case subject to the
provisions of Section 12.
(b) Until the earlier of (i) such time as the Company learns that a Person
has become an Acquiring Person or (ii) the Close of Business on such date, if
any, as may be designated by the Board of Directors of the Company following the
commencement of, or first public disclosure of an intent to commence, a tender
or exchange offer by any Person (other than the Company, any Subsidiary of the
Company, any employee benefit plan of the Company or of any of its Subsidiaries,
or any Person holding Common Shares for or pursuant to the terms of any such
employee benefit plan) for outstanding Common Shares, if upon consummation of
such tender or exchange offer such Person's Beneficial Ownership of Common
Shares then outstanding could equal or exceed such Person's Ownership Threshold
(the Close of Business on the earlier of such dates being the "Distribution
Date"), (x) the Rights will be evidenced by the certificates for Common Shares
registered in the names of the holders thereof and not by separate Right
Certificates and (y) the Rights, including the right to receive Right
Certificates, will be transferable only in connection with the transfer of
Common Shares. As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, the Rights
Agent will send, by first-class, postage-prepaid mail, to each record holder of
Common Shares as of the Distribution Date, at the address of such holder shown
on the records of the Company, a Right Certificate evidencing the Rights to
which such holder is entitled. As of and after the Distribution Date, the
Rights will be evidenced solely by such Right Certificates.
(c) With respect to any certificate for Common Shares, until the earliest
of the Distribution Date, the Redemption Date or the Expiration Date, the Rights
associated with the Common Shares
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represented by any such certificate shall be evidenced by such certificate
alone, the registered holders of the Common Shares shall also be the registered
holders of the associated Rights and the surrender for transfer of any such
certificate shall also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the
Common Shares represented thereby.
(d) Certificates issued for Common Shares after the Record Date (including,
without limitation, upon transfer or exchange of outstanding Common Shares), but
prior to the earliest of the Distribution Date, the Redemption Date or the
Expiration Date, may have printed on, written on or otherwise affixed to them
the following legend:
This certificate also evidences and entitles the holder hereof to
certain Rights as set forth in a Rights Agreement dated as of November 14,
1997, as it may be amended from time to time (the "Rights Agreement"),
between Lightbridge, Inc. (the "Company") and American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, as Rights Agent (the "Rights Agent"), the terms of which are
hereby incorporated herein by reference and a copy of which is on file at
the principal executive offices of the Company. Under certain
circumstances, as set forth in the Rights Agreement, such Rights will be
evidenced by separate certificates and will no longer be evidenced by this
certificate. The Company will mail to the holder of this certificate a
copy of the Rights Agreement without charge after receipt of a written
request therefor. Rights beneficially owned by Acquiring Persons or their
Affiliates or Associates (as such terms are defined in the Rights
Agreement) and by any subsequent holder of such Rights are null and void
and nontransferable.
Notwithstanding this paragraph (d), the omission of a legend shall not affect
the enforceability of any part of this Rights Agreement or the rights of any
holder of Rights.
SECTION 4. Form of Right Certificates. The Right Certificates (and the
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form of election to purchase and form of assignment to be printed on the reverse
side thereof) shall be in substantially the form set forth as Exhibit B and may
have such marks of identification or designation and such legends, summaries or
endorsements printed thereon as the Company may deem appropriate and as are not
inconsistent with the provisions of this Rights Agreement, or as may be required
to comply with any applicable law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant
thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which the Rights
may, from time to time be listed, or to conform to usage. Subject to the
provisions of Sections 7, 11 and 23, the Right Certificates, whenever issued,
shall be dated as of the Distribution Date, and on their face shall entitle the
holders thereof to purchase such number of Preferred Shares as shall be set
forth therein for the Purchase Price set forth therein, subject to adjustment
from time to time as herein provided.
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SECTION 5. Execution, Countersignature and Registration. (a) The Right
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Certificates shall be executed on behalf of the Company by the Chief Executive
Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer or a Vice
President (whether preceded by any additional title) of the Company, either
manually or by facsimile signature, and have affixed thereto the Company's seal
or a facsimile thereof which shall be attested by the Secretary, an Assistant
Secretary or a Vice President (whether preceded by any additional title,
provided that such Vice President shall not have also executed the Right
Certificates) of the Company, either manually or by facsimile signature. The
Right Certificates shall be manually countersigned by the Rights Agent and shall
not be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless so countersigned. In case any
officer of the Company who shall have signed any of the Right Certificates shall
cease to be such an officer of the Company before countersignature by the Rights
Agent and issuance and delivery by the Company, such Right Certificates may
nevertheless be countersigned by the Rights Agent and issued and delivered by
the Company with the same force and effect as though the person who signed such
Right Certificates had not ceased to be such an officer of the Company; and any
Right Certificate may be signed on behalf of the Company by any person who, at
the actual date of execution of such Right Certificate, shall be a proper
officer of the Company to sign such Right Certificate, although at the date of
execution of this Rights Agreement any such person was not such an officer of
the Company.
(b) Following the Distribution Date, the Rights Agent will keep or cause to
be kept, at its office in Brooklyn, New York, books for registration and
transfer of the Right Certificates issued hereunder. Such books shall show the
names and addresses of the respective holders of the Right Certificates, the
number of Rights evidenced by each of the Right Certificates, the certificate
number of each of the Right Certificates and the date of each of the Right
Certificates.
SECTION 6. Transfer, Split-Up, Combination and Exchange of Right
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Certificates; Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Right Certificates;
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Uncertificated Rights. (a) Subject to the provisions of Sections 7(e) and 15,
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at any time after the Distribution Date, and at or prior to the Close of
Business on the earlier of the Redemption Date or the Expiration Date, any Right
Certificate or Right Certificates may be transferred, split-up, combined or
exchanged for another Right Certificate or Right Certificates representing, in
the aggregate, the same number of Rights as the Right Certificate or Right
Certificates surrendered then represented. Any registered holder desiring to
transfer, split-up, combine or exchange any Right Certificate shall make such
request in writing delivered to the Rights Agent and shall surrender the Right
Certificate or Right Certificates to be transferred, split-up, combined or
exchanged at the office of the Rights Agent; provided, however, that neither the
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Rights Agent nor the Company shall be obligated to take any action whatsoever
with respect to the transfer of any Right Certificate surrendered for transfer
until the registered holder shall have completed and signed the certification
contained in the form of assignment on the reverse side of such Right
Certificate and shall have provided such additional evidence of the identity of
the Beneficial Owner (or former Beneficial Owner) or Affiliates or Associates
thereof as the Company shall reasonably request. Thereupon the Rights Agent
shall, subject to Sections 7(e) and 15, countersign and deliver to the Person
entitled thereto a Right Certificate or Right Certificates, as the case may be,
as so requested. The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any
transfer, split-up, combination or exchange of Right Certificates.
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(b) Upon receipt by the Company and the Rights Agent of evidence reasonably
satisfactory to them of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of a valid
Right Certificate, and, in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or
security reasonably satisfactory to them, and, at the Company's request,
reimbursement to the Company and the Rights Agent of all reasonable expenses
incidental thereto, and upon surrender to the Rights Agent and cancellation of
the Right Certificate if mutilated, the Company will make a new Right
Certificate of like tenor and deliver such new Right Certificate to the Rights
Agent for countersignature and delivery to the registered owner in lieu of the
Right Certificate so lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the Company and the Rights
Agent may amend this Rights Agreement to provide for uncertificated Rights in
addition to or in place of Rights evidenced by Right Certificates.
SECTION 7. Exercise of Rights; Expiration Date of Rights. (a) Subject to
-------------------------------------- ------
Section 7(e) and except as otherwise provided herein (including Section 11),
each Right shall entitle the registered holder thereof, upon exercise thereof as
provided herein, to purchase for the Purchase Price, at any time after the
Distribution Date and at or prior to the earlier of (i) the Close of Business on
the 10th anniversary of the date of this Rights Agreement (the Close of Business
on such date being the "Expiration Date") or (ii) the Redemption Date, one one-
hundredth (1/100th) of a Preferred Share, subject to adjustment from time to
time as provided in Sections 11 and 12.
(b) The registered holder of any Right Certificate may exercise the
Rights evidenced thereby (except as otherwise provided herein) in whole or in
part at any time after the Distribution Date, upon surrender of the Right
Certificate, with the form of election to purchase on the reverse side thereof
duly executed, to the Rights Agent at the office of the Rights Agent in
Brooklyn, New York, together with payment of the Purchase Price for each one-
hundredth (1/100th) of a Preferred Share as to which the Rights are exercised,
at or prior to the earlier of (i) the Expiration Date or (ii) the Redemption
Date.
(c) Upon receipt of a Right Certificate representing exercisable Rights,
with the form of election to purchase duly executed, accompanied by payment of
the Purchase Price for the Preferred Shares to be purchased together with an
amount equal to any applicable transfer tax, in lawful money of the United
States of America, in cash or by certified check or money order payable to the
order of the Company, the Rights Agent shall thereupon (i) either (A) promptly
requisition from any transfer agent of the Preferred Shares (or make available,
if the Rights Agent is the transfer agent) certificates for the number of
Preferred Shares to be purchased and the Company hereby irrevocably authorizes
its transfer agent to comply with all such requests or (B) if the Company shall
have elected to deposit the Preferred Shares with a depositary agent under a
depositary arrangement, promptly requisition from the depositary agent
depositary receipts representing the number of one-hundredths (1/100ths) of a
Preferred Share to be purchased (in which case certificates for the Preferred
Shares to be represented by such receipts shall be deposited by the transfer
agent with the depositary agent) and the Company will direct the depositary
agent to comply with all such requests, (ii) when appropriate, promptly
requisition from the Company the amount of cash to be paid in lieu of issuance
of fractional shares in accordance with Section 15, (iii) promptly after receipt
of such certificates or depositary receipts, cause the same to be delivered to
or upon the order of the registered holder of such Right
-10-
Certificate, registered in such name or names as may be designated by such
holder and (iv) when appropriate, after receipt promptly deliver such cash to or
upon the order of the registered holder of such Right Certificate.
(d) In case the registered holder of any Right Certificate shall exercise
fewer than all the Rights evidenced thereby, a new Right Certificate evidencing
Rights equivalent to the Rights remaining unexercised shall be issued by the
Rights Agent and delivered to the registered holder of such Right Certificate or
to his duly authorized assigns, subject to the provisions of Section 15.
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Rights Agreement to the contrary, any
Rights that are at any time beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person or any
Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring Person shall be null and void and
nontransferable, and any holder of any such Right (including any purported
transferee or subsequent holder) shall not have any right to exercise or
transfer any such Right.
(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Rights Agreement to the contrary,
neither the Rights Agent nor the Company shall be obligated to undertake any
action with respect to a registered holder of any Right Certificates upon the
occurrence of any purported exercise as set forth in this Section 7 unless such
registered holder shall have (i) completed and signed the certificate contained
in the form of election to purchase set forth on the reverse side of the Right
Certificate surrendered for such exercise and (ii) provided such additional
evidence of the identity of the Beneficial Owner (or former Beneficial Owner) or
Affiliates or Associates thereof as the Company shall reasonably request.
(g) The Company may temporarily suspend, for a period of time not to exceed
90 calendar days after the Distribution Date, the exercisability of the Rights
in order to prepare and file a registration statement under the Securities Act,
on an appropriate form, with respect to the Preferred Shares purchasable upon
exercise of the Rights and permit such registration statement to become
effective; provided, however, that no such suspension shall remain effective
-------- -------
after, and the Rights shall without any further action by the Company or any
other Person become exercisable immediately upon, the effectiveness of such
registration statement. Upon any such suspension, the Company shall issue a
public announcement stating that the exercisability of the Rights has been
temporarily suspended and shall issue a further public announcement at such time
as the suspension is no longer in effect. Notwithstanding any provision herein
to the contrary, the Rights shall not be exercisable in any jurisdiction if the
requisite qualification under the blue sky or securities laws of such
jurisdiction shall not have been obtained or the exercise of the Rights shall
not be permitted under applicable law.
-11-
SECTION 8. Cancellation and Destruction of Right Certificates. All Right
------------------------------------- ------------
Certificates surrendered or presented for the purpose of exercise, transfer,
split-up, combination or exchange shall, and any Right Certificate representing
Rights that have become null and void and nontransferable pursuant to Section
7(e) surrendered or presented for any purpose shall, if surrendered or presented
to the Company or to any of its agents, be delivered to the Rights Agent for
cancellation or in canceled form, or, if surrendered or presented to the Rights
Agent, shall be canceled by it, and no Right Certificates shall be issued in
lieu thereof except as expressly permitted by this Rights Agreement. The
Company shall deliver to the Rights Agent for cancellation and retirement, and
the Rights Agent shall so cancel and retire, any Right Certificate purchased or
acquired by the Company. The Rights Agent shall deliver all canceled Right
Certificates to the Company, or shall, at the written request of the Company,
destroy such canceled Right Certificates, and in such case shall deliver a
certificate of destruction thereof to the Company.
SECTION 9. Reservation and Availability of Preferred Shares. (a) The
------------------------------------------------
Company covenants and agrees that it will cause to be reserved and kept
available out of its authorized and unissued Preferred Shares or any authorized
and issued Preferred Shares held in its treasury, free from preemptive rights or
any right of first refusal, a number of Preferred Shares sufficient to permit
the exercise in full of all outstanding Rights.
(b) In the event that there shall not be sufficient Preferred Shares issued
but not outstanding or authorized but unissued to permit the exercise or
exchange of Rights in accordance with Section 11, the Company covenants and
agrees that it will take all such action as may be necessary to authorize
additional Preferred Shares for issuance upon the exercise or exchange of Rights
pursuant to Section 11; provided, however, that if the Company is unable to
-------- -------
cause the authorization of additional Preferred Shares, then the Company shall,
or in lieu of seeking any such authorization, the Company may, to the extent
necessary and permitted by applicable law and any agreements or instruments in
effect prior to the Distribution Date to which it is a party, (A) upon surrender
of a Right, pay cash equal to the Purchase Price in lieu of issuing Preferred
Shares and requiring payment therefor, (B) upon due exercise of a Right and
payment of the Purchase Price for each Preferred Share as to which such Right is
exercised, issue equity securities having a value equal to the value of the
Preferred Shares which otherwise would have been issuable pursuant to Section
11, which value shall be determined by a nationally recognized investment
banking firm selected by the Board of Directors of the Company or (C) upon due
exercise of a Right and payment of the Purchase Price for each Preferred Share
as to which such Right is exercised, distribute a combination of Preferred
Shares, cash and/or other equity and/or debt securities having an aggregate
value equal to the value of the Preferred Shares which otherwise would have been
issuable pursuant to Section 11, which value shall be determined by a nationally
recognized investment banking firm selected by the Board of Directors of the
Company. To the extent that any legal or contractual restrictions (pursuant to
agreements or instruments in effect prior to the Distribution Date to which it
is party) prevent the Company from paying the full amount payable in accordance
with the foregoing sentence, the Company shall pay to holders of the Rights as
to which such payments are being made all amounts which are not then restricted
on a pro rata basis as such payments become permissible under such legal or
contractual restrictions until such payments have been paid in full.
-12-
(c) The Company covenants and agrees that it will take all such action as
may be necessary to ensure that all Preferred Shares delivered upon exercise or
exchange of Rights shall, at the time of delivery of the certificates for such
Preferred Shares (subject to payment of the Purchase Price), be duly and validly
authorized and issued and fully paid and nonassessable shares.
(d) So long as the Preferred Shares issuable upon the exercise or exchange
of Rights are to be listed on any national securities exchange, the Company
covenants and agrees to use its best efforts to cause, from and after such time
as the Rights become exercisable or exchangeable, all Preferred Shares reserved
for such issuance to be listed on such securities exchange upon official notice
of issuance upon such exercise or exchange.
(e) The Company further covenants and agrees that it will pay when due and
payable any and all Federal and state transfer taxes and charges which may be
payable in respect of the issuance or delivery of Right Certificates or of any
Preferred Shares or other securities upon the exercise or exchange of the
Rights. The Company shall not, however, be required to pay any transfer tax
which may be payable in respect of any transfer or delivery of Right
Certificates to a Person other than, or in respect of the issuance or delivery
of certificates for the Preferred Shares or other securities, as the case may
be, in a name other than that of, the registered holder of the Right Certificate
evidencing Rights surrendered for exercise or exchange or to issue or deliver
any certificates for Preferred Shares or other securities, as the case may be,
upon the exercise or exchange of any Rights until any such tax shall have been
paid (any such tax being payable by the holder of such Right Certificate at the
time of surrender) or until it has been established to the Company's
satisfaction that no such tax is due.
SECTION 10. Preferred Shares Record Date. Each Person in whose name any
----------------------------
certificate for Preferred Shares or other securities is issued upon the exercise
or exchange of Rights shall for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder
of record of the Preferred Shares or other securities, as the case may be,
represented thereby on, and such certificate shall be dated, the date upon which
the Right Certificate evidencing such Rights was duly surrendered and payment of
any Purchase Price (and any applicable transfer taxes) was made; provided,
--------
however, that, if the date of such surrender and payment is a date upon which
-------
the transfer books of the Company for the Preferred Shares or other securities,
as the case may be, are closed, such Person shall be deemed to have become the
record holder of such Preferred Shares or other securities, as the case may be,
on, and such certificate shall be dated, the next succeeding Business Day on
which the transfer books of the Company for the Preferred Shares or other
securities, as the case may be, are open.
SECTION 11. Adjustments in Rights After There Is an Acquiring Person;
---------------------------------------------------------
Exchange of Rights for Shares; Business Combinations. (a) Upon a Person
--------------------------------------- ------------
becoming an Acquiring Person, proper provision shall be made so that each holder
of a Right, except as provided in Section 7(e), shall thereafter have a right to
receive, upon exercise thereof for the Purchase Price in accordance with the
terms of this Rights Agreement, such number of one-hundredths (1/100ths) of a
Preferred Share as shall equal the result obtained by multiplying the Purchase
Price by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of one-hundredths
(1/100ths) of a Preferred Share for which a Right is then exercisable and the
denominator of which is 50% of the Market Value of the Common Stock on the date
on which a Person becomes an Acquiring Person. As soon as practicable after a
Person becomes an
-13-
Acquiring Person (provided the Company shall not have elected to make the
exchange permitted by Section 11(b)(I) for all outstanding Rights), the Company
covenants and agrees to use its best efforts to:
(I) prepare and file a registration statement under the Securities
Act, on an appropriate form, with respect to the Preferred Shares purchasable
upon exercise of the Rights;
(II) cause such registration statement to become effective as soon as
practicable after such filing;
(III) cause such registration statement to remain effective (with a
prospectus at all times meeting the requirements of the Securities Act) until
the Expiration Date; and
(IV) qualify or register the Preferred Shares purchasable upon
exercise of the Rights under the blue sky or securities laws of such
jurisdictions as may be necessary or appropriate.
(b) (I) The Board of Directors of the Company may, at its option, at any
time after a Person becomes an Acquiring Person, mandatorily exchange all or
part of the then outstanding and exercisable Rights (which shall not include
Rights that shall have become null and void and nontransferable pursuant to the
provisions of Section 7(e)) for consideration per Right consisting of one-half
of the securities that would be issuable at such time upon the exercise of one
Right in accordance with Section 11(a) or, if applicable, Section 9(b) (the
consideration issuable per Right pursuant to this Section 11(b)(I) being the
"Exchange Consideration"). The Board of Directors of the Company may, at its
option, issue, in substitution for Preferred Shares, shares of Common Stock in
an amount per Preferred Share equal to the Formula Number if there are
sufficient shares of Common Stock issued but not outstanding or authorized but
unissued. If the Board of Directors of the Company elects to exchange all the
Rights for Exchange Consideration pursuant to this Section 11(b)(I) prior to the
physical distribution of the Rights Certificates, the Corporation may distribute
the Exchange Consideration in lieu of distributing Right Certificates, in which
case for purposes of this Rights Agreement holders of Rights shall be deemed to
have simultaneously received and surrendered for exchange Right Certificates on
the date of such distribution.
(II) Any action of the Board of Directors of the Company ordering the
exchange of any Rights pursuant to Section 11(b)(I) shall be irrevocable and,
immediately upon the taking of such action and without any further action and
without any notice, the right to exercise any such Right pursuant to Section
11(a) shall terminate and the only right thereafter of a holder of such Right
shall be to receive the Exchange Consideration in exchange for each such Right
held by such holder or, if the Exchange Consideration shall not have been paid
or issued, to exercise any such Right pursuant to Section 11(c)(I). The Company
shall promptly give public notice of any such exchange; provided, however, that
-------- -------
the failure to give, or any defect in, such notice shall not affect the validity
of such exchange. The Company promptly shall mail a notice of any such exchange
to all holders of such Rights at their last addresses as they appear upon the
registry books of the Rights Agent. Any notice which is mailed in the manner
herein provided shall be deemed given, whether or not the holder receives the
notice. Each such notice of exchange will state the method by which the
exchange of the Rights for the Exchange Consideration will be effected and, in
the event of any partial exchange,
-14-
the number of Rights which will be exchanged. Any partial exchange shall be
effected pro rata based on the number of Rights (other than Rights which shall
have become null and void and nontransferable pursuant to the provisions of
Section 7(e)) held by each holder of Rights.
(c) (I) In the event that, following a Distribution Date, directly or
indirectly, any transactions specified in the following clause (i), (ii) or
(iii) of this Section 11(c) (each such transaction being a "Business
Combination") shall be consummated:
(i) the Company shall consolidate with, or merge with and into, any
Acquiring Person or any Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring Person;
(ii) any Acquiring Person or any Affiliate or Associate of an
Acquiring Person shall merge with and into the Company and, in connection
with such merger, all or part of the Common Shares shall be changed into or
exchanged for capital stock or other securities of the Company or of any
Acquiring Person or Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring Person or cash
or any other property; or
(iii) the Company shall sell, lease, exchange or otherwise transfer
or dispose of (or one or more of its Subsidiaries shall sell, lease,
exchange or otherwise transfer or dispose of), in one or more transactions,
the Major Part of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries (taken as
a whole) to any Acquiring Person or any Affiliate or Associate of an
Acquiring Person,
then, in each such case, proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a
Right, except as provided in Section 7(e), shall thereafter have the right to
receive, upon the exercise thereof for the Purchase Price in accordance with the
terms of this Rights Agreement, the securities specified below (or, at such
holder's option, the securities specified in Section 11(a)):
(A) If the Principal Party in such Business Combination has Registered
Common Shares outstanding, each Right shall thereafter represent the right
to receive, upon the exercise thereof for the Purchase Price in accordance
with the terms of this Rights Agreement, such number of Registered Common
Shares of such Principal Party, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances
or other adverse claims, as shall have an aggregate Market Value equal to
the result obtained by multiplying the Purchase Price by two;
(B) If the Principal Party involved in such Business Combination does
not have Registered Common Shares outstanding, each Right shall thereafter
represent the right to receive, upon the exercise thereof for the Purchase
Price in accordance with the terms of this Rights Agreement, at the
election of the holder of such Right at the time of the exercise thereof,
any of:
(1) such number of Common Shares of the Surviving Person in such
Business Combination as shall have an aggregate Book Value
immediately after giving effect to such Business Combination equal to
the result obtained by multiplying the Purchase Price by two;
-15-
(2) such number of Common Shares of the Principal Party in such
Business Combination (if the Principal Party is not also the Surviving
Person in such Business Combination) as shall have an aggregate Book
Value immediately after giving effect to such Business Combination
equal to the result obtained by multiplying the Purchase Price by two;
or
(3) if the Principal Party in such Business Combination is an
Affiliate of one or more Persons which has Registered Common Shares
outstanding, such number of Registered Common Shares of whichever of
such Affiliates of the Principal Party has Registered Common Shares
with the greatest aggregate Market Value on the date of consummation
of such Business Combination as shall have an aggregate Market Value
on the date of such Business Combination equal to the result obtained
by multiplying the Purchase Price by two.
(II) The Company shall not consummate any Business Combination unless
each issuer of Common Shares for which Rights may be exercised, as set forth in
this Section 11(c), shall have sufficient authorized Common Shares that have not
been issued or reserved for issuance (and which shall, when issued upon exercise
thereof in accordance with this Rights Agreement, be validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or any
other restrictions or limitations on the transfer or ownership thereof) to
permit the exercise in full of the Rights in accordance with this Section 11(c)
and unless prior thereto:
(i) a registration statement under the Securities Act on an
appropriate form, with respect to the Rights and the Common Shares of such
issuer purchasable upon exercise of the Rights, shall be effective under
the Securities Act; and
(ii) the Company and each such issuer shall have:
(A) executed and delivered to the Rights Agent a supplemental
agreement providing for the assumption by such issuer of the
obligations set forth in this Section 11(c) (including the obligation
of such issuer to issue Common Shares upon the exercise of Rights in
accordance with the terms set forth in Sections 11(c)(I) and
11(c)(III)) and further providing that such issuer, at its own
expense, will use its best efforts to:
(1) cause a registration statement under the Securities Act
on an appropriate form, with respect to the Rights and the Common
Shares of such issuer purchasable upon exercise of the Rights, to
remain effective (with a prospectus at all times meeting the
requirements of the Securities Act) until the Expiration Date;
(2) qualify or register the Rights and the Common Shares of
such issuer purchasable upon exercise of the Rights under the
blue sky or securities laws of such jurisdictions as may be
necessary or appropriate; and
-16-
(3) list the Rights and the Common Shares of such issuer
purchasable upon exercise of the Rights on each national
securities exchange on which the Common Shares were listed prior
to the consummation of the Business Combination or, if the Common
Shares were not listed on a national securities exchange prior to
the consummation of the Business Combination, on a national
securities exchange;
(B) furnished to the Rights Agent a written opinion of
independent counsel stating that such supplemental agreement is a
valid, binding and enforceable agreement of such issuer; and
(C) filed with the Rights Agent a certificate of a nationally
recognized firm of independent accountants setting forth the number
of Common Shares of such issuer which may be purchased upon the
exercise of each Right after the consummation of such Business
Combination.
(III) After consummation of any Business Combination and subject to
the provisions of Section 11(c)(II), (i) each issuer of Common Shares for which
Rights may be exercised as set forth in this Section 11(c) shall be liable for,
and shall assume, by virtue of such Business Combination, all the obligations
and duties of the Company pursuant to this Rights Agreement, (ii) the term
"Company" shall thereafter be deemed to refer to such issuer, (iii) each such
issuer shall take such steps in connection with such consummation as may be
necessary to assure that the provisions hereof (including the provisions of
Sections 11(a) and 11(c)) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as
reasonably may be, in relation to its Common Shares thereafter deliverable upon
the exercise of the Rights, and (iv) the number of Common Shares of each such
issuer thereafter receivable upon exercise of any Right shall be subject to
adjustment from time to time in a manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as
practicable to the provisions of Sections 11 and 12, and the provisions of
Section 7, 9 and 10 with respect to the Preferred Shares shall apply, as nearly
as reasonably may be, on like terms to any such Common Shares.
SECTION 12. Certain Adjustments. (a) To preserve the actual or potential
-------------------
economic value of the Rights, if at any time after the date of this Rights
Agreement there shall be any change in the Common Shares or the Preferred
Shares, whether by reason of stock dividends, stock splits, recapitalizations,
mergers, consolidations, combinations or exchanges of securities, split-ups,
split-offs, spin-offs, liquidations, other similar changes in capitalization,
any distribution or issuance of cash, assets, evidences of indebtedness or
subscription rights, options or warrants to holders of Common Shares or
Preferred Shares, as the case may be (other than distribution of the Rights or
regular quarterly cash dividends) or otherwise, then, in each such event the
Board of Directors of the Company shall make such appropriate adjustments in the
number of Preferred Shares (or the number and kind of other securities) issuable
upon exercise of each Right, the Purchase Price and Redemption Price in effect
at such time and the number of Rights outstanding at such time (including the
number of Rights or fractional Rights associated with each Common Share) such
that following such adjustment such event shall not have had the effect of
reducing or limiting the benefits the holders of the Rights would have had
absent such event.
-17-
(b) If, as a result of an adjustment made pursuant to Section 12(a), the
holder of any Right thereafter exercised shall become entitled to receive any
securities other than Preferred Shares, thereafter the number of such securities
so receivable upon exercise of any Right shall be subject to adjustment from
time to time in a manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the
provisions of Sections 11 and 12, and the provisions of Sections 7, 9 and 10
with respect to the Preferred Shares shall apply, as nearly as reasonably may
be, on like term, to any such other securities.
(c) All Rights originally issued by the Company subsequent to any
adjustment made to the amount of Preferred Shares or other securities relating
to a Right shall evidence the right to purchase, for the Purchase Price, the
adjusted number and kind of securities purchasable from time to time hereunder
upon exercise of the Rights, all subject to further adjustment as provided
herein.
(d) Irrespective of any adjustment or change in the Purchase Price or the
number of Preferred Shares or number or kind of other securities issuable upon
the exercise of the Rights, the Right Certificates theretofore and thereafter
issued may continue to express the terms which were expressed in the initial
Right Certificates issued hereunder.
(e) In any case in which action taken pursuant to Section 12(a) requires
that an adjustment be made effective as of a record date for a specified event,
the Company may elect to defer until the occurrence of such event the issuing to
the holder of any Right exercised after such record date the Preferred Shares
and/or other securities, if any, issuable upon such exercise over and above the
Preferred Shares and/or other securities, if any, issuable before giving effect
to such adjustment; provided, however, that the Company shall deliver to such
-------- -------
holder a due xxxx or other appropriate instrument evidencing such holder's right
to receive such additional securities upon the occurrence of the event requiring
such adjustment.
SECTION 13. Certificate of Adjustment. Whenever an adjustment is made as
-------------------------
provided in Section 11 or 12, the Company shall (a) promptly prepare a
certificate setting forth such adjustment and a brief statement of the facts
accounting for such adjustment, (b) promptly file with the Rights Agent and with
each transfer agent for the Preferred Shares a copy of such certificate and (c)
mail a brief summary thereof to each holder of a Right Certificate (or, prior to
the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares) in accordance with Section 25. The
Rights Agent shall be fully protected in relying on any such certificate and on
any adjustment therein contained.
-18-
SECTION 14. Additional Covenants. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision
--------------------
of this Rights Agreement, no adjustment to the number of Preferred Shares (or
fractions of a share) or other securities for which a Right is exercisable or
the number of Rights outstanding or associated with each Common Share or any
similar or other adjustment shall be made or be effective if such adjustment
would have the effect of reducing or limiting the benefits the holders of the
Rights would have had absent such adjustment, including, without limitation, the
benefits under Sections 11 and 12, unless the terms of this Rights Agreement are
amended so as to preserve such benefits.
(b) The Company covenants and agrees that, after the Distribution Date,
except as permitted by Section 26, it will not take (or permit any Subsidiary of
the Company to take) any action if at the time such action is taken it is
intended or reasonably foreseeable that such action will reduce or otherwise
limit the benefits the holders of the Rights would have had absent such action,
including, without limitation, the benefits under Sections 11 and 12. Any
action taken by the Company during any period after any Person becomes an
Acquiring Person but prior to the Distribution Date shall be null and void
unless such action could be taken under this Section 14(b) from and after the
Distribution Date. The Company shall not consummate any Business Combination if
any issuer of Common Shares for which Rights may be exercised after such
Business Combination in accordance with Section 11(c) shall have taken any
action that reduces or otherwise limits the benefits the holders of the Rights
would have had absent such action, including, without limitation, the benefits
under Sections 11 and 12.
SECTION 15. Fractional Rights and Fractional Shares. (a) The Company may,
---------------------------------------
but shall not be required to, issue fractions of Rights or distribute Right
Certificates which evidence fractional Rights. In lieu of such fractional
Rights, the Company may pay to the registered holders of the Right Certificates
with regard to which such fractional Rights would otherwise be issuable an
amount in cash equal to the same fraction of the current market value of a whole
Right. For purposes of this Section 15(a), the current market value of a whole
Right shall be the closing price of the Rights (as determined in a manner
similar to that of Common Stock pursuant to the second and third sentences of
the definition of Market Value contained in Section 1) for the Trading Day
immediately prior to the date on which such fractional Rights would have been
otherwise issuable.
(b) The Company may, but shall not be required to, issue fractions of
Preferred Shares upon exercise of the Rights or distribute certificates which
evidence fractional Preferred Shares. In lieu of fractional Preferred Shares,
the Company may elect to (i) utilize a depository arrangement as provided by the
terms of the Preferred Shares or (ii) in the case of a fraction of a Preferred
Share (other than one one-hundredth (1/100th) of a Preferred Share or any
integral multiple thereof), pay to the registered holders of Right Certificates
at the time such Rights are exercised as herein provided an amount in cash equal
to the same fraction of the current market value of one Preferred Share, if any
are outstanding and publicly traded (or the Formula Number times the current
market value of one share of Common Stock if the Preferred Shares are not
outstanding and publicly traded). If, as a result of an adjustment made
pursuant to Section 12(a), the holder of any Right thereafter exercised shall
become entitled to receive any securities other than Preferred Shares, the
provisions of this Section 15(b) shall apply, as nearly as reasonably may be, on
like terms to such other securities.
-19-
(c) The Company may, but shall not be required to, issue fractions of
shares of Common Stock upon exchange of Rights pursuant to Section 11(b), or to
distribute certificates which evidence fractional shares of Common Stock. In
lieu of such fractional shares of Common Stock, the Company may pay to the
registered holders of the Right Certificates with regard to which such
fractional shares of Common Stock would otherwise be issuable an amount in cash
equal to the same fraction of the current Market Value of one share of Common
Stock as of the date on which a Person became an Acquiring Person.
(d) The holder of Rights by the acceptance of the Rights expressly waives
his right to receive any fractional Rights or any fractional shares upon
exercise of a Right except as provided in this Section 15.
SECTION 16. Rights of Action. (a) All rights of action in respect of this
----------------
Rights Agreement are vested in the respective registered holders of the Right
Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution Date, the registered holders of the
Common Shares); and any registered holder of any Right Certificate (or, prior to
the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares), without the consent of the Rights
Agent or of the holder of any other Right Certificate (or, prior to the
Distribution Date, of the Common Shares) may, in his own behalf and for his own
benefit, enforce, and may institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding
against the Company to enforce, or otherwise act in respect of, his right to
exercise the Rights evidenced by such Right Certificate in the manner provided
in such Right Certificate and in this Rights Agreement. Without limiting the
foregoing or any remedies available to the holders of Rights, it is specifically
acknowledged that the holders of Rights would not have an adequate remedy at law
for any breach of this Rights Agreement and shall be entitled to specific
performance of the obligations of any Person under, and injunctive relief
against actual or threatened violations of the obligations of any Person subject
to, this Rights Agreement.
(b) Any holder of Rights who prevails in an action to enforce the
provisions of this Rights Agreement shall be entitled to recover the reasonable
costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred in such action.
SECTION 17. Transfer and Ownership of Rights and Right Certificates. (a)
-------------------------------------------------------
Prior to the Distribution Date, the Rights will be transferable only in
connection with the transfer of the Common Shares.
(b) After the Distribution Date, the Right Certificates will be
transferable, subject to Section 7(e), only on the registry books of the Rights
Agent if surrendered at the office of the Rights Agent, duly endorsed or
accompanied by a proper instrument of transfer.
(c) The Company and the Rights Agent may deem and treat the Person in whose
name a Right Certificate (or, prior to the Distribution Date, the associated
Common Shares certificate) is registered as the absolute owner thereof and of
the Rights evidenced thereby (notwithstanding any notations of ownership or
writing on the Right Certificates or the associated certificate for Common
Shares made by anyone other than the Company or the Rights Agent) for all
purposes whatsoever, and neither the Company nor the Rights Agent shall be
affected by any notice to the contrary.
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SECTION 18. Right Certificate Holder Not Deemed a Stockholder. No holder,
-------------------------------------------------
as such, of any Right Certificate shall be entitled to vote or receive dividends
or be deemed, for any purpose, the holder of the Preferred Shares or of any
other securities of the Company which may at any time be issuable on the
exercise of the Rights represented thereby, nor shall anything contained herein
or in any Right Certificate be construed to confer upon the holder of any Right
Certificate, as such, any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company,
including, without limitation, any right to vote for the election of directors
or upon any matter submitted to stockholders at any meeting thereof, or to give
or withhold consent to any corporate action, or to receive notice of meetings or
other actions affecting stockholders, or to receive dividends or other
distributions or subscription rights, or otherwise, until the Right or Rights
evidenced by such Right Certificate shall have been exercised in accordance with
the provisions hereof.
SECTION 19. Concerning the Rights Agent. (a) The Company agrees to pay
---------------------------
to the Rights Agent reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it
hereunder and from time to time, on demand of the Rights Agent, its reasonable
expenses and counsel fees and other disbursements incurred in the administration
and execution of this Rights Agreement and the exercise and performance of its
duties hereunder.
(b) The Rights Agent shall be protected and shall incur no liability for or
in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in connection with its
administration of this Rights Agreement in reliance upon any Right Certificate
or certificate for the Common Shares or for other securities of the Company,
instrument of assignment or transfer, power of attorney, endorsement, affidavit,
letter, notice, direction, consent, certificate, statement, or other paper or
document believed by it to be genuine and to be signed, executed and, where
necessary, verified or acknowledged, by the proper Person or Persons.
SECTION 20. Merger or Consolidation or Change of Rights Agent. (a) Any
-------------------------------------------------
corporation into which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent may be
merged or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from
any merger or consolidation to which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights
Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the stock transfer or
corporate trust business of the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent,
shall be the successor to the Rights Agent under this Rights Agreement without
the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of
the parties hereto; provided that such corporation would be eligible for
--------
appointment as a successor Rights Agent under the provisions of Section 22. In
case, at the time such successor Rights Agent shall succeed to the agency
created by this Rights Agreement, any of the Right Certificates shall have been
countersigned but not delivered, any such successor Rights Agent may adopt the
countersignature of the predecessor Rights Agent and deliver such Right
Certificates so countersigned; and, in case at that time any of the Right
Certificates shall not have been countersigned, any successor Rights Agent may
countersign such Right Certificates either in the name of the predecessor Rights
Agent or in the name of the successor Rights Agent; and in all such cases such
Right Certificates shall have the full force provided in the Right Certificates
and in this Rights Agreement.
(b) In case at any time the name of the Rights Agent shall be changed and
at such time any of the Right Certificates shall have been countersigned but not
delivered, the Rights Agent may
-21-
adopt the countersignature under its prior name and deliver Right Certificates
so countersigned; and, in case at that time any of the Right Certificates shall
not have been countersigned, the Rights Agent may countersign such Right
Certificates either in its prior name or in its changed name; and in all such
cases such Right Certificates shall have the full force provided in the Right
Certificates and in this Rights Agreement.
SECTION 21. Duties of Rights Agent. The Rights Agent undertakes the
----------------------
duties and obligations imposed by this Rights Agreement upon the following terms
and conditions, by all of which the Company and the holders of Right
Certificates (or, prior to the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares), by
their acceptance thereof, shall be bound:
(a) The Rights Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be legal
counsel for the Company), and the advice or opinion of such counsel shall be
full and complete authorization and protection to the Rights Agent as to any
action taken, suffered or omitted by it in good faith and in accordance with
such advice or opinion.
(b) Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Rights Agreement
the Rights Agent shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter
(including, without limitation, the identity of any Acquiring Person) be proved
or established by the Company prior to taking, refraining from taking or
suffering any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence in
respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be
conclusively proved and established by a certificate signed by any one of the
Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief
Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, a Vice President
(whether preceded by any additional title) or the Clerk of the Company and
delivered to the Rights Agent; and such certificate shall be full authorization
to the Rights Agent for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it under
the provisions of this Rights Agreement in reliance upon such certificate.
(c) The Rights Agent shall be liable hereunder only for its own gross
negligence, bad faith or wilful misconduct.
(d) The Rights Agent shall not be liable for or by reason of any of the
statements of fact or recitals contained in this Rights Agreement or in the
Right Certificates (except as to its countersignature thereof) or be required to
verify the same, but all such statements and recitals are and shall be deemed to
have been made by the Company only.
(e) The Rights Agent shall not be under any responsibility in respect of
the validity of this Rights Agreement or the execution and delivery hereof
(except the due execution hereof by the Rights Agent) or in respect of the
validity or execution of any Right Certificate (except its countersignature
thereof); nor shall it be responsible for any breach by the Company of any
covenant or condition contained in this Rights Agreement or in any Right
Certificate; nor shall it be responsible for any adjustment required under the
provisions of Section 11 or 12 or responsible for the manner, method or amount
of any such adjustment or the ascertaining of the existence of facts that would
require any such adjustment (except with respect to the exercise of Rights
evidenced by Right Certificates after actual notice of any such adjustment); nor
shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any
-22-
representation or warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any
Preferred Shares or Common Shares to be issued pursuant to this Rights Agreement
or any Right Certificate or as to whether any Preferred Shares or Common Shares
will, when so issued, be validly authorized and issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.
(f) The Company agrees that it will perform, execute, acknowledge and
deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged and delivered all such
further and other acts, instruments and assurances as may reasonably be required
by the Rights Agent for the carrying out or performing by the Rights Agent of
the provisions of this Rights Agreement.
(g) The Rights Agent is hereby authorized and directed to accept
instructions with respect to the performance of its duties hereunder from any
one of the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial
Officer, the Treasurer, a Vice President (whether preceded by any additional
title) or the Secretary of the Company, in connection with its duties and it
shall not be liable for any action taken or suffered to be taken by it in good
faith in accordance with instructions of any such officer.
(h) The Rights Agent and any stockholder, director, officer or employee of
the Rights Agent may buy, sell or deal in any of the Rights or other securities
of the Company or become pecuniarily interested in any transaction in which the
Company may be interested, or contract with or lend money to the Company or
otherwise act as fully and freely as though it were not the Rights Agent under
this Rights Agreement. Nothing herein shall preclude the Rights Agent from
acting in any other capacity for the Company or for any other legal entity.
(i) The Rights Agent may execute and exercise any of the rights or powers
hereby vested in it or perform any duty hereunder either itself or by or through
its attorneys or agents, and the Rights Agent shall not be answerable or
accountable for any act, default, neglect or misconduct of any such attorneys or
agents or for any loss to the Company resulting from any such act, default,
neglect or misconduct provided reasonable care was exercised in the selection
and continued employment thereof.
(j) The Company agrees to indemnify and to hold the Rights Agent harmless
against any loss, liability, damage or expense (including reasonable fees and
expenses of legal counsel) which the Rights Agent may incur resulting from its
actions as Rights Agent pursuant to this Rights Agreement; provided, however,
-------- -------
that the Rights Agent shall not be indemnified or held harmless with respect to
any such loss, liability, damage or expense incurred by the Rights Agent as a
result of, or arising out of, its own gross negligence, bad faith or wilful
misconduct. In no case shall the Company be liable with respect to any action,
proceeding, suit or claim against the Rights Agent unless the Rights Agent shall
have notified the Company, by letter or by facsimile confirmed by letter, of the
assertion of any action, proceeding, suit or claim against the Rights Agent,
promptly after the Rights Agent shall have notice of any such assertion of an
action, proceeding, suit or claim or have been served with the summons or other
first legal process giving information as to the nature and basis of the action,
proceeding, suit or claim. The Company shall be entitled to participate at its
own expense in the defense of any such action, proceeding, suit or claim, and,
if the Company so elects, the Company shall assume the defense of any such
action, proceeding, suit or claim. In the event that the Company assumes such
defense, the Company shall not thereafter be liable for the fees and
-23-
expenses of any additional counsel retained by the Rights Agent, so long as the
Company shall retain counsel satisfactory to the Rights Agent, in the exercise
of its reasonable judgment, to defend such action, proceeding, suit or claim.
The Rights Agent agrees not to settle any litigation in connection with any
action, proceeding, suit or claim with respect to which it may seek
indemnification from the Company without the prior written consent of the
Company.
SECTION 22. Change of Rights Agent. The Rights Agent or any successor
----------------------
Rights Agent may resign and be discharged from its duties under this Rights
Agreement upon 30 days' notice in writing mailed to the Company and to each
transfer agent of the Common Shares and the Preferred Shares by registered or
certified mail, and to the holders of the Right Certificates (or, prior to the
Distribution Date, of the Common Shares) by first-class mail, postage prepaid.
The Company may remove the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent upon 30
days' notice in writing, mailed to the Rights Agent or successor Rights Agent,
as the case may be, and to each transfer agent of the Common Shares and the
Preferred Shares by registered or certified mail, and to the holders of the
Right Certificates (or, prior to the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares) by
first-class mail. If the Rights Agent shall resign or be removed or shall
otherwise become incapable of acting, the Company shall appoint a successor to
the Rights Agent. If the Company shall fail to make such appointment within a
period of 30 days after giving notice of such removal or after it has been
notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the resigning or
incapacitated Rights Agent or by the holder of a Right Certificate (or, prior to
the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares) (who shall, with such notice,
submit his Right Certificate or, prior to the Distribution Date, the certificate
representing his Common Shares, for inspection by the Company), then the
registered holder of any Right Certificate (or, prior to the Distribution Date,
of the Common Shares) may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a new Rights Agent. Any successor Rights Agent, whether
appointed by the Company or by such a court, shall be a corporation organized
and doing business under the laws of the United States or of any state of the
United States, in good standing, which is authorized under such laws to exercise
stock transfer or corporate trust powers and is subject to supervision or
examination by Federal or state authority and which has at the time of its
appointment as Rights Agent a combined capital and surplus of at least
$50,000,000; provided that the principal transfer agent for the Common Shares
--------
shall in any event be qualified to be the Rights Agent. After appointment, the
successor Rights Agent shall be vested with the same powers, rights, duties and
responsibilities as if it had been originally named as Rights Agent without
further act or deed; but the predecessor Rights Agent shall deliver and transfer
to the successor Rights Agent any property at the time held by it hereunder, and
execute and deliver any further assurance, conveyance, act or deed necessary for
the purpose. Not later than the effective date of any such appointment, the
Company shall file notice thereof in writing with the predecessor Rights Agent
and each transfer agent of the Common Shares and the Preferred Shares, and mail
a notice thereof in writing to the registered holders of the Right Certificates
(or, prior to the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares). Failure to give any
notice provided for in this Section 22, however, or any defect therein shall not
affect the legality or validity of the resignation or removal of the Rights
Agent or the appointment of the successor Rights Agent, as the case may be.
-24-
SECTION 23. Issuance of Additional Rights and Right Certificates.
----------------------------------------------------
Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Rights Agreement or of the Rights
to the contrary, the Company may, at its option, issue new Right Certificates
evidencing Rights in such form as may be approved by its Board of Directors to
reflect any adjustment or change made in accordance with the provisions of this
Rights Agreement. In addition, in connection with the issuance or sale of
Common Shares following the Distribution Date and prior to the earlier of the
Redemption Date and the Expiration Date, the Company (a) shall, with respect to
Common Shares so issued or sold pursuant to the exercise of stock options or
under any employee plan or arrangement, or upon the exercise, conversion or
exchange of securities, notes or debentures issued by the Company, and (b) may,
in any other case, if deemed necessary or appropriate by its Board of Directors,
issue Right Certificates representing the appropriate number of Rights in
connection with such issuance or sale; provided, however, that (i) no such Right
-------- -------
Certificate shall be issued if, and to the extent that, the Company shall be
advised by counsel that such issuance would create a significant risk of
material adverse tax consequences to the Company or the Person to whom such
Right Certificate would be issued, and (ii) no such Right Certificate shall be
issued if, and to the extent that, appropriate adjustment shall otherwise have
been made in lieu of the issuance thereof.
SECTION 24. Redemption and Termination. (a) The Board of Directors of the
--------------------------
Company may, at its option, at any time prior to the earlier of (i) such time as
a Person becomes an Acquiring Person and (ii) the Expiration Date, order the
redemption of all, but not fewer than all, the then outstanding Rights at the
Redemption Price (the date of such redemption being the "Redemption Date"), and
the Company, at its option, may pay the Redemption Price either in cash or
Common Shares or other securities of the Company deemed by the Board of
Directors of the Company, in the exercise of its sole discretion, to be at least
equivalent in value to the Redemption Price.
(b) Immediately upon the action of the Board of Directors of the Company
ordering the redemption of the Rights, and without any further action and
without any notice, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only
right thereafter of the holders of Rights shall be to receive the Redemption
Price. Within 10 Business Days after the action of the Board of Directors of
the Company ordering the redemption of the Rights, the Company shall give notice
of such redemption to the holders of the then outstanding Rights by mailing such
notice to all such holders at their last addresses as they appear upon the
registry books of the Rights Agent or, prior to the Distribution Date, on the
registry books of the transfer agent for the Common Shares. Each such notice of
redemption will state the method by which payment of the Redemption Price will
be made. The notice, if mailed in the manner herein provided, shall be
conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the holder of
Rights receives such notice. In any case, failure to give such notice by mail,
or any defect in the notice, to any particular holder of Rights shall not affect
the sufficiency of the notice to other holders of Rights.
SECTION 25. Notices. Notices or demands authorized by this Rights
-------
Agreement to be given or made by the Rights Agent or by the holder of a Right
Certificate (or, prior to the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares) to or on
the Company shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail,
postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing with the
Rights Agent) as follows:
-25-
Lightbridge, Inc.
00 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attention of Chief Executive Officer
Subject to the provisions of Section 22, any notice or demand authorized by this
Rights Agreement to be given or made by the Company or by the holder of a Right
Certificate (or, prior to the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares) to or on
the Rights Agent shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class
mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing with
the Company) as follows:
American Stock Transfer and Trust Company
0000 00xx Xxxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention of Vice President, Administration
Notices or demands authorized by this Rights Agreement to be given or made by
the Company or the Rights Agent to any holder of a Right Certificate (or, prior
to the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares) shall be sufficiently given or
made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such holder at
the address of such holder as shown on the registry books of the Rights Agent
or, prior to the Distribution Date, on the registry books of the transfer agent
for the Common Shares.
SECTION 26. Supplements and Amendments. At any time prior to the
--------------------------
Distribution Date and subject to the last sentence of this Section 26, the
Company may, and the Rights Agent shall if the Company so directs, supplement or
amend any provision of this Rights Agreement (including, without limitation, the
date on which the Distribution Date shall occur, the time during which the
Rights may be redeemed pursuant to Section 24 or any provision of the
Certificate of Designation) without the approval of any holder of the Rights.
From and after the Distribution Date and subject to applicable law, the Company
may, and the Rights Agent shall if the Company so directs, amend this Rights
Agreement without the approval of any holders of Right Certificates (i) to cure
any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision contained herein which
may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision of this Rights
Agreement or (ii) to make any other provisions in regard to matters or questions
arising hereunder which the Company may deem necessary or desirable and which
shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of Right Certificates
(other than an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring
Person). Any supplement or amendment adopted during any period after any Person
has become an Acquiring Person but prior to the Distribution Date shall be null
and void unless such supplement or amendment could have been adopted under the
prior sentence from and after the Distribution Date. Any supplement or
amendment to this Rights Agreement duly approved by the Company that does not
amend Sections 19, 20, 21 or 22 in a manner adverse to the Rights Agent shall
become effective immediately upon execution by the Company, whether or not also
executed by the Rights Agent. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Rights Agreement, no supplement or amendment to this
Rights Agreement shall be made which (a) reduces the Redemption Price (except as
required by Section 12(a)) or (b) provides for an earlier Expiration Date.
-26-
SECTION 27. Successors. All the covenants and provisions of this Rights
----------
Agreement by or for the benefit of the Company or the Rights Agent shall bind
and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns hereunder.
SECTION 28. Benefits of Rights Agreement; Determinations and Actions by
-----------------------------------------------------------
the Board of Directors, etc. (a) Nothing in this Rights Agreement shall be
----------------------------
construed to give to any Person other than the Company, the Rights Agent and the
registered holders of the Right Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution
Date, of the Common Shares) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under
this Rights Agreement; but this Rights Agreement shall be for the sole and
exclusive benefit of the Company, the Rights Agent and the registered holders of
the Right Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution Date, of the Common
Shares).
(b) Except as explicitly otherwise provided in this Rights Agreement, the
Board of Directors of the Company shall have the exclusive power and authority
to administer this Rights Agreement and to exercise all rights and powers
specifically granted to the Board of Directors of the Company or to the Company,
or as may be necessary or advisable in the administration of this Rights
Agreement, including, without limitation, the right and power to (i) interpret
the provisions of this Rights Agreement and (ii) make all determinations deemed
necessary or advisable for the administration of this Rights Agreement
(including, without limitation, a determination to redeem or not redeem the
Rights or to amend this Rights Agreement and a determination of whether there is
an Acquiring Person).
(c) Nothing contained in this Rights Agreement shall be deemed to be in
derogation of the obligation of the Board of Directors of the Company to
exercise its fiduciary duty. Without limiting the foregoing, nothing contained
herein shall be construed to suggest or imply that the Board of Directors shall
not be entitled to reject any tender offer, or to recommend that holders of
Common Shares reject any tender offer, or to take any other action (including,
without limitation, the commencement, prosecution, defense or settlement of any
litigation and the submission of additional or alternative offers or other
proposals) with respect to any tender offer that the Board of Directors believes
is necessary or appropriate in the exercise of such fiduciary duty.
SECTION 29. Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction
------------
of this Rights Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other
authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms,
provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Rights Agreement shall remain in
full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.
-27-
SECTION 30. Governing Law. This Rights Agreement and each Right
-------------
Certificate issued hereunder shall be deemed to be a contract made under the
laws of the State of Delaware and for all purposes shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the law of such state applicable to contracts to be
made and performed entirely within such state.
SECTION 31. Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Rights Agreement may be
---------------------------
executed in any number of counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for
all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall
together constitute but one and the same instrument. This Rights Agreement
shall be effective as of the Close of Business on the date hereof.
SECTION 32. Descriptive Headings. Descriptive headings of the several
--------------------
Sections of this Rights Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall
not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions of
this Rights Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Rights Agreement to
be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
LIGHTBRIDGE, INC.
By:
--------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER AND TRUST
COMPANY as Rights Agent
By:
--------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
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