sv4
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
August 2, 2005
Registration
No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
NBT Bancorp Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware |
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6021 |
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16-1268674 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) |
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(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number) |
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
52 South Broad Street
Norwich, New York 13815
(607) 337-2265
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrants principal executive
offices)
Daryl R. Forsythe
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
NBT Bancorp Inc.
52 South Broad Street
Norwich, New York 13815
(607) 337-2265
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
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Stuart G. Stein, Esq. |
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Martin D. Werner, Esq. |
Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.
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Edwin L. Herbert, Esq. |
555 Thirteenth Street, N.W.
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Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP |
Washington, D.C. 20004
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1000 Jackson Street |
(202) 637-8575
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Toledo, Ohio 43624-1573 |
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(419) 241-9000 |
Approximate
date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the
public: As soon as practicable after this Registration
Statement becomes effective.
If the
securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is
compliance with General Instruction G, check the following
box. o
If this
Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the
following box and list the Securities Act registration statement
number of the earlier effective registration statement for the
same
offering. o
If this
Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to
Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of
the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Proposed Maximum |
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Proposed Maximum |
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Amount of |
Title of Each Class of |
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Amount to be |
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Offering |
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Aggregate |
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Registration |
Securities to be Registered |
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Registered(1) |
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Price Per Unit |
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Offering Price(2) |
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Fee(3) |
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Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
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2,595,247 |
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N/A |
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$56,243,622 |
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$6,620 |
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(1) |
The maximum number of shares of common stock of NBT issuable to
shareholders of CNB, upon consummation of the merger of CNB with
and into NBT. |
(2) |
Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(f)(1) under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, based on the aggregate market value on
July 28, 2005 of the shares of CNB common stock expected to
be exchanged in connection with the merger and computed by
(A) multiplying (i) the average of the high and low
prices of CNB common stock as reported on the OTC
Bulletin Board ($38.35) by (ii) 2,595,247,
representing the maximum number of shares of CNB common stock
expected to be exchanged in connection with the merger, less
(B) $43,284,101, which is the estimated amount of cash to
be paid by NBT in connection with the merger. |
(3) |
Calculated by multiplying (A) the proposed maximum
aggregate offering price for all securities to be registered
($99,527,723) less the estimated amount of cash to be paid by
NBT in connection with the merger ($43,284,101) by (B) .00011770. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on
such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective
date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this Registration Statement shall
thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a)
of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration
Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission,
acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in
this proxy statement/ prospectus is not complete and may be
changed. NBT may not sell these securities until the
registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission is effective. This proxy statement/ prospectus is not
an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an
offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in
any state where the offer, solicitation or sale is not
permitted.
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SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED
AUGUST 2, 2005
[CNB LOGO]
MERGER PROPOSAL YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
The Boards of Directors of NBT Bancorp Inc. and CNB Bancorp,
Inc. have approved an agreement and plan of merger, pursuant to
which CNB will merge with and into NBT. The consummation of the
merger is subject to customary conditions such as shareholder
and regulatory approvals.
If the merger takes place, you will receive either
1.64 shares of NBT common stock or $38.00 in cash for each
share of CNB common stock you own, unless you exercise your
dissenters rights. You will have the opportunity to elect
the form of consideration to be received for your shares (all
stock, all cash, or a combination thereof), subject to
allocation procedures set forth in the merger agreement which
are intended to ensure that 55% of the outstanding shares of CNB
common stock will be converted into shares of NBT common stock
and the remaining outstanding shares of CNB common stock will be
converted into cash. Therefore, your ability to receive all
stock or all cash will depend on the elections of other CNB
shareholders. If the price of NBTs common stock falls
below thresholds established in the merger agreement, CNB may
terminate the merger agreement unless NBT decides to increase
the exchange ratio.
We expect that the merger will generally be tax-free with
respect to any NBT common stock that you receive and will
generally be taxable with respect to any cash that you receive.
NBTs common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market
National Market Tier under the symbol NBTB.
On ,
2005, the closing sale price of NBTs common stock was
$ ,
as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market National Market Tier.
CNBs common stock trades on the OTC Bulletin Board
under the trading symbol CNBI.OB.
This is a prospectus of NBT relating to its offering of up to
2,283,173 shares of NBT common stock to CNB shareholders in
the proposed merger and a proxy statement of CNB. This document
contains important information about NBT, CNB, the merger and
the conditions that must be satisfied before the merger can
occur. Please give all the information your careful attention.
For a discussion of the risks related to the merger, see
Risk Factors on page 13.
Your vote is very important. The merger agreement and the merger
must be approved by the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of CNBs common stock. Whether or not
you plan to attend the special meeting of stockholders, please
take the time to vote by submitting a valid proxy, by completing
the enclosed proxy card and mailing it in the enclosed envelope
or, if the option is available to you, by granting your proxy
electronically over the Internet or by telephone. If you do not
vote at all, that will, in effect, count as a vote against the
merger proposal. We urge you to vote FOR the merger
proposal.
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William N. Smith |
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Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of the
securities to be issued in connection with the merger or
determined if this proxy statement/ prospectus is accurate or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense. The shares of NBT common stock are not savings deposit
accounts or other obligations of any bank or savings
association, and are not insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.
The date of this proxy statement/ prospectus
is ,
2005
and is first being mailed to shareholders
on ,
2005
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This proxy statement/ prospectus incorporates important business
and financial information about NBT and CNB from other documents
that are not included in or delivered with this proxy statement/
prospectus. This information is available to you without charge
upon your written or oral request. You can obtain those
documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/
prospectus by accessing the Securities and Exchange
Commissions website maintained at
http://www.sec.gov or by requesting copies in writing or
by telephone from the appropriate company at the following
addresses:
NBT BANCORP INC.
52 South Broad Street
Norwich, NY 13815
Attention: Michael J. Chewens
Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(607) 337-2265
CNB BANCORP, INC.
10-24 North Main Street, P.O. Box 873
Gloversville, NY 12078
Attention: George A. Morgan
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(518) 773-7911
If you would like to request documents, please do so
by ,
2005 in order to receive them before the CNB special shareholder
meeting. If you request any documents incorporated by reference
from us, we will mail them to you promptly by first-class mail,
or similar means.
See Where You Can Find More Information on
page 53.
CNB BANCORP, INC.
10-24 North Main Street, P.O. Box 873
Gloversville, NY 12078
(518) 773-7911
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held
on ,
2005
A special meeting of shareholders of CNB Bancorp, Inc. will be
held
on ,
2005,
at at for
the following purposes:
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To consider and vote on a proposal to approve and adopt the
agreement and plan of merger, dated as of June 13, 2005, by
and between NBT Bancorp Inc. and CNB Bancorp, Inc., the merger
of CNB into NBT and the other transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement, as described in the attached proxy statement/
prospectus. |
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2. |
To transact any other business that properly comes before the
special meeting, or any adjournments or postponements of the
meeting, including, without limitation, a motion to adjourn the
special meeting to another time and/or place for the purpose of
soliciting additional proxies in order to approve the merger
agreement and the merger or otherwise. |
You are entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting
or any adjournments or postponements thereof only if you were a
holder of record of CNBs common stock at the close of
business
on ,
2005.
CNBs Board of Directors has determined that the merger is
advisable and is fair to and in the best interest of CNBs
shareholders, has unanimously approved the merger agreement and
the merger, and recommends that you vote to approve the merger
agreement and the merger.
The affirmative vote of two-thirds of the shares of CNBs
common stock outstanding
on ,
2005 is required to approve the merger agreement and the merger.
The required vote of CNBs shareholders is based on the
total number of shares of CNBs common stock outstanding
and not on the number of shares which are actually voted. Not
returning a proxy card, not submitting your proxy by telephone
or on the Internet (if that option is available to you), or not
voting in person at the special meeting or abstaining from
voting will have the same effect as voting AGAINST the merger
agreement and the merger.
If you hold CNB common stock on the record date, you are
entitled to dissent from the merger under Section 623 of
the New York Business Corporation Law. A copy of this section is
attached at Appendix C to the proxy statement/ prospectus.
It is very important that your shares be represented at the
special meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the special
meeting, please complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy card
and return it as soon as possible in the enclosed postage-paid
envelope, or, if the option is available to you, submit your
proxy by telephone or on the Internet. A shareholder who
executes a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is
exercised by giving written notice to the Secretary of CNB at
the address set forth above, by subsequently filing another
proxy or by attending the special meeting and voting in person.
Do not send your stock certificate with your proxy card.
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By order of the Board of Directors |
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William N. Smith |
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Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Gloversville, New York
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2005
Your vote is important. Please complete, sign, date and return
your proxy card.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER
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SUMMARY
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MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS
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7 |
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NBTs Common Stock
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CNBs Common Stock
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Share Information and Market Prices
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8 |
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Comparative Per Share Data
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8 |
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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
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10 |
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RISK FACTORS
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13 |
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SHAREHOLDER MEETING OF CNB BANCORP, INC.
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16 |
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Matters to be Considered at the Special Meeting
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Record Date and Voting
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Required Vote; Revocability of Proxies
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Solicitation of Proxies
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THE MERGER
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The Parties
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Background of the Merger
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Reasons for the Merger and the Recommendation of CNBs
Board of Directors
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Purpose and Effects of the Merger
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22 |
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Structure
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22 |
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Merger Consideration
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Election Procedures; Surrender of Stock Certificates
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Treatment of CNB Stock Options
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Regulatory Approvals
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Conditions to the Merger
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27 |
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Conduct of Business Pending the Merger
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27 |
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Representations and Warranties
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29 |
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Fairness Opinion of Austin Associates, LLC
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29 |
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Termination and Amendment of the Merger Agreement
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35 |
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Material Federal Income Tax Consequences
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Accounting Treatment
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Resales of NBTs Common Stock Received in the Merger
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Employee Benefits
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Dissenters Appraisal Rights
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40 |
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Voting Agreement
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42 |
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Interests of CNB Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger
That are Different Than Yours
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42 |
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
OF CNB
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45 |
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COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS AND DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
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46 |
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Comparison of Stockholders Rights
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46 |
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Description of NBT Capital Stock
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49 |
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Stockholder Rights Plan
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50 |
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Registrar And Transfer Agent
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51 |
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Applicable Law
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51 |
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
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53 |
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INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
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54 |
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NBT Filings
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54 |
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CNB Filings
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
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OTHER MATTERS
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56 |
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EXPERTS
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56 |
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INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
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56 |
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LEGAL MATTERS
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56 |
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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Appendix A Agreement and Plan of Merger
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A-1 |
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Appendix B Fairness Opinion of Austin Associates, LLC
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B-1 |
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Appendix C Section 623 of the New York Business
Corporation Law
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C-1 |
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER
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Q: |
Why are NBT and CNB proposing the transaction? |
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A: |
The CNB Board of Directors believes that the merger presents a
unique opportunity to merge with a leading community financial
institution in central New York that will have significantly
greater financial strength and earning power than CNB would have
on its own, as well as the added scale necessary to undertake
and solidify leadership positions in key business lines. |
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What will I receive in the merger? |
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A: |
If the merger agreement is approved and the merger is
subsequently completed, each share of CNB common stock (other
than shares of dissenting shareholders) will be converted into
the right to receive 1.64 shares of NBT common stock, or
$38.00 in cash, without interest. You will have the opportunity
to elect the form of consideration to be received for your
shares (all stock, all cash, or a combination thereof), subject
to allocation procedures set forth in the merger agreement which
are intended to ensure that 55% of the outstanding shares of CNB
common stock will be converted into the shares of NBT common
stock and the remaining outstanding shares of CNB common stock
will be converted into cash. Therefore, your ability to receive
all stock, all cash or a combination thereof will depend on the
elections of other CNB shareholders. NBT will pay cash instead
of issuing fractional shares. If the price of NBTs common
stock falls below thresholds established in the merger
agreement, CNB may terminate the merger agreement unless NBT
decides to increase the exchange ratio. See The
Merger Termination and Amendment of the Merger
Agreement. |
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How do I make an election? |
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A: |
Each CNB shareholder has been sent, together with this proxy
statement /prospectus, an election form, which you should
complete and return, along with your CNB stock certificate(s),
according to the instructions printed on the form. The election
deadline will be 5:00 p.m. local time in Norwich, New York,
on ,
2005. If you do not send in the election form with your stock
certificates by the deadline, you will be deemed not to have
made an election and you may be paid in cash, NBT common stock
or a mix of cash and stock depending on, and after giving effect
to, the number of valid cash elections and stock elections that
have been made by other CNB shareholders. If you own shares of
CNB common stock in street name through a bank,
broker or other financial institution, and you wish to make an
election, you should seek instructions from the financial
institution holding your shares concerning how to make your
election. See The Merger Election Procedures;
Surrender of Stock Certificates. |
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Q: |
Can I change my election? |
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A: |
You may change your election at any time prior to the election
deadline by submitting
to ,
the exchange agent for the merger, written notice accompanied by
a properly completed and signed, revised election form. You may
revoke your election by submitting written notice
to prior
to the election deadline or by withdrawing your stock
certificates prior to the election deadline. Shareholders will
not be entitled to change or revoke their elections following
the election deadline. If you instructed a bank, broker or other
financial institution to submit an election for your shares, you
must follow their directions for changing those instructions. |
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Q: |
What happens to my future dividends? |
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A: |
Before the merger takes place, CNB expects to continue to pay
regular quarterly cash dividends on its common stock, which
currently are $0.21 per share. After the merger, any
dividends will be based on what NBT pays. NBT presently pays
dividends at a quarterly dividend rate of $0.19 per share
of NBT common stock, which is equivalent to $0.31 per share
of CNB common stock, assuming a 1.64 share exchange ratio. |
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Q: |
How many votes are needed to approve the merger? |
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A: |
Two-thirds of the outstanding shares of CNBs common stock
must vote in favor of the merger agreement in order for it to be
adopted and for the merger to be approved. Accordingly, the
failure to vote on this proposal will have the same effect as a
vote against the proposal. |
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Each of the named executive officers and directors of CNB
individually have entered into an agreement with NBT to vote
their shares of CNB common stock in favor of the merger
agreement and against any competing proposal. These shareholders
hold approximately 6% of CNBs outstanding common stock as
of June 30, 2005. |
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Q: |
What do I need to do now? |
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A: |
With respect to the special meeting Just
indicate on the enclosed proxy card how you want to vote, and
sign, date and return it as soon as possible in the enclosed
envelope or submit a proxy over the Internet or by telephone by
following the instructions on the enclosed proxy card. If you
sign and send in your proxy card and do not indicate how you
want to vote, your proxy card will be voted FOR approval of the
merger agreement and the merger. Not returning a proxy card, not
submitting your proxy by telephone or on the Internet (if that
option is available to you), or not voting in person at the
special meeting or abstaining from voting will have the same
effect as voting AGAINST the merger agreement and the merger.
Please refer to the voting instruction card used by your bank,
broker or other financial institution to see if you may submit
voting instructions using the Internet or telephone. |
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You can choose to attend the special meeting and vote your
shares in person instead of completing and returning a proxy
card. If you do complete and return a proxy card, you may change
your vote at any time up to and including the time of the vote
on the day of the special meeting by following the directions on
page 16. |
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With respect to your share election You
should complete and return the election form, together with your
stock certificate(s),
to according
to the instructions printed on the election form or, if your
shares are held in street name, according to the
instructions of your bank, broker or other financial
institution. Do not send your CNB stock certificates and/or
your election form with your proxy card. |
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Q: |
Who can vote? |
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A: |
You are entitled to vote at the CNB special meeting if you owned
shares of CNB common stock at the close of business
on ,
2005. You will have one vote for each share of CNB common stock
that you owned at that time. |
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Q: |
If my shares are held in street name by my broker, will my
broker vote my shares for me? |
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A: |
Your broker does not have discretion to vote your shares for you
on the merger proposal. Your broker will be able to vote your
shares only if you provide instructions on how to vote. You
should instruct your broker to vote your shares, following the
directions your broker provides. Shares that are not voted
because you do not instruct your broker effectively will be
counted as votes against the merger. |
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Q: |
Can I change my vote after I have mailed my signed proxy
card? |
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A: |
Yes. There are three ways for you to revoke your proxy and
change your vote. First, you may send a written notice to the
Secretary of CNB at 10-24 North Main Street,
P.O. Box 873 Gloversville, NY 12078 stating that you
would like to revoke your proxy. Second, you may complete and
submit a new proxy card or submit another proxy by telephone or
on the Internet. Third, you may vote in person at the special
meeting. If you have instructed a broker to vote your shares,
you must follow directions received from your broker to change
your vote. |
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Q: |
When will the merger close? |
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A: |
The merger is expected to close as soon as possible after the
receipt of CNB shareholder and regulatory approvals. We
currently anticipate that this will occur in the fourth quarter
of 2005. |
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Q: |
What do I do with my stock certificates? |
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A: |
Please do not send your stock certificates with your proxy
card. Rather, you should send your CNB common stock
certificates
to ,
the exchange agent for the merger, with your completed, signed
election form prior to the election deadline. If you do not send
in the election form with your stock certificates by the
election deadline, you will be deemed not to have made an
election and you may receive cash, NBT common stock or a mixture
of cash and stock, for each share of your CNB common stock in
the merger. |
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Q: |
What needs to be done to complete the merger? |
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A: |
Completion of the merger depends on a number of conditions being
met. In addition to compliance with the merger agreement, these
include: |
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1. |
Approval of the merger agreement and merger by CNB shareholders. |
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2. |
Approval of the merger by federal and state regulatory
authorities. |
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3. |
Approval by the Nasdaq National Market of listing of NBTs
common stock to be issued in the merger. |
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4. |
The absence of any injunction or legal restraint blocking the
merger or government proceedings trying to block the merger. |
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When the law permits, NBT or CNB could decide to complete the
merger even though one or more of these conditions hasnt
been met. We cant be certain when, or if, the conditions
to the merger will be satisfied or waived, or that the merger
will be completed. |
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Q: |
Whom can I call with questions or to obtain copies of this
proxy statement/ prospectus and other documents? |
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A: |
William N. Smith, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
CNB Bancorp, Inc.
10-24 North Main Street, P.O. Box 873
Gloversville, NY 12078
(518) 773-7911
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CNB shareholders may also contact CNBs proxy solicitor,
D.F. King & Co., Inc. at (800) 829-6551. |
|
|
A copy of the merger agreement including each of its exhibits
and the other documents described in this proxy statement/
prospectus will be provided to you promptly without charge if
you call or write to Michael J. Chewens, Senior Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, NBT Bancorp Inc.,
52 South Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815,
(607) 337-2265. Such documents were also filed as exhibits
to the registration statement filed with the SEC to register the
shares of NBTs common stock to be issued in the merger.
See Where You Can Find More Information. |
3
SUMMARY
The following is a summary of information located elsewhere in
this document. It does not contain all of the information that
is important to you. Before you vote, you should give careful
consideration to all of the information contained in or
incorporated by reference into this document to fully understand
the merger. See Where You Can Find More Information
on page 53. Each item in this summary refers to the page
where that subject is discussed in more detail.
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences (page 36)
Those CNB shareholders who receive both NBT common stock and
cash for their CNB common stock will generally recognize gain
equal to the lesser of (1) the amount of cash received and
(2) the excess of the amount realized in the
transaction (i.e., the fair market value of the NBT
common stock at the effective time of the merger plus the amount
of cash received), over their tax basis in their CNB common
stock. We expect the transaction to be tax-free to holders of
CNB common stock for United States federal income tax purposes
to the extent that they receive solely shares of NBT common
stock pursuant to the merger. Those holders receiving solely
cash for their CNB common stock will generally recognize gain or
loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received
and their tax basis in their shares of CNB common stock.
Different tax consequences may apply to you because of your
individual circumstances or because special tax rules apply to
you, for example, if you:
|
|
|
are a tax-exempt organization; |
|
|
are a mutual fund; |
|
|
are a dealer in securities or foreign currencies; |
|
|
are a bank or other financial institution; |
|
|
are an insurance company; |
|
|
are a non-United States person; |
|
|
are subject to the alternative minimum tax; |
|
|
are a trader in securities who elects to apply a mark-to-market
method of accounting; |
|
|
acquired your shares of CNBs common stock from the
exercise of options or otherwise as compensation or through a
qualified retirement plan; |
|
|
hold shares of CNBs common stock as part of a straddle,
hedge, constructive sale or conversion transaction; or |
|
|
do not hold shares of CNBs common stock as capital assets. |
Tax matters are very complicated. You should consult your tax
advisor for a full explanation of the tax consequences of the
merger to you.
Reasons for the Merger (page 20)
The CNB Board of Directors believes that the merger presents a
unique opportunity to merge with a leading community financial
institution in central New York that will have significantly
greater financial strength and earning power than CNB would have
on its own, as well as the added scale necessary to undertake
and solidify leadership positions in key business lines.
CNB Board of Directors Recommends Approval (page 20)
The CNB Board of Directors unanimously approved the merger
agreement and the merger and unanimously recommends that you
vote FOR approval of these matters.
In the Opinion of CNBs Financial Advisor, the
Consideration is Fair, From a Financial Point of View, to
CNBs Shareholders (page 29)
In deciding to approve the merger, CNBs Board of Directors
considered the opinion of Austin Associates, LLC, CNBs
financial advisor. The opinion concluded that the proposed
consideration to be received by the holders of CNBs common
stock in the merger is fair to the shareholders from a financial
point of view. This opinion is attached as
Appendix B to this document. We encourage you to
read this opinion carefully in order to completely understand
the assumptions made, matters considered and limitation of the
review made by Austin Associates, LLC, Inc. in providing this
opinion.
4
Dissenters Appraisal Rights in the Merger
(page 40)
Under New York law, you are entitled to dissenters rights
of appraisal in connection with the merger. If you want to
assert your appraisal rights, you must follow carefully the
procedures described at Appendix C, and summarized
at pages 44-46 of this document.
Differences in the Rights of Shareholders (page 46)
The rights of CNB shareholders who continue as NBT shareholders
after the merger will be governed by the certificate of
incorporation and bylaws of NBT rather than the certificate of
incorporation and bylaws of CNB. These rights will be governed
by the laws of Delaware, as the state of NBTs
incorporation, rather than the laws of New York, the state where
CNB is organized.
CNBs Officers and Directors Have Interests in the
Merger Which May Be Different From Yours (pages 42-44)
At the close of business on June 30, 2005, excluding all
options to purchase CNB common stock, CNBs directors,
named executive officers and their affiliates owned a total of
137,494 shares of CNBs common stock, which was
approximately 6% of the total number of shares of CNBs
common stock that were outstanding on that date. Each of
CNBs directors and named executive officers have agreed to
vote his or her shares in favor of the merger agreement and
merger.
Additionally, some of CNBs directors and named executive
officers may have interests in the merger as directors and
employees that may be different from yours as a CNB shareholder.
These interests include new agreements with certain named
executive officers of CNB, the appointment of two members of the
Board of Directors of CNB to the Board of Directors of NBT Bank
and the appointment of each other member of the Board of
Directors of CNB to the newly-formed Fulton County Advisory
Board. These interests are described at pages 46-49.
Regulatory Approvals We Must Obtain to
Complete the Merger (page 26)
For the merger to take place, we need to receive the regulatory
approvals of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the
State of New York Banking Department and the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York. We have filed applications with each of these
regulators.
As of the date of this document, we havent yet received
the required approvals. We cant be certain when or if we
will obtain them.
Termination of the Merger Agreement (page 35)
The merger agreement specifies a number of situations when NBT
and CNB may terminate the merger agreement, which are described
on page 38. The merger agreement may be terminated at any
time prior to the effective time by our mutual consent and by
either of us under specified circumstances, including if the
merger is not consummated by March 31, 2006, if we do not
receive the necessary shareholder or regulatory approvals or if
the other party breaches its agreements. CNB may terminate if
NBTs common stock price falls below thresholds set forth
in the merger agreement and NBT does not increase the exchange
ratio pursuant to a prescribed formula.
Information About the Special Meeting (page 15)
A special meeting of CNB shareholders will be held
on ,
2005,
at at to
vote on the merger agreement, the merger, and the other
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and to
address any other matters that properly come before the special
meeting, or any adjournments or postponements of the meeting,
including a motion to adjourn the special meeting to another
time and/or place to solicit additional proxies in favor of the
merger agreement and the merger or otherwise.
The Companies Involved in the Merger (page 18)
NBT Bancorp Inc.
52 South Broad Street, P.O. Box 351
Norwich, New York 13815
5
NBT is a registered bank holding company incorporated in
Delaware and headquartered in Norwich, New York. At
March 31, 2005, NBT had total consolidated assets of
$4.3 billion, total deposits of $3.2 billion, and
stockholders equity of $319.2 million, or 7.5% of
total assets.
CNB Bancorp, Inc.
10-24 North Main Street, P.O. Box 873
Gloversville, NY 12078
CNB is a registered bank holding company incorporated in the
State of New York and headquartered in Gloversville, New York.
At March 31, 2005, CNB had total assets of
$419.4 million, total deposits of $337.9 million, and
stockholders equity of $39.4 million, or 9.4% of
total assets.
6
MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS
NBTs Common Stock
NBTs common stock trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market
National Market Tier under the symbol NBTB. The
table below sets forth the range of high and low sale prices of
NBTs common stock as reported on Nasdaq, as well as cash
dividends paid during the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Price | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Cash | |
|
|
High | |
|
Low | |
|
Dividends Paid | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Quarter Ended:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2003
|
|
$ |
18.60 |
|
|
$ |
16.75 |
|
|
$ |
0.17 |
|
|
June 30, 2003
|
|
|
19.94 |
|
|
|
17.37 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
September 30, 2003
|
|
|
21.76 |
|
|
|
19.24 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
December 31, 2003
|
|
|
22.78 |
|
|
|
19.50 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
March 31, 2004
|
|
|
23.00 |
|
|
|
21.21 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
June 30, 2004
|
|
|
23.18 |
|
|
|
19.92 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
September 30, 2004
|
|
|
24.34 |
|
|
|
21.02 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
26.84 |
|
|
|
21.94 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
March 31, 2005
|
|
|
25.66 |
|
|
|
21.48 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
June 30, 2005
|
|
|
24.15 |
|
|
|
20.10 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
On June 13, 2005, the last trading day before the public
announcement of the merger, the closing price of NBTs
common stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market National Market Tier was
$23.59.
On ,
2005, the most recent practicable date before the printing of
this document, the closing price of NBTs common stock on
the Nasdaq Stock Market National Market Tier was
$ .
CNBs Common Stock
CNBs common stock trades on the OTC Bulletin Board
under the trading symbol CNBI.OB. and is inactively
traded. The table below sets forth the range of prices of this
security known to management based on records of the Company and
as supplied by Ryan, Beck and Co. on a quarterly basis and the
quarterly cash dividends paid during the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Price | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Cash | |
|
|
High | |
|
Low | |
|
Dividends Paid | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Quarter Ended:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2003
|
|
$ |
26.50 |
|
|
$ |
23.31 |
|
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
|
June 30, 2003
|
|
|
26.05 |
|
|
|
22.20 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
September 30, 2003
|
|
|
29.00 |
|
|
|
25.50 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
December 31, 2003
|
|
|
27.50 |
|
|
|
25.60 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
March 31, 2004
|
|
|
26.75 |
|
|
|
22.60 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
June 30, 2004
|
|
|
26.75 |
|
|
|
24.00 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
September 30, 2004
|
|
|
26.75 |
|
|
|
24.35 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
26.75 |
|
|
|
26.25 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
|
March 31, 2005
|
|
|
26.50 |
|
|
|
25.55 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
June 30, 2005
|
|
|
37.80 |
|
|
|
37.65 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
7
Share Information and Market Prices
The table below presents the per share closing prices of
NBTs and CNBs common stock as of the dates specified
and the equivalent per share price for CNB common stock on
(1) June 13, 2005, which was the last trading date
before public announcement of the merger agreement, and
(2) ,
2005, the last practicable date before printing of this proxy
statement/ prospectus. The equivalent price per share column is
calculated by valuing the NBT common stock at its closing price
on the relevant date, multiplying this value by the estimated
2,008,592 shares of NBT common stock being issued in the
merger, and adding to this amount the estimated cash
consideration of $38,078,622. This total consideration is then
divided by the total number of shares of CNB common stock
outstanding as of each relevant date (2,223,950 shares on
June 13, 2005
and shares
on ,
2005). For more information about the exchange ratio and how it
may be increased, see The Merger Merger
Consideration, and for more information about the stock
prices and dividends of NBT and CNB, see Market Prices and
Dividends.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Reported Sale Price | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
NBTs | |
|
CNBs | |
|
Equivalent Per | |
Date |
|
Common Stock | |
|
Common Stock | |
|
Share Data | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
June 13, 2005
|
|
$ |
23.59 |
|
|
$ |
26.75 |
|
|
$ |
38.43 |
|
,
2005
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
The market price of NBTs common stock will fluctuate
between the date of this proxy statement/ prospectus and the
date on which the merger takes place. CNBs shareholders
are advised to obtain current market quotations for NBTs
common stock. No assurance can be given as to the market price
of NBTs common stock at the time of the merger, although
CNB may terminate the merger agreement if NBTs common
stock price falls below certain thresholds and NBT does not
increase the exchange ratio pursuant to a prescribed formula.
See The Merger Termination and Amendment to
the Merger Agreement.
Comparative Per Share Data
The following table shows historical information about net
income per share, cash dividends per share and book value per
share, and similar information reflecting the merger, which we
refer to as pro forma information. In presenting the
comparative pro forma information for the time periods shown, we
assumed that we had been merged throughout those periods. The
pro forma information reflects the purchase method of
accounting. The pro forma information also assumes 55% of the
merger consideration paid in stock and 45% in cash. NBT intends
to issue trust preferred securities in aggregate principal
amount of $50 million in connection with the funding of the
cash portion of the merger consideration.
The information listed as equivalent pro forma was
obtained by multiplying the pro forma amounts by the quotient
obtained by dividing the NBT Common Stock to be issued in the
merger by the 1.64 share exchange ratio.
We expect that we will incur merger and integration charges as a
result of combining our companies. We also anticipate that the
merger will provide the combined company with financial benefits
that include reduced operating expenses. These changes and
benefits are not reflected in the pro forma data. While helpful
in illustrating the financial characteristics of the combined
company under one set of assumptions, the pro forma information
does not reflect these anticipated financial benefits and,
accordingly, does not attempt to predict or suggest future
results. It also does not necessarily reflect what the
historical results of the combined company would have been had
our companies been combined.
8
The information in the following table is based on, and you
should read it together with, the historical financial
information that NBT and CNB have presented in prior filings
with the SEC and which is incorporated into this document by
reference. See Where You Can Find More Information
on page 58 for a description of where you can find our
prior filings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At or for the | |
|
At or for the | |
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
March 31, 2005 | |
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net Income per Common Share (Basic):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NBT historical
|
|
$ |
0.39 |
|
|
$ |
1.53 |
|
|
CNB historical
|
|
|
0.54 |
|
|
|
2.04 |
|
|
Pro Forma Combined
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
1.53 |
|
|
Equivalent Pro Forma
|
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
2.51 |
|
Net Income per Common Share (Diluted):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NBT historical
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
1.51 |
|
|
CNB historical
|
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
|
2.03 |
|
|
Pro Forma Combined
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
1.51 |
|
|
Equivalent Pro Forma
|
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
2.48 |
|
Cash Dividends per Common Share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NBT historical
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
0.74 |
|
|
CNB historical
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
Pro Forma Combined
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
0.74 |
|
|
Equivalent Pro Forma
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
1.21 |
|
Book Value per Common Share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NBT historical
|
|
|
9.85 |
|
|
|
10.11 |
|
|
CNB historical
|
|
|
17.76 |
|
|
|
18.04 |
|
|
Pro Forma Combined
|
|
|
10.65 |
|
|
|
10.89 |
|
|
Equivalent Pro Forma
|
|
|
17.46 |
|
|
|
17.85 |
|
9
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
The tables below present selected consolidated financial and
other data for NBT and CNB as of the dates and for the periods
indicated. The data for NBT is based on and should be read in
conjunction with NBTs historical consolidated financial
statements and related notes which are presented in its prior
filings with the SEC, and which are incorporated by reference
into this document. The data for CNB is based on and should be
read in conjunction with CNBs historical consolidated
financial statements and the notes thereto, which are presented
in its prior filings with the SEC, which are incorporated by
reference into this document. See Where You Can Find More
Information. In the opinion of management of NBT and CNB,
all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of financial
position and results of operations have been included.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data NBT (Dollars
in Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At or for the | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
|
|
March 31, | |
|
At or for the Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2000 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Financial Condition and Other Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trading securities at fair value
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
20,540 |
|
Securities available for sale, at fair value
|
|
|
950,555 |
|
|
|
977,950 |
|
|
|
952,542 |
|
|
|
980,961 |
|
|
|
1,007,583 |
|
|
|
909,341 |
|
|
|
936,757 |
|
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost
|
|
|
87,063 |
|
|
|
91,205 |
|
|
|
81,782 |
|
|
|
97,204 |
|
|
|
82,514 |
|
|
|
101,604 |
|
|
|
110,415 |
|
Loans and leases
|
|
|
2,898,187 |
|
|
|
2,646,674 |
|
|
|
2,869,921 |
|
|
|
2,639,976 |
|
|
|
2,355,932 |
|
|
|
2,339,636 |
|
|
|
2,247,655 |
|
Allowance for loan and lease losses
|
|
|
45,389 |
|
|
|
43,303 |
|
|
|
44,932 |
|
|
|
42,651 |
|
|
|
40,167 |
|
|
|
44,746 |
|
|
|
32,494 |
|
Assets
|
|
|
4,255,439 |
|
|
|
4,016,733 |
|
|
|
4,212,304 |
|
|
|
4,046,885 |
|
|
|
3,723,726 |
|
|
|
3,638,202 |
|
|
|
3,605,506 |
|
Deposits
|
|
|
3,168,927 |
|
|
|
3,014,616 |
|
|
|
3,073,838 |
|
|
|
3,001,351 |
|
|
|
2,922,040 |
|
|
|
2,915,612 |
|
|
|
2,843,868 |
|
Borrowings
|
|
|
720,734 |
|
|
|
626,492 |
|
|
|
752,066 |
|
|
|
672,631 |
|
|
|
451,076 |
|
|
|
394,344 |
|
|
|
425,233 |
|
Stockholders equity
|
|
|
319,239 |
|
|
|
322,280 |
|
|
|
332,233 |
|
|
|
310,034 |
|
|
|
292,382 |
|
|
|
266,355 |
|
|
|
269,641 |
|
Operating Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest, fee and dividend income
|
|
$ |
55,461 |
|
|
$ |
51,727 |
|
|
$ |
210,179 |
|
|
$ |
207,298 |
|
|
$ |
227,222 |
|
|
$ |
255,434 |
|
|
$ |
260,381 |
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
16,647 |
|
|
|
14,633 |
|
|
|
59,692 |
|
|
|
62,874 |
|
|
|
80,402 |
|
|
|
117,502 |
|
|
|
113,003 |
|
Net interest income
|
|
|
38,814 |
|
|
|
37,094 |
|
|
|
150,487 |
|
|
|
144,424 |
|
|
|
146,820 |
|
|
|
137,932 |
|
|
|
127,378 |
|
Provision for loan and lease losses
|
|
|
1,796 |
|
|
|
2,124 |
|
|
|
9,615 |
|
|
|
9,111 |
|
|
|
9,073 |
|
|
|
31,929 |
|
|
|
10,143 |
|
Noninterest income excluding securities gains (losses)
|
|
|
10,715 |
|
|
|
10,434 |
|
|
|
40,673 |
|
|
|
37,603 |
|
|
|
31,934 |
|
|
|
31,826 |
|
|
|
24,854 |
|
Securities gains (losses), net
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
(413 |
) |
|
|
(7,692 |
) |
|
|
(2,273 |
) |
Merger, acquisition and reorganization costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,322 |
|
|
|
23,625 |
|
Other noninterest expense
|
|
|
28,881 |
|
|
|
27,202 |
|
|
|
109,777 |
|
|
|
104,517 |
|
|
|
102,455 |
|
|
|
110,536 |
|
|
|
95,509 |
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
18,848 |
|
|
|
18,211 |
|
|
|
71,984 |
|
|
|
68,574 |
|
|
|
66,813 |
|
|
|
4,279 |
|
|
|
20,682 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
12,789 |
|
|
|
12,371 |
|
|
|
50,047 |
|
|
|
47,104 |
|
|
|
44,999 |
|
|
|
3,737 |
|
|
|
14,154 |
|
10
Significant Statistical Data NBT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At or for the | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
|
|
March 31, | |
|
At or for the Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2000 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Per Common Share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings
|
|
$ |
0.39 |
|
|
$ |
0.38 |
|
|
$ |
1.53 |
|
|
$ |
1.45 |
|
|
$ |
1.36 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.44 |
|
Diluted earnings
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
1.51 |
|
|
|
1.43 |
|
|
|
1.35 |
|
|
|
0.11 |
|
|
|
0.44 |
|
Cash dividends paid
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
0.74 |
|
|
|
0.68 |
|
|
|
0.68 |
|
|
|
0.68 |
|
|
|
0.68 |
|
Book value at period end
|
|
|
9.85 |
|
|
|
9.80 |
|
|
|
10.11 |
|
|
|
9.46 |
|
|
|
8.96 |
|
|
|
8.05 |
|
|
|
8.29 |
|
Tangible book value at period end
|
|
|
8.25 |
|
|
|
8.29 |
|
|
|
8.66 |
|
|
|
7.94 |
|
|
|
7.47 |
|
|
|
6.51 |
|
|
|
6.88 |
|
Average diluted common shares outstanding
|
|
|
32,977 |
|
|
|
33,174 |
|
|
|
33,087 |
|
|
|
32,844 |
|
|
|
33,235 |
|
|
|
33,085 |
|
|
|
32,405 |
|
Key Ratios:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average equity to average assets
|
|
|
7.79 |
|
|
|
7.84 |
|
|
|
7.74 |
|
|
|
7.69 |
|
|
|
7.64 |
|
|
|
7.82 |
|
|
|
7.35 |
|
Net interest margin
|
|
|
4.09 |
|
|
|
4.10 |
|
|
|
4.03 |
|
|
|
4.16 |
|
|
|
4.43 |
|
|
|
4.19 |
|
|
|
4.02 |
|
Dividend payout ratio
|
|
|
48.56 |
|
|
|
45.17 |
|
|
|
49.01 |
|
|
|
47.55 |
|
|
|
50.37 |
|
|
|
618.18 |
|
|
|
154.55 |
|
Tier 1 leverage
|
|
|
6.89 |
|
|
|
6.96 |
|
|
|
7.13 |
|
|
|
6.76 |
|
|
|
6.73 |
|
|
|
6.34 |
|
|
|
6.88 |
|
Tier 1 risk-based capital
|
|
|
9.41 |
|
|
|
10.12 |
|
|
|
9.78 |
|
|
|
9.96 |
|
|
|
9.93 |
|
|
|
9.43 |
|
|
|
9.85 |
|
Total risk-based capital
|
|
|
10.67 |
|
|
|
11.37 |
|
|
|
11.04 |
|
|
|
11.21 |
|
|
|
11.18 |
|
|
|
10.69 |
|
|
|
11.08 |
|
Return on average assets
|
|
|
1.23 |
% |
|
|
1.23 |
% |
|
|
1.21 |
% |
|
|
1.22 |
% |
|
|
1.23 |
% |
|
|
0.10 |
% |
|
|
0.41 |
% |
Return on average equity
|
|
|
15.74 |
% |
|
|
15.73 |
% |
|
|
15.69 |
% |
|
|
15.90 |
% |
|
|
16.13 |
% |
|
|
1.32 |
% |
|
|
5.57 |
% |
11
Selected Consolidated Financial Data and Significant
Statistical Data CNB (Dollars in Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At or for the | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
|
|
March 31, | |
|
At or for the Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2000 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Financial Condition and Other Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities available for sale, at fair value
|
|
|
177,732 |
|
|
|
158,597 |
|
|
|
189,176 |
|
|
|
163,251 |
|
|
|
144,219 |
|
|
|
120,249 |
|
|
|
106,845 |
|
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost
|
|
|
7,898 |
|
|
|
10,319 |
|
|
|
7,587 |
|
|
|
9,711 |
|
|
|
9,569 |
|
|
|
9,955 |
|
|
|
15,653 |
|
Loans and leases
|
|
|
194,557 |
|
|
|
173,367 |
|
|
|
188,535 |
|
|
|
171,230 |
|
|
|
186,264 |
|
|
|
194,949 |
|
|
|
186,590 |
|
Allowance for loan losses
|
|
|
2,358 |
|
|
|
2,436 |
|
|
|
2,331 |
|
|
|
2,418 |
|
|
|
3,083 |
|
|
|
2,506 |
|
|
|
2,750 |
|
Assets
|
|
|
419,447 |
|
|
|
392,128 |
|
|
|
422,169 |
|
|
|
395,556 |
|
|
|
391,804 |
|
|
|
359,955 |
|
|
|
339,306 |
|
Deposits
|
|
|
337,853 |
|
|
|
304,778 |
|
|
|
331,634 |
|
|
|
308,247 |
|
|
|
300,616 |
|
|
|
279,227 |
|
|
|
270,474 |
|
Borrowings
|
|
|
39,848 |
|
|
|
45,473 |
|
|
|
48,543 |
|
|
|
47,860 |
|
|
|
52,689 |
|
|
|
44,618 |
|
|
|
33,128 |
|
Stockholders equity
|
|
|
39,449 |
|
|
|
39,607 |
|
|
|
40,021 |
|
|
|
38,040 |
|
|
|
36,884 |
|
|
|
34,649 |
|
|
|
33,993 |
|
Operating Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest, fee and dividend income
|
|
|
5,034 |
|
|
|
4,841 |
|
|
|
19,551 |
|
|
|
19,705 |
|
|
|
22,046 |
|
|
|
24,053 |
|
|
|
23,760 |
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
1,484 |
|
|
|
1,410 |
|
|
|
5,476 |
|
|
|
6,716 |
|
|
|
8,300 |
|
|
|
11,408 |
|
|
|
12,091 |
|
Net interest income
|
|
|
3,550 |
|
|
|
3,431 |
|
|
|
14,075 |
|
|
|
12,989 |
|
|
|
13,746 |
|
|
|
12,645 |
|
|
|
11,669 |
|
Provision for loan losses
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
150 |
|
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
1,290 |
|
|
|
1,165 |
|
|
|
525 |
|
|
|
219 |
|
Noninterest income excluding securities gains (losses)
|
|
|
631 |
|
|
|
577 |
|
|
|
2,193 |
|
|
|
2,284 |
|
|
|
2,254 |
|
|
|
2,109 |
|
|
|
1,762 |
|
Securities gains (losses), net
|
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
401 |
|
|
|
416 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other noninterest expense
|
|
|
2,696 |
|
|
|
2,295 |
|
|
|
9,943 |
|
|
|
9,232 |
|
|
|
8,419 |
|
|
|
8,403 |
|
|
|
7,932 |
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
1,650 |
|
|
|
1,964 |
|
|
|
6,241 |
|
|
|
4,781 |
|
|
|
6,449 |
|
|
|
5,841 |
|
|
|
5,280 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
1,194 |
|
|
|
1,377 |
|
|
|
4,509 |
|
|
|
3,653 |
|
|
|
4,632 |
|
|
|
4,032 |
|
|
|
3,705 |
|
Significant Statistical Data CNB (Dollars in
Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At or for the | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
|
|
March 31, | |
|
At or for the Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2000 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Per Common Share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings
|
|
$ |
0.54 |
|
|
$ |
0.62 |
|
|
$ |
2.04 |
|
|
$ |
1.65 |
|
|
$ |
42.05 |
|
|
$ |
1.75 |
|
|
$ |
1.56 |
|
Diluted earnings
|
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
|
|
2.03 |
|
|
|
1.64 |
|
|
|
2.03 |
|
|
|
1.72 |
|
|
|
1.54 |
|
Cash dividends paid
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
|
0.76 |
|
|
|
0.70 |
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
Book value at period end
|
|
|
17.76 |
|
|
|
17.90 |
|
|
|
18.04 |
|
|
|
17.22 |
|
|
|
16.58 |
|
|
|
15.22 |
|
|
|
14.49 |
|
Tangible book value at period end
|
|
|
14.65 |
|
|
|
15.96 |
|
|
|
15.02 |
|
|
|
15.26 |
|
|
|
14.59 |
|
|
|
13.24 |
|
|
|
12.40 |
|
Average diluted common shares outstanding
|
|
|
2,234 |
|
|
|
2,217 |
|
|
|
2,222 |
|
|
|
2,226 |
|
|
|
2,281 |
|
|
|
2,342 |
|
|
|
2,404 |
|
Key Ratios:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average equity to average assets
|
|
|
9.50 |
% |
|
|
9.55 |
% |
|
|
9.60 |
% |
|
|
9.50 |
% |
|
|
9.55 |
% |
|
|
9.74 |
% |
|
|
9.65 |
% |
Net interest margin
|
|
|
3.88 |
|
|
|
4.01 |
|
|
|
3.95 |
|
|
|
3.77 |
|
|
|
4.14 |
|
|
|
4.04 |
|
|
|
3.98 |
|
Dividend payout ratio
|
|
|
39.03 |
|
|
|
32.10 |
|
|
|
39.28 |
|
|
|
46.13 |
|
|
|
34.09 |
|
|
|
37.70 |
|
|
|
39.84 |
|
Tier 1 leverage
|
|
|
7.98 |
|
|
|
8.60 |
|
|
|
7.66 |
|
|
|
8.28 |
|
|
|
7.89 |
|
|
|
8.38 |
|
|
|
8.87 |
|
Tier 1 risk-based capital
|
|
|
15.47 |
|
|
|
16.56 |
|
|
|
15.15 |
|
|
|
16.22 |
|
|
|
14.87 |
|
|
|
14.72 |
|
|
|
15.54 |
|
Total risk-based capital
|
|
|
16.58 |
|
|
|
17.80 |
|
|
|
16.27 |
|
|
|
17.48 |
|
|
|
16.16 |
|
|
|
15.96 |
|
|
|
16.80 |
|
Return on average assets
|
|
|
1.14 |
% |
|
|
1.40 |
% |
|
|
1.10 |
% |
|
|
0.92 |
% |
|
|
1.22 |
% |
|
|
1.14 |
% |
|
|
1.12 |
% |
Return on average equity
|
|
|
12.01 |
% |
|
|
14.70 |
% |
|
|
11.47 |
% |
|
|
9.66 |
% |
|
|
12.83 |
% |
|
|
11.68 |
% |
|
|
11.57 |
% |
12
RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information included in this proxy
statement/ prospectus (including the matters addressed in
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements on page 60), you should carefully consider
the matters described below in determining whether to approve
the merger agreement and whether to make a cash or stock
election. Please also refer to the additional risk factors
identified in the periodic reports and other documents of NBT
and CNB incorporated by reference into this document and listed
in Where You Can Find More Information.
The price of NBT common stock will fluctuate before and after
the merger, which could increase or decrease the value of the
merger consideration received by CNB shareholders receiving NBT
common stock.
On June 13, 2005, the day before the merger was announced,
the closing price of a share of NBT common stock was $23.59.
On ,
2005, the most recent practicable date before the mailing of
this proxy statement/ prospectus, the closing price was
$ .
Based on these closing prices and the 1.64 exchange ratio, the
implied value of the merger consideration consisting of NBT
common stock was $38.69 on June 13, 2005 and
$ on .
The price of NBT common stock may increase or decrease before
and after completion of the merger. Therefore, the market value
of NBT common stock received by a CNB shareholder in connection
with the merger could be lower than the market value of NBT
stock on June 13,
2005, ,
2005 or the closing date of the merger, and the market value of
the stock consideration could be less than the $38.00 cash
consideration received by shareholders receiving the cash
consideration. The market value of NBT stock received by a CNB
shareholder in connection with the merger could also be higher
than those trading prices, and shareholders receiving the cash
consideration could receive cash worth less than the market
value of the stock consideration. The market price of NBT stock
fluctuates based upon general market economic conditions,
NBTs business and prospects and other factors.
NBT may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the
merger.
The success of the merger will depend on, among other things,
NBTs ability to realize anticipated cost savings and to
combine the businesses of NBT and CNB in a manner that does not
materially disrupt the existing customer relationships of CNB
nor result in decreased revenues resulting from any loss of
customers. If NBT is not able to successfully achieve these
objectives, the anticipated benefits of the merger may not be
realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than
expected.
NBT and CNB have operated and, until the completion of the
merger, will continue to operate, independently. It is possible
that the integration process could result in the loss of key
employees, the disruption of CNBs ongoing businesses or
inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies
that adversely affect the ability of NBT to maintain
relationships with customers and employees or to achieve the
anticipated benefits of the merger.
Shareholders may receive a form of consideration different
from what they elect.
While each CNB shareholder may elect to receive cash or NBT
common stock in the merger, 55% of the CNB common stock
outstanding at the completion of the merger will be converted
into NBT common stock, with the remainder converted into cash.
Therefore, if CNB shareholders elect more cash or stock than is
available under the merger agreement, elections for the
over-subscribed form of merger consideration will be prorated.
As a result, if either a cash or stock election proves to be
more popular among CNB shareholders, and you choose the election
that is more popular, you might receive a portion of your
consideration in the form of consideration that you did not
elect.
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If you tender shares of CNB common stock to make an election,
you will not be able to sell or otherwise transfer those shares
until after the merger, unless you revoke your election prior to
the election deadline.
To make a cash or stock election, you must deliver your stock
certificate(s) to the exchange agent (or follow the procedures
for guaranteed delivery). The deadline for doing this is
5:00 p.m. local time in Norwich, New York,
on ,
2005, the day before the special meeting of shareholders. You
will not be able to sell or otherwise transfer any shares of CNB
common stock that you have delivered, unless you revoke your
election before the deadline by providing written notice to the
exchange agent. If you do not revoke your election, you will not
be able to liquidate your investment in CNB common stock for any
reason until you receive cash or NBT common stock in the merger.
In the time between delivery of your shares and the closing of
the merger, the trading price of CNB or NBT common stock may
decrease, and you might otherwise want to sell your shares of
CNB common stock to gain access to cash, make other investment
opportunities or reduce the potential for an additional decrease
in the value of your investment.
The date that you will receive your merger consideration depends
on the completion date of the merger, which is expected to occur
in the fourth quarter of 2005. The completion date of the merger
might be later than expected due to unforeseen events, such as
delays in obtaining regulatory approvals.
The merger agreement limits CNBs ability to pursue
alternatives to the merger.
The merger agreement contains terms and conditions that make it
difficult for CNB to sell its business to a party other than
NBT. These no shop provisions impose restrictions on
CNB that, subject to certain exceptions, limit CNBs
ability to discuss or facilitate competing third-party proposals
to acquire all or a significant part of CNB.
In addition, the board of directors of CNB has agreed that it
will not recommend a competing acquisition proposal and that it
will not withdraw or negatively modify the recommendation that
CNB shareholders vote for the merger, subject to limited
exceptions. While the board of directors could take such actions
if it determined that the failure to do so would violate its
fiduciary duties, doing so would entitle NBT to terminate the
merger agreement and may entitle it to receive a termination
fee. CNB will also be required to pay the termination fee if a
competing acquisition proposal has been made known to CNB or its
shareholders and the merger agreement is subsequently terminated
for a variety of reasons (including because CNB shareholders
fail to approve the merger or because CNB willfully breaches the
merger agreement), and CNB completes, or enters into an
agreement for, an alternative acquisition transaction during the
12 months after the termination of the merger agreement.
NBT required CNB to agree to these provisions as a condition to
NBTs willingness to enter into the merger agreement.
However, these provisions might discourage a third party that
might have an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of
CNB from considering or proposing that acquisition even if it
were prepared to pay consideration with a higher per share
market price than the current proposed merger consideration, and
the termination fee might result in a potential competing
acquirer proposing to pay a lower per share price to acquire CNB
than it might otherwise have proposed to pay.
CNBs executive officers and directors have financial
interests in the merger that are different from your interest as
a CNB shareholder.
CNB executive officers negotiated the merger agreement with NBT,
and the board of directors approved the agreement and is
recommending that CNB shareholders vote for the agreement. In
considering these facts and the other information contained in
this proxy statement/ prospectus, you should be aware that
CNBs executive officers and directors have financial
interests in the merger in addition to the interests that they
share with you as a CNB shareholder. These interests include:
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the payment of certain severance benefits under existing change
in control agreements and new employee retention agreements. |
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the appointment of Timothy E. Delaney and Brian K. Hanaburgh to
the board of directors of NBT Bank, N.A. |
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the accelerated vesting of all outstanding unvested stock
options, including options for up to 25,425 shares of
common stock held by CNBs executive officers and directors. |
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the appointment of each member of CNBs Boards of
Directors, other than Messrs. Delaney and Hanaburgh, to a
newly created Fulton County Advisory Board, for which each
advisory board member will receive a $1,000 fee for each meeting
attended. |
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the agreement by NBT to indemnify CNB directors and officers. |
See the discussion under the heading Interests of CNB
Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger That are
Different Than Yours.
SHAREHOLDER MEETING OF CNB BANCORP, INC.
Matters to be Considered at the Special Meeting
We are first mailing this document to the holders of CNBs
common stock on or
about ,
2005. It is accompanied by a proxy card furnished in connection
with the solicitation of proxies by the CNB Board of Directors
for use at the special meeting of CNBs shareholders
on ,
2005,
at ,
at .
At the special meeting, the holders of CNBs common stock
will consider and vote on:
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the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement, the
merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement, and |
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any other business that properly comes before the special
meeting, or any adjournments or postponements of the meeting,
including, without limitation, a motion to adjourn the special
meeting to another time and/or place for the purpose of
soliciting additional proxies in order to approve the merger
agreement and the merger or otherwise. |
Record Date and Voting
The CNB Board of Directors has fixed the close of business
on ,
2005 as the record date for determining the CNB shareholders
entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the special
meeting. Only holders of record of CNBs common stock at
the close of business on that day will be entitled to vote at
the special meeting or at any adjournment or postponement of the
meeting. At the close of business
on ,
2005, there
were shares
of CNBs common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at
the special meeting, held by
approximately shareholders
of record.
Each holder of CNBs common stock
on ,
2005 will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record
on each matter that is properly submitted at the special meeting
or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. The presence,
in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of
CNBs common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to
vote at the special meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in the
calculation of the number of shares represented at the special
meeting in order to determine whether a quorum has been
achieved. Since approval of the merger agreement requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
shares of CNBs common stock issued and outstanding,
abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a
vote against the merger agreement.
If a quorum is not obtained, or if fewer shares of CNBs
common stock are voted in favor of the proposal for approval of
the merger agreement than the number required for approval, it
is expected that the special meeting will be adjourned to allow
additional time for obtaining additional proxies. In that event,
proxies will be voted to approve an adjournment, except for
proxies as to which instructions have been given to vote against
the merger agreement.
If your proxy card is properly executed and received by CNB in
time to be voted at the special meeting, the shares represented
by the proxy card will be voted in accordance with the
instructions marked
15
on the proxy card. Executed proxies with no instructions
indicated on the proxy card will be voted FOR the merger
agreement and the merger.
The CNB Board of Directors is not aware of any other matters
that may properly come before the special meeting. If any other
matters properly come before the special meeting, the persons
named in the accompanying proxy will vote the shares represented
by all properly executed proxies on those matters as determined
by a majority of the CNB Board of Directors.
You are requested to complete, date and sign the accompanying
proxy form and to return it promptly in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope or, if the option is available to you, to
grant your proxy electronically over the Internet or by
telephone. Please refer to the voting instruction card used by
your bank, broker or other financial institution to see if you
may submit voting instructions using the Internet or telephone.
The enclosed proxy card is different from the blue election form
that you can use to elect to receive cash or stock in the
merger. Do not return your proxy card with the election form.
For information about the election form, see The
Merger Election Procedures; Surrender of Stock
Certificates. To vote on the merger agreement, you need to
complete the proxy card properly and return it in the enclosed
envelope, grant your proxy electronically over the Internet or
by telephone, or attend the special meeting and vote in person.
You should not forward any stock certificates with your
proxy card. If you complete an election form, you should
forward your CNB stock certificates to the exchange agent with
the election form. If you do not complete an election form, if
the merger takes place, CNB stock certificates should be
delivered in accordance with instructions that will be sent to
you by NBTs exchange agent promptly after the effective
time of the merger.
Required Vote; Revocability of Proxies
In order to approve and adopt the merger agreement, the merger
of CNB and NBT and the other transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement, the holders of at least two-thirds of the
shares of CNBs common stock issued and outstanding
on ,
2005, must affirmatively vote FOR the merger agreement and the
merger.
The required vote of CNBs shareholders is based on the
total number of outstanding shares of CNBs common stock
and not on the number of shares which are actually voted. Not
returning a proxy card or submitting your proxy by telephone or
on the Internet (if the option is available to you), not voting
in person at the special meeting or abstaining from voting all
will have the same effect as voting AGAINST the merger agreement
and the merger.
The directors and named executive officers of CNB beneficially
owned as of June 30, 2005, a total of 137,494 shares
of CNBs common stock (excluding all options to purchase
shares of CNBs common stock), which was approximately 6%
of the outstanding shares of CNBs common stock on that
date. The directors and named executive officers have agreed to
vote their shares in favor of the merger agreement and the
merger and against competing proposals.
If you submit a proxy card or submit a proxy over the Internet
or by telephone by following the instructions on the enclosed
proxy card, attending the special meeting will not automatically
revoke your proxy. However, you may revoke a proxy at any time
before it is voted by:
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delivering to the Secretary of CNB, 10-24 North Main Street,
P.O. Box 873, Gloversville, New York 12078-0873, a
written notice of revocation before the special meeting, |
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delivering to CNB a duly executed proxy bearing a later date
before the special meeting or submitting another proxy by
telephone or over the Internet (your latest telephone or
Internet voting instructions are followed), or |
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attending the special meeting and voting in person. |
Solicitation of Proxies
In addition to solicitation by mail, directors, officers and
employees of CNB may solicit proxies for the special meeting
from shareholders personally or by telephone or telecopier
without receiving additional compensation for these activities.
The cost of soliciting proxies will be paid by CNB. CNB also
will make arrangements with brokerage firms and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send proxy materials to
their principals and will reimburse those parties for their
expenses in doing so. CNB has retained D.F. King &
Co., Inc. to assist in soliciting proxies for the meeting and to
send proxy materials to brokerage houses and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for transmittal to their principals, at
a cost of $6,500 plus out-of-pocket expenses.
17
THE MERGER
The information in this section is qualified in its entirety
by reference to the full text of the merger agreement including
the exhibits attached thereto, a copy of which is attached to
this proxy statement/ prospectus as Exhibit A and which is
incorporated by reference into this document.
The Parties
NBT and CNB have entered into an agreement and plan of merger.
Under this agreement, CNB will merge with and into NBT, and
immediately thereafter City National Bank and Trust Company,
which is a wholly owned subsidiary of CNB, will be merged with
and into NBT Bank, N.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of NBT, with
NBT and NBT Bank surviving. The consummation of the merger is
subject to customary conditions such as shareholder and
regulatory approvals.
NBT is a registered bank holding company incorporated in the
State of Delaware in 1986 that has elected financial holding
company status, with its principal headquarters located in
Norwich, New York. The Company is the parent holding company of
NBT Bank, NBT Financial Services, Inc., and CNBF Capital
Trust I. Through NBT Bank and NBT Financial, NBT operates
as one segment focused on community banking operations. CNBF
Capital Trust I was organized to raise additional
Tier 1 capital. NBTs primary business consists of
providing commercial banking and financial services to its
customers in its market area. The principal assets of NBT are
all of the outstanding shares of common stock of its direct
subsidiaries, and its principal sources of revenue are the
management fees and dividends it receives from NBT Bank and NBT
Financial.
At March 31, 2005, NBT had total consolidated assets of
$4.3 billion, total deposits of $3.2 billion, and
stockholders equity of $319.2 million or 7.5% of
total assets. At that date, NBT also had loans, net of
$2.9 billion, which included $718 million in
residential mortgage loans, $1.0 billion in commercial
loans and commercial real estate mortgages, $390 million in
home equity loans and $418 million in consumer loans. At
March 31, 2005, nonperforming assets, which include
nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and
accruing, were $17.4 million. At that date, NBTs
allowance for loan losses was $45.4 million, or 261.3% of
nonperforming loans and 1.6% of total loans. For additional
information about NBT that is incorporated by reference into
this document, see Incorporation of Documents by
Reference.
NBT, as a bank holding company, is regulated by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System. NBT Bank, as a national
bank, is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency and to some extent by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation.
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CNB and City National Bank |
CNB is a registered bank holding company incorporated in the
State of New York in 1989 that has elected financial holding
company status, with its principal headquarters located in
Gloversville, New York. The Company is the parent holding
company of City National Bank. City National Bank is engaged in
a general banking business with a range of banking and fiduciary
services including checking, negotiable orders of withdrawal,
savings and certificates of deposit. City National Bank also
offers a wide range of loan products including commercial, real
estate, and installment lending. Overdraft banking lines of
credit are also provided.
At March 31, 2005, CNB had total assets of approximately
$419.4 million, total deposits of approximately
$337.9 million, and stockholders equity of
approximately $39.4 million, or 9.4% of total assets. At
that date, CNB also had loans, net of $192.2 million. At
March 31, 2005, CNBs allowance for loan losses was
$2.4 million, or 2000% of nonperforming loans and 1.2% of
net loans. For additional information about CNB that is
incorporated by reference into this document, see
Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
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CNB, as a bank holding company, is regulated by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System. City National Bank, as
a national bank, is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller
of the Currency and to some extent by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation.
Background of the Merger
In view of local economic conditions in CNBs markets, the
planned retirement of CNBs Chief Executive Officer in 2006
and increased competition in the financial institutions
industry, beginning in the second half of 2004, CNBs Board
of Directors began to consider the steps it would need to take
to enhance its community banking franchise and maximize
shareholder value. The two primary alternatives that resulted
from such discussions were to either remain an independent
institution or engage in a strategic merger with a larger
institution.
On January 19, 2005, the Board of Directors engaged Alex
Sheshunoff & Co. (Sheshunoff) to help it
evaluate the strategic options available for CNB. At a meeting
of the Board of Directors held on February 28, 2005, the
directors received and considered the views of Sheshunoff.
Sheshunoffs presentation addressed trends in the banking
industry, the future role of the community bank in a highly
competitive environment, the relative success of others in
maintaining profitable independence and various analyses of bank
merger transactions. The Board of Directors carefully considered
all of the information provided by Sheshunoff and, following
numerous conversations during which the two primary strategic
alternatives were addressed and analyzed, the CNB Board of
Directors determined to investigate further the possibility of a
business combination transaction with a larger financial
institution.
In March 2005, the Board of Directors decided to retain Austin
Associates, LLC (Austin Associates) based on its
substantial expertise and experience in bank merger
transactions, to assist the board in seeking and evaluating
merger proposals from larger financial institutions. In
addition, the board authorized management to consult with
CNBs legal counsel to discuss the process of merging with
a larger financial institution.
During the latter part of March and early April 2005, Austin
Associates conducted due diligence on CNB. In April and May
2005, Austin Associates held discussions with seven institutions
believed by it and CNB to be potentially interested in and
financially and otherwise capable of engaging in a business
combination with CNB. Five of these companies expressed interest
and executed confidentiality agreements with CNB and received
information about CNB. During the latter part of April and early
May 2005, Messrs. Smith and Morgan, together with a
principal of Austin Associates, met with management of the four
companies who expressed an interest in continuing discussions
about a potential merger transaction.
Following these meetings, three companies submitted preliminary,
nonbinding indications of interest. At a meeting of the
directors on May 10, 2005, the CNB Board of Directors
reviewed with Austin Associates and CNBs legal advisors
the merger process, the results of the discussions with the
three interested companies and the three preliminary, nonbinding
indications of interest that had been received. In addition,
Austin Associates presented profiles of, and historical
financial and performance data for, each of the three companies.
At the conclusion of the May 10, 2005 meeting, the
directors authorized management, with the assistance of Austin
Associates, to continue discussions with NBT and one of the
other companies that submitted a bid and to permit each to
continue their due diligence review of CNB.
During the weeks of May 16 and 23, 2005, NBT and the other
company conducted due diligence reviews of CNB. On May 23,
2005, management of NBT and management of the other company each
made separate presentations to the CNB Board of Directors. Each
company was instructed to submit a final, nonbinding indication
of interest by June 1, 2005 along with comments on a draft
merger agreement prepared by CNBs counsel.
On June 3, 2005, the directors again met with Austin
Associates and counsel to consider the two final, nonbinding
indications of interest, as well as the comments to the draft
merger agreement. The Board of Directors thoroughly compared the
two proposals, including the form and value of the
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consideration offered, plans for integration and treatment of
employees, and the ability of each to complete the transaction.
Counsel reviewed with directors their fiduciary duties. At the
conclusion of the meeting, the CNB Board of Directors determined
that NBTs proposed price of $38.00 per share of CNB
common stock (55% in the form of NBT common stock and 45% in the
form of cash) was more attractive than the other proposal and
authorized management and CNBs legal and financial
advisors to seek to negotiate the terms of a definitive merger
agreement with NBT.
On June 13, 2005, the CNB Board of Directors held a special
meeting to review the final terms of the proposed merger
agreement. CNBs counsel summarized for the directors the
negotiations that had occurred between representatives of CNB
and NBT following the last board meeting on June 3, 2005
and reviewed with the board the terms and conditions of the
final merger agreement in detail, as well as other relevant
aspects of the proposed transaction. Following that review,
Austin Associates again analyzed the financial terms of the
transaction at length, and delivered its opinion that the merger
consideration was fair, from a financial point of view, to the
shareholders of CNB as of that date.
Based upon the CNB Board of Directors review of the
definitive terms of the transactions, the opinion of Austin
Associates and other relevant factors, the CNB Board of
Directors, by unanimous vote of all directors, concluded that
the terms and conditions of the merger agreement were fair to,
and in the best interests of, CNB and its shareholders, and
authorized and approved the execution of the merger agreement.
Reasons for the Merger and the Recommendation of CNBs
Board of Directors
CNBs Board of Directors has determined that the merger is
fair to and in the best interests of CNB and its shareholders
and, by the unanimous vote of all the directors of CNB present
at the meeting, approved and adopted the merger agreement and
the merger. ACCORDINGLY, CNBS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF
THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
In the course of reaching its determination, CNBs Board of
Directors consulted with its legal counsel regarding its
fiduciary duties, the terms of the merger agreement and related
issues; with its financial advisors regarding the financial
aspects and the fairness of the transaction to the shareholders
from a financial point of view; and with senior management of
CNB regarding, among other things, operational matters.
In reaching its determination to approve the merger agreement,
CNBs Board of Directors considered all factors it deemed
material. The Board of Directors analyzed information with
respect to the financial condition, results of operations,
businesses and prospects of CNB. In this regard, CNBs
Board of Directors considered the performance trends of CNB over
the past several years. The Board of Directors compared
CNBs current and anticipated future operating results to
publicly available financial and other information for other
similarly sized banking institutions. The board also considered
the ability of CNB to grow as an independent institution, the
prospects of CNB to make potential acquisitions, and its ability
to further enhance shareholder value without engaging in a
strategic transaction. In this regard, CNBs Board of
Directors considered the long-term as well as the short-term
interests of the bank and its shareholders, including whether
those interests may best be served by the continued independence
of the bank.
In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement and the
merger, the Board of Directors also considered a number of
factors, including the following:
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1. The merger represents an opportunity for CNBs
shareholders to realize a premium over recent market prices for
their common stock. The merger price per share represents a 42%
premium over the closing price of CNBs common stock on the
day before the merger was announced, and a 42% premium over the
average closing price of CNBs common stock for the
four-week period immediately preceding the merger announcement. |
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2. CNBs Board of Directors considered the opinion of
Austin Associates that the merger consideration was fair to
CNBs shareholders from a financial point of view, as
described below under |
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Fairness Opinion of Austin Associates,
LLC. CNBs Board of Directors reviewed the
assumptions and results of the various valuation methodologies
employed by Austin Associates in arriving at its opinion and
found those assumptions and results to be reasonable. |
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3. CNBs Board of Directors considered the current
operating environment, including but not limited to the
continued consolidation and increasing competition in the
banking and financial services industries, the prospects for
further changes in these industries, and the importance of being
able to capitalize on developing opportunities in these
industries. CNBs Board of Directors also considered the
current and prospective economic and competitive conditions
facing CNB in its market areas. CNBs board also considered
the challenges facing CNB in remaining an independent banking
institution, the lack of opportunities to grow through potential
acquisitions or merger of equals, and the
difficulties of further enhancing shareholder value. |
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4. CNBs Board of Directors reviewed the terms and
conditions of the merger agreement, including the parties
respective representations, warranties and covenants, the
conditions to closing, and the fact that the merger agreement
permits CNBs Board of Directors, in the exercise of its
fiduciary duties, under certain conditions, to furnish
information to, or engage in negotiations with, a third party
which has submitted an unsolicited superior proposal to acquire
CNB, and provisions providing for CNBs payment of a
termination fee to NBT in certain circumstances. |
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5. CNBs Board of Directors considered the ability of
NBT to pay the merger consideration, and accordingly, together
with its financial advisor and management, reviewed NBTs
financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and
capital position. |
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6. CNBs Board of Directors considered the ability of
NBT to consummate the transaction in an efficient and timely
manner based on its history of consummating other acquisitions. |
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7. CNBs Board of Directors considered the likelihood
of the merger being approved by the appropriate regulatory
authorities. See Regulatory Approvals
below for more information. |
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8. CNBs Board of Directors examined current financial
market conditions and historical market prices and trading
information with respect to shares of CNB common stock. In
particular, the board noted the relative illiquidity of
CNBs common stock. |
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9. CNBs Board of Directors considered the potential
impact of the merger on CNBs customers. The board viewed
the potential impact on customers as positive in view of
NBTs history of providing exceptional service to
customers, and the fact that the merger will enhance the
services available to CNBs customers without sacrificing
the personal attention and dedication that CNB has offered. |
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10. CNBs Board of Directors considered the
mergers impact on CNBs employees. Although the board
recognized that NBT did not make any commitment to retain any or
all of CNBs offices and that certain of CNBs offices
may be subject to closure, the board viewed the impact on
employees as generally positive, in that they would become part
of a more geographically diversified institution with greater
resources and opportunities than CNB. In addition, the board
looked favorably on NBTs commitment to Fulton County as
evidenced by its agreement to maintain the CNB headquarters
facility in downtown Gloversville, NY as a regional hub office
and its agreement to create a Fulton County Advisory Board. |
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11. CNBs Board of Directors considered community and
societal considerations, and NBTs commitment to local
civic groups, charitable organizations, and the towns and cities
in which it operates. |
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12. CNBs Board of Directors also considered the fact
that the shareholders of NBT would not be required to approve
the merger agreement. |
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13. CNBs Board of Directors considered the advice of
its financial advisor that the advisor had sought indications of
interest from other financial institutions that were both most
likely to have an interest in acquiring CNB and capable of
consummating such an acquisition. |
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In approving the merger, CNBs Board of Directors was aware
that as a result of the merger, CNBs common stock will no
longer be publicly traded.
This description of the information and factors considered by
CNBs Board of Directors is not intended to be exhaustive,
but is believed to include all material factors the board
considered. In determining whether to approve and recommend the
merger agreement, CNBs Board of Directors did not assign
any relative or specific weights to any of the foregoing
factors, and individual directors may have weighed factors
differently. After deliberating with respect to the merger and
the merger agreement, considering, among other things, the
reasons discussed above and the opinion of Austin Associates
referred to above, CNBs Board of Directors approved and
adopted the merger agreement and the merger as being in the best
interests of CNB and its shareholders, based on the total mix of
information available to the board.
Purpose and Effects of the Merger
The purpose of the merger is to enable NBT to acquire the assets
and business of CNB through the merger of NBT and CNB. After the
merger, CNBs headquarters facility at 10-24 North Main
Street in downtown Gloversville will remain open as a regional
hub office and it is expected that some of CNBs other
branch banking offices will remain open and will be operated as
banking offices of NBT Bank.
NBT expects to achieve reductions in the current operating
expenses of CNB upon the consolidation of CNBs operations
into NBT Bank. Upon completion of the merger, except as
discussed below, the issued and outstanding shares of CNBs
common stock automatically will be converted into the merger
consideration. See Merger Consideration.
Structure
CNB will merge with and into NBT, and immediately thereafter
City National Bank, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of CNB,
will be merged with and into NBT Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary
of NBT, with NBT and NBT Bank surviving. When the merger takes
place, except as discussed below, each issued and outstanding
share of CNBs common stock will be converted into the
right to receive cash and shares of NBTs common stock
based on the merger consideration, as described below. Cash will
be paid instead of fractional shares of NBT common stock. Shares
of CNBs common stock held as treasury stock or held
directly or indirectly by CNB, NBT or any of their subsidiaries,
other than trust account shares and shares related to any
previously contracted debt, will be canceled and shall cease to
exist.
NBT and CNB expect that the merger will take place in the fourth
quarter of 2005, or as soon as possible after we receive all
required regulatory and shareholder approvals and all regulatory
waiting periods expire. If the merger does not take place by
March 31, 2006, the merger agreement may be terminated by
either party (excluding any breaching party) unless both parties
agree to extend it.
Merger Consideration
The merger agreement provides that CNB shareholders will have
the right, with respect to each of their shares of CNB common
stock, to elect to receive, subject to proration as described
below, either (i) 1.64 shares of NBTs common
stock, or (ii) $38.00 in cash. However, if the price of
NBTs common stock falls below thresholds set forth in the
merger agreement, CNB may terminate the merger agreement unless
NBT decides to increase the exchange ratio, which would result
in NBT issuing more shares of its common stock to complete the
merger. See Termination and Amendment of the Merger
Agreement.
Non-Electing Shares. CNB shareholders who make no
election to receive cash or NBT common stock in the merger, and
CNB shareholders who do not make a valid election, will be
deemed not to have made an election. Shareholders not making an
election may be paid in cash, NBT common stock or a mix of cash
and shares of NBT common stock depending on, and after giving
effect to, the number of valid cash elections and stock
elections that have been made by other CNB shareholders using
the proration adjustments described below.
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Election Limitations. The number of shares of CNB common
stock that will be converted into NBT common stock in the merger
is fixed at 55% of the total CNB common shares outstanding
immediately before completion of the merger. The remainder, or
45%, of the CNB common shares will be converted into the cash
consideration. Therefore, the cash and stock elections are
subject to proration to preserve this requirement regarding the
number of shares of NBT common stock to be issued and the cash
to be paid in the merger. As a result, if you elect to receive
only cash or only stock, you may nevertheless receive a mix of
cash and stock.
Proration if Too Much Stock is Elected. If CNB
shareholders elect to receive more NBT common stock than NBT has
agreed to issue in the merger, then CNB shareholders who elected
to receive cash or who have made no election will receive cash
for each share of CNB common stock they own. All CNB
shareholders who elected to receive NBT common stock will
receive a pro rata portion of the available NBT shares plus the
cash consideration for those shares not converted into NBT
common stock.
Proration if Too Much Cash is Elected. If CNB
shareholders elect to receive fewer shares of NBT common stock
than NBT has agreed to issue in the merger, then all CNB
shareholders who elected to receive NBT common stock will
receive NBT common stock and those shareholders who have elected
cash or have made no election will be treated in the following
manner:
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If the number of shares held by CNB shareholders who have made
no election is sufficient to make up the shortfall in the number
of NBT shares that NBT is required to issue, then all CNB
shareholders who elected cash will receive cash, and those
shareholders who made no election will receive a combination of
cash and NBT common stock in whatever proportion is necessary to
make up the shortfall. |
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If the number of shares held by CNB shareholders who have made
no election is insufficient to make up the shortfall, then all
of those shares will be converted into NBT common stock and
those CNB shareholders who elected to receive cash will receive
a combination of cash and NBT common stock in whatever
proportion is necessary to make up the shortfall. |
No guarantee can be made that you will receive solely stock or
solely cash, if you so elect. As a result of the allocation
procedures and other limitations outlined in this document and
in the merger agreement, you may receive NBT common stock or
cash in amounts that vary from the amounts you elect to receive.
Certificates for fractions of shares of NBTs common stock
will not be issued. Instead of a fractional share of NBTs
common stock, a CNB shareholder will be entitled to receive an
amount of cash equal to the fraction of a share of NBTs
common stock to which the shareholder would otherwise be
entitled multiplied by the average of the daily closing prices
per share for NBTs common stock for the five consecutive
trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the
closing date of the merger.
The conversion of CNBs common stock into merger
consideration will occur automatically upon completion of the
merger. Under the merger agreement, after the effective time of
the merger, NBT will cause its exchange agent to pay the
purchase price to each CNB shareholder who
surrenders the appropriate documents to the exchange agent. In
this document, we use the term purchase price to
refer to the (i) shares (if any) of NBTs common
stock, (ii) cash (if any) and (iii) any cash to be
paid instead of a fraction of a share of NBTs common
stock, payable to each holder of CNBs common stock.
Election Procedures; Surrender of Stock Certificates
An election form is being sent together with this proxy
statement/ prospectus. The election form entitles the record
holder of CNB common stock to indicate a preference to receive
either (a) $38.00 in cash, without interest, or
(b) 1.64 shares of NBT common stock. If no election is
made, then such holder shall receive cash, stock or a
combination of cash and stock in the merger as outlined above.
To make an effective election, a record shareholder must submit
a properly completed election form
to ,
which will be acting as the exchange agent, on or before
5:00 p.m. local time in Norwich,
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New York,
on ,
2005. An election form will be deemed properly completed only if
accompanied by stock certificates representing all shares of CNB
common stock covered by the election form (or an appropriate
guarantee of delivery). You may change your election at any time
prior to the election deadline by written notice accompanied by
a properly completed and signed, revised election form received
by the exchange agent prior to the election deadline. You may
revoke your election by written notice received by the exchange
agent prior to the election deadline or by withdrawal of your
stock certificates prior to the election deadline. All elections
will be revoked automatically if the merger agreement is
terminated.
Shareholders will not be entitled to revoke or change their
elections following the election deadline. As a result,
shareholders who have made elections will be unable to sell
their shares of CNB common stock during the interval between the
election deadline and the date of completion of the merger.
If stock certificates for CNB common stock are not immediately
available or time will not permit the election form and other
required documents to reach the exchange agent prior to the
election deadline, CNB shares may be properly exchanged provided
that:
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(1) |
such exchanges are made by or through a member firm of the
Nasdaq National Market or another registered national securities
exchange, or by a commercial bank or trust company having an
office, branch or agency in the United States; |
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(2) |
the exchange agent receives, prior to the election deadline, a
properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery substantially in the form provided with this proxy
statement/ prospectus (delivered by hand, mail, telegram, telex
or facsimile transmission); and |
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the exchange agent receives, within five business days after the
election deadline, the certificates for all exchanged CNB
shares, or confirmation of the delivery of all such certificates
into the exchange agents account with the Depository Trust
Company in accordance with the proper procedures for such
transfer, together with a properly completed and duly executed
election form and any other documents required by the election
form. |
CNB shareholders who do not submit a properly completed election
form or revoke their election form prior to the election
deadline will have their shares of CNB common stock designated
as non-election shares and will receive cash, stock or a
combination of stock and cash as outlined above. CNB stock
certificates represented by elections that have been revoked or
not fulfilled will be returned without charge.
CNB shareholders who hold their shares of common stock in
street name through a bank, broker or other
financial institution, and who wish to make an election, should
seek instructions from the financial institution holding their
shares concerning how to make the election.
NBT will deposit with the exchange agent the certificates
representing NBTs common stock and cash to be issued to
CNB shareholders in exchange for CNBs common stock. As
soon as practicable after the completion of the merger, the
exchange agent will mail to CNB shareholders who do not submit
election forms a letter of transmittal, together with
instructions for the exchange of their CNB stock certificates
for the merger consideration. Upon surrendering his or her
certificate(s) representing shares of CNBs common stock,
together with the signed letter of transmittal, the CNB
shareholder shall be entitled to receive, as applicable
(i) certificate(s) representing a number of whole shares of
NBTs common stock determined in accordance with the
exchange ratio, (ii) a check representing the amount of
cash to which such holder shall have become entitled to, and
(iii) a check representing the amount of cash in lieu of
fractional shares. You will not be paid dividends or other
distributions declared after the merger with respect to any NBT
common stock into which your shares have been converted until
you surrender your CNB stock certificates for exchange. No
interest will be paid or accrue to CNB shareholders on the cash
consideration, cash instead of fractional shares or unpaid
dividends and distributions, if any. After the effective time of
the merger, there will be no further transfers of the CNB common
stock. CNB stock certificates presented for transfer after the
completion of the merger will be canceled and exchanged for the
merger consideration.
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If your stock certificates have been lost, stolen or destroyed,
you will have to prove your ownership of these certificates,
certify that they were lost, stolen or destroyed and post a bond
in such amount as NBT may reasonably direct before you receive
any consideration for your shares. Upon request, NBT will send
you instructions on how to provide evidence of ownership.
If any certificate representing shares of NBTs common
stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the
certificate for shares surrendered in exchange is registered, or
cash is to be paid to a person other than the registered holder,
it will be a condition of issuance or payment that the
certificate so surrendered be properly endorsed or otherwise be
in proper form for transfer and that the person requesting the
exchange either:
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pay to the exchange agent in advance any transfer or other taxes
required by reason of the issuance of a certificate or payment
to a person other than the registered holder of the certificate
surrendered, or |
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establish to the satisfaction of the exchange agent that the tax
has been paid or is not payable. |
Any portion of the purchase price made available to the exchange
agent that remains unclaimed by CNB shareholders for six months
after the effective time of the merger will be returned to NBT.
Any CNB shareholder who has not exchanged shares of CNBs
common stock for the purchase price in accordance with the
merger agreement before that time may look only to NBT for
payment of the purchase price for these shares and any unpaid
dividends or distributions after that time. Nonetheless, NBT,
CNB, the exchange agent or any other person will not be liable
to any CNB shareholder for any amount properly delivered to a
public official under applicable abandoned property, escheat or
similar laws.
Treatment of CNB Stock Options
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Nonqualified Stock Options |
CNB Stock Option Plan. In accordance with the CNB Stock
Option Plan, in connection with the merger agreement, each
outstanding option to purchase shares of CNB common stock under
the CNB Stock Option Plan outstanding and unexercised
immediately prior thereto will become vested, to the extent not
already vested, and immediately exercisable. Each holder of an
option to purchase shares of CNB common stock under the CNB
Stock Option Plan will be given the opportunity to elect to
receive at the effective time of the merger a cash payment equal
to $38.00 less the exercise price per share of the stock option,
multiplied by the number of shares of CNB common stock subject
to the stock option, less any required tax withholding. Upon
consummation of the merger, all outstanding and unexercised
options that have not otherwise been cashed-out pursuant to the
foregoing election will terminate. CNB will provide each holder
of an option to purchase shares of CNB common stock under the
CNB Stock Option Plan written notice informing each such holder
of their rights to exercise, the cash election, and the
termination of any outstanding and unexercised options as of the
effective time.
CNB Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan and Adirondack
Financial Services Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Stock Option and Incentive
Plan. Upon completion of the merger, all outstanding stock
options under the CNB Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan and
the Adirondack Financial Services Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Stock
Option and Incentive Plan, whether or not such options are
exercisable or vested, will be cancelled and converted into the
right to receive, a cash payment equal to $38.00 less the
exercise price per share of the stock option, multiplied by the
number of shares of CNB common stock subject to the stock
option, less any required tax withholding. CNB will provide each
holder of an option to purchase shares of CNB common stock under
these plans a written notice informing each holder of their
right to receive the cash payment and of the termination of any
outstanding and unexercised options as of the effective time.
Upon completion of the merger, each CNB stock option that is an
incentive option under Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and outstanding and
unexercised immediately thereto, whether or not exercisable or
vested, will become vested and will be converted into
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an option to purchase shares of NBT common stock in an amount
and at an exercise price determined on the following basis:
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The number of shares of NBT common stock to be subject to the
option immediately after the effective time of the merger will
be equal to the product of the number of shares of CNB common
stock subject to the option immediately before the merger,
multiplied by 1.64. Any fractional shares of NBT common stock
resulting from this multiplication will be rounded down to the
nearest whole share; and |
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The exercise price per share of NBT common stock under the
converted option immediately after the merger will be equal to
the exercise price per share of CNB common stock under the
option immediately before the merger divided by 1.64. |
The adjustment will be made in a manner consistent with
Section 424 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
Regulatory Approvals
For the mergers of NBT and CNB and of NBT Bank and City National
Bank to take place, we must receive approvals of the Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency (the OCC), the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the FRB), and the
New York State Banking Department (NYSBD), or
waivers of the applicable filing requirements. In this section,
we refer to these approvals as the required regulatory
approvals. NBT and CNB have agreed to cooperate to obtain
the required regulatory approvals.
NBT Bank has filed with the OCC an application for approval of
the merger of NBT Bank and City National Bank. We refer to that
merger in this section as the bank merger. The bank
merger is subject to the approval of the OCC under the National
Bank Consolidation and Merger Act, the Bank Merger Act
provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and related OCC
regulations. These approvals require consideration by the OCC of
various factors, including assessments of the competitive effect
of the contemplated transaction, the managerial and financial
resources and future prospects of the resulting institution, the
effectiveness of the institutions involved in combating money
laundering, and the effect of the contemplated transaction on
the convenience and needs of the communities to be served. The
Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, commonly referred to as the
CRA, also requires that the OCC, in deciding whether
to approve the bank merger, assess the records of performance of
NBT Bank and City National Bank in meeting the credit needs of
the communities they serve, including low and moderate income
neighborhoods. As part of the review process, it is not unusual
for the OCC to receive protests and other adverse comments from
community groups and others. NBT Bank currently has an
Outstanding CRA rating from the OCC. City National
Bank currently has a Satisfactory CRA rating from
the OCC. The OCC regulations require publication of notice and
an opportunity for public comment concerning the applications
filed in connection with the bank merger, and authorize the OCC
to hold informal and formal meetings in connection with the
applications if the OCC, after reviewing the applications or
other materials, determines it desirable to do so or receives a
request for an informal meeting. Any meeting or comments
provided by third parties could prolong the period during which
the merger is subject to review by the OCC. The bank merger may
not take place for a period of either 15 or 30 days
following OCC approval, during which time the Department of
Justice has authority to challenge the merger on antitrust
grounds. The OCC will determine the precise length of the period
in consultation with the Department of Justice. The commencement
of an antitrust action would stay the effectiveness of any
approval granted by the OCC unless a court specifically orders
otherwise. If the Department of Justice does not start a legal
action during the waiting period, it may not challenge the
transaction afterward, except in an action under Section 2
of the Sherman Antitrust Act.
NBT has filed with the FRB an application under the Bank Holding
Act of 1956, as amended, for approval of the merger of NBT and
CNB. In processing this application, the FRB will evaluate NBT
under the same standards set forth above for the Bank Merger Act
filing with the OCC. This filing will also be subject to a
Department of Justice antitrust review period.
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NBT also has filed an application with the NYSBD to form a bank
holding company for purposes of the New York Banking Law. The
application is subject to NYSBD review and approval under
Section 142 of the New York Banking Law. The application
will be acted upon by the NYSBD within 120 days of its
submission. In determining whether to approve the application,
the NYSBD is required to consider whether (i) approval is
consistent with the declaration of policy contained in
Section 10 of the New York Banking Law, (ii) the size
of the proposed holding company would be consistent with
adequate or sound banking and the preservation thereof, or would
result in a concentration of assets beyond limits consistent
with effective competition, (iii) the formation of the bank
holding company may result in such a lessening of competition as
to be injurious to the interest of the public or tend toward
monopoly, and (iv) the proposed formation is consistent
with the public interest and the needs and convenience thereof.
As part of this analysis, the NYSBD will consider the CRA
ratings of the depository institutions involved and their
records of meeting the credit needs of the entire community,
including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, as well as any
public comments received on the proposal.
NBT and CNB are not aware of any other material governmental
approvals that are required for the holding company and bank
mergers to take place that are not described above. If any other
approval or action is required, we expect that we would seek the
approval or take the necessary action.
The merger cannot take place without the required regulatory
approvals or waivers, which we have not yet received. There is
no assurance that we will receive these approvals or waivers, or
if we do, when we will receive them or that they will not
contain a non-customary condition that materially alters the
anticipated benefits and effects of the bank merger. Also, there
is no assurance that the Department of Justice will not
challenge the merger on antitrust grounds following OCC or FRB
approval, or, if a challenge is made, what the result of a
challenge would be.
Conditions to the Merger
Under the merger agreement, NBT and CNB are not obligated to
complete the merger unless the following conditions are
satisfied:
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the FRB, OCC and NYSBD approval or non-objection of the merger
or the bank merger and the expiration of all statutory waiting
periods, or waiver of an applicable filing requirement; |
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approval of the merger agreement by the affirmative vote of
two-thirds of the issued and outstanding shares of CNB; |
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the absence of any statute, law, regulation, order or decree by
which the merger is restrained or enjoined; |
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the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the
parties set forth in the merger agreement; |
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the absence of any changes in CNBs business, operations,
condition, assets or liabilities that individually or in the
aggregate has had or would reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on CNB; |
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the receipt of tax opinions that have been delivered by counsel
to NBT and CNB to the effect that the merger will qualify as a
tax-free reorganization under United States federal income tax
laws; and |
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the registration statement relating to the merger is declared
effective by the SEC. |
Stockholder approval and regulatory approvals may not be legally
waived.
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger
The merger agreement contains various restrictions on the
operations of CNB before the effective time of the merger. In
general, the merger agreement obligates CNB to continue to carry
on its businesses in the ordinary course consistent with past
practices and with prudent banking practices, with specific
limitations on the lending activities and other operations of
CNB.
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In addition, CNB has agreed that, except as expressly
contemplated by the merger agreement or specified in a schedule
to the merger agreement, without the prior written consent of
NBT, it will not, among other things:
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enter into, amend in any material respect or terminate any
contract or agreement, except in the ordinary course of business; |
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change compensation or benefits, except for merit increases or
bonuses consistent with past practice in the ordinary course of
business; |
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incur any capital expenditures in excess of $25,000 individually
or $50,000 in the aggregate other than pursuant to binding
commitments or necessary to maintain existing assets in good
repair; |
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issue any additional shares of capital stock except under
outstanding options, or grant any options, declare or pay any
dividend other than its regular quarterly dividend; and |
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except for prior commitments previously disclosed to NBT, make
any new loan or other credit facility commitment to any borrower
or group of affiliated borrowers in excess of $2,000,000 for a
commercial real estate loan, $500,000 for a secured commercial
business loan, $500,000 for a residential loan, $2,000,000 for a
construction loan, or $100,000 for an unsecured loan, without
the prior consent of NBT. |
In addition to the covenants described under Conduct of
Business Pending the Merger, the merger agreement contains
various other customary covenants, including, among other
things, access to information, each partys efforts to
cause its representations and warranties to be true and correct
on the closing date; and each partys agreement to use its
reasonable best efforts to cause the merger to qualify as a
tax-free reorganization.
Until the merger is completed or the merger agreement is
terminated, CNB has agreed that it, its subsidiaries, its
officers and its directors will not, among other things:
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initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage any inquiries or the
making of any acquisition proposal; |
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enter into, maintain or continue any discussions or negotiations
regarding any acquisition proposals; and |
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agree to or endorse any acquisition proposal. |
CNB may, however, furnish information regarding CNB to, or enter
into and engage in discussion with, any person or entity in
response to an unsolicited acquisition proposal by the person or
entity relating to an acquisition proposal if:
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CNBs board of directors determines in good faith after
receipt of an opinion from its independent financial advisor and
after consultation with its legal advisors, taking into account
all legal, financial and regulatory aspects of the proposal and
the person making the proposal, that such proposal is reasonably
likely to result in a transaction more favorable than the
merger, from a financial point-of-view, to CNBs
stockholders; |
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CNBs board of directors determines in good faith, after
consultation with its financial and legal advisors, that the
action is required for CNBs directors to comply with their
fiduciary obligations under applicable law; |
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CNB promptly notifies NBT of such inquiries, proposals or
offers, the material terms of such inquiries, proposals or
offers and the identity of the person making such inquiry,
proposal or offer; and |
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The CNB special meeting has not yet occurred. |
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Representations and Warranties
The merger agreement contains a number of customary
representations and warranties by NBT and CNB regarding aspects
of their respective businesses, financial condition, structure
and other facts pertinent to the merger that are customary for a
transaction of this kind. They include, among other things:
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the organization, existence, and corporate power and authority,
and capitalization of each of the companies; |
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the absence of conflicts with and violations of law and various
documents; contracts and agreements; |
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the absence of any development materially adverse to the
companies; |
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the absence of adverse material litigation; |
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the compliance of reports and financial statements filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission with the securities
laws; and |
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the accuracy and completeness of the representations and
warranties made in the merger agreement; |
and, with respect to CNB only:
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the existence, performance and legal effect of certain contracts; |
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no violations of law; |
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the filing of tax returns, payment of taxes and other tax
matters; |
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labor and employee benefit matters; and |
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compliance with applicable environmental laws. |
All representations, warranties and covenants of the parties,
other than the covenants in specified sections which relate to
continuing matters, terminate upon the merger.
Fairness Opinion of Austin Associates, LLC
CNB retained Austin Associates on March 14, 2005 to provide
financial advisory services in connection with the potential
sale of CNB. CNB selected Austin Associates as its financial
adviser on the basis of Austin Associates historical
relationship with CNB, and Austin Associates experience
and expertise in representing community banks in similar
transactions.
On June 13, 2005, Austin Associates delivered to CNBs
board, in conjunction with its meeting held to consider the
merger, its opinion to the effect that the terms of the merger
agreement are fair, from a financial point of view, to CNB and
its shareholders.
You should consider the following when reading the discussion of
Austin Associates opinion in this document:
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The summary of Austin Associates opinion set forth in this
prospectus/proxy statement is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of the opinion that is attached as
Appendix B to this document. You should read the opinion in
its entirety for a full discussion of the procedures followed,
assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and
limitations of the review undertaken by Austin Associates in
connection with its opinion. |
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Austin Associates expressed no opinion as to the price at which
NBT common stock would actually be trading at any time. |
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Austin Associates opinion does not address the relative
merits of the merger and the other business strategies
considered by CNBs board, nor does it address the
CNBs board decision to proceed with the merger. |
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Austin Associates opinion to CNBs board rendered in
connection with the merger does not constitute a recommendation
to any CNB shareholder as to how he or she should vote at the
special meeting. |
The preparation of a financial fairness opinion involves various
determinations as to the most appropriate methods of financial
analysis and the application of those methods to the particular
circumstances. It is, therefore, not readily susceptible to
partial analysis or summary description. In connection with
rendering its opinion, Austin Associates performed a variety of
financial analyses. Austin Associates believes that its analyses
and the facts considered in its analyses, without considering
all other factors and analyses could create an incomplete or
inaccurate view of the analyses and the process underlying the
rendering of Austin Associates opinion. No limitations
were imposed by CNBs board or its management upon Austin
Associates with respect to the investigations made or the
procedures followed by Austin Associates in rendering its
opinion.
In performing its analyses, Austin Associates made numerous
assumptions with respect to industry performance, business and
economic conditions, and other matters, many of which are beyond
the control of NBT and CNB and may not be realized. Any
estimates contained in Austin Associates analyses are not
necessarily predictive of future results or values, and may be
significantly more or less favorable than the estimates.
Estimates of values of companies do not purport to be appraisals
or necessarily reflect the prices at which the companies or
their securities may actually be sold. Except as described
below, none of the analyses performed by Austin Associates was
assigned a greater significance by Austin Associates than any
other. The relative importance or weight given to these analyses
is not affected by the order of the analyses or the
corresponding results. The summaries of financial analyses
include information presented in tabular format. The tables
should be read together with the text of those summaries.
Austin Associates has relied, without independent verification,
upon the accuracy and completeness of the information it
reviewed for the purpose of rendering its opinion. Austin
Associates did not undertake any independent evaluation or
appraisal of the assets and liabilities of NBT or CNB, nor was
it furnished with any appraisals. Austin Associates has not
reviewed any individual credit files of NBT or CNB, and has
assumed that NBTs and CNBs allowances are, in the
aggregate, adequate to cover losses. Austin Associates
opinion is based on economic, market and other conditions
existing on the date of its opinion.
In rendering its opinion, Austin Associates made the following
assumptions:
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that the merger will be accounted for as a purchase in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
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that all material governmental, regulatory and other consents
and approvals necessary for the consummation of the merger would
be obtained without any adverse effect on CNB, NBT or on the
anticipated benefits of the merger; |
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that CNB had provided it with all of the information prepared by
CNB or its other representatives that might be material to
Austin Associates in its review; and |
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that the financial projections it reviewed were reasonably
prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available
estimates and judgment of the management of CNB as to the future
operating and financial performance of CNB. |
In connection with its opinion, Austin Associates reviewed:
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the merger agreement; |
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audited financial statements of NBT for the five years ended
December 31, 2004, and unaudited statements for the three
months ended March 31, 2005; |
30
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audited financial statements of CNB for the five years ended
December 31, 2004, and unaudited statements for the three
months ended March 31, 2005; and |
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financial and operating information with respect to the
business, operations and prospects of NBT and CNB. |
In addition, Austin Associates:
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held discussions with members of the senior management of NBT
and CNB regarding the historical and current business
operations, financial condition and future prospects of their
respective companies; |
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reviewed the historical market prices and trading activity for
the common stock of NBT and CNB, and compared the market
activity of NBTs common stock with that of certain
publicly traded companies which it deemed to be relevant; |
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compared the results of operations of NBT and CNB with those of
certain financial institutions which it deemed to be relevant; |
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compared the financial terms of the merger with the financial
terms, to the extent publicly available, of other recent
business combinations of financial institutions; |
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analyzed the pro forma equivalent financial impact of the merger
to CNB per share data; and |
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conducted such other studies, analyses, inquiries and
examinations as Austin Associates deemed appropriate. |
The following is a summary of all material analyses performed by
Austin Associates in connection with its opinion provided to the
CNB board of directors as of June 13, 2005. The summary
does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses
performed by Austin Associates.
The Process for Soliciting Indications of Interest. After
analysis and discussions with CNB, Austin Associates contacted
select banking organizations based on quality and level of
overall financial performance, asset size, stock trading
activity and geographic scope of operations. Seven organizations
were contacted, of which five organizations executed
confidentiality agreements and received a confidential
information memorandum that provided detailed information
regarding the business and operations of CNB. Each organization
was requested to submit a specific proposal to acquire CNB.
Three written offers were received, and following due diligence
by two of the parties, the financial terms of the NBT proposal
were deemed to be superior to the other offers received.
Summary of Financial Terms of Agreement. Austin
Associates reviewed the financial terms of the proposed
transaction, including the form of consideration, the exchange
ratio for the stock portion of the purchase price, and the
resulting price per share of CNB common stock pursuant to the
proposed merger. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each
outstanding share of CNB will elect to receive either
$38.00 per share in cash or 1.64 shares of NBT common
stock. The agreement requires that 55 percent of CNB shares
will receive NBT common stock and 45 percent of CNBs
shares will receive cash. The agreement also provides for the
exchange of CNB incentive stock options for options to purchase
NBT common stock and for the payment of cash for all
nonqualified options of CNB for the difference between
$38.00 per share and the exercise price of each
nonqualified option.
Based on 2,221,520 common shares of CNB and stock options to
acquire 309,885 common shares of CNB with a weighted average
exercise price of $26.41, the negotiated value of the
transaction was approximately $88.0 million as of
June 12, 2005. Austin Associates calculated that the value
of $88.0 million represented:
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223 percent of book value at March 31, 2005; |
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270 percent of tangible book value at March 31, 2005; |
31
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21.1 times core net income (adjusted to exclude security gains
or losses) for the 12 months ended March 31, 2005; |
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a 17.8 percent premium over tangible book value as a
percent of core deposits as of March 31, 2005; and |
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a 44.8 percent premium over the closing stock price of CNB
on June 12, 2005 (the day prior to executing the agreement) |
Industry Comparative Analysis. In connection with
rendering its opinion, Austin Associates compared selected
results of CNBs operating performance to those of 17 New
York-based community banking organizations that are publicly
traded having total assets between $250 million and
$1 billion. Austin Associates considered this group of
financial institutions comparable to CNB on the basis of asset
size and geographic location. Austin Associates noted the
following selected financial measures for the New York-based
banks as of March 31, 2005 as compared to CNB:
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Median for | |
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New York | |
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CNB | |
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Peer Group | |
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LTM Core Return on Average Assets
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1.01% |
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0.98% |
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LTM Core Return on Average Equity
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10.57% |
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10.95% |
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LTM Efficiency Ratio
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62.1% |
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63.4% |
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Leverage Ratio
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7.89% |
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6.77% |
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Nonperforming Assets/ Total Assets
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0.04% |
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0.24% |
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LTM = last 12 months
This comparison indicated that CNB approximates that of the peer
group in overall profitability. CNBs level of capital as
measured by the leverage ratio is above the New York peer
median. Asset quality measure compares favorably to the peer
median.
Austin Associates also compared selected operating results of
NBT to those of 10 other publicly traded banking organizations
headquartered in the mid-Atlantic region (including New York,
Washington D.C., Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and
Pennsylvania) having assets between $3 billion and
$8 billion. This peer group consisted of the following
companies:
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Company Name |
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Ticker | |
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City | |
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State | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
Community Bank System, Inc.
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CBU |
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DeWitt |
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NY |
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F.N.B. Corporation
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FNB |
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Hermitage |
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PA |
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First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
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FCF |
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Indiana |
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PA |
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Harleysville National Corporation
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HNBC |
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Harleysville |
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PA |
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National Penn Bancshares, Inc.
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NPBC |
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Boyertown |
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PA |
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Provident Bankshares Corporation
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PBKS |
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Baltimore |
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MD |
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S&T Bancorp, Inc.
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STBA |
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Indiana |
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PA |
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Signature Bank
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SBNY |
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New York |
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NY |
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Sun Bancorp, Inc.
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SNBC |
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Vineland |
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NJ |
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Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.
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SUSQ |
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Lititz |
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PA |
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32
Austin Associates considers this group of financial institutions
comparable to NBT as to financial characteristics and stock
trading volume. Austin Associates compared selected balance
sheet data, asset quality, capitalization, profitability ratios
and market statistics. Selected results of this comparison are
set forth below:
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NBT | |
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Median Peer Group | |
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| |
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| |
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Five-Year | |
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Five-Year | |
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LTM | |
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Average | |
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LTM | |
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Average | |
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March 31, 2005 | |
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Ending 2004 | |
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March 31, 2005 | |
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Ending 2004 | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
Core Return on Average Assets
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1.21% |
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1.02% |
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1.19% |
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1.05% |
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Core Return on Average Equity
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15.61% |
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13.32% |
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12.14% |
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12.46% |
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Efficiency Ratio
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54.7% |
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56.6% |
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58.0% |
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59.1% |
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Tangible Equity/ Tangible Assets
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6.36% |
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6.83% |
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5.88% |
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7.05% |
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Nonperforming Assets/ Assets
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0.42% |
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0.76% |
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0.37% |
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0.58% |
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This summary indicates that NBT performs above the peer group in
financial ratios related to profitability and efficiency, and
operates with slightly less capital than the peer median. The
following presents a summary of the stock trading levels of NBT
compared to this same peer group:
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NBT | |
|
Median Peer Group | |
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| |
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| |
Market Price to Core LTM EPS
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15.0 |
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15.8 |
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Market Price to Book Value
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233 |
% |
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188 |
% |
Market Price to Tangible Book Value
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279 |
% |
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279 |
% |
Dividend Yield
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3.3 |
% |
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3.2 |
% |
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Note: |
Pricing multiples based on June 12, 2005 closing stock
price. |
This comparison indicated that NBT trades at a slight discount
to the guideline groups price to earnings multiple.
NBTs price to tangible book and dividend yield approximate
the guideline group.
Comparable Transaction Analysis. Austin Associates
reviewed certain information relating to selected New York bank
sale transactions with sellers assets from
$100 million to $1 billion. Austin Associates also
reviewed mid-Atlantic bank sale transactions with sellers
assets from $300 million to $1 billion. For the New
York and mid-Atlantic transactions, Austin Associates reviewed
announced transactions from January 1, 2003 through
June 12, 2005. Austin Associates compared the financial
performance of the selling institution and prices paid in the
selected transactions to CNBs financial performance and
the transaction multiples being paid by NBT for CNB. The
following highlights the guideline transaction comparison:
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Median | |
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Median | |
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New York | |
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Mid-Atlantic | |
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Comparable | |
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Comparable | |
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NBT/CNB(1) | |
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Transactions(3) | |
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Transactions(15) | |
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Sellers Financial Performance
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Total Assets
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$ |
419,447 |
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$ |
276,492 |
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$ |
474,902 |
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Tangible Equity/ Tangible Assets
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7.89 |
% |
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|
7.23 |
% |
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|
7.54 |
% |
Return on Average Assets
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|
|
1.01 |
% |
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|
0.89 |
% |
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|
0.94 |
% |
Return on Average Equity
|
|
|
10.57 |
% |
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|
10.66 |
% |
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|
11.04 |
% |
Nonperforming Assets/ Assets
|
|
|
0.04 |
% |
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|
0.25 |
% |
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|
0.26 |
% |
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Deal Transaction Multiples
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Price/ Earnings Multiple
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|
|
21.1 |
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|
|
18.3 |
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27.3 |
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Price/ Tangible Book Value Ratio
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|
|
270 |
% |
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|
218 |
% |
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|
301 |
% |
Premium/ Core Deposits
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|
|
17.8 |
% |
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|
10.4 |
% |
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|
21.6 |
% |
|
|
(1) |
CNBs financial performance and deal transaction multiples
based on LTM core net income ending March 31, 2005 |
33
The multiples being paid by NBT for CNB are above the New York
guideline transactions and slightly below the median multiples
paid for the mid-Atlantic based banks over the time period
considered.
Contribution Analysis. Austin Associates compared the pro
forma ownership interest in NBT that CNB shareholders would
receive, in the aggregate, to the contribution by CNB to certain
balance sheet and income statement measures of NBT on a pro
forma basis. The results of this analysis have been calculated
based on an all-stock exchange which simplifies the comparison.
The following table compares the range of pro forma ownership of
CNB and NBT shareholders in the combined company, with each
companys respective contribution of various selected
measures:
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|
CNB | |
|
NBT | |
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|
| |
|
| |
Pro Forma Ownership(1)
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|
|
10.1% |
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|
89.9% |
|
Income Statement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 Core Net Income
|
|
|
7.8% |
|
|
|
92.2% |
|
|
March 31, 2005 LTM Core Net Income
|
|
|
7.6% |
|
|
|
92.4% |
|
Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
9.0% |
|
|
|
91.0% |
|
|
Total Loans
|
|
|
6.3% |
|
|
|
93.7% |
|
|
Total Deposits
|
|
|
9.6% |
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|
|
90.4% |
|
|
Total Shareholders Equity
|
|
|
11.0% |
|
|
|
89.0% |
|
|
Tangible Shareholders Equity
|
|
|
10.9% |
|
|
|
89.1% |
|
|
|
(1) |
Ownership percentage shown assumes an all-stock exchange; the
actual consideration will be 55% stock and 45% cash. |
Pro Forma Equivalent Per Share Results. Austin Associates
also reviewed the pro forma effect of the proposed transaction
to CNBs last twelve months earnings per share, tangible
book value per share and dividends per share. For purposes of
this analysis, Austin Associates assumed an all-stock exchange.
CNB recorded core earnings per share of $1.86 during the last
twelve months ending March 31, 2005, and NBTs core
earnings per share measured $1.53 per share. Core earnings
per share excludes the after-tax effect from the gain recorded
on the sale of securities. Giving effect to the merger, the
equivalent CNB earnings would have equaled $2.44 per share,
before purchase accounting adjustments, an increase of
30.9 percent from actual results.
CNBs tangible book value per share equaled $14.65 as of
March 31, 2005 and NBTs tangible book value measured
$8.25 per share. Giving effect to the merger, the
equivalent CNB tangible book value would have equaled $13.64,
before purchase accounting adjustments, a decrease of
6.9 percent from actual results.
CNBs dividends per share over the last twelve months
ending March 31, 2005 equaled $0.81 per share. The
last twelve months dividend paid by NBT measured $0.76 per
share. Based on the current exchange ratio, equivalent dividends
per share to CNB shareholders would have measured $1.25 for the
twelve month period ending March 31, 2005, representing an
increase of 53.9 percent from actual results.
The opinion expressed by Austin Associates was based on market,
economic and other relevant considerations as they existed and
could be evaluated as of the date of the opinion. Events
occurring after the date of issuance of the opinion, including,
but not limited to, changes affecting the securities markets,
the results of operations or material changes in the financial
condition of either NBT or CNB could materially affect the
assumptions used in preparing this opinion.
34
CNB has agreed to pay Austin Associates customary fees for its
services as financial adviser in connection with the merger. In
addition to its fees and regardless of whether the merger is
consummated, CNB has agreed to reimburse Austin Associates for
its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, and to indemnify Austin
Associates against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under securities laws.
Termination and Amendment of the Merger Agreement
The merger agreement may be terminated prior to the closing,
before or after approval by CNBs stockholders, as follows:
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by mutual written agreement of NBT and CNB; |
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by either NBT or CNB if the merger has not occurred on or before
March 31, 2006, and such failure to close is not due to the
terminating partys material breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in the merger
agreement; |
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by NBT or CNB if CNB stockholders do not approve the merger
agreement and merger; |
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by a non-breaching party if the other party (1) breaches
any covenants or undertakings contained in the merger agreement
or (2) breaches any representations or warranties contained
in the merger agreement, in each case if such breach has not
been cured within thirty days after notice from the terminating
party and which breach would, with certain exceptions, be
reasonably expected to result in a material adverse effect with
respect to the breaching party; |
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by either party if any required regulatory approvals for
consummation of the merger or the bank merger is not obtained; |
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by NBT, if CNB shall have received a superior
proposal (as defined in the merger agreement), and the CNB
board of directors shall have entered into an acquisition
agreement with respect to a superior proposal, terminates the
merger agreement, fails to recommend that the stockholders of
CNB approve the merger agreement or has withdrawn, modified or
qualified such recommendation in a manner which is adverse to
NBT; and |
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by CNB, if the board of directors of CNB has made a
determination to accept a superior proposal which has been
received and considered by CNB in compliance with the applicable
terms of the merger agreement, provided that CNB has notified
NBT of the material terms and conditions of the superior
proposal (including the identity of the person making the
superior proposal and whether CNB intends to enter into a
definitive agreement with respect to the superior proposal) at
least five business days in advance of any such termination of
CNBs entry into a definitive agreement with respect to the
superior proposal and given NBT the opportunity during such
period, if NBT elects in its sole discretion, to negotiate
amendments to the merger agreement which would enable CNB to
proceed with the proposed merger with NBT. |
Under the latter two scenarios described above, if the merger
agreement is terminated, CNB shall pay to NBT a fee of
$4,500,000. The fee would also be payable to NBT if CNB enters
into a merger agreement with a third party within twelve months
of the termination of the merger agreement, if the termination
was due to a willful breach of a representation, warranty,
covenant or agreement by CNB or the failure of the stockholders
of CNB to approve the merger agreement after CNB received a
third party acquisition proposal.
Additionally, CNB may terminate the merger agreement if, at any
time during the five-day period commencing on the first date on
which all bank regulatory approvals (and waivers, if applicable)
necessary for consummation of this merger have been received
(disregarding any waiting period), such termination to be
effective thirty days thereafter if both of the following
conditions are satisfied:
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the average of the daily closing sales price of NBT common stock
for the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding the
determination date (the NBT market value) is less
than the product of 0.85 and the average of the daily closing
sales price of NBT common stock on the five |
35
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|
|
trading days immediately preceding the public announcement of
the merger agreement (the initial NBT market value);
and |
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|
|
the number obtained by dividing the NBT market value on the
determination date by the initial NBT market value is less than
the quotient obtained by dividing the sum of the average of the
daily closing sales prices for the five consecutive trading days
immediately preceding the determination date of a group of
financial institution holding companies listed in the merger
agreement, given the appropriate weighting included in the
merger agreement (the final index price) by the sum
of the average of the daily closing sales price of those
weighted financial institution holding companies on the trading
day immediately preceding the public announcement of the merger
agreement (the initial index price), minus 0.15
(such number, the index ratio). |
If CNB elects to exercise its termination right as described
above, it must give prompt written notice thereof to NBT. During
the five-day period commencing with its receipt of such notice,
NBT shall have the option to increase the consideration to be
received by the holders of CNB common stock by adjusting the
exchange ratio to one of the following quotients at its sole
discretion: (i) a quotient, the numerator of which is equal
to the product of the Initial NBT market value, 1.64, and the
index ratio, and the denominator of which is equal to the NBT
market value on the determination date; or (ii) a quotient
determined by dividing the product of 1.394 and the Initial NBT
market value by the NBT market value on the determination date.
Because the formula is dependent on the future price of
NBTs common stock and that of the index group, it is not
possible presently to determine what the adjusted exchange ratio
would be at this time, but, in general, the ratio would be
increased and, consequently, more shares of NBT common stock
issued, to take into account the extent the average price of
NBTs common stock exceeded the decline in the average
price of the common stock of the index group.
The merger agreement may be amended by the parties at any time
before or after approval of the merger agreement by the CNB
stockholders. However, after such approval, no amendment may be
made without the approval of the CNB stockholders if it reduces
the amount or value, or changes the form of, the merger
consideration.
The parties may waive any of their conditions to closing, unless
they may not be waived under law.
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following summary discusses the material federal income tax
consequences of the merger to CNB shareholders. The summary is
based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, referred
to in this section as the Code, the U.S. Treasury
regulations promulgated under the Code and related
administrative interpretations and judicial decisions, all as in
effect as of the effective time of the merger, and all of which
are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.
The summary assumes that the holders of shares of CNBs
common stock hold their shares as capital assets. The summary
applies only to holders of shares of CNB common stock that are
U.S. persons. For purposes hereof, a U.S. person is:
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|
|
a U.S. citizen or resident, as determined for
U.S. federal income tax purposes; |
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|
|
a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States or any political subdivision thereof; |
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|
|
an estate whose income is includible in gross income for
U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its
source; or |
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|
|
a trust whose administration is subject to the primary
supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more
U.S. persons who have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust. |
This summary is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service and
there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will
not take a position contrary to one or more of the positions
reflected in this summary or that these positions will be upheld
by the courts if challenged by the Internal Revenue
36
Service. No ruling from the Internal Revenue Service has been or
will be requested with respect to the merger.
The summary does not address the tax consequences that may be
applicable to particular CNB shareholders in light of their
individual circumstances or to CNB shareholders who are subject
to special tax rules, including:
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|
|
tax-exempt organizations; |
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|
|
mutual funds; |
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|
|
dealers in securities or foreign currencies; |
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|
|
banks or other financial institutions; |
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|
|
insurance companies; |
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|
|
non-United States persons; |
|
|
|
shareholders who acquired shares of CNBs common stock
through the exercise of options or otherwise as compensation or
through a qualified retirement plan; |
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|
|
shareholders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax; |
|
|
|
shareholders who hold shares of CNBs common stock as part
of a straddle, hedge, constructive sale or conversion
transaction; |
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|
|
traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method
of accounting; and |
|
|
|
holders that do not hold their CNB common stock as capital
assets. |
This summary is for general information purposes only. It is not
a complete analysis or discussion of all potential effects of
the merger. It also does not address any consequences arising
under the tax laws of any state, locality, or foreign
jurisdiction or under any federal laws other than those
pertaining to the federal income tax.
The merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Code. The federal tax consequences of the merger to you will
depend primarily on whether you exchange your CNB common stock
solely for NBT common stock (except for cash received instead of
a fractional share of NBT common stock), solely for cash or for
a combination of stock and cash.
Exchange Solely for Cash. In general, if, pursuant to the
merger, a holder exchanges all of the shares of CNB common stock
actually owned by it solely for cash, that holder will recognize
gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash
received and its adjusted tax basis in the shares of CNB common
stock surrendered. Any such gain or loss generally will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the holders holding
period with respect to the CNB common stock surrendered is more
than one year at the effective time of the merger, and otherwise
will be short-term capital gain or loss. Individuals generally
qualify for favorable tax rates on long-term capital gains. If,
however, any such holder constructively owns CNB common stock
that is exchanged for NBT common stock in the merger, or
otherwise owns NBT common stock actually or constructively after
the merger, the consequences to such holder may be similar to
the consequences described below under the heading
Exchange for NBT Common Stock and Cash, except that
the amount of consideration, if any, treated as a dividend may
not be limited to the amount of such holders gain.
Exchange Solely for NBT Common Stock. If, pursuant to the
merger, a holder exchanges all of the shares of CNB common stock
actually owned by it solely for shares of NBT common stock, that
holder will not recognize any gain or loss except in respect of
cash received instead of a fractional share of NBT common stock
(as discussed below). The aggregate adjusted tax basis of the
shares of NBT common stock received in the merger (including
fractional shares deemed received and redeemed as described
below) will be equal to the aggregate adjusted tax basis of the
shares of CNB common stock surrendered
37
for the NBT common stock, reduced by the adjusted tax basis
allocable to any fractional shares deemed received in the merger
as described below. The holding period of the NBT common stock
(including fractional shares deemed received and redeemed as
described below) will include the period during which the shares
of CNB common stock were held.
Exchange for NBT Common Stock and Cash. If, pursuant to
the merger, a holder exchanges all of the shares of CNB common
stock actually owned by it for a combination of NBT common stock
and cash, the holder will generally recognize gain (but not
loss) in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the amount of
gain realized (i.e., the excess of the sum of the amount of cash
and the fair market value of the NBT common stock received
pursuant to the merger over that holders adjusted tax
basis in its shares of CNB common stock surrendered) and
(2) the amount of cash received pursuant to the merger. For
this purpose, gain or loss must be calculated separately for
each identifiable block of shares surrendered in the exchange,
and a loss realized on one block of shares may not be used to
offset a gain realized on another block of shares. Any
recognized gain will generally be long-term capital gain if the
holders holding period with respect to the CNB common
stock surrendered is more than one year at the effective time of
the merger, and otherwise will be short-term capital gain.
Individuals generally qualify for favorable tax rates on
long-term capital gains. If, however, the cash received has the
effect of the distribution of a dividend, the gain will be
treated as a dividend to the extent of the holders ratable
share of CNBs accumulated earnings and profits as
calculated for United States federal income tax purposes. See
Possible Treatment of Cash as a Dividend
below.
The aggregate tax basis of NBT common stock received (including
fractional shares deemed received and redeemed as described
below) by a holder that exchanges its shares of CNB common stock
for a combination of NBT common stock and cash pursuant to the
merger will be equal to the aggregate adjusted tax basis of the
shares of CNB common stock surrendered, reduced by the amount of
cash received by the holder pursuant to the merger (excluding
any cash received instead of a fractional share of NBT common
stock), and increased by the amount of gain (including any
portion of the gain that is treated as a dividend as described
below but excluding any gain or loss resulting from the deemed
receipt and redemption of fractional shares described below), if
any, recognized by the holder on the exchange. The holding
period of the NBT common stock (including fractional shares
deemed received and redeemed as described below) will include
the holding period of the shares of CNB common stock surrendered.
Possible Treatment of Cash as a Dividend. In general, the
determination of whether the gain recognized in the exchange
will be treated as capital gain or has the effect of a
distribution of a dividend depends upon whether and to what
extent the exchange reduces the holders deemed percentage
stock ownership of NBT. As discussed below, however, dividend
treatment will generally not apply to a minority shareholder in
a publicly held corporation whose relative stock interest is
minimal and who exercises no control with respect to corporate
affairs. Gain recognized by such a holder will generally be
treated as capital gain.
For purposes of this determination, the holder is treated as if
it first exchanged all of its shares of CNB common stock solely
for NBT common stock and then NBT immediately redeemed (the
deemed redemption) a portion of the NBT common stock
in exchange for the cash the holder actually received. The gain
recognized in the deemed redemption will be treated as capital
gain if the deemed redemption is (1) substantially
disproportionate with respect to the holder or
(2) not essentially equivalent to a dividend.
The deemed redemption will generally be substantially
disproportionate with respect to a holder if the
percentage of the voting power and value of the NBT common stock
actually or constructively owned by such holder immediately
after the deemed redemption is less than 80% of both the voting
power and the value of the NBT common stock actually or
constructively owned by such holder immediately before the
deemed redemption.
Whether the deemed redemption is not essentially
equivalent to a dividend with respect to a holder will
depend upon the holders particular circumstances. At a
minimum, however, in order for the deemed redemption to be
not essentially equivalent to a dividend, the deemed
redemption must result in a
38
meaningful reduction in the holders deemed
percentage stock ownership of NBT. In general, that
determination requires a comparison of (1) the percentage
of the voting power and value of the NBT common stock actually
or constructively owned by such holder immediately before the
deemed redemption and (2) the voting power and the value of
the NBT common stock actually or constructively owned by such
holder immediately after the deemed redemption. The Internal
Revenue Service has ruled that a minority shareholder in a
publicly held corporation whose relative stock interest is
minimal and who exercises no control with respect to corporate
affairs is generally considered to have a meaningful
reduction even if that shareholder has a relatively minor
reduction in its percentage stock ownership under the above
analysis.
If the tests above for capital gain treatment are not met, the
recognized gain will be treated as dividend income to the extent
of the holders ratable share of CNBs accumulated
earnings and profits. Individuals generally qualify for
favorable tax rates on dividends.
In applying the foregoing tests, the constructive ownership
rules of section 318 of the Code apply in comparing the
holders ownership interest in NBT both immediately after
the merger (but before the hypothetical redemption) and after
the hypothetical redemption. Under these constructive ownership
rules, a holder is deemed to own NBT common stock that is
actually owned (and in some cases constructively owned) by
certain related individuals and entities, and is also deemed to
own NBT common stock that may be acquired by such holder or such
related individuals or entities by exercising an option,
including an employee stock option. Moreover, the tests are
applied after taking into account any related transactions
undertaken by a shareholder under a single, integrated plan.
Thus, dispositions or acquisitions by a holder of NBT common
stock before or after the merger that are part of such
holders plan may be taken into account. As these rules are
complex, each holder that may be subject to these rules should
consult its tax advisor.
Cash Received Instead of a Fractional Share. A holder who
receives cash instead of a fractional share of NBT common stock
will generally be treated as having received such fractional
share and then as having received such cash in redemption of the
fractional share. Gain or loss generally will be recognized
based on the difference between the amount of cash received
instead of the fractional share and the portion of the
holders aggregate adjusted tax basis of the share of CNB
common stock surrendered which is allocable to the fractional
share. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term capital
gain or loss if the holding period for such shares of CNB common
stock is more than one year at the effective time of the merger.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. Unless an
exemption applies, the exchange agent will be required to
withhold, and will withhold, 28% of any cash payments to which a
CNB shareholder or other payee is entitled pursuant to the
merger, unless the shareholder or other payee provides his or
her tax identification number (social security number or
employer identification number) and certifies that the number is
correct. Each shareholder and, if applicable, each other payee,
is required to complete and sign the Form W-9 that will be
included as part of the transmittal letter to avoid being
subject to backup withholding, unless an applicable exemption
exists and is proved in a manner satisfactory to NBT and the
exchange agent.
The federal income tax consequences set forth above are based
upon present law and do not purport to be a complete analysis or
listing of all potential tax effects that may apply to a holder
of CNBs common stock. The tax effects that are applicable
to a particular holder of CNB common stock may be different from
the tax effects that are applicable to other holders of CNB
common stock, including the application and effect of state,
local and other tax laws other than those pertaining to the
federal income tax, and thus, holders of CNB common stock are
urged to consult their own tax advisors.
Options. As described above in the section titled
Merger Consideration CNB Stock Options,
holders of incentive stock options to purchase CNB common stock
that are outstanding at the effective time of the merger will
have their CNB options converted into options to purchase shares
of NBT common stock. The assumption of the options by NBT should
not be a taxable event and former holders of CNB options who
hold options to purchase NBT common stock after the merger
should be subject to
39
the same federal income tax treatment upon exercise of those
options as would have applied if they had exercised their CNB
options.
Holders of CNB options are urged to consult their own tax
advisors as to the specific tax consequences to them of the
merger, including tax return reporting requirements, available
elections, the applicability and effect of federal, state, local
and other applicable tax laws, and the effect of any proposed
changes in the tax laws.
Accounting Treatment
The merger, if completed, will be treated as a purchase by NBT
of CNB for accounting purposes. Accordingly, under accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States, the assets
and liabilities of CNB will be recorded on the books of NBT at
their respective fair values at the time of the consummation of
the merger.
Resales of NBTs Common Stock Received in the Merger
NBT is registering the issuance of the shares of its common
stock to be exchanged in the merger under the Securities Act.
The shares will be freely transferable under the Securities Act,
except for shares received by CNB shareholders who are
affiliates of CNB or NBT at the time of the special meeting.
These affiliates only may resell their shares pursuant to an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act
covering the shares, in compliance with Securities Act
Rule 145 or under another exemption from the Securities
Acts registration requirements. This proxy statement/
prospectus does not cover any resales of NBTs common stock
by NBT or CNB affiliates. Affiliates will generally include
individuals or entities who control, are controlled by or are
under common control with CNB or NBT, and may include officers
or directors, as well as principal shareholders of CNB or NBT.
Employee Benefits
Employees of CNB who become employees of NBT or a subsidiary of
NBT after the merger will (i) be eligible for employee
benefits that NBT or a subsidiary of NBT, as the case may be,
provides to its employees generally and, except as set forth in
the next paragraph, on substantially the same basis as is
applicable to similarly situated employees, (ii) be given
credit with respect to the satisfaction of the limitations as to
pre-existing condition exclusions, evidence of insurability
requirements and waiting periods for participation and coverage
under NBTs group health, life insurance and disability
plans equal to the credit that any such employee had received as
of the effective time towards the satisfaction of any such
limitations and waiting periods under the comparable plans of
CNB, and (iii) will have waived preexisting condition
limitations to the same extent waived under the corresponding
CNB plan.
CNB full-time employees who are not offered full-time employment
with NBT or any of its subsidiaries as of the closing date of
the merger or who are terminated by NBT or an employing
subsidiary of NBT Bank within one year following the closing
date of the merger, will be eligible to receive severance
benefits equal to one week base pay for each year of employment
by CNB at a rate of pay equal to such employees base pay
as of the termination date (with a minimum payment amount of two
weeks base pay). Any CNB officer or employee who is
terminated by NBT or an employing subsidiary of NBT later than
one year following the closing of the merger will be eligible
for benefits in accordance with the general severance policy
maintained by NBT, provided that such persons will receive
credit for prior employment with CNB as if such persons were
employed by NBT or a subsidiary of NBT for such period of time.
Dissenters Appraisal Rights
Sections 623 and 910 of the New York Business Corporation
Law provide that if the merger is consummated, CNB stockholders
who object to the merger and who follow the procedures specified
in Section 623 will have the right to receive cash payment
of the fair value of their shares. A copy of Section 623 of
the NYBCL is attached to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus
as Appendix C. The
40
express procedures of New York Law must be followed
precisely; if they are not, stockholders may lose their right to
dissent. As described more fully below, such fair
value would potentially be determined in judicial
proceedings, the result of which cannot be predicted. There can
be no assurance that stockholders exercising dissenters
rights of appraisal will receive consideration equal to or
greater than the value of the NBT common stock to be owned by
them following consummation of the merger.
The statutory procedures outlined below are complex.
Stockholders wishing to exercise their dissenters rights
should consult their own legal advisors.
Any CNB stockholder who is entitled to vote on the merger will
have the right to receive cash payment of the fair value of his
or her shares and the other rights and benefits provided in
Section 623 if such stockholder does not vote in favor of
the merger and (before the applicable vote of stockholders on
the merger) files with CNB written objection to the merger,
including in that written objection notice of his or her
election to dissent, his or her name and residence address, the
number of shares as to which he or she dissents, and a demand
for payment of the fair value of such shares if the merger is
consummated. A vote against the merger will not satisfy the
requirement of filing a written objection. Failure to vote
against the merger will not waive a stockholders right to
payment if the stockholder has filed a written objection and has
not voted in favor of the merger. If a stockholder abstains from
voting on the merger, this will not waive dissenters
rights so long as the appropriate written objection to the
merger is properly and timely filed. All notices of election to
dissent should be addressed to CNB, Attention: Corporate
Secretary, at 10-24 North Main Street, P.O. Box 873,
Gloversville, NY 12078.
If an executed proxy is received but no direction is indicated
as to how such proxy is to be voted, the shares represented by
such proxy will be voted in favor of the merger. Accordingly,
the submission of such an unmarked proxy, unless revoked prior
to its being voted, will serve to waive dissenters rights.
Within ten days after the date the merger is approved by the
stockholders of CNB, CNB will give written notice of such
approval by registered mail to each stockholder who filed
written objection, except for any stockholder who voted in favor
of the merger. A CNB stockholder may not dissent as to fewer
than all of his or her shares, held by him or her of record,
that he or she owns beneficially. A nominee or fiduciary may not
dissent on behalf of any beneficial owner of shares as to fewer
than all of said shares of such owner held of record by such
nominee or fiduciary.
Upon consummation of the merger, a dissenting stockholder will
cease to have any rights of a stockholder, except the right to
be paid the fair value of his or her dissenting shares. A
stockholders notice of election may be withdrawn at any
time prior to his or her acceptance in writing of an offer to
purchase his or her dissenting shares by NBT, but in no case may
such notice of election be withdrawn later than 60 days
after the effective date (unless the company does not make a
timely offer) without the consent of NBT. Within one month after
the filing of the notice of election to dissent, a dissenting
stockholder must submit the certificates representing his or her
dissenting shares to CNB, or its transfer agent, which shall
note conspicuously on the certificates that such notice of
election has been filed, and will then return the certificates
to the stockholder. Any stockholder who fails to submit his or
her certificates for such notation within 45 days from the
date of filing such notice of election to dissent will lose his
or her dissenters rights unless a court, for good cause
shown, otherwise directs.
Within 15 days after the expiration of the period within
which stockholders may file their notices of election to
dissent, or within 15 days after the effective date,
whichever is later (but in no case later than 90 days after
the date of the applicable special meeting), NBT must make a
written offer by registered mail to each stockholder who has
filed such notice of election to pay for his or her dissenting
shares at a specified price which the company considers to be
the fair value and, if the merger has been consummated, must
accompany such offer by advance payment to each stockholder who
has submitted his or her certificates of an amount equal to 80%
of the amount of such offer. Such offer must be made at the same
price per share to all the dissenting stockholders of CNB. If,
within 30 days after the making of such offer, NBT and any
dissenting stockholders agree on the price to be paid for
dissenting shares, the balance of payment therefor must be made
within 60 days after the making of such offer or the
effective date, whichever is later, and upon surrender of the
certificates representing such shares.
41
If NBT fails to make such offer within the 15 day period
described above, or if it makes the offer and any dissenting
stockholder fails to agree within the period of 30 days
thereafter upon the price to be paid for his or her shares, the
company is required within 20 days after the expiration of
whichever is the applicable of the two periods to institute a
special proceeding in the Supreme Court of the State of New
York, County of Fulton, to determine the rights of dissenting
stockholders and to fix the fair value of their dissenting
shares. If NBT fails to institute such proceeding within such
20 day period, any dissenting stockholder may institute a
proceeding for the same purpose not later than 30 days
after the expiration of such 20 day period. If the
dissenting stockholder does not institute such a proceeding
within such 30 day period, his or her dissenters
rights are lost unless the court, for good cause shown,
otherwise directs.
During each proceeding, the court will determine whether each
dissenting stockholder is entitled to receive payment for his or
her shares and, if so, will fix the value of such shares as of
the close of business on the day prior to the applicable special
meeting, taking into consideration the nature of the merger
transaction giving rise to the stockholders right to
receive payment for his or her dissenting shares and other
relevant factors. The court will also award interest on such
amount to be paid from the effective date of the merger to the
date of payment unless the court finds that a stockholders
refusal to accept an offer for payment was arbitrary, vexatious,
or otherwise not in good faith. Each party to such proceeding
will bear its own costs unless the court finds that such refusal
by any stockholder was arbitrary, vexatious, or otherwise not in
good faith, in which case NBTs costs will be assessed
against such stockholder. The court, in its discretion, may also
apportion or assess any part of the dissenting
stockholders costs against NBT if it finds that the fair
value of the shares determined materially exceeds the amount
which the company offered to pay, or that no offer or advance
payment was made by the company, or that the company failed to
institute such special proceeding, or that the actions of the
company in complying with its obligations under Section 623
were arbitrary, vexatious, or otherwise not in good faith.
Within 60 days following the final determination of the
applicable proceeding, NBT shall pay to each dissenting
stockholder the amount found to be due him or her upon the
stockholders surrender of all certificates representing
dissenting shares.
The enforcement by a stockholder of his or her right to receive
payment for shares in accordance with Section 623 excludes
the enforcement by such stockholder of any other right to which
he or she might otherwise be entitled by virtue of his or her
ownership of shares (unless such stockholder withdraws his or
her notice of election as provided in Section 623 or the
merger is abandoned), except that such stockholder will retain
the right to bring or maintain an appropriate action to obtain
relief on the grounds that the merger will be or is unlawful or
fraudulent as to him or her.
Voting Agreement
CNBs officers and directors entered into voting
agreements. These voting agreements require the officers and
directors to vote all of the shares of CNB common stock
beneficially owned by them in favor of the merger.
As of the record date, the CNB shareholders who entered into
voting agreements collectively held shares of CNB common stock
which represented approximately 6% of the outstanding CNB common
stock. None of the CNB officers and directors who are parties to
the voting agreements were paid additional consideration in
connection with the execution of such agreements.
Interests of CNB Directors and Executive Officers in the
Merger That are Different Than Yours
Some of the members of CNBs management and board of
directors have financial interests in the merger that are in
addition to their interests as stockholders of CNB. The CNB
board was aware of these interests and considered them, among
other matters, in approving the merger agreement.
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Change of Control Agreements and Agreement for
Supplemental Retirement Benefits |
CNB currently has change of control agreements with each of
William Smith and George Morgan and an agreement for
supplemental retirement benefits with William Smith, each of
which will be
42
terminated upon the closing of the merger and superseded by new
agreements and general releases as described below.
Change of Control Agreements. Under Messrs. Smith
and Morgans existing change of control agreements, if a
change of control occurs while the executive is employed by CNB,
CNB will continue to employ the executive in the same capacity
or position (unless otherwise agreed in writing) until the fifth
anniversary of the change of control. During this employment
period, the executive would receive an annual salary not less
than the executives annual salary as in effect as of the
date of the change of control, subject to certain adjustments.
If the executives employment was terminated by CNB other
than by reason of death or disability or cause or the executive
resigned for good reason during the term of the agreement
following a change of control, the executive would be entitled
to receive a lump sum cash payment equal to the product of
(i) the employees annual salary as in effect on the
date of the change of control (adjusted to reflect annual
compensation adjustments) plus (ii) the highest incentive
compensation earned by the executive during the twenty-four
months ended on the date of termination, times (iii) the
lesser of three or the number of years remaining in the
employment period. In addition, in the event that any payments
and distributions to Messrs. Smith and Morgan are subject
to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal
Revenue Code, CNB would be required to make a gross-up payment
to the executive so that the executive would have been placed in
the same after-tax position as if no excise tax had been imposed.
Agreement for Supplemental Retirement Benefits. Under
Mr. Smiths existing agreement for supplemental
retirement benefits, Mr. Smith is entitled to receive
additional retirement benefits that cannot be provided under the
qualified retirement plans due to tax law limitations. Under the
agreement, Mr. Smith is entitled, upon reaching his normal
retirement date, to receive a supplemental pension benefit and a
supplemental profit sharing benefit corresponding to that
portion of his pension benefits and profit sharing benefits that
exceed the compensation limitation under Section 401(a)(17)
of the Internal Revenue Code.
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Agreement and General Release |
Concurrently with entering into the merger agreement, City
National Bank and Trust Company, NBT, and each of
Messrs. Smith and Morgan entered into new agreements and
general releases, which generally become effective only upon
completion of the merger. In the event the merger agreement is
terminated, these agreements and general releases will
automatically be terminated and be null and void.
Under the terms of these agreements, upon the closing under the
merger agreement, the change of control agreements with
Messrs. Smith and Morgan and the agreement for supplemental
retirement benefits with Mr. Smith will be automatically
terminated. Instead, on the closing date, Messrs. Smith and
Morgan will be provided with lump sum cash payments of
$956,568.18 and $644,453.34, respectively, less tax withholding
and other deductions required by law. Mr. Smith will also
receive a single lump sum cash payment (less tax withholding and
other deductions required by law) of an amount equal to the sum
of the supplemental profit sharing plan benefit and supplemental
pension benefit payable or earned by Mr. Smith through the
date of the closing. Messrs. Smith and Morgan are entitled
to receive an additional payment to make them whole for any
excise tax owed under Section 280G of the Code as a result
of the lump sum payments.
In addition, under the terms of these agreements,
Messrs. Smith and Morgan will receive (i) all
retirement benefits accrued by him under the terms of CNBs
tax-qualified pension and profit sharing plans, (ii) the
continued right to exercise any incentive stock options assumed
by NBT pursuant to the merger agreement, (iii) the
continued right to exercise through the date of closing any
vested non-qualified stock options for shares of CNB common
stock held, and the right to receive the option payments
described in the merger agreement in exchange for any vested
non-qualified stock options for shares of CNB common stock not
exercised prior to closing, (iv) continued coverage under
CNBs group health plan and other employee welfare benefit
plans through the date his eligibility for such plans as an
employee of CNB ends, (v) continued coverage under life
insurance policies provided by CNB or its
43
successor, (vi) continued use of a CNB automobile until
closing, at which point the automobile will be transferred to
the executive, and (vii) in the case of Mr. Morgan
only, post-retirement group life and health coverage on the same
terms available to other similarly situated retired employees of
CNB or NBT until the earlier of age 65 or the time he
becomes eligible for coverage under another employers
group health plan.
Each of Messrs. Smith and Morgan have agreed not to compete
with NBT or NBT Bank for a period of five years following
completion of the merger. As partial consideration for the lump
sum cash payments under the agreements, Messrs. Smith and
Morgan have agreed to provide transition services to NBT Bank
for the two month period following the closing of the merger as
the president or board of directors of NBT Bank may reasonably
direct. Messrs. Smith and Morgan have agreed further not to
disclose any confidential information regarding CNB or NBT
following the merger.
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New Retention Agreements with Messrs. Frank, Bradt
and Doherty |
In connection with entering into the merger agreement, City
National Bank and Trust Company and each of Messrs. Frank,
Bradt and Doherty entered into new retention agreements in order
to ensure the seamless transition of the transactions
contemplated pursuant to the merger agreement by retaining the
services of these individuals through the closing date and for
the one-year period thereafter. If the employee is terminated
during such one-year period, the employee will receive a
one-time lump sum cash payment equal to the employees
annual base salary as of his termination date if the employee is
terminated by NBT without cause at any time during the one-year
period following the closing of the merger. In the event the
merger agreement is terminated, these retention agreements will
automatically be terminated and be null and void.
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Appointment of Timothy E. Delaney and Brian K. Hanaburgh
to the Board of Directors of NBT Bank; Creation of Advisory
Board |
Upon consummation of the merger, Messrs. Delaney and
Hanaburgh will be appointed to the Board of Directors of NBT
Bank with a term of office expiring at the first annual meeting
of stockholders of NBT Bank to be held following the
consummation of the merger.
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Appointment to Advisory Board |
Effective on the consummation of the merger, NBT will establish
the Fulton County Advisory Board. Each person who served on the
Board of Directors of CNB, other than Messrs. Delaney and
Hanaburgh, shall be appointed to the Advisory Board. It is
anticipated that the Advisory Board will meet between six and
ten times per year, and that each Advisory Board member will
receive a fee of $1,000 for each meeting attended.
NBT has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless each of CNBs
present and former directors, officers and employees for a
period of six years from the effective time of the merger from
costs and expenses arising out of matters existing or occurring
at or before the consummation of the merger to the fullest
extent allowed under applicable law and the certificate of
incorporation and bylaws of NBT. NBT has also agreed that it
will maintain CNBs existing directors and
officers liability insurance policy, or provide a policy
providing similar coverage, for the benefit of CNBs
directors and officers who are currently covered by such
insurance, for at least three years from the effective time of
the merger, with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to
the effective time of the merger, subject to a limit on the cost
to maintain such coverage.
44
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND
CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF CNB
The following table provides information as of July 13,
2005 about the shares of CNB common stock that may be considered
beneficially owned by each named executive officer and director,
and all directors and executive officers of CNB as a group. As
of June 30, 2005, no person beneficially owns more than 5%
of CNBs outstanding common stock.
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Shares of | |
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Percent of | |
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Common Stock | |
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Common Stock | |
Named Officers and Directors* |
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Beneficially Owned | |
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Outstanding | |
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William N. Smith
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82,275 |
(1) |
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3.66 |
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Brian K. Hanaburgh
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|
|
2,311 |
(2) |
|
|
0.10 |
|
Richard D. Ruby
|
|
|
6,292 |
(3) |
|
|
0.28 |
|
John J. Daly
|
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
John C. Miller
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
3.34 |
|
Robert L. Maider
|
|
|
10,233 |
(4) |
|
|
0.46 |
|
Timothy E. Delaney
|
|
|
11,368 |
(5) |
|
|
0.51 |
|
George A. Morgan
|
|
|
50,070 |
(6) |
|
|
2.27 |
|
Clark D. Subik
|
|
|
9,948 |
(7) |
|
|
0.44 |
|
Deborah H. Rose
|
|
|
7,474 |
(8) |
|
|
0.33 |
|
Thomas E. Hoye, III
|
|
|
13,652 |
(9) |
|
|
0.61 |
|
Beneficial Ownership by all Directors and Executive Officers as
a Group
|
|
|
302,747 |
|
|
|
13.47 |
% |
|
|
* |
Except as indicated in the notes below, each person has sole
voting and investment power with respect to the shares listed as
being beneficially owned by him or her. In accordance with
Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, a
person is deemed to be the beneficial owner, for purposes of
this table, of any shares of common stock if that person has or
shares voting power or investment power over the security, or
has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within
60 days from July 13, 2005. For this table, voting
power includes the power to vote or direct the voting of shares
and investment power includes the power to dispose or direct the
disposition of shares. |
|
(1) |
Includes 77,736 shares issuable upon the exercise of
exercisable stock options. |
|
(2) |
Includes 717 shares owned individually by his spouse. |
|
(3) |
Includes 2,850 shares issuable upon the exercise of
exercisable stock options. |
|
(4) |
Includes 1,489 shares owned individually by his spouse. |
|
(5) |
Includes 2,850 shares issuable upon the exercise of
exercisable stock options, and 8,073 shares owned jointly
with spouse. |
|
(6) |
Includes 48,093 shares issuable upon the exercise of
exercisable stock options. |
|
(7) |
Includes 1,111 shares owned jointly with spouse, and
750 shares owned individually by his spouse. |
|
(8) |
Includes 555 shares owned jointly with spouse. |
|
(9) |
Includes 7,223 shares in the name of First Credit
Corporation, 300 shares owned individually by his spouse,
and 4,140 shares in a Money Purchase and Profit Sharing
Plan. |
45
COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS
AND DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Comparison of Stockholders Rights
Upon completion of the merger, the stockholders of CNB will
become stockholders of NBT. The rights of CNB stockholders are
presently governed by New York law and the CNB restated
certificate of incorporation and bylaws. After the merger the
rights of former CNB stockholders will be governed by Delaware
law and the NBT certificate of incorporation and bylaws. The
following chart summarizes the material differences between the
rights of holders of CNB common stock prior to the merger and
after completion of the merger when the former CNB stockholders
will be NBT stockholders. This summary does not purport to be
complete and we qualify the summary in its entirety by reference
to the CNB articles of incorporation and bylaws, the NBT
certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and the relevant
provisions of New York and Delaware law. You can obtain copies
of the governing corporate instruments of NBT and CNB, without
charge, by following the instructions listed under Where
You Can Find More Information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CNB Stockholders Rights |
|
NBT Stockholders Rights |
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized and outstanding stock |
|
Authorized: 5,000,000 shares of common stock, par value
$2.50 per share.
Outstanding: [ ] shares of
common stock as of the date of this document. |
|
Authorized: 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value
$.01 per share, 2,500,000 shares of preferred stock,
par value $.01 per share.
Outstanding: [ ] shares of
common stock as of the date of this document, no shares of
preferred stock. |
|
Special meetings of shareholders |
|
Special meetings of the stockholders may be called at any time
by the board of directors, the chairperson of the board, the
president, or by the shareholders entitled to cast at least 25%
of the vote which all shareholders are entitled to cast at the
particular meeting. |
|
Special meetings may be called by the board of directors or the
chairman of the board, or if there is none, by the president, or
by the holders of at least 50% of all shares entitled to vote at
the meeting. |
|
Inspection of voting lists of stockholders |
|
Under New York law, a stockholder of record has a right to
inspect the stockholder minutes and record of stockholders,
during usual business hours, on at least five days written
demand. The examination of the stockholder minutes and record of
stockholders must be for a purpose reasonably related to the
stockholders interest as a stockholder. A list of
stockholders as of the record date shall be |
|
Stockholders may inspect a list of stockholders at least ten
days before the meeting for which the list was prepared and at
the time and place of the meeting and during the whole time of
the meeting. |
46
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CNB Stockholders Rights |
|
NBT Stockholders Rights |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
produced at any meeting of stockholders upon the request of any
stockholder. |
|
|
|
Vacancies on the board of directors and additional
directors |
|
Stockholders may fill vacancies at a Stockholders meeting.
By a vote of a majority of the directors then in office, the
board of directors may fill any vacancies in the board of
directors for any reason and any newly created directorship from
any increase in the number of directors (which increase is
limited to no more than two members per year). Any director so
chosen shall serve until the next annual or special meeting of
stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and
qualified. |
|
Stockholders may fill vacancies at a stockholders meeting.
Directors may fill vacancies by a majority vote of the directors
then in office. The director chosen by the current directors to
fill the vacancy holds the office until the time of the next
election of directors, at which point the stockholders shall
fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term of
office. Directors may also fill newly- created directorships
other than an increase by more than three in the number of
directors. Any director appointed to the board of directors by
reason of increase in the number of directors shall serve until
the successor is elected and qualified. |
|
Cumulative Voting for Directors |
|
No such rights exist. |
|
No such rights exist. |
|
Classification of the Board of Directors |
|
The CNB Board is divided into three classes, with directors in
each class being elected for staggered three-year terms. |
|
The NBT board is divided into three classes, with directors in
each class being elected for staggered three-year terms. |
|
Removal of Directors |
|
Directors may be removed for cause by a vote of the stockholders. |
|
Stockholders may remove a director only for cause by the
affirmative vote of a majority in voting power of the
stockholders entitled to vote and to be present at the meeting
called for such purpose. |
|
Liability of Directors |
|
Directors are not personally liable to CNB or its stockholders
for monetary damages for any action taken or for any failure to
take any action, unless (1) his or her acts or omissions
were in bad faith or involved intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (2) he or she personally gained
in fact a financial profit or |
|
Directors are not personally liable to NBT or its stockholders
for monetary damages for breaches of fiduciary duty, except
(1) for breach of the directors duty of loyalty,
(2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,
(3) for unlawful payments of dividends or |
47
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CNB Stockholders Rights |
|
NBT Stockholders Rights |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
other advantage to which he or she was not legally entitled or
(3) his or her acts violated Section 719 of the New
York Business Corporation Law. |
|
unlawful stock purchases or redemptions or (4) for any
transaction where the director received an improper personal
benefit. |
|
Indemnification of directors and officers |
|
A CNB director or officer is entitled to indemnification if such
person acted, in good faith, for a purpose which he or she
reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the
corporation, and in criminal actions, had no reasonable cause to
believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. |
|
An NBT director is entitled to indemnification if he or she
acted in good faith and in a manner in which he or she
reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best
interest of NBT and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her
conduct was unlawful. |
|
Restrictions upon certain business transactions |
|
Any business combination involving CNB or a subsidiary and an
interested stockholder or affiliate of such interested
stockholder requires the affirmative vote of the holders of 75%
of the outstanding shares of CNB common entitled to vote. An
interested stockholder is any person who beneficially owns 5% or
more of CNBs voting stock. However, the above voting
requirement will not apply to a business combination involving
an interested stockholder or its affiliates if the business
combination is approved by 75% of the directors who were
directors prior to the time when the interested stockholder
became an interested stockholder and the transaction meets other
specific requirements outlined in the certificate of
incorporation. |
|
Any business combination involving NBT or a subsidiary and a
major stockholder or affiliate requires the affirmative vote of
the holders of not less than 80% of the outstanding shares of
NBT common stock, excluding the shares owned by the major
stockholder and its affiliates. The certificate defines
major stockholder as any person who beneficially
owns 5% or more of NBTs voting stock. However, such an
affirmative vote will not apply to a business combination
involving a major stockholder or its affiliate if the business
combination is approved by two-thirds of the directors who were
directors prior to the time when the major stockholder became a
major stockholder. |
|
Stockholder Rights Plan |
|
None. |
|
NBT has a stockholder rights plan, which is designed to ensure
that a potential acquirer of NBT will negotiate with the NBT
board and that all NBT stockholders will be treated equitably in
the event of a takeover attempt. The rights |
48
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CNB Stockholders Rights |
|
NBT Stockholders Rights |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
issued under the plan have certain anti-takeover effects. |
|
Amendments to certificate of incorporation |
|
Amendments generally require the approval of the board of
directors and the approval of a majority of the outstanding
stock entitled to vote upon the amendment. However, the approval
by 75% of the outstanding shares of common stock is required to
amend the corporations articles regarding preemptive
rights, opposition to tender offers, business combinations,
director liability, and amendment of the corporations
articles, except if the amendment is approved by 75% of the
continuing directors, then approval by a majority of the
outstanding shares is required. |
|
Amendments generally require the approval of the board of
directors and the approval of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding stock entitled to vote upon the amendment. Any
amendment to those provisions of the certificate of
incorporation that relate to business combinations involving NBT
or a subsidiary and a major stockholder or affiliate require the
affirmative vote of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of
voting stock, and if there is a major stockholder, such 80% vote
must include the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the
outstanding shares of voting stock held by stockholders other
than the major stockholder and its affiliates. |
|
Amendments to bylaws |
|
A majority of the directors may make, amend or repeal the bylaws. |
|
A majority of the directors, or stockholders holding a majority
of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, may make, amend or
repeal the bylaws. The NBT bylaws permit the stockholders to
adopt, approve or designate bylaws that may not be amended,
altered or repealed except by a specified percentage in interest
of all of the stockholders or of a particular class of
stockholders. |
Description of NBT Capital Stock
NBTs current authorized stock consists of
50,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per
share and 2,500,000 shares of preferred stock,
$.01 par value per share. No shares of NBT
49
preferred stock are currently outstanding. The NBT board is
authorized to issue, without further stockholder approval,
preferred stock from time to time in one or more series, and to
determine the provisions applicable to each series, including,
the number of shares, dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion
rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption, sinking
fund provisions, redemption price or prices, and liquidation
preferences. As of
[ ],
[ ] shares
of NBT common stock were outstanding.
Under Delaware law, stockholders generally are not personally
liable for a corporations acts or debts. Subject to the
preferential rights of any other shares or series of capital
stock, holders of shares of NBT common stock are entitled to
receive dividends on shares of common stock if, as and when
authorized and declared by the NBT board out of funds legally
available for dividends and to share ratably in the assets of
NBT legally available for distribution to its stockholders in
the event of its liquidation, dissolution or winding-up after
payment of, or adequate provision for, all known debts and
liabilities of NBT.
Each outstanding share of NBT common stock entitles the holder
to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders,
including the election of directors. Unless a larger vote is
required by law, the NBT certificate of incorporation or the NBT
bylaws, when a quorum is present at a meeting of stockholders, a
majority of the votes properly cast upon any question other than
the election of directors shall decide the question. A plurality
of the votes properly cast for the election of a person to serve
as a director shall elect such person. Except as otherwise
required by law or except as provided with respect to any other
class or series of capital stock, the holders of NBT common
stock possess the exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative
voting in the election of directors. The NBT board is divided
into three classes with each class as equal in number as
possible. This means, in general, that each director serves a
three-year term and that one-third of the members of the NBT
board are subject to reelection at each annual meeting of
stockholders.
Holders of NBT common stock have no conversion, sinking fund or
redemption rights, or preemptive rights to subscribe for any of
NBTs classes of stock.
All shares of NBT common stock have equal dividend,
distribution, liquidation and other rights, and have no
preference, appraisal or exchange rights.
For a description of the provisions of the NBT certificate of
incorporation that may have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a change in control of NBT, see Comparison of
Stockholders Rights Restrictions upon Certain
Business Combinations in the table in the preceding
section of this document.
The NBT board is authorized, without any further vote or action
by the NBT stockholders, to issue shares of preferred stock in
one or more series, to establish the number of shares in each
series and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and
rights of each such series and the qualifications, limitations
or restrictions of the series, in each case, if any, as are
permitted by Delaware law. Because the NBT board has the power
to establish the preferences and rights of each class or series
of preferred stock, it may afford the stockholders of any series
or class of preferred stock preferences, powers and rights,
voting or otherwise, senior to the rights of holders of shares
of NBT common stock. The issuance of shares of preferred stock
could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a
change in control of NBT.
Stockholder Rights Plan
In October 2004, NBT adopted a stockholder rights plan designed
to ensure that any potential acquirer of NBT would negotiate
with the NBT board and that all NBT stockholders would be
treated equitably in the event of a takeover attempt. At that
time, NBT paid a dividend of one Preferred Share Purchase Right
for each outstanding share of NBT common stock. Similar rights
are attached to each share of NBT common stock issued after
November 15, 2004, including the shares of common stock
50
issuable in the merger. Under the rights plan, the rights will
not be exercisable until a person or group acquires beneficial
ownership of 15 percent or more of the NBT outstanding
common stock, or begins a tender or exchange offer for
15 percent or more of the NBT common stock. Additionally,
until the occurrence of such an event, the rights are not
severable from the NBT common stock and therefore, the rights
will transfer upon the transfer of shares of the NBT common
stock. Upon the occurrence of such events, each right entitles
the holder to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of NBT
preferred stock at a price of $70. The rights plan also provides
that upon the occurrence of certain specified events the holders
of rights will be entitled to acquire additional equity
interests in NBT or in the acquiring entity, such interests
having a market value of two times the rights exercise
price of $70. The rights expire October 24, 2014, and are
redeemable in whole, but not in part, at NBTs option prior
to the time they become exercisable, for a price of
$0.001 per right. The rights have certain anti-takeover
effects. The rights may cause substantial dilution to a person
or group that attempts to acquire NBT on terms not approved by
the NBT board. The rights should not interfere with any merger
or other business combination approved by the NBT board.
Registrar and Transfer Agent
NBTs registrar and transfer agent is NBT Bank, N.A.
Applicable Law
The following discussion is a general summary of particular
federal and state statutory and regulatory provisions that may
be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect.
Delaware Takeover Statute. Section 203 of the
Delaware corporation law restricts transactions which may be
entered into by the corporation and some of its shareholders.
Section 203 provides, in essence, that a shareholder
acquiring more than 15% of the outstanding voting stock of a
corporation subject to the statute and that persons
affiliates and associates, referred to in this section as an
interested shareholder, but less than 85% of its shares may not
engage in specified business combinations with the corporation
for a period of three years after the date on which the
shareholder became an interested shareholder unless before that
date the corporations board of directors approved either
the business combination or the transaction in which the
shareholder became an interested shareholder or at or after that
time the business combination is approved by the
corporations board of directors and authorized at an
annual or special meeting of shareholders by the affirmative
vote of at least
662/3%
of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation not owned by
the interested shareholder. Section 203 defines the term
business combination to include a wide variety of transactions
with or caused by an interested shareholder in which the
interested shareholder receives or could receive a benefit on
other than a pro rata basis with other shareholders, including
mergers, consolidations, specified types of asset sales,
specified issuances of additional shares to the interested
shareholder, transactions with the corporation which increase
the proportionate interest of the interested shareholder or
transactions in which the interested shareholder receives
specified other benefits.
New York Takeover Statute. New York law includes an
anti-takeover statute that restricts the ability of a New York
corporation to engage in a business combination with an
interested shareholder for a period of five years following such
interested shareholders stock acquisition date. Under New
York law, an interested shareholder is defined as the beneficial
owner of 20% or more of the corporations shares or an
affiliate or associate of the corporation who has, within the
previous five years, beneficially owned 20% or more of the
corporations then outstanding shares. Covered business
combinations include certain mergers and consolidations,
dispositions of assets or stock, plans for liquidation or
dissolution, reclassifications of securities, recapitalizations
and similar transactions. Although New York law permits a
corporation to opt out of the anti-takeover statute
by an amendment to its bylaws approved by the affirmative vote
of a majority of votes of the outstanding voting stock of such
corporation, excluding the voting stock of interested
shareholders and their affiliates and associates, CNB has not
done so.
51
Federal Law. Federal law provides that, subject to some
exemptions, no person acting directly or indirectly or through
or in concert with one or more other persons may acquire control
of an insured institution or holding company of an insured
institution, without giving at least 60 days prior written
notice providing specified information to the appropriate
federal banking agency. In the case of NBT and NBT Bank, the
appropriate federal banking agencies are the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York and the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency, respectively, and in the case of CNB and City National
Bank, the appropriate federal banking agencies are the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York and the Office of the Comptroller of
the Currency, respectively. Control is defined for this purpose
as the power, directly or indirectly, to direct the management
or policies of an insured institution or to vote 25% or
more of any class of voting securities of an insured
institution. Control is presumed to exist where the acquiring
party has voting control of at least 10% of any class of the
institutions voting securities and other conditions are
present. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency may
prohibit the acquisition of control if the agency finds, among
other things, that:
|
|
|
|
|
the acquisition would result in a monopoly or substantially
lessen competition; |
|
|
|
the financial condition of the acquiring person might jeopardize
the financial stability of the institution; |
|
|
|
the effectiveness of the depository institutions involved in
combating money laundering activities or |
|
|
|
the competence, experience or integrity of any acquiring person
or any of the proposed management personnel indicates that it
would not be in the interest of the depositors or the public to
permit the acquisition of control by that person. |
Federal law also provides that, subject to some exceptions, a
bank holding company may not acquire more than five percent of
the voting stock of a bank or bank holding company, and a new
holding company may not be formed to acquire control of a bank
or bank holding company, without the prior approval of the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Control is defined
for this purpose in a similar manner as discussed in the
preceding paragraph. The Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System may not approve the acquisition of control if it
finds that the acquisition of control would result in a monopoly
or would further an attempt to monopolize the business of
banking in any part of the United States or if the acquisition
of control would substantially lessen competition or tend to
create a monopoly and the anticompetitive effects are not
clearly outweighed by the public benefits of the proposed
transaction. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System also may not approve the acquisition of control if the
company fails to provide the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System with adequate assurances regarding the
availability of information concerning the operations or
activities of the company and any affiliate of the company that
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System determines
to be appropriate. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System also must take into consideration:
|
|
|
|
|
the financial resources and future prospects of the companies
and banks concerned, and the convenience and needs of the
community to be served; |
|
|
|
the managerial resources of a company or bank, including the
competence, experience, and integrity of officers, directors,
and principal shareholders; |
|
|
|
the companys record of meeting the credit needs of its
entire community, including low-and moderate-income
neighborhoods; and |
|
|
|
the effectiveness of the company in combating money laundering
activities. |
52
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
NBT and CNB file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy
statements and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any reports,
statements or other information that NBT and CNB file with the
SEC at the SECs Public Reference Room at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.
You may obtain information on the operation of the Public
Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC
maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information about issuers that
file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SECs
Internet site is http://www.sec.gov. NBT can be found on the
Internet at http://www.nbtbancorp.com. NBTs common stock
is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market National Market Tier under
the symbol NBTB. CNB can be found on the Internet at
http://www.citynatlbank.com. CNBs common stock trades on
the OTC Bulletin Board under the trading symbol
CNBI.OB and is inactively traded.
NBT has filed with the SEC a registration statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act relating to NBTs
common stock to be issued to CNBs shareholders in the
merger. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC,
this proxy statement/ prospectus does not contain all the
information set forth in the registration statement. You can
obtain that additional information from the SECs principal
office in Washington, D.C. or the SECs Internet site
as described above. Statements contained in this proxy
statement/ prospectus or in any document incorporated by
reference into this proxy statement/ prospectus about the
contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily
complete and, in each instance where the contract or document is
filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, reference is
made to the copy of that contract or document filed as an
exhibit to the registration statement, with each statement of
that kind in this proxy statement/ prospectus being qualified in
all respects by reference to the document.
53
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows NBT and CNB to incorporate by reference
information into this proxy statement/ prospectus, which means
that NBT and CNB can disclose important information to you by
referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC.
The information that NBT and CNB incorporates by reference is
considered a part of this proxy statement/ prospectus, except
for any information superseded by information presented in this
proxy statement/ prospectus. This proxy statement/ prospectus
incorporates important business and financial information about
NBT and CNB and their subsidiaries that is not included in or
delivered with this document.
This proxy statement/ prospectus incorporates by reference the
documents listed below that NBT and CNB have filed with the SEC:
NBT Filings
|
|
|
Filings |
|
Period of Report or Date Filed |
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 10-K
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2004 |
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
|
|
Quarter ended March 31, 2005 |
Current Reports on Form 8-K
|
|
June 14, 2005 |
The description of NBT common stock contained in
NBTs Registration Statement on Form 8-A, including
any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such
description
|
|
November 29, 2004 |
These documents are available without charge to you if you call
or write to: Michael J. Chewens, Senior Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer, 52 South Broad Street, Norwich, NY
13815, (607) 337-2265.
CNB Filings
|
|
|
Filings |
|
Period of Report or Date Filed |
|
|
|
Annual Report on Form 10-K
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2004 |
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
|
|
Quarter ended March 31, 2005 |
Current Reports on Form 8-K
|
|
June 14, 2005 |
The description of CNB common stock contained in
CNBs Current Report on Form 8-K, including any
amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such
description
|
|
July 15, 1999 |
These documents are available without charge to you if you call
or write to: George A. Morgan, Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer, 10-24 North Main Street, P.O.
Box 873, Gloversville, NY 12078, (518) 773-7911.
NBT and CNB incorporate by reference additional documents that
the companies may file with the SEC pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
between the date of this document and the date of the CNB
special meeting. These documents include periodic reports, such
as annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, as well as
proxy statements.
54
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We have made forward-looking statements in this document, and in
documents that we incorporate by reference. These kinds of
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Forward-looking statements include the information concerning
possible or assumed future results of our operations. When we
use words like believes, expects, anticipates or similar
expressions, we are making forward-looking statements.
You should note that many factors, some of which are discussed
elsewhere in this document and in the documents that we
incorporate by reference, could affect our future financial
results and could cause those results to differ materially from
those expressed in our forward-looking statements. These factors
include the following:
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adverse changes or conditions in capital or financial markets; |
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general risks associated with the delivery of financial products
and services; |
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fluctuating investment returns; |
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adverse changes in interest rates; |
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rapid technological changes; |
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increased competition; |
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less favorable general economic conditions, either nationally or
in the markets where the entities are or will be doing business; |
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change in any applicable law, rule, regulation or practice with
respect to tax or accounting issues or otherwise; |
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the failure to achieve anticipated cost savings or to achieve
such savings in a timely manner; |
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greater costs, customer loss and business disruption in
connection with the acquisition or the integration of our
companies than expected; |
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failure to obtain governmental approvals without adverse
regulatory conditions; |
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difficulties associated with achieving expected future financial
results; and |
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failure of CNBs shareholders to approve the acquisition. |
The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this
document, and we assume no obligation to update the
forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual
results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking
statements.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this document, and, if given or
made, that information or representation should not be relied
upon as having been authorized. This document does not
constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to
purchase, any of NBTs common stock offered by this
document, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction in
which it is unlawful to make that kind of offer or solicitation.
Neither the delivery of this document nor any distribution of
NBTs common stock offered pursuant to this proxy
statement/ prospectus shall, under any circumstances, create an
implication that there has been no change in the affairs of CNB
or NBT or the information in this document or the documents or
reports incorporated by reference into this document since the
date of this document.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any proposal which a CNB shareholder wishes to have included in
CNBs proxy statement and form of proxy relating to
CNBs 2005 special meeting of shareholders must be received
by CNB at its principal executive offices at 10-24 North
Main Street, P.O. Box 873, Gloversville, New York
12078-0873, a reasonable time before CNB begins to print and
mail its proxy materials for such meeting. Nothing in this
55
paragraph shall be deemed to require CNB to include in its proxy
statement and form of proxy for such meeting any shareholder
proposal which does not meet the requirements of the SEC,
including Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, in effect at the time. In addition, all
shareholder proposals must comply with the CNBs bylaws and
New York law. If the merger agreement is approved and the merger
takes place, CNB will not have an annual meeting of shareholders
in 2006 or subsequent years.
OTHER MATTERS
We do not expect that any matters other than those described in
this document will be brought before the special meeting. If any
other matters are presented, however, it is the intention of the
persons named in the CNB proxy card, to vote proxies in
accordance with the determination of a majority of CNBs
Board of Directors, including, without limitation, a motion to
adjourn or postpone the special meeting to another time and/or
place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies in order
to approve the merger agreement or otherwise.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of NBT at
December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, and
managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting at December 31, 2004 have
been incorporated by reference into this document and in the
registration statement in reliance on the reports of KPMG LLP,
independent registered public accounting firm, which are
incorporated by reference into this document and into the
registration statement by reference to NBTs Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and
upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of CNB, at
December 31, 2004 and 2003 and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 2004 have been
incorporated into this document by reference from the CNB Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2004, in reliance on the report of KPMG LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm, and have been so incorporated
in reliance upon the report of that firm given upon their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
A representative of KPMG LLP will be present at the CNB special
meeting. The representative will have the opportunity to make a
statement if he/she desires to do so and is expected to be
available to respond to appropriate questions.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of NBTs common stock to be issued in the
merger has been passed upon by Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.,
Washington, D.C. Certain federal income tax matters
described herein will be passed upon by Hogan & Hartson
L.L.P., New York, New York.
56
APPENDIX A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
BY AND BETWEEN
NBT BANCORP INC.
AND
CNB BANCORP, INC.
JUNE 13, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I Certain Definitions |
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A-1 |
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1.1.
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Certain Definitions |
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A-1 |
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ARTICLE II The Merger |
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A-6 |
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2.1.
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Merger |
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A-6 |
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2.2.
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Closing; Effective Time |
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A-6 |
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2.3.
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Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws |
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A-6 |
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2.4.
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Directors and Officers of Surviving Corporation |
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A-6 |
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2.5.
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Effects of the Merger |
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A-6 |
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2.6.
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Tax Consequences |
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A-6 |
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2.7.
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Possible Alternative Structures |
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A-7 |
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2.8.
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Additional Actions |
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A-7 |
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ARTICLE III Conversion of Shares |
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A-7 |
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3.1.
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Conversion of CNB Common Stock; Merger Consideration |
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A-7 |
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3.2.
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Election Procedures |
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A-9 |
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3.3.
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Procedures for Exchange of CNB Common Stock |
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A-10 |
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3.4.
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Treatment of CNB Options |
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A-12 |
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3.5.
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Bank Merger |
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A-13 |
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3.6.
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Reservation of Shares |
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A-13 |
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ARTICLE IV Representations and Warranties of CNB |
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A-14 |
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4.1.
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Standard |
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A-14 |
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4.2.
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Organization |
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A-14 |
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4.3.
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Capitalization |
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A-15 |
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4.4.
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Authority; No Violation |
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A-15 |
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4.5.
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Consents |
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A-16 |
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4.6.
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Financial Statements |
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A-16 |
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4.7.
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Taxes |
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A-17 |
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4.8.
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No Material Adverse Effect |
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A-17 |
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4.9.
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Material Contracts; Leases; Defaults |
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A-17 |
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4.10.
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Ownership of Property; Insurance Coverage |
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A-18 |
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4.11.
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Legal Proceedings |
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A-19 |
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4.12.
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Compliance With Applicable Law |
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A-19 |
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4.13.
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Employee Benefit Plans |
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A-20 |
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4.14.
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Brokers, Finders and Financial Advisors |
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A-22 |
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4.15.
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Environmental Matters |
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A-22 |
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4.16.
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Loan Portfolio |
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A-23 |
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4.17.
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Related Party Transactions |
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A-24 |
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4.18.
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Deposits |
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A-24 |
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4.19.
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Antitakeover Provisions Inapplicable; Required Vote |
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A-24 |
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4.20.
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Registration Obligations |
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A-24 |
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4.21.
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Risk Management Instruments |
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A-25 |
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4.22.
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Fairness Opinion |
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A-25 |
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4.23.
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Intellectual Property |
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A-25 |
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A-i
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4.24.
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Duties as Fiduciary |
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A-25 |
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4.25.
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Employees; Labor Matters |
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A-25 |
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4.26.
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CNB Information Supplied |
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A-26 |
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4.27
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Securities Documents |
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A-26 |
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4.28.
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Internal Controls |
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A-26 |
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4.29.
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Bank Owned Life Insurance |
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A-26 |
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4.30.
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American Jobs Creation Act |
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A-26 |
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4.31.
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Termination of Adirondack Advisory Board |
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A-26 |
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ARTICLE V Representations and Warranties of NBT |
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A-27 |
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5.1.
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Standard |
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A-27 |
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5.2.
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Organization |
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A-27 |
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5.3.
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Capitalization |
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A-28 |
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5.4.
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Authority; No Violation |
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A-28 |
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5.5.
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Consents |
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A-29 |
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5.6.
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Financial Statements |
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A-29 |
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5.7.
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No Material Adverse Effect |
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A-29 |
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5.8.
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Legal Proceedings |
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A-29 |
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5.9.
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Securities Documents |
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A-30 |
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5.10.
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Antitakeover Provisions Inapplicable |
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A-30 |
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5.11.
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NBT Common Stock |
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A-30 |
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ARTICLE VI Covenants of CNB |
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A-30 |
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6.1.
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Conduct of Business |
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A-30 |
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6.2.
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Current Information |
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A-34 |
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6.3.
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Access to Properties and Records |
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A-34 |
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6.4.
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Financial and Other Statements |
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A-35 |
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6.5.
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Maintenance of Insurance |
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A-35 |
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6.6.
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Disclosure Supplements |
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A-36 |
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6.7.
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Consents and Approvals of Third Parties |
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A-36 |
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6.8.
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All Reasonable Efforts |
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A-36 |
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6.9.
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Failure to Fulfill Conditions |
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A-36 |
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6.10.
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No Solicitation |
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A-36 |
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6.11.
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Reserves and Merger-Related Costs |
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A-37 |
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6.12.
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Board of Directors and Committee Meetings |
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A-37 |
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6.13.
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Transaction Expenses of CNB |
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A-37 |
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ARTICLE VII Covenants of NBT |
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A-38 |
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7.1.
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Conduct of Business |
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A-38 |
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7.2.
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Current Information and Consultation |
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A-38 |
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7.3.
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Financial and Other Statements |
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A-38 |
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7.4.
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Disclosure Supplements |
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A-38 |
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7.5.
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Consents and Approvals of Third Parties |
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A-38 |
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7.6.
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All Reasonable Efforts |
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A-38 |
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7.7.
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Failure to Fulfill Conditions |
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A-38 |
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7.8.
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Employee Benefits |
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A-39 |
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7.9.
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Directors and Officers Indemnification and Insurance |
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A-41 |
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7.10.
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Stock Listing |
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A-42 |
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A-ii
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7.11.
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Stock and Cash Reserve |
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A-42 |
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7.12.
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Communications to CNB Employees; Training |
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A-43 |
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7.13.
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Advisory Board |
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A-43 |
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ARTICLE VIII Regulatory and Other Matters |
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A-43 |
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8.1.
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Meeting of Shareholders |
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A-43 |
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8.2.
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Proxy Statement-Prospectus; Merger Registration Statement |
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A-43 |
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8.3.
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Regulatory Approvals |
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A-44 |
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8.4.
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Affiliates |
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A-44 |
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ARTICLE IX Closing Conditions |
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A-45 |
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9.1.
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Conditions to Each Partys Obligations under this Agreement |
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A-45 |
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9.2.
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Conditions to the Obligations of NBT under this Agreement |
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A-46 |
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9.3.
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Conditions to the Obligations of CNB under this Agreement |
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A-46 |
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ARTICLE X The Closing |
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A-47 |
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10.1.
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Time and Place |
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A-47 |
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10.2.
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Deliveries at the Pre-Closing and the Closing |
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A-47 |
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ARTICLE XI Termination, Amendment and Waiver |
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A-47 |
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11.1.
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Termination |
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A-47 |
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11.2.
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Effect of Termination |
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A-50 |
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11.3.
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Amendment, Extension and Waiver |
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A-51 |
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ARTICLE XII Miscellaneous |
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A-52 |
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12.1.
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Confidentiality |
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A-52 |
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12.2.
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Public Announcements |
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A-52 |
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12.3.
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Survival |
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A-52 |
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12.4.
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Notices |
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A-52 |
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12.5.
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Parties in Interest |
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A-53 |
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12.6.
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Complete Agreement |
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A-53 |
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12.7.
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Counterparts |
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A-53 |
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12.8.
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Severability |
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A-53 |
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12.9.
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Governing Law |
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A-53 |
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12.10.
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Interpretation |
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A-53 |
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12.11.
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Specific Performance |
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A-54 |
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12.12.
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Waiver of Trial by Jury |
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A-54 |
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Exhibit A
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Form of Agreement and Plan of Bank Merger (omitted) |
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Exhibit B
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Affiliates Agreement (omitted) |
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A-iii
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this Agreement)
is dated as of June 13, 2005, by and between NBT Bancorp
Inc., a Delaware corporation (NBT), and CNB Bancorp,
Inc., a New York corporation (CNB).
Recitals
1. The Board of Directors of each of NBT and CNB
(i) has determined that this Agreement and the business
combination and related transactions contemplated hereby are in
the best interests of their respective companies and
shareholders and (ii) has determined that this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby are consistent with and
in furtherance of their respective business strategies, and
(iii) has approved this Agreement at meetings of each of
such Boards of Directors.
2. In accordance with the terms of this Agreement, CNB will
merge with and into NBT (the Merger), and
immediately thereafter City National Bank and Trust Company,
which is a wholly owned subsidiary of CNB, will be merged with
and into NBT Bank, N.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of NBT.
3. The parties intend the Merger to qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Code), and that this Agreement be and is hereby
adopted as a plan of reorganization within the
meaning of Sections 354 and 361 of the Code.
4. The parties desire to make certain representations,
warranties and agreements in connection with the business
transactions described in this Agreement and to prescribe
certain conditions thereto.
5. In consideration of the mutual covenants,
representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, and
of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Certain Definitions
1.1. Certain Definitions.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the
following meanings (unless the context otherwise requires,
references to Articles and Sections refer to Articles and
Sections of this Agreement).
Affiliate means any Person who directly, or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is
controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person and,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes any
executive officer or director of such Person and any Affiliate
of such executive officer or director.
Agreement means this agreement, and any amendment
hereto.
BHCA shall mean the Bank Holding Company Act of
1956, as amended.
Bank Merger shall mean the merger of City National
Bank with and into NBT Bank, with NBT Bank as the surviving
institution, which merger shall occur immediately following the
Merger.
Bank Regulator shall mean any Federal or state
banking regulator, including but not limited to the OCC, FDIC,
NYSBD and the FRB, which regulates or has the statutory
authority to regulate, even if only for a moment in time, NBT
Bank, City National Bank, and their respective holding companies
or subsidiaries, as the case may be.
Certificate shall mean a certificate or book entry
stock evidencing shares of CNB Common Stock.
City National Bank shall mean City National Bank and
Trust Company, a national banking association, with its
principal office located at 10-24 North Main Street,
Gloversville, New York 12078, and which is a wholly owned
subsidiary of CNB.
A-1
Closing Date shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.2.
CNB shall mean CNB Bancorp, Inc., a New York
corporation, with its principal office located at
10-24 North Main Street, Gloversville, New York 12078.
CNB Benefit Plans shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 4.13.1.
CNB Common Stock shall mean the common shares, par
value $2.50 per share, of CNB.
CNB Disclosure Schedule shall mean the collective
written disclosure schedules delivered by CNB to NBT pursuant
hereto, and specifically referring to the appropriate section of
this Agreement to which such schedule relates.
CNB Financial Statements shall mean (i) the
audited consolidated statements of financial condition
(including related notes and schedules) of CNB as of
December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the consolidated statements
of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders
equity and cash flows (including related notes and schedules, if
any) of CNB for each of the three years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002, as set forth in CNBs annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and
(ii) the unaudited interim consolidated financial
statements of CNB as of the end of each calendar quarter
following December 31, 2004, and for the periods then
ended, as filed by CNB in its Securities Documents.
CNB Incentive Stock Option shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 3.4.1.
CNB Nonqualified Stock Option shall mean any CNB
Option that is not a CNB Incentive Stock Option.
CNB Option shall mean an option to purchase shares
of CNB Common Stock granted pursuant to any of the CNB Stock
Option Plans and the outstanding option agreements, and
outstanding as of the date hereof, as set forth in CNB
Disclosure Schedule 3.4.1.
CNB Regulatory Reports means the Call Reports of
City National Bank, and accompanying schedules (other than such
schedules as are required to be kept confidential pursuant to
applicable law or regulatory requirements), as filed with the
FDIC with respect to each calendar quarter beginning with the
quarter ended March 31, 2005, through the Closing Date, and
all Annual Reports on Form FR Y-6 and any Current Report on
Form FR Y-6A filed with the FRB by CNB from
December 31, 2004 through the Closing Date.
CNB Shareholders Meeting shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 8.1.1.
CNB Stock Option Plans shall mean (i) the
Adirondack Financial Services Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Stock Option
and Incentive Plan, the obligations of Adirondack Financial
Services Bancorp, Inc. under that plan having been assumed by
CNB, (ii) the CNB Bancorp, Inc. Stock Option Plan, and
(iii) the CNB Bancorp, Inc. Long-Term Incentive
Compensation Plan.
CNB Subsidiary means any corporation, 10% or more of
the capital stock of which is owned, either directly or
indirectly, by CNB or City National Bank, except any corporation
the stock of which is held in the ordinary course of the lending
activities of City National Bank.
COBRA shall mean the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended.
Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended.
Confidentiality Agreement shall mean the
confidentiality agreement referred to in Section 12.1 of
this Agreement.
DGCL shall mean the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Dissenting Shares shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.1.6.
Dissenting Shareholder shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.1.6.
A-2
Effective Time shall mean the date and time
specified pursuant to Section 2.2 as the effective time of
the Merger.
Environmental Laws shall mean any applicable
Federal, state or local law, statute, ordinance, rule,
regulation, code, license, permit, authorization, approval,
consent, order, judgment, decree, injunction or agreement with
any governmental entity relating to (1) the protection,
preservation or restoration of the environment (including,
without limitation, air, water vapor, surface water,
groundwater, drinking water supply, surface soil, subsurface
soil, plant and animal life or any other natural resource),
and/or (2) the use, storage, recycling, treatment,
generation, transportation, processing, handling, labeling,
production, release or disposal of Materials of Environmental
Concern. The term Environmental Law includes without limitation
(a) the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 9601,
et seq; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended,
42 U.S.C. § 6901, et seq; the Clean Air Act, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. § 7401, et seq; the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C.
§ 1251, et seq; the Toxic Substances Control Act, as
amended, 15 U.S.C. § 2601, et seq; the Emergency
Planning and Community Right to Know Act, 42 U.S.C.
§ 11001, et seq; the Safe Drinking Water Act,
42 U.S.C. § 300f, et seq; and all comparable
state and local laws, and (b) any common law (including
without limitation common law that may impose strict liability)
that may impose liability or obligations for injuries or damages
due to the presence of or exposure to any Materials of
Environmental Concern.
ERISA shall mean the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended.
ERISA Affiliate means, with respect to any Person,
any other Person that, together with such Person, would be
treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code
or Section 4001 of ERISA.
Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended.
Exchange Agent shall mean NBT Bank, or such other
bank or trust company or other agent designated by NBT, which
shall act as agent for NBT in connection with the exchange
procedures for exchanging Certificates for the Merger
Consideration.
Exchange Fund shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.3.1.
Exchange Ratio shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.1.3.
FDIC shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any successor thereto.
FHLB shall mean the Federal Home Loan Bank of
New York or any successor thereto.
FRB shall mean the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, or any designee thereof or successor thereto.
GAAP shall mean accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
Governmental Entity shall mean any Federal or state
court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental
authority or instrumentality.
Insurance Regulator shall mean the New York State
Insurance Department.
IRS shall mean the United States Internal Revenue
Service.
Knowledge as used with respect to a Person
(including references to such Person being aware of a particular
matter) means those facts that are known by the executive
officers and directors of such Person, and includes any facts,
matters or circumstances set forth in any written notice from
any Bank Regulator or any other material written notice received
by an executive officer or director of that Person.
Loan Property shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 4.15.2.
Material Adverse Effect shall mean, with respect to
NBT or CNB, respectively, any effect that (i) is material
and adverse to the financial condition, results of operations or
business of NBT and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or CNB
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, respectively, or
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(ii) materially impairs the ability of either CNB, on the
one hand, or NBT, on the other hand, to perform its obligations
under this Agreement or otherwise materially impedes the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
provided that Material Adverse Effect shall not be
deemed to include the impact of (a) changes in laws and
regulations affecting banking institutions and their holding
companies generally, or interpretations thereof by courts or
governmental agencies, (b) changes in GAAP or regulatory
accounting principles generally applicable to financial
institutions and their holding companies, (c) actions and
omissions of a party hereto (or any of its Subsidiaries) taken
with the prior written consent of the other party,
(d) compliance with this Agreement on the business,
financial condition or results of operations of the parties and
their respective Subsidiaries, including the reasonable and
contemplated expenses incurred by the parties hereto in
consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
and (e) any change in the value of the securities or loan
portfolio of NBT or CNB, respectively, whether held as available
for sale or held to maturity, resulting solely from a change in
interests rates generally.
Materials of Environmental Concern means pollutants,
contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, petroleum and petroleum
products, and any other materials regulated under Environmental
Laws.
Merger shall mean the merger of CNB with and into
NBT pursuant to the terms hereof.
Merger Consideration shall mean the cash or NBT
Common Stock, or combination thereof, in an aggregate per share
amount to be paid by NBT for each share of CNB Common Stock, as
set forth in Section 3.1.
Merger Registration Statement shall mean the
registration statement, together with all amendments, filed with
the SEC under the Securities Act for the purpose of registering
the offer of shares of NBT Common Stock to be offered to holders
of CNB Common Stock in connection with the Merger.
NBT shall mean NBT Bancorp Inc., a Delaware
corporation, with its principal executive offices located at
52 South Broad Street, Norwich, New York 13815.
NBT Bank shall mean NBT Bank, N.A., a national
banking association, with its principal offices located at
52 South Broad Street, Norwich, New York 13815, and which
is a wholly owned subsidiary of NBT.
NBT Common Stock shall mean the common stock, par
value $0.01 per share, of NBT.
NBT Disclosure Schedule shall mean a written
disclosure schedule delivered by NBT to CNB specifically
referring to the appropriate section of this Agreement.
NBT Financial Statements shall mean the (i) the
audited consolidated statements of financial condition
(including related notes and schedules) of NBT as of
December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the consolidated statements
of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders
equity and cash flows (including related notes and schedules, if
any) of NBT for each of the three years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002, as set forth in NBTs annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and
(ii) the unaudited interim consolidated financial
statements of NBT as of the end of each calendar quarter
following December 31, 2004, and for the periods then
ended, as filed by NBT in its Securities Documents.
NBT Rights Plan means the Rights Agreement dated as
of November 15, 2004, between NBT Bancorp Inc. and
Registrar and Transfer Company.
NBT Subsidiary means any corporation, 50% or more of
the capital stock of which is owned, either directly or
indirectly, by NBT or NBT Bank, except any corporation the stock
of which is held in the ordinary course of the lending
activities of NBT.
NYBCL shall mean the New York Business Corporation
Law.
NYSBD shall mean the New York State Banking
Department.
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OCC shall mean the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency, any district office thereof, or any successor thereto.
Option Payment means the product of (i) the
excess of (A) the Cash Consideration over (B) the
exercise price per share of a CNB Nonqualified Stock Option
multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of CNB
Common Stock subject to such CNB Nonqualified Stock Option.
Participation Facility shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 4.15.2.
PBGC shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation or any successor thereto.
Person shall mean any individual, corporation,
partnership, joint venture, association, trust or
group (as that term is defined under the Exchange
Act).
Proxy Statement-Prospectus shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 8.2.1.
Regulatory Agreement shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 4.12.3.
Regulatory Approvals means the approval of any Bank
Regulator that is necessary in connection with the consummation
of the Merger, the Bank Merger and the related transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
Replacement Incentive Stock Option means an option
to acquire NBT Common Stock on the same terms and conditions as
were applicable under the terms of the related CNB Incentive
Stock Option and any CNB Stock Option Plan under which such CNB
Incentive Stock Option was issued (or as near thereto as is
practicable).
Representative shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.2.2.
Rights shall mean warrants, options, rights,
convertible securities, stock appreciation rights and other
arrangements or commitments which obligate an entity to issue or
dispose of any
of its capital stock or other ownership interests or which
provide for compensation based on the equity appreciation of its
capital stock.
SEC shall mean the Securities and Exchange
Commission or any successor thereto.
Securities Act shall mean the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.
Securities Documents shall mean all reports,
offering circulars, proxy statements, registration statements
and all similar documents filed pursuant to the Securities Laws.
Securities Laws shall mean the Securities Act; the
Exchange Act; the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations
of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
Significant Subsidiary shall have the meaning set
forth in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of the SEC.
Subsidiary means any corporation, 10% or more of the
capital stock of which is owned, either directly or indirectly,
except any corporation the stock of which is held in the
ordinary course of the lending activities of either NBT Bank or
City National Bank, as applicable.
Surviving Corporation shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 2.1.
Termination Date shall mean March 31, 2006.
Treasury Stock shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.1.2.
Other terms used herein are defined in the preamble and
elsewhere in this Agreement.
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ARTICLE II
The Merger
2.1. Merger.
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the
Effective Time: (a) CNB shall merge with and into NBT, with
NBT as the resulting or surviving corporation (the
Surviving Corporation); and (b) the separate
existence of CNB shall cease and all of the rights, privileges,
powers, franchises, properties, assets, liabilities and
obligations of CNB shall be vested in and assumed by NBT. As
part of the Merger, each outstanding share of CNB Common Stock
will be converted into the right to receive the Merger
Consideration pursuant to the terms of Article III.
2.2. Closing; Effective Time.
The Merger shall be effected by the filing of a certificate of
merger with the Delaware Department of State and the New York
Department of State on the day of the Closing (the Closing
Date), in accordance with the DGCL and NYBCL,
respectively. The Effective Time means the date and
time upon which the certificate of merger is filed with the
Delaware Department of State and the New York Department of
State, or as otherwise stated in the certificate of merger, in
accordance with the DGCL and NYBCL, respectively.
2.3. Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws.
The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of NBT as in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the Certificate
of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, until
thereafter amended as provided therein and by applicable law.
2.4. Directors and Officers of
Surviving Corporation.
Until changed in accordance with the Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, the
officers and directors of NBT immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be the officers of Surviving Corporation, in each
case until their respective successors are duly elected or
appointed and qualified. At the Effective Time, the number of
persons constituting the Board of Directors of NBT Bank shall be
increased by two members, and Timothy E. Delaney and Brian K.
Hanaburgh (each a New Member and collectively, the
New Members) shall be appointed to the NBT Bank
Board with a term of office expiring at the annual meeting of
stockholders of NBT Bank to be held following the Effective
Time; provided, however, that NBT Bank shall not have any
obligation to appoint any New Member to serve on NBT Banks
Board if such person is not a member of either the CNB or the
City National Bank Board of Directors immediately prior to the
Effective Time.
2.5. Effects of the Merger.
At and after the Effective Time, the Merger shall have the
effects as set forth in the DGCL and NYBCL.
2.6. Tax Consequences.
It is intended that the Merger shall constitute a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and that
this Agreement shall constitute a plan of
reorganization as that term is used in Sections 354
and 361 of the Code. From and after the date of this Agreement
and until the Closing, each party hereto shall use its
reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify, and will
not knowingly take any action, cause any action to be taken,
fail to take any action or cause any action to fail to be taken
which action or failure to act would reasonably be expected to
prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization under
Section 368(a) of the Code. Following the Closing, neither
NBT nor any of its affiliates shall knowingly take any action,
cause any action to be taken, fail to take any action or cause
any action to fail to be taken, which action or failure to act
would reasonably be expected to cause the Merger to fail to
qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the
Code. NBT and CNB each hereby agrees to deliver certificates
substantially in compliance with IRS published advance ruling
guidelines, with
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customary exceptions and modifications thereto, to enable
counsel to deliver the legal opinions contemplated by
Section 9.1.6, which certificates shall be dated as of the
date of such opinions and shall be true and correct as of such
date.
2.7. Possible Alternative
Structures.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set
forth in Article IX, prior to the Effective Time NBT shall
be entitled to revise the structure for effecting the Merger
described in Section 2.1 or the Bank Merger including,
without limitation, by substituting a wholly owned subsidiary
for NBT or NBT Bank, as applicable, provided that (i) any
such subsidiary shall become a party to, and shall agree to be
bound by, the terms of this Agreement; (ii) there are no
adverse Federal or state income tax consequences to CNB
shareholders, and nothing would prevent the rendering of the
opinions in Section 9.1.6, as a result of the modification;
(iii) the consideration to be paid to the holders of CNB
Common Stock under this Agreement is not thereby changed in
kind, value or reduced in amount; and (iv) such
modification will not delay materially or jeopardize receipt of
any Regulatory Approvals or other consents and approvals
relating to the consummation of the Merger or otherwise cause
any condition to Closing set forth in Article IX not to be
capable of being fulfilled. The parties hereto agree to
appropriately amend this Agreement and any related documents in
order to reflect any such revised structure.
2.8. Additional Actions.
If, at any time after the Effective Time, NBT shall consider or
be advised that any further deeds, assignments or assurances in
law or any other acts are necessary or desirable to
(i) vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in
NBT its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the
rights, properties or assets of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary, or
(ii) otherwise carry out the purposes of this Agreement,
CNB and its officers and directors shall be deemed to have
granted to NBT an irrevocable power of attorney to execute and
deliver, in such official corporate capacities, all such deeds,
assignments or assurances in law or any other acts as are
necessary or desirable to (a) vest, perfect or confirm, of
record or otherwise, in NBT its right, title or interest in, to
or under any of the rights, properties or assets of CNB or
(b) otherwise carry out the purposes of this Agreement, and
the officers and directors of the NBT are authorized in the name
of CNB or otherwise to take any and all such action.
ARTICLE III
Conversion of Shares
3.1. Conversion of CNB Common
Stock; Merger Consideration.
At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of NBT, CNB or the holders of any of the
shares of CNB Common Stock, the Merger shall be effected in
accordance with the following terms:
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3.1.1. Each share of NBT Common
Stock that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall remain issued and outstanding following the
Effective Time and shall be unchanged by the Merger. |
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3.1.2. All shares of CNB Common
Stock held in the treasury of CNB and each share of CNB Common
Stock owned by NBT prior to the Effective Time (other than
shares held in a fiduciary capacity or in connection with debts
previously contracted) (Treasury Stock), shall, at
the Effective Time, cease to exist, and such shares, including
any Certificates therefor, shall be canceled as promptly as
practicable thereafter, and no payment or distribution shall be
made in consideration therefor. |
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3.1.3. Each outstanding share of
CNB Common Stock with respect to which an election to receive
NBT Common Stock has been effectively made and not revoked or
lost, pursuant to Section 3.2.3 (a Stock
Election), shall be converted into the right to receive
1.64 (the Exchange |
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Ratio) shares of NBT Common Stock, subject to adjustment
as provided in Section 3.1.9 (the Stock
Consideration) (collectively, the Stock Election
Shares). |
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3.1.4. Each outstanding share of
CNB Common Stock with respect to which an election to receive
cash has been effectively made and not revoked or lost, pursuant
to Section 3.2.3 (a Cash Election), shall be
converted into the right to receive a cash payment, without
interest, equal to $38.00 (the Cash Consideration)
(collectively, the Cash Election Shares). |
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3.1.5. for each share of CNB Common
Stock other than as to which a Cash Election or a Stock Election
has been effectively made and not revoked or lost, pursuant to
Section 3.2.3 (collectively, Non-Election
Shares), the right to receive from NBT such Stock
Consideration and/or Cash Consideration as is determined in
accordance with Section 3.2. |
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3.1.6. Each outstanding share of
CNB Common Stock, the holder of which has perfected his right to
dissent under Sections 623 and 910 of the NYBCL and has not
effectively withdrawn or lost such right as of the Effective
Time (the Dissenting Shares), shall not be converted
into or represent a right to receive the Merger Consideration
hereunder, and the holder thereof shall be entitled only to such
rights as are granted by Sections 623 and 910 of the NYBCL.
CNB shall give NBT prompt notice upon receipt by CNB of any such
demands for payment of the fair value of such shares of CNB
Common Stock and of withdrawals of such notice and any other
instruments provided pursuant to applicable law (any shareholder
duly making such demand being hereinafter called a
Dissenting Shareholder), and NBT shall have the
right to participate in all negotiations and proceedings with
respect to any such demands. CNB shall not, except with the
prior written consent of NBT, voluntarily make any payment with
respect to, or settle or offer to settle, any such demand for
payment, or waive any failure to timely deliver a written demand
for appraisal or the taking of any other action by such
Dissenting Shareholder as may be necessary to perfect appraisal
rights under the NYBCL. Any payments made in respect of
Dissenting Shares shall be made by the Surviving Company. |
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3.1.7. If any Dissenting
Shareholder withdraws or loses (through failure to perfect or
otherwise) his right to such payment at or prior to the
Effective Time, such holders shares of CNB Common Stock
shall be converted into a right to receive the Merger
Consideration in accordance with the applicable provisions of
this Agreement. If such holder withdraws or loses (through
failure to perfect or otherwise) his right to such payment after
the Effective Time, each share of CNB Common Stock of such
holder shall be entitled to receive the Merger Consideration. |
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3.1.8. Upon the Effective Time,
shares of CNB Common Stock shall no longer be outstanding and
shall automatically be canceled and shall cease to exist, and
shall thereafter by operation of this Section 3.1 represent
only the right to receive the Merger Consideration and any
dividends or distributions with respect thereto or any dividends
or distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time
that were declared or made by CNB on such shares of CNB Common
Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement on or prior
to the Effective Time and which remain unpaid at the Effective
Time. |
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3.1.9. In the event NBT changes (or
establishes a record date for changing) the number of, or
provides for the exchange of, all shares of NBT Common Stock
issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time as a result
of a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization,
reclassification, or similar transaction with respect to all of
the outstanding NBT Common Stock and the record date therefor
shall be prior to the Effective Time, the NBT Common Stock
portion of the Merger Consideration shall be proportionately and
appropriately adjusted; provided, that for the avoidance
of doubt the parties acknowledge that the foregoing is not
intended to result in any such adjustment as a result of share
repurchases or share issuances of NBT Common Stock by NBT under
employee benefit plans maintained by NBT, pursuant to stock
options or if NBT issues additional shares of NBT Common Stock
and receives fair market value consideration for such shares. |
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3.1.10. No Fractional
Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, no certificates or scrip representing fractional shares
of NBT Common Stock shall be issued upon the surrender for
exchange of Certificates, no dividend or distribution with
respect to NBT Common Stock shall be payable on or with respect
to any fractional share interest, and such fractional share
interests shall not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any
other rights of a shareholder of NBT. In lieu of the issuance of
any such fractional share, NBT shall pay to each former holder
of CNB Common Stock who otherwise would be entitled to receive a
fractional share of NBT Common Stock, an amount in cash, rounded
to the nearest cent and without interest, equal to the product
of (i) the fraction of a share to which such holder would
otherwise have been entitled and (ii) the average of the
daily closing sales prices of a share of NBT Common Stock as
reported on the NASDAQ National Market for the five consecutive
trading days immediately preceding the Closing Date. For
purposes of determining any fractional share interest, all
shares of CNB Common Stock owned by a CNB shareholder shall be
combined so as to calculate the maximum number of whole shares
of NBT Common Stock issuable to such CNB shareholder. |
3.2. Election Procedures.
3.2.1. Holders of CNB Common Stock
may elect to receive shares of NBT Common Stock or cash in
exchange for their shares of NBT Common Stock. The total number
of shares of CNB Common Stock to be converted into Stock
Consideration pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall be equal
to the product obtained by multiplying (x) the number of
shares of CNB Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time by (y) 0.55 (the Stock Conversion
Number). All other shares of CNB Common Stock shall be
converted into Cash Consideration.
3.2.2. An election form, in such
form as NBT and CNB shall mutually agree (Election
Form), will be sent, on the date that the Proxy
Statement-Prospectus is mailed (the Mailing Date),
or such later date as NBT may determine, to each holder of
record of CNB Common Stock entitled to vote at the CNB
Shareholders Meeting (as defined in Section 8.1.1)
permitting such holder, subject to the allocation and election
procedures set forth in this Section 3.2, (i) to
specify the number of shares of CNB Common Stock owned by such
holder with respect to which such holder desires to make a Cash
Election (a Cash Election), in accordance with
the provision of Section 3.1.4, (ii) to specify the
number of shares of CNB Common Stock owned by such holder with
respect to which such holder desires to make a Stock Election,
in accordance with the provision of Section 3.1.3, or
(iii) to indicate that such record holder has no preference
as to the receipt of cash or NBT Common Stock for such shares (a
Non-Election). Holders of record of shares of CNB
Common Stock who hold such shares as nominees, trustees or in
other representative capacities (a Representative)
may submit multiple Election Forms, provided that each such
Election Form covers all the shares of CNB Common Stock held by
each Representative for a particular beneficial owner. Any
shares of CNB Common Stock with respect to which the holder
thereof shall not, as of the Election Deadline, have made an
election by submission to the Exchange Agent on an effective,
properly completed Election Form shall be deemed Non-Election
Shares. Any Dissenting Shares shall be deemed shares subject to
an All Cash Election, and with respect to such shares the
holders thereof shall in no event receive consideration
comprised of NBT Common Stock. NBT shall make available one or
more Election Forms as may reasonably be requested in writing
from time to time by all persons who become holders (or
beneficial owners) of CNB Common Stock between the CNB
Shareholders Meeting record date and the close of business on
the business day prior to the Election Deadline (as defined in
Section 3.2.3), and CNB shall provide to the Exchange Agent
all information reasonably necessary for it to perform as
specified herein.
3.2.3. The term Election
Deadline, as used below, shall mean 5:00 p.m.,
Eastern time, on the 30th calendar day following the date the
Election Form is first mailed, or such later date as NBT shall
determine. An election shall have been properly made only if the
Exchange Agent shall have actually received a properly completed
Election Form by the Election Deadline. Any Election Form may be
revoked or changed by the person submitting such Election Form
to the Exchange Agent by written notice to the Exchange Agent
only if such notice of revocation or change is actually received
by the Exchange Agent at or prior to the Election Deadline. The
Certificate or Certificates relating to any revoked Election
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Form shall be promptly returned without charge to the person
submitting the Election Form to the Exchange Agent. Subject to
the terms of this Agreement and of the Election Form, NBT and
the Exchange Agent shall have discretion to determine whether
any election, revocation or change has been properly or timely
made and to disregard immaterial defects in the Election Forms,
and any good faith decisions of NBT and the Exchange Agent
regarding such matters shall be binding and conclusive. Neither
NBT or the Exchange Agent shall be under any obligation to
notify any person of any defect in an Election Form.
3.2.4. As soon as reasonably
practical after the Effective Time, NBT shall cause the Exchange
Agent to effect the allocation among holders of CNB Common Stock
of rights to receive the Cash Consideration and the Stock
Consideration as set forth in Sections 3.2.5 and 3.2.6.
3.2.5. If the aggregate number of
shares of CNB Common Stock with respect to which Stock Elections
shall have been made (the Stock Election Number)
exceeds the Stock Conversion Number, then all Cash Election
Shares and all Non-Election Shares of each holder thereof shall
be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration,
and Stock Election Shares of each holder thereof will be
converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration in
respect of that number of Stock Election Shares equal to the
product obtained by multiplying (x) the number of Stock
Election Shares held by such holder by (y) the fraction,
the numerator of which is the Stock Conversion Number and the
denominator of which is the Stock Election Number, with the
remaining number of such holders Stock Election Shares
being converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration.
3.2.6. If the Stock Election Number
is less than the Stock Conversion Number (the amount by which
the Stock Conversion Number exceeds the Stock Election Number
being referred to herein as the Shortfall Number),
then all Stock Election Shares shall be converted into the right
to receive the Stock Consideration and the Non-Election Shares
and Cash Election Shares shall be treated in the following
manner:
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(A) If the Shortfall Number is less than or equal to the
number of Non-Election Shares, then all Cash Election Shares
shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash
Consideration and the Non-Election Shares of each holder thereof
shall convert into the right to receive the Stock Consideration
in respect of that number of Non-Election Shares equal to the
product obtained by multiplying (x) the number of
Non-Election Shares held by such holder by (y) a fraction,
the numerator of which is the Shortfall Number and the
denominator of which is the total number of Non-Election Shares,
with the remaining number of such holders Non-Election
Shares being converted into the right to receive the Cash
Consideration; or |
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(B) If the Shortfall Number exceeds the number of
Non-Election Shares, then all Non-Election Shares shall be
converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration and
Cash Election Shares of each holder thereof shall convert into
the right to receive the Stock Consideration in respect of that
number of Cash Election Shares equal to the product obtained by
multiplying (x) the number of Cash Election Shares held by
such holder by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is
the amount by which (1) the Shortfall Number exceeds
(2) the total number of Non-Election Shares and the
denominator of which is the total number of Cash Election
Shares, with the remaining number of such holders Cash
Election Shares being converted into the right to receive the
Cash Consideration. |
3.3. Procedures for Exchange of
CNB Common Stock.
3.3.1. NBT to Make Merger
Consideration Available. No later than the Closing Date, NBT
shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with the Exchange
Agent for the benefit of the holders of CNB Common Stock, for
exchange in accordance with this Section 3.3, an aggregate
amount of cash sufficient to pay the aggregate amount of cash
payable pursuant to this Article III (including the
estimated amount of cash to be paid in lieu of fractional shares
of CNB Common Stock) and shall instruct the Exchange Agent to
issue shares of NBT Common Stock for exchange in accordance with
this Section 3.3 (such cash and shares of NBT Common Stock,
together with any dividends or distributions with respect
thereto (without any interest thereon) being hereinafter
referred to as the Exchange Fund).
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3.3.2. Exchange of
Certificates. NBT shall take all steps necessary to cause
the Exchange Agent, not later than five (5) business days
after the Effective Time, to mail to each holder of a
Certificate or Certificates who has not previously surrendered
such certificates with an Election Form, a form letter of
transmittal for return to the Exchange Agent and instructions
for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates in
exchange for the Merger Consideration and cash in lieu of
fractional shares into which the CNB Common Stock represented by
such Certificates shall have been converted as a result of the
Merger, if any. The letter of transmittal shall specify that
delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the
Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates
to the Exchange Agent. Upon proper surrender of a Certificate
for exchange and cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together
with a properly completed letter of transmittal, duly executed,
the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in
exchange therefor the Merger Consideration and the certificate
so surrendered shall be cancelled. No interest will be paid or
accrued on any Cash Consideration or any cash payable in lieu of
fractional shares or any unpaid dividends and distributions, if
any, payable to holders of Certificates.
3.3.3. Rights of Certificate
Holders after the Effective Time. The holder of a
Certificate that prior to the Merger represented issued and
outstanding CNB Common Stock shall have no rights, after the
Effective Time, with respect to such CNB Common Stock except to
surrender the Certificate in exchange for the Merger
Consideration as provided in this Agreement. No dividends or
other distributions declared after the Effective Time with
respect to NBT Common Stock shall be paid to the holder of any
unsurrendered Certificate until the holder thereof shall
surrender such Certificate in accordance with this
Section 3.3. After the surrender of a Certificate in
accordance with this Section 3.3, the record holder thereof
shall be entitled to receive any such dividends or other
distributions, without any interest thereon, which theretofore
had become payable with respect to shares of NBT Common Stock
represented by such Certificate.
3.3.4. Surrender by Persons
Other than Record Holders. If the Person surrendering a
Certificate and signing the accompanying letter of transmittal
is not the record holder thereof, then it shall be a condition
of the payment of the Merger Consideration that: (i) such
Certificate is properly endorsed to such Person or is
accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case signed
exactly as the name of the record holder appears on such
Certificate, and is otherwise in proper form for transfer, or is
accompanied by appropriate evidence of the authority of the
Person surrendering such Certificate and signing the letter of
transmittal to do so on behalf of the record holder; and
(ii) the person requesting such exchange shall pay to the
Exchange Agent in advance any transfer or other similar taxes
required by reason of the payment to a Person other than the
registered holder of the Certificate surrendered, or required
for any other reason, or shall establish to the satisfaction of
the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or is not payable.
3.3.5. Closing of Transfer
Books. From and after the Closing Date, there shall be no
transfers on the stock transfer books of CNB of the CNB Common
Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates representing
such shares are presented for transfer to the Exchange Agent,
they shall be exchanged for the Merger Consideration and
canceled as provided in this Section 3.3.
3.3.6. Return of Exchange
Fund. At any time following the six (6) month period
after the Effective Time, NBT shall be entitled to require the
Exchange Agent to deliver to it any portions of the Exchange
Fund which had been made available to the Exchange Agent and not
disbursed to holders of Certificates (including, without
limitation, all interest and other income received by the
Exchange Agent in respect of all funds made available to it),
and thereafter such holders shall be entitled to look to NBT
(subject to abandoned property, escheat and other similar laws)
with respect to any Merger Consideration that may be payable
upon due surrender of the Certificates held by them.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither NBT nor the Exchange
Agent shall be liable to any holder of a Certificate for any
Merger Consideration delivered in respect of such Certificate to
a public official pursuant to any abandoned property, escheat or
other similar law.
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3.3.7. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed
Certificates. In the event any Certificate shall have been
lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of
that fact by the person claiming such Certificate to be lost,
stolen or destroyed and the posting by such person of a bond in
such amount as NBT may reasonably direct as indemnity against
any claim that may be made against it with respect to such
Certificate, the Exchange Agent will issue in exchange for such
lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the Merger Consideration
deliverable in respect thereof.
3.3.8. Withholding. NBT or
the Exchange Agent will be entitled to deduct and withhold from
the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated hereby to any holder of CNB
Common Stock such amounts as NBT (or any Affiliate thereof) or
the Exchange Agent are required to deduct and withhold with
respect to the making of such payment under the Code, or any
applicable provision of U.S. federal, state, local or
non-U.S. tax law. To the extent that such amounts are
properly withheld by NBT or the Exchange Agent, such withheld
amounts will be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as
having been paid to the holder of the CNB Common Stock in
respect of whom such deduction and withholding were made by NBT
or the Exchange Agent.
3.4. Treatment of CNB
Options.
3.4.1. Assumption of CNB
Incentive Stock Options. At the Effective Time, each and
every CNB Option that is an incentive stock option
under Section 422 of the Code and outstanding and
unexercised immediately prior thereto (a CNB Incentive
Stock Option) whether vested or unvested, shall
automatically be converted into a Replacement Incentive Stock
Option for a number of shares of NBT Common Stock equal to
(rounded down to the nearest number of whole shares)
(a) the number of shares of CNB Common Stock subject to
such CNB Incentive Option as of the Effective Time multiplied by
(b) the Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per share
(rounded down to the nearest whole cent) equal to (x) the
aggregate exercise price under such CNB Incentive Stock Option
for all of the shares of CNB Common Stock subject to such CNB
Incentive Stock Option at the Effective Time divided by
(y) the number of shares of NBT Common Stock subject to
such Replacement Incentive Stock, provided that the terms of the
Replacement Incentive Stock Option into which such CNB Incentive
Stock Option is converted, including the option price, the
number of shares of NBT Common Stock purchasable pursuant to
such option, and the terms and conditions of exercise of such
option shall be determined so as to comply with
section 424(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations
thereunder. At the Effective Time, NBT shall assume stock plans
under which CNB Incentive Stock Options have been issued;
provided, that such assumption shall only be in respect of the
Replacement Incentive Stock Options and that NBT shall have no
obligation with respect to any awards under such plans other
than the Replacement Incentive Stock Options and shall have no
obligation to make any additional grants or awards under such
assumed plans.
After the Effective Time, NBT shall issue to each holder of an
outstanding CNB Incentive Stock Option a document evidencing the
assumption of such CNB Incentive Stock Option by NBT pursuant to
this Section 3.4.1.
3.4.2. At or prior to the Effective
Time, NBT shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve
for issuance a sufficient number of shares of NBT Common Stock
for delivery upon exercise of CNB Incentive Stock Options
assumed by it in accordance with this Section 3.4. As soon
as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, NBT shall
file a registration statement on Form S-8 (or any successor
or other appropriate forms), with respect to the shares of NBT
Common Stock subject to Replacement Incentive Stock Options and
shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain the
effectiveness of such registration statement (and maintain the
current status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained
therein) for so long as such Replacement Incentive Stock Options
remain outstanding.
3.4.3. Nonqualified Stock
Options CNB Bancorp, Inc. Stock Option Plan.
Prior to and effective as of the Effective Time, pursuant to the
terms of the CNB Bancorp, Inc. Stock Option Plan (the 1998
Plan), CNB shall take all actions necessary to terminate
each CNB Nonqualified Stock Option granted pursuant to the 1998
Plan that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior
thereto. In accordance with the 1998 Plan all issued and
outstanding CNB Nonqualified Stock Options granted thereto and
not
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theretofore exercised, shall become immediately exercisable and
otherwise subject to the terms of the 1998 Plan. Holders of CNB
Nonqualified Stock Options granted under 1998 Plan will be given
the opportunity to elect to receive, in cancellation of their
CNB Nonqualified Stock Option, the Option Payment, which payment
shall be treated as compensation and shall be net of any
applicable federal or state withholding tax. Subject to the
foregoing, CNB Nonqualified Stock Options granted under the 1998
Plan and not exercised prior to the Effective Time shall
terminate, in accordance with the provisions of the 1998 Plan.
CNB shall send a written notice to all holders of CNB
Nonqualified Options under the 1998 Plan informing option
holders of their right to exercise, of the Option Payment
election, and of the termination of the unexercised options as
of the Effective Time.
3.4.4. Nonqualified Stock
Options CNB Bancorp, Inc. Long Term Incentive
Compensation Plan. Prior to and effective as of the
Effective Time, pursuant to the terms of the CNB Bancorp, Inc.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the LTIC
Plan), CNB shall take all actions necessary to terminate
each CNB Nonqualified Stock Option granted pursuant to the LTIC
Plan that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior
thereto. In accordance with the LTIC Plan all issued and
outstanding CNB Nonqualified Stock Options granted thereto and
not theretofore exercised, shall become entitled to receive the
Option Payment, which payment shall be treated as compensation
and shall be net of any applicable federal or state withholding
tax. Subject to the foregoing, CNB Nonqualified Stock Options
granted under the LTIC Plan and not exercised prior to the
Effective Time shall terminate, in accordance with the
provisions of the LTIC Plan. CNB shall send a written notice to
all holders of CNB Nonqualified Options under the LTIC Plan
informing option holders of their right to the Option Payment
and of the termination of the unexercised options as of the
Effective Time.
3.4.5. Nonqualified Stock
Options Adirondack Financial Services Bancorp, Inc.
1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. All CNB Nonqualified
Stock Options granted under the Adirondack Financial Services
Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
(Adirondack Plan) that are outstanding and
unexercised immediately prior to the Effective Time will be
converted into the right to receive the Option Payment, which
payment shall be treated as compensation and shall be net of any
applicable federal or state withholding tax. CNB shall send a
written notice to all holders of CNB Nonqualified Options under
the Adirondack Plan informing option holders of the Option
Payment.
3.5. Bank Merger.
CNB and NBT shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause the
merger of City National Bank with and into NBT Bank, with NBT
Bank as the surviving institution (the Bank Merger).
In addition, following the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, NBT will cause NBT Bank, and CNB will cause City
National Bank, to execute and deliver an Agreement and Plan of
Merger substantially in the form attached to this Agreement as
Exhibit A.
3.6. Reservation of Shares.
NBT shall reserve for issuance a sufficient number of shares of
the NBT Common Stock for the purpose of issuing shares of NBT
Common Stock to the CNB shareholders in accordance with this
Article III.
3.7. Adjustment of Exchange
Ratio.
If Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. or Shumaker, Loop &
Kendrick, LLP reasonably determine that it cannot render the tax
opinion referred to in Section 9.1.6 and to be delivered at
the Closing (the Tax Opinion) as a result of the
Mergers potentially failing to satisfy continuity of
interest requirements under applicable federal income tax
principles relating to reorganizations under Section 368(a)
of the Code, because the aggregate value of the shares of NBT
Common Stock to be issued in the Merger as of the Effective Time
is less than 40% of the value of the aggregate Merger
Consideration (including amounts payable pursuant to
Sections 3.1.6 and 3.1.10), based upon the 10 day
average closing price of NBT Common Stock on the business day
immediately prior to the Closing Date, then NBT shall, in its
sole discretion have the right to increase the Exchange Ratio to
the minimum extent necessary to satisfy the requirements of
Section 368(a) of the Code. Concurrent with the increase in
the Exchange Ratio, the cash consideration
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will be reduced by a like dollar amount so that the aggregate
Merger Consideration (including any amount payable pursuant to
Sections 3.1.6 and 3.1.10) will be 40% stock and 60% cash.
ARTICLE IV
Representations and Warranties of CNB
CNB represents and warrants to NBT that the statements contained
in this Article IV are correct as of the date of this
Agreement and will be correct as of the Closing Date (as though
made then and as though the Closing Date were substituted for
the date of this Agreement throughout this Article IV),
subject to the standard set forth in Section 4.1 and except
as set forth in the CNB Disclosure Schedule delivered by CNB to
NBT on the date hereof, and except as to any representation or
warranty which specifically relates to an earlier date, which
only need be so correct as of such earlier date. CNB has made a
good faith effort to ensure that the disclosure on each schedule
of the CNB Disclosure Schedule corresponds to the section
referenced herein. However, for purposes of the CNB Disclosure
Schedule, any item disclosed on any schedule therein is deemed
to be fully disclosed with respect to all schedules under which
such item may be relevant as and to the extent that it is
reasonably clear on the face of such schedule that such item
applies to such other schedule. References to the Knowledge of
CNB shall include the Knowledge of City National Bank.
4.1. Standard.
No representation or warranty of CNB contained in this
Article IV shall be deemed untrue or incorrect, and CNB
shall not be deemed to have breached a representation or
warranty, as a consequence of the existence of any fact,
circumstance or event unless such fact, circumstance or event,
individually or taken together with all other facts,
circumstances or events inconsistent with any paragraph of this
Article IV, has had or is reasonably expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect, disregarding for these purposes
(x) any qualification or exception for, or reference to,
materiality in any such representation or warranty and
(y) any use of the terms material,
materially, in all material respects,
Material Adverse Effect or similar terms or phrases
in any such representation or warranty. The foregoing standard
shall not apply to representations and warranties contained in
Sections 4.2 (other than the last sentence of
Sections 4.2.1 and 4.2.2), 4.3, 4.4, 4.8, 4.13.6, 4.13.7,
4.13.8, 4.13.9 and 4.28, which shall be deemed untrue, incorrect
and breached if they are not true and correct in all material
respects.
4.2. Organization.
4.2.1. CNB is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of New York, and is duly registered as a bank
holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended (the BHCA), that has elected financial
holding company status. CNB has full corporate power and
authority to carry on its business as now conducted. CNB is duly
licensed or qualified to do business in the states of the United
States and foreign jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing
of property or the conduct of its business requires such
qualification.
4.2.2. City National Bank is a
national banking association duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the United States. The
deposits in City National Bank are insured by the FDIC to the
fullest extent permitted by law, and all premiums and
assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have
been paid by City National Bank when due. City National Bank is
a member in good standing of each of the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York and the FHLB and owns the requisite amount of stock of
each.
4.2.3. CNB Disclosure
Schedule 4.2.3 sets forth each CNB Subsidiary. Each CNB
Subsidiary is a corporation, limited liability company or other
legal entity as set forth on CNB Disclosure Schedule 4.2.3,
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization.
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4.2.4. The respective minute books
of CNB, City National Bank and each other CNB Subsidiary
accurately records, in all material respects, all material
corporate actions of their respective shareholders and boards of
directors (including committees).
4.2.5. Prior to the date of this
Agreement, CNB has made available to NBT true and correct copies
of the certificate of incorporation or charter and bylaws of
CNB, City National Bank and each other CNB Subsidiary.
4.3. Capitalization.
4.3.1. The authorized capital stock
of CNB consists of 5,000,000 shares of CNB Common Stock,
all of which are voting common shares $2.50 par value.
There are 2,223,950 shares of CNB Common Stock validly
issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable (except to
the extent assessable under Section 630 of the NYBCL) and
free of preemptive rights. There are 177,745 shares of CNB
Common Stock held by CNB as Treasury Stock as of the date
hereof. Neither CNB nor any CNB Subsidiary has or is bound by
any Rights of any character relating to the purchase, sale or
issuance or voting of, or right to receive dividends or other
distributions on any shares of CNB Common Stock, or any other
security of CNB or a CNB Subsidiary or any securities
representing the right to vote, purchase or otherwise receive
any shares of CNB Common Stock or any other security of CNB or
any CNB Subsidiary, other than shares of CNB Common Stock
underlying the CNB Options. CNB has granted options to acquire
306,180 shares of CNB Common Stock. CNB Disclosure
Schedule 4.3.1 sets forth: the name of each holder of a CNB
Option, identifying the number of shares each such individual
may acquire pursuant to the exercise of such options, the plan
under which such options were granted, the grant, vesting and
expiration dates, and the exercise price relating to the options
held, and whether the CNB Option is a CNB Incentive Stock Option
or a CNB Nonqualified Stock Option.
4.3.2. CNB owns all of the capital
stock of City National Bank, free and clear of any lien or
encumbrance. Except for the CNB Subsidiaries and as set forth in
CNB Disclosure Schedule 4.3.2, CNB does not possess,
directly or indirectly, any material equity interest in any
corporate entity, except for equity interests held in the
investment portfolios of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary (which as to
any one issuer, do not exceed 5% of such issuers
outstanding equity securities), equity interests held by CNB
Subsidiaries in a fiduciary capacity, and equity interests held
in connection with the lending activities of CNB Subsidiaries,
including stock in the FHLB. Either CNB or City National Bank
owns all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each CNB
Subsidiary free and clear of all liens, security interests,
pledges, charges, encumbrances, agreements and restrictions of
any kind or nature.
4.3.3. To CNBs Knowledge,
except as set forth on CNB Disclosure Schedule 4.3.3, as of
the date hereof no Person is the beneficial owner (as defined in
Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) of 5% or more of the
outstanding shares of CNB Common Stock.
4.3.4. No bonds, debentures, notes
or other indebtedness having the right to vote on any matters on
which CNBs shareholders may vote have been issued by CNB
and are outstanding.
4.4. Authority; No Violation.
4.4.1. CNB has full corporate power
and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject
to the receipt of the Regulatory Approvals described in
Section 8.3 and the approval of this Agreement by
CNBs shareholders, to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement by CNB and the completion by CNB of the transactions
contemplated hereby, up to and including the Merger, have been
duly and validly approved by the Board of Directors of CNB. This
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by
CNB, and subject to approval by the shareholders of CNB and
receipt of the Regulatory Approvals and due and valid execution
and delivery of this Agreement by NBT, constitutes the valid and
binding obligation of CNB, enforceable against CNB in accordance
with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and
similar laws affecting creditors rights generally, and
subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity.
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4.4.2. Subject to compliance by NBT
with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, (A) the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by CNB,
(B) subject to receipt of Regulatory Approvals, and
CNBs and NBTs compliance with any conditions
contained therein, and subject to the receipt of the approval of
the shareholders of CNB, the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, and (C) compliance by CNB with any of
the terms or provisions hereof will not (i) conflict with
or result in a breach of any provision of the Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary or the
Articles of Association and Bylaws of City National Bank;
(ii) violate any statute, code, ordinance, rule,
regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or injunction
applicable to CNB or any CNB Subsidiary or any of their
respective properties or assets; or (iii) violate, conflict
with, result in a breach of any provisions of, constitute a
default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or
both, would constitute a default), under, result in the
termination of, accelerate the performance required by, or
result in a right of termination or acceleration or the creation
of any lien, security interest, charge or other encumbrance upon
any of the properties or assets of CNB or City National Bank
under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note,
bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease,
agreement or other investment or obligation to which CNB or any
CNB Subsidiary is a party, or by which they or any of their
respective properties or assets may be bound or affected.
4.5. Consents.
Except for (a) the receipt of the Regulatory Approvals and
compliance with any conditions contained therein, (b) the
filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Delaware Department
of State and the New York Department of State, and (c) the
approval of this Agreement by the requisite vote of the
shareholders of CNB, no consents, waivers or approvals of, or
filings or registrations with, any Governmental Entity or Bank
Regulator are necessary, and no consents, waivers or approvals
of, or filings or registrations with, any other third parties
are necessary, in connection with (x) the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by CNB, and the completion by CNB of
the Merger or (y) the execution and delivery of the
Agreement and Plan of Bank Merger and the completion of the Bank
Merger. CNB has no reason to believe that (i) any required
Regulatory Approvals or other required consents or approvals
will not be received or will include the imposition of any
condition or requirement that could reasonably be expected to
result in a Material Adverse Effect on NBT and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, or that (ii) any public body or authority
having jurisdiction over the affairs of CNB or its subsidiaries,
the consent or approval of which is not required or to which a
filing is not required, will object to the completion of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
4.6. Financial Statements.
4.6.1. The CNB Regulatory Reports
have been prepared in accordance with applicable regulatory
accounting principles and practices throughout the periods
covered by such statements, and fairly present the consolidated
financial position, results of operations and changes in
shareholders equity of CNB as of and for the periods ended
on the dates thereof, in accordance with applicable regulatory
accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.
4.6.2. CNB has previously made
available to NBT the CNB Financial Statements covering periods
ended prior to the date hereof. The CNB Financial Statements
have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, and (including the
related notes where applicable) fairly present in each case
(subject in the case of the unaudited interim statements to
normal year-end adjustments) the consolidated financial
position, results of operations and cash flows of CNB and the
CNB Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of and for the
respective periods ending on the dates thereof, in accordance
with GAAP during the periods involved, except as indicated in
the notes thereto, or in the case of unaudited statements, as
permitted by Form 10-Q.
4.6.3. At the date of each balance
sheet included in the CNB Financial Statements or in the CNB
Regulatory Reports, CNB did not have any liabilities,
obligations or loss contingencies of any nature (whether
absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) of a type required
to be reflected in such CNB Financial Statements or in the CNB
Regulatory Reports or in the footnotes thereto which are not
fully reflected or reserved against therein or fully disclosed
in a footnote thereto, except for liabilities,
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obligations and loss contingencies which are not material
individually or in the aggregate, and except for liabilities,
obligations and loss contingencies which are within the subject
matter of a specific representation and warranty herein and
subject, in the case of any unaudited statements, to normal,
recurring audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.
4.7. Taxes.
(A) CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries (other than CNB REIT
CORP.) are members of the same affiliated group within the
meaning of Code Section 1504(a). CNB or CNB REIT CORP. has
duly filed all federal, state and material local tax returns
required to be filed by or with respect to CNB and each
Subsidiary of CNB, taking into account any extensions (all such
returns being accurate and correct in all material respects) and
has duly paid all federal, state, local and foreign taxes which
have been incurred by or are due or claimed to be due from CNB
and any Subsidiary of CNB by any taxing authority or pursuant to
any written tax sharing agreement, other than taxes or other
charges which (i) are not delinquent, or (ii) are
being contested in good faith and have been adequately provided
for in accordance with GAAP. As of the date of this Agreement,
CNB has received no written notice of and there is no audit
examination, deficiency assessment, tax investigation or refund
litigation with respect to any taxes of CNB or any of its
Subsidiaries, and no claim has been made by any taxing authority
in a jurisdiction where CNB or any of its Subsidiaries does not
file tax returns that CNB or any such Subsidiary is subject to
taxation in that jurisdiction. CNB and its Subsidiaries have not
executed an extension or waiver of any statute of limitations on
the assessment or collection of any material tax due that is
currently in effect. CNB and each of its Subsidiaries has timely
withheld and paid all taxes required to have been withheld and
paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee,
independent contractor, creditor, shareholder or other third
party, and CNB and each of its Subsidiaries has timely complied
with all applicable information reporting requirements under
Part III, Subchapter A of Chapter 61 of the Code and
similar applicable state, local and foreign information
reporting requirements.
(B) CNB REIT CORP. is a subsidiary of CNB. CNB REIT CORP.
(i) for all taxable years commencing with CNB REIT
CORP.s taxable year ending December 31, 1999 through
December 31, 2004 has been subject to taxation as a real
estate investment trust (a REIT) within the meaning
of Section 856 of the Code and has satisfied all
requirements to qualify as a REIT for such years, (ii) has
operated since December 31, 2004 to the date hereof in a
manner that will permit CNB REIT CORP. to qualify as a REIT for
the taxable year that includes the date hereof, and
(iii) intends to continue to operate, in such a manner as
to permit it to continue to qualify as a REIT for the taxable
year of CNB REIT CORP. that will end with the Merger (and if the
Merger is not consummated prior to January 1, 2006, for the
taxable year that will end on December 31, 2005). Since
December 31, 1999, CNB REIT CORP. has not incurred any
liability for taxes under Sections 857(b), 860(c) or 4981
of the Code, including any tax arising from a prohibited
transaction described in section 857(b)(6) of the Code or
any similar provision of applicable state or local tax statutes.
No challenge to CNB REIT CORP.s status as a REIT is
pending or has been threatened in writing.
4.8. No Material Adverse
Effect.
CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, have not
suffered any Material Adverse Effect since December 31,
2004 and no event has occurred or circumstance arisen since that
date which, in the aggregate, has had or is reasonably likely to
have a Material Adverse Effect on CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole.
4.9. Material Contracts; Leases;
Defaults.
4.9.1. Except as set forth in CNB
Disclosure Schedule 4.9.1, neither CNB nor any CNB
Subsidiary is a party to or subject to: (i) any employment,
consulting or severance contract with any past or present
officer, director or employee of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary,
except for at will arrangements; (ii) any plan
or contract providing for bonuses, pensions, options, deferred
compensation, retirement payments, profit sharing or similar
material arrangements for or with any past or present officers,
directors or employees of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary;
(iii) any collective bargaining agreement with any labor
union
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relating to employees of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary;
(iv) any agreement which by its terms limits or affects the
payment of dividends by CNB or any CNB Subsidiary; (v) any
instrument evidencing or related to indebtedness for borrowed
money in excess of $50,000, whether directly or indirectly, by
way of purchase money obligation, conditional sale, lease
purchase, guaranty or otherwise, in respect of which CNB or any
CNB Subsidiary is an obligor to any person, which instrument
evidences or relates to indebtedness other than deposits, FHLB
advances with a term to maturity not in excess of one year,
repurchase agreements, bankers acceptances, and
transactions in federal funds or which contains
financial covenants or other material non-customary restrictions
(other than those relating to the payment of principal and
interest when due) which would be applicable on or after the
Closing Date to CNB or any CNB Subsidiary; (vi) any other
agreement, written or oral, which is not terminable without
cause on 60 days notice or less without penalty or
payment, or that obligates CNB or any CNB Subsidiary for the
payment of more than $25,000 annually or for the payment of more
than $25,000 over its remaining term; or (vii) any
agreement (other than this Agreement), contract, arrangement,
commitment or understanding (whether written or oral) that
restricts or limits in any material way the conduct of business
by CNB or any CNB Subsidiary (it being understood that any
non-compete or similar provision shall be deemed material).
4.9.2. Each real estate lease that
will require the consent of the lessor or its agent as a result
of the Merger or the Bank Merger by virtue of the terms of any
such lease, is listed in CNB Disclosure Schedule 4.9.2
identifying the section of the lease that contains such
prohibition or restriction. Subject to any consents that may be
required as a result of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, neither CNB nor any CNB Subsidiary is in default in
any material respect under any material contract, agreement,
commitment, arrangement, lease, insurance policy or other
instrument to which it is a party, by which its assets,
business, or operations may be bound or affected, or under which
it or its assets, business, or operations receive benefits, and
there has not occurred any event that, with the lapse of time or
the giving of notice or both, would constitute such a default.
4.9.3. True and correct copies of
agreements, contracts, arrangements and instruments referred to
in Section 4.9.1 and 4.9.2 have been made available to NBT
on or before the date hereof, are listed on CNB Disclosure
Schedules 4.9.1 and 4.9.2 and are in full force and effect on
the date hereof. No plan, contract, employment agreement,
termination agreement, or similar agreement or arrangement to
which CNB or any CNB Subsidiary is a party or under which CNB or
any CNB Subsidiary may be liable contains provisions which
permit an employee or independent contractor to terminate it
without cause and continue to accrue future benefits thereunder.
Except as set forth in the CNB Disclosure Schedule 4.9.3,
no such agreement, plan, contract, or arrangement
(x) provides for acceleration of the vesting of benefits or
payments due thereunder upon the occurrence of a change in
ownership or control of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary or upon the
occurrence of a subsequent event; or (y) requires CNB or
any CNB Subsidiary to provide a benefit in the form of CNB
Common Stock or determined by reference to the value of CNB
Common Stock.
4.10. Ownership of Property;
Insurance Coverage.
4.10.1. CNB and each CNB Subsidiary
has good and, as to real property, marketable title to all
assets and properties owned by CNB or each CNB Subsidiary in the
conduct of its businesses, whether such assets and properties
are real or personal, tangible or intangible, including assets
and property reflected in the balance sheet contained in the
most recent CNB Financial Statements or acquired subsequent
thereto (except to the extent that such assets and properties
have been disposed of in the ordinary course of business, since
the date of such balance sheet), subject to no encumbrances,
liens, mortgages, security interests or pledges, except
(i) those items which secure liabilities for public or
statutory obligations or any discount with, borrowing from or
other obligations to FHLB, inter-bank credit facilities, reverse
repurchase agreements or any transaction by a CNB Subsidiary
acting in a fiduciary capacity, and (ii) statutory liens
for amounts not yet delinquent or which are being contested in
good faith. CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries, as lessee, have the
right under valid and existing leases of real and personal
properties used by CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries in the conduct
of their businesses to occupy or use all such properties as
presently occupied and used by each of them. Such existing
leases and
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commitments to lease constitute or will constitute operating
leases for both tax and financial accounting purposes and the
lease expense and minimum rental commitments with respect to
such leases and lease commitments are as disclosed in the notes
to the CNB Financial Statements.
4.10.2. With respect to all
material agreements pursuant to which CNB or any CNB Subsidiary
has purchased securities subject to an agreement to resell, if
any, CNB or such CNB Subsidiary, as the case may be, has a lien
or security interest in the securities or other collateral
securing the repurchase agreement, and the value of such
collateral equals or exceeds the amount of the debt secured
thereby.
4.10.3. CNB and each CNB Subsidiary
currently maintain insurance considered by each of them to be
reasonable for their respective operations. Neither CNB nor any
CNB Subsidiary, has received notice from any insurance carrier
on or before the date hereof that (i) such insurance will
be canceled or that coverage thereunder will be reduced or
eliminated, or (ii) premium costs with respect to such
policies of insurance will be substantially increased. There are
presently no material claims pending under such policies of
insurance and no notices have been given by CNB or any CNB
Subsidiary under such policies. All such insurance is valid and
enforceable and in full force and effect (other than insurance
that expires in accordance with its terms), and within the last
three years CNB and each CNB Subsidiary has received each type
of insurance coverage for which it has applied and during such
periods has not been denied indemnification for any material
claims submitted under any of its insurance policies. CNB
Disclosure Schedule 4.10.3 identifies all policies of
insurance maintained by CNB and each CNB Subsidiary, including
the name of the insurer, the policy number, the type of policy
and any applicable deductibles, as well as the other matters
required to be disclosed under this Section 4.10.3.
4.11. Legal Proceedings.
Neither CNB nor any CNB Subsidiary is a party to any, and there
are no pending or, to CNBs Knowledge, threatened, legal,
administrative, arbitration or other proceedings, claims
(whether asserted or unasserted), actions or governmental
investigations or inquiries of any nature, (i) against CNB
or any CNB Subsidiary, (ii) to which CNB or any CNB
Subsidiarys assets are or may be subject,
(iii) challenging the validity or propriety of any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (iv) which
would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the ability of
CNB to perform under this Agreement.
4.12. Compliance With Applicable
Law.
4.12.1. Each of CNB and each CNB
Subsidiary is in compliance in all material respects with all
applicable federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws,
regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders or decrees
applicable to it, its properties, assets and deposits, its
business, and its conduct of business and its relationship with
its employees, including, without limitation, the Uniting and
Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to
Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (the USA PATRIOT
Act) of 2001, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Truth
in Lending Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the
Consumer Credit Protection Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act,
the Fair Debt Collections Act, the Fair Housing Act, the
Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (CRA), the Home
Mortgage Disclosure Act, and all other applicable fair lending
laws and other laws relating to discriminatory business
practices, and neither CNB nor any CNB Subsidiary has received
any written notice to the contrary.
4.12.2. Each of CNB and each CNB
Subsidiary has all permits, licenses, authorizations, orders and
approvals of, and has made all filings, applications and
registrations with, all Governmental Entities and Bank
Regulators that are required in order to permit it to own or
lease its properties and to conduct its business as presently
conducted; all such permits, licenses, certificates of
authority, orders and approvals are in full force and effect
and, to the Knowledge of CNB, no suspension or cancellation of
any such permit, license, certificate, order or approval is
threatened or will result from the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, subject to
obtaining the approvals set forth in Section 8.3.
4.12.3. For the period beginning
July 1, 2002, neither CNB nor any CNB Subsidiary has
received any written notification or any other communication
from any Bank Regulator or Insurance Regulator
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(i) asserting that CNB or any CNB Subsidiary is not in
compliance with any of the statutes, regulations or ordinances
which such Bank Regulator or Insurance Regulator enforces;
(ii) threatening to revoke any license, franchise, permit
or governmental authorization which is material to CNB or any
CNB Subsidiary; (iii) requiring or threatening to require
CNB or any CNB Subsidiary, or indicating that CNB or any CNB
Subsidiary may be required, to enter into a cease and desist
order, agreement or memorandum of understanding or any other
agreement with any federal or state governmental agency or
authority which is charged with the supervision or regulation of
banks or insurance agencies, or engages in the insurance of bank
deposits restricting or limiting, or purporting to restrict or
limit, in any material respect the operations of CNB or any CNB
Subsidiary, including without limitation any restriction on the
payment of dividends; or (iv) directing, restricting or
limiting, or purporting to direct, restrict or limit, in any
material manner the operations of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary (any
such notice, communication, memorandum, agreement or order
described in this sentence is hereinafter referred to as a
Regulatory Agreement). Neither CNB nor any CNB
Subsidiary has consented to or entered into any Regulatory
Agreement that is currently in effect. The most recent
regulatory rating given to City National Bank as to compliance
with the CRA is satisfactory or better.
4.13. Employee Benefit Plans.
4.13.1 CNB Disclosure
Schedule 4.13.1 contains a list of all written and
unwritten pension, retirement, profit-sharing, thrift, savings,
deferred compensation, stock option, employee stock ownership,
employee stock purchase, restricted stock, severance pay,
retention, vacation, bonus or other incentive plans, all
employment, change in control, consulting, severance and
retention agreements, all other written employee programs,
arrangements or agreements, all medical, vision, dental,
disability, life insurance, workers compensation, employee
assistance or other health or welfare plans, and all other
employee benefit or fringe benefit plans, including
employee benefit plans as that term is defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA, currently adopted, maintained by,
sponsored in whole or in part by, or contributed to by CNB or
any of its ERISA Affiliates for the benefit of employees, former
employees, retirees, dependents, spouses, directors, independent
contractors or other beneficiaries of CNB and under which
employees, former employees, retirees, dependents, spouses,
directors, or other beneficiaries of CNB are eligible to
participate (collectively, the CNB Benefit Plans).
CNB has furnished or otherwise made available to NBT true and
complete copies of (i) the plan documents and summary plan
descriptions for each written CNB Benefit Plan, (ii) a
summary of each unwritten CNB Benefit Plan, (iii) the
annual report (Form 5500 series) for the three most recent
years for each CNB Benefit Plan (if applicable), (iv) the
actuarial valuation reports with respect to each tax-qualified
CNB Benefit Plan that is a defined benefit plan for the three
most recent years, (v) all related trust agreements,
insurance contracts or other funding agreements which implement
the CNB Benefit Plans (if applicable), (vi) the most recent
IRS determination letter with respect to each tax-qualified CNB
Benefit Plan (or, for a CNB Benefit Plan maintained under a
pre-approved prototype or volume submitter plan, the IRS
determination letter on such pre-approved plan) and
(vii) all substantive correspondence relating to any CNB
Benefit Plan addressed to or received from the IRS, the
Department of Labor or any other Governmental Entity within the
past 5 years. Schedule 4.13.1 sets forth each CNB
Benefit Plan that is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan
or arrangement and the aggregate amounts deferred under each
such nonqualified deferred compensation plan or arrangement as
of May 31, 2005.
4.13.2 Except as set forth on the
CNB Disclosure Schedule, all CNB Benefit Plans are in compliance
with (and have been managed and administrated in accordance
with) the applicable terms of ERISA, the Code and any other
applicable laws. Each CNB Benefit Plan governed by ERISA that is
intended to be a qualified retirement plan under
Section 401(a) of the Code has either (i) received a
favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service
(and CNB is not aware of any circumstances likely to result in
revocation of any such favorable determination letter) or timely
application has been made therefore, or (ii) is maintained
under a prototype plan which has been approved by the IRS and is
entitled to rely upon the IRS National Office opinion letter
issued to the prototype plan sponsor. To the Knowledge of CNB,
there exists no fact which would adversely affect the
qualification of any of the CNB Benefit Plans intended to be
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code,
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or of any threatened or pending claim against any of CNB Benefit
Plans or their fiduciaries by any participant, beneficiary or
Governmental Body.
4.13.3 Except as set forth on the
CNB Disclosure Schedule 4.13.3, no defined benefit
plan (as defined in Section 414(j) of the Code) has
been maintained at any time by CNB or any of its ERISA
Affiliates for the benefit of CNBs employees or former
employees.
4.13.4 Within the last six years,
neither CNB nor any of its ERISA Affiliates maintained or had
any obligation to contribute to a CNB Benefit Plan which is a
multiemployer plan within the meaning of
Section 3(37) of ERISA, and within the last six years
neither CNB nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred any
withdrawal liability within the meaning of Section 4201 of
ERISA to any such multiemployer plan. Neither CNB
nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred any unsatisfied
liability (other than Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
(PBGC) premiums) to the PBGC, the IRS or any
other individual or entity under Title IV of ERISA or
Section 412 of the Code, and no event or condition exists
that could result in the imposition of any liability on CNB or
any of its ERISA Affiliates under such provisions that could
have an adverse effect on NBT.
4.13.5 CNB has materially complied
with the notice and continuation requirements of Parts 6
and 7 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and
Section 4980B of the Code, and the regulations thereunder.
All reports, statements, returns and other information required
to be furnished or filed with respect to CNB Benefit Plans have
been timely furnished, filed or both in accordance with
Sections 101 through 105 of ERISA and Sections 6057
through 6059 of the Code, and they are true, correct and
complete in all material respects. Records with respect to CNB
Benefit Plans have been maintained in material compliance with
Section 107 of ERISA. Neither CNB nor any other fiduciary
(as that term is defined in Section 3(21) of ERISA) with
respect to any of CNB Benefit Plans has any material liability
for any breach of any fiduciary duties under Sections 404,
405 or 409 of ERISA.
4.13.6 CNB has not, with respect to
any of CNB Benefit Plans, nor, to CNBs Knowledge, has any
administrator of any of CNB Benefit Plans, the related trusts or
any trustee thereof, engaged in any prohibited transaction which
would subject CNB, any ERISA Affiliate of CNB, any of CNB
Benefit Plans, any administrator or trustee or any party dealing
with any of CNB Benefit Plans or any such trusts, to a Tax or
penalty on prohibited transactions imposed by ERISA,
Section 4975 of the Code, or to any other liability under
ERISA.
4.13.7 CNB has no liability for
retiree health and life benefits under any of CNB Benefit Plans.
4.13.8 Except as set forth on CNB
Disclosure Schedule 4.13.8, neither the execution and
delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will (A) result in any
payment (including severance or unemployment compensation)
becoming due to any director or any employee of CNB from CNB
under any CNB Benefit Plan, (B) materially increase any
benefits otherwise payable under any CNB Benefit Plan or
(C) result in any acceleration of the time of payment or
vesting of any such benefit. Except as set forth on the CNB
Disclosure Schedule 4.13.8, no payments which is or may be
made by, from or with respect to any CNB Benefit Plan, either
alone or in conjunction with any other payment will or could
properly be characterized as an excess parachute
payment under Section 280G of the Code (or any
corresponding provisions of state, local or foreign tax law). No
CNB Benefit Plan, either individually or collectively, provides
for any payment by CNB or any of its ERISA Affiliates that would
not be deductible under Code Sections 162(a)(1), 162(m) or
404.
4.13.9 The actuarial present values
of all accrued deferred compensation entitlements (including
entitlements under any executive compensation, supplemental
retirement, or employment agreement) of employees and former
employees of CNB and their respective beneficiaries, other than
entitlements accrued pursuant to funded retirement plans subject
to the provisions of Section 412 of the Code or
Section 302 of ERISA, have been fully reflected on the
Financial Statements to the extent required by and in accordance
with GAAP.
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4.13.10 There is not, and has not
been, any trust or fund maintained by or contributed to by CNB
or its employees to fund an employee benefit plan which would
constitute a Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association
or a welfare benefit fund within the meaning of
Section 419(a) of the Code.
4.13.11 No claim, lawsuit,
arbitration or other action has been asserted or instituted or,
to the Knowledge of CNB, has been threatened or is anticipated,
against any CNB Benefit Plan (other than routine claims for
benefits and appeals of such claims), CNB, any director, officer
or employee thereof, or any of the assets of any trust of any
CNB Benefit Plan.
4.14. Brokers, Finders and
Financial Advisors.
Neither CNB nor any CNB Subsidiary, nor any of their respective
officers, directors, employees or agents, has employed any
broker, finder or financial advisor in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or incurred any
liability or commitment for any fees or commissions to any such
person in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement except for the retention of Austin Associates, LLC by
CNB and the fee payable pursuant thereto. A true and correct
copy of the engagement agreement with Austin Associates, LLC,
setting forth the fee payable to Austin Associates, LLC for its
services rendered to CNB in connection with the Merger and
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, is attached to CNB
Disclosure Schedule 4.14.
4.15. Environmental Matters.
4.15.1. Except as may be set forth
in CNB Disclosure Schedule 4.15, with respect to CNB and
each CNB Subsidiary:
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(A) Each of CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries, the Participation
Facilities and to CNBs Knowledge the Loan Properties are,
and have been, in substantial compliance with, and are not
liable under, any Environmental Laws; |
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(B) CNB has received no written notice that there is any
suit, claim, action, demand, executive or administrative order,
directive, investigation or proceeding pending and, to
CNBs Knowledge, no such action is threatened, before any
court, governmental agency or other forum against it or any of
the CNB Subsidiaries or any Participation Facility (x) for
alleged noncompliance (including by any predecessor) with, or
liability under, any Environmental Law or (y) relating to
the presence of or release into the environment of any Materials
of Environmental Concern (as defined herein), whether or not
occurring at or on a site owned, leased or operated by it or any
of the CNB Subsidiaries or any Participation Facility; |
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(C) CNB has received no written notice that there is any
suit, claim, action, demand, executive or administrative order,
directive, investigation or proceeding pending and, to
CNBs Knowledge no such action is threatened, before any
court, governmental agency or other forum relating to or against
any Loan Property (or CNB or any of the CNB Subsidiaries in
respect of such Loan Property) (x) relating to alleged
noncompliance (including by any predecessor) with, or liability
under, any Environmental Law or (y) relating to the
presence of or release into the environment of any Materials of
Environmental Concern, whether or not occurring at or on a site
owned, leased or operated by a Loan Property; |
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(D) To CNBs Knowledge, the properties currently owned
or operated by CNB or any CNB Subsidiary (including, without
limitation, soil, groundwater or surface water on, or under the
properties, and buildings thereon) are not contaminated with and
do not otherwise contain any Materials of Environmental Concern
other than as permitted under applicable Environmental Law; |
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(E) Neither CNB nor any CNB Subsidiary has received any
written notice, demand letter, executive or administrative
order, directive or request for information from any federal,
state, local or foreign governmental entity or any third party
indicating that it may be in violation of, or liable under, any
Environmental Law; |
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(F) To CNBs Knowledge, there are no underground
storage tanks on, in or under any properties owned or operated
by CNB or any of the CNB Subsidiaries or any Participation
Facility, and to CNBs Knowledge, no underground storage
tanks have been closed or removed from any properties owned or
operated by CNB or any of the CNB Subsidiaries or any
Participation Facility; and |
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(G) To CNBs Knowledge, during the period of
(s) CNBs or any of the CNB Subsidiaries
ownership or operation of any of their respective current
properties or (t) CNBs or any of the CNB
Subsidiaries participation in the management of any
Participation Facility, there has been no contamination by or
release of Materials of Environmental Concerns in, on, under or
affecting such properties. To CNBs Knowledge, prior to the
period of (x) CNBs or any of the CNB
Subsidiaries ownership or operation of any of their
respective current properties or (y) CNBs or any of
the CNB Subsidiaries participation in the management of
any Participation Facility, there was no contamination by or
release of Materials of Environmental Concern in, on, under or
affecting such properties. |
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(H) Neither CNB nor any other CNB Subsidiary has conducted
any environmental studies during the past ten years (other than
Phase I studies which did not indicate any contamination of
the environment by Materials of Environmental Concern) with
respect to any properties owned or leased by it or any of its
Subsidiaries, or with respect to any Loan Property or any
Participation Facility. |
4.15.2. Loan Property
means any property in which the applicable party (or a
Subsidiary of it) holds a security interest, and, where required
by the context, includes the owner or operator of such property,
but only with respect to such property. Participation
Facility means any facility in which the applicable party
(or a Subsidiary of it) participates in the management
(including all property held as trustee or in any other
fiduciary capacity) and, where required by the context, includes
the owner or operator of such property, but only with respect to
such property.
4.16. Loan Portfolio.
4.16.1. The allowance for loan
losses reflected in the notes to CNBs audited consolidated
statement of financial condition at December 31, 2004 was,
and the allowance for loan losses shown in the notes to the
unaudited consolidated financial statements for periods ending
after December 31, 2004 were, or will be, adequate, as of
the dates thereof, under GAAP.
4.16.2. CNB Disclosure
Schedule 4.16.2 sets forth a listing, as of the most
recently available date (and in no event earlier than
May 31, 2005), by account, of: (A) all loans
(including loan participations) of CNB or any other CNB
Subsidiary that have been accelerated during the past twelve
months; (B) all loan commitments or lines of credit of CNB
or any other CNB Subsidiary which have been terminated by CNB or
any other CNB Subsidiary during the past twelve months by reason
of a default or adverse developments in the condition of the
borrower or other events or circumstances affecting the credit
of the borrower; (C) all loans, lines of credit and loan
commitments as to which CNB or any other CNB Subsidiary has
given written notice of its intent to terminate during the past
twelve months; (D) with respect to all commercial loans
(including commercial real estate loans), all notification
letters and other written communications from CNB or any other
CNB Subsidiary to any of their respective borrowers, customers
or other parties during the past twelve months wherein CNB or
any other CNB Subsidiary has requested or demanded that actions
be taken to correct existing defaults or facts or circumstances
which may become defaults; (E) each borrower, customer or
other party which has notified CNB or any other CNB Subsidiary
during the past twelve months of, or has asserted against CNB or
any other CNB Subsidiary, in each case in writing, any
lender liability or similar claim, and, to the
knowledge of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary, each borrower, customer
or other party which has given CNB or any other CNB Subsidiary
any oral notification of, or orally asserted to or against CNB
or any other CNB Subsidiary, any such claim; and (F) all
loans, (1) that are contractually past due 90 days or
more in the payment of principal and/or interest, (2) that
are on non-accrual status, (3) that as of May 31, 2005
are classified as Other Loans Specially Mentioned,
Special Mention, Substandard,
Doubtful, Loss, Classified,
Criticized, Watch list or words of
similar import, together with the principal amount of and
accrued and unpaid interest on each such Loan and the identity
of the obligor thereunder, (4) where a reasonable doubt
exists as to the timely future collectibility of principal
and/or interest, whether or not interest is still
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accruing or the loans are less than 90 days past due,
(5) where the interest rate terms have been reduced and/or
the maturity dates have been extended subsequent to the
agreement under which the loan was originally created due to
concerns regarding the borrowers ability to pay in
accordance with such initial terms, or (6) where a specific
reserve allocation exists in connection therewith; and
(G) all other assets classified by CNB or any other CNB
Subsidiary as real estate acquired through foreclosure or in
lieu of foreclosure, including in-substance foreclosures, and
all other assets currently held that were acquired through
foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure.
4.16.3. All loans receivable
(including discounts) and accrued interest entered on the books
of CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries arose out of bona fide
arms-length transactions, were made for good and valuable
consideration in the ordinary course of CNBs or the
appropriate CNB Subsidiarys respective business, and the
notes or other evidences of indebtedness with respect to such
loans (including discounts) are true and genuine and are what
they purport to be. The loans, discounts and the accrued
interest reflected on the books of CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries
are subject to no defenses, set-offs or counterclaims
(including, without limitation, those afforded by usury or
truth-in-lending laws), except as may be provided by bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors rights
generally or by general principles of equity. All such loans are
owned by CNB or the appropriate CNB Subsidiary free and clear of
any liens.
4.16.4. The notes and other
evidences of indebtedness evidencing the loans described above,
and all pledges, mortgages, deeds of trust and other collateral
documents or security instruments relating thereto are, in all
material respects, valid, true and genuine, and what they
purport to be.
4.17. Related Party
Transactions.
Neither CNB nor any CNB Subsidiary is a party to any transaction
(including any loan or other credit accommodation) with any
Affiliate of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary, except as set forth in
CNB Disclosure Schedule 4.17. All such transactions
(a) were made in the ordinary course of business,
(b) were made on substantially the same terms, including
interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time
for comparable transactions with other Persons, and (c) did
not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or
present other unfavorable features. No loan or credit
accommodation to any Affiliate of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary is
presently in default or, during the three year period prior to
the date of this Agreement, has been in default or has been
restructured, modified or extended. Neither CNB nor any CNB
Subsidiary has been notified that principal or interest with
respect to any such loan or other credit accommodation will not
be paid when due or that the loan grade classification accorded
such loan or credit accommodation by CNB is inappropriate.
4.18. Deposits.
None of the deposits of any CNB Subsidiary is a brokered
deposit as defined in 12 C.F.R.
Section 337.6(a)(2).
4.19. Antitakeover Provisions
Inapplicable; Required Vote.
The Board of Directors of CNB has, to the extent such statute is
applicable, taken all action (including appropriate approvals of
the Board of Directors of CNB) necessary to exclude NBT, the
Merger, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
from the requirement of any supermajority shareholder vote
requirement of Section 912 of the NYBCL or any other state
antitakeover statute. The affirmative vote of
two-thirds of the issued and outstanding shares of CNB Common
Stock is required to approve this Agreement and the Merger under
the NYBCL.
4.20. Registration
Obligations.
Neither CNB nor any CNB Subsidiary is under any obligation,
contingent or otherwise, which will survive the Effective Time
by reason of any agreement to register any transaction involving
any of its securities under the Securities Act.
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4.21. Risk Management
Instruments.
All material interest rate swaps, caps, floors, option
agreements, futures and forward contracts and other similar risk
management arrangements, whether entered into for CNBs own
account, or for the account of one or more of CNBs
Subsidiaries or their customers (all of which are set forth in
CNB Disclosure Schedule 4.21), were in all material
respects entered into in compliance with all applicable laws,
rules, regulations and regulatory policies, and to the Knowledge
of CNB and each CNB Subsidiary, with counterparties believed to
be financially responsible at the time; and to CNBs and
each CNB Subsidiarys Knowledge each of them constitutes
the valid and legally binding obligation of CNB or such CNB
Subsidiary, enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as
enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and
similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting
creditors rights or by general equity principles), and is
in full force and effect. Neither CNB nor any CNB Subsidiary,
nor, to the Knowledge of CNB, any other party thereto, is in
breach of any of its obligations under any such agreement or
arrangement in any material respect.
4.22. Fairness Opinion.
CNB has received an opinion from Austin Associates, LLC to the
effect that, subject to the terms, conditions and qualifications
set forth therein, as of the date hereof, the Merger
Consideration to be received by the shareholders of CNB pursuant
to this Agreement is fair to such shareholders from a financial
point of view. Such opinion has not been amended or rescinded as
of the date of this Agreement.
4.23. Intellectual Property.
CNB and each CNB Subsidiary owns or possesses valid and binding
licenses and other rights (subject to expirations in accordance
with their terms) to use all patents, copyrights, trade secrets,
trade names, computer software, servicemarks and trademarks used
in their business, each without payment, and neither CNB nor any
CNB Subsidiary has received any notice of conflict with respect
thereto that asserts the rights of others. CNB and each
Significant Subsidiary of CNB have performed all the obligations
required to be performed, and are not in default in any respect,
under any contract, agreement, arrangement or commitment
relating to any of the foregoing.
4.24. Duties as Fiduciary.
City National Bank has performed all of its duties in any
capacity as trustee, executor, administrator, registrar,
guardian, custodian, escrow agent, receiver, or other fiduciary
in a fashion that complies with all applicable laws,
regulations, orders, agreements, wills, instruments, and common
law standards. City National Bank has not received notice of any
claim, allegation, or complaint from any person that City
National Bank failed to perform these fiduciary duties in a
manner that complies with all applicable laws, regulations,
orders, agreements, wills, instruments, and common law
standards, except for notices involving matters that have been
resolved and any cost of such resolution is reflected in
CNBs Financial Statements.
4.25. Employees; Labor
Matters.
4.25.1. CNB Disclosure
Schedule 4.25.1 sets forth the following information with
respect to each CNB employee as of May 31, 2005: job
location, job title, current annual base salary, 2003 and 2004
bonuses and 2003 and 2004 commissions, years of service, accrued
but unused vacation, personal and sick time, whether such
employee is actively at work or on leave of absence, disability
or medical leave and whether such employee is employed under
written contract.
4.25.2. There are no labor or
collective bargaining agreements to which CNB or any CNB
Subsidiary is a party. There is no union organizing effort
pending or, to the Knowledge of CNB, threatened against CNB or
any CNB Subsidiary. There is no labor strike, labor dispute
(other than routine employee grievances that are not related to
union employees), work slowdown, stoppage or lockout pending or,
to the Knowledge of CNB, threatened against CNB or any CNB
Subsidiary. There is no unfair labor practice or labor
arbitration proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of CNB,
threatened
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against CNB or any CNB Subsidiary (other than routine employee
grievances that are not related to union employees). CNB and
each CNB Subsidiary is in compliance with all applicable laws
respecting employment and employment practices, terms and
conditions of employment and wages and hours, and are not
engaged in any unfair labor practice. Neither CNB nor any CNB
Subsidiary is a party to, or bound by, any agreement for the
leasing of employees.
4.26. CNB Information
Supplied.
The information relating to CNB and any CNB Subsidiary to be
contained in the Merger Registration Statement, or in any other
document filed with any Bank Regulator or other Governmental
Entity in connection herewith, will not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.
4.27. Securities Documents.
CNB has made available to NBT copies of its (i) annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2004, (ii) quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2005 and (iii) proxy materials
used or for use in connection with its meeting of shareholders
held in 2005. Such reports and such proxy materials complied, at
the time filed with the SEC, in all material respects, with the
Securities Laws. CNB has taken, or will take, any and all
actions necessary to comply with the applicable provisions of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and all rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, that are currently in effect or that
become effective prior to Closing and are required to be
complied with prior to Closing.
4.28. Internal Controls.
None of CNB or any CNB Subsidiarys records, systems,
controls data or information are recorded, stored, maintained,
operated or otherwise wholly or party dependent on or held by
any means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic
process, whether computerized or not) which (including all means
of access thereto and therefrom) are not under their exclusive
ownership and direct control except as would not reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the system of
internal accounting controls described in the next sentence. CNB
has devised and maintains a system of internal accounting
controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and the applicable
provisions of the Securities Laws.
4.29. Bank Owned Life
Insurance.
CNB and each CNB Subsidiary has obtained the written consent of
each employee on whose behalf bank owned life insurance
(BOLI) has been purchased. City National Bank has
taken all actions necessary to comply with applicable law in
connection with its purchase of BOLI. CNB Disclosure
Schedule 4.29 sets forth all BOLI owned by CNB or any CNB
Subsidiary.
4.30. American Jobs Creation
Act.
CNB and each CNB Subsidiary has taken, or will take, any and all
actions necessary to comply with the provisions of the American
Jobs Creation Act of 2004, and all rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, that are currently in effect or that
become effective prior to Closing and are required to be
complied with prior to Closing; provided, however, that
until IRS regulations are promulgated under Section 409A of
the Code, CNB and each CNB Subsidiary shall only be required to
make good faith efforts to comply with Section 409A of the
Code.
4.31. Termination of Adirondack
Advisory Board.
4.31.1. CNB and each CNB Subsidiary
has taken any and all actions necessary to terminate the
advisory board created pursuant to Section 4.13 of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among CNB, CNB Acquisition
Corp. and Adirondack Financial Services Bancorp, Inc., dated as
of January 23,
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1999 (the Adirondack Advisory Board). Neither CNB
nor any CNB Subsidiary has any continuing obligations or
commitments with respect to the Adirondack Advisory Board.
ARTICLE V
Representations and Warranties of NBT
NBT represents and warrants to CNB that the statements contained
in this Article V are correct as of the date of this
Agreement and will be correct as of the Closing Date (as though
made then and as though the Closing Date were substituted for
the date of this Agreement throughout this Article V),
subject to the standard set forth in Section 5.1 and except
as set forth in the NBT Disclosure Schedule delivered by NBT to
CNB on the date hereof, and except to any representation of
warranty which specifically relates to an earlier date, which
only need be so correct as of such earlier date. NBT has made a
good faith effort to ensure that the disclosure on each schedule
of the NBT Disclosure Schedule corresponds to the section
referenced herein. However, for purposes of the NBT Disclosure
Schedule, any item disclosed on any schedule therein is deemed
to be fully disclosed with respect to all schedules under which
such item may be relevant as and to the extent that it is
reasonably clear on the face of such schedule that such item
applies to such other schedule. References to the Knowledge of
NBT shall include the Knowledge of NBT Bank.
5.1. Standard.
No representation or warranty of NBT contained in this
Article V shall be deemed untrue or incorrect, and NBT
shall not be deemed to have breached a representation or
warranty, as a consequence of the existence of any fact,
circumstance or event unless such fact, circumstance or event,
individually or taken together with all other facts,
circumstances or events inconsistent with any paragraph of
Article V, has had or is reasonably expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect, disregarding for these purposes
(x) any qualification or exception for, or reference to,
materiality in any such representation or warranty and
(y) any use of the terms material,
materially, in all material respects,
Material Adverse Effect or similar terms or phrases
in any such representation or warranty. The foregoing standard
shall not apply to representations and warranties contained in
Sections 5.2 (other than the last sentence of
Sections 5.2.1 and 5.2.2), 5.3 and 5.4, which shall be
deemed untrue, incorrect and breached if they are not true and
correct in all material respects.
5.2. Organization.
5.2.1. NBT is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Delaware, and is duly registered as a financial
holding company under the BHCA. NBT has full corporate power and
authority to carry on its business as now conducted and is duly
licensed or qualified to do business in the states of the United
States and foreign jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing
of property or the conduct of its business requires such
qualification.
5.2.2. NBT Bank is a national
banking association duly organized, and validly existing under
the laws of the United States. The deposits in NBT Bank are
insured by the FDIC to the fullest extent permitted by law, and
all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection
therewith have been paid when due. NBT Bank is a member of the
Federal Reserve System and FHLB and owns the requisite amount of
stock of each.
5.2.3. NBT Disclosure
Schedule 5.2.3 sets forth each NBT Subsidiary. Each NBT
Subsidiary (other than NBT Bank) is a corporation or limited
liability or other legal entity, as set forth on NBT Disclosure
Schedule 5.2.3, duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization.
5.2.4. The respective minute books
of NBT and each NBT Subsidiary accurately records, in all
material respects, all material corporate actions of their
respective shareholders and boards of directors (including
committees).
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5.2.5. Prior to the date of this
Agreement, NBT has made available to CNB true and correct copies
of the certificate of incorporation or charter and bylaws of NBT
and NBT Bank and the NBT Subsidiaries.
5.3. Capitalization.
5.3.1. The authorized capital stock
of NBT consists of 50,000,000 shares of NBT Common Stock,
of which 34,400,991 shares are outstanding (net of
1,976,636 shares held in treasury), validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights at
March 31, 2005, and 2,500,000 shares of preferred
stock, $.01 par value (NBT Preferred Stock),
50,000 of which are designated as Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock, none of which were outstanding at
March 31, 2005. Neither NBT nor any NBT Subsidiary has or
is bound by any Rights of any character relating to the
purchase, sale or issuance or voting of, or right to receive
dividends or other distributions on any shares of NBT Common
Stock, or any other security of NBT or any securities
representing the right to vote, purchase or otherwise receive
any shares of NBT Common Stock or any other security of NBT,
other than shares issuable under the NBT Stock Benefit Plans and
the NBT Rights Agreement.
5.3.2. NBT owns all of the capital
stock of NBT Bank free and clear of any lien or encumbrance.
Except as set forth in NBT Disclosure Schedule 5.3.2,
either NBT or NBT Bank owns all of the outstanding shares of
capital stock of each NBT Subsidiary free and clear of all
liens, security interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances,
agreements and restrictions of any kind or nature.
5.3.3. No bonds, debentures, notes
or other indebtedness having the right to vote on any matters on
which NBTs shareholders may vote has been issued by NBT
and are outstanding.
5.4. Authority; No Violation.
5.4.1. NBT has full corporate power
and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject
to receipt of the required Regulatory Approvals, to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery
of this Agreement by NBT and the completion by NBT of the
transactions contemplated hereby, up to and including the
Merger, have been duly and validly approved by the Board of
Directors of NBT, and no other corporate proceedings on the part
of NBT are necessary to complete the transactions contemplated
hereby, up to and including the Merger. This Agreement has been
duly and validly executed and delivered by NBT, and subject to
the receipt of the Regulatory Approvals described in
Section 8.3 and approval by the shareholders of CNB and due
and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement by CNB,
constitutes the valid and binding obligations of NBT,
enforceable against NBT in accordance with its terms, subject to
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting
creditors rights generally, and subject, as to
enforceability, to general principles of equity.
5.4.2. (A) The execution and
delivery of this Agreement by NBT, (B) subject to receipt
of the Regulatory Approvals, and compliance by CNB and NBT with
any conditions contained therein, and subject to the receipt of
the approval of the shareholders of CNB, the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, and (C) compliance by NBT
with any of the terms or provisions hereof will not
(i) conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of
the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of NBT or any NBT
Subsidiary or the charter and bylaws of NBT; (ii) violate
any statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order,
writ, decree or injunction applicable to NBT or any NBT
Subsidiary or any of their respective properties or assets; or
(iii) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any
provisions of, constitute a default (or an event which, with
notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default),
under, result in the termination of, accelerate the performance
required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration
or the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or other
encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of NBT, NBT
Bank or any NBT Subsidiary under any of the terms, conditions or
provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of
trust, license, lease, agreement or other investment or
obligation to which any of them is a party, or by which they or
any of their respective properties or assets may be bound or
affected, except for such violations, conflicts, breaches or
defaults under clause (ii) or (iii) hereof which,
either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a
Material Adverse Effect on NBT and the NBT Subsidiaries taken as
a whole.
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5.5. Consents.
Except for (a) the receipt of the Regulatory Approvals and
compliance with any conditions contained therein, (b) the
filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Delaware Department
of State and the New York Department of State, (c) the
filing with the SEC of (i) the Merger Registration
Statement and (ii) such reports under Sections 13(a),
13(d), 13(g) and 16(a) of the Exchange Act as may be required in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby and the obtaining from the SEC of such orders as may be
required in connection therewith, (d) approval of the
listing of NBT Common Stock to be issued in the Merger on the
NASDAQ National Market, (e) such notices as are required to
be made under the securities or Blue Sky laws of
various states in connection with the issuance of the shares of
NBT Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement, and (f) the
approval of this Agreement by the requisite vote of the
shareholders of CNB, no consents, waivers or approvals of, or
filings or registrations with, any Governmental Entity or Bank
Regulator are necessary, and, to the Knowledge of NBT, no
consents, waivers or approvals of, or filings or registrations
with, any other third parties are necessary, in connection with
(x) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by NBT and
the completion by NBT of the Merger or (y) the execution
and delivery of the Agreement and Plan of Bank Merger and the
completion of the Bank Merger. NBT has no reason to believe that
(i) any Regulatory Approvals or other required consents or
approvals will not be received or will include the imposition of
any condition or requirement that could reasonably be expected
by NBT to result in a Material Adverse Effect on NBT and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or that (ii) any public
body or authority having jurisdiction over affairs of NBT, the
consent or approval of which is not required or to which a
filing is not required, will object to the completion of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.6. Financial Statements.
5.6.1. NBT has previously made
available to CNB the NBT Financial Statements covering periods
ended prior to the date hereof. The NBT Financial Statements
have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, and (including the
related notes where applicable) fairly present (subject in the
case of the unaudited interim statements to normal year-end
adjustments) the consolidated financial position, results of
operations and cash flows of NBT and the NBT Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis as of and for the respective periods ending
on the dates thereof, in accordance with GAAP during the periods
involved, except as indicated in the notes thereto, or in the
case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q.
5.6.2. At the date of each balance
sheet included in the NBT Financial Statements, NBT did not have
any liabilities, obligations or loss contingencies of any nature
(whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) of a type
required to be reflected in such NBT Financial Statements or in
the footnotes thereto which are not fully reflected or reserved
against therein or fully disclosed in a footnote thereto, except
for liabilities, obligations and loss contingencies which are
not material individually or in the aggregate or which are
incurred in the ordinary course of business, consistent with
past practice, and except for liabilities, obligations and loss
contingencies which are within the subject matter of a specific
representation and warranty herein and subject, in the case of
any unaudited statements, to normal, recurring audit adjustments
and the absence of footnotes.
5.7. No Material Adverse
Effect.
Except as disclosed in NBTs Securities Documents filed on
or prior to the date hereof, NBT and the NBT Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, have not suffered any Material Adverse Effect since
December 31, 2004 and no event has occurred or circumstance
arisen since that date which, in the aggregate, has had or is
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on NBT and
the NBT Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
5.8. Legal Proceedings.
Except as set forth in NBTs Securities Documents or as set
forth at NBT Disclosure Schedule 5.8. neither NBT nor any
NBT Subsidiary is a party to any, and there are no pending or,
to the Knowledge of
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NBT, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitration or other
proceedings, claims (whether asserted or unasserted), actions or
governmental investigations or inquiries of any nature
(i) against NBT or any NBT Subsidiary, (ii) to which
NBT or any NBT Subsidiarys assets are or may be subject,
(iii) challenging the validity or propriety of any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (iv) which
would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the ability of
NBT to perform under this Agreement, except for any proceeding,
claim, action, investigation or inquiry which, if adversely
determined, individually or in the aggregate, could not be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.9. Securities Documents.
NBT has made available to CNB copies of its (i) annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2004, (ii) quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2005 and (iii) proxy materials
used or for use in connection with its meeting of shareholders
held in 2005. Such reports and such proxy materials complied, at
the time filed with the SEC, in all material respects, with the
Securities Laws.
5.10. Antitakeover Provisions
Inapplicable.
The transactions contemplated by this Agreement are not subject
to the requirements of any moratorium, control
share, fair price, affiliate
transactions, business combination or other
antitakeover laws and regulations of any state, including the
provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL applicable to NBT or
any NBT Subsidiary.
5.11. NBT Common Stock
The shares of NBT Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this
Agreement, when issued in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and non-assessable and subject to no preemptive rights.
ARTICLE VI
Covenants of CNB
6.1. Conduct of Business.
6.1.1. Affirmative
Covenants. During the period from the date of this Agreement
to the Effective Time, except with the written consent of NBT,
CNB will, and it will cause each CNB Subsidiary to: operate its
business only in the usual, regular and ordinary course of
business; use reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business
organization and assets and maintain its rights and franchises;
and voluntarily take no action which would: (i) adversely
affect the ability of the parties to obtain the Regulatory
Approvals or materially increase the period of time necessary to
obtain the Regulatory Approvals, or (ii) adversely affect
its ability to perform its covenants and agreements under this
Agreement.
6.1.2. Negative Covenants.
CNB agrees that from the date of this Agreement to the Effective
Time, except as otherwise specifically permitted or required by
this Agreement or consented to by NBT in writing (which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), it
will not, and it will cause each of the CNB Subsidiaries not to:
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(A) change or waive any provision of its Certificate of
Incorporation (or Articles of Association in the case of City
National Bank), Charter or Bylaws, except as required by law; |
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(B) change the number of authorized or issued shares of its
capital stock, issue any shares of CNB Common Stock that are
held as Treasury Shares as of the date of this Agreement, or
issue or grant any Right or agreement of any character relating
to its authorized or issued capital stock or any securities
convertible into shares of such stock, make any grant or award
under the CNB Stock Benefit Plans, or split, combine or
reclassify any shares of capital stock, or declare, set aside or
pay any dividend or other distribution in respect of capital
stock, or redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital
stock, except that CNB may issue shares of CNB Common Stock upon
the valid |
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exercise, in accordance with the information set forth in CNB
Disclosure Schedule 4.3.1, of presently outstanding CNB
Options issued under the CNB Stock Benefit Plans, and
(ii) CNB may declare and pay its regular quarterly cash
dividend of $0.21 per share with payment and record dates
consistent with past practice (provided that the declaration of
the last quarterly dividend by CNB prior to the Effective Time
and the payment thereof shall be coordinated with NBT so that
holders of CNB Common Stock do not receive dividends on both CNB
Common Stock and NBT Common Stock received in the Merger in
respect of such quarter or fail to receive a dividend on at
least one of the CNB Common Stock or NBT Common Stock received
in the Merger in respect of such quarter). |
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(C) enter into, amend in any material respect or terminate
any material contract or agreement (including without limitation
any settlement agreement with respect to litigation) except in
the ordinary course of business; |
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(D) Make application for the opening or closing of any, or
open or close any, branch or automated banking facility; |
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(E) grant or agree to pay any bonus, severance or
termination to, or enter into, renew or amend any employment
agreement, severance agreement and/or supplemental executive
agreement with, or increase in any manner the compensation or
fringe benefits of, any of its directors, officers or employees,
except (i) as may be required pursuant to commitments
existing on the date hereof and set forth on CNB Disclosure
Schedules 4.9.1 and 4.13.1 or as required pursuant to
Section 7.8 of this Agreement, or (ii) as otherwise
contemplated by this Agreement. If the Closing Date shall occur
on or after January 1, 2006, CNB may provide employees
(except for officers and Current CNB Employees (as defined in
Section 7.8.2)) merit pay increases of no more than 4.0% of
each respective employees annual base salary or hourly
wage rate, as applicable, in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practices. If the Closing Date shall occur
on or after January 1, 2006, each Current CNB Employee
shall receive an increase in their respective annual base salary
based on the following formula: the product of (x) .04 and
(y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of
days from January 1, 2006 to the respective anniversary
date of the Current CNB Employees date of employment, and
the denominator of which is 365. If the Closing Date shall occur
on or before December 30, 2005, CNB may, immediately prior
to the Closing Date, pay a prorated bonus to its then current
officers and full-time employees (except for Current CNB
Employees), in the amount of 4% of their 2005 annual base
salary, consistent with its past practices; provided,
however, that if the Closing Date shall occur on
December 31, 2005, CNB may, on or before the Closing Date,
pay a bonus to all of its then current officers and full-time
employees, in the amount of 4% of their 2005 annual base salary,
consistent with past practices. If the Closing Date shall occur
on or after January 1, 2006, CNB may (xx) pay a bonus
to all of its then current officers and full-time employees, in
the amount of 4% of their 2005 annual base salary, consistent
with past practices and (yy) immediately prior to the
Closing Date, pay an additional prorated bonus to its then
current officers and full-time employees (except for Current CNB
Employees), in the amount of 4% of their 2006 annual base
salary, consistent with past practices. Neither CNB nor any CNB
Subsidiary shall hire or promote any employee to a rank having a
title of vice president or other more senior rank or hire any
new employee at an annual rate of compensation in excess of
$20,000; provided, however, that a CNB Subsidiary may
hire at-will, non-officer employees at an annual compensation
rate not to exceed $20,000 to fill vacancies that may from time
to time arise in the ordinary course of business; provided,
further, that that neither CNB or any CNB Subsidiary shall
hire any new employee without first seeking to fill any position
internally and, failing that, through the use of temporary
personnel. Neither CNB nor or any CNB Subsidiary shall pay
expenses of any employee or director for attending conventions
or similar meetings held after the date hereof; |
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(F) enter into or, except as may be required by law,
materially modify any pension, retirement, stock option, stock
purchase, stock appreciation right, stock grant, savings, profit
sharing, deferred compensation, supplemental retirement,
consulting, bonus, group insurance or other employee benefit,
incentive or welfare contract, plan or arrangement, or any trust
agreement related thereto, in respect of any of its directors,
officers or employees; or make any contributions to any defined
contribution or |
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defined benefit plan not in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice, NBT acknowledging that CNB may
immediately prior to the Closing Date make a final prorated
contribution based on the number of days that have elapsed since
January 1, 2005 and until the date on which the Closing
Date shall occur, to the City National Bank and Trust Company of
Gloversville Profit Sharing Plan of amounts accrued or to be
accrued consistent with its normal prior monthly accruals for
contribution to such plan, except as may be required by
applicable law; |
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(G) merge or consolidate CNB or any CNB Subsidiary with any
other corporation; sell or lease all or any substantial portion
of the assets or business of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary; make any
acquisition of all or any substantial portion of the business or
assets of any other Person other than in connection with
foreclosures, settlements in lieu of foreclosure, troubled loan
or debt restructuring, or the collection of any loan or credit
arrangement between CNB, or any CNB Subsidiary, and any other
Person; enter into a purchase and assumption transaction with
respect to deposits and liabilities; incur deposit liabilities,
other than liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice and in keeping with
prevailing competitive rates; permit the revocation or surrender
by any CNB Subsidiary of its certificate of authority to
maintain, or file an application for the relocation of, any
existing branch office, or file an application for a certificate
of authority to establish a new branch office; |
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(H) sell or otherwise dispose of the capital stock of CNB
or sell or otherwise dispose of any asset of CNB or of any CNB
Subsidiary other than in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice; except for transactions with the
FHLB, subject any asset of CNB or of any CNB Subsidiary to a
lien, pledge, security interest or other encumbrance (other than
in connection with deposits, repurchase agreements, bankers
acceptances, pledges in connection with acceptance of
governmental deposits, and transactions in federal
funds and the satisfaction of legal requirements in the
exercise of trust powers) other than in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice; incur any indebtedness
for borrowed money (or guarantee any indebtedness for borrowed
money), except in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice; |
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(I) take any action which would result in any of the
representations and warranties of CNB set forth in this
Agreement becoming untrue as of any date after the date hereof
or in any of the conditions set forth in Article IX hereof
not being satisfied, except in each case as may be required by
applicable law; |
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(J) change its method, practice or principle of accounting,
except as may be required from time to time by GAAP (without
regard to any optional early adoption date) or regulatory
accounting principles or by any Bank Regulator responsible for
regulating CNB, City National Bank or any CNB Subsidiary; |
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(K) waive, release, grant or transfer any material rights
of value or modify or change in any material respect any
existing material agreement or indebtedness to which CNB or any
CNB Subsidiary is a party; |
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(L) purchase any securities, or purchase any other
securities except securities (i) rated A or
higher by either Standard & Poors Ratings
Services or Moodys Investors Service, (ii) having a
face amount in the aggregate of not more than $500,000,
(iii) with a weighted average life of not more than two
years and (iv) otherwise in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice; |
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(M) except as specifically provided below, and except for
commitments issued prior to the date of this Agreement which
have not yet expired and which have been disclosed on the CNB
Disclosure Schedule 6.1.2(M), and the renewal of existing
lines of credit, make any new loan or other credit facility
commitment (including without limitation, loan participations,
lines of credit and letters of credit) to any borrower or group
of affiliated borrowers in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate
for unsecured loans and $500,000 in the aggregate for loans
secured by assets other than real estate. In addition, the
following require the prior consent of NBT: a residential
loan of $500,000 or greater (except for residential loans sold
as to which there is an agreement to sell on a non-recourse
basis); a |
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construction loan of $2,000,000 or greater; an unsecured loan of
$100,000 or greater; a secured commercial business loan of
$500,000 or greater; and a commercial real estate loan of
$2,000,000 or greater; or purchase, invest in or originate any
finance lease or any loan secured by a lease of personal
property; |
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(N) enter into, renew, extend or modify any other
transaction (other than a deposit transaction) with any
Affiliate; |
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(O) enter into any futures contract, option, interest rate
caps, interest rate floors, interest rate exchange agreement or
other agreement or take any other action for purposes of hedging
the exposure of its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing
liabilities to changes in market rates of interest; |
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(P) except for the execution of this Agreement, and actions
taken or which will be taken in accordance with this Agreement
and performance thereunder, take any action that would give rise
to a right of payment to any individual under any employment
agreement; |
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(Q) make any change in policies in existence on the date of
this Agreement with regard to: the extension of credit, or the
establishment of reserves with respect to the possible loss
thereon or the charge off of losses incurred thereon;
investments; asset/liability management; or other material
banking policies in any material respect except as may be
required by changes in applicable law or regulations, GAAP or
regulatory accounting principles or by a Bank Regulator; |
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(R) except for the execution of this Agreement, and the
transactions contemplated therein, take any action that would
give rise to an acceleration of the right to payment to any
individual under any CNB Benefit Plan; |
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(S) make any capital expenditures in excess of $25,000
individually or $50,000 in the aggregate, other than pursuant to
binding commitments existing on the date hereof which are set
forth on CNB Disclosure Schedule 6.1.2(S) and other than
expenditures necessary to maintain existing assets in good
repair; |
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(T) purchase or otherwise acquire, or sell or otherwise
dispose of, any assets or incur any liabilities other than in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices
and policies; |
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(U) sell any participation interest in any loan (other than
sales of loans secured by one- to four-family real estate that
are consistent with past practice) unless NBT has been given the
first opportunity and a reasonable time to purchase any loan
participation being sold, or purchase any participation interest
in any loan other than purchases of participation interests from
NBT; |
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(V) undertake or enter into any lease, contract or other
commitment for its account, other than in the normal course of
providing credit to customers as part of its banking business,
involving a payment by CNB or any CNB Subsidiary of more than
$25,000 annually, or containing any financial commitment
extending beyond 12 months from the date hereof; |
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(W) pay, discharge, settle or compromise any claim, action,
litigation, arbitration or proceeding, other than any such
payment, discharge, settlement or compromise in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice that involves
solely money damages in the amount not in excess of $25,000
individually or $50,000 in the aggregate, and that does not
create negative precedent for other pending or potential claims,
actions, litigation, arbitration or proceedings; |
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(X) foreclose upon or take a deed or title to any
commercial real estate without first conducting a Phase I
environmental assessment of the property or foreclose upon any
commercial real estate if such environmental assessment
indicates the presence of Materials of Environmental Concern; |
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(Y) purchase or sell any mortgage loan servicing rights
other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice; |
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(Z) issue any broadly distributed communication of a
general nature to employees (including general communications
relating to benefits and compensation) without prior
consultation with NBT |
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and, to the extent relating to post-Closing employment, benefit
or compensation information without the prior consent of NBT
(which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or
delayed) or issue any broadly distributed communication of a
general nature to customers without the prior approval of NBT
(which shall not be unreasonably withheld), except as required
by law or for communications in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice that do not relate to the Merger
or other transactions contemplated hereby; |
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(AA) agree to do any of the foregoing. |
6.2. Current Information.
6.2.1. During the period from the
date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, CNB will cause one
or more of its representatives to confer with representatives of
NBT and report the general status of its ongoing operations at
such times as NBT may reasonably request. CNB will promptly
notify NBT of any material change in the normal course of its
business or in the operation of its properties and, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, of any governmental
complaints, investigations or hearings (or communications
indicating that the same may be contemplated), or the
institution or the threat of material litigation involving CNB
or any CNB Subsidiary. Without limiting the foregoing, senior
officers of NBT and CNB shall meet on a reasonably regular basis
(expected to be at least monthly) to review the financial and
operational affairs of CNB and its Subsidiaries, in accordance
with applicable law, and CNB shall give due consideration to
NBTs input on such matters, with the understanding that,
notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement,
neither NBT nor any NBT Subsidiary shall under any circumstance
be permitted to exercise control of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary
prior to the Effective Time.
6.2.2. CNB and NBT shall meet on a
regular basis to discuss and plan for the conversion of data
processing and related electronic informational systems of CNB
to those used by NBT, which planning shall include, but not be
limited to, discussion of the possible termination by CNB of
third-party service provider arrangements effective at the
Effective Time or at a date thereafter, non-renewal of personal
property leases and software licenses used by CNB in connection
with its systems operations, retention of outside consultants
and additional employees to assist with the conversion, and
outsourcing, as appropriate, of proprietary or self-provided
system services, it being understood that neither CNB shall be
obligated to take any such action prior to the Effective Time
and, unless CNB otherwise agrees and provided it is permitted by
applicable law, no conversion shall take place prior to the
Effective Time. In the event that CNB takes, at the request of
NBT, any action relative to third parties to facilitate the
conversion that results in the imposition of any termination
fees or charges, NBT shall indemnify CNB for any such fees and
charges, and the costs of reversing the conversion process, if
for any reason the Merger is not consummated for any reason
other than a breach of this Agreement by CNB, or a termination
of this Agreement under Section 11.1.7 or 11.1.8.
6.2.3. CNB shall provide NBT,
within ten (10) business days of the end of each calendar
month, a written list of nonperforming assets (the term
nonperforming assets, for purposes of this
subsection, means (i) loans that are troubled debt
restructuring as defined in Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 15, Accounting by Debtors
and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructuring,
(ii) loans on nonaccrual, (iii) real estate owned,
(iv) all loans ninety (90) days or more past due) as
of the end of such month and (iv) and impaired loans.
Within ten (10) business days of the end of each calendar
month, CNB shall provide NBT with a schedule of all
(x) loan grading changes and (y) loan approvals, which
schedule shall indicate the loan amount, loan type and other
material features of the loan.
6.2.4. CNB shall promptly inform
NBT upon receiving notice of any legal, administrative,
arbitration or other proceedings, demands, notices, audits or
investigations (by any federal, state or local commission,
agency or board) relating to the alleged liability of CNB or any
CNB Subsidiary under any labor or employment law.
6.3. Access to Properties and
Records.
Subject to Section 12.1, CNB shall permit NBT access upon
reasonable notice to its properties and those of the CNB
Subsidiaries, and shall disclose and make available to NBT
during normal business
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hours all of its books, papers and records relating to the
assets, properties, operations, obligations and liabilities,
including, but not limited to, all books of account (including
the general ledger), tax records, minute books of
directors (other than minutes that discuss any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other subject
matter CNB reasonably determines should be treated as
confidential) and shareholders meetings, organizational
documents, Bylaws, material contracts and agreements, filings
with any regulatory authority, litigation files, plans affecting
employees, and any other business activities or prospects in
which NBT may have a reasonable interest; provided, however,
that CNB shall not be required to take any action that would
provide access to or to disclose information where such access
or disclosure, in CNBs reasonable judgment, would
interfere with the normal conduct of CNBs business or
would violate or prejudice the rights or business interests or
confidences of any customer or other person or would result in
the waiver by it of the privilege protecting communications
between it and any of its counsel or contravene any applicable
law. CNB shall provide and shall request its auditors to provide
NBT with such historical financial information regarding it (and
related audit reports and consents) as NBT may reasonably
request for Securities Law disclosure purposes. NBT shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any interference
with CNBs regular business operations during any such
access to CNBs property, books and records. CNB and each
CNB Subsidiary shall permit NBT, at its expense, to cause a
phase I environmental audit and a
phase II environmental audit to be performed at
any physical location owned or occupied by CNB or any CNB
Subsidiary. If NBT causes a phase I environmental
audit or a phase II environmental audit
to be performed, then NBT agrees to use all commercially
reasonable efforts to cause any such audit to be completed as
soon as reasonably practicable after commencement and to restore
the property to its original condition after completion.
6.4. Financial and Other
Statements.
6.4.1. Promptly upon receipt
thereof, CNB will furnish to NBT copies of each annual, interim
or special audit of the books of CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries
made by its independent accountants and copies of all internal
control reports submitted to CNB by such accountants, or by any
other accounting firm rendering internal audit services, in
connection with each annual, interim or special audit of the
books of CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries made by such accountants.
6.4.2. As soon as reasonably
available, but in no event later than the date such documents
are filed with the FRB, OCC or FDIC, CNB will deliver to NBT the
documents filed by CNB or City National Bank. Within
25 days after the end of each month, CNB will deliver to
NBT a consolidated balance sheet and a consolidated statement of
operations, without related notes, for such month prepared in
accordance with current financial reporting practices, as well
as a month-end and year to date comparison to budget.
6.4.3. As soon as reasonably
available, but in no event later than the date such documents
are filed with the SEC, CNB will deliver NBT the Securities
Documents filed by it with the SEC under the Securities Laws
other than those Securities Documents that are available
publicly though the SECs EDGAR data base. CNB will advise
promptly of the receipt of any examination report of any Bank
Regulator with respect to the condition or activities of CNB or
any of the CNB Subsidiaries.
6.4.4. With reasonable promptness,
CNB will furnish to NBT such additional financial data that CNB
possesses and as NBT may reasonably request, including without
limitation, detailed monthly financial statements and loan
reports.
6.5. Maintenance of
Insurance.
CNB shall maintain, and to cause the CNB Subsidiaries to
maintain, insurance in such amounts as are reasonable to cover
such risks as are customary in relation to the character and
location of its properties and the nature of its business, with
such coverage and in such amounts not less than that currently
maintained by CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries and set forth in CNB
Disclosure Schedule 4.10.3. CNB will promptly inform NBT if
CNB or any CNB Subsidiary receives notice from an insurance
carrier that (i) an insurance policy will be canceled or
that coverage thereunder will be reduced or eliminated, or
(ii) premium costs with respect to any policy of insurance
will be substantially increased.
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6.6. Disclosure Supplements.
From time to time prior to the Effective Time, CNB will promptly
supplement or amend the CNB Disclosure Schedule delivered in
connection herewith with respect to any matter hereafter arising
which, if existing, occurring or known at the date of this
Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described
in such CNB Disclosure Schedule or which is necessary to correct
any information in such CNB Disclosure Schedule which has been
rendered materially inaccurate thereby. No supplement or
amendment to such CNB Disclosure Schedule shall have any effect
for the purpose of determining satisfaction of the conditions
set forth in Article IX.
6.7. Consents and Approvals of
Third Parties.
CNB shall use all commercially reasonable efforts, and shall
cause each CNB Subsidiary to use all commercially reasonable
efforts to obtain as soon as practicable all consents and
approvals of any other persons necessary or desirable for the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6.8. All Reasonable Efforts.
Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, CNB agrees
to use, and agrees to cause each CNB Subsidiary to use, all
commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken,
all action and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary,
proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
6.9. Failure to Fulfill
Conditions.
In the event that CNB or City National Bank determines that a
condition to its obligation to complete the Merger cannot be
fulfilled and that it will not waive that condition, it will
promptly notify NBT.
6.10. No Solicitation.
From and after the date hereof until the termination of this
Agreement, neither CNB, nor any CNB Subsidiary, nor any of their
respective officers, directors, employees, representatives,
agents and affiliates (including, without limitation, any
investment banker, attorney or accountant retained by CNB or any
of the CNB Subsidiaries), will, directly or indirectly,
initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage (including by way of
furnishing non-public information or assistance) any inquiries
or the making of any proposal that constitutes, or may
reasonably be expected to lead to, any Acquisition Proposal (as
defined below), or enter into or maintain or continue
discussions or negotiate with any Person in furtherance of such
inquiries or to obtain an Acquisition Proposal or agree to or
endorse any Acquisition Proposal, or authorize or permit any of
its officers, directors, or employees or any of its Subsidiaries
or any investment banker, financial advisor, attorney,
accountant or other representative retained by any of its
Subsidiaries to take any such action, and CNB shall notify NBT
orally (within one business day) and in writing (as promptly as
practicable) of all of the relevant details relating to all
inquiries and proposals which CNB or any of its Subsidiaries or
any of its officers, directors or employees, or, to CNBs
Knowledge, investment bankers, financial advisors, attorneys,
accountants or other representatives of CNB may receive relating
to any of such matters, provided, however, that nothing
contained in this Section 6.10 shall prohibit the Board of
Directors of CNB from (i) complying with its disclosure
obligations under federal or state law; or (ii) furnishing
information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations
with, any person or entity that makes an unsolicited Acquisition
Proposal, if, and only to the extent that, (A) the Board of
Directors of CNB determines in good faith (after receipt of an
opinion from its independent financial advisor and after
consultation with its legal advisors), taking into account all
legal, financial and regulatory aspects of the proposal and the
Person making the proposal, that such proposal, if consummated,
is reasonably likely to result in a transaction more favorable
to CNBs shareholders from a financial point of view than
the Merger; (B) the Board of Directors of CNB determines in
good faith (after consultation with its financial and legal
advisors) that the failure to furnish information to or enter
into discussions with such Person would likely cause the Board
of Directors to breach its fiduciary duties to shareholders
under applicable law; (C) such Acquisition Proposal was not
solicited by CNB and did not otherwise result from a breach
A-36
of this Section 6.10 by CNB (such proposal that satisfies
clauses (A), (B) and (C) being referred to herein
as a Superior Proposal); (D) CNB promptly
notifies NBT of such inquiries, proposals or offers received by,
any such information requested from, or any such discussions or
negotiations sought to be initiated or continued with CNB or any
of its representatives indicating, in connection with such
notice, the name of such Person and the material terms and
conditions of any inquiries, proposals or offers, and receives
from such Person an executed confidentiality agreement in form
and substance identical in all material respects to the
confidentiality agreements that CNB and NBT entered into; and
(E) the CNB Shareholders Meeting has not occurred. For
purposes of this Agreement, Acquisition Proposal
shall mean any proposal or offer as to any of the following
(other than the transactions contemplated hereunder) involving
CNB or any of its Subsidiaries: (i) any merger,
consolidation, share exchange, business combination, or other
similar transactions; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange,
mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition of 25% or more
of the assets of CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries, either
individually or taken as a whole, in a single transaction or
series of transactions; (iii) any tender offer or exchange
offer for 25% or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock
of CNB or the filing of a registration statement under the
Securities Act in connection therewith; or (iv) any public
announcement of a proposal, plan or intention to do any of the
foregoing or any agreement to engage in any of the foregoing.
6.11. Reserves and
Merger-Related Costs.
On or before the Effective Date, to the extent consistent with
GAAP, and applicable banking laws and regulations, CNB shall
establish such additional accruals and reserves as may be
necessary to conform the accounting reserve practices and
methods (including credit loss practices and methods) of CNB to
those of NBT (as such practices and methods are to be applied to
CNB from and after the Closing Date) and NBTs plans with
respect to the conduct of the business of CNB following the
Merger and otherwise to reflect Merger-related expenses and
costs incurred by CNB. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CNB shall
not be obligated to take in any respect any such action pursuant
to this Section 6.11 unless and until NBT acknowledges that
all conditions to its obligation to consummate the Merger in
Sections 9.1 and 9.2 have been satisfied or waived (except
for the expiration of any applicable waiting periods) and NBT
reasonably believes the Merger will close. No accrual or reserve
made by CNB or any CNB Subsidiary pursuant to this subsection,
or any litigation or regulatory proceeding arising out of any
such accrual or reserve, shall constitute or be deemed to be a
breach or violation of any representation, warranty, covenant,
condition or other provision of this Agreement or to constitute
a termination event within the meaning of Section 11.1.2.
6.12. Board of Directors and
Committee Meetings.
CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries shall permit a representative of
NBT to attend any meeting of their Board of Directors or the
Executive Committees thereof, and shall permit no more than
two (2) representatives of NBT to attend any meeting of
their loan committee and asset liability committee, as an
observer (the Observer), provided that neither CNB
nor any CNB Subsidiary shall be required to permit the Observer
to remain present during any confidential discussion of this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or any third
party proposal to acquire control of CNB or during any other
matter that the respective Board of Directors has been advised
of by counsel that such attendance by the Observer may violate a
confidentiality obligation or fiduciary duty or any legal or
regulatory requirements.
6.13. Transaction Expenses of
CNB.
CNB has provided at CNB Disclosure Schedule 6.13 its
estimated budget of transaction-related expenses reasonably
anticipated to be payable by CNB in connection with this
transaction, including the fees and expenses of counsel,
accountants, investment bankers and other professionals.
Promptly after the execution of this Agreement, CNB shall ask
all of its attorneys and other professionals to render current
and correct invoices for all unbilled time and disbursements.
CNB shall accrue and/or pay all of such amounts which are
actually due and owing as soon as possible. CNB shall advise NBT
monthly of all out-of-pocket expenses which CNB has incurred in
connection with this transaction.
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ARTICLE VII
Covenants of NBT
7.1. Conduct of Business.
During the period from the date of this Agreement to the
Effective Time, except with the written consent of CNB, which
consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or
delayed, NBT and each NBT Subsidiary will not voluntarily take
any action that would: (i) adversely affect the ability of
the parties to obtain the Regulatory Approvals or materially
increase the period of time necessary to obtain such approvals;
(ii) adversely affect its ability to perform its covenants
and agreements under this Agreement; or (iii) result in the
representations and warranties contained in Article V of
this Agreement not being true and correct on the date of this
Agreement or at any future date on or prior to the Closing Date
or in any of the conditions set forth in Article IX hereof
not being satisfied.
7.2. Current Information and
Consultation.
During the period from the date of this Agreement to the
Effective Time, NBT will cause one or more of its
representatives to confer with representatives of CNB and report
the general status of its financial condition, operations and
business and matters relating to the completion of the
transactions contemplated hereby, at such times as CNB may
reasonably request.
7.3. Financial and Other
Statements.
As soon as reasonably available, but in no event later than the
date such documents are filed with the SEC, NBT will deliver to
CNB the Securities Documents filed by it with the SEC under the
Securities Laws other than those Securities Documents that are
available publicly though the SECs EDGAR data base. NBT
will advise CNB promptly of the receipt of any examination
report of any Bank Regulator with respect to the condition or
activities of NBT or any of the NBT Subsidiaries.
7.4. Disclosure Supplements.
From time to time prior to the Effective Time, NBT will promptly
supplement or amend the NBT Disclosure Schedule delivered in
connection herewith with respect to any matter hereafter arising
which, if existing, occurring or known at the date of this
Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described
in such NBT Disclosure Schedule or which is necessary to correct
any information in such NBT Disclosure Schedule which has been
rendered inaccurate thereby. No supplement or amendment to such
NBT Disclosure Schedule shall have any effect for the purpose of
determining satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
Article IX.
7.5. Consents and Approvals of
Third Parties.
NBT and NBT Bank shall use all commercially reasonable efforts
to obtain as soon as practicable all consents and approvals of
any other Persons necessary or desirable for the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
7.6. All Reasonable Efforts.
Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, NBT agrees
to use and agrees to cause NBT Bank to use all commercially
reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action and
to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or
advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate
and make effective the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
7.7. Failure to Fulfill
Conditions.
In the event that NBT determines that a condition to its
obligation to complete the Merger cannot be fulfilled and that
it will not waive that condition, it will promptly notify CNB.
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7.8. Employee Benefits.
7.8.1 Definition.
Benefit Plan Determination Date for purposes of this
Section shall mean that date selected by NBT with respect to
each material CNB Benefit Plan to be terminated or replaced with
a similar plan or program provided by NBT or its Subsidiaries
(as used in this Section, NBT and its Subsidiaries are
collectively referred to as NBT) to other employees
similarly situated, which date with respect to the CNB Profit
Sharing Plan (as defined below) shall be the date that Current
CNB Employees (as defined below) are no longer eligible to
participate in the CNB Profit Sharing Plan, and with respect to
NBTs defined benefit pension plan the day after the
Closing Date; provided, that, the definition of Benefit
Plan Determination Date shall be consistent with the
premise that the compensation, employee benefits and terms and
conditions of employment that are provided by NBT after the
Closing Date to Current CNB Employees shall only be
substantially similar, in the aggregate, to those provided by
NBT to similarly situated employees of NBT.
7.8.2 General Rule: Parity in
Benefits; No Gaps. Within a reasonable period after the
Closing Date, but not before the applicable Benefit Plan
Determination Date, NBT shall provide or shall cause to be
provided by a Subsidiary of NBT, to all individuals who are
employees of CNB or any CNB Subsidiary at the Closing Date and
whose employment continues following the Effective Time and who
are then eligible for a respective CNB Benefit Plan (the
Current CNB Employees), compensation, employee
benefits and terms and conditions of employment that are
substantially similar, in the aggregate, to those provided by
NBT to similarly situated employees of NBT. Notwithstanding any
of the foregoing to the contrary, none of the provisions
contained herein shall (i) operate to duplicate any benefit
provided to any Current CNB Employees or the funding of any such
benefit and (ii) be construed to limit the ability of NBT
to review employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements from
time to time, to make such changes as NBTs deems
appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion or to terminate
such employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements. NBT will
use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all pre-existing
condition limitations and proof of insurability provisions (to
the extent such limitations and provisions did not apply to a
pre-existing condition under CNBs equivalent plan) and
eligibility waiting periods under such plans that would
otherwise be applicable to newly-hired employees to be waived
for all Current CNB Employees; provided that nothing in this
sentence shall limit the ability of NBT to amend or enter into
new or different employee benefit plans or arrangements provided
such plans or arrangements treat the Current CNB Employees in a
substantially similar manner as employees of NBT are treated.
7.8.3 Profit Sharing Plan
Termination or Merger. If required by NBT in writing and
delivered to CNB not less than five business days before the
Closing Date, CNB shall, on or before the day immediately
preceding the Closing Date, (i) terminate the City National
Bank and Trust Company of Gloversville Profit Sharing Plan (the
CNB Profit Sharing Plan) and no further
contributions shall be made to the CNB Profit Sharing Plan after
such termination or (ii) shall cause the CNB Profit Sharing
Plan to be merged into NBT Bancorp Inc. 401(k) and Employee
Stock Ownership Plan. CNB shall provide to NBT
(i) certified copies of resolutions adopted by the Board of
Directors of CNB (or other such party as may be authorized,
under the terms of the CNB Profit Sharing Plan, to amend and
terminate the CNB Profit Sharing Plan), as applicable,
authorizing such termination or merger of the CNB Profit Sharing
Plan and (ii) an executed amendment to the CNB Profit
Sharing Plan in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
NBT to conform the plan document for such plan with all
applicable requirements of the Code and ERISA, and regulations
thereunder, with regard to termination or merger of the CNB
Profit Sharing Plan, or otherwise relating to the tax-qualified
status of such plan. NBT will not be obligated to make any
matching or other employer contributions to any profit sharing
or 401(k) plan after the Closing Date.
7.8.4 NBT 401(k) Plan
Participation. Each Current CNB Employee who continues in
the employment of CNB until the Closing Date, shall be eligible
to participate in NBTs 401(k) Plan on the day after the
Benefit Plan Determination Date for the CNB Profit Sharing Plan.
All rights to participate in NBTs 401(k) Plan are subject
to NBTs right to amend or terminate NBTs 401(k) Plan
in its sole and absolute discretion and are subject to the terms
of NBTs 401(k) Plan including, but not limited to, the
eligibility and vesting provisions of such plan. For purposes of
administering NBTs 401(k) Plan,
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service with CNB shall be deemed to be service with NBT for
eligibility and vesting purposes only, but not for purposes of
benefit accrual or the allocation of employer contributions. To
the extent CNB Profit Sharing Plan is terminated as set forth in
Section 7.8.3 hereof, NBTs 401(k) plan shall accept
direct rollovers from the CNB Profit Sharing Plan, to the extent
permissible under the Code and ERISA, including for any Current
CNB Employee who has an outstanding participant loan from the
CNB Profit Sharing Plan at the Benefit Plan Determination Date
or as soon as administratively feasible thereafter, a direct
rollover including such participant loan.
7.8.5 Defined Benefit Plan
Participation. Each Current CNB Employee shall be eligible
to participate in NBTs defined benefit pension plan as of
the Benefit Plan Determination Date relative to that plan. All
rights to participate in NBTs defined benefit pension plan
are subject to NBTs right to amend or terminate the plan
in its sole and absolute discretion and are subject to the terms
of NBTs defined benefit plan including, but not limited
to, the eligibility and vesting provisions of such plan. For
purposes of administering NBTs defined benefit pension
plan, service with CNB shall be deemed to be service with NBT
for participation and vesting purposes only and for purposes of
eligibility for normal or early retirement under NBTs
defined benefit pension plan based solely on a number of years
of service, but not for purposes of benefit accrual.
CNB shall take such steps as it or NBT may determine to be
necessary or desirable to discontinue further benefit accruals
under CNBs defined benefit pension plan effective as of
the Benefit Plan Determination Date, including but not limited
to providing each Current CNB Employee with written notice of
such discontinuation of benefit accruals. After the Benefit Plan
Determination Date, NBT shall maintain such CNB Pension Plan as
a frozen tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan in
accordance with all applicable laws, unless CNB consents prior
to the Benefit Plan Determination Date to a merger of such CNB
pension plan into a comparable defined benefit pension plan of
NBT, as of such time as NBT shall determine in its sole
discretion but not before the applicable Benefit Plan
Determination Date. Nothing herein shall limit the ability of
NBT to terminate or amend the CNB Pension Plan as it determines
in its sole and absolute discretion.
7.8.6 Welfare Benefits. Each
Current CNB Employee shall be eligible to participate in group
hospitalization, medical, dental, life, disability and other
material welfare benefit plans and programs available to
employees of NBT similarly situated, subject to the terms of
such plans and programs, as of the Benefit Plan Determination
Date for each such plan or program, conditional upon the Current
CNB Employees being employed by NBT as of such Benefit
Plan Determination Date and subject to complying with
eligibility requirements of the respective plans and programs.
With respect to any welfare benefit plan or program of CNB that
NBT determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, provides
benefits of the same type or class as a corresponding plan or
program maintained by NBT, NBT shall continue such CNB plan or
program in effect for the benefit of the Current CNB Employees
so long as they remain eligible to participate and until they
shall become eligible to become participants in the
corresponding plan or program maintained by NBT (and, with
respect to any such plan or program, subject to complying with
eligibility requirements and subject to the right of NBT to
terminate or amend such plan or program). For purposes of all
material employee welfare benefit plans, programs and agreements
maintained by or contributed to by NBT, NBT shall cause each
such plan, program or arrangement to treat the service with CNB
prior to the Closing Date of any Current CNB Employee (to the
same extent such service is recognized under analogous plans,
programs or arrangements of CNB prior to the Closing) as service
rendered to NBT for all purposes; provided, however, that
such crediting of service shall not operate to duplicate any
benefit or the funding of such benefit available to any Current
CNB Employee.
7.8.7 Paid Time Off
Programs. NBT will give each Current CNB Employee credit,
for purposes of NBTs vacation and/or other paid leave
benefit programs, for such Current CNB Employees accrued
and unpaid vacation and/or paid leave balance with CNB as of the
Closing Date.
7.8.8 NBT to Honor
Agreements. NBT agrees to honor all Change in Control
Agreements, severance agreements, deferred compensation
agreements and consulting agreements that CNB has with its
current and former employees and which have been identified in
CNB Disclosure Schedule 4.9.1,
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except to the extent any such agreements shall be superseded or
terminated at the Closing Date or following the Closing Date
with the written consent of the affected parties or to the
extent such agreements may need to be amended in order to comply
with IRS guidance on the requirements of Code Section 409A
at or after the Closing Date.
CNB full-time employees who are not parties to a written
employment or consulting agreement or are not referenced in the
NBT Disclosure Schedule 7.8.8, and who (i) are not
offered full-time employment with NBT as of the Closing Date or
(ii) are offered and accept full-time employment with NBT
as of the Closing Date and subsequently terminated by NBT
without cause within one year following the Closing
Date shall be eligible (x) to receive severance benefits
equal to one week base pay for each year of continuous
employment by CNB or City National at a rate of pay equal to
such employees base pay as of such employees
termination date (less applicable withholdings), payable in
bi-weekly installments (the Severance Payments);
provided, however, that any such Severance Payment shall
be not less than an amount equal to two weeks base pay
(less applicable withholdings); and (y) to continue
participation in NBTs group health, dental and vision
plans for a period of time that begins on the date the
employees employment is terminated and ends on the date
that the employee receives the final payment of the Severance
Payment at a cost for the severed employee that is the same for
similarly situated current employees of NBT, except that such
coverage will expire if the employee becomes eligible for
coverage under a plan of another employer (Welfare
Benefit) (collectively, the Severance Payment and the
Welfare Benefit are hereinafter referred to as the
Severance Benefit). All determinations as to whether
an employee is terminated for cause shall be in the
sole and absolute discretion of NBT. The Severance Benefit shall
be conditioned upon the execution and delivery, and the
expiration of any applicable revocation period, of a general
release by the applicable employee that is satisfactory to NBT.
Except for the agreements described in the preceding sentences
of this sub-Section 7.8.8 and except as otherwise provided
in this Agreement, the CNB Benefit Plans shall, in the sole and
absolute discretion of NBT, be frozen, terminated or merged into
comparable plans of NBT, effective at such time as NBT shall
determine in its sole and absolute discretion but not before the
applicable Benefit Plan Determination Date.
7.8.9 No Guarantee of
Employment. Except to the extent of commitments herein or
other contractual commitments, if any, specifically made or
assumed by NBT hereunder or by operation of law, NBT shall have
no obligation arising from and after the Closing Date to
continue any Current CNB Employees in its employ or in any
specific job or to provide to any Current CNB Employee any
specified level of compensation or any incentive payments,
benefits or perquisites. Each Current CNB Employee who is
terminated by NBT one year subsequent to the Closing Date,
excluding those employees referenced in the NBT Disclosure
Schedule 7.8.8, shall be entitled to severance pay in
accordance with the general severance policy maintained by NBT,
if and to the extent that such employee is entitled to severance
pay under such policy; provided that such Current CNB
Employees service with CNB shall be treated as service
with NBT for purposes of determining the amount of severance
pay, if any, under NBTs severance policy.
7.9. Directors and Officers
Indemnification and Insurance.
7.9.1. NBT shall maintain, or shall cause NBT Bank to
maintain, in effect for three years following the Effective
Time, the current directors and officers liability
insurance policies maintained by CNB (provided, that NBT may
substitute therefor policies of at least the same coverage
containing terms and conditions which are not materially less
favorable) with respect to matters occurring prior to the
Effective Time; provided, however, that in no event shall NBT be
required to expend pursuant to this Section 7.9.1 more than
an amount equal to 150% of the current annual amount expended by
CNB with respect to such insurance, as set forth in CNB
Disclosure Schedule 7.9.1 (the Maximum Amount);
provided, further, that if the amount of the aggregate
premium necessary to maintain or procure such insurance coverage
exceeds the Maximum Amount, NBT shall maintain the most
advantageous policies of directors and officers
insurance obtainable for an annual premium equal to the Maximum
Amount. In connection with the foregoing, CNB agrees in order
for NBT to fulfill its agreement to provide directors and
officers
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liability insurance policies for three years to provide such
insurer or substitute insurer with such representations as such
insurer may request with respect to the reporting of any prior
claims.
7.9.2. In addition to Section 7.9.1, for a
period of six years after the Effective Time, NBT shall
indemnify, defend and hold harmless each person who is now, or
who has been at any time before the date hereof or who becomes
before the Effective Time, an officer or director of CNB or an
CNB Subsidiary (the Indemnified Parties) against all
losses, claims, damages, costs, expenses (including
attorneys fees), liabilities or judgments or amounts that
are paid in settlement (which settlement shall require the prior
written consent of NBT, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld) of or in connection with any claim, action, suit,
proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, or
administrative (each a Claim), in which an
Indemnified Party is, or is threatened to be made, a party or
witness in whole or in part on or arising in whole or in part
out of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer
or employee of CNB or a CNB Subsidiary if such Claim pertains to
any matter of fact arising, existing or occurring before the
Effective Time (including, without limitation, the Merger and
the other transactions contemplated hereby), regardless of
whether such Claim is asserted or claimed before, or after, the
Effective Time (the Indemnified Liabilities), to the
fullest extent permitted under Delaware law (to the extent not
prohibited by Federal law). Any Indemnified Party wishing to
claim indemnification under this Section 7.9.2 upon
learning of any Claim, shall notify NBT (but the failure so to
notify NBT shall not relieve it from any liability which it may
have under this Section 7.9.2, except to the extent such
failure materially prejudices NBT). In the event of any such
Claim (whether arising before or after the Effective Time)
(1) NBT shall have the right to assume the defense thereof
(in which event the Indemnified Parties will cooperate in the
defense of any such matter) and upon such assumption NBT shall
not be liable to any Indemnified Party for any legal expenses of
other counsel or any other expenses subsequently incurred by any
Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof, except
that if NBT elects not to assume such defense, or counsel for
the Indemnified Parties reasonably advises the Indemnified
Parties that there are or may be (whether or not any have yet
actually arisen) issues which raise conflicts of interest
between NBT and the Indemnified Parties, the Indemnified Parties
may retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to them, and NBT
shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel for
the Indemnified Parties, (2) except to the extent otherwise
required due to conflicts of interest, NBT shall be obligated
pursuant to this paragraph to pay for only one firm of counsel
for all Indemnified Parties unless there is a conflict of
interest that necessitates more than one law firm, and
(3) NBT shall not be liable for any settlement effected
without its prior written consent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
7.9.3. In the event that either NBT
or any of its successors or assigns (i) consolidates with
or merges into any other person and shall not be the continuing
or surviving CNB or entity of such consolidation or merger or
(ii) transfers all or substantially all of its properties
and assets to any person, then, and in each such case, proper
provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of
NBT shall assume the obligations set forth in this
Section 7.9.
7.9.4. The obligations of NBT
provided under this Section 7.9 are intended to be
enforceable against NBT directly by the Indemnified Parties and
shall be binding on all respective successors and permitted
assigns of NBT.
7.10. Stock Listing.
NBT agrees to file a notification form for the listing on the
Nasdaq Stock Market (or such other national securities exchange
on which the shares of the NBT Common Stock shall be listed as
of the Closing Date) of the shares of NBT Common Stock to be
issued in the Merger.
7.11. Stock and Cash Reserve.
NBT agrees at all times from the date of this Agreement until
the Merger Consideration has been paid in full to reserve a
sufficient number of shares of NBT Common Stock to fulfill its
obligations under this Agreement.
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7.12. Communications to CNB
Employees; Training
NBT and CNB agree that as promptly as practicable following the
execution of this Agreement, meetings with employees of CNB and
City National Bank shall be held at such location as NBT and CNB
shall mutually agree, provided that representatives of CNB shall
be permitted to attend such meetings, to announce the proposed
Merger. NBT and CNB shall mutually agree as to the scope and
content of all communications to the employees of CNB and City
National Bank. At mutually agreed upon times following execution
of this Agreement, representatives of NBT shall be permitted to
meet with the employees of CNB and City National Bank to discuss
employment opportunities with NBT, provided that representatives
of CNB shall be permitted to attend any such meeting. From and
after the Determination Date, NBT shall also be permitted to
conduct training sessions outside of normal business hours or at
other times as CNB may agree, with the employees of CNB and City
National Bank and may conduct such training seminars at any
branch location of City National Bank; provided that NBT will in
good faith attempt to schedule such training sessions in a
manner which does not unreasonably interfere with City National
Banks normal business operations.
7.13. Advisory Board
Immediately prior to the Effective Time, subject to applicable
rules and regulations, NBT Bank shall create a Fulton County
Advisory Board (the Advisory Board) to be comprised
of the members of the CNB Board of Directors, but excluding the
New Members, for a period to terminate no earlier than two years
after the Effective Time; provided, however, that NBT
Bank shall not have any obligation to appoint any person to the
Advisory Board if such person is not a member of either the CNB
or the City National Bank Board of Directors immediately prior
to the Effective Time. The duties any such advisory director
shall be determined from time to time at the sole discretion of
NBT Bank. Members of the Advisory Board will receive a per
meeting fee of $1,000.
ARTICLE VIII
Regulatory and Other Matters
8.1. Meeting of Shareholders.
8.1.1. CNB will (i) take all
steps necessary to duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a
special meeting of its shareholders as promptly as practicable
after the Merger Registration Statement is declared effective by
the SEC, for the purpose of considering this Agreement and the
Merger (the CNB Shareholders Meeting), (ii) in
connection with the solicitation of proxies with respect to the
CNB Shareholders Meeting, have its Board of Directors recommend
approval of this Agreement to the CNB shareholders; and
(iii) cooperate and consult with NBT with respect to each
of the foregoing matters. The Board of Directors of CNB may fail
to make such a recommendation referred to in clause (ii)
above, or withdraw, modify or change any such recommendation
only in connection with a Superior Proposal as set forth in
Section 6.10 of this Agreement and only if such Board of
Directors, after having consulted with and considered the advice
of its outside financial and legal advisors, has determined that
the making of such recommendation, or the failure so to
withdraw, modify or change its recommendation, would constitute
a breach of the fiduciary duties of such directors under
applicable law.
8.2. Proxy Statement-Prospectus;
Merger Registration Statement.
8.2.1. For the purposes (x) of
registering NBT Common Stock to be offered to holders of CNB
Common Stock in connection with the Merger with the SEC under
the Securities Act and (y) of holding the CNB Shareholders
Meeting, NBT shall draft and prepare, and CNB shall cooperate in
the preparation of, the Merger Registration Statement, including
a proxy statement and prospectus satisfying all applicable
requirements of applicable state securities and banking laws,
and of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and the rules
and regulations thereunder (such proxy statement/ prospectus in
the form mailed by CNB to the CNB shareholders, together with
any and all amendments or supplements thereto, being herein
referred to as the Proxy Statement-Prospectus). NBT
shall provide CNB and its counsel with
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appropriate opportunity to review and comment on the Proxy
Statement-Prospectus, and shall incorporate all appropriate
comments thereto, prior to the time it is initially filed with
the SEC or any amendments are filed with the SEC. NBT shall file
the Merger Registration Statement, including the Proxy
Statement-Prospectus, with the SEC. Each of NBT and CNB shall
use its best efforts to have the Merger Registration Statement
declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as
practicable after such filing, and CNB shall thereafter promptly
mail the Proxy Statement-Prospectus to its shareholders. NBT
shall also make all necessary state securities law or Blue
Sky notices required to carry out the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, and CNB shall furnish all
information concerning CNB and the holders of CNB Common Stock
as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such
action.
8.2.2. NBT shall, as soon as
practicable, file the Merger Registration Statement with the SEC
under the Securities Act in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. NBT will advise CNB promptly
after NBT receives notice of the time when the Merger
Registration Statement has become effective or any supplement or
amendment has been filed, of the issuance of any stop order or
the suspension of the qualifications of the shares of NBT Common
Stock issuable pursuant to the Merger Registration Statement, or
the initiation or threat of any proceeding for any such purpose,
or of any request by the SEC for the amendment or supplement of
the Merger Registration Statement, or for additional
information, and NBT will provide CNB with as many copies of
such Merger Registration Statement and all amendments thereto
promptly upon the filing thereof as CNB may reasonably request.
8.2.3. CNB and NBT shall promptly
notify the other party if at any time it becomes aware that the
Proxy Statement-Prospectus or the Merger Registration Statement
contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements contained therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. In
such event, CNB shall cooperate with NBT in the preparation of a
supplement or amendment to such Proxy Statement-Prospectus that
corrects such misstatement or omission, and NBT shall file an
amended Merger Registration Statement with the SEC, and each of
CNB and NBT shall mail an amended Proxy Statement-Prospectus to
CNBs shareholders.
8.3. Regulatory Approvals.
Each of CNB and NBT will cooperate with the other and use all
reasonable efforts to promptly prepare and as soon as
practicable following the date hereof, file all necessary
documentation to obtain all necessary permits, consents,
waivers, approvals and authorizations of the OCC, the FRB, the
NYSBD and any other third parties and governmental bodies
necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. CNB and NBT will furnish each other and each
others counsel with all information concerning themselves,
their Subsidiaries, directors, officers and shareholders and
such other matters as may be necessary or advisable in
connection with any application, petition or other statement
made by or on behalf of CNB or NBT to any CNB Regulator or
governmental body in connection with the Merger, Bank Merger and
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. CNB shall
have the right to review and approve in advance all
characterizations of the information relating to CNB and any of
its Subsidiaries which appear in any filing made in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with any
governmental body. In addition, CNB and NBT shall each furnish
to the other for review a copy of each such filing made in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
with any governmental body prior to its filing. To the extent
any governmental body makes an inquiry or initiates any
proceeding relating to antitrust matters, NBT shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts to address such matters in order
to allow for the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and NBT shall be solely responsible for its expenses and
CNBs reasonable costs and expenses (as documented pursuant
to Section 6.13) related thereto.
8.4. Affiliates.
8.4.1. CNB shall use all reasonable
efforts to cause each director, executive officer and other
person who is an affiliate (for purposes of
Rule 145 under the Securities Act) of CNB to deliver to
NBT, as soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement,
and at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the CNB
Shareholders Meeting, a written agreement, in the form of
Exhibit B hereto, providing that such
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person will not sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose of
any shares of NBT Common Stock to be received by such
affiliate as a result of the Merger otherwise than
in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Securities
Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
ARTICLE IX
Closing Conditions
9.1. Conditions to Each
Partys Obligations under this Agreement.
The respective obligations of each party under this Agreement
shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing
Date of the following conditions, none of which may be waived:
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9.1.1. Shareholder Approval.
This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall
have been approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the
shareholders of CNB. |
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9.1.2. Injunctions. None of
the parties hereto shall be subject to any order, decree or
injunction of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction, and
no statute, rule or regulation shall have been enacted, entered,
promulgated, interpreted, applied or enforced by any
Governmental Entity or CNB Regulator, that enjoins or prohibits
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. |
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9.1.3. Regulatory Approvals.
All Regulatory Approvals required to complete the Merger and the
Bank Merger shall have been obtained and shall remain in full
force and effect and all waiting periods relating thereto shall
have expired and no such approval, authorization or consent
shall include any condition or requirement, excluding standard
conditions that are normally imposed by the regulatory
authorities in bank merger transactions, that would, in the good
faith reasonable judgment of the Board of Directors of NBT,
materially and adversely affect the business, operations,
financial condition, property or assets of the combined
enterprise of CNB, City National Bank, NBT or otherwise
materially impair the value of CNB or City National Bank to NBT. |
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9.1.4. Effectiveness of Merger
Registration Statement. The Merger Registration Statement
shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop
order suspending the effectiveness of the Merger Registration
Statement shall have been issued, and no proceedings for that
purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the SEC and,
if the offer and sale of NBT Common Stock in the Merger is
subject to the blue sky laws of any state, shall not be subject
to a stop order of any state securities commissioner. |
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9.1.5. NASDAQ Listing. NBT
shall have filed a notification form for the listing of the NBT
Common Stock to be issued in the Merger. |
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9.1.6. Tax Opinions. On the
basis of facts, representation and assumptions which shall be
set forth in the certificates rendered pursuant to
Section 2.6 and consistent with the state of facts existing
at the Closing Date, NBT shall have received an opinion of
Hogan & Hartson L.L.P., reasonably acceptable in form
and substance to NBT, and CNB, shall have received an opinion of
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, reasonably acceptable
in form and substance to CNB, each dated as of the Closing Date,
substantially to the effect that, for Federal income tax
purposes: |
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(A) The Merger, when consummated in accordance with the
terms hereof, either will constitute a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or will be treated as
part of a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Code; and |
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(B) The Bank Merger will not adversely affect the Merger
qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Code. |
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9.2. Conditions to the
Obligations of NBT under this Agreement.
The obligations of NBT under this Agreement shall be further
subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
Sections 9.2.1 through 9.2.6 at or prior to the Closing
Date:
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9.2.1. Representations and
Warranties. Each of the representations and warranties of
CNB set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of
the date of this Agreement and upon the Effective Time with the
same effect as though all such representations and warranties
had been made at the Effective Time (except to the extent such
representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date,
which only need be true and correct as of such earlier date), in
any case subject to the standard set forth in Section 4.1;
and CNB shall have delivered to NBT a certificate to such effect
signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer of CNB as of the Effective Time. |
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9.2.2. Agreements and
Covenants. CNB and each CNB Subsidiary shall have performed
in all material respects all obligations and complied in all
material respects with all agreements or covenants to be
performed or complied with by each of them at or prior to the
Effective Time, and NBT shall have received a certificate signed
on behalf of CNB by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer of CNB to such effect dated as of the
Effective Time. |
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9.2.3. Regulatory
Conditions. No Regulatory Approval required for consummation
the Merger and Bank Merger includes any condition or
requirement, excluding standard conditions that are normally
imposed by the regulatory authorities in bank merger
transactions, that could reasonably be expected by NBT to result
in a Material Adverse Effect on CNB and its Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole. |
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9.2.4. Permits, Authorizations,
Etc. CNB and the CNB Subsidiaries shall have obtained any
and all material permits, authorizations, consents, waivers,
clearances or approvals required for the lawful consummation of
the Merger and the Bank Merger, the failure of which to obtain
would have a Material Adverse Effect on CNB, City National Bank,
NBT or NBT Bank. |
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9.2.5. Leases. NBT shall
have received written confirmation from the lessors of City
National Banks branch facilities of NBTs right to
assume the leases on substantially the same terms and conditions
as currently exist, of City National Banks branch
facilities. |
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9.2.6. No Material Adverse
Effect. There shall have been no changes, other than changes
contemplated by this Agreement, in the business, operations,
condition (financial or otherwise), assets or liabilities of CNB
and the CNB Subsidiaries (regardless of whether or not such
events or changes are inconsistent with the representations and
warranties given herein) that individually or in the aggregate
has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on CNB or the CNB Subsidiaries. |
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CNB will furnish NBT with such certificates of its officers or
others and such other documents to evidence fulfillment of the
conditions set forth in this Section 9.2 as NBT may
reasonably request. |
9.3. Conditions to the
Obligations of CNB under this Agreement.
The obligations of CNB under this Agreement shall be further
subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
Sections 9.3.1 through 9.3.5 at or prior to the Closing
Date:
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9.3.1. Representations and
Warranties. Each of the representations and warranties of
NBT set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of
the date of this Agreement and upon the Effective Time with the
same effect as though all such representations and warranties
had been made at the Effective Time (except to the extent such
representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date,
which only need be true and correct as of such earlier date), in
any case subject to the standard set forth in Section 5.1;
and NBT shall have delivered to CNB a certificate to such effect
signed by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer
and the Chief Financial Officer of NBT as of the Effective Time. |
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9.3.2. Agreements and
Covenants. NBT shall have performed in all material respects
all obligations and complied in all material respects with all
agreements or covenants to be performed or complied with by each
of them at or prior to the Effective Time, and CNB shall have
received a certificate signed on behalf of NBT by the Chief
Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial
Officer of NBT to such effect dated as of the Effective Time. |
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9.3.3. Permits, Authorizations,
Etc. NBT and its Subsidiaries shall have obtained any and
all material permits, authorizations, consents, waivers,
clearances or approvals required for the lawful consummation of
the Merger and the Bank Merger, the failure of which to obtain
would have a Material Adverse Effect on NBT and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. |
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9.3.4. Payment of Merger
Consideration. NBT shall have delivered the Exchange Fund to
the Exchange Agent on or before the Closing Date and the
Exchange Agent shall provide CNB with a certificate evidencing
such delivery. |
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NBT will furnish CNB with such certificates of their officers or
others and such other documents to evidence fulfillment of the
conditions set forth in this Section 9.3 as CNB may
reasonably request. |
ARTICLE X
The Closing
10.1. Time and Place.
Subject to the provisions of Articles IX and XI hereof, the
Closing of the transactions contemplated hereby shall take place
at the offices of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P., 875 Third
Avenue, New York, NY 10022, at 10:00 a.m. on the date
determined by NBT, in its sole discretion, upon five
(5) days prior written notice to CNB, but in no event later
than thirty days (30) after the last condition precedent
(other than those conditions that relate to actions to be taken
at the Closing, but subject to the fulfillment or waiver of
those conditions) pursuant to this agreement has been fulfilled
or waived (including the expiration of any applicable waiting
period), or at such other place, date or time upon which NBT and
CNB mutually agree. A pre-closing of the transactions
contemplated hereby (the Pre-Closing) shall take
place at the offices of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.,
875 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, at 10:00 a.m. on
the day prior to the Closing Date (the Pre-Closing
Date).
10.2. Deliveries at the
Pre-Closing and the Closing.
At the Pre-Closing there shall be delivered to NBT and CNB the
opinions, certificates, and other documents and instruments
required to be delivered at the Closing under Article IX
hereof. At or prior to the Closing, NBT shall deliver the Merger
Consideration as set forth under Section 9.3.4 hereof.
ARTICLE XI
Termination, Amendment and Waiver
11.1. Termination.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the
Closing Date, whether before or after approval of the Merger by
the shareholders of CNB:
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11.1.1. At any time by the mutual
written agreement of NBT and CNB; |
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11.1.2. By either party (provided,
that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained
herein) if there shall have been a material breach of any of the
representations or warranties set forth in this Agreement on the
part of the other party, which breach by its nature cannot be
cured prior to the Closing Date or shall not have been cured
within 30 days after written notice of such breach by the
terminating party to the other party, conditioned upon the
defaulting party promptly commencing to cure the default and
thereafter continuing to cure the default; |
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11.1.3. By either party (provided,
that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained
herein) if there shall have been a material failure to perform
or comply with any of the covenants or agreements set forth in
this Agreement on the part of the other party, which failure by
its nature cannot be cured prior to the Closing Date or shall
not have been cured within 30 days after written notice of
such failure by the terminating party to the other party,
conditioned upon the defaulting party promptly commencing to
cure the default and thereafter continuing to cure; |
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11.1.4. At the election of either
party, if the Closing shall not have occurred by the Termination
Date, or such later date as shall have been agreed to in writing
by NBT and CNB; provided, that no party may terminate this
Agreement pursuant to this Section 11.1.4 if the failure of
the Closing to have occurred on or before said date was due to
such partys material breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in this
Agreement; |
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11.1.5. By either party, if the
shareholders of CNB shall have voted at the CNB Shareholders
Meeting on the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
such vote shall not have been sufficient to approve and adopt
such transactions; |
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11.1.6. By either party if
(i) final action has been taken by a Bank Regulator whose
approval is required in order to satisfy the conditions to the
parties obligations to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby as set forth in Article IX, which final
action (x) has become unappealable and (y) does not
approve this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby,
(ii) any court of competent jurisdiction or other
governmental authority shall have issued an order, decree,
ruling or taken any other action restraining, enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting the Merger and such order, decree, ruling
or other action shall have become final and unappealable; |
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11.1.7. By the Board of Directors
of NBT if CNB has received a Superior Proposal and the Board of
Directors of CNB has entered into an acquisition agreement with
respect to the Superior Proposal, terminated this Agreement,
withdrawn its recommendation of this Agreement, has failed to
make such recommendation or has modified or qualified its
recommendation in a manner adverse to NBT. |
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11.1.8. By the Board of Directors
of CNB if CNB has received a Superior Proposal and the Board of
Directors of CNB has made a determination to accept such
Superior Proposal; provided that CNB shall not terminate this
Agreement pursuant to this Section 11.1.8 and enter into a
definitive agreement with respect to the Superior Proposal until
the expiration of five (5) business days following
NBTs receipt of written notice advising NBT that CNB has
received a Superior Proposal, specifying the material terms and
conditions of such Superior Proposal (and including a copy
thereof with all accompanying documentation, if in writing)
identifying the person making the Superior Proposal and stating
whether CNB intends to enter into a definitive agreement with
respect to the Superior Proposal. After providing such notice,
CNB shall provide a reasonable opportunity to NBT during the
five-day period to make such adjustments in the terms and
conditions of this Agreement as would enable CNB to proceed with
the Merger on such adjusted terms. |
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11.1.9 By CNB, if its Board of
Directors so determines by a majority vote of the members of its
entire Board, at any time during the five-day period commencing
on the Determination Date, such termination to be effective on
the 30th day following such Determination Date (Effective
Termination Date), if both of the following conditions are
satisfied: |
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(i) the NBT Market Value on the Determination Date is less
than the product of 0.85 and the Initial NBT Market
Value; and |
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(ii) (a) the number obtained by dividing the NBT
Market Value on the Determination Date by the Initial NBT Market
Value (NBT Ratio) shall be less than (b) the
quotient obtained by dividing the Final Index Price by the
Initial Index Price minus 0.15 (such number, the Index
Ratio); |
A-48
If CNB elects to exercise its termination right pursuant to this
Section 11.1.9, it shall give prompt written notice thereof
to NBT; provided, that such notice of election to terminate may
be withdrawn at any time prior to the Effective Termination
Date. During the five-day period commencing with its receipt of
such notice, NBT shall have the option to adjust the Exchange
Ratio to equal the lesser of (i) a quotient, the numerator
of which is equal to the product of the Initial NBT Market
Value, the Exchange Ratio, and the Index Ratio, and the
denominator of which is equal to NBT Market Value on the
Determination Date; or (ii) a quotient, the numerator of
which is equal to the product of 0.85, the Initial NBT Market
Value, and the Exchange Ratio and the denominator of which is
equal to the NBT Market Value on the Determination Date. If NBT
so elects, it shall give, within such five-day period, written
notice to CNB of such election and the Revised Exchange Ratio,
whereupon no termination shall be deemed to have occurred
pursuant to this Section 11.1.9 and this Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms
(except as the Revised Exchange Ratio shall have been so
modified).
For purposes of this Section 11.1.9, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated below:
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Acquisition Transaction shall mean (i) a merger
or consolidation, or any similar transaction, involving the
relevant companies, (ii) a purchase, lease or other
acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of the
relevant companies, (iii) a purchase or other acquisition
(including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange or
otherwise) of securities representing 10% or more of the voting
power of the relevant companies; or (iv) agree or commit to
take any action referenced above. |
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Determination Date shall mean the first date on
which all Regulatory Approvals (and waivers, if applicable)
necessary for consummation of the Merger and the Bank Merger
have been received. |
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Final Index Price means the sum of the Final Prices
for each company comprising the Index Group multiplied by the
weighting set forth opposite such companys name in the
definition of Index Group below. |
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Final Price, with respect to any company belonging
to the Index Group, means the average of the daily closing sales
prices of a share of common stock of such company (and if there
is no closing sales price on any such day, then the mean between
the closing bid and the closing asked prices on that day), as
reported on the consolidated transaction reporting system for
the market or exchange on which such common stock is principally
traded, for the five consecutive trading days immediately
preceding the Determination Date. |
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Index Group means the financial institution holding
companies listed below, the common stock of all of which shall
be publicly traded and as to which there shall not have been an
Acquisition Transaction involving such company publicly
announced at any time during the period beginning on the date of
this Agreement and ending on the Determination Date. In the
event that the common stock of any such company ceases to be
publicly traded or an Acquisition Proposal for such company to
be acquired, or for such company to acquire another company in
transaction with a value exceeding 25% of the acquirors
market capitalization, is announced at any time during the
period beginning on the date of this Agreement and ending on the
Determination Date, such company will be removed from the Index
Group, and the weights attributed to the remaining companies
will be adjusted |
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proportionately for purposes of determining the Final Index
Price and the Initial Index Price. The financial institution
holding companies and the weights attributed to them are as
follows: |
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Company Name |
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Index Weighting(%) | |
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Index Price | |
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First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.
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18.5 |
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2.46 |
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Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.
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7.4 |
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1.74 |
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Northwest Bancorp, Inc. (MHC)
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8.0 |
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1.63 |
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TrustCo Bank Corp NY
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11.8 |
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1.50 |
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First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
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11.1 |
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1.49 |
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S&T Bancorp, Inc.
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4.2 |
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1.51 |
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National Penn Bancshares, Inc.
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5.5 |
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1.31 |
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Community Bank System, Inc.
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4.8 |
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1.15 |
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Harleysville National Corporation
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4.2 |
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0.96 |
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Sterling Financial Corporation
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4.6 |
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0.93 |
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Partners Trust Financial Group, Inc.
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7.9 |
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0.81 |
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U.S.B. Holding Co., Inc.
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3.2 |
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0.75 |
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F.N.B. Corporation
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8.9 |
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1.67 |
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100 |
% |
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17.91 |
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Initial NBT Market Value means the average of the
daily closing sales prices of a share of NBT Common Stock, as
reported on the Nasdaq National Market, on the five trading days
immediately preceding the public announcement of this Agreement. |
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Initial Index Price means the sum of the per share
closing sales price of the common stock of each company
comprising the Index Group multiplied by the applicable
weighting, as such prices are reported on the consolidated
transaction reporting system for the market or exchange on which
such common stock is principally traded on the trading day
immediately preceding the public announcement of this Agreement. |
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If NBT or any company belonging to the Index Group declares or
effects a stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization,
split-up, combination, exchange of shares or similar transaction
between the date of this Agreement and the Determination Date,
the prices for the common stock of such company shall be
appropriately adjusted for the purposes of applying this
Section 11.1.9. |
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NBT Market Value shall be the average of the daily
closing sales prices of a share of NBT Common Stock as reported
on the Nasdaq National Market for the five consecutive trading
days immediately preceding the Determination Date. |
11.2. Effect of Termination.
11.2.1. In the event of termination
of this Agreement pursuant to any provision of
Section 11.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void
and have no further force, except that (i) the provisions
of Sections 11.2, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.9,
12.10, 12.11, and any other Section which, by its terms, relates
to post-termination rights or obligations, shall survive such
termination of this Agreement and remain in full force and
effect.
11.2.2. If this Agreement is
terminated, expenses and damages of the parties hereto shall be
determined as follows:
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(A) Except as provided below, whether or not the Merger is
consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses. |
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(B) In the event of a termination of this Agreement because
of a willful breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement contained in this Agreement, the breaching party |
A-50
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shall remain liable for any and all damages, costs and expenses,
including all reasonable attorneys fees, sustained or
incurred by the non-breaching party as a result thereof or in
connection therewith or with respect to the enforcement of its
rights hereunder. |
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(C) If either party terminates this Agreement because of
the failure to obtain Regulatory Approvals solely because of
action taken by the Department of Justice due to antitrust
concerns, then NBT shall pay it own and CNBs reasonable
costs and expenses (as documented pursuant to Section 6.13). |
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(D) As a condition of NBTs willingness, and in order
to induce NBT to enter into this Agreement, and to reimburse NBT
for incurring the costs and expenses related to entering into
this Agreement and consummating the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, CNB hereby agrees to pay NBT, and NBT shall be
entitled to payment of, a fee of $4,500,000 (the
Fee), by wire transfer of same day funds on the
earlier of (x) the date of termination or (y) within
three business days after written demand for payment is made by
NBT, as applicable, following the occurrence of any of the
events set forth below: |
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(i) CNB terminates this Agreement pursuant to
Section 11.1.8 or NBT terminates this Agreement pursuant to
Section 11.1.7; or |
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(ii) The entering into a definitive agreement by CNB
relating to an Acquisition Proposal or the consummation of an
Acquisition Proposal involving CNB within one year after the
occurrence of any of the following: (i) the termination of
this Agreement by NBT pursuant to Section 11.1.2 or 11.1.3
because of a breach by CNB or any CNB Subsidiary; or
(ii) the termination of this Agreement by NBT or CNB
pursuant to Section 11.1.5 because of the failure of the
shareholders of CNB to approve this Agreement at the CNB
Shareholders Meeting after the occurrence of an Acquisition
Proposal has been publicly announced or otherwise made known to
the shareholders of CNB. |
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(E) If payment of the Fee pursuant to
Section 11.2.2(D) is timely made, then NBT will not have
any other rights or claims against CNB or its Subsidiaries, or
their respective officers and directors, under this Agreement,
it being agreed that the acceptance of the Fee under
Section 11.2.2(D) will constitute the sole and exclusive
remedy of NBT against CNB and its Subsidiaries and their
respective officers and directors. |
11.3. Amendment, Extension and
Waiver.
Subject to applicable law, at any time prior to the Effective
Time (whether before or after approval thereof by the
shareholders of CNB), the parties hereto by action of their
respective Boards of Directors, may (a) amend this
Agreement, (b) extend the time for the performance of any
of the obligations or other acts of any other party hereto,
(c) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and
warranties contained herein or in any document delivered
pursuant hereto, or (d) waive compliance with any of the
agreements or conditions contained herein; provided, however,
that after any approval of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby by the shareholders of CNB, there may not
be, without further approval of such shareholders, any amendment
of this Agreement which reduces the amount or value, or changes
the form of, the Merger Consideration to be delivered to
CNBs shareholders pursuant to this Agreement. This
Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing
signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto. Any agreement on
the part of a party hereto to any extension or waiver shall be
valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on
behalf of such party, but such waiver or failure to insist on
strict compliance with such obligation, covenant, agreement or
condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with
respect to, any subsequent or other failure. Any termination of
this Agreement pursuant to this Article XI may only be
effected upon a vote of a majority of the entire Board of
Directors of the terminating party.
A-51
ARTICLE XII
Miscellaneous
12.1. Confidentiality.
Except as specifically set forth herein, NBT and CNB mutually
agree to be bound by the terms of the confidentiality agreement
dated May 6, 2005 (the Confidentiality
Agreement) previously executed by the parties hereto,
which Confidentiality Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by
reference, and all information furnished by either party to the
other party or its representatives pursuant hereto (including
pursuant to Sections 6.2 and 6.3) shall be subject to, and
the parties shall hold such information in confidence in
accordance with, the provisions of the Confidentiality
Agreement. The parties hereto agree that such Confidentiality
Agreement shall continue in accordance with its terms,
notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement.
12.2. Public Announcements.
CNB and NBT shall cooperate with each other in the development
and distribution of all news releases and other public
disclosures with respect to this Agreement, and except as may be
otherwise required by law, neither CNB nor NBT shall issue any
news release, or other public announcement or communication with
respect to this Agreement unless such news release or other
public announcement or communication has been mutually agreed
upon by the parties hereto.
12.3. Survival.
All representations, warranties and covenants in this Agreement
or in any instrument delivered pursuant hereto shall expire and
be terminated and extinguished at the Effective Time, except for
those covenants and agreements contained herein which by their
terms apply in whole or in part after the Effective Time.
12.4. Notices.
All notices or other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered by receipted hand
delivery or mailed by prepaid registered or certified mail
(return receipt requested) or by recognized overnight courier
addressed as follows:
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If to CNB, to:
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William N. Smith |
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Chairman, President and CEO |
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CNB Bancorp, Inc. |
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10-24 North Main Street |
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P.O. Box 873 |
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Gloversville, New York 12078-0873 |
With required copies to:
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Martin D. Werner, Esq. |
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Edwin L. Herbert, Esq. |
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Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP |
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1000 Jackson Street |
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Toledo, Ohio 43624-1573 |
If to NBT, to:
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Daryl R. Forsythe |
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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52 South Broad Street |
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P.O. Box 351 |
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Norwich, New York 13815 |
With required copies to:
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Stuart G. Stein, Esq. |
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Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. |
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555 13th Street, N.W. |
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Washington, DC 20004 |
A-52
or such other address as shall be furnished in writing by any
party, and any such notice or communication shall be deemed to
have been given: (a) as of the date delivered by hand;
(b) three (3) business days after being delivered to
the U.S. mail, postage prepaid; or (c) one
(1) business day after being delivered to the overnight
courier.
12.5. Parties in Interest.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors
and assigns; provided, however, that neither this Agreement nor
any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be
assigned by any party hereto without the prior written consent
of the other party, and that nothing in this Agreement is
intended to confer upon any other person any rights or remedies
under or by reason of this Agreement.
12.6. Complete Agreement.
This Agreement, including the Exhibits and Disclosure Schedules
hereto and the documents and other writings referred to herein
or therein or delivered pursuant hereto, and the Confidentiality
Agreements referred to in Section 12.1, contains the entire
agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to its
subject matter. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises,
warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties other
than those expressly set forth herein or therein. This Agreement
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (other than
the Confidentiality Agreement referred to in Section 12.1)
between the parties, both written and oral, with respect to its
subject matter.
12.7. Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts all
of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and each
of which shall be deemed an original. A facsimile copy of a
signature page shall be deemed to be an original signature page.
12.8. Severability.
In the event that any one or more provisions of this Agreement
shall for any reason be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable
in any respect, by any court of competent jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any
other provisions of this Agreement and the parties shall use
their reasonable efforts to substitute a valid, legal and
enforceable provision which, insofar as practical, implements
the purposes and intents of this Agreement.
12.9. Governing Law.
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of New York,
without giving effect to its principles of conflicts of laws.
12.10. Interpretation.
When a reference is made in this Agreement to Sections or
Exhibits, such reference shall be to a Section of or Exhibit to
this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The recitals hereto
constitute an integral part of this Agreement. References to
Sections include subsections, which are part of the related
Section (e.g., a section numbered
Section 5.5.1 would be part of
Section 5.5 and references to
Section 5.5 would also refer to material
contained in the subsection described as
Section 5.5.1). The table of contents, index
and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words
include, includes or
including are used in this Agreement, they shall be
deemed to be followed by the words without
limitation. The phrases the date of this
Agreement, the date hereof and terms of
similar import, unless the context otherwise requires, shall be
deemed to refer to the date set forth in the Recitals to this
Agreement. The parties have participated jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an
ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this
Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the
parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise
favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of
any of the provisions of this Agreement.
A-53
12.11. Specific Performance.
The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in
the event that the provisions contained in this Agreement were
not performed in accordance with its specific terms or was
otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties
shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent
breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms
and provisions thereof in any court of the United States or any
state having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other
remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
12.12. Waiver of Trial by
Jury.
The parties hereto hereby knowingly, voluntarily and
intentionally waive the right any may have to a trial by jury in
respect to any litigation based hereon, or rising out of, under,
or in connection with this agreement and any agreement
contemplated to be executed in connection herewith, or any
course of conduct, course of dealing, statements (whether verbal
or written) or actions of either party in connection with such
agreements.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
A-54
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, NBT and CNB have caused this Agreement to be
executed under seal by their duly authorized officers as of the
date first set forth above.
Dated: June 13, 2005
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By: |
/s/ Martin A. Dietrich |
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Name: Martin A. Dietrich |
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Title: President |
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CNB Bancorp, Inc. |
Dated: June 13, 2005
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Title: |
Chairman, President and |
A-55
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7205 West Central Avenue Toledo, Ohio 43617 (419) 841-8521 FAX: (419) 841-8380 www.austinassociates.com |
June 13, 2005
Personal & Confidential
Board of Directors
CNB Bancorp, Inc.
10-24 N. Main Street
Gloversville, NY 12078
Members of the Board:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a
financial point of view, to CNB Bancorp, Inc. (CNB)
and its shareholders, of the terms of the Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated as of June 13, 2005 (the
Agreement) by and between NBT Bancorp, Inc.
(NBT) and CNB. The terms of the Agreement provide
that shareholders of CPJB will elect to receive either
$38.00 per share in cash or 1.64 shares of NBT in
exchange for each outstanding common share of CNB; provided that
after the election process is completed, and any necessary
adjustments are made, the resulting number of shares of CNB
receiving shares of NBT shall represent 55 percent of
CNBs outstanding shares and the resulting number of shares
of CNB receiving cash shall represent 45 percent of
CNBs outstanding shares. The Agreement also provides for
the exchange of CNB incentive stock options for options to
purchase NBT common stock and for the payment of cash to all
nonqualified options of CNB for the difference between
$38.00 per share and the exercise price of each
nonqualified option. In our role as financial advisor to CNB we
participated in negotiations of the Agreement.
Austin Associates, LLC (Austin Associates) as part
of its investment banking practice is customarily engaged in the
valuation of financial institutions in connection with mergers
and acquisitions and other corporate purposes. In connection
with rendering our opinion set forth herein, we have among other
things:
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(i) |
Reviewed the audited financial statements of CNB and NBT for
each of the years-ended December 31, 2003 and 2004; |
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(ii) |
Reviewed the unaudited financial statements of CNB and NBT for
the three- and twelve-month period ending March 31, 2005; |
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(iii) |
Reviewed certain other internal information, primarily financial
in nature, relating to the respective businesses, earnings and
balance sheets of CNB and NBT provided to us or publicly
available for purposes of our analysis; |
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(iv) |
Held discussions with management of CNB and NBT pertaining to
the respective business strategies, prospects for the future,
including expected financial results, and expectations relating
to the proposed merger; |
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(v) |
Reviewed the terms, to the extent publicly available, of certain
other transactions, which we deemed relevant for purposes of
this opinion; and |
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(vi) |
Reviewed the Agreement and related documents. |
In our review and analysis, we relied upon and assumed the
accuracy and completeness of the information provided to us or
publicly available, and have not attempted to verify the same.
We have made no independent verification as to the status and
value of CNBs or NBTs assets and have instead
B-1
relied upon representations and information concerning assets of
both companies in the aggregate. In addition, we have assumed in
the course of obtaining the necessary approvals for the
transaction, no condition will be imposed that will have a
material adverse effect on the contemplated benefits of the
transaction to CNB and its shareholders.
This opinion is based on economic and market conditions and
other circumstances existing on, and information made available
as of, the date hereof. This opinion is limited to the fairness,
from a financial point of view, to shareholders of CNB of the
terms of the Agreement, and does not address the underlying
business decision by the Board of Directors to pursue the merger
with NBT or any other party.
As part of its engagement, Austin Associates reserves the right
to review any public disclosures describing our firm or this
fairness opinion. Austin Associates will receive a contingent
fee based on consummation of the transaction. In addition, CNB
has agreed to indemnify Austin Associates against certain
liabilities.
Based upon our analysis and subject to the qualifications
described herein, we believe that as of the date of this letter,
the terms of the Agreement are fair, from a financial point of
view, to CNB and its shareholders.
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Respectfully, |
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Austin Associates, LLC |
B-2
APPENDIX C
Section 623 of the New York Business Corporation Law
Procedure to Enforce Shareholders Right to Receive
Payment for Shares
(a) A shareholder intending to enforce his right under a
section of this chapter to receive payment for his shares if the
proposed corporate action referred to therein is taken shall
file with the corporation, before the meeting of shareholders at
which the action is submitted to a vote, or at such meeting but
before the vote, written objection to the action. The objection
shall include a notice of his election to dissent, his name and
residence address, the number and classes of shares as to which
he dissents and a demand for payment of the fair value of his
shares if the action is taken. Such objection required from any
shareholder to whom the corporation did not give notice of such
meeting in accordance with this chapter or where the proposed
action is authorized by written consent of shareholders without
a meeting.
(b) Within ten days after the shareholders
authorization date, which term as used in this section means the
date on which the shareholders vote authorizing such
action was taken, or the date on which such consent without a
meeting was obtained from the requisite shareholders, the
corporation shall give written notice of such authorization or
consent by registered mail to each shareholder who filed written
objection or from whom written objection was not required,
excepting any shareholder who voted for or consented in writing
to the proposed action and who thereby is deemed to have elected
not to enforce his right to receive payment for his shares.
(c) Within twenty days after the giving of notice to him,
any shareholder from whom written objection was not required and
who elects to dissent shall file with the corporation a written
notice of such election, stating his name and residence address,
the number and classes of shares as to which he dissents and a
demand for payment of the fair value of his shares. Any
shareholder who elects to dissent from a merger under
section 905 (Merger of subsidiary corporation) or
paragraph (c) of section 907 (Merger or
consolidation of domestic and foreign corporations) or from a
share exchange under paragraph (g) of
section (Share exchanges) shall file a written notice of
such election to dissent within twenty days after the giving to
him of a copy of the plan of merger or exchange or an outline of
the material features thereof under section 905 or 913.
(d) A shareholder may not dissent as to less than all of
the shares, as to which he has a right to dissent, held by him
of record, that he owns beneficially. A nominee or fiduciary may
not dissent on behalf of any beneficial owner as to less than
all of the shares of such owner, as to which such nominee or
fiduciary has a right to dissent, held of record by such nominee
or fiduciary.
(e) Upon consummation of the corporate action, the
shareholder shall cease to have any of the rights of a
shareholder except the right to be paid the fair value of his
shares and any other rights under this section. A notice of
election may be withdrawn by the shareholder at any time prior
to his acceptance in writing of an offer made by the
corporation, as provided in paragraph (g), but in no case
later than sixty days from the date of consummation of the
corporate action except that if the corporation fails to make a
timely offer, as provided in paragraph (g), the time for
withdrawing a notice of election shall be extended until sixty
days from the date an offer is made. Upon expiration of such
time, withdrawal of a notice of election shall require the
written consent of the corporation. In order to be effective,
withdrawal of a notice of election must be accompanied by the
return to the corporation of any advance payment made to the
shareholder as provided in paragraph (g). If a notice of
election is withdrawn, or the corporate action is rescinded, or
a court shall determine that the shareholder is not entitled to
receive payment for his shares, or the shareholder shall
otherwise lose his dissenters rights, he shall not have
the right to receive payment for his shares and he shall be
reinstated to all his rights as a shareholder as of the
consummation of the corporate action, including any intervening
preemptive rights and the right to payment of any intervening
dividend or other distribution or, if any such rights have
expired or any such dividend or distribution other than in cash
has been completed, in lieu thereof, at the election of the
corporation, the fair value thereof
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in cash as determined by the board as of the time of such
expiration or completion, but without prejudice otherwise or any
corporate proceedings that may have been taken in the interim.
(f) At the time of filing the notice of election to dissent
or within one month thereafter the shareholder of shares
represented by certificates shall submit the certificates
representing his shares to the corporation, or to its transfer
agent, which shall forthwith note conspicuously hereon that a
notice of election has been filed and shall return the
certificates to the shareholder or other person who submitted
them on his behalf. Any shareholder of shares represented by
certificates who fails to submit his certificates for such
notation as herein specified shall, at the option of the
corporation exercised by written notice to him within forty-five
days from the date of filing of such notice of election to
dissent, lose his dissenters certificate bearing such
notation, each new certificate issued therefor shall bear a
similar notation together with the name of the original
dissenting holder of the shares and transferee shall acquire no
rights in the corporation except those which the original
dissenting shareholder had at the time of the transfer.
(g) Within fifteen days after the expiration of the period
within which shareholder may file their notices of election to
dissent, or within fifteen days after the proposed corporate
action is consummated. whichever is later (but in no case later
than ninety days from the shareholders authorization
date), the corporation or, in the case of a merger or
consolidation, the surviving or new corporation, shall make a
written offer by registered mail to each shareholder who has
filed such notice of election to pay for his shares at a
specified price which the corporation considers to be their fair
value. Such offer shall be accompanied by a statement setting
forth the aggregate number of shares with respect to which
notices of election to dissent have been received and the
aggregate number of holders of such shares. If the corporate
action has been consummated, such offer shall accompanied by
(1) advance payment to each such shareholder who has
submitted the certificates representing his shares to the
corporation, as provided in paragraph (f), of an amount
equal to eighty percent of the amount of such offer, or
(2) as to each shareholder who has not yet submitted his
certificates a statement that advance payment to him of an
amount equal to eighty percent of the amount of such offer will
be made by the corporation promptly upon submission of his
certificates. If the corporate action has not been consummated
at the time of the making of the offer, such advance payment or
statement as to advance payment shall be sent to each
shareholder entitled thereto forthwith upon consummation of the
corporate action. Every advance payment or statement as to
advance payment shall include advice to the shareholder to the
effect that acceptance of such payment does not constitute a
waiver of any dissenters rights. If the corporate action
has not been consummated upon the expiration of the ninety day
period after the shareholders authorization date, the
offer may be conditioned upon the consummation of such action.
Such offer shall be made at the same price per share to all
dissenting shareholders of the same class, or if dividend into
series, of the same series and shall be accompanied by a balance
sheet of the corporation whose shares the dissenting shareholder
holds as of the latest available date, which shall not be
earlier than twelve months before the making of such offer, and
a profit and loss statement or statements for not less than a
twelve month period ended on the date of such balance sheet or,
if the corporation was not in existence throughout such twelve
month period, for the portion thereof during which it was in
existence. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the corporation shall
not be required to furnish a balance sheet or profit and loss
statement or statements to any shareholder to whom such balance
sheet or profit and loss statement or statements were previously
furnished, nor if in connection with obtaining the
shareholders authorization for or consent to the proposed
corporate action the shareholders were furnished with a proxy or
information statement, which included financial statements,
pursuant to Regulation 14A or Regulation 14C of the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission. If within
thirty days after the making of such offer, the corporation
making the offer and any shareholder agree upon the price to be
paid for his shares, payment therefor shall be made within sixty
days after the making of such offer or the consummation of the
proposed corporate action, whichever is later, upon the
surrender of the certificates for any such shares represented by
certificates.
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(h) The following procedure shall apply if the corporation
fails to make such offer within such period of fifteen days, or
if it makes the offer and any dissenting shareholder or
shareholders fail to agree with it within the period of thirty
days thereafter upon the price to be paid for their shares:
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(1) The corporation shall, within twenty days after the
expiration of whichever is applicable of the two periods last
mentioned, institute a special proceeding in the supreme court
in the judicial district in which the office of the corporation
is located to determine the rights of dissenting shareholders
and to fix the fair value of their shares. If, in the case of
merger or consolidation, the surviving or new corporation is a
foreign corporation without an office in this state, such
proceeding shall be brought in the county where the office of
the domestic corporation, whose shares are to be valued, was
located. |
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(2) If the corporation fails to institute such proceeding
within such period of twenty days, any dissenting shareholder
may institute such proceeding for the same purpose not later
than thirty days after the expiration of such twenty day period.
If such proceeding is not instituted within such thirty day
period, all dissenters rights shall be lost unless the
supreme court, for good cause shown, shall otherwise direct. |
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(3) All dissenting shareholders, excepting those who, as
provided in paragraph (g), have agreed with the corporation
upon the price to be paid for their shares, shall be made
parties to such proceeding, which shall have the effect of an
action quasi in rem against their shares. The corporation shall
serve a copy of the petition in such proceeding upon each
dissenting shareholder who is a resident of this state in the
manner provided by law for the service of a summons, and upon
each nonresident dissenting shareholder either by registered
mail and publication, or in such other manner as is permitted by
law. The jurisdiction of the court shall be plenary and
exclusive. |
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(4) The court shall determine whether each dissenting
shareholder, as to whom the corporation requests the court to
make such determination, is entitled to receive payment for his
shares. If the corporation does not request any such
determination or if the court finds that any dissenting
shareholder is so entitled, it shall proceed to fix the value of
the shares, which, for the purposes of this section, shall be
the fair value as of the close of business on the day prior to
the shareholders authorization date. In fixing the fair
value of the shares, the court shall consider the nature of
transaction giving rise to the shareholders right to
receive payment for shares and its effects on the corporation
and its shareholders, the concepts and methods then customary in
the relevant securities and financial markets for determining
fair value of shares of a corporation engaging in a similar
transaction under comparable circumstances and all other
relevant factors. The court shall determine the fair value of
the shares without a jury and without referral to an appraiser
or referee. Upon application by the corporation or by any
shareholder who is a party to the proceeding, the court may, in
its discretion, permit pretrial disclosure, including, but not
limited to, disclosure of any experts reports relating to
the fair value of the shares whether or not intended for use at
the trial in the proceeding and notwithstanding subdivision
(d) of section 3101 of the civil practice law and
rules. |
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(5) The final order in the proceeding shall be entered
against the corporation in favor of each dissenting shareholder
who is a party to the proceeding and is entitled thereto for the
value of his shares so determined. |
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(6) The final order shall include an allowance for interest
at such rate as the court finds to be equitable, from the date
the corporation action was consummated to the date of payment.
In determining the rate of interest, the court shall consider
all relevant factors, including the rate of interest which the
corporation would have had to pay to borrow money during the
pendency of the proceeding. If the court finds that the refusal
of any shareholder to accept the corporate offer of payment for
his shares was arbitrary, vexatious or otherwise not in good
faith, no interest shall be allowed to him. |
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(7) each party to such proceeding shall bear its own costs
and expenses, including the fees and expenses of its counsel and
of any experts employed by it. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the court |
C-3
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may, in its discretion, apportion and assess all or any part of
the costs, expenses and fees incurred by the corporation against
any and all of the dissenting shareholders who are parties to
the proceeding, including any who have withdrawn their notices
of election as provided in paragraph (e), if the court
finds that their refusal to accept the corporate offer was
arbitrary, vexatious or otherwise not in good faith. The court
may, in its discretion, apportion and assess all or any part of
the costs, expenses and fees incurred by any or all of the
dissenting shareholders who are parties to the proceeding
against the corporation if the court finds any of the following:
(A) that the fair value of the shares as determined
materially exceeds the amount which the corporation offered to
pay; (B) that no offer or required advance payment was made
by the corporation; (C) that the corporation failed to
institute the special proceeding within the period specified
therefor; or (D) that the action of the corporation in
complying with its obligations as provided in this section was
arbitrary, vexatious or other wise not in good faith. In making
any determination as provided in clause (a), the court may
consider the dollar amount or the percentage, or both, by which
the fair value of the shares as determined exceeds the corporate
offer. |
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(8) within sixty days after final determination of the
proceeding, the corporation shall pay to each dissenting
shareholder the amount found to be due him, upon surrender of
the certificate for any such shares represented by certificates. |
(i) Shares acquired by the corporation upon the payment of
the agreed value therefor or of the amount due under the final
order, as provided in this section, shall become treasury shares
or be cancelled as provided in section 515 (Reacquired
shares), except that, in the case of a merger or consolidation,
they may be held and disposed of as the plan of merger or
consolidation may otherwise provide.
(j) No payment shall be made to a dissenting shareholder
under this section at a time when the corporation is insolvent
or when such payment would make it insolvent. In such event, the
dissenting shareholder shall, at his option:
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(1) Withdraw his notice of election, which shall in such
event be deemed withdraw with the written consent of the
corporation; or |
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(2) Retain his status as a claimant against the corporation
and, if it is liquidated, be subordinated to the rights of
creditors of the corporation, but have rights superior to the
non-dissenting shareholders, and if it is not liquidated, retain
his right to be paid for his shares, which right the corporation
shall be obliged to satisfy when the restrictions of this
paragraph do not apply. |
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(3) The dissenting shareholder shall exercise such option
under subparagraph (1) or (2) by written notice
filed with the corporation within thirty days after the
corporation has given him written notice that payment for his
shares cannot be made because of the restrictions of this
paragraph. If the dissenting shareholder fails to exercise such
option as provided, the corporation shall exercise the option by
written notice given to him within twenty days after the
expiration of such period of thirty days. |
(k) The enforcement by a shareholder of his right to
receive payment for his shares in the manner provided herein
shall exclude the enforcement by such shareholder of any other
right to which he might otherwise be entitled by virtue of share
ownership, except as provided in paragraph (e), and except
that this section shall not exclude the right of such
shareholder to bring or maintain an appropriate action to obtain
relief on the ground that such corporate action will be or is
unlawful or fraudulent as to him.
(l) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this section,
any notice to be given by a corporation to a shareholder under
this section shall be given in the manner provided in
section 605 (Notice of meetings of shareholders).
(m) This section shall not apply to foreign corporations
except as provided in subparagraph (e)(2) of
section 907 (Merger or consolidation of domestic and
foreign corporations).
C-4
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
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Item 20. |
Indemnification of Directors and Officers. |
Reference is made to the provisions of Article 12 of
NBTs certificate of incorporation, and the provisions of
Article VI of NBTs bylaws, as amended.
NBT is a Delaware corporation subject to the applicable
indemnification provisions of the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware (the Delaware Corporation Law).
Section 145 of the Delaware Corporation Law provides for
the indemnification, under certain circumstances, of persons who
are or were directors, officers, employees or agents of NBT, or
are or were serving at the request of NBT in such a capacity
with another business organization or entity, against expenses,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in actions,
suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative,
or investigative, brought or threatened against or involving
such persons because of such persons service in any such
capacity. In the case of actions brought by or in the right of
NBT, Section 145 provides for indemnification only of
expenses, and only upon a determination by the Court of Chancery
or the court in which such action or suit was brought that, in
view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly
and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses.
NBTs bylaws provide for indemnification of directors,
officers, trustees, employees and agents of NBT, and for those
serving in such roles with other business organizations or
entities, in the event that such person was or is made a party
to (or is threatened to be made a party to) any civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative action, suit, or proceeding
(other than an action by or in the right of NBT) by reason of
the fact that such person is or was serving in such a capacity
for or on behalf of NBT. NBT will indemnify any such person
against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments,
fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in
settlement if such person acted in good faith and in a manner
such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of NBT, and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct
was unlawful. Similarly, NBT shall indemnify such persons for
expenses reasonably incurred in actions, suits, or proceedings
brought by or in the right of NBT, if such person acted in good
faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in
or not opposed to the best interests of NBT. In addition, NBT
may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who
is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of NBT or is
acting in such capacity for another business organization or
entity at NBTs request, against any liability asserted
against such person and incurred in such capacity, or arising
out of such persons status as such, whether or not NBT
would have the power or obligation to indemnify him against such
liability under the provisions of Article IX of NBTs
bylaws.
Article 12 of NBTs certificate of incorporation
provides that no director will be personally liable to NBT or
its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of a fiduciary
duty as a director other than liability for any breach of such
directors duty of loyalty to NBT or its shareholders, for
acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law, for any payment of a
dividend or approval of a stock repurchase that is illegal under
Section 174 of the Delaware Corporation Law, or for any
transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit.
The foregoing indemnity and insurance provisions have the effect
of reducing directors and officers exposure to
personal liability for actions taken in connection with their
respective positions.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers
and controlling persons of NBT pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, NBT has been advised that in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by NBT of expenses incurred or paid by a
director, officer or controlling person of NBT in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
II-1
securities being registered, NBT will, unless in the opinion of
its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be
governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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Item 21. |
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. |
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Exhibit |
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No. |
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Description |
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2 |
.1 |
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Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between NBT Bancorp Inc.,
and CNB Bancorp, Inc., dated as of June 13, 2005 (filed as
Exhibit 2.1 to Registrants Form 8-K, filed on
June 14, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference). |
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4 |
.1 |
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Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-K of NBT Bancorp Inc.,
filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by
reference). |
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4 |
.2 |
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By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the
Form 10-K of NBT Bancorp Inc., filed on March 29, 2002
and incorporated herein by reference). |
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4 |
.3 |
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Specimen common stock certificate for NBTs common stock. |
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4 |
.4 |
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Rights Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2004, between
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Registrar and Transfer Company, as Rights
Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registrants
Form 8-K, filed on November 18, 2004 and incorporated
herein by reference). |
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5 |
.1 |
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Opinion of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. as to the validity of
the shares being registered. |
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8 |
.1 |
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Opinion of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. as to certain federal
income tax matters.* |
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23 |
.1 |
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Consent of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. (included in
Exhibit 5.1). |
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23 |
.2 |
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Consent of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. (included in
Exhibit 8.1).* |
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23 |
.3 |
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Consent of KPMG LLP with respect to NBT. |
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23 |
.4 |
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Consent of KPMG LLP with respect to CNB. |
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23 |
.5 |
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Consent of Austin Associates, LLC. |
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24 |
.1 |
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Power of Attorney (included on signature page). |
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99 |
.1 |
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Form of CNB proxy card.* |
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99 |
.2 |
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Form of Election (including Instructions and Guidelines for
Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute
Form W-9).* |
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* |
To be filed by amendment. |
(b) Not required.
(c) See Appendix B to the proxy statement/ prospectus.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
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(a) (1) To file, during any period in which offers or
sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
registration statement: |
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(i) To include any prospectus required by
Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; |
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(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the registration statement
(or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change
in the information set forth in the registration statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in
volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered)
and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range |
II-2
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may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate,
the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20%
change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
Calculation of Registration Fee table in the
effective registration statement; |
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(iii) To include any material information with respect to
the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement; |
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(2) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for
the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933 each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof. |
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(3) To remove from registration by means of a
post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered
which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. |
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(b) That, for purposes of determining any liability under
the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrants
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and,
where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plans
annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference into
this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
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(c) (1) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes
as follows: that prior to any public reoffering of the
securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus
which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of
Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering
prospectus will contain the information called for by the
applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by
persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the
information called for by the other Items of the applicable form. |
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(2) The registrant undertakes that every prospectus
(i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (c)(1)
immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the
requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of
1933 and is used in connection with an offering of securities
subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an
amendment to the Registration Statement and will not be used
until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933 each
such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
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(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising
under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors,
officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to
the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such |
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indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in
the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue. |
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(e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond
to requests for information that is incorporated by reference
into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of
this Form, within one business day of receipt of such request,
and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained
in the documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the
registration statement through the date of responding to the
request. |
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(f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply
by means of a post-effective amendment all information
concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired
involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in
the registration statement when it became effective. |
II-4
SIGNATURES
Registrant. Pursuant to the requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Norwich
state of New York, on this 2nd day of August, 2005.
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By: |
/s/ Daryl R. Forsythe |
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Daryl R. Forsythe |
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below appoints Daryl R.
Forsythe or Michael J. Chewens, jointly and severally, each in
his own capacity, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with
full power or substitution in such persons name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities to sign any amendments to this
Registration Statement on Form S-4 and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact, or
their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
This Power of Attorney is valid as of its execution, until its
withdrawal.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities indicated below, on this 2nd day of
August, 2005.
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Signature |
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Title |
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/s/ Daryl R. Forsythe
Daryl
R. Forsythe |
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer) |
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/s/ Michael J. Chewens
Michael
J. Chewens |
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Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Corporate Secretary (Principal Financial
Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
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/s/ Richard Chojnowski
Richard
Chojnowski |
|
Director |
|
/s/ Patricia T. Civil
Patricia
T. Civil |
|
Director |
|
/s/ Martin A. Dietrich
Martin
A. Dietrich |
|
Director |
|
/s/ Peter B. Gregory
Peter
B. Gregory |
|
Director |
II-5
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
|
|
|
/s/ William C. Gumble
William
C. Gumble |
|
Director |
|
/s/ Paul D. Horger
Paul
D. Horger |
|
Director |
|
/s/ Michael H. Hutcherson
Michael
H. Hutcherson |
|
Director |
|
/s/ Janet H. Ingraham
Janet
H. Ingraham |
|
Director |
|
/s/ Andrew S. Kowalczyk, Jr.
Andrew
S. Kowalczyk, Jr. |
|
Director |
|
/s/ John C. Mitchell
John
C. Mitchell |
|
Director |
|
/s/ Michael M. Murphy
Michael
M. Murphy |
|
Director |
|
/s/ Joseph G. Nasser
Joseph
G. Nasser |
|
Director |
|
/s/ William L. Owens
William
L. Owens |
|
Director |
|
/s/ Van Ness D. Robinson
Van
Ness D. Robinson |
|
Director |
|
/s/ Joseph A. Santangelo
Joseph
A. Santangelo |
|
Director |
II-6
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
No. |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
2 |
.1 |
|
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between NBT Bancorp Inc.,
and CNB Bancorp, Inc., dated as of June 13, 2005 (filed as
Exhibit 2.1 to Registrants Form 8-K, filed on
June 14, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference). |
|
4 |
.1 |
|
Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-K of NBT Bancorp Inc.,
filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by
reference). |
|
4 |
.2 |
|
By-laws of NBT Bancorp Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the
Form 10-K of NBT Bancorp Inc., filed on March 29, 2002
and incorporated herein by reference). |
|
4 |
.3 |
|
Specimen common stock certificate for NBTs common stock. |
|
4 |
.4 |
|
Rights Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2004, between
NBT Bancorp Inc. and Registrar and Transfer Company, as Rights
Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registrants
Form 8-K, filed on November 18, 2004 and incorporated
herein by reference). |
|
5 |
.1 |
|
Opinion of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. as to the validity of
the shares being registered. |
|
8 |
.1 |
|
Opinion of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. as to certain federal
income tax matters.* |
|
23 |
.1 |
|
Consent of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. (included in
Exhibit 5.1). |
|
23 |
.2 |
|
Consent of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. (included in
Exhibit 8.1).* |
|
23 |
.3 |
|
Consent of KPMG LLP with respect to NBT. |
|
23 |
.4 |
|
Consent of KPMG LLP with respect to CNB. |
|
23 |
.5 |
|
Consent of Austin Associates, LLC. |
|
24 |
.1 |
|
Power of Attorney (included on signature page). |
|
99 |
.1 |
|
Form of CNB proxy card.* |
|
99 |
.2 |
|
Form of Election (including Instructions and Guidelines for
Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute
Form W-9).* |
|
|
* |
To be filed by amendment. |
exv4w3
Exhibit 4.3
[FORM OF COMMON STOCK CERTIFICATE]
|
|
|
COMMON STOCK
NUMBER
- -SPECIMEN- |
|
COMMON STOCK
SHARES
- -SPECIMEN- |
NBT BANCORP INC.
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
|
|
PAR VALUE $ .01 PER SHARE |
CUSIP No. 628778 10 2 |
|
SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR CERTAIN |
|
LEGENDS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THIS CERTIFIES THAT: -SPECIMEN-
is the owner of -SPECIMEN-
Shares of Common Stock
of the Par Value of $.01 Per Share of
NBT BANCORP INC., transferable only on the books of the Corporation in person
or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of
this Certificate properly endorsed. This certificate is not valid unless countersigned
and registered by the Transfer Agent and Registrar.
WITNESS,
the seal of the Corporation and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized
officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dated: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[SEAL] |
|
|
|
|
|
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CFO AND CORPORATE SECRETARY |
|
|
|
|
|
CHAIRMAN,
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF
EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
Countersigned and Registered:
NBT BANCORP INC.
_____________________________
Authorized Signature
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS LEGEND
This certificate also evidences and entitles the holder hereof to certain Rights as set forth in a
Rights Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. (the Company) and Registrar and Transfer Company (the
Rights Agent) dated as of November 15, 2004, as the same may be amended from time to time (the
Rights Agreement), the terms of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference and a copy of
which is on file at the principal executive offices of the Company. Under certain circumstances,
as set forth in the Rights Agreement, such Rights will be evidenced by separate certificates and
will no longer be evidenced by this certificate. The Company will mail to the holder of this
certificate a copy of the Rights Agreement as in effect on the date of mailing without charge after
receipt of a written request therefore.
Under certain circumstances set forth in the Rights Agreement, Rights issued to, or held by, any
Person who is, was or becomes an Acquiring Person or any Affiliate or Associate thereof (as such
terms are defined in the Rights Agreement), whether currently held by or on behalf of such Person
or by any subsequent holder, may become null and void.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this Certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
|
|
|
TEN COM - as tenants in common |
|
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT ____________ Custodian _____________
(Cust.)
(Minor) |
|
|
|
|
TEN ENT - as tenants by the
entireties |
|
under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act __________________
(State) |
|
|
|
|
JT TEN - as joint tenants with
right of survivorship
and not as tenants in common |
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
For value received, __________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
[______________] ____________________________________________________
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL CODE OF ASSIGNEE
________________________________________________________________________________
__________ Shares of the Common Stock represented by the within Certificate,
and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint _____________________________________________
Attorney to transfer the said shares on the books of the Corporation with full
power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:________________
|
|
|
|
|
______________________________________
NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT, OR ANY
CHANGE WHATEVER. |
exv5w1
Exhibit 5.1
August 2, 2005
Board of Directors
NBT Bancorp Inc.
52 South Broad Street
Norwich, NY 13815
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are acting as counsel to NBT Bancorp Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), in
connection with its registration statement on Form S-4 (the Registration Statement) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the proposed offering of up to 2,595,247 shares
(Shares) of the Companys common stock, par value $0.01 per share, to shareholders of CNB
Bancorp, Inc., a New York corporation (CNB). The Shares are being offered in connection with the
merger (the Merger) of CNB with and into the Company, as contemplated by the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between the Company and CNB, dated as of June 13, 2005 (the
Merger Agreement). This opinion letter is furnished to you at your request to enable you to
fulfill the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K, 17 C.F.R. § 229.601(b)(5), in
connection with the Registration Statement.
For purposes of this opinion letter, we have examined copies of the following documents:
|
1. |
|
An executed copy of the Registration Statement. |
|
|
2. |
|
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as certified by the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 28, 2005 and by the Secretary of
the Company on the date hereof as being complete, accurate and in effect. |
|
|
3. |
|
The Bylaws of the Company, as certified by the Secretary of the Company on the
date hereof as being complete, accurate and in effect. |
|
|
4. |
|
An executed copy of the Merger Agreement. |
|
|
5. |
|
Resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company adopted at a meeting held
on June 9, 2005 (the Resolutions), as certified by the Secretary of the Company on
the date hereof as being complete, accurate and in effect, relating to the issuance of
the Shares and arrangements in connection therewith. |
In our examination of the aforesaid documents, we have assumed the genuineness of all
signatures, the legal capacity of all natural persons, the accuracy and completeness of
Board of Directors
NBT Bancorp Inc.
August 2, 2005
Page 2
all documents submitted to us, the authenticity of all original documents, and the conformity
to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies (including telecopies).
This opinion letter is given, and all statements herein are made, in the context of the foregoing.
This opinion letter is based as to matters of law solely on the Delaware General Corporation
Law, as amended. We express no opinion herein as to any other laws, statutes, ordinances, rules or
regulations. As used herein, the term Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended, includes the
statutory provisions contained therein, all applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and
reported judicial decisions interpreting these laws.
Based upon, subject to and limited by the foregoing, we are of the opinion that following: (i)
the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, (ii) the effectiveness of the Merger pursuant to
the Delaware General Corporation Law and New York Business Corporation Law and (iii) the issuance
of the Shares in accordance with the Merger Agreement and the Resolutions, and as described in the
Registration Statement, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
This opinion letter has been prepared solely for your use in connection with the Registration
Statement and speaks as of the date hereof. We assume no obligation to advise you of any changes in
the foregoing subsequent to the delivery of this opinion letter.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration
Statement and to the reference to this firm under the caption Legal Matters in the prospectus
constituting part of the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit
that we are an expert within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Very truly yours,
/s/
HOGAN & HARTSON L.L.P.
HOGAN & HARTSON L.L.P.
exv23w3
Exhibit 23.3
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
NBT Bancorp Inc.:
We consent to the use of our reports dated March 11, 2005, with respect to the consolidated balance
sheets of NBT Bancorp Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders equity, cash flows and comprehensive
income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, managements
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2004, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004,
incorporated herein by reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading Experts in
the proxy statement/prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Albany, New York
July 29, 2005
exv23w4
Exhibit 23.4
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
CNB Bancorp, Inc.:
We consent to the use of our report dated February 25, 2005, with respect to the consolidated
statements of condition of CNB Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and
the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders equity and cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, incorporated herein by
reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading Experts in the proxy
statement/prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
/s/ KPMG
LLP
Albany, New York
July 29, 2005
exv23w5
EXHIBIT 23.5
Consent of Austin Associates, LLC
We hereby consent to the inclusion in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of NBT Bancorp
Inc. relating to the proposed merger involving NBT Bancorp Inc. and CNB Bancorp, Inc. of our
opinion letter appearing as Appendix B to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus which is part of the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the captions SUMMARY In the Opinion of
CNBs Financial Advisor, the Consideration is Fair, From a Financial Point of View, to CNBs
Shareholders, THE MERGER Background of the Merger, THE MERGER Reasons for the Merger and
the Recommendation of CNBs Board of Directors, and THE MERGER Fairness Opinion of Austin
Associates, LLC, therein.
In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules
adopted thereunder, nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any part of the
Registration Statement within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules
adopted thereunder.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Austin Associates, LLC
|
|
|
Austin Associates, LLC |
|
|
|
|
|
Toledo, Ohio
July 27, 2005