BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT between NEW GOLD INC. - and - PEAK GOLD LTD. - and - METALLICA RESOURCES INC. Dated as of May 9, 2008
Exhibit
99.2
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between
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NEW
GOLD INC.
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-
and -
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PEAK
GOLD LTD.
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-
and -
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METALLICA
RESOURCES INC.
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Dated
as of May 9, 2008
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THIS AGREEMENT made as of the
9th
day of May, 0000
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X
X X X X X N :
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NEW
GOLD INC.,
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a
corporation existing under the
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Business
Corporations Act (British Columbia),
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(hereinafter
referred to as βNew
Goldβ)
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-
and -
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PEAK
GOLD LTD.,
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a
corporation existing under the
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Business
Corporations Act (British Columbia),
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(hereinafter
referred to as βPeakβ)
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-
and -
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METALLICA
RESOURCES INC.
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a
corporation existing under the
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Canada Business
Corporations Act,
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(hereinafter
referred to as βMetallicaβ)
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WHEREAS New Gold, Peak and Metallica propose to combine
their respective businesses by way of concurrent Plans of Arrangement under the
provisions of the Business
Corporations Act (British Columbia) and the Canada Business
Corporations Act;
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NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by each of the parties
hereto, the parties hereto hereby covenant and agree as
follows:
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ARTICLEΒ 1
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DEFINITIONS,
INTERPRETATION AND SCHEDULES
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1.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Definitions
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In this
Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and terms
with the initial letter or letters thereof capitalized shall have the meanings
ascribed to them below:
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(a)
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βAcquisition Proposalβ
shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1 of Schedule
I;
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(b)
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βAgreementβ means this
business combination agreement, together with the schedules attached
hereto, as amended, amended and restated or supplemented from time to
time;
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(c)
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βAMEXβ means the American
Stock Exchange;
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(d)
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βAmended and Restated Note
Indentureβ means the amended and restated Note Indenture to be
dated the Effective Date and entered into between New Gold and
Computershare Trust Company;
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(e)
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βArrangementsβ means,
collectively, the BC Arrangement and the CBCA
Arrangement;
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(f)
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βArticles of Arrangementβ
means the articles of arrangement of Metallica in respect of the CBCA
Arrangement which are required to be sent to the Director after the CBCA
Final Order is made by the Court, which shall be in form and content
satisfactory to the Parties, acting
reasonably;
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(g)
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βBCBCAβ means the Business Corporations
Act (British Columbia);
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(h)
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βBC Arrangementβ means an
arrangement under the provisions of the BCBCA on the terms and conditions
set forth in the BC Plan of Arrangement, subject to any amendment or
supplement thereto made in accordance therewith, herewith or made at the
direction of the Court in the BC Final
Order;
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(i)
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βBC Final Orderβ means
the order of the Court pursuant to Section 291 of the BCBCA approving the
BC Arrangement in a form acceptable to the Parties hereto, as such order
may be amended at any time prior to the Effective Date with the consent of
the Parties hereto, acting reasonably, or if appealed, then unless such
appeal is withdrawn or denied, as affirmed or as amended on
appeal;
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(j)
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βBC Interim Orderβ means
the interim order of the Court in a form acceptable to the Parties hereto
providing for, among other things, the calling and holding of the Peak
Meeting, as the same may be amended by the Court with the consent of the
Parties hereto, acting reasonably;
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(k)
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βBC Plan of Arrangementβ
means the Plan of Arrangement set forth in Schedule A
hereto;
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(l)
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βBC Subcoβ means a
newly-incorporated, wholly-owned subsidiary of New Gold to be established
by New Gold prior to the Effective Date in order to facilitate the
completion of the BC Arrangement;
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(m)
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βBusiness Dayβ means any
day, other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a statutory holiday in Toronto,
Ontario or Vancouver, British
Columbia;
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(n)
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βCBCAβ means the Canada Business Corporations
Act;
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(o)
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βCBCA Arrangementβ means
an arrangement under the provisions of the CBCA on the terms and
conditions set forth in the CBCA Plan of Arrangement, subject to any
amendment or supplement thereto made in accordance therewith, herewith or
made at the direction of the Court in the CBCA Final
Order;
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2
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(p)
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βCBCA Final Orderβ means
the Order of the Court pursuant to Subsection 192(4) of the CBCA approving
the CBCA Arrangement in a form acceptable to the Parties hereto, acting
reasonably, as such order may be amended at any time prior to the
Effective Date with the consent of the Parties hereto, acting reasonably,
or if appealed, then unless such appeal is withdrawn or denied, as
affirmed or as amended on appeal;
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(q)
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βCBCA Interim Orderβ
means the interim order of the Court in a form acceptable to the Parties
hereto, acting reasonably, providing for, among other things, the calling
and holding of the Metallica Meeting, as the same may be amended by the
Court with the consent of the Parties hereto, acting
reasonably;
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(r)
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βCBCA Plan of
Arrangementβ means the Plan of Arrangement set forth in Schedule B
hereto;
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(s)
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βCBCA Subcoβ means a
newly-incorporated, wholly-owned Subsidiary of New Gold to be established
by New Gold prior to the Effective Date to facilitate the completion of
the CBCA Arrangement:
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(t)
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βCanadian GAAPβ means
accounting principles generally accepted in
Canada;
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(u)
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βCanadian Residentβ means
a beneficial owner of Metallica Common Shares or Peak Common Shares
immediately prior to the Effective Time who is a resident of Canada for
purposes of the Tax Act (other than a Tax Exempt Person), or a partnership
any member of which is a resident of Canada for the purposes of the Tax
Act (other than a Tax Exempt
Person);
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(v)
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βChange in
Recommendationβ shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 2(b) of Schedule I;
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(w)
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βCodeβ means the United
States Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended;
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(x)
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βCompetition Actβ means
the Competition
Act (Canada);
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(y)
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βCompetition Act
Approvalβ means: (i) the issuance of an Advance Ruling Certificate
provided that such Advanced Ruling Certificate has not been rescinded
prior to the Completion Deadline; or (ii)(A) the expiry or termination of
the waiting period under section 123 of the Competition Act
(Canada), or waiver of the notification requirement pursuant to section
113(c) of that Act, and (B) the Commissioner of Competition advising the
Parties, in writing, that she has no intention to file an application
under Part VIII of the Competition Act
(Canada), in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and such advice has not been rescinded prior to the Completion
Deadline;
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(z)
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βCompletion Deadlineβ
means the date by which the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
are to be completed, which date shall be July 2,
2008;
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(aa)
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βConfidentiality
Agreementβ means the confidentiality agreement dated as of March 3,
2008 between New Gold, Peak and
Metallica;
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(bb)
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βCourtβ means the Supreme
Court of British Columbia;
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(cc)
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βDirectorβ means the
director appointed pursuant to Section 260 of the
CBCA;
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(dd)
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βdisclosed by Metallicaβ
means disclosed by Metallica in its public disclosure filings since
January 1, 2008 or disclosed in the Metallica Disclosure
Memorandum;
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(ee)
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βdisclosed by New Goldβ
means disclosed by New Gold in its public disclosure filings since January
1, 2008 or disclosed in the New Gold Disclosure
Memorandum;
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(ff)
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βdisclosed by Peakβ means
disclosed by Peak in its public disclosure filings since January 1, 2008
or disclosed in the Peak Disclosure
Memorandum;
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(gg)
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βDissent Rightsβ means
the rights of dissent in respect of each of the Arrangements, described in
the Plans of Arrangement;
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(hh)
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βEffective Dateβ means
the Effective Date as defined in each of the Plans of
Arrangement;
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(ii)
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βEffective Timeβ means
the Effective Time as defined in each of the Plans of
Arrangement;
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(jj)
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βEligible Holderβ means a
beneficial holder of Peak Common Shares or Metallica Common Shares
immediately prior to the Effective Time who is either (i) a Canadian
Resident, or (ii) an Eligible
Non-Resident;
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(kk)
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βEligible Non-Residentβ
means a beneficial holder of Peak Common Shares or Metallica Common Shares
immediately prior to the Effective Time who is not, and is not deemed to
be, a resident of Canada for purposes of the Tax Act and whose Peak Common
Shares or Metallica Common Shares are βtaxable Canadian propertyβ and not
βtreaty-protected propertyβ, in each case as defined in the Tax
Act;
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(ll)
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βEncumbranceβ means any
mortgage, pledge, assignment, charge, lien, claim, security interest,
adverse interest, other third person interest or encumbrance of any kind,
whether contingent or absolute, and any agreement, option, right or
privilege (whether by law, contract or otherwise) capable of becoming any
of the foregoing;
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(mm)
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βEnvironmental Approvalsβ
means all permits, certificates, licences, authorizations, consents,
instructions, registrations, directions or approvals issued or required by
any Governmental Entity pursuant to any Environmental
Law;
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(nn)
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βEnvironmental Lawsβ
means all applicable Laws, including applicable common law, relating to
the protection of the environment and employee and public health and
safety, and includes Environmental
Approvals;
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(oo)
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βFinal Ordersβ means,
collectively, the BC Final Order and the CBCA Final
Order;
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(pp)
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βGovernmental Entityβ
means any applicable (i) multinational, federal, provincial, territorial,
state, regional, municipal, local or other government, governmental or
public department, central bank, court, tribunal, arbitral body,
commission, board, bureau or agency, whether domestic or foreign, (ii) any
subdivision, agency, commission, board or authority of any of the
foregoing, or (iii) any quasi-governmental or private body exercising any
regulatory, expropriation or taxing authority under or for the account of
any of the foregoing;
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(qq)
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βHazardous Substanceβ
means any chemical, material or substance in any form, whether solid,
liquid, gaseous, semisolid or any combination thereof, whether waste
material, raw material, finished product, intermediate product, byproduct
or any other material or article, that is listed or regulated under any
Environmental Laws as a hazardous substance, toxic substance, waste or
contaminant or is otherwise listed or regulated under any Environmental
Laws because it poses a hazard to human health or the environment,
including petroleum products, asbestos, PCBs, urea formaldehyde foam
insulation and lead-containing paints or
coatings;
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(rr)
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βInterim Ordersβ means,
collectively, the BC Interim Order and the CBCA Interim
Order;
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(ss)
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βLawsβ means all laws,
by-laws, rules, regulations, orders, ordinances, protocols, codes,
guidelines, instruments, policies, notices, directions and judgments or
other requirements of any Governmental
Entity;
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(tt)
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βLiabilityβ of any person
shall mean and include: (i) any right against such person to payment,
whether or not such right is reduced to judgment, liquidated,
unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed,
legal, equitable, secured or unsecured; (ii) any right against such person
to an equitable remedy for breach of performance if such breach gives rise
to a right to payment, whether or not such right to any equitable remedy
is reduced to judgment, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed,
undisputed, secured or unsecured; and (iii) any obligation of such person
for the performance of any covenant or agreement (whether for the payment
of money or otherwise);
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(uu)
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βMaterial Adverse Effectβ
means, in respect of any Party, an effect that is material and adverse to
the business, properties, assets, liabilities (including any contingent
liabilities that may arise through outstanding, pending or threatened
litigation or otherwise), capitalization, condition (financial or
otherwise), operations or results of operations of that Party and its
subsidiaries and material joint ventures taken as a whole, other than any
change, effect, event or
occurrence:
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(i)
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relating
to the global economy, political conditions or securities markets in
general;
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(ii)
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affecting
the worldwide gold and copper mining industry in
general;
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(iii)
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relating
to a change in the market trading price of publicly traded securities of
that Party, either:
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(A)
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related
to this Agreement and the Transaction or the announcement thereof,
or
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(B)
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related
to such a change in the market trading price primarily resulting from a
change, effect, event or occurrence excluded from this definition of
Material Adverse Effect under clauses (i), (ii), (iv), (v), (vi) or (vii)
hereof;
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(iv)
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relating
to any of the principal markets served by that Partyβs business generally
or shortages or price changes with respect to raw materials, metals or
other products used or sold by that
Party;
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(v)
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relating
to the rate at which Canadian dollars can be exchanged for United States
dollars or vice versa;
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(vi)
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relating
to any generally applicable change in applicable laws or regulations
(other than orders, judgments or decrees against that Party any of its
Subsidiaries and material joint ventures) or in Canadian GAAP;
or
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(vii)
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attributable
to the announcement or pendancy of this Agreement or the Arrangements, or
otherwise contemplated by or resulting from the terms of this
Agreement,
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Β
provided,
however, that such effect referred to in clause (i), (ii), (iv) or (vi) above
does not primarily relate only to (or have the effect of primarily relating only
to) that Party and its subsidiaries and material joint ventures, taken as a
whole, or disproportionately adversely affect that Party and its subsidiaries
and material joint ventures taken as a whole, compared to other companies of
similar size operating in the industry in which that Party and its subsidiaries
and material joint ventures operate;
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(vv)
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βMetallica Circularβ
shall have the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 3(b) of Schedule
D;
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Β Β Β
Β (ww)
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βMetallica Common Sharesβ
means common shares in the capital of
Metallica;
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(xx)
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βMetallica Disclosure
Memorandumβ means the memorandum dated March 31, 2008 delivered by
Metallica to Peak and New Gold as amended and supplemented to the date of
this Agreement with respect to certain matters in this
Agreement;
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(yy)
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βMetallica Group
Companiesβ means Metallica and the Metallica Subsidiaries,
collectively;
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(zz)
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βMetallica Meetingβ shall
have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(b) of Schedule
D;
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(aaa)
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βMetallica Optionsβ shall
have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.03(b) of this
Agreement;
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Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β (bbb)
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βMetallica Propertiesβ
means the Cerro San Xxxxx Mine, located in Mexico, the El Morro Project
and the Rio Xxxxxxxx Project, located in Chile, and the Alaska Peninsula
and Liberty Xxxx Projects, located in the United States of
America;
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(ccc)
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βMetallica Resolutionβ
shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(b) of Schedule
D;
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Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β (ddd)
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βMetallica Restricted Unit Planβ
means the 401(k) plan developed for management of
Metallica;
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(eee)
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βMetallica Share Considerationβ or
βMetallica Exchange
Ratioβ means 0.9 of a New Gold Common Share plus $0.0001 in cash
for each Metallica Common Share;
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(fff)
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βMetallica Shareholdersβ
means, at any time, the holders of Metallica Common
Shares;
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(ggg)
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βMetallica Shareholder
Approvalβ shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
2.05(b)(i)(B) hereof;
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Β
(hhh)
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βMetallica Stock Option
Planβ means the Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan of Metallica
amended and restated as of May 23,
2006;
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(iii)
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βMetallica Subsidiariesβ
means, collectively, the corporations listed in Schedule C attached
hereto;
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Β
(jjj)
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βMetallica Warrantsβ
means the warrants to purchase Metallica Common Shares governed by the
Metallica Warrant Indenture and the 3,835,250 warrants, each entitling the
holder to purchase one Metallica Common Share for $5.50 on or before
December 20, 2009;
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(kkk)
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βMetallica Warrant
Indentureβ means the Warrant Indenture made between Metallica and
Equity Trust Company, as warrant agent, dated December 5,
2003;
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(lll)
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βNew Gold Circularβ shall
have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1(b) of Schedule
D;
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(mmm)
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βNew Gold Common Sharesβ
means common shares in the capital of New
Gold;
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Β
(nnn)
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βNew Gold Disclosure
Memorandumβ means the memorandum dated March 31, 2008 delivered by
New Gold to Peak and Metallica as amended and supplemented to the date of
this Agreement with respect to certain matters in this
Agreement;
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Β
(ooo)
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βNew Gold Documentsβ
shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.01(t) of this
Agreement;
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Β
(ppp)
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βNew Gold Financial
Statementsβ shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
3.01(i) of this Agreement;
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Β
(qqq)
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βNew Gold Meetingβ shall
have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1(b) of Schedule
D;
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Β
(rrr)
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βNew Gold Optionsβ shall
have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.01(b) of this
Agreement;
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Β
(sss)
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βNew Gold Propertyβ means
the New Afton Project located in the Province of British
Columbia;
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Β
(ttt)
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βNew Gold Resolutionβ
means the resolution of the holders of the New Gold Common Shares
approving the issuance of New Gold Common Shares pursuant to the BC
Arrangement and the CBCA
Arrangement;
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Β
(uuu)
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βNew Gold Shareholdersβ
means at any time the holders of New Gold Common
Shares;
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Β
Β
7
Β
(vvv)
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βNew Gold Shareholder
Approvalβ shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
3.01(bb) of this Agreement;
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Β
(www)
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βNew Gold Stock Option
Planβ means the Stock Option Plan (2005), as amended on May 3,
2007, of New Gold;
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Β
(xxx)
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βNew Gold Warrantsβ means
the 4,150,000 warrants, each entitling the holder to purchase one New Gold
Common Share for $15.00 on or before June 28, 2017 to be issued on the
Effective Date to the Noteholders;
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Β
(yyy)
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βNon-Terminating Partyβ
shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4 of Schedule
I;
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Β
(zzz)
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βNotesβ means the
outstanding 10% subordinated promissory notes of New Gold due 2017 issued
pursuant to the Note Indenture;
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Β
(aaaa)
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βNoteholderβ means the
holder of an outstanding Note:
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Β
(bbbb)
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βNote Indentureβ means
the note indenture dated June 21, 2007 made between New Gold and
Computershare Trust Company pursuant to which the Notes were
issued;
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Β
(cccc)
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βNoteholder Extraordinary
Resolutionβ means the extraordinary resolution of Noteholders in
the form annexed to the Information Circular of New Gold dated April 23,
2008, which was consented to in writing by the holders of more than 66
2/3% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes on May 8, 2008 and
which provides for the amendment of certain provisions of the Note
Indenture subject to the concurrent completion of the
Transaction;
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Β
(dddd)
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βOther Partyβ shall have
the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(b) of Schedule
I;
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Β
(eeee)
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βPartyβ means any of
Peak, Metallica or New Gold and βPartiesβ means all of
them;
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Β
(ffff)
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βPeak Circularβ shall
have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2(b) of Schedule
D;
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Β
(gggg)
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βPeak Common Sharesβ
means common shares in the capital of
Peak;
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Β
(hhhh)
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βPeak Disclosure Memorandumβ means the
memorandum dated March 31, 2008 delivered by Peak to Metallica and New
Gold, as amended and supplemented to the date of this Agreement with
respect to certain matters in this
Agreement;
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Β
(iiii)
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βPeak Documentsβ shall
have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.02(t) of this
Agreement;
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Β
(jjjj)
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βPeak Documentsβ shall
have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.02(t) of this
Agreement;
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Β
(kkkk)
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βPeak Group Companiesβ means Peak
and the Peak Subsidiaries,
collectively;
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Β
(llll)
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βPeak Meetingβ shall have
the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2(b) of Schedule
D;
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Β
Β
Β
8
Β
(mmmm)
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βPeak Optionsβ shall have
the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.02(b) of this
Agreement;
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Β
(nnnn)
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βPeak Propertiesβ means
the Amapari Mine, located in Brazil, and the Peak Mines, located in
Australia;
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Β
(oooo)
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βPeak Resolutionβ shall
have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2(b) of Schedule
D;
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Β
(pppp)
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βPeak Share
Considerationβ or βPeak Exchange Ratioβ
means 0.1 of a New Gold Common Share plus $0.0001 in cash for each Peak
Common Share;
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Β
(qqqq)
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βPeak Shareholdersβ
means, at any time, the holders of Peak Common
Shares;
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Β
(rrrr)
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βPeak Shareholder
Approvalβ shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in section
2.05(a)(i)(B) of this
Agreement;
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Β
(ssss)
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βPeak Stock Option Planβ
means the Incentive Stock Option Plan of Peak dated April 13,
2006;
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Β
(tttt)
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βPeak Subsidiariesβ
means, collectively, the corporations listed in Schedule C attached
hereto;
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Β
(uuuu)
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βPeak Warrantsβ means the
warrants to purchase Peak Common Shares governed by the Peak Warrant
Indentures;
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Β
(vvvv)
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βPeak Warrant Indenturesβ
means: (a) the amended and restated warrant indenture dated August 1, 2007
between Peak and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as warrant agent;
and (b) the warrant indenture dated November 28, 2007 between Peak and
Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as warrant
agent;
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Β
(wwww)
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βPlans of Arrangementβ
shall mean, collectively, the BC Plan of Arrangement and the CBCA Plan of
Arrangement;
|
Β
(xxxx)
|
βReleaseβ shall mean any
release, spill, leak, discharge, abandonment, disposal, pumping, pouring,
emitting, emptying, injecting, leaching, dumping, depositing, dispersing,
passive migration, allowing to escape or migrate into or through the
environment (including ambient air, surface water, ground water, land
surface and subsurface strata or within any building, structure, facility
or fixture) of any Hazardous Substance, including the abandonment or
discarding of Hazardous Substances in barrels, drums, tanks or other
containers, regardless of when
discovered;
|
Β
(zzzz)
|
βRemedial Actionβ shall
mean any investigation, feasibility study, monitoring, testing, sampling,
removal (including removal of underground storage tanks), restoration,
clean-up, remediation, closure, site restoration, remedial response or
remedial work;
|
Β
(aaaaa)
|
βXxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Actβ
means the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx
Act of 2002 of the United States of America and the related rules
and regulations promulgated under such Act and the 1934
Act;
|
Β
Β
9
Β
(bbbbb)
|
βSecurities Authoritiesβ
means the British Columbia Securities Commission and the other securities
regulatory authorities in the provinces and territories of Canada and the
SEC, collectively;
|
Β
(ccccc)
|
βSECβ means the United
States Securities and Exchange
Commission;
|
Β
(ddddd)
|
βSEDARβ means the System
for Electronic Document Analysis and
Retrieval;
|
Β
Β (eeeee)
|
βSolicited Partyβ shall
have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2(b) of Schedule
I;
|
Β
(fffff)
|
βSubsidiaryβ means, with
respect to a specified body corporate, any body corporate of which the
specified body corporate is entitled to elect a majority of the directors
thereof and shall include any body corporate, partnership, joint venture
or other entity over which such specified body corporate exercises
direction or control or which is in a like relation to such a body
corporate, excluding any body corporate in respect of which such direction
or control is not exercised by the specified body corporate as a result of
any existing contract, agreement or
commitment;
|
Β
(ggggg)
|
βSuperior Proposalβ shall
have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1(b) of Schedule
I;
|
Β
(hhhhh)
|
βSuperior Proposal Noticeβ shall have the
meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a) of Schedule
I;
|
Β
(iiiii)
|
βPeak Documentsβ shall
have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.02(t) of this
Agreement;
|
Β
(jjjjj)
|
βTaxβ and βTaxesβ means all taxes,
assessments, charges, dues, duties, rates, fees, imposts, levies and
similar charges of any kind lawfully levied, assessed or imposed by any
Governmental Entity, including all income taxes (including any tax on or
based upon net income, gross income, income as specially defined,
earnings, profits or selected items of income, earnings or profits) and
all capital taxes, gross receipts taxes, environmental taxes, sales taxes,
use taxes, ad
valorem taxes, value added taxes, transfer taxes (including,
without limitation, taxes relating to the transfer of interests in real
property or entities holding interests therein), franchise taxes, license
taxes, withholding taxes, payroll taxes, employment taxes, Canada or
QuΓ©bec Pension Plan premiums, excise, severance, social security, workersβ
compensation, employment insurance or compensation taxes or premium, stamp
taxes, occupation taxes, premium taxes, property taxes, windfall profits
taxes, alternative or add-on minimum taxes, goods and services tax,
customs duties or other taxes, fees, imports, assessments or charges of
any kind whatsoever, together with any interest and any penalties or
additional amounts imposed by any Governmental
Entity;
|
Β
(kkkkk)
|
βTax Actβ means the Income Tax Act
(Canada), as amended and the regulations thereunder, as
amended;
|
Β
(lllll)
|
βTax Exempt Personβ means
a person who is exempt from tax under Part I of the Tax
Act;
|
Β
(mmmmm)
|
βTax Returnsβ means all
returns, schedules, elections, declarations, reports, information returns,
notices, forms, statements and other documents made, prepared or filed
with any Governmental Entity or required to be made, prepared or filed
with any Governmental Entity relating to
Taxes;
|
Β
Β
10
Β
(nnnnn)
|
βTerminating Partyβ shall
have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a) of Schedule
I;
|
Β
(ooooo)
|
βTransactionβ means and
refers to the Arrangements
collectively;
|
Β
(ppppp)
|
βTSXβ means the Toronto
Stock Exchange;
|
Β
(qqqqq)
|
βTSX-Vβ means the TSX
Venture Exchange;
|
Β
(rrrrr)
|
β1933 Actβ means the
Securities Act of
1933, as amended, of the United States of America, and the rules
and regulations promulgated from time to time
thereunder;
|
Β
(sssss)
|
β1934 Actβ means the
Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, of the United States of America, and the rules
and regulations promulgated from time to time thereunder;
and
|
Β
(ttttt)
|
β1940 Actβ means the
Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended, of the United States of America, and the rules
and regulations promulgated from time to time
thereunder.
|
Β
1.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Interpretation Not Affected by Headings
Β
The
division of this Agreement into articles, sections, subsections, paragraphs and
subparagraphs and the insertion of headings herein are for convenience of
reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement. The terms βthis Agreementβ, βhereofβ, βhereinβ, βheretoβ,
βhereunderβ and similar expressions refer to this Agreement and the schedules
attached hereto and not to any particular article, section or other portion
hereof and include any agreement, schedule or instrument supplementary or
ancillary hereto or thereto.
Β
1.03Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Number, Gender and Persons
Β
In
this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, words importing the
singular only shall include the plural and vice versa, words importing the use
of either gender shall include both genders and neuter, and the word person and
all words importing persons shall include a natural person, firm, trust,
partnership, association, corporation, joint venture or government (including
any Governmental Entity, political subdivision or instrumentality thereof) and
any other entity of any kind or nature whatsoever.
Β
1.04Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Date for any Action
Β
If
the date on which any action is required to be taken hereunder by any party
hereto is not a Business Day, such action shall be required to be taken on the
next succeeding day that is a Business Day.
Β
1.05Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Statutory References
Β
Any
reference in this Agreement to a statute includes all regulations and rules made
thereunder, all amendments to such statute or regulation in force from time to
time and any statute or regulation that supplements or supersedes such statute
or regulation.
Β
Β
11
Β
Β
1.06Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Currency
Β
Unless
otherwise stated, all references in this Agreement to amounts of money are
expressed in lawful money of Canada.
Β
1.07Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Invalidity of Provisions
Β
Each
of the provisions contained in this Agreement is distinct and severable and a
declaration of invalidity or unenforceability of any such provision or part
thereof by a court of competent jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision hereof. To the extent permitted by
applicable Law, the parties hereto waive any provision of Law that renders any
provision of this Agreement or any part thereof invalid or unenforceable in any
respect. The parties hereto will engage in good faith negotiations to replace
any provision hereof or any part thereof that is declared invalid or
unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision or part thereof, the
economic effect of which approximates as much as possible the invalid or
unenforceable provision or part thereof that it replaces.
Β
1.08Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Accounting Matters
Β
Unless
otherwise stated, all accounting terms used in this Agreement shall have the
meanings attributable thereto under Canadian GAAP and all determinations of an
accounting nature required to be made hereunder shall be made in a manner
consistent with Canadian GAAP.
Β
1.09Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Knowledge
Β
Where the phrases βto the knowledge of New
Goldβ or βto New Goldβs knowledgeβ or βto the knowledge of Metallicaβ or βto
Metallicaβs knowledgeβ or βto the knowledge of Peakβ or βto Peakβs knowledgeβ
are used: (i) in respect of New Gold, Metallica or Peak, such phrase shall mean,
in respect of each representation and warranty or other statement which is
qualified by such phrase, that such representation and warranty or other
statement is being made based upon: (A) in the case of New Gold, the collective
actual knowledge of Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxx and Xxxx Xxxxxxx;Β Β and
(B) in the case of Metallica, the collective actual knowledge of the senior
management of Metallica; and (ii) in the case of Peak, the collective and actual
knowledge of Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxxx.
Β
1.10Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Meaning of Certain Phrase
Β
In
this Agreement the phrase βin the ordinary and regular course of businessβ shall
mean and refer to those activities that are normally conducted by corporations
engaged in the exploration for precious and base metals and in the construction
and operation of precious and base metal mines.
Β
1.11Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Schedules
Β
The
following schedules are attached to, and are deemed to be incorporated into and
form part of, this Agreement:
Β
Schedule
|
Matter
Β
|
A
|
BC
Plan of Arrangement
|
B
|
CBCA
Plan of Arrangement
|
C
|
List
of Metallica Group Companies and Peak Group Companies
|
D
|
Covenants
|
E
|
Mutual
Conditions Precedent
|
F
|
Conditions
to Obligations of New Gold
|
G
|
Conditions
to Obligations of Peak
|
H
|
Conditions
to Obligations of Metallica
|
I
|
Covenants
Relating to Non-Solicitation and Break
Fee
|
12
Β
ARTICLEΒ 2
THE
ARRANGEMENTS
Β
2.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Arrangements
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
At
the Effective Time:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
New
Gold shall acquire the outstanding Peak Common Shares for the Peak Share
Consideration;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
the
Peak Options and Peak Warrants shall become exerciseable for New Gold
Common Shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
New
Gold shall transfer the Peak Common Shares to BC Subco;
and
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
Peak
shall amalgamate with BC Subco and Peak shall be the surviving
corporation;
|
Β
all
as set forth in, and subject to the terms of, the BC Plan of
Arrangement.
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
At
the Effective Time:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
New
Gold shall acquire the outstanding Metallica Common Shares for the
Metallica Share Consideration;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
the
Metallica Options and Metallica Warrants shall become exerciseable for New
Gold Common Shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
New
Gold shall transfer the Metallica Common Shares to CBCA Subco;
and
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
Metallica
shall amalgamate with CBCA Subco and Metallica shall be the surviving
corporation;
|
Β
all
as set forth in, and subject to the terms of, the CBCA Plan of
Arrangement.
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
At
the Effective Time:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
New
Gold shall enter into the Amended and Restated Note
Indenture;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
New
Gold shall enter into a supplemental warrant indenture pursuant to section
7.1(h) of the warrant indenture dated as of June 28, 2007, between New
Gold and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, in respect of the New Gold
Warrants;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
New
Gold shall issue the New Gold Warrants to the Noteholders;
and
|
Β
Β
13
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
the
New Gold Warrants shall become exerciseable for New Gold Common
Shares;
|
Β
Β
all
in connection with the Arrangements and this Agreement.
Β
2.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Effective Date
Β
The
Arrangements shall become effective at the respective Effective Times provided
in the Plans of Arrangement and neither Arrangement shall become effective
unless the other Arrangement becomes effective.
Β
2.03Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Board of Directors/Officers
Β
The
Board of Directors and Senior Management of New Gold on the Effective Date shall
be as follows:Β Β Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx (Director), Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx (Director),
Xxxxx Xxxxxx (Chairman of the Board and Director), Xxxx Xxxxxxx (Director), Xxx
Xxxxxx (Director), Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx (Chief Executive Officer and Director) and
Xxxxx Xxxxxx (Chief Financial Officer) and New Gold shall take such actions as
may be necessary to ensure that the Board of Directors and Senior Management of
New Gold is so constituted as and from the Effective Date.
Β
2.04Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Consultation
Β
Peak,
New Gold and Metallica will consult with each other in issuing any press release
or otherwise making any public statement with respect to this Agreement or the
Arrangements and in making any filing with any Governmental Entity, Securities
Authority or stock exchange with respect thereto. Each of Peak, New Gold and
Metallica shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to enable each of
the other of them to review and comment on all such press releases and filings
prior to the release or filing, respectively, thereof.
Β
2.05Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Court Proceedings
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Peak
shall apply to the Court pursuant to section 291 of the BCBCA for the BC
Interim Order and the BC Final Order as
follows:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Within
ten (10) days of the date of execution of this Agreement, Peak shall file,
proceed with and diligently prosecute an application to the Court for the
BC Interim Order which shall request that the BC Interim Order shall
provide:
|
Β
Β
|
(A)
|
for
the class of persons to whom notice is to be provided in respect of the BC
Arrangement and the Peak Meeting and for the manner in which such notice
is to be provided;
|
Β
Β
|
(B)
|
that
the requisite approval for the Peak Resolution shall be 66 2/3% of the
votes cast on the Peak Resolution by the holders of Peak Common Shares
present in person or by proxy at the Peak Meeting (the βPeak Shareholder
Approvalβ);
|
Β
Β
|
(C)
|
that
in all other respects, the terms, conditions and restrictions of the Peak
constating documents, including quorum requirements and other matters,
shall apply in respect of the Peak
Meeting;
|
Β
Β
14
Β
Β
|
(D)
|
for
the grant of Dissent Rights to the holders of Peak Common
Shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(E)
|
for
notice requirements with respect to the presentation of the application to
the Court for the BC Final Order;
|
Β
Β
|
(F)
|
that
the Peak Meeting may be adjourned from time to time by management of Peak
without the need for additional approval of the
Court;
|
Β
Β
|
(G)
|
that
the record date for Peak Shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Peak Meeting will not change in respect of any adjournment(s) of the
Peak Meeting; and
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
subject
to obtaining the approvals as contemplated by the BC Interim Order and as
may be directed by the Court in the BC Interim Order, take all steps
necessary or desirable to submit the BC Arrangement to the Court and to
apply for the BC Final Order.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Metallica
shallΒ apply
to the Court pursuant to Section 192 of the CBCA for the CBCA Interim
Order and the CBCA Final Order as
follows:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Within
ten (10) days of the date of execution of this Agreement, Metallica shall
file, proceed with and diligently prosecute an application to the Court
for the CBCA Interim Order which shall request that the CBCA Interim Order
shall provide:
|
Β
Β
|
(A)
|
for
the class of Persons to whom notice is to be provided in respect of the
CBCA Arrangement and the Metallica Meeting and for the manner in which
such notice is to be provided;
|
Β
Β
|
(B)
|
that
the requisite approval for the Metallica Resolution shall be 66β
% of the
votes cast on the Metallica Resolution by the holders of Metallica Common
Shares present in person or by proxy at the Metallica Meeting (the βMetallica Shareholder
Approvalβ);
|
Β
Β
|
(C)
|
that
in all other respects, the terms, conditions and restrictions of the
Metallica constating documents, including quorum requirements and other
matters, shall apply in respect of the Metallica
Meeting;
|
Β
Β
|
(D)
|
for
the grant of Dissent Rights to the holders of Metallica Common
Shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(E)
|
for
notice requirements with respect to the presentation of the application to
the Court for the CBCA Final Order;
|
Β
Β
|
(F)
|
that
the Metallica Meeting may be adjourned from time to time by management of
Metallica without the need for additional approval of the
Court;
|
Β
Β
15
Β
Β
|
(G)
|
that
the record date for Metallica Shareholders entitled to notice of and to
vote at the Metallica Meeting will not change in respect of any
adjournment(s) of the Metallica Meeting;
and
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
subject
to obtaining the approvals as contemplated by the CBCA Interim Order and
as may be directed by the Court in the CBCA Interim Order, take all steps
necessary or desirable to submit the CBCA Arrangement to the Court and to
apply for the CBCA Final Order.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
The
applications to the Court in respect of the BC Interim Order and the CBCA
Interim Order shall be made concurrently. The application and motion
materials, including affidavit materials, draft orders and any amendments
thereto for the applications referred to in this Section shall be in a
form satisfactory to New Gold, Metallica and Peak, acting
reasonably.
|
Β
2.06Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Final Orders
Β
If the BC
Interim Order and the CBCA Interim Order are obtained, the Peak Shareholder
Approval and the Metallica Shareholder Approval are obtained, as provided for in
the BC Interim Order and the CBCA Interim Order, respectively, and the New Gold
Shareholder Approval is obtained, then subject to the terms of this Agreement,
Peak and Metallica shall, substantially concurrently, apply to the Court for the
BC Final Order and the CBCA Final Order, respectively, and diligently pursue
such applications.Β The application and
motion materials, including affidavit materials, draft orders and any amendments
thereto for the applications referred to in this Section shall be in a form
satisfactory to New Gold, Metallica and Peak, acting reasonably.
Β
2.07Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Effecting the Arrangements
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Subject
to the rights of termination contained in Section 6.02 hereof, upon the
Peak Shareholders providing the Peak Shareholder Approval in accordance
with the BC Interim Order, Peak obtaining the BC Final Order and the other
conditions contained in Schedules E, F, G and H being complied with or
waived, the BC Arrangement shall become effective upon of the Articles of
Arrangement in respect of the CBCA Arrangement becoming
effective.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
The
CBCA Articles of Arrangement shall implement the CBCA Plan of Arrangement.
Subject to the rights of termination contained in Section 6.02 hereof,
upon the Metallica Shareholders providing the Metallica Shareholder
Approval in accordance with the CBCA Interim Order, Metallica obtaining
the CBCA Final Order and satisfaction or waiver of the conditions
precedent set forth in Schedules E, F, G and H, the Articles of
Arrangement shall be filed by Metallica with the Director and from and
after the Effective Time, the CBCA Plan of Arrangement shall have all of
the effects contemplated by law, including the CBCA provided, however,
that the CBCA Arrangement shall not become effective unless the BC
Arrangement becomes effective
concurrently.
|
Β
2.08Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Closing
Β
The
closing of the Arrangements will take place at the offices of Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
& Xxxxxxxxx LLP, 2100 Scotia Plaza, 40 Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx
X0X 0X0 xt 8:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on the Effective Date.
Β
Β
16
Β
2.09Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Canadian Tax Matters
Β
New
Gold, Peak and Metallica intend that the amalgamations of Peak with BC Subco and
Metallica with CBCA Subco will each qualify as an amalgamation within the
meaning of Section 87 of the Tax Act.
Β
2.10Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β U.S. Tax Matters
Β
New
Gold, Peak and Metallica intend to adopt the Arrangements as a βplan of
reorganizationβ within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section 1.368-2(g) and
to treat New Goldβs acquisition of Peak and Metallica as βreorganizationsβ
within the meaning of section 368(a)(1) of the Code.Β Β To that end, it
is acknowledged that the exchange of securities pursuant to Section 3.01(b) of
the BC Plan of Arrangement and Section 3.1(b) of the CBCA Plan of Arrangement,
the transfers of Peak Common Shares to BC Subco and Metallica Common Shares to
CBCA Subco and the amalgamations of Peak with BC Subco and Metallica with CBCA
Subco, in each case with Peak and Metallica surviving, are interdependent steps
in a single transaction, to which the parties hereto are legally committed as
provided herein, and each of which may be fairly characterized as a statutory
merger or consolidation within the meaning of section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code
and section 368(a)(2)(E) of the Code.Β Β However, New Gold makes no
representation or warranty to Peak, Metallica, any Peak Shareholder or Metallica
Shareholder, or any holder of Peak or Metallica securities (including without
limitation any holder of Peak Options or Metallica Options) regarding the U.S.
federal income tax consequences to Peak, Metallica, any Peak Shareholder or
Metallica Shareholder, or any holder of Peak securities or Metallica securities
of the Arrangements.
Β
Β
ARTICLEΒ 3
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
Β
3.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Representations and Warranties of New Gold
Β
New
Gold hereby represents and warrants to each of Peak and Metallica as follows and
hereby acknowledges that each of Peak and Metallica are relying upon such
representations and warranties in connection with entering into this Agreement
and agreeing to complete the Transaction, as follows:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Organization.Β Β New
Gold has been incorporated, is validly subsisting and has full corporate
or legal power and authority to own its property and assets and to conduct
its business as currently owned and conducted. New Gold is registered,
licensed or otherwise qualified as an extra provincial corporation or a
foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the nature of the business
or the location or character of the property and assets owned or leased by
it requires it to be so registered, licensed or otherwise qualified, other
than those jurisdictions where the failure to be so registered, licensed
or otherwise qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect on New
Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Capitalization.Β Β New
Gold is authorized to issue an unlimited number of New Gold Common Shares.
As at the date hereof, there were: (i) 36,970,717 New Gold Common Shares
outstanding; (ii) options to acquire an aggregate of 2,413,500 New Gold
Common Shares outstanding under the New Gold Stock Option Plan and
incentive options to acquire another 450,000 New Gold Common Shares (the
βNew Gold
Optionsβ); and (iii) 30,870,409 New Gold Common Shares reserved for
issuance upon the exercise of the New Gold Warrants and pursuant to
convertible or exchangeable securities or other rights to acquire New Gold
Common Shares.Β Β Except as disclosed in writing to each of
Peak
|
Β
Β
17
Β
Β
|
and
Metallica by New Gold, there are no options, warrants, conversion
privileges or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments
(pre-emptive, contingent or otherwise) obligating New Gold to issue or
sell any shares of New Gold or any securities or obligations of any kind
convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of New
Gold.Β Β All outstanding New Gold Common Shares have been
authorized and are validly issued and outstanding as fully paid and
non-assessable shares, free of pre-emptive rights. As of the date hereof,
there are no outstanding bonds, debentures or other evidences of
indebtedness of New Gold having the right to vote with the New Gold
Shareholders on any matter. There are no outstanding contractual
obligations of New Gold to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any
outstanding New Gold Common Shares or with respect to the voting or
disposition of any outstanding New Gold Common
Shares.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
Authority.Β Β New
Gold has all necessary power, authority and capacity to enter into this
Agreement and all other agreements and instruments to be executed by New
Gold as contemplated by this Agreement, and to perform its obligations
hereunder and under such other agreements and instruments. The execution
and delivery of this Agreement by New Gold and the completion by New Gold
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been authorized by
the directors of New Gold and, subject to obtaining the New Gold
Shareholder Approval in the manner contemplated herein, no other corporate
proceedings on the part of New Gold are necessary to authorize this
Agreement or to complete the transactions contemplated hereby other than
in connection with the approval by the directors of New Gold of the New
Gold Circular. This Agreement has been executed and delivered by New Gold
and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of New Gold,
enforceable against New Gold in accordance with its terms, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium
and other applicable Laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights
generally, and to general principles of equity. Except as disclosed by New
Gold, the execution and delivery by New Gold of this Agreement and the
performance by New Gold of its obligations hereunder and the completion of
the transactions contemplated hereby, do not and will
not:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
result
in a violation, contravention or breach of, require any consent to be
obtained under or give rise to any termination rights under any provision
of:
|
Β
Β
|
(A)
|
the
articles, Notice of Articles (as defined in the BCBCA) or by-laws (or
their equivalent) of New Gold;
|
Β
Β
|
(B)
|
any
Law; or
|
Β
Β
|
(C)
|
any
contract, agreement, licence or permit to which New Gold is bound or is
subject to or of which New Gold is the
beneficiary;
|
Β
in each
case, which would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect on New Gold,
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
give
rise to any right of termination or acceleration of indebtedness, or cause
any indebtedness owing by New Gold to come due before its stated maturity
or cause any available credit to cease to be available which would,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on New
Gold;
|
Β
Β
18
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
result
in the imposition of any Encumbrance upon any of the property or assets of
New Gold or restrict, hinder, impair or limit the ability of New Gold to
conduct the business of New Gold as and where it is now being conducted
which would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect on New Gold; or
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
result
in any material payment (including severance, unemployment compensation,
"golden parachute", bonus or otherwise) becoming due to any director or
officer of New Gold or increase any benefits otherwise payable under any
pension or benefits plan of New Gold or result in the acceleration of the
time of payment or vesting of any such
benefits.
|
Β
No
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or declaration or filing with, any
Governmental Entity or other person is required to be obtained by New
GoldΒ Β in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement
or the consummation by New Gold of the transactions contemplated hereby other
than: (i) filings with and approvals required by Securities Authorities and
stock exchanges; (ii) the Competition Act Approval, the filing with the
Competition Commission of the United Mexican States and the filing with the
Foreign Investment Review Board of Australia; (iii) any other consents, waivers,
permits, orders or approvals referred to in the New Gold Disclosure Memorandum;
and (iv) any other consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, declarations or
filings which, if not obtained, would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Material Adverse Effect on New Gold.
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
Directors'
Approvals.Β Β The board of directors of New Gold has
received an opinion from each of GMP Securities L.P. the financial
advisors to the board of directors of New Gold, and Macquarie Capital
Markets Canada Ltd., that the Transaction is fair, from a financial point
of view, to the New Gold Shareholders and the directors of New Gold have
unanimously:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
determined
that the Transaction is fair to the New Gold Shareholders and is in the
best interests of New Gold;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
recommended
that the New Gold Shareholders vote in favour of the New Gold Resolution;
and
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
authorized
the entering into of this Agreement, and the performance of its
provisions, by New Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
New Gold
Subsidiaries.Β Β New Gold does not have any Subsidiaries
and there are no other corporations or other entities in which New Gold
owns a direct or indirect voting or equity
interest.
|
Β
Β
|
(f)
|
No
Defaults.Β Β Except as disclosed by New Gold, New Gold is
not in default under, and, there exists no event, condition or occurrence
which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default
by New Gold under any contract, agreement or licence that is material to
the conduct of the business of New Gold to which it is a party or by which
it is bound that would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on New Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(g)
|
Absence of
Changes.Β Β Since December 31, 2007, except as disclosed by
New Gold:
|
Β
Β
19
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
New
Gold has conducted its business only in the ordinary and regular course of
business consistent with past
practice;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
New
Gold has not incurred or suffered a Material Adverse
Effect;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
there
has not been any acquisition or sale by New Gold of any material property
or assets thereof;
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
other
than in the ordinary and regular course of business consistent with past
practice, there has not been any incurrence, assumption or guarantee by
New Gold of any debt for borrowed money, any creation or assumption by New
Gold of any Encumbrance, any making by New Gold of any loan, advance or
capital contribution to or investment in any other person or the entering
into an amendment of, relinquishment, termination or non-renewal by New
Gold of any contract, agreement, licence, lease transaction, commitment or
other right or obligation that would, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Material Adverse Effect on New
Gold;
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
New
Gold has not declared or paid any dividends or made any other distribution
on any of the New Gold Common
Shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(vi)
|
New
Gold has not effected or passed any resolution to approve a split,
consolidation or reclassification of any of the outstanding New Gold
Common Shares; and
|
Β
Β
|
(vii)
|
New
Gold has not adopted any, or materially amended any, collective bargaining
agreement, bonus, pension, profit sharing, stock purchase, stock option or
other benefit plan or shareholder rights
plan.
|
Β
Β
|
(h)
|
Employment
Agreements.Β Β Except as disclosed by New
Gold:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
New
Gold is not a party to any written or oral policy, agreement, obligation
or understanding providing for severance or termination payments to, or
any employment or consulting agreement with, any director or officer of
New Gold, that cannot be terminated without payment of a maximum of 12
times such individualβs monthly salary, recognising that a court of
competent jurisdiction in an action for wrongful dismissal or otherwise
has the authority to award damages in an amount greater than 12 times an
individualβs monthly salary;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
New
Gold has no employee or consultant whose employment or contract with New
Gold cannot be terminated without payment upon a maximum of twelve months'
notice; and
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
New
Gold is not: (a) a party to any collective bargaining agreement, (b) to
the knowledge of New Gold, subject to any application for certification or
threatened or apparent union organizing campaigns for employees not
covered under a collective bargaining agreement, or (c) subject to any
current, or to the knowledge of New Gold, pending or threatened strike or
lockout.
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Financial
Matters.Β Β The auditedΒ Β balance sheets,
auditedΒ Β statement of operations and retained earnings (deficit)
and auditedΒ Β statements of cash flows of New Gold for
the
|
Β
Β
20
Β
Β
|
financial
year ended December 31, 2007 (the βNew Gold Financial
Statementsβ) were prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP,
consistently applied, and fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition of New Gold at the respective dates indicated and the
results of operations of New Gold for the periods covered. Except as
disclosed by New Gold, New Gold does not have any liability or obligation
(including, without limitation, liabilities or obligations to fund any
operations or work or exploration program, to give any guarantees or for
Taxes), whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, not reflected
in the audited financial statements of New Gold for the year ended
December 31, 2007, except liabilities and obligations incurred in the
ordinary and regular course of business (including the business of
operating, developing, constructing and exploring the New Gold Property),
which liabilities or obligations would not reasonably be expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect on New
Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(j)
|
Books and
Records.Β Β The corporate records and minute books of New
Gold have been maintained in accordance with all applicable Laws and are
complete and accurate in all material respects, except where such
incompleteness or inaccuracy would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
New Gold.Β Β Financial books and records and accounts of New Gold
in all material respects: (i) have been maintained in accordance with good
business practices on a basis consistent with prior years and past
practice; (ii) are stated in reasonable detail and accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and acquisitions and dispositions of assets of
New Gold; and (iii) accurately and fairly reflect the basis for the
financial statements of New Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(k)
|
Litigation.Β Β Except
as disclosed by New Gold and except with respect to matters relating to
the environment or Environmental Laws (which are addressed in subsection
3.01(p) below), there is no claim, action, proceeding or investigation
pending or in progress or, to the knowledge of New Gold, threatened
against or relating to New Gold or affecting any of its properties or
assets before any Governmental Entity which individually or in the
aggregate has, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse
Effect on New Gold.Β Β There is no bankruptcy, liquidation,
winding-up or other similar proceeding pending or in progress, or, to the
knowledge of New Gold, threatened against or relating to New Gold before
any Governmental Entity.Β Β Neither New Gold nor any of its
properties or assets is subject to any outstanding judgment, order, writ,
injunction or decree that involves or may involve, or restricts or may
restrict the right or ability of New Gold to conduct its business in all
material respects as it has been carried on prior to the date hereof, or
that would materially impede the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, except to the extent any such matter would
not have a Material Adverse Effect on New
Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(l)
|
Title to Properties and
Condition of Assets.Β Β Except as disclosed by New Gold,
applying customary standards in the mining industry, New Gold has
sufficient title to or valid leasehold interests in the New Gold Property
to operate such property in the ordinary course and consistent with past
practice, free and clear of any title defect or Encumbrance, except for
such defects in title or Encumbrances that, individually or in the
aggregate, do not have, and would not reasonably be expected to have, a
Material Adverse Effect on New Gold.Β Β Each lease and agreement
granting rights to the New Gold Property is in full force and
effectΒ Β and constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of
New Gold and New Gold is not in violation or breach of or default under
any such lease or agreement except such violations, breaches or defaults
which, individually, or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect on New Gold.Β Β Furthermore, all
real and tangible personal property of New Gold is in
generally
|
Β
Β
21
Β
Β
|
good
repair and is operational and usable in the manner in which it is
currently being utilized, subject to normal wear and tear and technical
obsolescence, repair or replacement, except for such property where the
failure to be in such condition would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on New
Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(m)
|
Mineral Reserves and
Resources. The most recent estimated proven and probable mineral
reserves and estimated measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources
of New Gold disclosed in the New Gold Documents have been prepared and
disclosed in all material respects in accordance with all applicable
Laws.Β Β There has been no material reduction (other than as a
result of operations in the ordinary course of business) in the aggregate
amount of estimated mineral reserves and estimated mineral resources of
New Gold from the amounts disclosed publicly by New
Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(n)
|
Operational
Matters.Β Except as would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on New
Gold:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
all
rentals, payments and obligations (including maintenance for unpatented
mining claims), royalties, overriding royalty interests, production
payments, net profits, interest burdens and other payments due or payable
on or prior to the date hereof under or with respect to the direct or
indirect assets of New Gold have been properly and timely
paid;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
all
mines and mining-related activities where New Gold is operator at the
relevant time have been developed and operated in accordance with good
mining practices and in compliance with all applicable
Laws.
|
Β
Β
|
(o)
|
Insurance.Β Β New
Gold maintains policies of insurance in amounts and in respect of such
risks as are normal and usual for companies of a similar size operating in
the mining industry and such policies are in full force and effect as of
the date hereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(p)
|
Environmental.Β Β Except
as disclosed by New Gold:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
The
New Gold Properties have been operated in compliance with all applicable
Environmental Laws, except to the extent that a failure to be in such
compliance, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on New
Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
The
New Gold Properties have not been used to generate, manufacture, refine,
treat, recycle, transport, store, handle, dispose, transfer, produce or
process Hazardous Substances, except in compliance in all material
respects with all Environmental Laws and except to the extent that such
non-compliance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on New Gold. Neither New Gold, nor, to the knowledge of New Gold,
any other person in control of any New Gold Property, has caused or
permitted the Release of any Hazardous Substances at, in, on, under or
from any New Gold Property, except in compliance, individually or in the
aggregate, with all Environmental Laws, except to the extent that a
failure to be in such compliance would not be reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect on New Gold.Β Β All Hazardous Substances
handled, recycled, disposed of, treated or stored on or off site of the
New Gold Properties have been handled, recycled, disposed of, treated and
stored in material compliance with all Environmental Laws except to
the
|
Β
Β
22
Β
Β
|
extent
that a failure to be in such compliance would not be reasonably likely to
have a Material Adverse Effect on New Gold.Β Β To the knowledge of
New Gold, there are no Hazardous Substances at, in, on, under or migrating
from any New Gold Property, except in material compliance with all
Environmental Laws and except to the extent that any failures to be in
compliance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on New Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
Neither
New Gold nor any other person for whose actions New Gold may be partially
or wholly liable, has treated or disposed, or arranged for the treatment
or disposal, of any Hazardous Substances at any location: (i) listed on
any list of hazardous sites or sites requiring Remedial Action issued by
any Governmental Entity; (ii) to the knowledge of New Gold, proposed for
listing on any list issued by any Governmental Entity of hazardous sites
or sites requiring Remedial Action, or any similar federal, state or
provincial lists; or (iii) which is the subject of enforcement actions by
any Governmental Entity that creates the reasonable potential for any
proceeding, action, or other claim against New Gold.Β Β To the
knowledge of New Gold, no site or facility now or previously owned,
operated or leased by New Gold is listed or, to the knowledge of New Gold,
is proposed for listing on any list issued by any Governmental Entity of
hazardous sites or sites requiring Remedial Action or is the subject of
Remedial Action.
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
Except
to the extent that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on New Gold, neither New Gold nor any other person for
whose actions New Gold may be partially or wholly liable has caused or
permitted the Release of any Hazardous Substances on or to any of the New
Gold Properties in such a manner as: (i) would be reasonably likely to
impose Liability for cleanup, natural resource damages, loss of life,
personal injury, nuisance or damage to other property, except to the
extent that such Liability would not have a Material Adverse Effect on New
Gold; or (ii) would be reasonably likely to result in imposition of a
lien, charge or other encumbrance or the expropriation on any of the New
Gold Properties or the assets of New
Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
Except
to the extent that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect with respect to New Gold and except as disclosed by New
Gold, New Gold has not received from any person or Governmental Entity any
notice, formal or informal, of any proceeding, action or other claim,
Liability or potential Liability arising under any Environmental Law that
is pending as of the date hereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(q)
|
Tax
Matters.Β Β Except as disclosed by New Gold or as would
not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect with respect to New
Gold:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
New
Gold has duly and timely made or prepared all Tax Returns required to be
made or prepared by it, has duly and timely filed all Tax Returns required
to be filed by it with the appropriate Governmental Entity and has, in all
material respects, completely and correctly reported all income and all
other amounts or information required to be reported
thereon.
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
New
Gold has: (A) duly and timely paid all Taxes due and payable by it; (B)
duly and timely withheld all Taxes and other amounts required by Law to be
withheld
|
Β
Β
23
Β
Β
|
by
it and has duly and timely remitted to the appropriate Governmental Entity
such Taxes and other amounts required by Law to be remitted by it; and (C)
duly and timely collected all amounts on account of sales or transfer
taxes, including goods and services, harmonized sales and provincial or
territorial sales taxes, required by Law to be collected by it and has
duly and timely remitted to the appropriate Governmental Entity any such
amounts required by Law to be remitted by
it.
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
The
charges, accruals and reserves for Taxes reflected on the New Gold
Financial Statements (whether or not due and whether or not shown on any
Tax Return but excluding any provision for deferred income taxes) are
adequate under Canadian GAAP to cover Taxes with respect to New Gold
accruing through the date hereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
There
are no proceedings, investigations, audits, assessments, reassessments or
claims now pending or to the knowledge of New Gold, threatened against New
Gold that propose to assess Taxes in addition to those reported in the Tax
Returns.
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
No
waiver of any statute of limitations with respect to Taxes has been given
or requested with respect to New
Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(r)
|
Pension and Employee
Benefits.Β Β New Gold has complied, in all material
respects, with all of the terms of the pension and other employee
compensation and benefit obligations of New Gold, including the provisions
of any collective agreements, funding and investment contracts or
obligations applicable thereto, arising under or relating to each of the
pension or retirement income plans or other employee compensation or
benefit plans, agreements, policies, programs, arrangements or practices,
whether written or oral, which are maintained by or binding upon New Gold
other than such non-compliance that would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on New
Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(s)
|
Reporting
Status.Β Β New Gold is a reporting issuer or its equivalent
in each of the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan,
Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. The New Gold Common Shares are
registered under Section 12(b) of the 1934 Act.Β Β The New Gold
Common Shares areΒ Β listed on the TSX and
AMEX.
|
Β
Β
|
(t)
|
Reports.Β Β Since
January 1, 2007, New Gold has filed with the Securities Authorities, stock
exchanges and all applicable self-regulatory authorities a true and
complete copy of all forms, reports, schedules, statements,
certifications, material change reports and other documents required to be
filed by it (such forms, reports, schedules, statements, certifications
and other documents, including any financial statements or other
documents, including any schedules included therein, are referred to
herein as the "New Gold
Documents"). The New Gold Documents, at the time filed or, if
amended, as of the date of such amendment: (i) did not contain any
misrepresentation (as defined by Securities Authorities) and did not
contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and (ii)
complied in all material respects with the requirements of applicable
securities legislation and the rules, policies and instruments of all
Securities Authorities having jurisdiction over New Gold except where such
non-compliance has not had or would not reasonably be expected
to
|
Β
Β
24
Β
Β
|
have
a Material Adverse Effect on New Gold. New Gold has not filed any
confidential material change or other report or other document with any
Securities Authorities or stock exchange or other self-regulatory
authority which at the date hereof remains
confidential.
|
Β
Β
|
(u)
|
Compliance with
Laws.Β Β Except with respect to matters relating to the
environment or Environmental Laws (which are addressed in Section 3.01(p)
above), New Gold has complied with and is not in violation of any
applicable Law other than such non-compliance or violations that would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on
New Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
No Cease
Trade.Β Β New Gold is not subject to any cease trade or
other order of any applicable stock exchange or Securities Authority and,
to the knowledge of New Gold, no investigation or other proceedings
involving New Gold that may operate to prevent or restrict trading of any
securities of New Gold are currently in progress or pending before any
applicable stock exchange or Securities
Authority.
|
Β
Β
|
(w)
|
No Option on
Assets.Β Β Except as disclosed in the New Gold Disclosure
Memorandum, no person has any agreement or option or any right or
privilege capable of becoming an agreement or option for the purchase from
New Gold of any of the material assets of New Gold, other than as
described or contemplated herein.
|
Β
Β
|
(x)
|
Certain
Contracts.Β Β Except as disclosed by New Gold, New Gold is
not a party to or bound by any non-competition agreement or any other
agreement, obligation, judgment, injunction, order or decree that purports
to: (i) limit the manner or the localities in which all or any material
portion of the business of New Gold is conducted (ii) limit any business
practice of New Gold in any material respect; or (iii) restrict any
acquisition or disposition of any property by New Gold in any material
respect.
|
Β
Β
|
(y)
|
Foreign Private
Issuer.Β Β As of the date hereof, New Gold is a "foreign
private issuer" as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933
Act.
|
Β
Β
|
(z)
|
Investment Company
Status.Β Β New Gold is not registered, and is not required
to be registered, as an open-end investment company, a closed-end
investment company, a unit investment trust or a face-amount certificate
company under the 1940 Act.
|
Β
Β
|
(aa)
|
No Broker's
Commission.Β Β Except as disclosed in the New Gold
Disclosure Memorandum, New Gold has not entered into any agreement that
would entitle any person to any valid claim against New Gold for a
broker's commission, finder's fee or any like payment in respect of the
Transaction or any other matter contemplated by this
Agreement.
|
Β
Β
|
(bb)
|
Vote
Required.Β Β The only approval of the holders of any class
or series of the New Gold Common Shares, New Gold Options or other
securities of New Gold necessary to approve this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby is the approval of the New Gold
Shareholder Resolution by the holders of a majority of the New Gold Common
Shares present in person or by proxy at the New Gold Meeting (the βNew Gold Shareholder
Approvalβ).
|
Β
Β
|
(cc)
|
Noteholder Extraordinary
Resolution.Β Β The Noteholder Extraordinary Resolution was
consented to by Noteholders holding the required percentage of outstanding
Notes and is in full force and effect,
unamended.
|
Β
Β
25
Β
Β
|
3.02
|
Representations
and Warranties of Peak
|
Β
Peak
hereby represents and warrants to each of New Gold and Metallica as follows and
hereby acknowledges that they are relying upon such representations and
warranties in connection with entering into this Agreement and agreeing to
complete the Transaction as follows:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Organization.Β Β Peak
and each of the Peak Subsidiaries has been incorporated, is validly
subsisting and has full corporate or legal power and authority to own its
property and assets and to conduct its business as currently owned and
conducted. Peak and each of the Peak Subsidiaries is registered, licensed
or otherwise qualified as an extra provincial corporation or a foreign
corporation in each jurisdiction where the nature of the business or the
location or character of the property and assets owned or leased by it
requires it to be so registered, licensed or otherwise qualified, other
than those jurisdictions where the failure to be so registered, licensed
or otherwise qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
Peak.Β Β All of the outstanding shares of the Peak Subsidiaries
are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable to the extent such a
concept exists under applicable Law. Except as otherwise disclosed in
Schedule B hereto, all of the outstanding shares of the Peak Subsidiaries
are owned, directly or indirectly, by Peak. Except pursuant to
restrictions on transfer contained in the articles or by-laws (or their
equivalent) of the applicable Peak Subsidiary and except as disclosed by
Peak, the outstanding shares of each of the Peak Subsidiaries which are
owned by Peak are owned free and clear of all Encumbrances and neither
Peak nor any of the Peak Subsidiaries is liable to any Peak Subsidiary or
to any creditor in respect thereof.Β Β Except pursuant to this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, there are no
outstanding options, rights, entitlements, understandings or commitments
(contingent or otherwise) regarding the right to acquire any issued or
unissued securities of, or interest in, any of the Peak Subsidiaries from
either Peak or any of the Peak
Subsidiaries.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Capitalization.Β Β Peak
is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Peak Common Shares. As at
the date hereof, there were: (i) 874,074,688 Peak Common Shares
outstanding; (ii) options to acquire an aggregate of 30,581,000 Peak
Common Shares were outstanding pursuant to the Peak Stock Option Plan (the
βPeak Optionsβ);
and (iii) Peak Warrants to acquire an aggregate of 291,361,665 Peak Common
Shares were outstanding. The Peak Options and Peak Warrants are described
in the Peak Disclosure Memorandum. Except for the Peak Options and Peak
Warrants and except pursuant to this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby, there are no options, warrants, conversion privileges
or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments (pre-emptive,
contingent or otherwise) obligating Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries
to issue or sell any shares of Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries or any
securities or obligations of any kind convertible into or exchangeable for
any shares of Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries.Β Β All
outstanding Peak Common Shares have been authorized and are validly issued
and outstanding as fully paid and non-assessable shares, free of
pre-emptive rights. As of the date hereof, there are no outstanding bonds,
debentures or other evidences of indebtedness of Peak or any of the Peak
Subsidiaries having the right to vote with the Peak Shareholders on any
matter. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of Peak or of any
of the Peak Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any
outstanding Peak Common Shares or with respect to the voting or
disposition of any outstanding Peak Common
Shares.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
Authority.Β Β Peak
has all necessary power, authority and capacity to enter into this
Agreement and all other agreements and instruments to be executed by Peak
as
|
Β
Β
26
Β
Β
|
contemplated
by this Agreement, and to perform its obligations hereunder and under such
other agreements and instruments. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Peak and the completion by Peak of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement have been authorized by the directors of
Peak and, subject to obtaining the Peak Shareholder Approval, the BC
Interim Order and the BC Final Order in the manner contemplated herein, no
other corporate proceedings on the part of Peak are necessary to authorize
this Agreement or to complete the transactions contemplated hereby other
than in connection with the approval by the directors of Peak of the Peak
Circular. This Agreement has been executed and delivered by Peak and
constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Peak, enforceable
against Peak in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium and other
applicable Laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally, and
to general principles of equity. Except as disclosed by Peak, the
execution and delivery by Peak of this Agreement and the performance by
Peak of its obligations hereunder and the completion of the transactions
contemplated hereby, do not and will
not:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
result
in a violation, contravention or breach of, require any consent to be
obtained under or give rise to any termination rights under any provision
of:
|
Β
Β
|
(A)
|
the
articles, Notice of Articles or by-laws (or their equivalent) of Peak or
any of the Peak Subsidiaries;
|
Β
Β
|
(B)
|
any
Law; or
|
Β
Β
|
(C)
|
any
contract, agreement, licence or permit to which Peak or any of the Peak
Subsidiaries is bound or is subject to or of which Peak or any of the Peak
Subsidiaries is the beneficiary;
|
Β
in each
case, which would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect on Peak, and
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
give
rise to any right of termination or acceleration of indebtedness, or cause
any indebtedness owing by Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries to come due
before its stated maturity or cause any available credit to cease to be
available which would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on Peak;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
result
in the imposition of any Encumbrance upon any of the property or assets of
Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries or restrict, hinder, impair or limit
the ability of Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries to conduct the
business of Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries as and where it is now
being conducted which would, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on Peak; or
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
result
in any material payment (including severance, unemployment compensation,
"golden parachute", bonus or otherwise) becoming due to any director or
officer of Peak or any Peak Subsidiary or increase any benefits otherwise
payable under any pension or benefits plan of Peak or any Peak Subsidiary
or result in the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any
such benefits.
|
Β
No
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or declaration or filing with, any
Governmental Entity or other person is required to be obtained by Peak or any of
the
Β
Β
27
Β
Peak
Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or
the consummation by Peak of the transactions contemplated hereby other than: (i)
any approvals required by the BC Interim Order; (ii) any approvals required by
the BC Final Order; (iii) filings required under the BCBCA and filings with and
approvals required by Securities Authorities and stock exchanges; (iv) the
Competition Act Approval, the filing with the Competition Commission of the
United Mexican States and the filing with the Foreign Investment Review Board of
Australia; (v) any other consents, waivers, permits, orders or approvals
referred to in the Peak Disclosure Memorandum; and (vi) any other consents,
approvals, orders, authorizations, declarations or filings which, if not
obtained, would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect on Peak.
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
Directors'
Approvals.Β Β The board of directors of Peak has received
an opinion from Paradigm Capital Inc., the financial advisors to the board
of directors of Peak, that the Peak Share Consideration is fair, from a
financial point of view, to the Peak Shareholders and the directors of
Peak have unanimously:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
determined
that the Peak Share Consideration is fair to the Peak Shareholders and the
Transaction is in the best interests of
Peak;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
recommended
that the Peak Shareholders vote in favour of the Peak Resolution;
and
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
authorized
the entering into of this Agreement, and the performance of its
provisions, by Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
Peak
Subsidiaries.Β Β The only Subsidiaries of Peak are the Peak
Subsidiaries and Peak does not own a direct or indirect voting or equity
interest of greater than 25% in any other
corporation.
|
Β
Β
|
(f)
|
No
Defaults.Β Β Except as disclosed by Peak, neither Peak nor
any of the Peak Subsidiaries is in default under, and, there exists no
event, condition or occurrence which, after notice or lapse of time or
both, would constitute a default by Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries
under any contract, agreement or licence that is material to the conduct
of the business of Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries to which any of
them is a party or by which any of them is bound that would, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on
Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(g)
|
Absence of
Changes.Β Β Since December 31, 2007, except as disclosed by
Peak:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Peak
and each of the Peak Subsidiaries has conducted its business only in the
ordinary and regular course of business consistent with past
practice;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
neither
Peak nor any of the Peak Subsidiaries has incurred or suffered a Material
Adverse Effect;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
there
has not been any acquisition or sale by Peak or any of the Peak
Subsidiaries of any material property or assets
thereof;
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
other
than in the ordinary and regular course of business consistent with past
practice, there has not been any incurrence, assumption or guarantee by
Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries of any debt for borrowed money, any
creation or
|
Β
Β
28
Β
Β
|
assumption
by Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries of any Encumbrance, any making by
Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries of any loan, advance or capital
contribution to or investment in any other person (other than: (a) loans
and advances in an aggregate amount that does not exceed $750,000
outstanding at any time; and (b) loans made to other Peak Subsidiaries) or
any entering into, amendment of, relinquishment, termination or
non-renewal by Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries of any contract,
agreement, licence, lease transaction, commitment or other right or
obligation that would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on Peak;
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
Peak
has not declared or paid any dividends or made any other distribution on
any of the Peak Common Shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(vi)
|
Peak
has not effected or passed any resolution to approve a split,
consolidation or reclassification of any of the outstanding Peak Common
Shares; and
|
Β
Β
|
(vii)
|
Peak
has not adopted any, or materially amended any, collective bargaining
agreement, bonus, pension, profit sharing, stock purchase, stock option or
other benefit plan or shareholder rights
plan.
|
Β
Β
|
(h)
|
Employment
Agreements.Β Β Other than as disclosed by Peak in the Peak
Disclosure Memorandum:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
neither
Peak nor any of the Peak Subsidiaries is a party to any written or oral
policy, agreement, obligation or understanding providing for severance or
termination payments to, or any employment or consulting agreement with,
any director or officer of Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries that
cannot be terminated without payment of a maximum of 12 times such
individualβs monthly salary, recognising that a court of competent
jurisdiction in an action for wrongful dismissal or otherwise has the
authority to award damages in an amount greater than 12 times an
individualβs monthly salary;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
neither
Peak nor any of the Peak Subsidiaries has any employee or consultant whose
employment or contract with Peak or the Peak Subsidiary, respectively,
cannot be terminated without payment upon a maximum of twelve months'
notice; and
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
neither
Peak nor any of the Peak Subsidiaries: (a) is a party to any collective
bargaining agreement; (b) is, to the knowledge of Peak, subject to any
application for certification or threatened or apparent union organizing
campaigns for employees not covered under a collective bargaining
agreement; or (c) is subject to any current, or to the knowledge of Peak,
pending or threatened strike or
lockout.
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Financial
Matters.Β Β The audited consolidated balance sheets,
audited consolidated statement of operations and retained earnings
(deficit) and audited consolidated statements of cash flows of Peak for
the thirteen month period ended December 30, 2007 and the fiscal year
ended November 31, 2006 (the βPeak Financial
Statementsβ) were prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP,
consistently applied, and fairly present in all material respects the
consolidated financial condition of Peak at the respective dates indicated
and the results of operations of Peak for the periods covered on a
consolidated
|
Β
Β
29
Β
Β
|
basis.
Except as disclosed by Peak, neither Peak nor any of the Peak Subsidiaries
has any liability or obligation (including, without limitation,
liabilities or obligations to fund any operations or work or exploration
program, to give any guarantees or for Taxes), whether accrued, absolute,
contingent or otherwise, not reflected in the consolidated financial
statements of Peak for the thirteen month period ended December 31, 2007,
except liabilities and obligations incurred in the ordinary and regular
course of business (including the business of operating, developing,
constructing and exploring the Peak Properties), which liabilities or
obligations would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(j)
|
Books and
Records.Β Β The corporate records and minute books of Peak
and the Peak Subsidiaries have been maintained in accordance with all
applicable Laws and are complete and accurate in all material respects,
except where such incompleteness or inaccuracy would not have a Material
Adverse Effect on Peak.Β Β Financial books and records and
accounts of Peak and the Peak Subsidiaries in all material respects: (i)
have been maintained in accordance with good business practices on a basis
consistent with prior years and past practice; (ii) are stated in
reasonable detail and accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
acquisitions and dispositions of assets of Peak and the Peak Subsidiaries;
and (iii) accurately and fairly reflect the basis for the consolidated
financial statements of Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(k)
|
Litigation.Β Β Except
as disclosed by Peak and except with respect to matters relating to the
environment or Environmental Laws (which are addressed in subsection 3.02
(p) below), there is no claim, action, proceeding or investigation pending
or in progress or, to the knowledge of Peak, threatened against or
relating to Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries, or affecting any of
their respective properties or assets before any Governmental Entity which
individually or in the aggregate has, or could reasonably be expected to
have, a Material Adverse Effect on Peak.Β Β There is no
bankruptcy, liquidation, winding-up or other similar proceeding pending or
in progress, or, to the knowledge of Peak, threatened against or relating
to Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of Peak,
before any Governmental Entity. Neither Peak nor any of the Peak
Subsidiaries nor any of their respective properties or assets is subject
to any outstanding judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree that
involves or may involve, or restricts or may restrict the right or ability
of Peak or the Peak Subsidiaries, as the case may be, to conduct its
business in all material respects as it has been carried on prior to the
date hereof, or that would materially impede the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except to the extent any such
matter would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(l)
|
Title to Properties and
Condition of Assets.Β Β Except as disclosed by Peak,
applying customary standards in the mining industry, Peak and each of the
Peak Subsidiaries has sufficient title to or valid leasehold interests in
the Peak Properties to operate such properties in the ordinary course and
consistent with past practices, free and clear of any title defect or
Encumbrance, except for such defects in title or Encumbrances that,
individually or in the aggregate, do not have, and would not reasonably be
expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Peak.Β Β Each lease
and agreement granting rights to the Peak Properties is in full force and
effect and constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of Peak and
the Peak Subsidiaries and neither Peak nor the Peak Subsidiaries is in
violation of, breach of or default under any such lease or agreement
except such violations, breaches or defaults which, individually, or in
the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Peak.Β Β Furthermore, all real and tangible personal
property of Peak and each of the Peak Subsidiaries is in
generally
|
Β
Β
30
Β
Β
|
good
repair and is operational and usable in the manner in which it is
currently being utilized, subject to normal wear and tear and technical
obsolescence, repair or replacement, except for such property where the
failure to be in such condition would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect or Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(m)
|
Mineral Reserves and
Resources. The most recent estimated proven and probable mineral
reserves and estimated measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources
of Peak and the Peak Subsidiaries disclosed in the Peak Documents have
been prepared and disclosed in all material respects in accordance with
all applicable Laws.Β Β There has been no material reduction
(other than as a result of operations in the ordinary course of business)
in the aggregate amount of estimated mineral reserves and estimated
mineral resources of Peak or the Peak Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from
the amounts disclosed publicly by
Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(n)
|
Operational
Matters.Β Β Except as would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on
Peak:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
all
rentals, payments and obligations (including maintenance for unpatented
mining claims), royalties, overriding royalty interests, production
payments, net profits, interest burdens and other payments due or payable
on or prior to the date hereof under or with respect to the direct or
indirect assets of Peak and the Peak Subsidiaries have been properly and
timely paid;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
all
(A) mines and mining-related activities where Peak or a Peak Subsidiary is
operator at the relevant time have been developed and operated in
accordance with good mining practices and in compliance with all
applicable Laws; and (B) mines located in or on the lands of Peak or a
Peak Subsidiary or lands pooled or unitized therewith, which have been
abandoned by Peak or any Peak Subsidiary have been developed, managed and
abandoned in accordance with good mining practices and in compliance with
all applicable Laws.
|
Β
Β
|
(o)
|
Insurance.Β Β Peak
maintains policies of insurance in amounts and in respect of such risks as
are normal and usual for companies of a similar size operating in the
mining industry and such policies are in full force and effect as of the
date hereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(p)
|
Environmental.Β Β Except
as disclosed by Peak in the Peak Disclosure
Memorandum:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Peak
and each of the Peak Subsidiaries is and has been operated in compliance
with all applicable Environmental Laws, except to the extent that a
failure to be in such compliance, individually or in the aggregate, would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
The
Peak Properties have not been used to generate, manufacture, refine,
treat, recycle, transport, store, handle, dispose, transfer, produce or
process Hazardous Substances, except in compliance in all material
respects with all Environmental Laws and except to the extent that such
non-compliance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Peak. Neither Peak nor the Peak Subsidiaries or, to the
knowledge of Peak or any other person in control of any Peak Property, has
caused or permitted the Release of any Hazardous Substances at, in, on,
under or from any Peak Property, except in compliance, individually or in
the aggregate, with all Environmental Laws, except to the extent that a
failure
|
Β
Β
31
Β
Β
|
to
be in such compliance would not be reasonably likely to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Peak.Β Β All Hazardous Substances handled,
recycled, disposed of, treated or stored on or off site of the Peak
Properties have been handled, recycled, disposed of, treated and stored in
material compliance with all Environmental Laws except to the extent that
a failure to be in such compliance would not be reasonably likely to have
a Material Adverse Effect on Peak.Β Β To the knowledge of Peak,
there are no Hazardous Substances at, in, on, under or migrating from any
Peak Property, except in material compliance with all Environmental Laws
and except to the extent that any failures to be in compliance would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
Neither
Peak nor the Peak Subsidiaries or any other person for whose actions Peak
or any Peak Subsidiary may be partially or wholly liable, has treated or
disposed, or arranged for the treatment or disposal, of any Hazardous
Substances at any location: (i) listed on any list of hazardous sites or
sites requiring Remedial Action issued by any Governmental Entity; (ii) to
the knowledge of Peak, proposed for listing on any list issued by any
Governmental Entity of hazardous sites or sites requiring Remedial Action,
or any similar federal, state or provincial lists; or (iii) which is the
subject of enforcement actions by any Governmental Entity that creates the
reasonable potential for any proceeding, action, or other claim against
Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries.Β Β To the knowledge of Peak,
no site or facility now or previously owned, operated or leased by Peak or
any of the Peak Subsidiaries is listed or, to the knowledge of Peak, is
proposed for listing on any list issued by any Governmental Entity of
hazardous sites or sites requiring Remedial Action or is the subject of
Remedial Action.
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
Except
to the extent that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Peak, neither Peak nor the Peak Subsidiaries nor any
other person for whose actions Peak or any Peak Subsidiary may be
partially or wholly liable has caused or permitted the Release of any
Hazardous Substances on or to any of the Peak Properties in such a manner
as: (i) would be reasonably likely to impose Liability for cleanup,
natural resource damages, loss of life, personal injury, nuisance or
damage to other property, except to the extent that such Liability would
not have a Material Adverse Effect on Peak; or (ii) would be reasonably
likely to result in imposition of a lien, charge or other encumbrance or
the expropriation on any of the Peak Properties or the assets of Peak or
the Peak Subsidiaries.
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
Except
to the extent that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect with respect to Peak and except as disclosed by Peak,
neither Peak nor the Peak Subsidiaries has received from any person or
Governmental Entity any notice, formal or informal, of any proceeding,
action or other claim, Liability or potential Liability arising under any
Environmental Law that is pending as of the date
hereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(q)
|
Tax
Matters.Β Β Except as disclosed by Peak or as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect with respect to
Peak:
|
Β
Β
32
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Peak
and each of the Peak Subsidiaries has duly and timely made or prepared all
Tax Returns required to be made or prepared by it, has duly and timely
filed all Tax Returns required to be filed by it with the appropriate
Governmental Entity and has, in all material respects, completely and
correctly reported all income and all other amounts or information
required to be reported thereon.
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
Peak
and each of the Peak Subsidiaries has: (A) duly and timely paid all Taxes
due and payable by it; (B) duly and timely withheld all Taxes and other
amounts required by Law to be withheld by it and has duly and timely
remitted to the appropriate Governmental Entity such Taxes and other
amounts required by Law to be remitted by it; and (C) duly and timely
collected all amounts on account of sales or transfer taxes, including
goods and services, harmonized sales and provincial or territorial sales
taxes, required by Law to be collected by it and has duly and timely
remitted to the appropriate Governmental Entity any such amounts required
by Law to be remitted by it.
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
The
charges, accruals and reserves for Taxes reflected on the Peak Financial
Statements (whether or not due and whether or not shown on any Tax Return
but excluding any provision for deferred income taxes) are adequate under
Canadian GAAP to cover Taxes with respect to Peak and the Peak
Subsidiaries (to the extent that such entitles are consolidated in the
Peak Financial Statements) accruing through the date
hereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
There
are no proceedings, investigations, audits, assessments, reassessments or
claims now pending or to the knowledge of Peak, threatened against any of
Peak or the Peak Subsidiaries that propose to assess Taxes in addition to
those reported in the Tax Returns.
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
No
waiver of any statute of limitations with respect to Taxes has been given
or requested with respect to Peak or any of the Peak
Subsidiaries.
|
Β
Β
|
(r)
|
Pension and Employee
Benefits.Β Β Peak and the Peak Subsidiaries have complied,
in all material respects, with all of the terms of the pension and other
employee compensation and benefit obligations of Peak or the Peak
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, including the provisions of any
collective agreements, funding and investment contracts or obligations
applicable thereto, arising under or relating to each of the pension or
retirement income plans or other employee compensation or benefit plans,
agreements, policies, programs, arrangements or practices, whether written
or oral, which are maintained by or binding upon Peak or the Peak
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, other than such non-compliance that
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(s)
|
Reporting
Status.Β Β Peak is a reporting issuer or its equivalent in
each of the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario,
Quebec and Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Island. The Peak Common Shares and Peak Warrants
are listed on the TSX-V.
|
Β
Β
|
(t)
|
Reports.Β Β Since
January 1, 2007, Peak has filed with the Securities Authorities, stock
exchanges and all applicable self-regulatory authorities a true and
complete copy of all forms, reports, schedules, statements,
certifications, material change reports and other documents required to be
filed by it (such forms, reports, schedules, statements, certifications
and other documents, including any financial statements or
other
|
Β
Β
33
Β
Β
|
documents,
including any schedules included therein, are referred to herein as the
"Peak Documents").
The Peak Documents, at the time filed or, if amended, as of the date of
such amendment: (i) did not contain any misrepresentation (as defined by
Securities Authorities) and did not contain an untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading; and (ii) complied in all material respects with the
requirements of applicable securities legislation and the rules, policies
and instruments of all Securities Authorities having jurisdiction over
Peak except where such non-compliance has not had or would not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Peak. Peak has not filed
any confidential material change or other report or other document with
any Securities Authorities or stock exchange or other self-regulatory
authority which at the date hereof remains confidential.Β Β None
of the Peak Subsidiaries are required to file any reports or other
documents with any of the Securities Authorities or the
TSX-V.
|
Β
Β
|
(u)
|
Compliance with
Laws.Β Β Except with respect to matters relating to the
environment or Environmental Laws (which are addressed in Section 3.02(p)
above), Peak and the Peak Subsidiaries have complied with and are not in
violation of any applicable Law other than such non-compliance or
violations that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
No Cease
Trade.Β Β Peak is not subject to any cease trade or other
order of any applicable stock exchange or Securities Authority and, to the
knowledge of Peak, no investigation or other proceedings involving Peak
that may operate to prevent or restrict trading of any securities of Peak
are currently in progress or pending before any applicable stock exchange
or Securities Authority.
|
Β
Β
|
(w)
|
No Option on
Assets.Β Β No person has any agreement or option or any
right or privilege capable of becoming an agreement or option for the
purchase from Peak or the Peak Subsidiaries of any of the material assets
of Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries, other than as described or
contemplated herein.
|
Β
Β
|
(x)
|
Certain
Contracts.Β Β Except as disclosed in the Peak Disclosure
Memorandum, neither Peak nor any of the Peak Subsidiaries is a party to or
bound by any non-competition agreement or any other agreement, obligation,
judgment, injunction, order or decree that purports to: (i) limit the
manner or the localities in which all or any material portion of the
business of Peak or the Peak Subsidiaries is conducted; (ii) limit any
business practice of Peak or any Peak Subsidiary in any material respect;
or (iii) restrict any acquisition or disposition of any property by Peak
or any Peak Subsidiary in any material
respect.
|
Β
Β
|
(y)
|
Foreign Private
Issuer.Β Β As of the date hereof, Peak is a "foreign
private issuer" as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933
Act.
|
Β
34
Β
Β
Β
|
(z)
|
Investment Company
Status.Β Β Peak is not registered, and is not required to
be registered, as an open-end investment company, a closed-end investment
company, a unit investment trust or a face-amount certificate company
under the 1940 Act.
|
Β
Β
|
(aa)
|
No Broker's
Commission.Β Β Peak has not entered into any agreement that
would entitle any person to any valid claim against Peak for a broker's
commission, finder's fee or any like payment in respect of the BC
Arrangement or any other matter contemplated by this Agreement, except for
the fees and expenses disclosed by
Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(bb)
|
Vote
Required.Β Β The only approval of the holders of any class
or series of the Peak Common Shares, Peak Options or other securities of
Peak necessary to approve the BC Arrangement and the transactions
contemplated hereof or thereby is, subject to the BC Interim Order, the
Peak Shareholder Approval.
|
Β
3.03Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Representations and Warranties of Metallica
Β
Metallica
hereby represents and warrants to each of New Gold and Peak as follows and
hereby acknowledges that they are relying upon such representations and
warranties in connection with entering into this Agreement and agreeing to
complete the Transaction as follows:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Organization.Β Β Metallica
and each of the Metallica Subsidiaries has been incorporated, is validly
subsisting and has full corporate or legal power and authority to own its
property and assets and to conduct its business as currently owned and
conducted. Metallica and each of the Metallica Subsidiaries is registered,
licensed or otherwise qualified as an extra provincial corporation or a
foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the nature of the business
or the location or character of the property and assets owned or leased by
it requires it to be so registered, licensed or otherwise qualified, other
than those jurisdictions where the failure to be so registered, licensed
or otherwise qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica.Β Β All of the outstanding shares of the Metallica
Subsidiaries are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable to the
extent such a concept exists under applicable Law. Except as otherwise
disclosed in Schedule C hereto, all of the outstanding shares of the
Metallica Subsidiaries are owned, directly or indirectly, by Metallica.
Except pursuant to restrictions on transfer contained in the articles or
by-laws (or their equivalent) of the applicable Metallica Subsidiary and
except as disclosed by Metallica, the outstanding shares of each of the
Metallica Group Companies which are owned by Metallica are owned free and
clear of all Encumbrances and neither Metallica nor any of the Metallica
Group Companies is liable to any Metallica Group Company or to any
creditor in respect thereof.Β Β Except pursuant to this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby, there are no outstanding
options, rights, entitlements, understandings or commitments (contingent
or otherwise) regarding the right to acquire any issued or unissued
securities of, or interest in, any of the Metallica Subsidiaries from
either Metallica or any of the Metallica
Subsidiaries.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Capitalization.Β Β Metallica
is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Metallica Common Shares. As
at the date hereof, there were: (i) 96,428,478 Metallica Common Shares
outstanding pursuant to the Metallica Stock Option Plan; (ii) options to
acquire an aggregate of 2,770,352 Metallica Common Shares were outstanding
(the βMetallica
Optionsβ); (iii) Metallica Warrants to acquire an aggregate of
19,840,810 Metallica Common Shares were outstanding, and (iv) an aggregate
of 152,998 Metallica Common Shares were reserved for issuance under the
Metallica Restricted Unit Plan. Except as disclosed in the Metallica
Disclosure Memorandum, the Metallica Options and Metallica Warrants are
described in the Metallica Disclosure Memorandum. Except for the Metallica
Options and Metallica Warrants and except pursuant to this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby, there are no options, warrants,
conversion privileges or other rights, agreements, arrangements or
commitments (pre-emptive, contingent or otherwise) obligating Metallica or
any of the Metallica Subsidiaries to issue or sell any shares of Metallica
or any of the Metallica Subsidiaries or any securities or obligations of
any kind convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of Metallica or
any of the Metallica Subsidiaries.Β Β All outstanding Metallica
Common Shares have been authorized and are validly issued and outstanding
as fully paid and non-assessable shares, free
of
|
Β
Β
35
Β
Β
|
pre-emptive
rights. As of the date hereof, there are no outstanding bonds, debentures
or other evidences of indebtedness of Metallica or any of the Metallica
Subsidiaries having the right to vote with the Metallica Shareholders on
any matter. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of Metallica
or of any of the Metallica Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire any outstanding Metallica Common Shares or with respect to the
voting or disposition of any outstanding Metallica Common
Shares.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
Authority.Β Β Metallica
has all necessary power, authority and capacity to enter into this
Agreement and all other agreements and instruments to be executed by
Metallica as contemplated by this Agreement, and to perform its
obligations hereunder and under such other agreements and instruments. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Metallica and the completion
by Metallica of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been
authorized by the directors of Metallica and, subject to obtaining the
Metallica Shareholder Approval, the CBCA Interim Order and the CBCA Final
Order in the manner contemplated herein, no other corporate proceedings on
the part of Metallica are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to
complete the transactions contemplated hereby other than in connection
with the approval by the directors of Metallica of the Metallica Circular.
This Agreement has been executed and delivered by Metallica and
constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Metallica,
enforceable against Metallica in accordance with its terms, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium
and other applicable Laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights
generally, and to general principles of equity. Except as disclosed by
Metallica, the execution and delivery by Metallica of this Agreement and
the performance by Metallica of its obligations hereunder and the
completion of the transactions contemplated hereby, do not and will
not:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
result
in a violation, contravention or breach of, require any consent to be
obtained under or give rise to any termination rights under any provision
of:
|
Β
Β
|
(A)
|
the
articles, Notice of Articles or by-laws (or their equivalent) of Metallica
or any of the Metallica
Subsidiaries;
|
Β
Β
|
(B)
|
any
Law; or
|
Β
Β
|
(C)
|
any
contract, agreement, licence or permit to which Metallica or any of the
Metallica Subsidiaries is bound or is subject to or of which Metallica or
any of the Metallica Subsidiaries is the
beneficiary;
|
Β
in
each case, which would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on Metallica,
Β
36
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
give
rise to any right of termination or acceleration of indebtedness, or cause
any indebtedness owing by Metallica or any of the Metallica Subsidiaries
to come due before its stated maturity or cause any available credit to
cease to be available which would, individually or in the aggregate, have
a Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
result
in the imposition of any Encumbrance upon any of the property or assets of
Metallica or any of the Metallica Subsidiaries or restrict, hinder, impair
or limit the ability of Metallica or any of the Metallica Subsidiaries to
conduct the business of Metallica or any of the Metallica Subsidiaries as
and where it is now
|
Β
Β
|
being
conducted which would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on Metallica; or
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
result
in any material payment (including severance, unemployment compensation,
"golden parachute", bonus or otherwise) becoming due to any director or
officer of Metallica or any Metallica Subsidiary or increase any benefits
otherwise payable under any pension or benefits plan of Metallica or any
Metallica Subsidiary or result in the acceleration of the time of payment
or vesting of any such benefits.
|
Β
No
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or declaration or filing with, any
Governmental Entity or other person is required to be obtained by Metallica or
any of the Metallica Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery
of this Agreement or the consummation by Metallica of the transactions
contemplated hereby other than: (i) any approvals required by the CBCA Interim
Order; (ii) any approvals required by the CBCA Final Order; (iii) filings
required under the CBCA and filings with and approvals required by Securities
Authorities and stock exchanges; (iv) the Competition Act Approval, the filing
with the Competition Commission of the United Mexican States and the filing with
the Foreign Investment Review Board of Australia (v) any other consents,
waivers, permits, orders or approvals referred to in the Metallica Disclosure
Memorandum; and (vi) any other consents, approvals, orders, authorizations,
declarations or filings which, if not obtained, would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Metallica.
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
Directors'
Approvals.Β Β The board of directors of Metallica has
received an opinion from Canaccord Capital Corporation, the financial
advisors to the board of directors of Metallica, that the Metallica Share
Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Metallica
Shareholders and the directors of Metallica have
unanimously:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
determined
that the Metallica Share Exchange Ratio is fair to the Metallica
Shareholders and the Transaction is in the best interests of
Metallica;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
recommended
that the Metallica Shareholders vote in favour of the Metallica
Resolution; and
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
authorized
the entering into of this Agreement, and the performance of its
provisions, by Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
Metallica
Subsidiaries.Β Β The only Subsidiaries of Metallica are the
Metallica Subsidiaries and Metallica does not own a direct or indirect
voting or equity interest of greater than 25% in any other
corporation.
|
Β
37
Β
|
(f)
|
No
Defaults.Β Β Except as disclosed by Metallica, neither
Metallica nor any of the Metallica Subsidiaries is in default under, and,
there exists no event, condition or occurrence which, after notice or
lapse of time or both, would constitute a default by Metallica or any of
the Metallica Subsidiaries under any contract, agreement or licence that
is material to the conduct of the business of Metallica or any of the
Metallica Subsidiaries to which any of them is a party or by which any of
them is bound that would, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(g)
|
Absence of
Changes.Β Β Since December 31, 2007, except as disclosed by
Metallica:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Metallica
and each of the Metallica Subsidiaries has conducted its business only in
the ordinary and regular course of business consistent with past
practice;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
neither
Metallica nor any of the Metallica Subsidiaries has incurred or suffered a
Material Adverse Effect;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
there
has not been any acquisition or sale by Metallica or any of the Metallica
Subsidiaries of any material property or assets
thereof;
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
other
than in the ordinary and regular course of business consistent with past
practice, there has not been any incurrence, assumption or guarantee by
Metallica or any of the Metallica Subsidiaries of any debt for borrowed
money, any creation or assumption by Metallica or any of the Metallica
Subsidiaries of any Encumbrance, any making by Metallica or any of the
Metallica Subsidiaries or of any loan, advance or capital contribution to
or investment in any other person (other than: (a) loans and advances in
an aggregate amount that does not exceed $750,000 outstanding at any time;
and (b) loans made to other Metallica Subsidiaries) or any entering into,
amendment of, relinquishment, termination or non-renewal by Metallica or
any of the Metallica Subsidiaries of any contract, agreement, licence,
lease transaction, commitment or other right or obligation that would,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica;
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
Metallica
has not declared or paid any dividends or made any other distribution on
any of the Metallica Common Shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(vi)
|
Metallica
has not effected or passed any resolution to approve a split,
consolidation or reclassification of any of the outstanding Metallica
Common Shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(vii)
|
Metallica
has not adopted any, or materially amended any, collective bargaining
agreement, bonus, pension, profit sharing, stock purchase, stock option or
other benefit plan or shareholder rights
plan.
|
Β
Β
|
(h)
|
Employment
Agreements.Β Β Other than as disclosed by
Metallica:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
neither
Metallica nor any of the Metallica Subsidiaries is a party to any written
or oral policy, agreement, obligation or understanding providing for
severance or termination payments to, or any employment or consulting
agreement with, any director or officer of Metallica or any of the
Metallica Subsidiaries that cannot be terminated without payment of a
maximum of 12 times such individualβs monthly salary, recognising that a
court of competent jurisdiction in an action for wrongful dismissal or
otherwise has the authority to award damages in an amount greater than 12
times an individualβs monthly
salary;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
neither
Metallica nor any of the Metallica Subsidiaries has any employee or
consultant whose employment or contract with Metallica or the Metallica
Subsidiary, respectively, cannot be terminated without payment upon a
maximum of twelve months' notice;
and
|
Β
Β
38
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
neither
Metallica nor any of the Metallica Subsidiaries: (a) is a party to any
collective bargaining agreement; (b) is, to the knowledge of Metallica,
subject to any application for certification or threatened or apparent
union organizing campaigns for employees not covered under a collective
bargaining agreement; or (c) is subject to any current, or to the
knowledge of Metallica, pending or threatened strike or
lockout.
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Financial
Matters.Β Β The audited consolidated balance sheets,
audited consolidated statement of operations and retained earnings
(deficit) and audited consolidated statements of cash flows of Metallica
for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 (the βMetallica Financial
Statementsβ) were prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP,
consistently applied, and fairly present in all material respects the
consolidated financial condition of Metallica at the respective dates
indicated and the results of operations of Metallica for the periods
covered on a consolidated basis. Except as disclosed by Metallica, neither
Metallica nor any of the Metallica Subsidiaries has any liability or
obligation (including, without limitation, liabilities or obligations to
fund any operations or work or exploration program, to give any guarantees
or for Taxes), whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, not
reflected in the consolidated financial statements of Metallica for the
year ended December 31, 2007, except liabilities and obligations incurred
in the ordinary and regular course of business (including the business of
operating, developing, constructing and exploring the Metallica
Properties), which liabilities or obligations would not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(j)
|
Books and
Records.Β Β The corporate records and minute books of
Metallica and the Metallica Subsidiaries have been maintained in
accordance with all applicable Laws and are complete and accurate in all
material respects, except where such incompleteness or inaccuracy would
not have a Material Adverse Effect on Metallica.Β Β Financial
books and records and accounts of Metallica and the Metallica Subsidiaries
in all material respects: (i) have been maintained in accordance with good
business practices on a basis consistent with prior years and past
practice; (ii) are stated in reasonable detail and accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and acquisitions and dispositions of assets of
Metallica and the Metallica Subsidiaries; and (iii) accurately and fairly
reflect the basis for the consolidated financial statements of
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(k)
|
Litigation.Β Β Except
as disclosed by Metallica and except with respect to matters relating to
the environment or Environmental Laws (which are addressed in subsection
3.03(p) below), there is no claim, action, proceeding or investigation
pending or in progress or, to the knowledge of Metallica, threatened
against or relating to Metallica or any of the Metallica Subsidiaries, or
affecting any of their respective properties or assets before any
Governmental Entity which individually or in the aggregate has, or could
reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica.Β Β There is no bankruptcy, liquidation, winding-up or
other similar proceeding pending or in progress, or, to the knowledge of
Metallica, threatened against or relating to Metallica or any of the
Metallica Subsidiaries before any Governmental Entity. Neither Metallica
nor any of the Metallica Subsidiaries nor any of their respective
properties or assets is subject to any outstanding judgment, order, writ,
injunction or decree that involves or may involve, or restricts or may
restrict the right or ability of Metallica or the Metallica Subsidiary, as
the case may be, to conduct its business in all material respects as it
has been carried on prior to the date hereof, or that would materially
impede the consummation of the
transactions
|
Β
Β
39
Β
Β
|
contemplated
by this Agreement, except to the extent any such matter would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(l)
|
Title to Properties and
Condition of Assets.Β Β Except as disclosed by Metallica,
applying customary standards in the mining industry, Metallica and each of
the Metallica Subsidiaries has sufficient title to or valid leasehold
interests in the Metallica Properties to operate such properties in the
ordinary course and consistent with past practices, free and clear of any
title defect or Encumbrance, except for such defects in title or
Encumbrances that, individually or in the aggregate, do not have, and
would not reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica.Β Β Each lease and agreement granting rights to the
Metallica Properties is in full force and effectΒ Β and
constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of Metallica and the
Metallica Subsidiaries and neither Metallica nor the Metallica
Subsidiaries is in violation of, breach of or default under any such lease
or agreement except such violations, breaches or defaults which,
individually, or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on Metallica.Β Β Furthermore, all
real and tangible personal property of Metallica and each of the Metallica
Subsidiaries is in generally good repair and is operational and usable in
the manner in which it is currently being utilized, subject to normal wear
and tear and technical obsolescence, repair or replacement, except for
such property where the failure to be in such condition would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(m)
|
Mineral Reserves and
Resources.Β The most recent
estimated proven and probable mineral reserves and estimated measured,
indicated and inferred mineral resources of Metallica and the Metallica
Subsidiaries disclosed in the Metallica Documents have been prepared and
disclosed in all material respects in accordance with all applicable
Laws.Β Β There has been no material reduction (other than as a
result of operations in the ordinary course of business) in the aggregate
amount of estimated mineral reserves and estimated mineral resources of
Metallica or the Metallica Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from the
amounts disclosed publicly by
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(n)
|
Operational
Matters.Β Β Except as would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
all
rentals, payments and obligations (including maintenance for unpatented
mining claims), royalties, overriding royalty interests, production
payments, net profits, interest burdens and other payments due or payable
on or prior to the date hereof under or with respect to the direct or
indirect assets of Metallica and the Metallica Subsidiaries have been
properly and timely paid or
accrued;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
all
(A) mines and mining-related activities where Metallica or a Metallica
Subsidiary is operator at the relevant time have been developed and
operated in accordance with good mining practices and in compliance with
all applicable Laws; and (B) mines located in or on the lands of Metallica
or a Metallica Subsidiary or lands pooled or unitized therewith, which
have been abandoned by Metallica or any Metallica Subsidiary have been
developed, managed and abandoned in accordance with good mining practices
and in compliance with all applicable
Laws.
|
Β
Β
40
Β
Β
|
(o)
|
Insurance.Β Β Metallica
maintains policies of insurance in amounts and in respect of such risks as
are normal and usual for companies of a similar size operating in the
mining industry and such policies are in full force and effect as of the
date hereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(p)
|
Environmental.Β Β Except
as disclosed by Metallica:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Metallica
and each of the Metallica Subsidiaries is and has been operated in
compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, except to the extent
that a failure to be in such compliance, individually or in the aggregate,
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
The
Metallica Properties have not been used to generate, manufacture, refine,
treat, recycle, transport, store, handle, dispose, transfer, produce or
process Hazardous Substances, except in compliance in all material
respects with all Environmental Laws and except to the extent that such
non-compliance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Metallica. Neither Metallica nor the Metallica Subsidiaries or,
to the knowledge of Metallica any other person in control of any Metallica
Property, has caused or permitted the Release of any Hazardous Substances
at, in, on, under or from any Metallica Property, except in compliance,
individually or in the aggregate, with all Environmental Laws, except to
the extent that a failure to be in such compliance would not be reasonably
likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Metallica.Β Β All
Hazardous Substances handled, recycled, disposed of, treated or stored on
or off site of the Metallica Properties have been handled, recycled,
disposed of, treated and stored in material compliance with all
Environmental Laws except to the extent that a failure to be in such
compliance would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Metallica.Β Β To the knowledge of Metallica, there are
no Hazardous Substances at, in, on, under or migrating from any Metallica
Property, except in material compliance with all Environmental Laws and
except to the extent that any failures to be in compliance would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
Neither
Metallica nor the Metallica Subsidiaries or any other person for whose
actions Metallica or any Metallica Subsidiary may be partially or wholly
liable, has treated or disposed, or arranged for the treatment or
disposal, of any Hazardous Substances at any location: (i) listed on any
list of hazardous sites or sites requiring Remedial Action issued by any
Governmental Entity; (ii) to the knowledge of Metallica, proposed for
listing on any list issued by any Governmental Entity of hazardous sites
or sites requiring Remedial Action, or any similar federal, state or
provincial lists; or (iii) which is the subject of enforcement actions by
any Governmental Entity that creates the reasonable potential for any
proceeding, action, or other claim against Metallica or any of the
Metallica Subsidiaries.Β Β To the knowledge of Metallica, no site
or facility now or previously owned, operated or leased by Metallica or
any of the Metallica Subsidiaries is listed or, to the knowledge of
Metallica, is proposed for listing on any list issued by any Governmental
Entity of hazardous sites or sites requiring Remedial Action or is the
subject of Remedial Action.
|
Β
Β
41
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
Except
to the extent that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Metallica, neither Metallica nor the Metallica
Subsidiaries nor any other person for whose actions Metallica or any
Metallica Subsidiary may be partially or wholly liable has caused or
permitted the Release of any Hazardous Substances on or to any of the
Metallica Properties in such a manner as: (i) would be reasonably likely
to impose Liability for cleanup, natural resource damages, loss of life,
personal injury, nuisance or damage to other property, except to the
extent that such Liability would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica; or (ii) would be reasonably likely to result in imposition of a
lien, charge or other encumbrance or the expropriation on any of the
Metallica Properties or the assets of Metallica or the Metallica
Subsidiaries.
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
Except
to the extent that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect with respect to Metallica and except as disclosed by
Metallica, neither Metallica nor the Metallica Subsidiaries has received
from any person or Governmental Entity any notice, formal or informal, of
any proceeding, action or other claim, Liability or potential Liability
arising under any Environmental Law that is pending as of the date
hereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(q)
|
Tax
Matters.Β Β Except as disclosed by Metallica or as would
not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect with respect to
Metallica:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Metallica
and each of the Metallica Subsidiaries has duly and timely made or
prepared all Tax Returns required to be made or prepared by it, has duly
and timely filed all Tax Returns required to be filed by it with the
appropriate Governmental Entity and has, in all material respects,
completely and correctly reported all income and all other amounts or
information required to be reported
thereon.
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
Metallica
and each of the Metallica Subsidiaries has: (A) duly and timely paid all
Taxes due and payable by it; (B) duly and timely withheld all Taxes and
other amounts required by Law to be withheld by it and has duly and timely
remitted to the appropriate Governmental Entity such Taxes and other
amounts required by Law to be remitted by it; and (C) duly and timely
collected all amounts on account of sales or transfer taxes, including
goods and services, harmonized sales and provincial or territorial sales
taxes, required by Law to be collected by it and has duly and timely
remitted to the appropriate Governmental Entity any such amounts required
by Law to be remitted by it.
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
The
charges, accruals and reserves for Taxes reflected on the Metallica
Financial Statements (whether or not due and whether or not shown on any
Tax Return but excluding any provision for deferred income taxes) are
adequate under Canadian GAAP to cover Taxes with respect to Metallica and
the Metallica Subsidiaries (to the extent that such entitles are
consolidated in the Metallica Financial Statements) accruing through the
date hereof.
|
Β
42
Β
|
(iv)
|
There
are no proceedings, investigations, audits, assessments, reassessments or
claims now pending or to the knowledge of Metallica, threatened against
any of Metallica or the Metallica Subsidiaries that propose to assess
Taxes in addition to those reported in the Tax
Returns.
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
No
waiver of any statute of limitations with respect to Taxes has been given
or requested with respect to Metallica or any of the Metallica
Subsidiaries.
|
Β
Β
|
(r)
|
Pension and Employee
Benefits.Β Β Metallica and the Metallica Subsidiaries have
complied, in all material respects, with all of the terms of the pension
and other employee compensation and benefit obligations of Metallica or
the Metallica Subsidiaries, as the case may be, including the provisions
of any collective agreements, funding and investment contracts or
obligations applicable thereto, arising under or relating to each of the
pension or retirement income plans or other employee compensation or
benefit plans, agreements, policies, programs, arrangements or practices,
whether written or oral, which are maintained by or binding upon Metallica
or the Metallica Subsidiaries, as the case may be, other than such
non-compliance that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(s)
|
Reporting
Status.Β Β Metallica is a reporting issuer or its
equivalent in each of the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario
and Quebec. The Metallica Common Shares are listed on the TSX and AMEX and
certain of the Metallica Warrants are listed on the
TSX.
|
Β
Β
|
(t)
|
Reports.Β Β Since
January 1, 2007, Metallica has filed with the Securities Authorities,
stock exchanges and all applicable self-regulatory authorities a true and
complete copy of all forms, reports, schedules, statements,
certifications, material change reports and other documents required to be
filed by it (such forms, reports, schedules, statements, certifications
and other documents, including any financial statements or other
documents, including any schedules included therein, are referred to
herein as the "Metallica
Documents"). The Metallica Documents, at the time filed or, if
amended, as of the date of such amendment: (a) did not contain any
misrepresentation (as defined by Securities Authorities) and did not
contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and (b) complied
in all material respects with the requirements of applicable securities
legislation and the rules, policies and instruments of all Securities
Authorities having jurisdiction over Metallica except where such
non-compliance has not had or would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on Metallica. Metallica has not filed any
confidential material change or other report or other document with any
Securities Authorities or stock exchange or other self-regulatory
authority which at the date hereof remains confidential.Β Β None
of the Metallica Subsidiaries are required to file any reports or other
documents with any of the Securities Authorities, the TSX or
AMEX.
|
Β
Β
|
(u)
|
Compliance with
Laws.Β Β Except with respect to matters relating to the
environment or Environmental Laws (which are addressed in Section 3.03 (p)
above), Metallica and the Metallica Subsidiaries have complied with and
are not in violation of any applicable Law other than such non-compliance
or violations that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
No Cease
Trade.Β Β Metallica is not subject to any cease trade or
other order of any applicable stock exchange or Securities Authority and,
to the knowledge of Metallica, no investigation or other proceedings
involving Metallica that may operate to prevent or restrict trading of any
securities of Metallica are currently in progress or pending before any
applicable stock exchange or Securities
Authority.
|
Β
Β
43
Β
Β
|
(w)
|
No Option on
Assets.Β Β No person has any agreement or option or any
right or privilege capable of becoming an agreement or option for the
purchase from Metallica or the Metallica Subsidiaries of any of the
material assets of Metallica or any of the Metallica Subsidiaries, other
than as described or contemplated
herein.
|
Β
Β
|
(x)
|
Certain
Contracts.Β Β Except as disclosed in the Metallica
Disclosure Memorandum, either Metallica nor any of the Metallica
Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any non-competition agreement or
any other agreement, obligation, judgment, injunction, order or decree
that purports to: (i) limit the manner or the localities in which all or
any material portion of the business of Metallica or the Metallica
Subsidiaries is conducted; (ii) limit any business practice of Metallica
or any Metallica Subsidiary in any material respect; or (iii) restrict any
acquisition or disposition of any property by Metallica or any Metallica
Subsidiary in any material respect.
|
Β
Β
|
(y)
|
Foreign Private
Issuer.Β Β As of March 27, 2008, Metallica is a "foreign
private issuer" as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933
Act.
|
Β
Β
|
(z)
|
Investment Company
Status.Β Β Metallica is not registered, and is not required
to be registered, as an open-end investment company, a closed-end
investment company, a unit investment trust or a face-amount certificate
company under the 1940 Act.
|
Β
Β
|
(aa)
|
No Broker's
Commission.Β Β Metallica has not entered into any agreement
that would entitle any person to any valid claim against Metallica for a
broker's commission, finder's fee or any like payment in respect of the
Arrangement or any other matter contemplated by this Agreement, except for
the fees and expenses disclosed by
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(bb)
|
Vote
Required.Β Β The only votes of the holders of any class or
series of the Metallica Common Shares, Metallica Options or other
securities of Metallica necessary to approve this Agreement and the
Arrangement and the transactions contemplated hereof or thereby is,
subject to the CBCA Interim Order, the Metallica Shareholder
Approval.
|
Β
3.04Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Survival of Representations and
Warranties
Β
The
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement shall survive the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and shall expire and be terminated and
extinguished on the Effective Date.Β Β Any investigation by New Gold,
Peak or Metallica and their respective advisors shall not mitigate, diminish or
affect the representations and warranties contained in this
Agreement.
Β
Β
ARTICLEΒ 4
COVENANTS
Β
4.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Covenants of New Gold, Peak and Metallica
Β
Each
of the Parties hereby covenant as set forth in Schedule D hereof.
Β
44
4.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Indemnification and
Insurance
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
New
Gold hereby covenants and agrees that all rights to indemnification or
exculpation in favour of the current and former directors and officers of
Metallica, Peak and the Metallica Subsidiaries and Peak Subsidiaries
provided in the current articles or by-laws of Metallica, Peak or
Metallica Subsidiaries or Peak Subsidiaries or in any
agreement,
|
Β
Β
|
and
any directorsβ and officersβ insurance now existing in favour of the
directors or officers of Metallica, Peak and any Metallica Subsidiary or
Peak Subsidiary shall survive the completion of the Arrangements (or be
replaced with substantially equivalent coverage from another provider) and
shall continue in full force and effect (either directly or via run-off
insurance or insurance provided by an alternative provider) for a period
of not less than six years from the Effective Date and New Gold undertakes
to ensure that this covenant shall remain binding upon its successor and
assigns.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Metallica
shall act as agent and trustee of the benefits of the foregoing for its
directors and officers and those of the Metallica Subsidiaries for the
purpose of this Section 4.02 and this Section 4.02 shall survive the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the completion of the
Arrangements and shall be enforceable against New Gold by the persons
described in subsection (a) hereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
Peak
shall act as agent and trustee of the benefits of the foregoing for its
directors and officers and those of the Peak Subsidiaries for the purpose
of this Section 4.02 and this Section 4.02 shall survive the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the completion of the Arrangements and
shall be enforceable against New Gold by the persons described in
subsection (a) hereof.
|
Β
Β
ARTICLEΒ 5
CONDITIONS
Β
5.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Mutual Conditions
Β
The
respective obligations of the Parties to complete the transactions contemplated
herein are subject to the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Schedules
E, F, G and H hereto.
Β
5.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Notice and Cure Provisions
Β
Each
party hereto shall give prompt notice to the others of them of the occurrence,
or failure to occur, at any time from the date hereof until the Effective Date,
of any event or state of facts which occurrence or failure would, would be
likely to or could:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
cause
any of the representations or warranties of such party hereto contained
herein to be untrue or inaccurate in any respect on the date hereof or on
the Effective Date;
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
result
in the failure to comply with or satisfy any covenant or agreement to be
complied with or satisfied by such party hereto prior to the Effective
Date; or
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
result
in the failure to satisfy any of the conditions precedent in favour of the
other parties hereto contained in Schedules E, F, G and H hereto, as the
case may be.
|
Β
Subject
as herein provided, a Party hereto may (a) elect not to complete the
transactions contemplated hereby by virtue of the conditions contained in
Schedules E, F, G and H hereto, as applicable, not being satisfied or waived or
(b) exercise any termination right arising therefrom; provided, however, that
(i) promptly and in any event prior to the Effective Date, the Party hereto
intending to rely thereon has delivered a written notice to the other parties
hereto specifying in reasonable detail the breaches of covenants or
untruthfulness or inaccuracy of representations and warranties or other matters
that the Party hereto delivering such notice is asserting as the basis for the
exercise of the termination right, as the case may be, and (ii) if any such
notice is delivered, and a Party hereto is proceeding diligently, at its
own
Β
Β
45
Β
expense,
to cure such matter, if such matter is susceptible to being cured, the Party
hereto that has delivered such notice may not terminate this Agreement until the
earlier of the Completion Deadline and the expiration of a period of 15 days
from date of delivery of such notice. If such notice has been delivered prior to
the date of the New Gold Meeting, the Metallica Meeting or the Peak Meeting, the
relevant Meetings shall be adjourned or postponed until the expiry of such
period.
Β
5.03Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Merger of Conditions
Β
The
conditions set out in Schedules E, F, G and H hereto shall be conclusively
deemed to have been satisfied, fulfilled or waived as of the Effective
Time.
Β
Β
ARTICLEΒ 6
NON-SOLICITATION
AND TERMINATION
Β
6.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Covenant Regarding Non-Solicitation
Β
The
Parties covenant as set forth in Schedule I.
Β
6.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Termination
Β
Except
for Section 4 of Schedule I to this Agreement, this Agreement may be terminated
at any time:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
by
mutual written agreement between New Gold, Peak and
Metallica;
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
by
New Gold, Peak or Metallica if: (i) the board of directors of any other
Party shall have withdrawn or modified in a manner adverse to it its
approval or recommendation of the Transaction (in accordance with Section
2 or 3 of Schedule I); or (ii) the board of directors of any Party shall
have approved or recommended an Acquisition Proposal; or (iii) any other
Party shall have entered into a definitive agreement with respect to a
Superior Proposal;
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
by
any Party in order to enter into a definitive written agreement with
respect to a Superior Proposal, subject to compliance with Section 3 of
Schedule I and the payment of the Termination Payment required to be paid
pursuant to Section 4 of Schedule I; provided for greater certainty, that
any such termination shall terminate this Agreement for all
Parties;
|
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
by
New Gold, Peak or Metallica if the required approval of shareholders shall
not have been obtained at the New Gold Meeting, the Peak Meeting or the
Metallica Meeting;
|
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
by
any Party if any condition precedent to its obligations has not been
satisfied by the Completion Deadline or where it is clear that the
condition cannot be satisfied prior to the Completion Deadline;
or
|
Β
Β
|
(f)
|
by
New Gold, Peak or Metallica if there is a material breach by any other
Party of its covenants under this
Agreement.
|
Β
Β
46
Β
Β Β ARTICLEΒ 7
Β
AMENDMENT
Β
7.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Amendment
Β
This
Agreement may, at any time and from time to time before or after the holding of
the New Gold Meeting, Peak Meeting or the Metallica Meeting be amended by mutual
written agreement of the Parties hereto without, subject to applicable Law,
further notice to or authorization on the part of the New Gold Shareholders,
Peak Shareholders or the Metallica Shareholders and any such amendment may,
without limitation:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
change
the time for the performance of any of the obligations or acts of any
Party hereto;
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
waive
any inaccuracies in or modify any representation or warranty contained
herein or in any document delivered pursuant
hereto;
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
waive
compliance with or modify any of the covenants herein contained and waive
or modify the performance of any of the obligations of any of the parties
hereto; and
|
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
waive
compliance with or modify any condition herein
contained;
|
Β
provided,
however, that notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) following the Peak Meeting, the
Peak Share Consideration shall not be amended without the approval of the Peak
Shareholders given in the same manner as required for the approval of the
Arrangement or as may be ordered by the Court; (ii) following the Metallica
Meeting, the Metallica Share Consideration shall not be amended without the
approval of the Metallica Shareholders given in the same manner as required for
the approval of the CBCA Arrangement or as may be ordered by the Court; and
(iii) this Agreement and the Plan of Arrangement may be amended in accordance
with the BC Final Order or the CBCA Final Order but, in the event that the terms
of the BC Final Order or the CBCA Final Order require any such amendment, the
rights of the parties hereto under Section 7.02 hereof shall remain
unaffected.
Β
7.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Mutual Understanding
Regarding Amendments
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
In
addition to the transactions contemplated hereby or at the request of a
Party hereto, the parties hereto will continue from and after the date
hereof and through and including the Effective Date to use their
respective commercially reasonable best efforts to maximize present and
future planning opportunities for Peak, the Peak Shareholders, the Peak
Subsidiaries, Metallica, the Metallica Shareholders, the Metallica
Subsidiaries and New Gold as and to the extent that the same shall not
prejudice any party hereto or the shareholders thereof. The parties hereto
will ensure that such planning activities do not impede the progress of
the Arrangements in any material
way.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
The
parties hereto mutually agree that, if a party hereto proposes any other
amendment or amendments to this Agreement or to either of them, the Plans
of Arrangement, Peak, Metallica and New Gold will act reasonably in
considering such amendment and if the other of them and the shareholders
thereof are not materially prejudiced or the completion of the Transaction
will not be delayed by reason of any such amendment they will co-operate
in a reasonable fashion with the Party hereto proposing the amendment so
that such amendment can be effected subject to applicable Laws and the
rights of the Peak Shareholders or the Metallica Shareholders, as the case
may be.
|
Β
Β
47
Β
Β
ARTICLEΒ 8
Β
GENERAL
Β
8.01Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Notices
Β
Any
notice, consent, waiver, direction or other communication required or permitted
to be given under this Agreement by a party hereto shall be in writing and shall
be delivered by hand to the party hereto to which the notice is to be given at
the following address or sent by facsimile to the following numbers or to such
other address or facsimile number as shall be specified by a party hereto by
like notice. Any notice, consent, waiver, direction or other communication
aforesaid shall, if delivered, be deemed to have been given and received on the
date on which it was delivered to the address provided herein (if a Business Day
or, if not, then the next succeeding Business Day) and if sent by facsimile be
deemed to have been given and received at the time of receipt (if a Business Day
or, if not, then the next succeeding Business Day) unless actually received
after 4:00 p.m. (Toronto time) at the point of delivery in which case it shall
be deemed to have been given and received on the next Business Day.
Β
The
address for service of each of the parties hereto shall be as
follows:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
if
to New Gold:
|
Β
New
Gold Inc.
00
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx X0X 0X0
Β
Attention:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Xxxx
Xxxxxxx, General Counsel & Secretary
Facsimile:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (000)
000-0000
Β
With
a copy to:
Β
Fraser
Xxxxxx Casgrain LLP
39th
Floor, First Canadian Place
000
Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxx,
XX X0X 0X0
Β
Attention:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Xxxx
Xxxxxx
Facsimile:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (000)
000-0000
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
if
to Metallica:
|
Β
Metallica
Resources Inc.
c/o
Metallica Management Inc.
00000
X. Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
000
Xxxxxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx
00000
Β
Attention:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxx, President and Chief Executive Officer
Facsimile:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (000)
000-0000
Β
Β
48
Β
With
a copy to:
Β
Stikeman
Elliott LLP
0000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxx
000
Xxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx X0X 0X0
Β
Attention:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Xxx
Xxxxxxxxx
Facsimile:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (000)
000-0000
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
if
to Peak :
|
Β
Peak
Gold Ltd.
Suite
3110 β 000 Xxxxxxx Xx.
Xxxxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
X0X
0X0
Β
Attention:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Xxxxx
Xxxxx, Corporate Secretary
Facsimile:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (000)
000-0000
Β
with
a copy to:
Β
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP
2100
Scotia Plaza - 00 Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxx,
XxxxxxxΒ Β X0X 0X0
Β
Attention:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Xxxx
X. Xxxxx
Facsimile:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (000)
000-0000
Β
8.02Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Remedies
Β
The
Parties hereto acknowledge and agree that an award of money damages may be
inadequate for any breach of this Agreement by any party hereto or its
representatives and advisors and that such breach may cause the non-breaching
party or parties hereto irreparable harm.Β Β Each Party agrees that it
will not request that the court find that its breach or threatened breach has
not or will not cause the other parties irreparable harm and no Party will lend
assistance to such a request.Β Β The Parties hereto agree that, in the
event of any such breach or threatened breach of this Agreement by one of the
Parties hereto, Peak and/or Metallica (if New Gold is the breaching Party) or
New Gold and/or Metallica (if Peak is the breaching Party) or New Gold and/or
Peak (if Metallica is the breaching party) will be entitled to seek equitable
relief, including interim, interlocutory and permanent injunctive relief and
specific performance.Β Β Β Each Party agrees that it will not take
the position in court or otherwise that its breach or threatened breach has not
or will not cause the other Parties irreparable harm and no Party will lend
assistance to such position.Β Β Each Party agrees that it will not
request that the court require the Party or Parties seeking such relief to
provide an undertaking as to damages or to post a bond or security as a
condition of granting such relief.Β Β Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, the Parties hereto acknowledge and agree that a mandatory order
or other injunctive relief may be granted to enforce any negative covenant in
this agreement without the requirement to demonstrate irreparable harm or that
the balance of convenience favours the Party or Parties seeking such
relief.Β Β Subject to any other provision hereof including, without
limitation, Section 6.03 hereof, such remedies will not be the exclusive
remedies for any breach of this Agreement but will be in addition to all other
remedies available hereunder at law or in equity to each of the Parties
hereto.
Β
Β
49
Β
8.03Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Expenses
Β
The
parties hereto agree that all out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, the Peak Meeting, the
Metallica Meeting and the New Gold Meeting and the preparation and mailing of
the Proxy Circular for Peak, the Proxy Circular for Metallica and the Proxy
Circular for New Gold, including legal and accounting fees, printing costs,
financial advisor fees and all disbursements by advisors, shall be paid by the
party hereto incurring such expense and that nothing in this Agreement shall be
construed so as to prevent the payment of such expenses. The provisions of this
section 8.03 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
Β
8.04Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Time of the Essence
Β
Time
shall be of the essence in this Agreement.
Β
8.05Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Entire Agreement
Β
This
Agreement, together with the agreements and other documents herein or therein
referred to, constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto
pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements,
understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, between
the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.Β Β There
are no representations, warranties, covenants or conditions with respect to the
subject matter hereof except as contained herein.
Β
8.06Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Further Assurances
Β
Each
party hereto shall, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, at the
request of the other of them, but without further consideration, do, or cause to
be done, all such other acts and execute and deliver, or cause to be executed
and delivered, all such further agreements, transfers, assurances, instruments
or documents as shall be reasonably required in order to fully perform and carry
out the terms and intent hereof including, without limitation, the Plans of
Arrangement.
Β
8.07Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Governing Law
Β
This
Agreement shall be governed by, and be construed in accordance with, the laws of
the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein but the
reference to such laws shall not, by conflict of laws rules or otherwise,
require the application of the law of any jurisdiction other than the Province
of Ontario.
Β
8.08Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Execution in Counterparts
Β
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall
conclusively be deemed to be an original and all such counterparts collectively
shall be conclusively deemed to be one and the same. Delivery of an executed
counterpart of the signature page to this Agreement by facsimile shall be
effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, and
any party delivering an executed counterpart of the signature page to this
Agreement by facsimile to any other party shall thereafter also promptly deliver
a manually executed original counterpart of this Agreement to such other party,
but the failure to deliver such manually executed original counterpart shall not
affect the validity, enforceability or binding effect of this
Agreement.
Β
Β
50
Β
8.09Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Waiver
Β
No
waiver or release by any party hereto shall be effective unless in writing and
executed by the party granting such waiver or release and any waiver or release
shall affect only the matter, and the occurrence thereof, specifically
identified and shall not extend to any other matter or occurrence. Waivers may
only be granted upon compliance with the provisions governing amendments set
forth in section 7.01 hereof.
Β
8.10Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
No Personal Liability
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
No
director or officer of Peak shall have any personal liability whatsoever
(other than in the case of fraud, negligence or wilful misconduct) to New
Gold or Metallica under this Agreement or any other document delivered in
connection with this Agreement or the Arrangements by or on behalf of
Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
No
director or officer of New Gold shall have any personal liability
whatsoever (other than in the case of fraud, negligence or wilful
misconduct) to Peak or Metallica under this Agreement or any other
document delivered in connection with this Agreement or the Arrangements
by or on behalf of New Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
No
director or officer of Metallica shall have any personal liability
whatsoever (other than in the case of fraud, negligence or wilful
misconduct) to Peak or New Gold under this Agreement or any other document
delivered in connection with this Agreement or the Arrangements by or on
behalf of Metallica.
|
Β
8.11Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Enurement and Assignment
Β
This
Agreement shall enure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted assigns and shall be binding upon the parties hereto
and their respective successors. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party
hereto without the prior written consent of each of the other parties
hereto.
Β
Β
51
Β
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the date first above written.
Β
NEW
GOLD INC.
Per:
Β
___________________________
Name:Β Β Xxxxxxxx
X. Xxxxx
Title:Β Β Β Β President
and Chief Executive Officer
Β
PEAK
GOLD LTD.
Per:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
___________________________
Name:Β Β Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx
Title:Β Β Β Β President
and Chief Executive Officer
METALLICA
RESOURCES INC.
Per:
Β
Β
___________________________
Name:Β Β Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxx
Title:Β Β Β Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer
Β
Β
A
- 1Β
Β
SCHEDULE
A
BC
PLAN OF ARRANGEMENT
Β
Β
PLAN
OF ARRANGEMENT
UNDER
SECTION 288 OF THE
BUSINESS
CORPORATIONS ACT (BRITISH COLUMBIA)
Β
ARTICLE
ONE
DEFINITIONS
AND INTERPRETATION
SectionΒ 1.01Β Β Definitions
In this
Plan of Arrangement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words
and terms with the initial letter or letters thereof capitalized shall have the
meanings ascribed to them below:
Β
|
(a)
|
"BC Arrangement" means
the arrangement under the provisions of the BCBCA on the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth in this Plan of Arrangement, subject to any
amendment or supplement hereto made in accordance with the Business
Combination Agreement, the provisions hereof or at the direction of the
Court in the BC Final Order;
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
"BC Final Order" means
the final order of the Court made in connection with the approval
ofΒ Β the BC Arrangement, including all amendments thereto made
prior to the Effective Time;
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
"BC Interim Order" means
the interim order of the Court made pursuant to Section 291 of the BCBCA
in connection with the BC Arrangement, including any amendment
thereto;
|
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
"BC Plan of Arrangement"
means this plan of arrangement, as amended, modified or supplemented from
time to time in accordance herewith and with any order of the
Court;
|
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
"BC Subco" means a wholly
owned subsidiary of New Gold to be incorporated under the BCBCA prior to
the Effective Date;
|
Β
Β
|
(f)
|
"Business Combination
Agreement" means the business combination arrangement agreement
dated as of May 9,Β 2008Β among
New Gold Inc., Peak Gold Ltd. and Metallica Resources Inc., as amended,
amended and restated or supplemented prior to the Effective
Date;
|
Β
Β
|
(g)
|
"BCBCA" means the Business Corporations Act
(British Columbia);
|
Β
Β
|
(h)
|
"Business Day" means any
day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a statutory holiday in Toronto,
Ontario or Vancouver, British
Columbia;
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
βCanadian Residentβ means
a beneficial owner of Peak Common Shares immediately prior to the
Effective Time who is a resident of Canada for purposes of the Tax Act
(other than a Tax Exempt Person), or a partnership any member of which is
a resident of Canada for the purposes of the Tax Act (other than a Tax
Exempt Person);
|
Β
Β
|
(j)
|
"Court" means the Supreme
Court of British Columbia;
|
Β
Β
|
(k)
|
"CRA" means the Canada
Revenue Agency;
|
Β
Β
|
(l)
|
"Depositary" means
Computershare Trust CompanyΒ or any other trust
company, bank or financial institution agreed to in writing between New
Gold and Peak for the purpose of, among other things, exchanging
certificates representing Peak Common Shares for New Gold Common Shares in
connection with the BC Arrangement;
|
Β
Β
|
(m)
|
"Dissent Right" shall
have the meaning ascribed thereto in Article
4.01;
|
Β
Β
Β
|
(n)
|
"Dissenting Shareholder"
means a registered holder of Peak Common Shares who dissents in respect of
the BC Arrangement in strict compliance with the Dissent Rights and who is
ultimately entitled to be paid fair value for their Peak Common
Shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(o)
|
"Effective Date" means
the date designated by New Gold and Peak by notice in writing as the
effective date of the BC Arrangement, after all of the conditions to the
completion of the BC Arrangement as set out in the Business Combination
Agreement and the BC Final Order have been satisfied or
waived;
|
Β
Β
|
(p)
|
"Effective Time"
meansΒ l on the Effective
Date;
|
Β
Β
|
(q)
|
βEligible Holderβ means:
(i) a Canadian Resident, or (ii) an Eligible
Non-Resident;
|
Β
Β
|
(r)
|
βEligible Non-Residentβ
means a beneficial owner of Peak Common Shares immediately prior to the
Effective Time who is not, and is not deemed to be, a resident of Canada
for purposes of the Tax Act and whose Peak Common Shares are βtaxable
Canadian propertyβ and not βtreaty-protected propertyβ, in each case as
defined in the Tax Act;
|
Β
Β
|
(s)
|
"Former Peak
Shareholders" means the holders of Peak Common Shares immediately
prior to the Effective Time;
|
Β
Β
|
(t)
|
"New Gold" means New Gold
Ltd., a corporation existing under the
BCBCA;
|
Β
Β
|
(u)
|
"New Gold Common Shares"
means the common shares in the authorized share capital of New
Gold;
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
βNew Gold Stock Option
In-The-Money Amountβ in respect of a Peak Option means the amount,
if any, by which the total fair market value (determined immediately after
the Effective Time) of the New Gold Common Shares that a holder is
entitled to acquire on exercise of the Peak Option at and from the
Effective Time exceeds the amount payable to acquire such
shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(w)
|
"Peak" means Peak Gold
Ltd., a company existing under the
BCBCA;
|
Β
Β
|
(x)
|
"Peak Common Shares"
means the issued and outstanding common shares of
Peak;
|
Β
Β
|
(y)
|
"Peak Meeting" means the
special meeting of the holders of Peak Common Shares held to consider and
approve, among other things, the BC
Arrangement;
|
Β
Β
|
(z)
|
"Peak Options" means the
outstanding options to purchase Peak Common Shares issued pursuant to the
Peak Stock Option Plan and
otherwise;
|
Β
Β
|
(aa)
|
βPeak Share
Considerationβ or βPeak Share Exchange
Ratioβ means 0.1 of a New Gold Common Share plus $0.0001 in cash
for each Peak Common Share;
|
Β
Β
|
(bb)
|
"Peak Stock Option Plan"
means the Incentive Stock Option Plan of Peak dated April 13,
2006;
|
Β
Β
|
(cc)
|
βPeak Stock Option In-The-Money
Amountβ in respect of a Peak Option means the amount, if any, by
which the total fair market value (determined immediately before the
Effective Time) of the Peak Common Shares that a holder is entitled to
acquire on exercise of the Peak Option immediately before the Effective
Time exceeds the amount payable to acquire such
shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(dd)
|
βPeak Warrantsβ means the
warrants to purchase Peak Common Shares governed by the Peak Warrant
Indentures;
|
Β
A-2
Β
Β
|
(ee)
|
βPeak Warrant Indenturesβ
means: (a) the amended and restated warrant indenture dated August 1, 2007
between Peak and Computershare Trust Company, as warrant agent; and (b)
the warrant indenture dated November 28, 2007 between Peak and
Computershare Trust Company, as warrant
agent;
|
Β
Β
|
(ff)
|
βSection 85 Electionβ
shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section
3.02(c);
|
Β
Β
|
(gg)
|
βTax Actβ means the Income Tax Act (Canada)
and the regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time;
and
|
Β
Β
|
(hh)
|
βTax Exempt Personβ means
a person who is exempt from tax under Part I of the Tax
Act.
|
Β
In
addition, words and phrases used herein and defined in the BCBCA and not
otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning herein as in the BCBCA
unless the context otherwise requires.
Β SectionΒ 1.02Β Β Interpretation Not
Affected by Headings
The
division of this Plan of Arrangement into articles, sections, paragraphs and
subparagraphs and the insertion of headings herein are for convenience of
reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this
Plan of Arrangement. The terms "this Plan of Arrangement", "hereof", "herein",
"hereto", "hereunder" and similar expressions refer to this Plan of Arrangement
and not to any particular article, section or other portion hereof and include
any instrument supplementary or ancillary hereto.
Β SectionΒ 1.03Β Β Number, Gender and
Persons
In this Plan of Arrangement, unless the
context otherwise requires, words importing the singular shall include the
plural and vice versa,
words importing the use of either gender shall include both genders and neuter
and the word person and words importing persons shall include a natural person,
firm, trust, partnership, association, corporation, joint venture or government
(including any governmental agency, political subdivision or instrumentality
thereof) and any other entity or group of persons of any kind or nature
whatsoever.
Β
SectionΒ 1.04Β Β Date for any
Action
Β
If the
date on which any action is required to be taken hereunder is not a Business
Day, such action shall be required to be taken on the next succeeding day which
is a Business Day.
Β
SectionΒ 1.05Β Β Statutory
References
Β
Any
reference in this Plan of Arrangement to a statute includes all regulations made
thereunder, all amendments to such statute or regulation in force from time to
time and any statute or regulation that supplements or supersedes such statute
or regulation.
Β
SectionΒ 1.06Β Β Currency
Β
Unless otherwise stated, all references
herein to amounts of money are expressed in lawful money of Canada.
Β
ARTICLE
TWO
Β SectionΒ 2.01Β Β Arrangement
Agreement
Β
This Plan
of Arrangement is made pursuant to, and is subject to the provisions of, the
Business Combination Agreement, except in respect of the sequence of the steps
comprising the BC Arrangement, which shall occur in the order set forth
herein.
Β
A-3
Β
ARTICLE
THREE
ARRANGEMENT
Β SectionΒ 3.01Β Arrangement
At the Effective Time, the following
shall occur and shall be deemed to occur sequentially in the following order
without any further act or formality:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
each
Peak Common Share held by a Dissenting Shareholder shall be deemed to be
transferred by the holder thereof, without any further act or formality on
its part, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances, to New
Gold and New Gold shall thereupon be obliged to pay the amount therefor
determined and payable in accordance with Article 4 hererof, and the name
of such holder shall be removed from the central securities register as a
holder of Peak Common Shares and New Gold shall be recorded as the
registered holder of the Peak Common Shares so transferred and shall be
deemed to be the legal owner of such Peak Common
Shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
each
Peak Common Share held by a Former Peak Shareholder (other than a
Dissenting Shareholder or New Gold or any subsidiary of New Gold) shall be
transferred to New Gold and in consideration therefor New Gold shall issue
and pay the Peak Share Consideration for each Peak Common Share, subject
to SectionsΒ 3.03, 3.04 and Article 5
hereof;
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
(A)
in accordance with the terms of the Peak Stock Option Plan, each holder of
a Peak Option outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall
receive (and such holder shall accept), upon the exercise of such holderβs
Peak Options, in lieu of each Peak Common Share to which such holder was
theretofore entitled, upon such exercise and for the same aggregate
consideration payable therefor, the number of New Gold Common Shares
having an aggregate value equal to the value of the Peak Share
Consideration; and (B) such Peak Option shall continue to be governed by
and be subject to the terms of the Peak Stock Option Plan and any
applicable agreement thereunder. If the adjustment to the Peak Options
contemplated by this paragraph results in a disposition of Peak Options
for options to acquire New Gold Common Shares or βnewβ Peak Options, it is
intended that the provisions of subsection 7(1.4) of the Tax Act apply to
any such disposition. Therefore, in the event that the New Gold Stock
Option In-The-Money Amount in respect of a Peak Option exceeds the Peak
Stock Option In-The-Money Amount in respect of the Peak Option, the number
of New Gold Common Shares which may be acquired on exercise of the Peak
Option at and after the Effective Time will be adjusted accordingly with
effect at and from the Effective Time to ensure that the New Gold Stock
Option In-The-Money Amount in respect of the Peak Option does not exceed
the Peak Stock Option In-The-Money Amount in respect of the Peak Option
and the ratio of the amount payable to acquire such shares to the value of
such shares to be acquired shall be unchanged. In addition, each
Peak Option held by a director of Peak who ceases to be a director of Peak
on the Effective Date shall be deemed to have been amended to provide that
such option shall not expire until 12 months after the holder of such Peak
Option ceased to be eligible to hold Peak
Options;
|
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
(A)
in accordance with the terms of the Peak Warrant Indentures, each holder
of a Peak Warrant outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall receive (and such holder shall accept) upon the exercise of such
holderβs Peak Warrant, in lieu of each Peak Common Share to which such
holder was theretofore entitled upon such exercise and for the same
aggregate consideration payable therefor, the Peak Share Consideration;
and (B) such Peak Warrant shall continue to be governed by and be subject
to the terms of the applicable Peak Warrant
Indenture;
|
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
each
Peak Common Share acquired by New Gold pursuant to Sections 3.01(a) and
(b) hereof shall be transferred to BC Subco in consideration of the issue
by BC Subco to New Gold of one common share of BC Subco for each Peak
Common Share so transferred;
|
Β
Β
|
(f)
|
the
stated capital in respect of the Peak Common Shares shall be reduced to
$1.00 without any repayment of capital in respect
thereof;
|
Β
A-4
Β
Β
|
(g)
|
Peak
will file an election with the CRA, to be effective prior to the merger
described in Section 3.01(h) hereof, to cease to be a public corporation
for the purposes of the Tax Act;
|
Β
Β
|
(h)
|
Peak
and BC Subco shall merge to form one corporate entity (the βMerged Companyβ) with
the same effect as if they had amalgamated under Section 269 of the BCBCA,
except that the legal existence of Peak shall not cease and Peak shall
survive the merger;
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
without
limiting the generality of Section 3.01(h), the separate legal existence
of BC Subco shall cease without BC Subco being liquidated or wound up;
Peak and BC Subco will continue as one company; and the property of BC
Subco will become the property of
Peak;
|
Β
Β
|
(j)
|
from
and after the Effective Date, at the time of the step contemplated in
Section 3.01(h):
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Peak
will own and hold all property of Peak and BC Subco and, without limiting
the provisions hereof, all rights of creditors or others will be
unimpaired by such merger, and all liabilities and obligations of Peak and
BC Subco, whether arisingΒ Β by contract or otherwise, may be
enforced against Peak to the same extent as if such obligations had been
incurred or contracted by it;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
Peak
will continue to be liable for all of the liabilities and obligations of
Peak and BC Subco;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
all
rights, contracts, permits and interests of Peak and BC Subco will
continue as rights, contracts, permits and interests of Peak as if BC
Subco continued and, for greater certainty, the merger will not constitute
a transfer or assignment of the rights or obligations of either of Peak or
BC Subco under any such rights, contracts, permits and
interests;
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
any
existing cause of action, claim or liability to prosecution will be
unaffected;
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
a
civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding pending by or
against either BC Subco or Peak may be continued by or against
Peak;
|
Β
Β
|
(vi)
|
a
conviction against, or ruling, order or judgment in favour of or against
either BC Subco or Peak may be enforced by or against
Peak;
|
Β
Β
|
(vii)
|
all
of the issued shares of BC Subco will be exchanged for one fully paid and
non-assessable Peak Common Share which will be issued by the merged
company and such BC Subco shares will be cancelled without any payment of
capital in respect thereof;
|
Β
Β
|
(viii)
|
the
name of the Merged Company shall be Peak Gold
Ltd.;
|
Β
Β
|
(ix)
|
the
Merged Company shall be authorized to issue an unlimited number of common
shares without par value;
|
Β
Β
|
(x)
|
the
articles of the Merged Company shall be substantially in the form of
Peakβs articles;
|
Β
Β
|
(xi)
|
the
first annual general meeting of the Merged Company will be held within 18
months from the Effective Date;
|
Β
Β
|
(xii)
|
the first directors
of the Merged Company following the merger shall be Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx and Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx; and
|
Β
A-5
Β
Β
|
(xiii)
|
the
capital of common shares of the Merged Company will be an amount equal to
the paid up capital, as that term is defined in the Tax Act, attributable
to the shares of BC Subco immediately prior to the
merger.
|
Β
SectionΒ 3.02Β Β Post-Effective Time
Procedures
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
On
or promptly after the Effective Date, New Gold shall deliver or arrange to
be delivered to the Depositary certificates representing the New Gold
Common Shares required to be issued to Former Peak Shareholders and the
requisite cash required to be paid to Former Peak Shareholders in
accordance with the provisions of SectionΒ 3.01 hereof, which
certificates and cash shall be held by the Depositary as agent and nominee
for such Former Peak Shareholders for distribution to such Former Peak
Shareholders in accordance with the provisions of Article 5
hereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Subject
to the provisions of Article 5 hereof, Former Peak Shareholders shall be
entitled to receive delivery of the certificates representing the New Gold
Common Shares and a cheque for the cash consideration to which they are
entitled pursuant to SectionΒ 3.01(b)
hereof.
|
Β
|
(c)
|
An
Eligible Holder whose Peak Common Shares are exchanged for the Peak Share
Consideration pursuant to the Arrangement shall be entitled to make a
joint income tax election, pursuant to Section 85 ofΒ Β the Tax
Act (and any analogous provision of provincial income tax law) (a βSection 85 Electionβ)
with respect to the exchange by providing two signed copies of the
necessary joint election forms to an appointed representative, as directed
by New Gold, within 90 days after the Effective Date, duly completed with
the details of the number of Peak Common Shares transferred and the
applicable agreed amounts for the purposes of such joint
elections.Β Β New Gold shall, within 90 days after receiving the
completed joint election forms from an Eligible Holder, and subject to
such joint election forms being correct and complete and in compliance
with requirements imposed under the Tax Act (or applicable provincial
income tax law), sign and return them to the Eligible Holder for filing
with the CRA (or the applicable provincial tax
authority).Β Β Neither Peak, New Gold nor any successor
corporation shall be responsible for the proper completion of any joint
election form nor, except for the obligation to sign and return duly
completed joint election forms which are received within 90 days of the
Effective Date, for any taxes, interest or penalties resulting from the
failure of an Eligible Holder to properly complete or file such joint
election forms in the form and manner and within the time prescribed by
the Tax Act (or any applicable provincial legislation).Β Β In its
sole discretion, New Gold or any successor corporation may choose to sign
and return a joint election form received by it more than 90 days
following the Effective Date, but will have no obligation to do
so.
|
Β
|
(d)
|
Upon
receipt of a letter of transmittal in which an Eligible Holder has
indicated that the Eligible Holder intends to make a Section 85 Election,
New Gold will promptly deliver a tax instruction letter (and a tax
instruction letter for the equivalent Quebec election, if applicable),
together with the relevant tax election forms (including the Quebec tax
election forms, if applicable) to the Eligible
Holder.
|
Β SectionΒ 3.03Β Β No Fractional New Gold
Common Shares
No
fractional New Gold Common Shares shall be issued to Former Peak
Shareholders.Β Β The number of New Gold Common Shares to be issued to
Former Peak Shareholders shall be rounded up to the nearest whole New Gold
Common Share in the event that a Former Peak Shareholder is entitled to a
fractional share representing 0.5 or more of a New Gold Common Share and shall
be rounded down to the nearest whole New Gold Common Share in the event that a
Former Peak Shareholder is entitled to a fractional share representing less than
0.5 of a New Gold Common Share.
SectionΒ 3.04Β Β Fractional Cash
Consideration
Any cash
consideration owing to a Former Peak Shareholder shall be rounded up to the next
whole cent.
Β
A-6
Β
ARTICLE
FOUR
DISSENT
RIGHTS
Β SectionΒ 4.01Β Β Dissent
Rights
Pursuant
to the Interim Order, holders of Peak Common Shares may exercise rights of
dissent (βDissent
Rightsβ) under Division 2 of Part 8 of the BCBCA, as modified by this
Article 4, the BC Interim Order and the BC Final Order, with respect to Peak
Common Shares in connection with the BC Arrangement, provided that the written
objection to the special resolution to approve the BC Arrangement contemplated
by SectionΒ 242 of the BCBCA must be sent to Peak by holders who wish to
dissent at least two days before the Peak Meeting or any date to which the Peak
Meeting may be postponed or adjourned and provided further that holders who
exercise such rights of dissent and who:
Β
|
(a)
|
are
ultimately entitled to be paid fair value for their Peak Common Shares,
which fair value shall be the fair value of such shares immediately before
the passing by the holders of the Peak Common Shares of the resolution
approving the BC Arrangement, shall be paid an amount equal to such fair
value by New Gold; and
|
Β
|
(b)
|
are
ultimately not entitled, for any reason, to be paid fair value for their
Peak Common Shares shall be deemed to have participated in the BC
Arrangement, as of the Effective Time, on the same basis as a
non-dissenting holder of Peak Common Shares and shall be entitled to
receive only the consideration contemplated in SectionΒ 3.01(a) hereof
that such holder would have received pursuant to the BC Arrangement if
such holder had not exercised Dissent
Rights,
|
but in no
case shall New Gold, Peak or any other person be required to recognize holders
of Peak Common Shares who exercise Dissent Rights as holders of Peak Common
Shares after the time that is immediately prior to the Effective Time, and the
names of such holders of Peak Common Shares who exercise Dissent Rights shall be
deleted from the central securities register as holders of Peak Common Shares at
the Effective Time.
ARTICLE
FIVE
DELIVERY
OF NEW GOLD COMMON SHARES
Β SectionΒ 5.01Β Β Delivery of New Gold
Common Shares
Β
|
(a)
|
Upon
surrender to the Depositary for cancellation of a certificate that
immediately before the Effective Time represented one or more outstanding
Peak Common Shares that were exchanged for New Gold Common Shares in
accordance with SectionΒ 3.01 hereof, together with such other
documents and instruments as would have been required to effect the
transfer of the Peak Common Shares formerly represented by such
certificate under the BCBCA and the articles of Peak and such additional
documents and instruments as the Depositary may reasonably require, the
holder of such surrendered certificate shall be entitled to receive in
exchange therefor, and the Depositary shall deliver to such holder
following the Effective Time, a certificate representing the New Gold
Common Shares that such holder is entitled to receive in accordance with
SectionΒ 3.01 hereof and a cheque for the cash consideration to which
such holder is entitled.
|
Β
|
(b)
|
After
the Effective Time and until surrendered for cancellation as contemplated
by SectionΒ 5.01(a) hereof, each certificate that immediately prior to
the Effective Time represented one or more Peak Common Shares shall be
deemed at all times to represent only the right to receive in exchange
therefor a certificate representing the New Gold Common Shares and the
cash consideration that the holder of such certificate is entitled to
receive in accordance with SectionΒ 3.01
hereof.
|
Β
SectionΒ 5.02Β Β Lost
Certificates
Β
In the
event any certificate, that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented
one or more outstanding Peak Common Shares that were exchanged for New Gold
Common Shares and the cash consideration in
Β
A-7
Β
accordance
with SectionΒ 3.01 hereof, shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon
the making of an affidavit of that fact by the holder claiming such certificate
to be lost, stolen or destroyed, the Depositary shall deliver in exchange for
such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, a certificate representing the New
Gold Common Shares and a cheque in the amount of the cash consideration that
such holder is entitled to receive in accordance with SectionΒ 3.01 hereof.
When authorizing such delivery of a certificate representing the New Gold Common
Shares and the cash consideration that such holder is entitled to receive in
exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, the holder to whom a
certificate representing such New Gold Common Shares and a cheque in the amount
of the cash consideration is to be delivered shall, as a condition precedent to
the delivery of such New Gold Common Shares and cheque, give a bond satisfactory
to New Gold and the Depositary in such amount as New Gold and the Depositary may
direct, or otherwise indemnify New Gold and the Depositary in a manner
satisfactory to New Gold and the Depositary, against any claim that may be made
against New Gold or the Depositary with respect to the certificate alleged to
have been lost, stolen or destroyed and shall otherwise take such actions as may
be required by the articles of Peak.
Β
SectionΒ 5.03Β Β Distributions with
Respect to Unsurrendered Certificates
Β
No
dividend or other distribution declared or made after the Effective Time with
respect to New Gold Common Shares with a record date after the Effective Time
shall be delivered to the holder of any unsurrendered certificate that,
immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented outstanding Peak Common
Shares unless and until the holder of such certificate shall have complied with
the provisions of SectionΒ 5.01 or SectionΒ 5.02 hereof. Subject to
applicable law and to SectionΒ 5.04 hereof, at the time of such compliance,
there shall, in addition to the delivery of a certificate representing the New
Gold Common Shares and a cheque for the cash consideration to which such holder
is thereby entitled, be delivered to such holder, without interest, the amount
of the dividend or other distribution with a record date after the Effective
Time theretofore paid with respect to such New Gold Common Shares.
Β
SectionΒ 5.04Β Β Withholding
Rights
Β
New Gold
and the Depositary shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from all dividends
or other distributions otherwise payable to any Former Peak Shareholder such
amounts as New Gold or the Depositary is required or permitted to deduct and
withhold with respect to such payment under the TaxΒ Act, the
UnitedΒ States Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 or any provision of any applicable federal,
provincial, state, local or foreign tax law or treaty, in each case, as amended.
To the extent that amounts are so withheld, such withheld amounts shall be
treated for all purposes hereof as having been paid to the Former Peak
Shareholder in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made,
provided that such withheld amounts are actually remitted to the appropriate
taxing authority.
Β
SectionΒ 5.05Β Β Limitation and
Proscription
Β
To the
extent that a Former Peak Shareholder shall not have complied with the
provisions of SectionΒ 5.01 or SectionΒ 5.02 hereof on or before the
date that is six years after the Effective Date (the "final proscription date"),
then the New Gold Common Shares that such Former Peak Shareholder was entitled
to receive shall be automatically cancelled without any repayment of capital in
respect thereof and the certificates representing such New Gold Common Shares,
together with the cash consideration to which such Former Peak Shareholder was
entitled, shall be delivered to New Gold by the Depositary and the share
certificates shall be cancelled by New Gold, and the interest of the Former Peak
Shareholder in such New Gold Common Shares and the cash consideration to which
it was entitled shall be terminated as of such final proscription
date.
Β
ARTICLE
SIX
AMENDMENTS
SectionΒ 6.01Β Β Amendments to Plan of
Arrangement
Β
|
(a)
|
New
Gold and Peak reserve the right to amend, modify or supplement this Plan
of Arrangement at
|
Β
A-8
Β
Β
|
any
time and from time to time, provided that each such amendment,
modification or supplement must be (i)Β set out in writing,
(ii)Β agreed to in writing by New Gold and Peak, (iii)Β filed with
the Court and, if made following the Peak Meeting, approved by the Court,
and (iv)Β communicated to holders or former holders of Peak Common
Shares if and as required by the
Court.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Any
amendment, modification or supplement to this Plan of Arrangement may be
proposed by Peak at any time prior to the Peak Meeting provided that New
Gold shall have consented thereto in writing, with or without any other
prior notice or communication, and, if so proposed and accepted by the
persons voting at the Peak Meeting (other than as may be required under
the Interim Order), shall become part of this Plan of Arrangement for all
purposes.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
Any
amendment, modification or supplement to this Plan of Arrangement that is
approved by the Court following the Peak Meeting shall be effective only
if: (i)Β it is consented to in writing by each of New Gold and Peak;
and (ii)Β if required by the Court, it is consented to by holders of
the Peak Common Shares voting in the manner directed by the
Court.
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
Β
A-9
Β
B
-1Β
Β
SCHEDULE
B
CBCA
PLAN OF ARRANGEMENT
PLAN
OF ARRANGEMENT UNDER SECTION 192 OF THE CBCA
Β
Β
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
AND INTERPRETATION
Β
Section 1.1
Definitions.
Β
In this
Plan of Arrangement, unless there is something in the subject matter or context
inconsistent therewith, the following words and terms shall have the meanings
hereinafter set forth:
Β
βAmalgamationβ has the meaning
ascribed thereto in subsection 3.1(g) of this Plan of Arrangement;
Β
βAmalgamating Corporationsβ
means New Gold Subco and Metallica, collectively;
Β
βArrangementβ means the
arrangement under Section 192 of the CBCA on the terms and subject to the
conditions set out in this Plan of Arrangement, subject to any amendments or
variations thereto made in accordance with the Arrangement Agreement and Section
7.1 hereof or made at the discretion of the Court in the Final Order (with the
consent of Metallica and New Gold, each acting reasonably);
Β
βArticles of Arrangementβ
means the articles of arrangement of Metallica in respect of the
Arrangement that are required by the CBCA to be filed with the Director after
the Final Order is made;
Β
βBusiness Combination Agreementβ
means the business combination agreement dated as of May 9, 2008 among
New Gold Inc., Peak Gold Ltd. and Metallica Resources Inc., as the same may be
amended, supplemented and/or restated from time to time prior to the Effective
Date, entered into in connection with the Arrangement;
Β
βBusiness Dayβ means any day,
other than a Saturday, a Sunday or statutory holiday in Toronto, Ontario or
Vancouver, British Columbia;
Β
βCanadian Residentβ means a
beneficial owner of Metallica Common Shares immediately prior to the Effective
Time who is a resident of Canada for purposes of the Tax Act (other than a Tax
Exempt Person), or a partnership any member of which is a resident of Canada for
the purposes of the Tax Act (other than a Tax Exempt Person);
Β
βCBCAβ means the Canada Business Corporations Act,
including the regulations promulgated thereunder, as
amended;
Β
βCertificate of Arrangementβ
means the certificate of arrangement giving effect to the Arrangement,
issued pursuant to subsection 192(7) of the CBCA;
Β
βCourtβ means the Supreme
Court of British Columbia;
Β
βDepositaryβ means
Computershare Investor Services Inc., being the depositary or any other trust
company, bank or financial institution agreed to in writing between New Gold and
Metallica for the purpose of, among other things, exchanging certificates
representing Metallica Common Shares for New Gold Common Shares and cash
consideration in connection with the Arrangement;
Β
βDirectorβ means the Director
appointed pursuant to section 260 of the CBCA;
Β
βDissent Rightsβ shall have
the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.1;
Β
βDissenting Shareholderβ means
a registered holder of Metallica Common Shares who dissents in respect of the
Special Resolution in strict compliance with the Dissent Rights, and who is
ultimately entitled to be paid fair value for their Metallica Common
Shares;
Β
Β
- 1
-
Β
Β
βDissenting Sharesβ means the
Metallica Common Shares of any registered holder of Metallica Common Shares who
has demanded and perfected Dissent Rights in respect of such Metallica Common
Shares in accordance with the Interim Order and who, as of the Effective Time,
has not effectively withdrawn or lost such Dissent Rights;
Β
βEffective Dateβ means the
date of the Certificate of Arrangement;
Β
βEffective Timeβ means the
first moment of time (Toronto time) on the Effective Date;
Β
βEligible Holderβ mean (i) a
Canadian Resident, or (ii) an Eligible Non-Resident;
Β
βEligible Non-Residentβ means a
beneficial owner of Metallica Common Shares immediately prior to the Effective
Time who is not, and is not deemed to be, a resident of Canada for purposes of
the Tax Act and whose Metallica Common Shares are βtaxable Canadian propertyβ
and not βtreaty-protected propertyβ, in each case as defined in the Tax
Act;
Β
βFinal Orderβ means the final
order of the Court approving the Arrangement, as such order may be amended by
the Court (with the consent of Metallica and New Gold, each acting reasonably)
at any time prior to the Effective Date or, if appealed, then, unless such
appeal is withdrawn or denied, such order as affirmed or amended on
appeal;
Β
βFormer Metallica Shareholdersβ
means, at and following the Effective Time, the holders of Metallica
Common Shares immediately prior to the Effective Time;
Β
βGovernmental Entityβ means
any applicable (i) multinational, federal, provincial, territorial, state,
regional, municipal, local or other government, governmental or public
department, central bank, court, tribunal, arbitral body, commission, board,
bureau or agency, domestic or foreign, (ii) subdivision, agency, commission,
board or authority of any of the foregoing, or (iii) quasi-governmental or
private body (including any stock exchange or Securities Authority) exercising
any regulatory, expropriation or taxing authority under or for the account of
any of the foregoing;
Β
βInterim Orderβ means the
interim order of the Court, as the same may be amended by the Court (with the
consent of Metallica and New Gold, each acting reasonably), pursuant to
subsection 192(3) of the CBCA, made in connection with the
Arrangement;
Β
βMetallica Common Sharesβ
means the common shares in the capital of Metallica;
Β
βMetallica Meetingβ means the
annual and special meeting, including any adjournments or postponements thereof,
of Metallica Shareholders to be held, among other things, to consider and, if
deemed advisable, to approve the Special Resolution;
Β
βMetallica Optionsβ means all
options to acquire Metallica Common Shares outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time under the Metallica Share Option Plan;
Β
βMetallica Replacement Optionsβ
means the options to purchase New Gold Common Shares to be issued in exchange
for Metallica Options pursuant to this Plan of Arrangement;
Β
βMetallica Shareholdersβ means
the holders of Metallica Common Shares;
Β
βMetallica Stock Option Planβ
means the amended and restated stock option plan of Metallica dated May
23, 2006;
Β
βMetallica Warrantsβ means all
warrants exchangeable into Metallica Common Shares outstanding immediately prior
to the Effective Time;
Β
βMetallicaβ means Metallica
Resources Inc., a corporation existing under the CBCA;
Β
βNew Gold Common Sharesβ means
the common shares of New Gold;
Β
- 2
-
Β
Β
βNew Gold Subcoβ means l, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of New Gold incorporated under the CBCA;
Β
βNew Goldβ means New Gold
Inc., a corporation existing under the Business Corporations Act
(British Columbia);
Β
βPersonβ means and includes
any individual, partnership, association, limited or unlimited liability
company, joint venture, body corporate, trustee, executor, administrator, legal
representative, government (including any Governmental Entity) or any other
entity, whether or not having legal status;
Β
βSection 85 Electionβ shall
have the meaning ascribed thereto in section 3.2(c);
Β
βSecurities Authoritiesβ means
the Ontario Securities Commission and the other securities regulatory
authorities in the provinces and territories of Canada and the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission and the applicable state securities
authorities, collectively, and βSecurities Authorityβ means any one of
them;
Β
βShare Considerationβ means
0.9 of a New Gold Common Share plus C$0.0001 in cash for each Metallica Common
Share;
Β
βSpecial Resolutionβ means the
special resolution to be considered and approved by Metallica Shareholders at
the Metallica Meeting;
Β
βTax Actβ means the Income Tax Act (Canada) and
the regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time;
Β
βTax Exempt Personβ means a
person who is exempt from tax under Part I of the Tax Act; and
Β
βthis Planβ, βPlan of Arrangementβ,
βhereofβ, βhereinβ, βheretoβ and like references mean and refer to this
plan of arrangement.
Β
Words and
phrases used herein that are defined in the Business Combination Agreement and
not defined herein shall have the same meaning herein as in the Business
Combination Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires. Words and phrases
used herein that are defined in the CBCA and not defined herein or in the
Business Combination Agreement shall have the same meaning herein as in the
CBCA, unless the context otherwise requires.
Β
Section 1.2 Interpretation Not
Affected By Headings, etc.
Β
The
division of this Plan of Arrangement into Articles, Sections and other portions
and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and shall
not affect the construction or interpretation hereof.
Β
Section 1.3 Gender and
Number.
Β
Unless
the context requires the contrary, words importing the singular only shall
include the plural and vice versa and words importing the use of any gender
shall include all genders.
Β
Section 1.4 Date for Any
Action.
Β
In the
event that the date on which any action is required to be taken hereunder by any
of the parties is not a Business Day, such action shall be required to be taken
on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day.
Β
Section
1.5 Statutory References.
Β
Unless
otherwise indicated, references in this Plan of Arrangement to any statute
includes all regulations made pursuant to such statute and the provisions of any
statute or regulation which amends, supplements or supercedes any such statute
or regulation.
Β
Β
- 3
-
Β
Β
Β
Section
1.6 Currency.
Β
All
references to currency herein are to lawful money of Canada unless otherwise
specified.
Β
ARTICLE
II
BUSINESS
COMBINATION AGREEMENT
Β
Section 2.1 Business Combination
Agreement.
Β
This Plan
of Arrangement is made pursuant to, and is subject to the provisions of, the
Business Combination Agreement, and has been authorized by the Special
Resolution, which resolution authorizes this Arrangement and certain related
transactions which related transactions have been completed on the Business Day
immediately prior to the Effective Date.
Β
ARTICLE
III
ARRANGEMENT
Β
Section 3.1
Arrangement.
Β
Commencing
at the Effective Time, the following events or transactions shall occur and
shall be deemed to occur in the following sequence without any further act or
formality:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
each
Metallica Common Share held by a Dissenting Shareholder shall be deemed to
be transferred by the holder thereof, without any further act or formality
on its part, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances, to New
Gold, in consideration for a debt claim against New Gold in an amount
determined and payable in accordance with Article IV hereof, and the name
of such holder will be removed from the register of holders of Metallica
Common Shares, and New Gold will be recorded as the registered holder of
the Metallica Common Shares so transferred and will be deemed to be the
legal and beneficial owner of such Metallica Common Shares free and clear
of any liens, claims or
encumbrances;
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
each
Metallica Common Share outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
held by a Metallica Shareholder (other than a Dissenting Shareholder),
shall be transferred by the holder thereof to New Gold in exchange for the
Share Consideration and New Gold shall be deemed to be the legal and
beneficial owner thereof, free and clear of any liens, claims or
encumbrances;
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
each
Metallica Option outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time,
whether vested or not, will be exchanged for a fully-vested Metallica
Replacement Option to acquire from Metallica the number of New Gold Common
Shares equal to the product of: (A) the number of Metallica Common Shares
subject to the Metallica Option immediately before the Effective Time, and
(B) 0.9 plus the portion of a New Gold Common Share that, immediately
prior to the Effective Time, has a fair market value equal to C$0.0001
cash, provided that if the foregoing would result in the issuance of a
fraction of a New Gold Common Share on any particular exercise of
Metallica Replacement Options, then the number of New Gold Common Shares
otherwise issued shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number of New
Gold Common Shares.Β Β The exercise price per New Gold Common
Share subject to any such Metallica Replacement Option shall be an amount
equal to the quotient of (A) the exercise price per Metallica Common Share
subject to such Metallica Option immediately prior to the Effective Time
divided by (B) 0.9 plus such portion of a New Gold Common Share that,
immediately prior to the Effective Time, has a fair market value equal to
C$0.0001 cash (provided that the aggregate exercise price payable on any
particular exercise of Metallica Replacement Options shall
be
|
Β
Β
- 4
-
Β
Β
Β
|
rounded
up to the nearest whole cent).Β Β Except as set out above, the
terms of each Metallica Replacement Option shall be the same as the terms
of the Metallica Option exchanged therefor pursuant to the Metallica Stock
Option Plan and any agreement evidencing the grant thereof prior to the
Effective Time;
|
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
in
accordance with the terms of the Metallica Warrants, each holder of a
Metallica Warrant outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall receive upon the subsequent exercise or conversion of such holderβs
Metallica Warrant, in accordance with its terms, and shall accept in lieu
of each Metallica Common Share to which such holder was theretofore
entitled upon such exercise or conversion but for the same aggregate
consideration payable therefor, the Share
Consideration;
|
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
Metallica
and New Gold Subco will merge with the same effect as if they were
amalgamated under section 184(2) of the CBCA, except that the separate
legal existence of Metallica will not cease and Metallica will survive the
merger;
|
Β
Β
|
(f)
|
without
limiting the foregoing, at the time of the step described in Section
3.1(e), the separate legal existence of New Gold Subco will cease without
New Gold Subco being liquidated or wound-up; Metallica and New Gold Subco
will continue as one company; and, as a result, the property and
liabilities of New Gold Subco will become the property and liabilities of
Metallica;
|
Β
Β
|
(g)
|
at
the time of the step described in Section 3.1(e) and from and after this
time:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Metallica
will continue to own and hold all property of Metallica and will own and
hold all property of New Gold Subco, and, shall continue to be liable for
the liabilities and obligations of Metallica and will be liable for the
liabilities and obligations of New Gold Subco, including civil, criminal
and quasi-criminal liabilities and allΒ Β contracts, disabilities,
options, warrants and debts of each of Metallica and New Gold
Subco;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
all
rights, contracts, permits and interests of Metallica and New Gold Subco
will continue as rights, contracts, permits and interests of Metallica as
if Metallica and New Gold Subco both continued and, for greater certainly,
the merger will not constitute a transfer or assignment of the rights or
obligations of either of Metallica or New Gold Subco under any such
rights, contracts, permits and
interests;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
any
existing cause of action, claim or liability to prosecution is
unaffected;
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
a
civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding pending by or
against Metallica or New Gold Subco may continue to be prosecuted by or
against Metallica;
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
a
conviction against, or ruling, order or judgment in favour of or against,
Metallica or New Gold Subco may be enforced by or against
Metallica;
|
Β
Β
|
(vi)
|
the
name of the merged company shall be Metallica Resources
Inc.;
|
Β
Β
|
(vii)
|
the
registered and records office of the merged company shall be located at 00
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx, X0X
0X0;
|
Β
Β
- 5
-
Β
Β
Β
|
(viii)
|
the
merged company shall be authorized to issue an unlimited number of common
shares;
|
Β
Β
|
(ix)
|
the
articles of arrangement of the merged company shall be in the form
attached as Appendix A to this Plan of
Arrangement;
|
Β
Β
|
(x)
|
the
articles and by-laws of the merged company shall be in the form of
Metallicaβs articles and by-laws;
|
Β
Β
|
(xi)
|
the
first annual general meeting of the merged company will be held within 18
months from the Effective Date;
|
Β
Β
|
(xii)
|
the
first directors of the merged company following the merger shall be the
directors of Metallica immediately prior to the
merger;
|
Β
Β
|
(xiii)
|
each
common share in the capital of New Gold Subco shall be cancelled without
any repayment of capital in respect
thereof;
|
Β
Β
|
(xiv)
|
each
Metallica Common Share outstanding immediately prior to the merger shall
remain outstanding;
|
Β
Β
|
(xv)
|
the
stated capital of common shares of New Gold Subco will be added to the
stated capital of the Metallica Common
Shares;
|
Β
provided
that none of the foregoing will occur or be deemed to occur unless all of the
forgoing occurs.
Β
Section
3.2 Post-Effective Time Procedures.
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
On
or immediately prior to the Effective Date, New Gold shall deliver or
arrange to be delivered to the Depositary certificates representing the
requisite New Gold Common Shares and cash required to be issued and paid
in accordance with the provisions of subsection 3.1(b) hereof, which
certificates and cash shall be held by the Depositary as agent and nominee
for Former Metallica Shareholders for distribution to such Former
Metallica Shareholders in accordance with the provisions of Article VI
hereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
In
accordance with the provisions of Article VI hereof, Former Metallica
Shareholders shall be entitled to receive delivery of the certificates
representing New Gold Common Shares and the cash consideration to which
they are entitled pursuant to subsection 3.1(b)
hereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
An
Eligible Holder whose Metallica Common Shares are exchanged for Share
Consideration pursuant to the Arrangement shall be entitled to make a
joint income tax election, pursuant to section 85 of the Tax Act (and any
analogous provision of provincial income tax law) (a βSection 85
Electionβ) with respect to the exchange by providing two signed copies of
the necessary joint election forms to an appointed representative, as
directed by New Gold, within 90 days after the Effective Date, duly
completed with the details of the number of Metallica Common Shares
transferred and the applicable agreed amounts for the purposes of such
joint elections. New Gold shall, within 90 days after receiving the
completed joint election forms, and subject to such joint election forms
being correct and complete and in compliance with requirements imposed
under the Tax Act (or applicable provincial income tax law), sign and
return them to the Eligible Holder for filing with the Canada Revenue
Agency (or the applicable provincial tax authority). Neither Metallica,
New Gold nor
|
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any
successor corporation shall be responsible for the proper completion of
any joint election form nor, except for the obligation to sign and return
duly completed joint election forms which are received within 90 days of
the Effective Date, for any taxes, interest or penalties resulting from
the failure of an Eligible Holder to properly complete or file such joint
election forms in the form and manner and within the time prescribed by
the Tax Act (or any applicable provincial legislation). In its sole
discretion, New Gold or any successor corporation may choose to sign and
return a joint election form received by it more than 90 days following
the Effective Date, but will have no obligation to do
so.
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Β
Β
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(d)
|
Upon
receipt of a letter of transmittal in which an Eligible Holder has
indicated that the Eligible Holder intends to make a Section 85 Election,
New Gold will promptly deliver or caused to be delivered a tax instruction
letter (and a tax instruction letter for the equivalent Quebec election,
if applicable), together with the relevant federal tax election forms (and
the Quebec tax election forms, if applicable) to the Eligible
Holder.
|
Β
Section 3.3 No Fractional New Gold
Common Shares.
Β
No
fractional New Gold Common Shares shall be issued to Former Metallica
Shareholders in connection with this Plan of Arrangement. The number of New Gold
Common Shares to be issued to Former Metallica Shareholders shall be rounded up
to the nearest whole New Gold Common Share in the event that a Former Metallica
Shareholder would otherwise be entitled to a fractional share representing 0.5
or more of a New Gold Common Share and shall be rounded down to the nearest
whole New Gold Common Share in the event that a Former Metallica Shareholder is
entitled to a fractional share representing less than 0.5 of a Metallica Common
Share.
Β
Section 3.4 Binding
Effect.
Β
This Plan
of Arrangement will become effective at, and be binding at and after, the
Effective Time on (i) New Gold, (ii) Metallica, (iii) all Former Metallica
Shareholders, and (iv) all holders of Metallica Options and Metallica
Warrants.
Β
ARTICLE
IV
DISSENT
PROCEDURES
Β
Section 4.1 Rights of
Dissent.
Β
Registered
Metallica Shareholders may exercise rights of dissent with respect to their
Metallica Common Shares pursuant to and in the manner set forth in section 190
of the CBCA as modified by the Interim Order and this Article V (the βDissent
Rightsβ), provided that written notice setting forth such a registered Metallica
Shareholderβs objection to the Arrangement and exercise of Dissent Rights must
be received by Metallica not later than 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on June 13,
2008 or 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the Business Day which is two Business Days
preceding the date of any adjourned or postponed Metallica Meeting. Metallica
Shareholders who duly exercise their Dissent Rights and who:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
are
ultimately entitled to be paid fair value for their Metallica Common
Shares, which fair value, notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in Part XV of the CBCA, shall be determined as of the close of
business on the day before the Final Order becomes effective, shall be
deemed to have transferred their Metallica Common Shares to New Gold as of
the Effective Time as set out in subsection 3.1(a) hereof and in
consideration for a debt claim against New Gold to be paid the fair value
of such Metallica Common Shares, and will not be entitled to any
other
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payment
or consideration, including any payment that would be payable under the
Arrangement had such holders not exercised their Dissent Rights;
or
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(b)
|
are
ultimately not entitled, for any reason, to be paid fair value for their
Metallica Common Shares shall be deemed to have participated in the
Arrangement on the same basis as any non-dissenting Metallica
Shareholder.
|
Β
Section 4.2 Recognition of Dissenting
Shareholders.
Β
From and
after the Effective Time, in no case shall New Gold, New Gold Subco, Metallica,
Amalco or any other Person be required to recognize a Dissenting Shareholder as
a holder of Metallica Common Shares or as a holder of any securities of any of
New Gold, New Gold Subco, Metallica or Amalco or any of their respective
subsidiaries and the names of the Dissenting Shareholders shall be deleted from
the register of holders of Metallica Common Shares.
Β
ARTICLE
V
DELIVERY
OF NEW GOLD COMMON SHARES
Β
Section
5.1 Delivery of New Gold Common Shares.
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Upon
surrender to the Depositary for cancellation of a certificate which
immediately prior to the Effective Time represented one or more
outstanding Metallica Common Shares which were exchanged for New Gold
Common Shares in accordance with subsection 3.1(b) hereof, together with
such other documents and instruments as would have been required to effect
the transfer of the Metallica Common Shares formerly represented by such
certificate under the CBCA and the by-laws of Metallica and such
additional documents and instruments as the Depositary may reasonably
require, the holder of such surrendered certificate shall be entitled to
receive in exchange therefor, and the Depositary shall deliver to such
holder following the Effective Time, a certificate representing the New
Gold Common Shares and a cheque for the cash consideration to which such
holder is entitled to receive in accordance with subsection 3.1(b)
hereof.
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Β
Β
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(b)
|
After
the Effective Time and until surrendered for cancellation as contemplated
by subsection 5.1(a) hereof, each certificate which immediately prior to
the Effective Time represented one or more Metallica Common Shares shall
be deemed at all times to represent only the right to receive in exchange
therefor the entitlements which the holder of such certificate is entitled
to receive in accordance with Section 5.1(a)
hereof.
|
Β
Section 5.2 Lost
Certificates.
Β
In the
event that any certificate which immediately prior to the Effective Time
represented one or more outstanding Metallica Common Shares which were exchanged
for the Share Consideration in accordance with subsection 3.1(b) hereof shall
have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that
fact by the holder claiming such certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed,
the Depositary shall deliver in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed
certificate, a certificate representing the New Gold Common Shares and a cheque
in the amount of the cash consideration which such holder is entitled to receive
in accordance with subsection 3.1(b) hereof. When authorizing such delivery of a
certificate representing the New Gold Common Shares and the cash consideration
which such holder is entitled to receive in exchange for such lost, stolen or
destroyed certificate, the holder to whom a certificate representing such New
Gold Common Shares and a cheque in the amount of the cash consideration is to be
delivered shall, as a condition precedent to the delivery of such New Gold
Common Shares, give a bond satisfactory to New Gold and the Depositary in such
amount as New Gold and the Depositary may direct, or otherwise
indemnify
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Β
New Gold
and the Depositary in a manner satisfactory to New Gold and the Depositary,
against any claim that may be made against New Gold or the Depositary with
respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed and
shall otherwise take such actions as may be required by the by-laws of
Amalco.
Β
Section 5.3 Distributions with
Respect to Unsurrendered Certificates.
Β
No
dividend or other distribution declared or made after the Effective Time with
respect to New Gold Common Shares with a record date after the Effective Time
shall be delivered to the holder of any unsurrendered certificate which,
immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented outstanding Metallica
Common Shares unless and until the holder of such certificate shall have
complied with the provisions of Section 6.1 or Section 6.2 hereof. Subject to
applicable law and to Section 6.4 hereof, at the time of such compliance, there
shall, in addition to the delivery of a certificate representing the New Gold
Common Shares and a cheque for the cash consideration to which such holder is
thereby entitled, be delivered to such holder, without interest, the amount of
the dividend or other distribution with a record date after the Effective Time
theretofore paid with respect such New Gold Common Shares.
Β
Section 5.4 Withholding
Rights.
Β
New Gold
and the Depositary shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from all dividends
or other distributions otherwise payable to any Former Metallica Shareholder
such amounts as New Gold or the Depositary is required or permitted to deduct
and withhold with respect to such payment under the Income Tax Act (Canada), the
United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any provision of any applicable
federal, provincial, state, local or foreign tax law, in each case, as amended.
To the extent that amounts are so withheld, such withheld amounts shall be
treated for all purposes hereof as having been paid to the Former Metallica
Shareholder in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made,
provided that such withheld amounts are actually remitted to the appropriate
taxing authority.
Β
Section 5.5 Limitation and
Proscription.
Β
To the
extent that a Former Metallica Shareholder shall not have complied with the
provisions of Section 6.1 or Section 6.2 hereof on or before the date which is
six years after the Effective Date (the βfinal proscription dateβ), then the New
Gold Common Shares which such Former Metallica Shareholder was entitled to
receive shall be automatically cancelled without any repayment of capital in
respect thereof and the certificates representing such New Gold Common Shares,
together with the cash consideration to which such Former Metallica Shareholder
was entitled to receive shall be delivered to New Gold by the Depositary for
cancellation and shall be cancelled by New Gold, and the interest of the Former
Metallica Shareholder in such New Gold Common Shares and the cash consideration
to which it was entitled shall be terminated as of such final proscription
date.
Β
ARTICLE
VI
AMENDMENTS
Β
Section
6.1 Amendments to Plan of Arrangement.
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
New
Gold and Metallica reserve the right to amend, modify or supplement this
Plan of Arrangement at any time and from time to time, provided that each
such amendment, modification or supplement must be (i) set out in writing,
(ii) agreed to in writing by New Gold and Metallica, (iii) filed with the
Court and, if made following the Metallica Meeting, approved by the Court,
and (iv) communicated to Former Metallica Shareholders if and as required
by the Court.
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(b)
|
Any
amendment, modification or supplement to this Plan of Arrangement may be
proposed by Metallica at any time prior to the Metallica Meeting provided
that New Gold shall have consented thereto in writing, with or without any
other prior notice or communication, and, if so proposed and accepted by
the persons voting at the Metallica Meeting (other than as may be required
under the Interim Order), shall become part of this Plan of Arrangement
for all purposes.
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Β
Β
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(c)
|
Any
amendment, modification or supplement to this Plan of Arrangement that is
approved by the Court following the Metallica Meeting shall be effective
only if (i) it is consented to in writing by each of New Gold and
Metallica, and (ii) if required by the Court, it is consented to by
holders of the Metallica Common Shares voting in the manner directed by
the Court.
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Β
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CΒ -1Β
Β
SCHEDULE
C
LIST
OF METALLICA SUBSIDIARIES AND PEAK SUBSIDIARIES
Β
Β
A.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Metallica
Subsidiaries
Β
Β
|
1.
|
MMM
Exploraciones S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)
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Β
Β
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2.
|
Metallica
(Barbados) Inc. (Barbados)
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Β
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3.
|
Metallica
Management Inc. (USA)
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Β
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4.
|
Raleigh
Mining International Ltd. (Canada)
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Β
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5.
|
Great
Frontier Resources Inc. (Canada)
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Β
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6.
|
De
Re Holdings Inc. (British Virgin Islands (βVGBβ)
(inactive)
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7.
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Desarrollos
Metallica C.A. (Venezuela)
(inactive)
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8.
|
Datawave
Sciences Inc. (VGB)
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Β
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9.
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Minera
San Xavier, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)(1)
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Β
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10.
|
Servicios
del Plata y Oro, S.A. de C.V.
(Mexico)
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Β
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11.
|
Metallica
Resources Alaska Inc. (USA)
(2)
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Β
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12.
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Minera
Metallica Resources Chile Ltda (Chile)
(3)
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13.
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Sociedad
Contractual Minera El Morro(4)
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Notes:
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Β
(1)
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Owns
Cerro San Xxxxx mine.
|
(2)
|
Holds
options to acquire Liberty Xxxx and Alaska Peninsula
properties.
|
(3)
|
Holds
option to acquire Rio Xxxxxxxx
project.
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(4)
|
Holds
El Morro project (Xstrata to contribute El Morro mineral rights,
exploration data, etc. into this company in exchange for new share
issuance) β After the shares are issued, Xstrata will own 70% of Sociedad
Contractual Minera El Morro and Datawave Sciences will own
30%.
|
Β
B.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Peak
Subsidiaries
Β
Β
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14.
|
Peak
Mines Ltd.
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Β
Β
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15.
|
0786244
B.C. Limited
|
Β
Β
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16.
|
Peak
Gold Mines Asia Pacific Pty. Ltd.
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Β
Β
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17.
|
Peak
Gold Mines Pty Ltd.
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Β
Β
|
18.
|
Mineracao
Pedra Branca do Amapari Ltda.
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Β
Β
|
19.
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Mineração
Serra da Canga Ltda.1
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Β
Β
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20.
|
Marina Norte Empreedimentos de
Mineração Ltda.1
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Β
Β
Notes:
Β
Β
(1)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Peak
owns 70% of the issued and outstanding shares.
Β
Β
Β
Β
SCHEDULE
D
COVENANTS
Β
1.
|
Covenants of New
Gold:
|
Β
New Gold
hereby covenants and agrees with Peak and Metallica as follows:
Β
Β
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(a)
|
Provide Information.
Subject to obtaining any required consents, New Gold will promptly provide
Peak and Metallica with any information in the possession or control of
New Gold and relating to New Gold and in addition, subject to
confidentiality obligations, will provide any information specifically
requested by Peak, Metallica or their respective counsel so that Peak and
Metallica may complete their due diligence investigations of New
Gold.
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Β
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(b)
|
New Gold Meeting. New
Gold will convene and hold a special meeting of its shareholders
(including any adjournment, the βNew Gold Meetingβ) for
the purpose of obtaining the New Gold Shareholder Approval, as soon as reasonably
practicable and contemporaneously with, the Peak Meeting (as hereinafter
defined) and the Metallica Meeting (as hereinafter defined), and, in any
event, no later than the later of the date of the Peak Meeting or the
Metallica Meeting. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, New
Gold shall not adjourn or otherwise change the timing of the New Gold
Meeting without the prior written consent of Peak and Metallica, such
consent not to be unreasonably withheld. In connection with the New Gold
Meeting, as promptly as reasonably practicable, New Gold shall prepare a
management information circular (the βNew Gold Circularβ)
together with any other documents required by applicable laws in
connection the New Gold Shareholder Approval and New Gold shall give Peak
and Metallica the opportunity to review and comment on the New Gold
Circular and all such other documents and the New Gold Circular and all
such other documents shall be reasonably satisfactory to Peak and
Metallica, acting reasonably, before they are filed or distributed to the
shareholders of New Gold subject to any disclosure obligations imposed on
New Gold by any regulatory authority or any stock
exchange.
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Β
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(c)
|
New Gold Circular. New
Gold shall ensure that the New Gold Circular complies with all applicable
laws and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall ensure
that the New Gold Circular does not contain any misrepresentation or any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
contained therein not misleading in light of the circumstances in which
they are made (other than with respect to any information relating solely
to and provided by Peak or
Metallica).
|
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Β
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(d)
|
Information. New Gold
shall promptly furnish to Peak and Metallica all information concerning
New Gold as may be required for the preparation of the Peak Circular (as
hereinafter defined) and the Metallica Circular (as hereinafter defined)
and hereby covenants that no information furnished by New Gold in
connection therewith or otherwise in connection with the consummation of
the Transaction will contain any misrepresentation or any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein in order to make any information so furnished for use in any such
document not misleading in the light of the circumstances in which it is
provided.
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Β
Β
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
Ordinary Course. New
Gold shall conduct its business only in, and shall not take any action
except in the usual, ordinary and regular course of business of New Gold,
consistent with past practices of New Gold or as contemplated by the New
Gold Disclosure Memorandum, except as contemplated in this
Agreement.
|
Β
Β
|
(f)
|
No Dividends, Amalgamation or
Capital Reduction. New Gold shall not, except as provided for in
this Agreement or in the New Gold Disclosure Memorandum, without prior
consultation with and the consent of Peak and Metallica, directly or
indirectly do, agree to do, or permit to occur any of the following: (i)
declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution or payment in
respect of any of the shares of New Gold; (ii) adopt resolutions or enter
into any agreement providing for the amalgamation, merger, consolidation,
reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or any other extraordinary
transaction or adopt any plan of liquidation; or (iii) reduce its stated
capital.
|
Β
Β
|
(g)
|
Listing. New Gold shall
use commercially reasonable best efforts to cause the New Gold Common
Shares to be issued to holders of Peak Common Shares and Metallica Common
Shares in connection with the Transaction to be listed on all exchanges on
which the New Gold Common Shares are listed and (i) cause the existing
Metallica Warrants that are listed on the TSX to remain listed on the TSX;
(ii) cause the existing Peak Warrants that are listed on the TSX-V to
remain listed on the TSX-V;
|
Β
Β
|
(h)
|
Registration. If, in
connection with the Transaction, New Gold issues options to any holder of
Peak Gold Options or Metallica Options who is resident in the United
States, New Gold will use commercially reasonable efforts to register the
New Gold Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of such options on Form
S-8 under the 1933 Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after the
closing of the Transaction, if and to the extent that such New Gold Common
Shares are eligible for registration on such
form.
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Amendments.Β Β In
a timely and expeditious manner, New Gold shall prepare, (in consultation
with Peak and Metallica), and file any mutually agreed (or as otherwise
required by applicable Laws) amendments or supplements to the New Gold
Circular (which amendments or supplements shall be in a form satisfactory
to New Gold and Metallica, acting reasonably) with respect to the New Gold
Meeting and mail such amendments or supplements, in accordance with all
applicable Laws, in and to all jurisdictions where such amendments or
supplements are required to be mailed, complying in all material respects
with all applicable Laws on the date of the mailing
thereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(j)
|
Copy
of Documents.Β Β Except for proxies and other
non-substantive communications, New Gold shall furnish promptly to Peak
and Metallica a copy of each notice, report, schedule or other document or
communication delivered, filed or received by New Gold in connection with
this Agreement, the Transaction or the New Gold Meeting or any other
meeting at which all New Gold Shareholders are entitled to attend relating
to special business, any filings made under any applicable Law and any
dealings or communications with any Governmental Entity, Securities
Authority or stock exchange in connection with, or in any way affecting,
the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
|
Β
Β
|
(k)
|
Certain
Actions Prohibited.Β Β Other than as disclosed by New Gold
in the New Gold Disclosure Memorandum, or in contemplation of or as
required to give effect to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, New Gold shall not, without the
prior
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
written
consent of Metallica and Peak, directly or indirectly do or permit to
occur any of the following except where to do so would be in the ordinary
course of business and consistent with past
practice:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
issue,
sell, pledge, lease, dispose of, encumber or create any Encumbrance on or
agree to issue, sell, pledge, lease, dispose of, or encumber or create any
Encumbrance on, any shares of, or any options, warrants, calls, conversion
privileges or rights of any kind to acquire any shares of, New Gold, other
than the issue of New Gold Common Shares pursuant to the exercise of the
New Gold Options or pursuant to the exercise or conversion, as the case
may be, of warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities or other
rights to acquire New Gold Common Shares, all as issued and outstanding on
the date hereof in accordance with their terms as of the date
hereof;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
other
than pursuant to obligations or rights under existing contracts,
agreements and commitments (to the extent such rights have been exercised
or initiated by other persons), sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any
property or assets or enter into any agreement or commitment in respect of
any of the foregoing;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
amend
or propose to amend the Notice of Articles, Articles or by-laws (or their
equivalent) of New Gold or any of the terms of the New Gold Options as
they exist at the date of this
Agreement;
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
split,
combine or reclassify any of the shares of New
Gold;
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
redeem,
purchase or offer to purchase any New Gold Common Shares and, other than
pursuant to the New Gold Stock Option Plan, any options or obligations or
rights under existing contracts, agreements and
commitments;
|
Β
Β
|
(vi)
|
acquire
or agree to acquire any corporation or other entity (or material interest
therein) or division of any corporation or other
entity;
|
Β
Β
|
(vii)
|
(A)
satisfy or settle any claim or dispute, except such as have been included
in the financial statements of New Gold which are, individually or in the
aggregate, in an amount in excess of $750,000; (B)Β relinquish any
contractual rights that are, individually or in the aggregate, in an
amount in excess of $750,000; or (C)Β enter into any interest rate,
currency or commodity swaps, xxxxxx, caps, collars, forward sales or other
similar financial instruments other than in the ordinary and regular
course of business and not for speculative
purposes;
|
Β
Β
|
(viii)
|
incur,
authorize, agree or otherwise become committed to provide guarantees for
borrowed money or incur, authorize, agree or otherwise become committed
for any indebtedness for borrowed money or incur, authorize, agree or
otherwise become committed for any indebtedness for borrowed
money;
|
Β
Β
|
(ix)
|
except
as required by Canadian GAAP or any other generally accepted accounting
principle to which New Gold may be subject or any applicable Law, make any
changes to the existing accounting practices of New Gold or make any
material tax election inconsistent with past practice;
or
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
(x)
|
enter
into new commitments of a capital expenditure nature or incur any new
contingent liabilities other than: (A) ordinary course expenditures; (B)
expenditures required by law; and (C) expenditures made in connection with
transactions contemplated in this
Agreement.
|
Β
Β
|
(l)
|
Employment
Arrangements.Β Β Except where the prior intention to do so
has been disclosed by New Gold in the New Gold Disclosure Memorandum, New
Gold shall not, without the prior written consent of Peak and Metallica,
enter into or modify any employment, consulting, severance, collective
bargaining or similar agreement, policy or arrangement with, or grant any
bonus, salary increase, option to purchase shares, pension or supplemental
pension benefit, profit sharing, retirement allowance, deferred
compensation, incentive compensation, severance, change of control or
termination pay to, or make any loan to, any officer, director, employee
or consultant of New Gold.
|
Β
Β
|
(m)
|
Insurance.Β Β New
Gold shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to cause its
respective current insurance (or reinsurance) policies not to be cancelled
or terminated or any of the coverage thereunder to lapse, unless
simultaneously with such termination, cancellation or lapse, replacement
policies underwritten by insurance and re-insurance companies of
internationally recognized standing providing coverage equal to or greater
than the coverage under the cancelled, terminated or lapsed policies for
substantially similar premiums are in full force and
effect.
|
Β
Β
|
(n)
|
Certain
Actions.Β Β New Gold
shall:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
not
take any action, or refrain from taking any action (subject to
commercially reasonable best efforts), or permit any action to be taken or
not taken, inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement or which
would reasonably be expected to materially impede the completion of the
transactions contemplated hereby or would render, or that could reasonably
be expected to render, any representation or warranty made by New Gold in
this Agreement untrue or inaccurate in any material respect at any time
prior to the Effective Time if then made, or which would or could have a
Material Adverse Effect on New Gold, provided that New Gold may take any
such action or refrain from taking such action (subject to commercially
reasonable best efforts) as a result of this Agreement, in the event New
Gold immediately notifies Peak and Metallica in writing of such
circumstances; and
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
promptly
notify Peak and Metallica of: (A)Β any Material Adverse Effect, or any
change, event, occurrence or state of facts that could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, in respect of the business or
in the conduct of the business of New Gold; (B)Β any material
Governmental Entity or third person complaints, investigations or hearings
(or communications indicating that the same may be contemplated);
(C)Β any breach by New Gold of any covenant or agreement contained in
this Agreement; and (D)Β any event occurring subsequent to the date
hereof that would render any representation or warranty of New Gold
contained in this Agreement, if made on or as of the date of such event or
the Effective Date, to be untrue or inaccurate in any material
respect.
|
Β
Β
|
(o)
|
No
Compromise.Β Β New Gold shall not settle or compromise any
claim brought by any present, former or purported holder of any securities
of New Gold in connection with the
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
transactions
contemplated by this Agreement prior to the Effective Time without the
prior written consent of Peak and
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(p)
|
Contractual
Obligations.Β Β New Gold shall not enter into, renew or
modify in any respect any material contract, agreement, lease, commitment
or arrangement to which New Gold is a party or by which it is bound,
except insofar as may be necessary to permit or provide for the completion
of the Transaction or where to do so would not have a Material Adverse
Effect.
|
Β
Β
|
(q)
|
Satisfaction
of Conditions.Β Β New Gold shall use all commercially
reasonable best efforts to satisfy, or cause to be satisfied, all
conditions precedent to its obligations to the extent that the same is
within its control and to take, or cause to be taken, all other action and
to do, or cause to be done, all other things necessary, proper or
advisable under all applicable Laws to complete the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including using its commercially
reasonable best efforts to:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
obtain
the New Gold Shareholder Approval;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
obtain
all other consents, approvals and authorizations as are required to be
obtained by New Gold under any applicable Law or from any Governmental
Entity that would, if not obtained, materially impede the completion of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or have a Material Adverse
Effect on New Gold;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
effect
all necessary registrations, filings and submissions of information
requested by Governmental Entities required to be effected by it in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
participate and appear in any proceedings of any party hereto before any
Governmental Entity;
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
oppose,
lift or rescind any injunction or restraining order or other order or
action challenging or affecting this Agreement, the transactions
contemplated hereby or seeking to stop, or otherwise adversely affecting
the ability of the parties hereto to consummate, the transactions
contemplated hereby;
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
fulfill
all conditions and satisfy all provisions of this Agreement required to be
fulfilled or satisfied by New Gold;
and
|
Β
Β
|
(vi)
|
cooperate
with Peak and Metallica in connection with the performance by it of its
obligations hereunder, provided however that the foregoing shall not be
construed to obligate New Gold to pay or cause to be paid any monies to
cause such performance to occur.
|
Β
Β
|
(r)
|
Keep
Fully Informed.Β Β Subject to applicable laws, New Gold
shall use commercially reasonable best efforts to conduct itself so as to
keep Peak and Metallica fully informed as to the material decisions or
actions required or required to be made with respect to the operation of
its business.
|
Β
Β
|
(s)
|
Cooperation.Β Β New
Gold shall make, or cooperate as necessary in the making of, all necessary
filings and applications under all applicable Laws required in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby and take all reasonable action
necessary to be in compliance with such
Laws.
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
(t)
|
Representations.Β Β New
Gold shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to conduct its
affairs so that all of the representations and warranties of New Gold
contained herein shall be true and correct on and as of the Effective Date
as if made on and as of such date.
|
Β
Β
|
(u)
|
Confirmatory
Review.Β Β Subject to applicable Laws, New Gold shall
continue to make available and cause to be made available to Peak and
Metallica and the agents and advisors thereto all documents, agreements,
corporate records and minute books as may be necessary to enable Peak and
Metallica to effect a thorough examination of New Gold and its business,
properties and financial status, including the provision of unaudited
monthly financial statements of New Gold, and shall cooperate with Peak
and Metallica in securing access for Peak and Metallica to any documents,
agreements, corporate records or minute books not in the possession or
under the control of New Gold. Subject to applicable Laws, upon reasonable
notice, New Gold shall afford officers, employees, counsel, accountants
and other authorized representatives and advisors of Peak and Metallica
reasonable access, during normal business hours from the date hereof until
the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement, to
the properties, books, contracts and records as well as to the management
personnel of New Gold, and, during such period, New Gold shall furnish
promptly to Peak and Metallica all information concerning the business,
properties and personnel of New Gold as Peak and Metallica may reasonably
request.
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
Closing
Documents.Β Β New Gold shall execute and deliver, or cause
to be executed and delivered, at the closing of the transactions
contemplated hereby such customary agreements, certificates, resolutions,
opinions and other closing documents as may be required by the other
parties hereto, all in form satisfactory to the other parties hereto,
acting reasonably.
|
Β
Β
|
(w)
|
Composition of
Board.Β Β Ensure, either through the election of such
persons as directors of New Gold at the New Gold Meeting or through the
resignation and replacement of the existing directors of New Gold that, on
the Effective Date, the following persons will be directors of New Gold:
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx
and Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx.
|
Β
Β
|
(x)
|
Incorporation of Subsidiaries.
Prior to the Effective Date, incorporate BC Subco and CBCA Subco on
terms acceptable to Peak and Metallica, acting
reasonably.
|
Β
Β
|
(y)
|
Tax Elections. New Gold
agrees to make joint elections with Eligible Holders in respect of the
disposition of their Peak Common Shares and Metallica Common Shares
pursuant to Section 85 of the Tax Act (or any similar provision of any
provincial tax legislation) in accordance with the procedures and within
the time limits set out in the BC Plan of Arrangement and the CBCA Plan of
Arrangement. New Gold further agrees that the agreed amount under such
joint elections shall be determined by each Eligible Holder in his or her
sole discretion within the limits set out in the Tax
Act.
|
Β
Β
|
(z)
|
Options and Warrants of Peak
and Metallica.Β Β New Gold hereby covenants and agrees
that, following the Effective Time, it will take all steps required and
cause Peak or its successor to take all steps required to fulfill the
obligations of Peak or its successor to deliver New Gold Common Shares on
any exercise of Peak Options or Peak Warrants.Β Β New Gold hereby
covenants and agrees that, following the Effective Time, it will take all
steps required and cause Metallica or its successor to take all steps
required to fulfill the
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
obligations
of Metallica or its successor to deliver New Gold Common Shares on any
exercise of Metallica Options or Metallica Warrants.
|
Β
Β
|
(aa)
|
Listing of Peak Common
Shares.Β Β New Gold shall use commercially reasonable
efforts to ensure that the Peak Common Shares remain listed on the TSX-V
until completion of the amalgamation of Peak and BC Subco pursuant to the
BC Arrangement.
|
2.
|
Covenants of
Peak:
|
Β
Peak
hereby covenants and agrees with New Gold and Metallica as follows:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Provide Information.
Subject to obtaining any required consents Peak will promptly provide New
Gold and Metallica with any information in the possession or control of
Peak and relating to any Peak Group Company and in addition, subject to
any confidentiality obligations, will provide any information specifically
requested by New Gold, Metallica or their respective counsel so that New
Gold and Metallica may complete their due diligence investigations of the
Peak Group Companies.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Peak Meeting. Peak will
convene and hold a special meeting of its shareholders (including any
adjournment, the βPeak
Meetingβ) as soon as possible for the purpose of approving the BC
Arrangement (the βPeak
Resolutionβ) and in any event no later than June 24, 2008. Except
as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Peak shall not adjourn or
otherwise change the timing of the Peak Meeting without the prior written
consent of New Gold and Metallica, such consent not to be unreasonably
withheld. In connection with the Peak Meeting, as promptly as reasonably
practicable, Peak shall prepare a management information circular (the
βPeak Circularβ)
together with any other documents required by applicable laws in
connection with the approval of the Peak Resolution and Peak shall give
New Gold and Metallica the opportunity to review and comment on the Peak
Circular and all such other documents and the Peak Circular and all such
other documents shall be reasonably satisfactory to New Gold and
Metallica, acting reasonably, before they are filed or distributed to the
shareholders of Peak, subject to any disclosure obligations imposed on
Peak by any securities regulatory authority or any stock
exchange.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
Peak Circular. Peak
shall ensure that the Peak Circular complies with all applicable laws and,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall ensure that the
Peak Circular does not contain any misrepresentation or any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein
not misleading in light of the circumstances in which they are made (other
than with respect to any information relating solely to and provided by
Metallica or New Gold).
|
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
Information. Peak shall
promptly furnish to New Gold and Metallica all information concerning Peak
as may be required for the preparation of the New Gold Circular or the
Metallica Circular (as defined below) and hereby covenants that no
information furnished by Peak in connection therewith or otherwise in
connection with the consummation of the Transaction will contain any
misrepresentation or any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein in order to make any
information so furnished for use in any such document not misleading in
the light of the circumstances in which it is
provided.
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
Ordinary Course. Peak
shall, and shall cause the Peak Subsidiaries to conduct its and their
respective businesses only in, and shall not take any action except in the
usual, ordinary and regular course of business of Peak and the Peak
Subsidiaries and consistent with past practices of Peak and the Peak
Subsidiaries or as contemplated in the Peak Disclosure Memorandum and
except as contemplated by this
Agreement.
|
Β
Β
|
(f)
|
No Dividends, Amalgamation or
Capital Reduction. Peak shall not, except as provided for in this
Agreement or in the Peak Disclosure Memorandum, without prior consultation
with and the consent of New Gold and Metallica, directly or indirectly do,
agree to do, or permit to occur any of the following: (i) declare, set
aside or pay any dividend or other distribution or payment in respect of
any of the shares of Peak; (ii) adopt resolutions or enter into any
agreement providing for the amalgamation, merger, consolidation,
reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or any other extraordinary
transaction in respect of itself or any of its subsidiaries or adopt any
plan of liquidation; or (iii) reduce its stated
capital.
|
Β
Β
|
(g)
|
Dissent
Rights.Β Β Peak shall provide each of New Gold and
Metallica with a copy of any purported exercise of the Dissent Rights and
written communications with such Peak Shareholder purportedly exercising
such Dissent Rights, and shall not settle or compromise any action brought
by any present, former or purported holder of any of its securities in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including
the Arrangement, without the prior consent of New Gold and
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(h)
|
Amendments.Β Β In
a timely and expeditious manner, Peak shall prepare, (in consultation with
New Gold and Metallica), and file any mutually agreed (or as otherwise
required by applicable Laws) amendments or supplements to the Peak
Circular (which amendments or supplements shall be in a form satisfactory
to New Gold and Metallica, acting reasonably) with respect to the Peak
Meeting and mail such amendments or supplements, as required by the BC
Interim Order and in accordance with all applicable Laws, in and to all
jurisdictions where such amendments or supplements are required to be
mailed, complying in all material respects with all applicable Laws on the
date of the mailing thereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Copy
of Documents.Β Β Except for proxies and other
non-substantive communications, Peak shall furnish promptly to New Gold
and Metallica a copy of each notice, report, schedule or other document or
communication delivered, filed or received by Peak in connection with this
Agreement, the BC Arrangement, the BC Interim Order or the Peak Meeting or
any other meeting at which all Peak Shareholders are entitled to attend
relating to special business, any filings made under any applicable Law
and any dealings or communications with any Governmental Entity,
Securities Authority or stock exchange in connection with, or in any way
affecting, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
|
Β
Β
|
(j)
|
Certain
Actions Prohibited.Β Β Other than as disclosed by Peak, or
in contemplation of or as required to give effect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, Peak shall not, without the prior written
consent of New Gold and Metallica, directly or indirectly do or permit to
occur any of the following except where to do so would be in the ordinary
course of business and consistent with past
practice:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
issue,
sell, pledge, lease, dispose of, encumber or create any Encumbrance on or
agree to issue, sell, pledge, lease, dispose of, or encumber or create
any
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
Encumbrance
on, or permit a Peak Subsidiary to issue, sell, pledge, lease, dispose of,
encumber or create any Encumbrance on or agree to issue, sell, pledge,
lease, dispose of, or encumber or create any Encumbrance on, any shares
of, or any options, warrants, calls, conversion privileges or rights of
any kind to acquire any shares of, Peak, any of the Peak Subsidiaries,
other than the issue of Peak Common Shares pursuant to the exercise or
conversion, as the case may be, of warrants, convertible or exchangeable
securities or other rights to acquire Peak Common Shares, all as issued
and outstanding on the date hereof in accordance with their terms as of
the date hereof;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
other
than pursuant to obligations or rights under existing contracts,
agreements and commitments (to the extent such rights have been exercised
or initiated by other persons), sell, lease or otherwise dispose of, or
permit any of the Peak Subsidiaries to sell, lease or otherwise dispose
of, any property or assets or enter into any agreement or commitment in
respect of any of the foregoing;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
amend
or propose to amend the Notice of Articles, Articles or by-laws (or their
equivalent) of Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries or any of the terms of
the Peak Options as they exist at the date of this
Agreement;
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
split,
combine or reclassify any of the shares of
Peak;
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
redeem,
purchase or offer to purchase, or permit any of the Peak Subsidiaries to
redeem, purchase or offer to purchase, any Peak Common Shares and, other
than pursuant to the Peak Share Option Plan, any options or obligations or
rights under existing contracts, agreements and
commitments;
|
Β
Β
|
(vi)
|
acquire
or agree to acquire any corporation or other entity (or material interest
therein) or division of any corporation or other entity, or permit any of
the Peak Subsidiaries to acquire or agree to acquire any corporation or
other entity (or material interest therein) or division of any corporation
or other entity;
|
Β
Β
|
(vii)
|
(A)
satisfy or settle any claim or dispute, except such as have been included
in the consolidated financial statements of Peak which are, individually
or in the aggregate, in an amount in excess of $750,000Β or which
constitutes a claim between Peak and a Peak Subsidiary or between Peak
Subsidiaries; (B)Β relinquish any contractual rights that are,
individually or in the aggregate, in an amount in excess of $750,000; or
(C)Β enter into any interest rate, currency or commodity swaps,
xxxxxx, caps, collars, forward sales or other similar financial
instruments other than in the ordinary and regular course of business and
not for speculative purposes;
|
Β
Β
|
(viii)
|
incur,
authorize, agree or otherwise become committed to provide guarantees for
borrowed money or incur, authorize, agree or otherwise become committed
for any indebtedness for borrowed money, or permit any of the Peak
Subsidiaries to incur, authorize, agree or otherwise become committed to
provide guarantees for borrowed money or incur, authorize, agree or
otherwise become committed for any indebtedness for borrowed
money;
|
Β
Β
|
(ix)
|
except
as required by Canadian GAAP or any other generally accepted accounting
principle to which any Peak Subsidiary may be subject or
any
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
applicable
Law, make any changes to the existing accounting practices of Peak or make
any material tax election inconsistent with past practice;
or
|
Β
Β
|
(x)
|
enter
into, or cause any Peak Subsidiaries to enter into, new commitments of a
capital expenditure nature or incur any new contingent liabilities other
than (A) ordinary course expenditures; (B) expenditures required by law;
(C) expenditures made in connection with transactions contemplated in this
Agreement; and (D) capital expenditures required in connection with the
modification of the Amapari processing facility not in excess of
$2,000,000.
|
Β
Β
|
(k)
|
Employment
Arrangements.Β Β Except where the prior intention to do so
has been disclosed by Peak, Peak shall not, without the prior written
consent of New Gold and Metallica, and shall cause the Peak Subsidiaries
not to, enter into or modify any employment, consulting, severance,
collective bargaining or similar agreement, policy or arrangement with, or
grant any bonus, salary increase, option to purchase shares, pension or
supplemental pension benefit, profit sharing, retirement allowance,
deferred compensation, incentive compensation, severance, change of
control or termination pay to, or make any loan to, any officer, director,
employee or consultant of Peak or any of the Peak
Subsidiaries.
|
Β
Β
|
(l)
|
Insurance.Β Β Peak
shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts, and shall cause the
Peak Subsidiaries to use their commercially reasonable best efforts, to
cause their respective current insurance (or reinsurance) policies not to
be cancelled or terminated or any of the coverage thereunder to lapse,
unless simultaneously with such termination, cancellation or lapse,
replacement policies underwritten by insurance and re-insurance companies
of internationally recognized standing providing coverage equal to or
greater than the coverage under the cancelled, terminated or lapsed
policies for substantially similar premiums are in full force and
effect.
|
Β
Β
|
(m)
|
Certain Actions.Β Β Peak
shall:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
not
take any action, or refrain from taking any action (subject to
commercially reasonable best efforts), or permit any action to be taken or
not taken, inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement or which
would reasonably be expected to materially impede the completion of the
transactions contemplated hereby or would render, or that could reasonably
be expected to render, any representation or warranty made by Peak in this
Agreement untrue or inaccurate in any material respect at any time prior
to the Effective Time if then made, or which would or could have a
Material Adverse Effect on Peak, provided that Peak may take any such
action or refrain from taking such action (subject to commercially
reasonable best efforts) as a result of this Agreement, in the event Peak
immediately notifies New Gold and Metallica in writing of such
circumstances; and
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
promptly
notify New Gold and Metallica of: (A)Β any Material Adverse Effect, or
any change, event, occurrence or state of facts that could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, in respect of the business or
in the conduct of the business of Peak; (B)Β any material Governmental
Entity or third person complaints, investigations or hearings (or
communications indicating that the same may be contemplated); (C)Β any
breach by Peak of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement;
and (D)Β any event occurring
subsequent
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
to
the date hereof that would render any representation or warranty of Peak
contained in this Agreement, if made on or as of the date of such event or
the Effective Date, to be untrue or inaccurate in any material
respect.
|
Β
Β
|
(n)
|
No
Compromise.Β Β Peak shall not, and shall cause the Peak
Subsidiaries not to, settle or compromise any claim brought by any
present, former or purported holder of any securities of Peak in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement prior to
the Effective Time without the prior written consent of New Gold and
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(o)
|
Contractual
Obligations.Β Β Peak shall not, and shall cause the Peak
Subsidiaries not to, enter into, renew or modify in any respect any
material contract, agreement, lease, commitment or arrangement to which
Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them is
bound, except insofar as may be necessary to permit or provide for the
completion of the BC Arrangement or where to do so would not have a
Material Adverse Effect.
|
Β
Β
|
(p)
|
Satisfaction
of Conditions.Β Β Peak shall use all commercially
reasonable best efforts to satisfy, or cause to be satisfied, all
conditions precedent to its obligations to the extent that the same is
within its control and to take, or cause to be taken, all other action and
to do, or cause to be done, all other things necessary, proper or
advisable under all applicable Laws to complete the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including using its commercially
reasonable best efforts to:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
obtain
the Peak Shareholder approval for the BC Arrangement in accordance with
the provisions of the BCBCA, the BC Interim Order and the requirements of
any applicable regulatory
authority;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
obtain
all other consents, approvals and authorizations as are required to be
obtained by Peak or any of the Peak Subsidiaries under any applicable Law
or from any Governmental Entity that would, if not obtained, materially
impede the completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or have a Material Adverse Effect on
Peak;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
effect
all necessary registrations, filings and submissions of information
requested by Governmental Entities required to be effected by it in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
participate and appear in any proceedings of any party hereto before any
Governmental Entity;
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
oppose,
lift or rescind any injunction or restraining order or other order or
action challenging or affecting this Agreement, the transactions
contemplated hereby or seeking to stop, or otherwise adversely affecting
the ability of the parties hereto to consummate, the transactions
contemplated hereby;
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
fulfill
all conditions and satisfy all provisions of this Agreement and the BC
Plan of Arrangement required to be fulfilled or satisfied by Peak;
and
|
Β
Β
|
(vi)
|
cooperate
with New Gold and Metallica in connection with the performance by it of
its obligations hereunder, provided however that the foregoing shall not
be construed to obligate Peak to pay or cause to be paid any monies to
cause such performance to occur.
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
(q)
|
Keep
Fully Informed.Β Β Subject to applicable laws, Peak shall
use commercially reasonable best efforts to conduct itself so as to keep
New Gold and Metallica fully informed as to the material decisions or
actions required or required to be made with respect to the operation of
its business.
|
Β
Β
|
(r)
|
Cooperation.Β Β Peak
shall make, or cooperate as necessary in the making of, all necessary
filings and applications under all applicable Laws required in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby and take all reasonable action
necessary to be in compliance with such
Laws.
|
Β
Β
|
(s)
|
Representations.Β Β Peak
shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to conduct its affairs
and to cause the Peak Subsidiaries to conduct their affairs so that all of
the representations and warranties of Peak contained herein shall be true
and correct on and as of the Effective Date as if made on and as of such
date.
|
Β
Β
|
(t)
|
Confirmatory
Review.Β Β Subject to applicable Laws, Peak shall continue
to make available and cause to be made available to New Gold and Metallica
and the agents and advisors thereto all documents, agreements, corporate
records and minute books as may be necessary to enable New Gold and
Metallica to effect a thorough examination of Peak and the Peak
Subsidiaries and the business, properties and financial status thereof,
including the provision of unaudited monthly consolidated financial
statements of Peak together with the consolidation therefor, and shall
cooperate with New Gold and Metallica in securing access for New Gold and
Metallica to any documents, agreements, corporate records or minute books
not in the possession or under the control of Peak. Subject to applicable
Laws, upon reasonable notice, Peak shall, and shall cause the Peak
Subsidiaries to, afford officers, employees, counsel, accountants and
other authorized representatives and advisors of New Gold and Metallica
reasonable access, during normal business hours from the date hereof until
the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement, to
the properties, books, contracts and records as well as to the management
personnel of Peak and the Peak Subsidiaries, and, during such period, Peak
shall, and shall cause the Peak Subsidiaries to, furnish promptly to New
Gold and Metallica all information concerning the business, properties and
personnel of Peak and the Peak Subsidiaries as New Gold and Metallica may
reasonably request.
|
Β
Β
|
(u)
|
Closing
Documents.Β Β Peak shall execute and deliver, or cause to
be executed and delivered, at the closing of the transactions contemplated
hereby such customary agreements, certificates, resolutions, opinions and
other closing documents as may be required by the other parties hereto,
all in form satisfactory to the other parties hereto, acting
reasonably.
|
Β
3.
|
Covenants of
Metallica:
|
Β
Metallica
hereby covenants and agrees with New Gold and Peak as follows:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Provide Information.
Subject to obtaining any required consents Metallica will promptly provide
New Gold and Peak with any information in the possession or control of
Metallica and relating to any Metallica Group Company and in addition,
subject to any confidentiality obligations, will provide any information
specifically requested by New Gold or Peak or their respective counsel so
that New Gold and Peak may complete their due diligence investigations of
the Metallica Group Companies.
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Metallica Meeting.
Metallica will convene and hold a special meeting of its shareholders
(including any adjournment, the βMetallica Meetingβ) as
soon as possible for the purpose of approving the CBCA Arrangement (the
βMetallica
Resolutionβ) and in any event no later than June 24, 2008. Except
as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Metallica shall not adjourn or
otherwise change the timing of the Metallica Meeting without the prior
written consent of Peak and New Gold, such consent not to be unreasonably
withheld. In connection with the Metallica Meeting, as promptly as
reasonably practicable, Metallica shall prepare a management information
circular including amendments thereto required as a result of the
adjournment of the Metallica Meeting (the βMetallica Circularβ)
together with any other documents required by applicable laws in
connection with the approval of the Metallica Resolution and Metallica
shall give New Gold and Peak the opportunity to review and comment on the
Metallica Circular and all such other documents and the Metallica Circular
and all such other documents shall be reasonably satisfactory to New Gold
and Peak, acting reasonably, before they are filed or distributed to the
shareholders of Metallica, subject to any disclosure obligations imposed
by any securities regulatory authority or any stock
exchange.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
Metallica Circular.
Metallica shall ensure that the Metallica Circular complies with all
applicable laws and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
shall ensure that the Metallica Circular does not contain any
misrepresentation or any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements contained therein not misleading in light of the
circumstances in which they are made (other than with respect to any
information relating solely to and provided by Peak or New
Gold).
|
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
Information.Β Β Metallica
shall promptly furnish to New Gold and Peak all information concerning
Metallica as may be required for the preparation of the New Gold Circular
(if any) or the Peak Circular and hereby covenants that no information
furnished by Metallica in connection therewith or otherwise in connection
with the consummation of the Transaction will contain any
misrepresentation or any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein in order to make any
information so furnished for use in any such document not misleading in
the light of the circumstances in which it is
provided.
|
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
Ordinary Course.
Metallica shall and shall cause the Metallica Subsidiaries to conduct
their respective businesses only in, and shall not take any action except
in the usual, ordinary and regular course of business of Metallica and the
Metallica Subsidiaries and consistent with past practices of Metallica and
the Metallica Subsidiaries or as contemplated in the Metallica Disclosure
Memorandum and except as contemplated by this
Agreement.
|
Β
Β
|
(f)
|
No Dividends, Amalgamation or
Capital Reduction. Metallica shall not, except as provided for in
this Agreement or in the Metallica Disclosure Schedule, without prior
consultation with and the consent of New Gold and Peak, directly or
indirectly do, agree to do, or permit to occur any of the following: (i)
declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution or payment in
respect of any of the shares of Metallica; (ii) adopt resolutions or enter
into any agreement providing for the amalgamation, merger, consolidation,
reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or any other extraordinary
transaction in respect of itself or any of its subsidiaries or adopt any
plan of liquidation; or (iii) reduce its stated
capital.
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
(g)
|
Dissent
Rights.Β Β Metallica shall provide each of New Gold and
Peak with a copy of any purported exercise of the Dissent Rights and
written communications with such Metallica Shareholder purportedly
exercising such Dissent Rights, and shall not settle or compromise any
action brought by any present, former or purported holder of any of its
securities in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including the Arrangement, without the prior consent of New
Gold and Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(h)
|
Amendments.Β Β In
a timely and expeditious manner, Metallica shall prepare, (in consultation
with New Gold and Peak), and file any mutually agreed (or as otherwise
required by applicable Laws) amendments or supplements to the Metallica
Circular (which amendments or supplements shall be in a form satisfactory
to New Gold and Peak, acting reasonably) with respect to the Metallica
Meeting and mail such amendments or supplements, as required by the CBCA
Interim Order and in accordance with all applicable Laws, in and to all
jurisdictions where such amendments or supplements are required to be
mailed, complying in all material respects with all applicable Laws on the
date of the mailing thereof.
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
Copy
of Documents.Β Β Except for proxies and other
non-substantive communications, Metallica shall furnish promptly to New
Gold and Peak a copy of each notice, report, schedule or other document or
communication delivered, filed or received by Metallica in connection with
this Agreement, the CBCA Arrangement, the CBCA Interim Order or the
Metallica Meeting or any other meeting at which all Metallica Shareholders
are entitled to attend relating to special business, any filings made
under any applicable Law and any dealings or communications with any
Governmental Entity, Securities Authority or stock exchange in connection
with, or in any way affecting, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
|
Β
Β
|
(j)
|
Certain
Actions Prohibited.Β Β Other than as disclosed by
Metallica, or in contemplation of or as required to give effect to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Metallica shall not, without
the prior written consent of New Gold and Peak, directly or indirectly do
or permit to occur any of the following except where to do so would be in
the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practice:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
issue,
sell, pledge, lease, dispose of, encumber or create any Encumbrance on or
agree to issue, sell, pledge, lease, dispose of, or encumber or create any
Encumbrance on, or permit a Metallica Subsidiary to issue, sell, pledge,
lease, dispose of, encumber or create any Encumbrance on or agree to
issue, sell, pledge, lease, dispose of, or encumber or create any
Encumbrance on, any shares of, or any options, warrants, calls, conversion
privileges or rights of any kind to acquire any shares of, Metallica, any
of the Metallica Subsidiaries, other than the issue of Metallica Common
Shares pursuant to the exercise or conversion, as the case may be, of
warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities or other rights to
acquire Metallica Common Shares, all as issued and outstanding on the date
hereof in accordance with their terms as of the date
hereof
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
other
than pursuant to obligations or rights under existing contracts,
agreements and commitments (to the extent such rights have been exercised
or initiated by other persons), sell, lease or otherwise dispose of, or
permit any of the Metallica Subsidiaries to sell, lease or otherwise
dispose of, any property or assets or enter into any agreement or
commitment in respect of any of the
foregoing;
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
amend
or propose to amend the Notice of Articles, Articles or by-laws (or their
equivalent) of Metallica or any of the Metallica Subsidiaries or any of
the terms of the Metallica Options as they exist at the date of this
Agreement;
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
split,
combine or reclassify any of the shares of
Metallica;
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
redeem,
purchase or offer to purchase, or permit any of the Metallica Subsidiaries
to redeem, purchase or offer to purchase, any Metallica Common Shares and,
other than pursuant to the Metallica Share Option Plan, any options or
obligations or rights under existing contracts, agreements and
commitments;
|
Β
Β
|
(vi)
|
acquire
or agree to acquire any corporation or other entity (or material interest
therein) or division of any corporation or other entity, or permit any of
the Metallica Subsidiaries to acquire or agree to acquire any corporation
or other entity (or material interest therein) or division of any
corporation or other entity;
|
Β
Β
|
(vii)
|
(A)
satisfy or settle any claim or dispute, except such as have been included
in the consolidated financial statements of Metallica which are,
individually or in the aggregate, in an amount in excess of $750,000Β or which
constitutes a claim between Metallica and a Metallica Subsidiary or
between Metallica Subsidiaries; (B)Β relinquish any contractual rights
that are, individually or in the aggregate, in an amount in excess of
$750,000; or (C)Β enter into any interest rate, currency or commodity
swaps, xxxxxx, caps, collars, forward sales or other similar financial
instruments other than in the ordinary and regular course of business and
not for speculative purposes;
|
Β
Β
|
(viii)
|
incur,
authorize, agree or otherwise become committed to provide guarantees for
borrowed money or incur, authorize, agree or otherwise become committed
for any indebtedness for borrowed money, or permit any of the Metallica
Subsidiaries to incur, authorize, agree or otherwise become committed to
provide guarantees for borrowed money or incur, authorize, agree or
otherwise become committed for any indebtedness for borrowed
money;
|
Β
Β
|
(ix)
|
except
as required by Canadian GAAP or any other generally accepted accounting
principle to which any Metallica Subsidiary may be subject or any
applicable Law, make any changes to the existing accounting practices of
Metallica or make any material tax election inconsistent with past
practice; or
|
Β
Β
|
(x)
|
enter
into, or cause any Metallica Subsidiaries to enter into, new commitments
of a capital expenditure nature or incur any new contingent liabilities
other than (A) ordinary course expenditures; (B) expenditures required by
law; and (C) expenditures made in connection with transactions
contemplated in this Agreement.
|
Β
Β
|
(k)
|
Employment
Arrangements.Β Β Except where the prior intention to do so
has been disclosed by Metallica, Metallica shall not, without the prior
written consent of New Gold and Peak, and shall cause the Metallica
Subsidiaries not to, enter into or modify any employment, consulting,
severance, collective bargaining or similar agreement, policy or
arrangement with, or grant any bonus, salary increase, option to purchase
shares, pension or supplemental pension benefit, profit sharing,
retirement allowance, deferred compensation, incentive compensation,
severance, change of control or termination
pay
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
to,
or make any loan to, any officer, director, employee or consultant of
Metallica or any of the Metallica
Subsidiaries.
|
Β
Β
|
(l)
|
Insurance.Β Β Metallica
shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts, and shall cause the
Metallica Subsidiaries to use their commercially reasonable best efforts,
to cause their respective current insurance (or reinsurance) policies not
to be cancelled or terminated or any of the coverage thereunder to lapse,
unless simultaneously with such termination, cancellation or lapse,
replacement policies underwritten by insurance and re-insurance companies
of internationally recognized standing providing coverage equal to or
greater than the coverage under the cancelled, terminated or lapsed
policies for substantially similar premiums are in full force and
effect.
|
Β
Β
|
(m)
|
Certain
Actions.Β Β Metallica
shall:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
not
take any action, or refrain from taking any action (subject to
commercially reasonable best efforts), or permit any action to be taken or
not taken, inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement or which
would reasonably be expected to materially impede the completion of the
transactions contemplated hereby or would render, or that could reasonably
be expected to render, any representation or warranty made by Metallica in
this Agreement untrue or inaccurate in any material respect at any time
prior to the Effective Time if then made, or which would or could have a
Material Adverse Effect on Metallica, provided that Metallica may take any
such action or refrain from taking such action (subject to commercially
reasonable best efforts) as a result of this Agreement, in the event
Metallica immediately notifies New Gold and Peak in writing of such
circumstances; and
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
promptly
notify New Gold and Peak of: (A)Β any Material Adverse Effect, or any
change, event, occurrence or state of facts that could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, in respect of the business or
in the conduct of the business of Metallica; (B)Β any material
Governmental Entity or third person complaints, investigations or hearings
(or communications indicating that the same may be contemplated);
(C)Β any breach by Metallica of any covenant or agreement contained in
this Agreement; and (D)Β any event occurring subsequent to the date
hereof that would render any representation or warranty of Metallica
contained in this Agreement, if made on or as of the date of such event or
the Effective Date, to be untrue or inaccurate in any material
respect.
|
Β
Β
|
(n)
|
No
Compromise.Β Β Metallica shall not, and shall cause the
Metallica Subsidiaries not to, settle or compromise any claim brought by
any present, former or purported holder of any securities of Metallica in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement prior to
the Effective Time without the prior written consent of New Gold and
Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(o)
|
Contractual
Obligations.Β Β Metallica shall not, and shall cause the
Metallica Subsidiaries not to, enter into, renew or modify in any respect
any material contract, agreement, lease, commitment or arrangement to
which Metallica or any of the Metallica Subsidiaries is a party or by
which any of them is bound, except insofar as may be necessary to permit
or provide for the completion of the CBCA Arrangement or where to do so
would not have a Material Adverse
Effect.
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
(p)
|
Satisfaction
of Conditions.Β Β Metallica shall use all commercially
reasonable best efforts to satisfy, or cause to be satisfied, all
conditions precedent to its obligations to the extent that the same is
within its control and to take, or cause to be taken, all other action and
to do, or cause to be done, all other things necessary, proper or
advisable under all applicable Laws to complete the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including using its commercially
reasonable best efforts to:
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
obtain
the Metallica Shareholder Approval in accordance with the provisions of
the CBCA, the CBCA Interim Order and the requirements of any applicable
regulatory authority;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
obtain
all other consents, approvals and authorizations as are required to be
obtained by Metallica or any of the Metallica Subsidiaries under any
applicable Law or from any Governmental Entity that would, if not
obtained, materially impede the completion of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or have a Material Adverse Effect on
Metallica;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
effect
all necessary registrations, filings and submissions of information
requested by Governmental Entities required to be effected by it in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
participate and appear in any proceedings of any party hereto before any
Governmental Entity;
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
oppose,
lift or rescind any injunction or restraining order or other order or
action challenging or affecting this Agreement, the transactions
contemplated hereby or seeking to stop, or otherwise adversely affecting
the ability of the parties hereto to consummate, the transactions
contemplated hereby;
|
Β
Β
|
(v)
|
fulfill
all conditions and satisfy all provisions of this Agreement and the CBCA
Plan of Arrangement required to be fulfilled or satisfied by Metallica;
and
|
Β
Β
|
(vi)
|
cooperate
with New Gold and Peak in connection with the performance by it of its
obligations hereunder, provided however that the foregoing shall not be
construed to obligate Metallica to pay or cause to be paid any monies to
cause such performance to occur.
|
Β
Β
|
(q)
|
Keep
Fully Informed.Β Β Subject to applicable laws, Metallica
shall use commercially reasonable best efforts to conduct itself so as to
keep New Gold and Peak fully informed as to the material decisions or
actions required or required to be made with respect to the operation of
its business.
|
Β
Β
|
(r)
|
Cooperation.Β Β Metallica
shall make, or cooperate as necessary in the making of, all necessary
filings and applications under all applicable Laws required in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby and take all reasonable action
necessary to be in compliance with such
Laws.
|
Β
Β
|
(s)
|
Representations.Β Β Metallica
shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to conduct its affairs
and to cause the Metallica Subsidiaries to conduct their affairs so that
all of the representations and warranties of Metallica contained herein
shall be true and correct on and as of the Effective Date as if made on
and as of such date.
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
(t)
|
Confirmatory
Review.Β Β Subject to applicable Laws, Metallica shall
continue to make available and cause to be made available to New Gold and
Peak and the agents and advisors thereto all documents, agreements,
corporate records and minute books as may be necessary to enable New Gold
and Peak to effect a thorough examination of Metallica and the Metallica
Subsidiaries and the business, properties and financial status thereof,
including the provision of unaudited monthly consolidated financial
statements of Metallica together with the consolidation therefor, and
shall cooperate with New Gold and Metallica in securing access for New
Gold and Peak to any documents, agreements, corporate records or minute
books not in the possession or under the control of Metallica. Subject to
applicable Laws, upon reasonable notice, Metallica shall, and shall cause
the Metallica Subsidiaries to, afford officers, employees, counsel,
accountants and other authorized representatives and advisors of New Gold
and Peak reasonable access, during normal business hours from the date
hereof until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this
Agreement, to the properties, books, contracts and records as well as to
the management personnel of Metallica and the Metallica Subsidiaries, and,
during such period, Metallica shall, and shall cause the Metallica
Subsidiaries to, furnish promptly to New Gold and Peak all information
concerning the business, properties and personnel of Metallica and the
Metallica Subsidiaries as New Gold and Peak may reasonably
request.
|
Β
Β
|
(u)
|
Closing
Documents.Β Β Metallica shall execute and deliver, or cause
to be executed and delivered, at the closing of the transactions
contemplated hereby such customary agreements, certificates, resolutions,
opinions and other closing documents as may be required by the other
parties hereto, all in form satisfactory to the other parties hereto,
acting reasonably.
|
Β
Β
EΒ -1Β
Β
SCHEDULE
E
MUTUAL
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
Β
The
obligations of New Gold, Metallica and Peak to complete the Arrangements shall
be subject to the satisfaction of, among others, the following mutual
conditions, which may be waived only with the consent of all of the
Parties:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Orders. The BC Interim
Order, CBCA Interim Order, the BC Final Order and the CBCA Final Order
shall have been granted on terms acceptable to the Parties, acting
reasonably, and shall not have been set aside or modified in a manner
unacceptable to the Parties, acting
reasonably.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Peak Shareholder
Approval. The shareholders of Peak shall have approved the Peak
Resolution in accordance with the terms of the BC Interim Order and
approved or consented to such other matters as Peak, New Gold or Metallica
shall consider necessary or desirable in connection with the Arrangements
in the manner required thereby.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
Metallica Shareholder
Approval.Β Β The shareholders of Metallica shall have
approved the Metallica Resolution in accordance with the CBCA Interim
Order and approved or consented to such other matters as Peak, New Gold or
Metallica shall consider necessary or desirable in connection with the
Arrangements in the manner required
thereby.
|
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
New Gold Shareholder
Approval. The shareholders of New Gold shall have approved the New
Gold Resolution as contemplated by this Agreement and approved or
consented to such other matters as Peak, New Gold or Metallica shall
consider necessary or desirable in connection with the Arrangements in the
manner required thereby.
|
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
Consents. (A) all
consents, waivers, permits, exemptions, order and approvals of, and any
registrations and filings with, any Governmental Entity including: (i) the
Competition Act Approval, the approval of the Competition Commission of
the United Mexican States and the approval of the Foreign Investment
Review Board of Australia; (B) all third person and other consents,
waivers, permits, exemptions, orders, approvals, agreements and amendments
and modifications to agreements, indentures or arrangements, the failure
of which to obtain or the non-expiry of which would, or could reasonably
be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on any of New Gold, Peak or
Metallica or materially impede the completion of the Arrangements, shall
have been obtained or received on terms that are reasonably satisfactory
to each party hereto.
|
Β
Β
|
(f)
|
No Action. There shall
have been no action taken under any applicable law or by any government or
governmental or regulatory authority
which
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
makes
it illegal or otherwise directly or indirectly restrains, enjoins or
prohibits the completion of the Arrangements,
or
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
results
or could reasonably be expected to result in a judgment, order, decree or
assessment of damages, directly or indirectly, relating to the
Arrangements which is, or could be, reasonably expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on New Gold, the Metallica Group or the Peak Group,
respectively.
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
|
(g)
|
No Material Change.
There shall have been no material change in the existing employment
arrangements of any senior officer of New Gold, Peak or Metallica or any
Peak Subsidiary or Metallica Subsidiary from the date hereof and New Gold,
Peak or Metallica or any Peak Subsidiary or Metallica Subsidiary shall not
have hired any additional senior
officers.
|
Β
Β
|
(h)
|
Prospectus Exemptions.
The distribution of the securities pursuant to the Arrangements shall be
exempt from the prospectus and registration requirements of applicable
Canadian securities laws either by virtue of exemptive relief from the
securities regulatory authorities of each of the provinces of Canada or by
virtue of applicable exemptions under Canadian securities laws and shall
not be subject to resale restrictions under applicable Canadian securities
laws (other than as applicable to control persons or pursuant to section
2.6 of National Instrument 45-102).
|
Β
Β
|
(i)
|
U.S. Registration
Exemption. The issuance of New Gold Common Shares, options,
warrants and other securities to the holders of the Peak Common Shares and
Metallica Common Shares, or any Peak or Metallica options, warrants and
other securities, respectively, pursuant to the Arrangements shall be
exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act pursuant to
Section 3(a)(10) thereof, and in compliance with all applicable U.S. state
securities laws.
|
Β
Β
|
(j)
|
No Termination. This
Agreement shall not have been terminated pursuant to Section 6.02
hereof.
|
Β
Β
Β
FΒ -1Β
Β
SCHEDULE
F
CONDITIONS
TO OBLIGATIONS OF NEW GOLD
Β
The
obligations of New Gold to complete the Arrangements shall be subject to the
satisfaction of, among others, the following conditions, any of which may be
waived by New Gold:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Performance by Other
Parties. Peak and Metallica shall have performed and complied in
all material respects with all of the covenants and obligations thereof
required to be performed by Peak and Metallica prior to the completion of
the Arrangements.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Representations and
Warranties. The representations and warranties made by Peak and
Metallica in this Agreement that are qualified by the expression βMaterial
Adverse Effect" shall be true and correct as of the Effective Date as if
made on and as of such date (except to the extent that such
representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which event
such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such
earlier date), and all other representations and warranties made by Peak
and Metallica in this Agreement that are not so qualified shall be true
and correct in all material respects as of the Effective Date as if made
on and as of such date (except to the extent that such representations and
warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which event such
representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such
earlier date), in either case, except where any failures or breaches of
representations and warranties would not either, individually or in the
aggregate, in the reasonable judgment of New Gold, have a Material Adverse
Effect on Peak or Metallica, and each of Peak and Metallica shall have
provided to New Gold a certificate of two officers thereof certifying such
accuracy or lack of Material Adverse Effect on the Effective Date. No
representation or warranty made by Peak or Metallica, as the case may be,
hereunder shall be deemed not to be true and correct if the facts or
circumstances that make such representation or warranty untrue or
incorrect are disclosed or referred to in the applicable Disclosure
Memorandum, or provided for or stated to be exceptions under this
Agreement.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
No Material Adverse
Effect. There shall not have been any event or change that has had
or would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Peak or
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
Exercise of Dissent
Rights. Holders of no more than 10% of the outstanding Peak Common
Shares or Metallica Common Shares shall have dissented to the BC
Arrangement or the CBCA Arrangement, as the case may
be.
|
Β
Β
G
-1Β
Β
Β
SCHEDULE
G
CONDITIONS
TO OBLIGATIONS OF PEAK
Β
The
obligation of Peak to complete the BC Arrangement shall be subject to the
satisfaction of, among others, the following conditions, any of which may be
waived by Peak:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Performance by Other
Parties. New Gold and Metallica shall have performed and complied
in all material respects with all of the covenants and obligations thereof
required to be performed by New Gold and Metallica prior to the completion
of the Arrangements.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Representations and
Warranties. The representations and warranties made by New Gold and
Metallica in this Agreement that are qualified by the expression βMaterial
Adverse Effect" shall be true and correct as of the Effective Date as if
made on and as of such date (except to the extent that such
representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which event
such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such
earlier date), and all other representations and warranties made by New
Gold and Metallica in this Agreement that are not so qualified shall be
true and correct in all material respects as of the Effective Date as if
made on and as of such date (except to the extent that such
representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which event
such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such
earlier date), in either case, except where any failures or breaches of
representations and warranties would not either, individually or in the
aggregate, in the reasonable judgment of Peak, have a Material Adverse
Effect on New Gold or Metallica, and each of New Gold and Metallica shall
have provided to Peak a certificate of two officers thereof certifying
such accuracy or lack of Material Adverse Effect on the Effective Date. No
representation or warranty made by New Gold or Metallica, as the case may
be, hereunder shall be deemed not to be true and correct if the facts or
circumstances that make such representation or warranty untrue or
incorrect are disclosed or referred to in the applicable Disclosure
Memorandum, or provided for or stated to be exceptions under this
Agreement.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
No Material Adverse
Effect.
There shall not have been any event or change that has had or would be
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on New Gold or
Metallica.
|
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
Exercise of Dissent
Rights. Holders of no more than 10% of the outstanding Peak Common
Shares or Metallica Common Shares shall have dissented to the BC
Arrangement or the CBCA Arrangement, as the case may
be.
|
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
Listing of New Gold Common
Shares and Warrants. The New Gold Common Shares to be issued to
holders of Peak Common Shares in connection with the BC Arrangement and in
connection with the exercise of Peak Options and Peak Warrants shall have
been approved for listing on the TSX and the AMEX subject to official
notice of issuance and other normal conditions and the existing Peak
Warrants shall remain listed on the
TSX-V.
|
Β
Β
|
(f)
|
Composition of Board of New
Gold. On the Effective Date, the Board of Directors of New Gold
shall be comprised of Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx and Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx.
|
Β
Β
|
(g)
|
Noteholder Extraordinary
Resolution.Β Β The Noteholder Extraordinary Resolution
shall be in full force and effect, unamended, on the Effective Date, and
the amendments to the Note Indenture provided for in the Noteholder
Extraordinary Resolution shall be effective prior to, or concurrent with,
the Effective Time.
|
Β
Β
HΒ -1Β
Β
Β
SCHEDULE
H
CONDITIONS
TO OBLIGATIONS OF METALLICA
Β
The
obligation of Metallica to complete the CBCA Arrangement shall be subject to the
satisfaction of, among others, the following conditions, any of which may be
waived by Metallica:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Performance by Other
Parties. New Gold and Peak shall have performed and complied in all
material respects with all of the covenants and obligations thereof
required to be performed by New Gold and Peak prior to the completion of
the Arrangements.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Β |
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Representations and Warranties.
The representations and warranties made by New Gold and Peak in
this Agreement that are qualified by the expression βMaterial Adverse
Effect" shall be true and correct as of the Effective Date as if made on
and as of such date (except to the extent that such representations and
warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which event such
representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such
earlier date), and all other representations and warranties made by New
Gold and Peak in this Agreement that are not so qualified shall be true
and correct in all material respects as of the Effective Date as if made
on and as of such date (except to the extent that such representations and
warranties speak as of an earlier date, in which event such
representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such
earlier date), in either case, except where any failures or breaches of
representations and warranties would not either, individually or in the
aggregate, in the reasonable judgment of Metallica, have a Material
Adverse Effect on New Gold or Peak, and each of New Gold and Peak shall
have provided to Metallica a certificate of two officers thereof
certifying such accuracy or lack of Material Adverse Effect on the
Effective Date. No representation or warranty made by New Gold or Peak, as
the case may be, hereunder shall be deemed not to be true and correct if
the facts or circumstances that make such representation or warranty
untrue or incorrect are disclosed or referred to in the applicable
Disclosure Memorandum, or provided for or stated to be exceptions under
this Agreement.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
No Material Adverse
Effect.Β Β There shall
not have been any event or change that has had or would be reasonably
likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on New Gold or
Peak.
|
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
Exercise of Dissent
Rights. Holders of no more than 10% of the outstanding
MetallicaΒ Β Common Shares shall have dissented to the
Arrangements.
|
Β
Β
|
(e)
|
Listing of New Gold Common
Shares and Warrants. The New Gold Common Shares to be issued to
holders of Metallica Common Shares in connection with the CBCA Arrangement
and in connection with the exercise of Metallica Options and Metallica
Warrants shall have been approved for listing on the TSX and the AMEX,
subject to official notice of issuance and other normal conditions and the
existing warrants of Metallica listed on the TSX shall remain listed on
the TSX.
|
Β
Β
|
(f)
|
Composition of Board of New
Gold.Β Β On the Effective Date, the Board of Directors of
New Gold shall be comprised of Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx and Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx.
|
Β
Β
|
(g)
|
Noteholder Extraordinary
Resolution.Β Β The Noteholder Extraordinary Resolution
shall be in full force and effect, unamended, on the Effective Date, and
the amendments to the Note Indenture provided for in the Noteholder
Extraordinary Resolution shall be effective prior to, or concurrent with,
the Effective Time.
|
Β
Β
IΒ -1Β
Β
Β
SCHEDULE
I
COVENANTS
RELATING TO NON-SOLICITATION AND BREAK FEE
Β
1.
|
Acquisition Proposals
and Superior Proposals
|
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
βAcquisition Proposalβ
means any proposal or offer made by a third party (other than, in the case
of Peak and Metallica, New Gold) regarding a merger, amalgamation,
statutory arrangement, share exchange, business combination,
recapitalization, take-over bid, tender offer, sale or other disposition
of 20% or more of the assets of such Party (on a consolidated basis) in a
single transaction or a series of related transactions (or any lease,
long-term supply agreement or other arrangement having the same economic
effect as a sale or other disposition of 20% or more the assets of such
Party), reorganization, liquidation, winding-up, sale, issue or redemption
of 20% or more of the total number of common shares or rights or interests
therein or thereto or similar transactions involving such Party and/or its
subsidiaries (other than the BC Arrangement or the CBCA Arrangement, as
the case may be);
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Β
Β
|
(b)
|
βSuperior Proposalβ means
a bona fide written Acquisition Proposal made by a third party with whom
the Party to which it is made (the βTargetβ) and each of its
officers and directors deals at armβs length to, directly or indirectly,
acquire assets that individually or in the aggregate constitute 50% or
more of the assets (on a consolidated basis) of the Target or not less
than 50% of the common shares of the Target, whether by way of merger,
amalgamation, arrangement, share exchange, take-over bid, business
combination, or otherwise, and that the Board of Directors of the Target
determines in good faith after consultation with its financial advisors
and outside legal counsel: (a) is reasonably capable of being completed
without undue delay, taking into account all legal, financial, regulatory
and other aspects of such proposal and the party making such proposal; (b)
is not subject to any extraordinary due diligence condition(s); (c) is
fully financed or is reasonably capable of being fully financed; (d) that
is offered or made to all shareholders in Canada and the United States of
the Target on the same terms; and (e) would in the opinion of the Board of
Directors of the Target acting in good faith if consummated in accordance
with its terms (without assuming away the risk of non-completion), result
in a transaction more favourable to the shareholders of the Target, from a
financial point of view, than the terms of the BC Arrangement, in the case
of Peak, or the CBCA Arrangement, in the case of Metallica, or the
Transaction in the case of New Gold, as the case may
be.
|
Β
2.
|
Covenants Regarding
Non-Solicitation
|
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
Each
Party shall, and shall direct and cause its respective officers,
directors, employees, representatives, advisors and agents and its
subsidiaries and their representatives, advisors, agents, officers,
directors and employees to immediately cease and cause to be terminated
any solicitation, encouragement, activity, discussion or negotiation with
any parties that may be ongoing with respect to an Acquisition Proposal
whether or not initiated by such Party, and each Party shall request the
return of information regarding such Party and its respective subsidiaries
previously provided to such parties and shall request the destruction of
all materials including or incorporating any confidential information
regarding such Party and its subsidiaries.Β Β Each Party agrees
not to release any third party from any confidentiality agreement relating
to a potential Acquisition Proposal to which such third party is a
party.Β Β Each Party further agrees not to release any third party
from any standstill or similar agreement or obligation to which such
third
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Β
Β
IΒ -2Β
Β
|
party
is a party or by which such third party is bound (it being understood and
agreed that the automatic termination of a standstill provision due to the
announcement of the Arrangements or the entry into this Agreement shall
not be a violation of this Section
2(a)).
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
Subject
to Section 3 of this Schedule I or unless permitted pursuant to Section 2,
each Party agrees that it shall not, and shall not authorize or permit any
of its officers, directors, employees, representatives, advisors or agents
or its subsidiaries, directly or indirectly,
to:
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Β
Β
|
(i)
|
make,
solicit, initiate, entertain, encourage, promote or facilitate, including
by way of furnishing information, permitting any visit to its facilities
or properties or entering into any form of agreement, arrangement or
understanding, any inquiries or the making of any proposals regarding an
Acquisition Proposal or that may be reasonably be expected to lead to an
Acquisition Proposal;
|
Β
Β
|
(ii)
|
participate,
directly or indirectly, in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or
furnish to any person any information or otherwise co-operate with,
respond to, assist or participate in any Acquisition Proposal or potential
Acquisition Proposal;
|
Β
Β
|
(iii)
|
remain
neutral with respect to, or agree to, approve or recommend any Acquisition
Proposal or potential Acquisition Proposal (it being understood that
publicly taking no position or a neutral position with respect to an
Acquisition Proposal until 15 days following formal announcement of such
Acquisition Proposal shall not be considered to be a violation of this
paragraph (b)(iii));
|
Β
Β
|
(iv)
|
withdraw,
modify, qualify or change in a manner adverse to any other Party, or
publicly propose to or publicly state that it intends to withdraw, modify,
qualify or change in a manner adverse to anyΒ Β other Party the
approval, recommendation or declaration of advisability of its Board of
Directors of either Arrangement or of the Transaction, as the case may be
(a βChange in
Recommendationβ) (it being understood that failing to affirm the
approval or recommendation of its Board of Directors of the applicable
Arrangement or of the Transaction within 15 days after an Acquisition
Proposal relating to such Party has been publicly announced and, in
circumstances where no Acquisition Proposal has been made, within two
business days of being requested to do so by any other Party, shall be
considered an adverse
modification);
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Β
Β
|
(v)
|
enter
into any agreement, arrangement or understanding related to any
Acquisition Proposal or requiring it to abandon, terminate or fail to
consummate either of the Arrangements or the Transaction, or providing for
the payment of any break, termination or other fees or expenses to any
person in the event that any other Party or any of its subsidiaries
completes either of the Arrangements or the Transaction, as the case may
be, with the other Party or any of its affiliates agreed to prior to any
termination of this Agreement; or
|
Β
Β
|
(vi)
|
make
any public announcement or take any other action inconsistent with the
recommendation of its Board of Directors to approve the BC Arrangement, or
the CBCA Arrangement or the Transaction, as the case may
be.
|
Β
Β
IΒ -3
Β
|
Notwithstanding
the foregoing part of this paragraph (b) and any other provisions of this
Agreement:
|
Β
Β
|
(A)
|
The
Board of Directors of a Party (in this section, the βSolicited Partyβ) may
consider, participate in any discussions or negotiations with and provide
information to, any person who has delivered a written Acquisition
Proposal which was not solicited or encouraged by the Solicited Party
after the date of this Agreement and did not otherwise result from a
breach of this Section 2 by the Solicited Party and that its Board of
Directors determines in good faith, after consultation with its financial
advisor and outside legal counsel may reasonably be expected to constitute
a Superior Proposal provided, however, that prior to taking any such
action the Board of Directors of the Solicited Party determines in good
faith, after consultation with outside counsel, that it is necessary to
take such action in order to discharge properly its fiduciary duties, and
if the Solicited Party provides confidential non-public information to
such person, the Solicited Party obtains a confidentiality and standstill
agreement from the person making such Acquisition Proposal that is
substantively the same as the Confidentiality Agreement and otherwise on
terms no more favourable to such person than such confidentiality
agreement, including a standstill provision at least as stringent as
contained in such confidentiality agreement; provided, however, that it
shall not preclude such person from making a Superior Proposal. If a
Solicited Party receives a request for material non-public information
from a person who proposes to make an Acquisition Proposal and the Board
of Directors of the Solicited Party determines in good faith that such
Acquisition Proposal, if made, could reasonably be expected to lead to a
Superior Proposal and provided that the Solicited Party obtains a
confidentiality and standstill agreement from the person making such
Acquisition Proposal that is substantively the same as the confidentiality
agreement between the Parties hereto, and otherwise on terms no more
favourable to such person than such confidentiality agreement including a
standstill provision at least as stringent as contained in such
confidentiality agreement provided, however, that it shall not preclude
such person from making a Superior Proposal, the Solicited Party shall be
permitted to provide such person with access to information regarding the
Solicited Party; provided that the Solicited Party sends a copy of any
such confidentiality agreement to the other Parties promptly upon its
execution and the other Parties are provided with a list of the
information provided to such person and are immediately provided with
access to similar information to which such person was
provided;
|
Β
Β
|
(B)
|
Nothing
contained in this Section 2 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall prohibit
the Board of Directors of a Party from making a Change in Recommendation
or from making any disclosure to its shareholders if, in the good faith
judgment of the Board of Directors, after consultation with outside
counsel, such action is necessary for the Board of Directors to act in a
manner consistent with its fiduciary duties or is otherwise required under
applicable laws, provided that in the case of a proposal to make a Change
in Recommendation that does not relate to a Superior Proposal and except
as may otherwise be necessary for its Board of Directors to act in a
manner consistent with its fiduciary duties, not less than 48
hours
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Β
Β
IΒ -4
Β
|
before
its Board of Directors considers any such proposal such Party shall give
the other Parties written notice of such proposal and promptly advise the
other Parties of its Board of Directorsβ intention to consider such
proposal.
|
Β
The
foregoing provisions of this subparagraph (B) shall not relieve a Party from its
obligation to proceed to call and hold a special meeting of its shareholders and
to hold the vote on the resolution relating to the applicable Arrangement or the
New Gold Shareholder Approval, except in circumstances where this Agreement is
terminated in accordance with the terms hereof.
Β
Β
|
(C)
|
Nothing
contained in this section 2 shall prohibit the Board of Directors of a
Party from distributing a circular in compliance with applicable Canadian
and U.S. securities laws, as applicable, in response to a take-over bid,
provided however that the Board of Directors of a Party shall not, except
as permitted by Section 2 or 3 of this Schedule I, withdraw or modify, or
propose to withdraw or modify, its recommendation with respect to the
applicable Arrangement or the New Gold Shareholder Approval or approve or
recommend or propose to approve or recommend an Acquisition
Proposal.
|
Β
Β
|
(c)
|
From
and after the date of this Agreement, each Party shall promptly (and in
any event within 24 hours) notify the other Parties, at first orally and
then in writing, of any proposals, offers or written inquiries relating to
or constituting an Acquisition Proposal, or any request for non-public
information relating to such Party or any of its
subsidiaries.Β Β Such notice shall include a description of the
terms and conditions of any proposal, inquiry or offer, the identity of
the person making such proposal, inquiry or offer and provide such other
details of the proposal, inquiry or offer as the other Party may
reasonably request.Β Β Each Party shall keep the other Parties
fully informed on a prompt basis of the status, including any change to
the material terms, of any such inquiry, proposal or
offer.
|
Β
Β
|
(d)
|
Each
Party shall ensure that its officers, directors and employees and its
subsidiaries and their officers, directors, employees and any financial
advisors or other advisors or representatives retained by it are aware of
the provisions of this Section 2, and it shall be responsible for any
breach of this Section 2 by such officers, directors, financial advisors
or other advisors or
representatives.
|
Β
3.
|
Right to Accept a
Superior Proposal
|
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
If
a Party has complied with Section 2 of this Schedule I with respect
thereto, such Party (the βTerminating Partyβ) may
accept, approve, recommend or enter into any agreement, understanding or
arrangement in respect of a Superior Proposal (other than a
confidentiality agreement, the execution of which shall not be subject to
the conditions of this Section 3) received prior to the date of approval
of the applicable Arrangement or the Transaction, in the case of New Gold,
by its shareholders and terminate this Agreement if, and only if: (i) the
Terminating Party has provided each of the other Parties with a copy of
the Superior Proposal document; (ii) the Terminating Party has provided
each of the other Parties with the information regarding such Superior
Proposal required under Section 2(c); (iii) the Board of Directors of the
Terminating Party has determined in good faith after consultation with
outside legal counsel and its financial advisors that it is necessary in
order for the Board of Directors to discharge properly its fiduciary
duties to
|
Β
Β
IΒ -5
Β
|
withdraw
or modify its approval or recommendation of this Agreement and to approve
or recommend such Superior Proposal; and (iv) in the event that the
Terminating Party is either Metallica or Peak, four business days shall
have elapsed from the later of the date the other Parties received written
notice (a βSuperior
Proposal Noticeβ) advising them that the Terminating Partyβs Board
of Directors has resolved to accept, approve, recommend or enter into an
agreement in respect of such Superior Proposal subject only to this
Section 3, and the date such Parties received a copy of such Superior
Proposal document.Β Β In the event that a Terminating Party
provides the other Parties with a Superior Proposal Notice on a date that
is less than seven business days prior to its meeting of shareholders the
Terminating Party shall, at the request of the other Parties, adjourn such
meeting to a date that is not less than five business days and not more
than 15 days after the date of the Superior Proposal Notice.Β Β If
the circular has been sent to shareholders of the Terminating Party prior
to the expiry of the four business day period set forth in this Section
3(c) and, during such period, any other Party requests in writing that the
special meeting of the Terminating Party shareholders proceed, unless
otherwise ordered by a court, the Terminating Party shall continue to take
all reasonable steps necessary to hold its special meeting and to cause
the Arrangements to be voted on at such meeting. For purposes of
interpretation, references in this Section 3(a) to βthe other Partiesβ
shall, in the event that more than one Party receives a Superior Proposal,
mean the Party that does not receive a Superior Proposal, and the
provisions of this Section 3(a) shall apply mutatis
mutandis.
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
During
the four business day period referred to in Section 3(a)(iv) of this
Schedule I, the Terminating Party agrees that New Gold shall have the
right, but not the obligation, to offer in writing to amend the terms of
this Agreement. The terms of any proposed amendment to this Agreement
shall be provided by New Gold to the Terminating Party and the other Party
(the βOther
Partyβ) concurrently. The Board of Directors of the Terminating
Party and the Other Party will review any written proposal by New Gold to
amend the terms of this Agreement in good faith in order to determine, in
its discretion in the exercise of its fiduciary duties, whether: (i) in
the case of the Terminating Party, the amended proposal would, upon
acceptance by the Terminating Party, result in such Superior Proposal
ceasing to be a Superior Proposal; and (ii) in the case of the Other
Party, whether the terms of the Arrangement, as amended in accordance with
such proposal, remain fair, from a financial point of view,Β Β to
the shareholders of the Other Party.Β Β If the Board of Directors
of the Terminating Party so determines, it will (subject to the election
of the Other Party as set forth in the last sentence of this Section
3(b)), enter into an amended agreement with New Gold and the Other Party
reflecting the amended proposal.Β Β If the Board of Directors of
the Terminating Party does not so determine, the Terminating Party may
accept, approve, recommend or enter into an agreement, understanding or
arrangement in respect of such Superior Proposal, subject to compliance
with Section 4 hereof. If the Board of Directors of the Other Party
determines that the terms of the Arrangements, if amended as proposed by
New Gold, would no longer be fair, from a financial point of view, to its
shareholders, it shall have the right to terminate this Agreement by
notice to the Terminating Party and New
Gold.
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Β
Β
|
(c)
|
Each
Party also acknowledges and agrees that each successive material
modification of any Acquisition Proposal shall constitute a new
Acquisition Proposal for purposes of the requirement under clause (iv) of
Section 3(a) of this Schedule I and will initiate an additional four
business day notice period.
|
Β
Β
IΒ -6Β
Β
|
4.
|
Termination
Payment
|
Β
In the
event that:
Β
Β
|
(a)
|
a
Party enters into an Agreement to effect an Acquisition Proposal that is a
Superior Proposal in accordance with Section 3 of this Schedule I;
or
|
Β
Β
|
(b)
|
a
Party makes a Change of Recommendation in respect of the
Arrangements;
|
Β
then
such Party (the βTerminating
Partyβ) shall pay to the other Parties (the βNon-Terminating Partiesβ) an
aggregate amount in cash equal to; (a) $22,000,000 in the event that Metallica
is the Terminating Party; (b) $18,000,000 in the event Peak is the Terminating
Party; or (c) $8,000,000 in the event that New Gold is the Terminating Party
(any such payment, the βTermination Paymentβ), in
immediately available funds. No Terminating Party shall be obligated to make
payment greater in aggregate than such amount pursuant to this Section 4 and,
for greater certainty, no Party shall be entitled to receive a Termination
Payment from more than one Party..Β Β Each Non-Terminating Party shall
be entitled to an amount equal to 50% of a Termination Payment. Each of the
Parties hereby acknowledges that the portion of any Termination Payment to which
they may become entitled as a Non-Terminating Party is a payment of liquidated
damages which is a genuine pre-estimate of the damages which such
Non-Terminating Party will suffer or incur as a result of the event giving rise
to such damages and the resultant non-completion of the Arrangements and is not
a penalty. Each Party hereby irrevocably waives any right it may have to raise
as a defence that any such liquidated damages are excessive or punitive. Upon
receipt by a Party of the portion of the Termination Payment to which such Party
is entitled, such Party shall have no further claim against the Terminating
Party in respect of the failure to complete the Arrangements, provided that
nothing herein shall preclude a Non-Terminating Party from seeking injunctive
relief to restrain any breach or threatened breach by a Terminating Party of any
of its obligations hereunder or otherwise to obtain specific performance without
the necessity of posting bond or security in connection therewith.
Β
In
addition to the foregoing, if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section
6.02(d) hereof due to the failure by the shareholders of one or more of the
Parties to approve the Arrangements (such Party the βNon-Approving Partyβ) at the
relevant Meeting, and prior to such Meeting, a bona fide Acquisition Proposal,
or the intention to enter a bona fide Acquisition Proposal with respect to the
Non-Approving Party, has been publicly announced and not withdrawn and within 6
months of the date of such termination:
Β
Β
|
(A)
|
the
Person who made such Acquisition Proposal or an affiliate of such
Person:
|
Β
Β
|
(w)
|
directly
or indirectly acquires the Non-Approving Party by takeover bid,
arrangement, business combination or
otherwise;
|
Β
Β
|
(x)
|
directly
or indirectly acquires the assets of the Non-Approving Party or one or
more of its subsidiaries that: (1) constitute more than 50% of the
consolidated assets of the Non-Approving Party; (2) generate more than 50%
of the consolidated revenue of the Non-Approving Party; or (3) generate
more than 50% of the consolidated operating income of the Non-Approving
Party;
|
Β
Β
|
(y)
|
directly
or indirectly acquires more than 50% of the voting or equity securities of
the Non-Approving Party; or
|
Β
Β
IΒ -7Β
Β
|
(B)
|
the
Non-Approving Party and/or one or more of its subsidiaries enters into a
definitive agreement in respect of or the non-Approving Partyβs Board
approves or recommends a Arrangements contemplated by (A) above with the
Person or such affiliate that made such Acquisition Proposal and that
Arrangements is consummated at any time
thereafter,
|
Β
then
the Non-Approving Party shall pay to the other Parties the Termination Fee set
out above.
Β
Β