prer14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. 1)
Filed by the Registrant S Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Vialta, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. |
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
As of March 31, 2005, 51,043,665 outstanding shares of Common Stock, which includes vested
options to acquire 2,146,167 shares of Common Stock at a per-share exercise price of less
than $0.36. Outstanding shares excludes 32,039,840 shares held by
Victory Acquisition Corp., which will be cancelled as of the
effective time of the merger. Outstanding options excludes options held by Fred S.L. Chan, which will be
cancelled as of the effective time of the merger and stapled options to purchase common
stock of ESS Technology, Inc. (ESS Technology) and shares of Vialtas Common Stock which
the company believes, based on the average strike price relative to the current price of ESS
Technology common stock, will not be exercised.
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act
Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was
determined):
The proposed maximum aggregate value of the transaction, for purposes only of calculating
the filing fee, is $18,418,643, which is the sum of (a) the product of (i) the 51,043,665
shares of Common Stock that are proposed to be converted into the right to receive the
merger consideration, multiplied by (ii) the merger consideration of $0.36 per share of
Common Stock, plus (b) the product of (i) 2,146,167, the
number of shares of Common Stock
underlying vested options to purchase such shares at a per-share exercise price of
less than $0.36, multiplied by (ii) the amount by which the per-share merger consideration
of $0.36 exceeds the $0.34 per share weighted average exercise price of such options. The
filing fee equals the proposed maximum aggregate value of the transaction multiplied by .0001177. Outstanding shares excludes 32,039,840 shares held by
Victory Acquisition Corp., which will be cancelled as of the
effective time of the merger. Outstanding options excludes options held by Fred S.L. Chan, which will be
cancelled as of the effective time of the merger and stapled options to purchase common
stock of ESS Technology and shares of Vialtas Common Stock which the company believes,
based on the average strike price relative to the current price of ESS Technology common
stock, will not be exercised.
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
$18,418,643
(5) Total fee paid:
$2,168
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the
offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing
by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the
date of its filing. |
(6) Amount Previously Paid:
(7) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(8) Filing Party:
(9) Date Filed:
VIALTA, INC.
48461 FREMONT BOULEVARD
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA 94538
Dear Vialta Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of the
stockholders of Vialta, Inc. to be held
on ,
2005 at a.m., local time, at
the Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Parkway, Fremont, CA
94538.
At the special meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote
upon a proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement
between Vialta and Victory Acquisition Corp., a company
controlled by Vialtas chairman, Fred S.L. Chan, and the
merger contemplated thereby. You will also be asked to consider
and vote upon a proposal to adjourn the special meeting if
necessary to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event
there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special
meeting to approve the merger agreement.
Under the terms of the proposed merger, all stockholders of
Vialta, other than Victory Acquisition Corp. and Fred S.L. Chan,
his wife Annie M.H. Chan, trusts established for the benefit of
their children and a related entity, who are, directly or
indirectly, investors in Victory Acquisition Corp. (the
participating stockholders) as well as stockholders
who have perfected or not lost or waived the benefit of
appraisal or dissenters rights, would receive
$0.36 per share in cash, and Mr. Chan and the other
participating stockholders would acquire 100% ownership of
Vialta, Inc. Shares held by the company would be canceled
without any payment.
The all-cash price of $0.36 per share represents a 50%
premium to the average closing price of Vialta common stock for
the 30 days prior to the March 28, 2005 announcement
of the offer and a 60% premium to the closing price of Vialta
common stock on the day before the announcement of the merger.
Our Board of Directors, in accordance with the recommendation
of a special committee of the Board of Directors, unanimously,
with Mr. Chan abstaining, recommends that stockholders vote
FOR approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger
and FOR the proposal to adjourn the special meeting if necessary
to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event there are
not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to
approve the merger agreement. A Special Committee of
independent directors was appointed to evaluate the merger, and
after direct negotiations with Mr. Chan and careful
consideration, including a thorough review with its independent
advisors and the receipt of a fairness opinion from its
independent financial advisor, unanimously determined that the
merger is fair to and in the best interests of Vialtas
stockholders other than the participating stockholders.
Your vote is very important to us. Approval and adoption of
the merger agreement and the merger requires the affirmative
vote of a majority of the shares outstanding as
of ,
2005, the record date for the special meeting. Accordingly,
whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting in person,
please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy in the
accompanying self-addressed postage pre-paid envelope (or, if
your shares are held in street name by a broker,
nominee, fiduciary or other custodian, follow the directions
given by the broker, nominee, fiduciary or other custodian
regarding how to instruct it to vote your shares) as soon as
possible.
The enclosed proxy statement provides you with detailed
information about the proposed merger, the merger agreement and
the special meeting. We urge you to read the entire document
carefully, including information incorporated by reference and
included in annexes.
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Very truly yours, |
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Didier Pietri |
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Chief Executive Officer |
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of this
transaction or passed upon the merits or fairness of this
transaction or the adequacy or accuracy of the disclosure in the
enclosed proxy statement. Any representation to the contrary is
a criminal offense.
The enclosed proxy statement is
dated ,
2005 and is first being mailed to stockholders on or
about ,
2005.
VIALTA, INC.
48461 FREMONT BOULEVARD
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA 94538
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE
HELD ,
2005
To the stockholders of Vialta, Inc.:
We will hold a special meeting of stockholders of Vialta, Inc.
on ,
2005 at a.m., local time, at
the Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538.
The purpose of the meeting is:
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1. to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and
adopt the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of
March 28, 2005, by and between Victory Acquisition Corp.
and Vialta, Inc. and the merger contemplated thereby; |
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2. to consider and vote upon a proposal to adjourn the
special meeting if necessary to permit further solicitation of
proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time
of the special meeting to approve and adopt the Agreement and
Plan of Reorganization referred to in Item 1 and the merger
contemplated thereby; and |
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3. to transact such other business as may properly come
before the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements
of the special meeting. |
We have described the merger agreement and the related merger in
the accompanying proxy statement, which you should read in its
entirety before voting. A copy of the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization is attached as Annex A to the proxy
statement. The record date to determine who is entitled to vote
at the special meeting
is ,
2005. Only holders of Vialta, Inc. common stock at the close of
business on the record date are entitled to notice of, and to
vote at, the special meeting.
Your vote is important. To make sure your shares are
represented at the special meeting, you should, as soon as
possible, complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy
card (or, if your shares are held in street name by
a broker, nominee, fiduciary or other custodian, follow the
directions given by the broker, nominee, fiduciary or other
custodian regarding how to instruct it to vote your shares). You
retain the right to revoke your proxy at any time before it is
actually voted by submitting to the Secretary of the company a
written notice of revocation, by delivering a duly executed
proxy bearing a later date or by attending the special meeting
and voting in person. Please note, however, that if your shares
are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you
wish to vote at the special meeting, you must bring to the
meeting a proxy from the broker, bank or other nominee
authorizing you to vote the shares. If you have given voting
instructions to a broker, nominee, fiduciary or other custodian
that holds your shares in street name, you may
revoke those instructions by following the directions given by
the broker, nominee, fiduciary or other custodian.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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Didier Pietri |
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Chief Executive Officer |
Fremont, California
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2005
Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting in
person, please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed
proxy in the accompanying self-addressed postage pre-paid
envelope (or, if your shares are held in street name
by a broker, nominee, fiduciary or other custodian, follow the
directions given by the broker, nominee, fiduciary or other
custodian regarding how to instruct it to vote your shares) as
soon as possible.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Effect of the Merger on the Capital
Stock of Vialta and Victory Acquisition Corp.
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Annexes
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A-1 |
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B-1 |
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C-1 |
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D-1 |
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H-1 |
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J-1 |
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ii
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Any statements in this proxy statement about future
expectations, plans and prospects, including statements
regarding consummation of the proposed merger and statements
contained herein under CERTAIN FINANCIAL MODELS RELATING
TO POTENTIAL BROADBAND PRODUCTS., constitute
forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking
statements may be identified by their incorporation of
forward-looking terminology such as anticipate,
believe, continue, estimate,
expect, intend, may,
should or will and other comparable
expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to
differ materially from those currently anticipated. Actual
results may differ materially from those indicated by such
forward-looking statements as a result of various important
factors, including the matters discussed under Forward
Looking Statements in Vialtas most recent annual
report filed with the SEC, as well as factors relating to the
proposed merger contained herein. The forward-looking statements
included herein are made only as of the date of this proxy
statement, and Vialta undertakes no obligation to publicly
update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent
events or circumstances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the
event of any material change in any of the information
previously disclosed, Vialta will, where relevant and if
required by applicable law, update such information through a
supplement to this proxy statement to the extent necessary.
SUMMARY TERM SHEET
Vialta Inc. is delivering this statement to you in connection
with its request that you consider and vote upon a proposal to
approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization,
dated as of March 28, 2005, by and between Victory
Acquisition Corp. and Vialta, Inc. and the merger contemplated
thereby which are referred to in this proxy statement as the
merger agreement and the merger. The merger agreement provides
for the merger of Victory Acquisition Corp. with and into
Vialta. Vialta would be the surviving corporation in the merger,
and, immediately following the merger, Fred S.L. Chan and
members of his family and affiliated entities would have direct
or indirect ownership of all of the outstanding capital stock of
Vialta. This summary term sheet briefly describes the most
material terms of the proposed merger and may not contain all of
the information that is important to you. Vialta urges you to
read carefully the entire proxy statement, including the
information incorporated by reference and the annexes. You may
obtain without charge copies of documents incorporated by
reference into this proxy statement by following the
instructions under WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
INFORMATION. In this proxy statement, the terms the
company and Vialta refer to Vialta, Inc.
and the term Victory refers to Victory Acquisition
Corp.
A copy of the merger agreement has been included to provide
you with information regarding the legal relationship between
the parties.
The merger agreement contains representations and warranties
made by the parties to each other. The assertions embodied in
those representations and warranties are qualified by
information in confidential disclosure schedules that were
exchanged in connection with signing the merger agreement. While
we do not believe that they contain information securities laws
require us to publicly disclose other than information that has
already been so disclosed, the disclosure schedules do contain
information that modifies, qualifies and creates exceptions to
the representations and warranties set forth in the attached
merger agreement. Accordingly, you should not rely on the
representations and warranties as characterizations of the
actual state of facts, since they are modified in important part
by the underlying disclosure schedules. These disclosure
schedules contain information that has been included in
Vialtas general prior public disclosures, as well as
potential additional non-public information. Moreover,
information concerning the subject matter of the representations
and warranties may have changed since the date of the agreement,
which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected
in the companies public disclosures. Any changes that are
material or are otherwise required to be disclosed, have been or
will be reflected in Vialtas periodic filings to the
extent required by applicable securities laws.
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Why am I receiving these materials? |
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The board of directors is providing these proxy materials to
give you information for use in determining how to vote in
connection with the special meeting. |
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When and where is the special meeting? |
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The special meeting will be held
on ,
2005 at a.m., local time, at
the Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Parkway, Fremont, CA
94538. |
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What am I being asked to vote upon? |
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You are being asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to
approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger,
pursuant to which Victory will merge with and into Vialta, with
Vialta as the surviving corporation in the merger. |
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Who can vote on the proposal to approve and adopt the merger
agreement and approve the merger? |
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All holders of Vialta common stock at the close of business
on ,
2005, the record date for the special meeting, may vote in
person or by proxy on the proposal to approve and adopt the
merger agreement and approve the merger at the special meeting. |
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What vote is required to approve and adopt the merger
agreement and approve the merger? |
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Stockholder approval of the merger agreement and the merger
requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the
shares outstanding as of the record date. An abstention or a
broker non-vote will have the same effect as a vote against the
merger agreement and the merger. |
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How will Mr. Chan and the other directors and officers
of the company vote? |
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Mr. Chan and the other participating stockholders
contributed their shares of Vialta common stock to Victory.
Victory has committed to vote its shares in favor of the merger
in accordance with the terms of the voting agreement. See
TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS Voting Agreement
and the actual terms of the agreement attached hereto as
Annex C. Victory holds approximately 39% of Vialtas
outstanding shares of common stock. |
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In addition, Vialtas directors and executive officers
other than Mr. Chan own approximately 5% of Vialtas
outstanding common stock, and have indicated to Vialta their
intention to vote in favor of approval of the merger agreement
and the merger. |
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Who is soliciting my proxy? |
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Vialtas board of directors, including Mr. Chan, is
soliciting proxies to be voted at the special meeting. |
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Q: Who are the parties involved in the proposed
transaction?
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A: |
The parties involved in the proposed transaction are Vialta,
Inc., the participating stockholders and Victory Acquisition
Corp. |
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Vialta, Inc. Vialta is a Delaware corporation
engaged in the business of designing and marketing a limited
number of consumer electronics products. Vialta was incorporated
in April 1999 as a wholly owned subsidiary of ESS Technology,
Inc. It became a public company in August 2001, when it was spun
off from ESS Technology, Inc. to operate as a stand-alone
entity. Since the spin off, Fred S.L. Chan and members of the
Chan family and related entities, have owned at least a 35%
voting interest in Vialta. |
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Participating Stockholders The participating
stockholders consist of Fred S.L. Chan; his wife Annie M.H.
Chan; Annie M.H. Chan TR UA 07-25-95, The Annie M.H. Chan Living
Trust; Mee Sim Lee & Sung Kook Kim & Myong
Shin Kim TR UA DTD 12-21-87, The David Y.W. Chan Trust; Mee Sim
Lee & Sung Kook Kim & Myong Shin Kim TR UA DTD
12-21-87, The Edward Y.C. Chan Trust; Mee Sim Lee &
Sung Kook Kim & Myong Shin Kim TR UA DTD 3-16-92, The
Michael Y.J. Chan Trust; Shiu Leung Chan & Annie M.H.
Chan Gift Trust Dated 11/20/92; and Evershine XVI, L.P. The
trusts were established by Fred S.L. Chan and
Annie M.H. Chan for the benefit of their |
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children. Evershine XVI, L.P. is a related entity whose general
partner is beneficially owned and controlled by Mr. and
Mrs. Chan. |
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Victory Acquisition Corp. Victory Acquisition
Corp. is a recently formed Delaware corporation established by
the participating stockholders for the sole purpose of effecting
the merger. The participating stockholders have contributed to
Victory shares of Vialta common stock beneficially owned by them
pursuant to the terms of a stock contribution agreement among
Victory and the participating stockholders. The stock
contribution agreement is attached to this proxy statement as
Annex B. No cash merger consideration will be paid for
shares that are exchanged for equity securities of Victory or
for options held by the participating stockholders. In the
merger, all shares of Victory common stock will be converted
into Vialta common stock. As a result of the merger, the
participating stockholders will collectively acquire 100%
ownership of Vialta. |
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Q: |
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What will happen in the merger? |
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Victory will be merged with and into Vialta, which will be the
surviving corporation in the merger. Following the satisfaction
or waiver of other conditions to the merger, the following will
occur in connection with the merger: |
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all shares of Vialta common stock that are held (1) in the
treasury of Vialta, (2) by any wholly-owned subsidiary of
Vialta, (3) by Victory or (4) by any of the
participating stockholders will be canceled and retired without
any consideration payable therefor; |
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each other share of Vialta common stock issued and outstanding
immediately before the merger becomes effective (other than any
share as to which a dissenting stockholder has perfected or not
lost the benefit of appraisal or dissenters rights under
California or Delaware law) will be converted into the right to
receive $0.36 in cash without interest; |
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each share of Victory common stock will be converted into a
share of common stock of Vialta, as the surviving corporation in
the merger; and |
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each vested stock option held at the effective time of the
merger will be converted into the right to receive cash in
respect of such stock option in an amount equal to the product
of (1) the excess, if any, of the per-share merger
consideration of $0.36 over the per-share exercise price of such
stock option, multiplied by (2) the number of shares
subject to such stock option (which amount will be payable
without interest, net of any withholding tax and subject to the
option holders having executed a written consent on a form
provided by Vialta to the effect that the cash payment is in
full consideration for the cancellation of such stock option).
As a result of the transaction, unvested options held by Didier
Pietri will accelerate in accordance with his stay bonus
agreement and unvested options issued to directors will
accelerate in accordance with the terms of the
2000 Directors Stock Option Plan. |
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No shares of Vialta common stock are held by any wholly-owned
subsidiary of Vialta. As a result of the merger, the
stockholders of Vialta (other than the participating
stockholders) will no longer have any interest in, and will no
longer be stockholders of, Vialta and will not participate in
any future earnings or growth of Vialta, and the participating
stockholders will own, directly or indirectly, all of the
outstanding shares of Vialta. Following the merger, Vialta
common stock will no longer be publicly traded, and Vialta will
no longer file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the SEC). |
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Q: |
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What will I receive in the merger? |
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You will receive $0.36 in cash in exchange for each share of
common stock owned by you at the effective time of the merger,
unless either (1) you are a participating stockholder of
Victory or (2) you do not vote in favor of the merger
agreement and have perfected or have not otherwise lost or
waived your dissenters or appraisal rights under Delaware
or California law, as applicable. Prior to receipt of the merger
consideration, you will be required to return an executed letter
of transmittal in which you waive any right to dissenters
or appraisal rights. Stockholders who do not vote in favor of
approval of the merger agreement and who otherwise comply with
the procedures for perfecting dissenters or appraisal
rights under the statutory provisions of California or Delaware
law, as applicable, summarized elsewhere in this |
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proxy statement may demand payment of the fair value
of their shares in cash in connection with the consummation of
the merger. See SPECIAL FACTORS Appraisal and
Dissenters Rights. |
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Q: |
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How will the merger be financed? |
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A: |
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It is expected that Vialta will use its cash on hand to pay the
merger consideration. It is a condition to Victorys
obligation to complete the merger that Vialta have no less than
$14.5 million in cash and cash equivalents as of midnight
on the day prior to the closing of the merger. As of
May 30, 2005, the company had approximately
$25.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. As long as
Vialta meets the minimum cash consideration, Victory has agreed
to fund any shortfall in the merger consideration, up to a
maximum of $4.0 million and Fred S.L. Chan has agreed to
lend up to $4.0 million to Victory. See SPECIAL
FACTORS Merger Financing and TRANSACTION
AGREEMENTS Additional Contribution Agreement. |
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Q: |
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Is there a risk that the merger will be deemed a fraudulent
conveyance? |
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A: |
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If, contrary to the belief of the board of directors, Vialta is
held to be insolvent at the time of the merger (i.e., is unable
to pay its debts as they become due, is left with unreasonably
small capital, or its liabilities exceed its assets at the
time), or Vialta becomes insolvent because of the merger, or if
the transaction is deemed to have been entered into with an
intent to evade creditors, then the funds paid to stockholders
upon completion of the merger may be deemed to be a
fraudulent conveyance under applicable law and
therefore may be subject to the claims of Vialtas
creditors. If such claims are asserted by Vialtas
creditors, there is a risk that the entire transaction could be
unwound and that persons who were stockholders at the effective
time of the merger would be ordered by a court to return to
Vialta all or a portion of the funds received following the
completion of the merger. The board of directors of Vialta
believes that Vialta and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated
basis, will not be insolvent after giving effect to the merger
and that there is not a substantial risk that the merger could
be successfully challenged as a fraudulent conveyance. See
SPECIAL FACTORS Certain Fraudulent Transfer
Risks. |
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Q: |
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How will Vialta be operated after the merger? |
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A: |
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Fred S.L. Chan plans to continue to operate Vialta with a
significantly reduced staff, selling the companys current
products and focusing research and development efforts on
broadband. |
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Q: |
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What are the reasons for the merger? |
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A: |
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Vialtas purpose in undertaking the merger is to allow its
stockholders (other than the participating stockholders) to
realize value from their investment in Vialta now, in cash at a
price that represents a premium to the market price of Vialta
common stock before the public announcement of the merger
agreement, rather than assuming the risks associated with
Vialtas ongoing operations. For the participating
stockholders and Victory, the purposes of the merger are to
permit Vialta greater operating flexibility as a privately held
company; to reduce the substantial expenses associated with
being a public company, including costs of compliance with new
securities regulations relating to accounting and internal
control procedures, and allow these resources to be used in
operations; and to enable the participating stockholders to
focus research and development on broadband products and benefit
from future growth, if any, of Vialta after the merger. See
SPECIAL FACTORS Position of Vialta as to the
Purpose and Reasons for the Merger and
Position of the Participating Stockholders and
Victory Acquisition Corp. as to the Purpose and Reasons for the
Merger. |
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Q: |
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What was the role of the special committee? |
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A: |
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Because certain directors of Vialta have actual or potential
conflicts of interest in evaluating the merger, the board of
directors appointed a special committee of independent directors
to negotiate, review and evaluate the proposed merger. |
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Q: |
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What is the recommendation of the special committee? |
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A: |
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The special committee has unanimously recommended to
Vialtas board of directors that the merger and the merger
agreement be approved and adopted. In arriving at its
conclusion, the special committee considered, among other
factors, the opinion of Salem Partners LLC, its independent
financial advisor, |
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that, as of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject
to the limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth in
the opinion, the cash consideration of $0.36 per share to
be paid in the merger to the stockholders of Vialta other than
the participating stockholders was fair, from a financial point
of view, to such stockholders. The special committee has neither
withdrawn nor modified its recommendation. See SPECIAL
FACTORS Position of Vialta as to the Fairness of the
Merger to Vialtas Stockholders; Reasons for Recommending
the Approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger. |
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Q: |
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What are the recommendations of the board of directors? |
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A: |
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The board of directors, based in part on the unanimous
recommendation of the special committee, unanimously (with
Mr. Chan abstaining) recommends that the Vialta
stockholders vote FOR the approval of the merger agreement
and the merger. Both the special committee and the board of
directors of Vialta, after careful consideration of numerous
factors, have determined and continue to believe that the merger
agreement and the merger are fair to and in the best interests
of the stockholders of Vialta other than the participating
stockholders. See SPECIAL FACTORS Position of
Vialta as to the Fairness of the Merger to Vialtas
Stockholders; Reasons for Recommending the Approval of the
Merger Agreement and the Merger. |
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In view of his conflicts of interest with respect to the merger,
Mr. Chan recused himself from the confidential portions of
the board of directors deliberations with respect to the
merger and the merger agreement and abstained from voting on the
related resolutions, including the recommendation that Vialta
stockholders vote for the approval and adoption of the merger
agreement and the merger. Herbert Chang, who was the only member
not present at the meeting, subsequently indicated his approval
of the boards resolutions. |
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Q: |
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What is Vialtas position as to the fairness of the
merger? |
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A: |
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Because certain members of Vialtas board of directors have
actual or potential conflicts of interest in evaluating the
merger, the board of directors appointed a special committee of
independent directors, consisting of George Cain and Michael
Dubester, to evaluate the merger and make recommendations to the
board of directors with respect to the merger agreement. Based
on their evaluation, the special committee determined that the
merger agreement and the merger are advisable, fair to, and in
the best interests of the company and its stockholders (other
than the participating stockholders) and recommended that the
board of directors approve and adopt the merger agreement and
the merger. Acting on the recommendation of the special
committee, the board of directors has approved and adopted the
merger agreement and approved the merger. The board of directors
has neither withdrawn nor modified its recommendation that
stockholders approve and adopt the merger agreement and approve
the merger subsequent to the March 28 meeting. The board
of directors, based in part on the unanimous recommendation of
the special committee, unanimously, with Mr. Chan
abstaining, recommends that the Vialta stockholders
vote FOR the approval and adoption of the merger agreement
and approval of the merger. See SPECIAL
FACTORS Position of Vialta as to the Fairness of the
Merger to Vialtas Stockholders; Reasons for Recommending
the Approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger. |
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Q: |
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What is the opinion of the financial advisor to the special
committee with respect to the merger? |
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A: |
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Salem Partners LLC, the independent financial advisor to the
special committee, has delivered an opinion to the special
committee and the board of directors that, as of March 28,
2005 and based on and subject to the assumptions, limitations
and qualifications set forth in the opinion, the cash
consideration of $0.36 per share to be paid in the merger
to the stockholders of Vialta other than the participating
stockholders and Victory was fair, from a financial point of
view, to such stockholders. The full text of Salem Partners
LLCs written opinion is included in this proxy statement
as Annex F. You should read the opinion carefully in its
entirety. See SPECIAL FACTORS Opinion of the
Financial Advisor to the Special Committee. |
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Q: |
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What is the position of the participating stockholders and
Victory Acquisition Corp. as to the fairness of the merger to
Vialtas stockholders? |
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A: |
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Fred S.L. Chan, the other participating stockholders and Victory
believed and continue to believe that the merger is
substantively and procedurally fair to the other stockholders of
Vialta. In arriving at their position as to the fairness of the
merger, Mr. Chan, the other participating stockholders and
Victory |
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considered the factors discussed in the section entitled
SPECIAL FACTORS Position of the Participating
Stockholders and Victory Acquisition Corp. as to the Fairness of
the Merger to Vialtas Stockholders. |
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Q: |
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What are the consequences of the merger to present members of
management and the board of directors? |
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A: |
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Like other stockholders, members of management and the board of
directors other than Mr. Chan will be entitled to receive
$0.36 per share in cash for each of their shares of Vialta
common stock and cash with respect to vested stock options at
the effective time of the merger in an amount equal to the
product of (1) the excess, if any, of the per-share merger
consideration of $0.36 over the per-share exercise price of such
stock option, multiplied by (2) the number of shares
subject to such stock option (which amount will be payable
without interest, net of any withholding tax and subject to the
option holders having executed a written consent on a form
provided by Vialta to the effect that the cash payment is in
full consideration for the cancellation of such stock option).
The merger agreement requires Vialta to use its reasonable
efforts to obtain the resignation of all officers and directors
of the company as of the effective time of the merger.
Mr. Chan, the sole officer and director of Victory
immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, will be
the initial officer and director of Vialta, as the surviving
corporation. |
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In considering the recommendations of the board of directors,
you should be aware that certain of Vialtas executive
officers and directors have interests in the transaction that
are different from, or are in addition to, the interests of
Vialtas stockholders generally. The special committee and
the board of directors were aware of these potential or actual
conflicts of interest and considered them along with other
matters when they determined to recommend the merger. These
interests, which are discussed in detail in the section entitled
SPECIAL FACTORS Interests of Certain Persons
in the Merger, include the following: |
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Mr. Chan, who abstained from the vote of the board of
directors, is Vialtas Chairman and the participating
stockholders, who include Fred S.L. Chan, his wife Annie M.H.
Chan, trusts established for the benefit of their children, and
a related entity, have been the largest stockholders of Vialta
since the company was founded. Mr. Chan and the other
participating stockholders have contributed
32,039,840 shares of Vialta common stock (representing
approximately 39% of the outstanding common stock) to Victory
pursuant to the terms of the stock contribution agreement in
consideration for an equal number of shares of common stock of
Victory. Upon consummation of the merger, Mr. Chan and the
other participating stockholders will be the sole stockholders
of Vialta; |
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Mr. Chan is the President, Treasurer and Secretary of
Victory Acquisition Corp. Upon consummation of the merger, it is
anticipated that Mr. Chan will continue in the positions of
President, Treasurer and Secretary of Vialta, as the surviving
corporation in the merger; |
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unvested stock options held by Didier Pietri will accelerate in
accordance with the terms of his stay bonus agreement and
unvested stock options held by members of the board of directors
(other than Mr. Chan) will accelerate in accordance with
the terms of the 2000 Directors Stock Option Plan.
Accelerated options will be converted into the right to receive
cash in an amount equal to the product of (1) the excess,
if any, of the per- share merger consideration of $0.36 over the
per-share exercise price of such stock option, multiplied by
(2) the number of shares subject to such stock option. As a
result of the acceleration of stock options, Didier Pietri will
be entitled to receive $40,000, each of George Cain and Michael
Dubester will be entitled to receive $2,400 and Matthew Fong
will be entitled to receive $1,250 with respect to previously
unvested stock options; |
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the merger agreement provides that indemnification will continue
and directors and officers insurance arrangements made by Vialta
before closing will be maintained for a period of six years
following the effective time of the merger for Vialtas
directors and officers; and |
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each member of the special committee will receive
$2,000 per meeting attended in person and $1,000 per
meeting attended telephonically in consideration of such
members service on the special committee, with a cap of
$20,000 for the chairman and $18,000 for the other committee
member. In addition, the special committee chairman is entitled
to receive an annual fee of $25,000, payable quarterly at the
end of each fiscal quarter, with any remaining balance payable
at the effective time of the merger. The foregoing payments are
due without regard to whether the special committee recommended
approval of the merger agreement or whether the merger is
consummated. To date, the chairman has received $26,250 and the
other member has received $18,000. |
In addition, the participating stockholders, including Fred
S.L. Chan, will own all of the company after the merger is
consummated so they will be the only stockholders who will
benefit from the performance of Vialta going forward. Such
benefits could include the utilization of net operating loss
carry forwards and other tax attributes (if any), which may be
limited after the transaction, in connection with the operation
of the business, as well as the benefit of any sale of broadband
products.
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Q: |
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Is the merger subject to the satisfaction of any
conditions? |
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A: |
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Yes. Before completion of the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement, a number of closing conditions must be
satisfied or waived. These conditions are described in this
proxy statement in the section entitled THE MERGER
AGREEMENT Conditions to the Completion of the
Merger. The obligations of Vialta and/or Victory to
complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of
various conditions specified in the merger agreement, including
conditions relating to, among other things: |
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the absence of any order, decree, or ruling by any court or
governmental agency which would prohibit, render illegal or
enjoin the consummation of the merger; |
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approval of the merger agreement by a majority vote of Vialta
shares outstanding as of the record date; |
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the accuracy of the parties representations and warranties
under the merger agreement, except where a failure would not
have a material adverse effect; |
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performance by the parties in all material respects of their
obligations under the merger agreement; |
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the absence of a material adverse effect with respect to Vialta,
as determined in the reasonable judgment of the board of
directors of Victory; |
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receipt of a legal opinion from counsel to Vialta as to the
companys due incorporation, power and authority to enter
into the merger agreement, due execution and delivery of the
agreement, and the merger agreement not violating the
certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the company; and |
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confirmation that Vialta has no less than $14,500,000 in cash
and cash equivalents as of the closing. |
As of May 30, 2005, the company had approximately
$25.5 million in cash and cash equivalents.
Q: May the merger agreement be terminated?
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A: |
The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the
effective time of the merger by the mutual written consent of
Vialta and Victory, acting under the direction of their
respective boards of directors. In addition, either Vialta or
Victory may generally (but is not required to) terminate the
merger agreement at any time prior to the effective time of the
merger in the event of: |
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failure to consummate the merger by August 13, 2005; |
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a final and nonappealable court or other governmental action
prohibiting the merger; or |
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failure to obtain the requisite stockholder approval of the
merger agreement at the special meeting. |
7
In addition, Victory may terminate the merger agreement at any
time prior to the effective time of the merger under specified
circumstances relating to:
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the failure of a representation or warranty of Vialta to be true
and correct except where the failure would not have a material
adverse effect, subject to a 30-day cure period; |
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the failure of Vialta to perform or comply in all material
respects with all of its covenants, subject to a 30-day cure
period; |
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the special committees withdrawing, amending or modifying
its approval or recommendation of the merger agreement in a
manner adverse to Victory or failing to reconfirm within 10
business days after request by Victory its recommendation of the
merger agreement to Vialta stockholders; |
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Vialta failing to include in this proxy the recommendation of
the special committee or the board of directors in favor of the
merger agreement and the merger; |
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the special committee approving or publicly recommending an
acquisition proposal other than the merger or a liquidation or
dissolution; |
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Vialta entering into a letter of intent or similar agreement
accepting any acquisition proposal other than the merger; or |
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Vialta failing to recommend rejection of a tender or exchange
offer commenced by a party unaffiliated with Victory. |
In addition, Vialta may terminate the merger agreement at any
time prior to the effective time of the merger under
circumstances relating to:
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the failure of any representation or warranty of Victory to
otherwise be true and correct, subject to a 30-day cure period; |
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the failure of Victory to perform or comply in all material
respects with all of its covenants, subject to a 30-day cure
period; or |
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the determination by the board of directors or the special
committee in good faith after consulting with its counsel that
termination is necessary to comply with its fiduciary duties. |
See THE MERGER AGREEMENT Termination of the
Merger Agreement.
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Q: |
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Does the merger agreement limit the solicitation of
transactions or termination of the merger agreement? |
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A: |
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No. The merger agreement does not contain restrictions on
Vialtas ability to solicit or initiate any inquiries,
proposals or offers with respect to any competing transaction,
to respond to any inquiries, proposals or offers received, or
ultimately to consummate any such competing transaction until
stockholders of Vialta approve the merger. The board of
directors or special committee may terminate the merger
agreement or withdraw, modify or change its approval or
recommendation of the merger agreement at any time before
stockholder approval of the merger agreement and adoption of the
merger if it determines in good faith that failure to take such
action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary obligations to
stockholders of Vialta (other than participating stockholders).
See THE MERGER AGREEMENT No Limitation on
Solicitation of Transactions or Termination of Merger Agreement
due to Fiduciary Obligations. |
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In certain circumstances, in the event the merger agreement is
terminated, Vialta must pay the out-of-pocket expenses actually
and reasonably incurred by Victory and its affiliates (including
the participating stockholders) up to a maximum of $250,000. See
THE MERGER AGREEMENT Expenses. In
no event will any termination fee be payable under the merger
agreement. |
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Q: |
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When do you expect the merger to be completed? |
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A: |
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We are working toward completing the merger as quickly as
possible after the special meeting. However, there is no
assurance that we will be able to do so. |
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Q: |
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What are the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the
merger to holders of Vialta stock? |
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A: |
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The receipt of cash by a United States holder in exchange for
Vialta common stock will be a taxable transaction for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, United States
holders of Vialta common stock who receive cash in exchange for
their shares pursuant to the merger (including any cash received
in connection with the exercise of dissenters or appraisal
rights) should be deemed to have received cash from Vialta
pursuant to a redemption of the shares held by such stockholder
or pursuant to a sale of such shares. If the deemed redemption
of the shares held by a particular United States holder
qualifies as an exchange under section 302(b)
of the Code, or if shares are considered sold, the United States
holder will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income
tax purposes equal to the difference, if any, between the
holders adjusted tax basis in the shares and the amount of
cash received. If the United States holder holds Vialta common
stock as a capital asset, any gain or loss should generally be a
capital gain or loss. If the United States holder has held the
shares for more than 1 year, any gain or loss should
generally be a long-term gain or loss. The deductibility of
capital losses is subject to limitations. |
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The deemed redemption of Vialta common stock in exchange for
cash generally should not result in gain or loss to Vialta or to
the participating stockholders (i.e. Mr. Chan and his
affiliates) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Upon
completion of the merger and deemed redemption, participating
stockholders generally will hold shares of Vialta common stock
with an aggregate tax basis equal to the participating
stockholders aggregate tax basis in the shares of Victory
common stock that will be converted into Vialta common stock as
a result of the merger. If the deemed redemption of shares of
Vialta common stock results in an ownership change
within the meaning of section 382(g) of the Code,
Vialtas ability to use net operating loss carryforwards
and certain other tax attributes (if any) may be limited. Tax
matters are very complex, and the tax consequences of the merger
to you will depend on the facts of your own situation. You
should consult your tax advisor for a full understanding of the
tax consequences of the merger to you, including the federal,
state, local and foreign tax consequences of the merger. See
SPECIAL FACTORS Federal Income Tax
Consequences. |
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Q: |
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What do I do to vote my Vialta stock? |
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A: |
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After carefully reading and considering the information
contained in this proxy statement, whether or not you plan to
attend the special meeting in person, please complete, sign,
date and return the enclosed proxy in the accompanying
self-addressed postage pre-paid envelope (or, if your shares are
held in street name by a broker, nominee, fiduciary
or other custodian, follow the directions given by the broker,
nominee, fiduciary or other custodian regarding how to instruct
it to vote your shares) as soon as possible. For more
information on how to vote your shares, see the section entitled
THE SPECIAL MEETING How Shares are Voted;
Proxies; Revocation of Proxies. |
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Q: |
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What happens if I do not return a proxy card? |
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A: |
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If you neither vote at the meeting nor grant your proxy as
described in this proxy statement, your shares will not be
voted, which will have the effect of voting against the approval
of the merger agreement and the merger. |
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Q: |
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May I vote in person? |
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A: |
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Yes. You may attend the special meeting and vote your shares in
person whether or not you sign and return your proxy card. If
your shares are held of record in street name by a
broker, nominee, fiduciary or other custodian and you wish to
vote in person at the special meeting, you must obtain from the
record holder a proxy issued in your name. |
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Q: |
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May I change my vote after I have mailed my signed proxy
card? |
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A: |
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Yes. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is actually
voted by submitting to the Secretary of the company a written
notice of revocation, by delivering a duly executed proxy
bearing a later date or by attending the special meeting and
voting in person. Please note, however, that if your shares are
held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish
to vote at the special meeting, you must bring to the meeting a
proxy from the broker, bank or other nominee authorizing you to
vote the shares. Attendance at the special meeting will not, by
itself, revoke a proxy. If you have given voting instructions |
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to a broker, nominee, fiduciary or other custodian that holds
your shares in street name, you may revoke those
instructions by following the directions given by the broker,
nominee, fiduciary or other custodian. |
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Q: |
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If my shares are held in street name by my
broker, will my broker vote my shares for me? |
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A: |
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Your broker will not be able to vote your shares without
instructions from you. You should instruct your broker to vote
your shares, following the procedures provided by your broker.
Failure to instruct your broker to vote your shares will have
the same effect as voting against adoption of the merger
agreement. |
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Q: |
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What does it mean if I receive more than one set of
materials? |
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A. |
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This means you own shares of Vialta stock that are registered
under different names. For example, you may own some shares
directly as a stockholder of record and other shares through a
broker; or you may own shares through more than one broker. In
these situations, you will receive multiple sets of proxy
materials. You must complete, sign, date and return all of the
proxy cards or follow the instructions for any alternative
voting procedure on each of the proxy cards that you receive in
order to vote all of the shares you own. Each proxy card you
receive comes with its own prepaid return envelope; if you vote
by mail, make sure you return each proxy card in the return
envelope that accompanies that proxy card. |
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Q: |
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If the merger is completed, how will I receive the cash for
my shares? |
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A. |
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If the merger is completed, you will be contacted by Mellon
Investor Services, who will act as paying agent in connection
with the merger. The paying agent will provide instructions that
will explain how to surrender stock certificates. You will
receive cash for your shares from the paying agent after you
comply with these instructions which will include waiving any
dissenters or appraisal rights you may have. If your
shares are held for you in street name by a broker,
nominee, custodian or other fiduciary, you will receive
instructions from the broker, nominee, custodian or other
fiduciary as to how to effect the surrender of your shares and
receive cash for those shares. |
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Q: |
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Should I send in my stock certificates now? |
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A: |
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No. If the merger is completed, you will receive written
instructions for exchanging your Vialta stock certificates for
cash. |
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Q: |
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Am I entitled to appraisal or dissenters rights with
respect to my shares? |
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A: |
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If you do not vote in favor of approval of the merger agreement
and the merger, and you otherwise timely comply with all legal
requirements, you may seek a judicial appraisal of the fair
value of your shares by following the procedures governing
dissenters rights specified in Section 262 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law, referred to in this proxy
statement as the DGCL. A copy of Section 262 of the DGCL is
included as Annex G to this proxy statement. In addition,
you may be entitled to dissenters rights specified in
Chapter 13 of the California General Corporation Law,
referred to in this proxy statement as of the CGLC. A copy of
Chapter 13 of the CGCL is included as Annex H to this
proxy statement. The value of shares of Vialta common stock as
of the completion of the merger as determined in a judicial
appraisal may be equal to, greater than, or less than the merger
consideration being offered in the merger. For a summary of
certain differences between Delaware and California law with
respect to dissenters and appraisal rights, see
SPECIAL FACTORS Appraisal and Dissenters
Rights. Under both Delaware and California law,
stockholders who vote in favor of the merger will have waived
their rights to seek judicial appraisal of their shares. You are
urged to consult your legal advisor if you are considering
exercising appraisal rights or dissenters rights. |
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Who can help answer my questions? |
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If you would like additional copies, without charge, of this
proxy statement or if you have questions about the merger
agreement or the merger, including the procedures for voting
your shares, you should call the company at (510) 870-3088. |
10
SPECIAL FACTORS
Structure of the Transaction
The proposed transaction is a merger of Victory Acquisition
Corp. with and into Vialta, which will be the surviving
corporation in the merger. See THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
Effects of the Merger. As a result of the merger:
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the stockholders of Vialta (other than the participating
stockholders) will no longer have any interest in, and will no
longer be stockholders of, Vialta and will not participate in
any future earnings or growth of Vialta; |
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the participating stockholders will own, directly or indirectly,
all of the outstanding shares of Vialta; |
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shares of Vialta common stock issued in exchange for Victory
common stock to participating stockholders will not be
registered on any exchange or listed on the OTC
Bulletin Board, and there will be no public market for such
shares; and |
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the registration of Vialta common stock under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act, will be terminated, and
Vialta will cease filing reports with the SEC. |
Officers and Directors of Vialta. The sole officer and
director of Vialta after the completion of the merger will
initially be Mr. Chan.
For additional details regarding the terms and structure of the
merger and interests of the participating stockholders in the
transaction, see SPECIAL FACTORS Interests of
Certain Persons in the Merger and THE MERGER
AGREEMENT.
Background of the Merger
Since the spin-off of the Company in August 2001, Vialta
introduced and subsequently withdrew a multimedia DVD player it
had developed. The Companys products now consist of
videophones and video frames. For the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 Vialta had net losses of
$2.4 million, $4.0 million and $42.6 million,
respectively, and expects to incur losses in 2005. For the
quarter ended March 31, 2005, Vialta incurred a loss of
$1.1 million. As of March 31, 2005, Vialta had an
accumulated deficit of $110.2 million and
$21.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash
and short-term investments.
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Exploration of Strategic Alternatives |
On February 26, 2004, at a meeting of the audit committee
of Vialtas board of directors, the companys outside
auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, following their discussion
of their completed audit for fiscal 2003, advised the audit
committee of the substantial costs which the company would be
required to incur during the course of 2004 (under applicable
rules) and thereafter on an ongoing basis to comply with the new
internal controls reporting requirements under Section 404
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The audit committee then
resolved to undertake a feasibility study to determine how
substantial the amount of resources it would need to incur to be
in compliance.
At the meeting of the full board of directors which took place
after the audit committee meeting, the board of directors
determined to take preliminary steps in connection with a
possible review of the companys strategic alternatives in
light of the following factors: (i) the increased costs of
complying with regulatory requirements appeared to outweigh the
benefits to Vialta of being a public company, (ii) in order
to meet its business plan in 2004 and beyond, the company needed
a broader product line and an increased level of marketing that
were likely beyond the companys resources, and
(iii) the companys senior management team was not
committed to remaining at the company for the long term in order
to implement the companys business plan. At the meeting,
representatives of the investment banking firm
Needham & Company, Inc.
11
(Needham) discussed various strategic alternatives
with the board of directors. These included maintaining the
status quo, selling the company to a third party, or initiating
a going private transaction. The board of directors discussed
the feasibility of initiating a going private transaction as a
way to cash out the stockholders, through a reverse stock split,
and agreed to continuing discussions at a later meeting.
At the next meeting of the board of directors, on March 30,
2004, the board of directors (excluding Fred S.L. Chan, who was
not in attendance), after additional consideration, determined
that a sale of the company would be preferable to a reverse
stock split. The board of directors, after due consideration,
determined not to pursue a reverse stock split since after a
reverse split either (i) the company would continue as a
reporting company with the related public company costs and
expenses or (ii) the company would become a private company
in which the remaining shareholders would have no means by which
to liquidate their investment for the foreseeable future, if
ever. As a result, the board of directors then discussed the
retention of an investment banking firm to assist in
systematically soliciting offers from potential purchasers of
the company. The board of directors considered the
qualifications of Needham and its familiarity with the company
dating back to its involvement in the companys spin-off
from ESS Technology. Based on these discussions, the board of
directors resolved to retain Needham to review the
companys strategic alternatives, and authorized and
directed management to negotiate with Needham the specific terms
of its engagement. Subsequently, Needham was engaged pursuant to
a letter agreement dated as of March 19, 2004.
On April 27, 2004, the board of directors met to discuss,
among other matters, the status of Needhams engagement to
solicit third party buyers for the company. Outside counsel to
the company was asked to draft milestones to be included as a
supplement to the engagement letter, setting forth time
schedules for completion of a confidential offering memorandum,
contacting a list of targeted buyers, execution of
confidentiality agreements and making management presentations.
The company also adopted stay bonus plans for key employees to
ensure that the company would retain management during the
process. Pursuant to the stay bonus plan, Yin-Wu Chen
(Yin-Wu), the companys president, was awarded
a salary increase of $25,000. William Scharninghausen and other
employees whom the board of directors determined (after
consultation with management) were necessary for the ongoing
operations of the company were guaranteed bonus payments for
staying with the company through the earlier of a sale of the
company or December 31, 2004 (or March 31, 2005 in the
case of Mr. Scharninghausen). For each employee, bonus
payments were based on a specified number of months salary
ranging from two to four months, other than
Mr. Scharninghausen, who received a bonus of
nine months salary.
On July 9, 2004, after finalizing and executing their
agreement, Vialta publicly announced the engagement of Needham
to explore a range of strategic alternatives, including a
possible sale of the company.
On July 27, 2004, representatives of Needham presented to
the board of directors (excluding Fred S.L. Chan, who was not in
attendance) a report on the indications of interest they had
received relating to the companys interest in exploring
strategic alternatives. They discussed the companies approached
and the responses received to date. The board of directors
reviewed the list of companies and suggested additional
companies that they would like Needham to approach. In addition,
the board of directors discussed a schedule for updates. The
Needham representatives agreed to provide an update at the end
of the following week. The board of directors also modified some
of the existing stay bonus agreements, including providing for
an additional bonus to Mr. Scharninghausen of
three months salary if he remained with the company through
December 31, 2004.
At the August 4, 2004 meeting of the board of directors,
the members were informed that Yin-Wu wished to pursue a
possible management buy-out (MBO) of the company.
Mr. Pietri indicated that, following consultation with
outside counsel to the company and discussions with the other
board members, he had asked various questions of Yin-Wu
concerning his interest in and past activities concerning an
MBO. Yin-Wu indicated that he had made preliminary contact with
a strategic group based in Taiwan and that he intended to
contact a local venture capitalist through a marketing officer
at ESS Technology, who independently contacted Yin-Wu about the
MBO possibility and potential partners. Yin-Wu indicated that he
was willing to abide by any procedures the company would put in
place to avoid any conflict of interest or appearance of a
conflict of interest. Mr. Chan confirmed that he had no
agreement or understanding with
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Yin-Wu and that Mr. Chans sole interest was in
looking for the best offer for the company. Yin-Wu did not
subsequently make any offer to the company. The board of
directors then adopted a stay bonus for Didier Pietri, the
companys chief executive officer, consisting of bonus
payments of 3 months salary in the event he continued with
the company through December 31, 2004 and an additional
3 months salary in the event he continued through
March 31, 2005 (or earlier in the event of a change in
control transaction) plus full vesting of his outstanding
options in the event of a change in control.
At a board meeting on October 26, 2004, representatives of
Needham presented a report summarizing the interest they had
received from potential acquirors since announcing the
companys interest in exploring strategic alternatives.
Needham indicated that it had contacted 47 potential acquirors,
including companies and private equity funds, of which 25
reviewed the executive summary, 3 provided an indication of
interest, 19 did not respond and 26 indicated no interest. Of
the three parties who submitted indications of interest, one
party declined to submit an offer. Needham engaged in
discussions with the other two parties regarding the price and
structure of their bids. Each party proposed a transaction
involving a significant stock component. The Needham
representatives discussed the two companies that had provided
preliminary indications of interest, including an overview of
their respective offers, consisting of a portion in cash and a
portion in securities, their relative financial positions and
management. One company (Company A) was
essentially a public venture capital company, involved in the
home security business, seeking to roll-up a number of private
companies. The other company (Company B) was a
broadband video equipment manufacturer in the VoIP area. Needham
also discussed recent acquisitions of technology companies and
the average enterprise values and transaction values paid.
Finally, they reviewed other strategic alternatives for the
board of directors to consider, including continuing to operate
the company as an ongoing business, liquidating the company and
taking the company private. The board of directors discussed the
relative advantages and costs of each alternative, including the
time and resources that would be necessary to effectuate them.
Needham agreed to approach the two companies for a second round
of bidding, making it clear to both that they need to offer a
higher price and a higher portion of cash to be considered
seriously, and setting a deadline for second offers. Needham
also agreed to provide a more detailed analysis of the other
strategic alternatives with a goal of presenting them before the
board of directors in late November.
At the November 15, 2004 meeting of the board of directors,
Mr. Pietri indicated that Company B would be visiting
Vialta later in the week. He also informed the board of
directors that Company A had not visited Vialta, but had
requested a conference call. The board of directors discussed
the two companies and expressed concerns that both had small
revenues and speculative stocks, and neither had complied with
Vialtas second bidding deadline.
In anticipation of the December 3, 2004 board meeting,
Vialtas management, working with Needham, preliminarily
estimated that the liquidation value of Vialta, excluding the
value of a $5 million receivable that was written off by
the company in 2002 due to the significant uncertainty as to its
recoverability, could be as high as $0.30 per share of
Vialta common stock on a fully-diluted basis. Assuming the
$5 million receivable was collected, the liquidation value
could be as high as $0.36 per share of Vialta common stock.
For a summary of the liquidation analyses considered by the
board, see SPECIAL FACTORS Liquidation
Analysis and Selection of Needham.
On December 3, 2004, at a meeting of the board of directors
a representative of Needham provided the board of directors with
an update of its third party discussions. The representative
indicated that Company A was occupied with another
acquisition that it was actively pursuing, but stated that it
remained interested in Vialta. It was noted, however, that
representatives of Company A had not visited the company in
the several months of discussion and were not ready to meet in
the immediate future. The board of directors then discussed with
Mr. Scharninghausen, chief financial officer of the
company, the liquidation scenarios that had been circulated
prior to the meeting. Various questions were raised concerning,
among other things, the assumptions made in the liquidation
models and potential additional costs and liabilities. The board
of directors requested that Needham and management update the
liquidation analyses to be more accurate by taking into account
various factors discussed at the meeting and report back with
their findings.
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In anticipation of the December 14, 2004 board meeting,
Vialtas management, working with Needham, estimated that
the revised preliminary liquidation value of Vialta, excluding
the value of the $5 million receivable that was written off
by the company, could be as high as $0.27 per share of
Vialta common stock on a fully-diluted basis. Assuming the
$5 million receivable was collected, the liquidation value
could be as high as $0.33 per share of Vialta common stock.
For a summary of the liquidation analyses considered by the
board, see SPECIAL FACTORS Liquidation
Analysis and Selection of Needham.
The board of directors then met again on December 14, 2004.
A Needham representative provided an update of discussions held
with the two interested companies earlier that day in which
Needham made proposals to each company to raise the cash and
securities components of their respective offers. Company B
discussed, after several rounds of negotiations, on a
preliminary basis providing Vialta shareholders $0.18 per
share in cash plus Company B securities valued by Needham
at $0.24 per share while Company A had discussed
providing $0.17 per share in cash plus Company A
securities valued by Needham at $0.17 per share. The
Needham representative stated that they expected responses
shortly to their request for a further adjustment in the
purchase price. The board of directors then discussed the
updated liquidation analysis prepared by Needham, working with
Vialtas management, for the meeting. Members of the board
of directors asked detailed questions of management as to the
assumptions involved in the different scenarios, including with
respect to the timelines, the operation of the business and the
current state of the companys broadband prospects. After
discussion, the board of directors directed Needham to continue
its discussions and further update the board of directors as to
the potential strategic alternatives.
On January 8, 2005, Mr. Pietri,
Mr. Scharninghausen, representatives of Needham, and
outside counsel to the company met with the president and chief
executive officer of Company A, at the Los Angeles office
of the companys outside counsel, Kaye Scholer LLP. The
meeting lasted several hours.
The board of directors met again on January 11, 2005. At
the meeting, Mr. Pietri summarized the January 8
meeting with Company A for the board members. In addition,
Mr. Pietri advised the board of directors that, in
preparation for the meeting he had conducted due diligence on
Company A and discovered that its principals had been
subject to certain regulatory claims related to a predecessor
business. Company A also had terminated its publicly
announced acquisition of the third party, which it previously
advised Needham was important to its business strategy of
acquiring and rolling-up existing businesses and was also
pursuing other transactions which its management indicated were
more compelling than a transaction with Vialta.
The board of directors then discussed the Company A offer
and the fact that a substantial component of its proposal
consisted of Company A securities. The Needham
representatives indicated that while the cash portion of the
offer could possibly be improved somewhat from $0.17 per
share, the Company A securities were a key part of the
proposal. The board members present (which excluded Matthew
Fong, who arrived late to the meeting, and Herbert Chang)
unanimously informed Needham that they did not believe that it
was in the best interest of the company and its stockholders to
enter into a transaction in which the Vialta stockholders would
receive cash consideration of $0.17 per share plus stock in
Company A given the board of directors concerns
regarding Company As inability to articulate a long
term business plan and the regulatory issues relating to its
predecessor business of its principals.
Messrs. Pietri and Scharninghausen then provided the board
of directors with a summary of their prior meeting with the
principals of Company B. The Needham representatives
reviewed the state of discussions between the parties, involving
a possible transaction partly in cash and partly in
Company B stock. Company B representatives, then
joined the Board meeting in person. They described the
background of Company B and their own backgrounds,
including the companys history and prior losses. They then
made a Power Point presentation concerning their prototype
videophone for the VoIP market, and the companys
relationship with various VoIP service providers. Various board
members asked questions about Company Bs cash burn
rate, its limited current cash resources and liquidity concerns
which could worsen if the company was successful in light of
added product and administrative costs.
After an adjournment at which time Company Bs
representatives left the meeting, the board of directors
discussed the Company B presentation. The board of
directors reviewed the fact that the transaction would
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result in more than one-third of the Vialta stockholders
cash being invested in the Company B business plan, which
cash Company B appeared to need to not only scale up its
business but also to develop its prototype product and avoid
liquidity issues. Based on these discussions, the board of
directors instructed Needham to continue to discuss with
Company B whether an adjustment could be made to increase
the cash component of their offer. The Needham representatives
then reported that they had further discussions with
Company B about raising the cash component of its bid after
its representatives left the board meeting. Company B
stated that it was not interested in increasing the cash portion
of any offer to Vialta and, in fact, no longer wished to pursue
a transaction with Vialta. Company B did not provide any
reason why it was no longer willing to pursue a transaction with
the company. The board of directors then instructed management
and Needham to continue to work on a possible plan to liquidate
the company, either immediately or on a staged basis.
The next meeting of the board of directors was held on
January 24, 2005. At the meeting, Mr. Chan reported
that he had recent discussions with the president and chief
executive officer of a privately-held manufacturer of non-video
phone related VoIP phone equipment (Company C).
Mr. Chan indicated that he had discussed a possible
combination of Vialta and Company C at the Consumer
Electronics Show in Las Vegas, after which Needham had
followed-up with further discussions. A representative of
Needham then provided a financial overview of Company C,
and two merger models (one consisting of an all stock
transaction and the other a cash or stock election in which
Vialta stockholders could choose cash at $0.30 per share or
stock) that were developed by Needham and Company C (with
Mr. Chans assistance) and represented Company
Cs view of a possible transaction in which Vialta would
acquire Company C for Vialta common stock and the sole
shareholder of Company C would then hold a substantial
majority of the companys outstanding shares. Various board
members asked questions about Company Cs business and
ability to function as a public company, the synergies (if any)
between the two companies, Company Cs motivation in
any Vialta transaction and Company Cs financial
results.
The principal of Company C then made a presentation to the
board of directors, describing his personal business history,
including his prior relationship with Mr. Chan and with ESS
Technology, Company Cs products, customer base and
competitive position relative to other manufacturers of VoIP
equipment. He answered numerous questions concerning his company
and its financial statements, which had not been audited or
reviewed by an independent accounting firm.
The board of directors discussed the merits of proceeding with
further discussions with Company C, including concerns
about the continuing costs of the combined company being public,
the lack of management at Company C with public company
management experience and the fact that there was no assurance
that Company C would meet its projections, or be able to
scale up per its plans. The board members compared the expected
and quantifiable risks of liquidation with the relatively
unknown risks of turning over management control of the company
to another company which lacked the infrastructure and
experience necessary to run a public company. Members also
expressed concern that a Company C transaction would take
time and resources (including the need to perform an audit of
Company C), and there was no assurance that the common
stock of the surviving corporation (or a cash or stock election)
was a reasonable option to offer to Vialta shareholders. The
Needham representative recommended that discussions continue
with Company C and the board of directors authorized him to
discuss whether Company C would be willing to consider a
combination based on what the board of directors believed to be
a more equitable exchange ratio reflecting the risks involved.
Subsequently, after various calls from Needham and Mr. Chan
to follow-up as directed by the board of directors,
Company C advised Mr. Chan and Needham that it was not
interested in a revised exchange ratio or in pursuing any
business combination with Vialta. The Company C principal
indicated that, after further considering the obligations and
costs of operating a public company, he was no longer interested
in pursuing a transaction with Vialta.
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Mr. Chans Letter Regarding Going Private |
On February 7, 2005, the Vialta board of directors received
a letter from Fred S.L. Chan, the chairman of Vialtas
board of directors and the holder (with the other participating
stockholders) of approximately 39% of the companys stock,
stating the following:
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I am submitting this letter to the Board of Directors of
Vialta, Inc. to indicate my intent to discuss with the board a
possible offer to purchase the shares of the company not now
owned or controlled by me. This letter describes the broad
outline of my thoughts on the transaction for discussion
purposes. |
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The transaction would take the form of either a merger with a
new entity formed by me or a tender offer to the stockholders of
the company. The purchase price would be mutually determined and
paid to the stockholders in cash. |
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I believe the transaction would be in the best interests of the
company, its stockholders, employees and business partners and
would have substantial advantages over the companys
current alternatives, including either an immediate or staged
liquidation. |
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I would like to begin due diligence on the company with a view
toward coming to terms, if at all, on or before
February 16, 2005 and if so, attempting to negotiate a
definitive agreement by February 28, 2005 and a closing if
possible by the end of April. As part of my due diligence
process, I request reasonable access during normal business
hours and, as necessary, during evenings and weekends, to the
companys books, records, contracts, technology, executive
and other mutually agreed personnel of the company. Please let
me know if the company has a standard nondisclosure agreement
for us to sign in connection with this process; otherwise, I
will be happy to provide a form. |
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I look forward to discussing this transaction further with you
in the next few days. |
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Special Committee; Negotiations with Mr. Chan |
The next day, on February 8, 2005, Vialtas board of
directors discussed Mr. Chans offer, including the
fact that Mr. Chan would likely be able to conclude a
transaction quickly (based on his existing knowledge of the
company), which should limit the costs of a transaction, and his
willingness to pay cash to stockholders, excluding himself and
the other participating stockholders. Based on their
considerations, the board of directors determined that, in light
of Mr. Chans proposal and his status as a director,
it would be appropriate for the board of directors to appoint a
special committee comprised of directors who were not current or
former officers or employees of the company to act on behalf of
the board of directors in connection with the possible
negotiations with Mr. Chan. The board of directors
appointed George Cain and Michael Dubester as the members of the
special committee because neither has a relationship with
Mr. Chan other than as members of the board of directors of
Vialta. Subject to the limitations of Delaware law, the special
committee was authorized to exercise all of the power of the
Vialta board of directors with respect to the negotiation of the
proposal and any transaction resulting from the proposal,
including the power and authority to select and retain its own
legal and financial advisors.
On February 11, 2005, after having completed his entire due
diligence, Mr. Chan made an offer to purchase the shares of
Vialta that he did not already own or control in a transaction
that valued the company at $25 million in cash (which
equated to approximately $0.29 per share).
On February 23, 2005, Messrs. Cain and Dubester met in
person with Mr. Chan to discuss the terms of his offer and
to answer questions raised by Mr. Chan during the course of
his due diligence. Members of Vialtas management also
attended a portion of the meeting to assist the special
committee in answering Mr. Chans questions and to
provide an update on the status of the development of
Vialtas broadband product. The meeting lasted
approximately five hours. During the meeting, the special
committee, with the assistance of management, and Mr. Chan
spent considerable time reviewing (i) Vialtas
financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2004 and (ii) Vialtas inventory and the value
thereof. In order to resolve certain issues related to the value
of the current inventory of Vialta, its outstanding letters of
credit and the adequacy of its cash reserves, the special
committee and Mr. Chan agreed to utilize a projected
March 31,
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2005 balance sheet for the company as the foundation for
their negotiations and agreed to meet again on February 24,
2005 so that management would be able to provide the requested
data. The projected balance sheet assumed that receivables
collected and operating expenses incurred in the second half of
the quarter would equal the amounts collected and incurred in
the first half of the quarter. In addition, values were assigned
to finished goods and component inventory and contingency
expenses were analyzed consistent with the liquidation analysis
prepared earlier by management. With respect to the
$25 million offer price, the special committee advised
Mr. Chan that, in its view, a per share transaction price
would be more appropriate under the circumstances and discussed
an analysis developed by the special committee with respect
thereto. On the same day, the special committee also discussed
the need to retain its own legal advisors and had preliminary
discussions with legal counsel.
The next day, February 24, 2005, the special committee met
for approximately eight hours in person with Vialtas
management and Mr. Chan to discuss in detail the proposed
price at which Mr. Chan might purchase the company. One of
the issues discussed at length was the valuation of the
companys remaining inventory, both in terms of the method
by which the value was calculated and the appropriate date at
which the valuation should be made for purposes of determining
the purchase price. Management answered questions raised by
Mr. Chan with respect to the companys March 31,
2005 projections. At the conclusion of the discussion with
management, the special committee and Mr. Chan continued to
negotiate the purchase price of the proposed transaction. The
negotiations included discussion of issues relating to the
$5 million receivable that was written off by the company
and which party should bear the risk that the receivable would
not be collected. In connection with that discussion,
Mr. Chan proposed that either a mechanism be put in place
by which the purchase price would be adjusted in the event the
receivable was not collected when due on April 28, 2005 or
that he be permitted to terminate the proposed merger agreement
if the receivable was not collected by that date. The special
committee refused this request and Mr. Chan agreed to value the
company assuming full collection of the $5 million
receivable. The special committee and Mr. Chan also devoted
substantial time to discussing whether the purchase price should
be stated in terms of an aggregate transaction value or a price
per share. During the discussion, the parties noted the
difficulty of determining a per share price because the company
did not know how many of the stapled stock options that had been
issued to employees of ESS Technology, Vialtas former
parent corporation, in connection with Vialtas spin-off
from ESS Technology (generally referred to as stapled
options) remained outstanding, how many were in-the-money
and how many were likely to be exercised. If a significant
number of these options were exercised in anticipation of the
merger, it could have a material impact on the calculation of a
per share price. After lengthy negotiations, including another
detailed review of the status and potential loss in value of
inventory and components as well as the potential value of the
broadband product in development, the special committee and
Mr. Chan agreed to an aggregate transaction price of
$30 million, subject to confirmation by an independent
financial advisor retained by the special committee.
Later on February 24, 2005, the special committee met
telephonically to formalize the retention of its own legal
counsel. After discussion with counsel regarding its experience
and reputation in advising boards and committees in mergers and
acquisitions under Delaware law, the special committee retained
Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP as its legal counsel
(Potter Anderson). Thereafter, on February 25,
2005, the special committee discussed with Potter Anderson the
structure of the proposed transaction, including the purchase
price and was advised that setting the merger consideration as a
per share price would be necessary to comply with Delaware
merger law, obtain a fairness opinion and provide stockholders
with the information necessary for them to vote on the merger.
As a result, the special committee informed Mr. Chan by
e-mail that it would agree only to a purchase price expressed as
a fixed price per share, not an aggregate transaction value. The
special committee proposed a purchase price of $0.36 per
share in cash as a starting point for negotiations, subject to
confirmation by an independent financial advisor to be retained
by the special committee that such price was fair from a
financial point of view, and Mr. Chan agreed. As a result,
Mr. Chan assumed the risk that stapled options would be
exercised and the number of outstanding shares of Vialta would
be increased.
You should understand that as of February 25, 2005, the
special committee had not determined that a price of
$0.36 per share was fair to Vialtas stockholders
(other than the participating stockholders) from a financial
point of view. Rather, the special committee determined that
$0.36 per share could form the basis of
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an agreement with Mr. Chan, subject to any competing
acquisition proposals, negotiation of a mutually agreeable
definitive merger agreement, and receipt from an independent
financial advisor to be retained by the special committee of a
financial analysis and fairness opinion. The special
committees fairness determination was not made until each
of those factors was resolved to its satisfaction.
From March 1 through March 2, 2005, the special
committee met, with its legal advisors in attendance, to discuss
the retention of a financial advisor. In that regard, the
special committee interviewed three investment banking firms to
assess their respective, experience, qualifications and
potential conflicts of interest. On March 2, 2005, the
special committee unanimously voted to retain Salem Partners LLC
(Salem Partners) to render financial advice to the
special committee in connection with the proposed transaction
based on Salem Partners reputation and their experience
and expertise relating to transactions similar to the
contemplated merger. In addition, the special committee
considered the fact that Salem Partners did not have any prior
relationship with Vialta, Mr. Chan or the other
participating stockholders. The special committees legal
counsel then reviewed with the committee members their fiduciary
duties under Delaware law, including with regard to the process
employed to reach its determination. At that meeting, the
special committee and its counsel considered the negotiation of
the proposed transaction, including (i) issues regarding
the allocation of certain risks between signing and closing,
(ii) conditions to closing, and (iii) the impact of
any deal protections. The special committee determined to meet
again after it received a draft merger agreement from
Mr. Chan and his counsel.
The special committee met again on March 11, 2005, with its
legal counsel and Vialtas outside legal counsel in
attendance, to review the initial draft of the merger agreement,
which had been forwarded to the committee on March 9. The
meeting participants discussed in detail the terms of the draft
merger agreement, including (i) the proposed purchase
price, (ii) the proposed break-up fee, (iii) the
proposed restrictions on the committees ability to provide
information to potential third party purchasers, (iv) the
proposed restrictions on the solicitation of third party offers,
(v) the treatment of warrants and options, (vi) the
termination provisions, and (vii) the conditions to
closing. In particular, the committee focused on the conditions
under which Vialta could terminate the merger agreement if a
superior offer materialized, and the termination fee payable in
that circumstance. After discussing these matters, the committee
requested that Potter Anderson, with input from Kaye Scholer,
draft a list of talking points to discuss with Mr. Chan and
his counsel, including the committees position that there
be no impediments to the company accepting a competing offer and
no termination fee if it did so (although the committee was
agreeable to the payment of a certain amount of expenses
incurred by Mr. Chan in the event of a termination under
certain circumstances). Thereafter, the committees
financial advisor, Salem Partners, joined the meeting and
provided the committee with an overview of the status of its
fairness opinion process. During its discussion, Salem Partners
identified the following two areas as creating the most
uncertainty in arriving at a valuation: (i) whether
Vialtas net operating loss carryforward was worth anything
to an acquirer in a change of control transaction particularly
in light of the value of Vialta and the limitations under
applicable tax laws with respect to the use of such net
operating loss carryforward, and (ii) valuation of
Vialtas business prospects in the area of broadband
technology, which prospects are highly speculative in light of
the absence of any existing sales, contracts or customers of any
broadband products. The special committee and the
representatives of Salem Partners then discussed these matters
in more detail.
On March 14, 2005, based upon its prior discussions with
its legal counsel and financial advisor, the special committee
participated in a conference call with Mr. Chan and
Mr. Pietri to discuss key points of the draft merger
agreement in order to narrow the issues between them. The
parties made substantial progress in that call.
On March 17, 2005, the special committee met with its legal
counsel, its financial advisor, and Vialtas outside
counsel to discuss the status of Salem Partners due
diligence review of the company and the revised version of the
draft merger agreement it had received from Mr. Chan. In
response to a question, Salem Partners advised the special
committee that the extensive market search for potential
acquirers previously conducted by Vialta with the assistance of
Needham supported as one of several factors the conclusion that
$0.36 per share was fair, from a financial point of view,
to Vialtas stockholders, other than the participating
stockholders. Salem Partners also discussed the analyses it had
performed in connection with its valuation of
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the company. See Opinion of the Financial
Advisor to the Special Committee for a more detailed
description of the valuation methods relied on by Salem
Partners. The special committee and its advisors then discussed
the status of the negotiations with Mr. Chan and his
counsel, including with regard to the deal protection provisions
proposed by Mr. Chan. The committees legal counsel
then discussed the committees fiduciary obligations in
negotiating and assessing the merits of the proposed transaction.
During the next week, counsel for the company and Mr. Chan
continued working on the draft merger agreement in an attempt to
narrow the outstanding issues. Work also commenced on certain
ancillary agreements. The special committee remained actively
involved in the negotiation process and in making sure the
transaction continued to move forward.
On March 24, 2005, the special committee, with its legal
counsel and Vialtas outside legal counsel in attendance,
met to discuss the status of the negotiations and outstanding
issues regarding the proposed transaction. The issues included,
among other things, (i) the assurances and mechanics of
payment of the purchase price, and (ii) conditions to
closing and Vialtas representations, warranties and
covenants including a request by Mr. Chan that Vialta agree
to liquidate all of its investment securities and that the
closing be conditioned on Vialta having at least
$18 million in cash and cash equivalents. The committee
concluded that it would not agree to Vialta having
$18 million in cash as a condition to closing, but it might
be agreeable to condition closing on having a lesser figure that
would provide the company with an adequate cushion in the event
unexpected costs arose or the transaction deadline was extended.
Later that same day, March 24, 2005, the special committee,
its legal counsel, Mr. Pietri, Vialtas outside legal
counsel, Mr. Chan and Mr. Chans legal counsel
met by telephone to negotiate with regard to the open issues.
The parties resolved nearly all outstanding issues, including
agreeing that Mr. Chans acquisition vehicle would
pledge its Vialta stock to assure payment of any shortfall
obligation at closing and that a condition to closing would be
that Vialta would have $15 million in cash and that
Mr. Chan would personally provide cash in the amount of any
shortfall necessary to fund the aggregate merger consideration
required at closing up to a maximum of $4 million.
On March 25, 2005, the special committee and its legal
counsel met with the committees financial advisor, Salem
Partners, for the purpose of having the financial advisor
present the special committee with its fairness analyses
regarding the consideration to be received by holders of Vialta
stock (other than the participating stockholders) in the
proposed merger. Prior to the meeting, Salem Partners had
distributed a preliminary valuation report. At the meeting,
Salem Partners orally presented its valuation analysis to the
special committee, discussed the financial terms of the offer
from Mr. Chan and responded to questions and comments from
the members of the special committee and its legal advisor. Upon
inquiry by the committee, Salem Partners confirmed that it had
reviewed and found satisfactory the work, including the market
check for potential acquirers, previously performed for Vialta
by Needham. During the discussion, Salem Partners explained the
various analyses it had performed, including the bases for the
numbers set forth in its written presentation.
Between March 25 and March 28, counsel to the parties
continued working on the draft merger agreement. A nearly final
draft was circulated to members of Vialtas board of
directors on the evening of Sunday, March 27. During the
following day, prior to the Vialta board meeting scheduled for
that afternoon, counsel agreed on final changes to the merger
agreement and related documents. These changes included a
reduction from $15 million to $14.5 million in the
amount of cash and cash equivalents Vialta was required to have
at closing and agreement that a simple majority of the
outstanding shares, as required under the Delaware General
Corporation Law, would be the required stockholder vote to
approve the merger agreement and the merger. The special
committee noted that the outstanding shares of the
companys common stock not held by participating
stockholders are widely dispersed, and that at the most recent
annual meeting of stockholders, total turnout was only 57% of
the outstanding shares (inclusive of the 39% held by the
participating stockholders). Accordingly, in view of the risk
that the transaction could fail to be consummated due to low
turnout, the special committee determined that it was not
practical or in the best interests of stockholders to require
that the closing be conditioned upon approval by a majority of
the outstanding shares not held by participating stockholders or
that participating stockholders vote in favor or against the
merger
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agreement and the merger proportionately with other
stockholders. The special committee believed that there were
sufficient safeguards, including the lack of any restriction on
soliciting or accepting third party offers after announcement,
so that it was not necessary to impose such conditions for the
merger agreement to be fair both procedurally and substantively.
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Special Committee and Board Consideration of the
Merger |
On March 28, 2005, the special committee met, with its
legal and financial advisors in attendance, to determine the
advisability of the proposed transaction and whether to
recommend to Vialtas full board of directors that it
approve the proposed merger agreement. A representative of the
special committees legal counsel again reviewed with the
special committee the terms and conditions of the proposed
merger, and reviewed in detail with the committee the proposed
merger agreement, including the structure of the transaction,
the treatment of Vialtas options, Vialtas
representations and warranties, the acquisition vehicles
representations and warranties, Vialtas covenants, the
acquisition vehicles covenants, and the termination
provisions, and the terms of the related voting agreement.
Thereafter, Salem Partners presented an overview of the analyses
it performed in assessing the fairness of the $0.36 per
share merger consideration, from a financial point of view, to
the stockholders of Vialta, other than Mr. Chan and the
other participating stockholders. Prior to the meeting, Salem
Partners had distributed a report of its fairness analysis.
During its presentation, Salem Partners informed the committee
that it had not received material new information since its
presentation on March 25, and provided its oral opinion,
later confirmed in writing, that the proposed purchase price was
fair to the holders of Vialta stock, other than the
participating stockholders, from a financial point of view.
After further discussion, upon motion duly made and seconded,
the special committee unanimously determined that the proposed
merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the
proposed merger agreement, including the merger, were advisable,
fair to, and in the best interests of Vialta and its
stockholders (other than the participating stockholders) and
recommended that Vialtas full board of directors approve
and declare advisable the proposed merger agreement, the merger
and the other transactions contemplated by the proposed merger
agreement. A board meeting was then held at which Salem Partners
reviewed its analysis, counsel reviewed the merger agreement and
related documents and the special committee presented its
recommendation that the board of directors approve the proposed
merger agreement. After discussion, the board of directors
approved the merger agreement and related documents, with all
directors present voting in favor, other than Mr. Chan, who
abstained, which approval included a majority of directors not
employed by Vialta. Herbert Chang, who was the only member not
present at the meeting, subsequently indicated his approval of
the board of directors resolutions.
Following the meeting of the board of directors at which the
board of directors approved the merger agreement, the merger
agreement and related transaction documents were executed by the
parties.
On March 28, 2005, after the close of trading on the OTC
Bulletin Board, Vialta issued a press release announcing
that its board of directors had approved the merger agreement.
Position of Vialta as to the Purpose and Reasons for the
Merger
The purpose of the merger is for Victory to acquire all
outstanding shares of common stock of Vialta that it does not
currently own in exchange for cash, while maximizing the value
to be received by, the other stockholders of Vialta. In the
first quarter of 2004, the board of directors of Vialta met to
discuss strategic alternatives for the company to maximize
stockholder value, in light of the increasing expenses of
remaining as a public company and additional regulatory
requirements including regulations relating to accounting
procedures and internal controls, the need to attract and retain
senior management, and the need for greater scale in dealing
with the companys third party retail partners, all of
which would require significantly more resources than were
currently available to the company. The board of directors
subsequently engaged Needham to explore a range of strategic
alternatives, including a possible sale of the company. Of the
strategic alternatives presented, the board of directors
believes that the proposed merger provides the best value to
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Vialta stockholders (other than the participating stockholders).
See SPECIAL FACTORS Background of the
Merger.
Position of Vialta as to the Fairness of the Merger to
Vialtas Stockholders; Reasons for Recommending the
Approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger
Both the special committee and the board of directors of Vialta
have determined that the merger agreement and the merger are
substantively and procedurally fair to and in the best interests
of the stockholders of Vialta other than the participating
stockholders. In its determination the special committee
recommended that the board of directors
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approve and adopt the merger agreement; |
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approve the merger; and |
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recommend that the stockholders of Vialta vote for the approval
of the merger agreement and the merger. |
After considering the recommendation of the special committee,
the board of directors approved and adopted the merger
agreement, approved the merger and resolved to recommend to
Vialtas stockholders that they vote for the approval of
the merger agreement and the merger. In view of his conflicts of
interest with respect to the proposal by the participating
stockholders to acquire 100% ownership of Vialta, Mr. Chan
recused himself from the confidential portion of the board of
directors deliberations with respect to the merger and the
merger agreement and abstained from voting on the related
resolutions, including the recommendations to Vialta
stockholders described in this proxy statement.
In evaluating the fairness of the merger and making its
recommendation, the special committee considered factors
including:
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the fact that prior to the execution of the merger agreement, no
third party had come forward with a superior transaction
proposal despite an extensive search for strategic alternatives
conducted by Needham on behalf of Vialta; |
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the fact that the terms of the merger agreement were negotiated
by a two person special committee of the board of directors,
neither member of which was an interested party in the
transaction or otherwise affiliated with Mr. Chan or the
other participating stockholders; |
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the fact that the merger consideration of $0.36 per share
in cash to be received by Vialta stockholders (other than the
participating stockholders) represented, at the time of the
special committees determination, a 50% premium to the
average closing price of Vialta common stock for the
30 days prior to the March 28, 2005 announcement as
well as a premium to the amount of proceeds stockholders,
including participating stockholders (owning approximately 39%
of the shares outstanding and who would participate in a
liquidating distribution), reasonably could be expected to
receive in a liquidation of the company (based on analyses by
management, Needham and Salem Partners); |
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the fact that the merger consideration of $0.36 per share
exceeded managements best-case extended liquidation
scenario (including assets written off by the company),
developed with Needham, of $0.33 per share and
managements base-case immediate liquidation scenario,
developed with Needham, of $0.25 per share, which
liquidation analyses did not take into consideration the fact
that the company continues to experience operating losses and
negative cash flow; |
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the opinion delivered by Salem Partners on March 28, 2005
that, as of that date and based on and subject to the
assumptions, limitations and qualifications set forth in the
opinion, the cash consideration of $0.36 per share to be
paid in the merger to the stockholders of Vialta other than the
participating stockholders and Victory was fair, from a
financial point of view, to such stockholders; |
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the special committees consideration of the various
analyses undertaken by Salem Partners, each of which is
described below under SPECIAL FACTORS Opinion
of Financial Advisor to the Special Committee; |
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the special committees belief that the principal advantage
of Vialta continuing as a public company would be to allow
public stockholders to continue to participate in any potential
growth in the value of Vialtas equity, but that, under all
of the relevant circumstances and in view of the historical
results of operations, financial condition, assets, liabilities,
business strategy and prospects of Vialta, the nature of the
industry in which Vialta competes, and trading characteristics
of companies with market capitalization similar in size to that
of Vialta, and in light of the proposed merger consideration of
$0.36 per share, the value to stockholders that would be
achieved by continuing as a public company was not likely to be
as great as the merger consideration of $0.36 per share; |
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the active and direct role of the members of the special
committee and their representatives in the negotiations with
respect to the merger, and the consideration of the transaction
by the special committee at numerous special committee meetings; |
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the belief by the members of the special committee that
$0.36 per share was the highest price that the
participating stockholders and Victory would agree to pay to
Vialtas stockholders; |
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the merger consideration of $0.36 per share in cash in
relation to the then-current market price of Vialta common stock
of $0.22 per share, the then-current value of Vialta in a
freely negotiated transaction and the future value of Vialta as
an independent entity; |
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the terms of the merger agreement that permit Vialta and the
special committee to explore an alternative acquisition proposal
and, that permit the special committee to modify or withdraw its
recommendation with respect to the merger agreement and the
merger and to approve or recommend a different acquisition
proposal; |
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Vialtas right to terminate the merger agreement prior to
approval of the merger at the stockholders meeting, if the
board of directors or the special committee determines in good
faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that
termination is necessary to comply with its fiduciary duties
under applicable law; |
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the fact that Didier Pietri, Chief Executive Officer of Vialta,
has expressed a desire to terminate his employment and that the
companys outside accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, has indicated that, while it has not resigned or declined
to stand for re-appointment, it may decide not to continue as
the companys outside auditors; |
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the terms and conditions of the voting agreement providing for
Victory to vote in favor of approving the merger
agreement; and |
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the availability to stockholders who vote against approval of
the merger agreement of appraisal or dissenters rights
under California or Delaware law, which provide stockholders who
dispute the fairness of the merger consideration with an
opportunity to have a court determine the fair value of their
shares. |
The special committee believes that each of these factors
supported its conclusion that the merger is substantively and
procedurally fair to, and in the best interests of,
Vialtas stockholders other than the participating
stockholders.
The special committee did not consider the net book value of the
company other than to note that it was less than the estimated
liquidation value used as a consideration in its negotiations
with Mr. Chan. In addition, the special committee did not
rely on a pre-merger going concern value for the equity of
Vialta and does not believe there is a single method of
determining going concern value. Instead, the special committee
believes the analyses of Salem Partners in their totality,
including their analysis of comparables, may be reflective of
going concern value.
The special committee also considered a variety of risks and
other potentially negative factors concerning the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated by it, including the
merger. These factors included:
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the fact that Vialtas only recourse in the event of a
wrongful termination or material breach of the merger agreement
may be against Victory, a company with no assets other than
Vialta common stock |
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and a commitment by Mr. Chan to contribute additional cash
on its behalf to Vialta in the event of a shortfall, as set
forth in the additional contribution agreement attached hereto
as Annex D; |
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the fact that, following the merger, Vialtas stockholders
will no longer participate in any future earnings of Vialta or
benefit from any increases in Vialtas value; |
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the fact that Vialtas stockholders will not benefit from
any potential upside in the companys broadband videophone
products, which potential upside is highly speculative at this
point and may, if continued to be pursued by Vialta, represent a
potential loss in value to the then holders of Vialta common
stock in the event of continued investments and losses (see
CERTAIN FINANCIAL MODELS RELATING TO POTENTIAL BROADBAND
PRODUCTS); |
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the fact that, in the event that Vialta becomes profitable,
Vialtas current stockholders will not benefit from the
companys use of its net operating loss carryforwards to
reduce its income tax payables, if any; |
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the fact that certain parties, including Mr. Chan and other
members of the board of directors, including members of the
special committee, may have interests that are different from
those of Vialtas stockholders, as described under
SPECIAL FACTORS Interests of Certain Persons
in the Merger; |
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the possibility that Vialta could be required to reimburse
Victory for up to $250,000 of its out-of-pocket expenses in the
event that the merger is not consummated because of another
transaction under certain circumstances; |
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the risk of a potential fraudulent conveyance challenge to the
merger described under SPECIAL FACTORS Certain
Fraudulent Transfer Risks; and |
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the fact that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the
cash merger consideration will be taxable to Vialtas
stockholders receiving the merger consideration. |
This discussion of the information and factors considered by the
special committee in reaching its conclusions and recommendation
includes all of the material factors considered by the special
committee but is not intended to be exhaustive. In view of the
wide variety of factors considered by the special committee in
evaluating the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated by it, including the merger, and the complexity of
these matters, the special committee did not find it
practicable, and did not attempt, to quantify, rank or otherwise
assign relative weight to those factors. In addition, different
members of the special committee may have given different weight
to different factors.
The special committee believes that sufficient procedural
safeguards were and are present to ensure the fairness of the
merger and to permit the special committee to represent
effectively the interests of Vialtas stockholders other
than the participating stockholders. These procedural safeguards
include the following:
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the special committees active and intense negotiations,
with the assistance of its advisors, directly with Victory and
its representatives regarding the merger consideration and the
other terms of the merger and the merger agreement; |
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other than their receipt of board of directors and special
committee fees, their indemnification and liability insurance
rights under the merger agreement and their entitlement to
receive $2,400 each in respect of their accelerated Vialta stock
options in connection with the merger, members of the special
committee do not have an interest in the merger different from
that of Vialtas stockholders; |
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the special committee retained and received the advice and
assistance of Salem Partners as its financial advisor and Potter
Anderson as its legal advisor, and requested and received from
Salem Partners an opinion, delivered orally on March 28,
2005 and confirmed in writing, with respect to the fairness from
a financial point of view of the merger consideration to be
received by Vialta stockholders other than the participating
stockholders and Victory; |
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the recognition by the special committee that it had no
obligation to recommend the approval of the merger proposal or
any other transaction and had full power to consider any
strategic transaction, including but not limited to a
liquidation of the company; |
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the recognition by the special committee that the board of
directors could consider and recommend superior proposals and
otherwise terminate the merger if in good faith after consulting
with counsel it concludes it is required to do so in accordance
with its fiduciary duties; and |
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the availability of dissenters and appraisal rights under
California and Delaware law for Vialtas stockholders who
oppose the merger. |
The special committee initially favored a structure in which
Mr. Chan would vote his shares in the same proportion in
favor or against the merger agreement as other votes cast at the
special meeting, but subsequently determined that such structure
was unnecessary since the company had been fully shopped and
there were no restrictions on the board of directors soliciting
or recommending a competing transaction or terminating the
merger agreement if necessary to comply with its fiduciary
duties. In addition, withholding Mr. Chans vote could
have the inadvertent consequence of preventing the consummation
of a transaction believed to be in the best interests of
stockholders in the event of a low turn-out of stockholders at
the special meeting.
In reaching its determination that the merger agreement and the
merger are substantively and procedurally fair to and in the
best interests of Vialtas stockholders other than the
participating stockholders, the board of directors determined
that the analysis of special committee was reasonable and
adopted the analysis and conclusions of the special committee as
to the fairness to such Vialta stockholders of the merger
consideration of $0.36 per share. In determining the
reasonableness of the special committees analysis and
adopting the special committees analysis, the board of
directors considered and relied upon:
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the process the special committee conducted in considering the
merger; |
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the special committees having retained and received advice
from its independent legal counsel, Potter Anderson; |
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the special committees having retained and received advice
from its independent financial advisor, Salem Partners; |
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the special committees unanimous recommendation on
March 28, 2005 that the board of directors determine that
the merger agreement and the merger are fair to and in the best
interests of Vialtas stockholders other than the
participating stockholders and approve and adopt the merger
agreement and approve the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement, including the merger; and |
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the availability of dissenters and appraisal rights under
California and Delaware law for Vialtas stockholders who
oppose the merger. |
The board of directors also believes that sufficient procedural
safeguards were present to ensure the fairness of the
transaction and to permit the special committee to represent
effectively the interests of Vialtas stockholders other
than the participating stockholders. The board of directors
reached this conclusion based on, among other things:
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the fact that the special committee consisted solely of
independent directors who are not affiliated with Mr. Chan
or the other participating stockholders; |
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the selection and retention by the special committee of its own
financial advisor and legal counsel; |
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the fact that negotiations that had taken place directly between
Mr. Chan and his representatives, on the one hand, and the
special committee and its representatives, on the other hand,
were structured and conducted so as to preserve the independence
of the special committee and promote the fairness of the
transaction; and |
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the fact that the merger agreement and the merger were
unanimously approved by the members of the board of directors
other than Mr. Chan. |
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In light of the procedural protections described above, the
board of directors, including each of the non-employee
directors, did not consider it necessary either to require a
separate affirmative vote of a majority of Vialtas
stockholders other than the participating stockholders or to
retain an unaffiliated representative to act solely on behalf of
such Vialta stockholders for purposes of negotiating the terms
of the merger agreement or preparing a report concerning the
fairness of the merger agreement and the merger.
In view of the wide variety of factors considered by the board
of directors in evaluating the merger and the complexity of
these matters, the board of directors did not find it
practicable, and did not attempt, to quantify, rank or otherwise
assign relative weight to those factors. In addition, different
members of the board of directors may have given different
weight to different factors.
Based in part upon the recommendation of the special committee,
the board of directors, with Mr. Chan abstaining,
unanimously voted to approve and adopt the merger agreement and
resolved to recommend that you vote FOR the approval
and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger and
FOR the proposal to adjourn the special meeting if
necessary to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event
there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special
meeting to approve the merger agreement and the merger. Herbert
Chang, who was the only member not present at the meeting,
subsequently indicated his approval of the boards
resolutions.
If the merger is consummated, Didier Pietri and members of the
board of directors other than Mr. Chan will be entitled to
receive an aggregate of approximately $46,800 in net cash merger
consideration in respect of Vialta stock options, approximately
$4,800 of which would be received by members of the special
committee. Didier Pietri and Matthew Fong also own shares of
Vialta common stock, entitling them to receive an aggregate of
an additional $50,550 in merger consideration in cash. See
SPECIAL FACTORS Interests of Certain Persons
in the Merger.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The board of directors, based in part on the unanimous
recommendation of the special committee, unanimously, with
Mr. Chan abstaining, recommends that the Vialta
stockholders vote FOR the approval and adoption of the
merger agreement and the merger. The board of directors also
unanimously recommends, with Mr. Chan abstaining, that you
vote FOR the proposal to adjourn the special meeting if
necessary to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event
there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special
meeting to approve the merger agreement. The recommendations of
the board of directors were made after consideration of all the
material factors, both positive and negative, as described in
Position of Vialta as to the Fairness of the
Merger to Vialtas Stockholders; Reasons for Recommending
the Approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger above.
Herbert Chang, who was the only member not present at the
meeting, subsequently indicated his approval of the boards
resolutions.
The board of directors of Vialta believes that the merger
agreement and the merger are fair to and in the best interests
of Vialtas stockholders other than the participating
stockholders for all of the reasons set forth above under
SPECIAL FACTORS Position of Vialta as to the
Fairness of the Merger to Vialtas Stockholders; Reasons
for Recommending the Approval of the Merger Agreement and the
Merger.
Liquidation Analysis and Selection of Needham
Needham worked with Vialtas management to estimate a
preliminary liquidation value of Vialta as a strategic
alternative and in order to assist in any sale negotiations.
Although Vialtas management was not expert in determining
liquidation values, and Needham does not customarily determine
liquidation values or appraise individual corporate assets, the
board of directors believed that the preliminary estimate would
be useful in determining whether a liquidation would be a better
alternative for stockholders than the combinations of cash and
securities being discussed with potential acquirors. In
preparing its analysis, Vialtas management, working with
Needham, considered three possible scenarios: an immediate
liquidation, an extended liquidation (over the course of a one
year period), and a liquidation where employees were retained to
continue research and development work in the broadband area but
other activities would be wound up (in which case the company
would continue for 18 months to two years while the
viability of the broadband
25
product was assessed). The preliminary liquidation value
prepared during November 2004 used an assumed balance sheet
as of March 31, 2005 based on Vialtas balance sheet
at September 30, 2004 and other information available to
management and Needham at that time regarding the expected costs
associated with conducting a liquidation of Vialta. The balance
sheet assumed accounts receivable, cash flow and inventories
would be consistent with the prior year with adjustment for
changes in customer composition during the year. Additionally,
the preliminary analysis assumed transaction expenses remained
constant through all scenarios.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Immediate | |
|
Extended | |
|
Extended Liquidation | |
|
|
Liquidation(1) | |
|
Liquidation(2) | |
|
and Development(3) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Assuming no Collection of Receivable(4)
|
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
|
$ |
0.30 |
|
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
Assuming Collection of Receivable
|
|
$ |
0.34 |
|
|
$ |
0.36 |
|
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
An immediate liquidation assumes, in addition to cash and cash
equivalents, the company would receive in cash 40% of the value
of accounts receivable, 20% of the value of inventories and 10%
of the net value of equipment, in each case as reflected on the
assumed balance sheet. |
|
|
|
(2) |
An extended liquidation assumed an orderly sale of the
companys assets over a 12 month period would result
in an increase from an immediate liquidation to 90% of the value
of accounts receivable, 70% of the value of inventories, and 20%
of the net value of equipment and the incurrence of an
additional $1.16 million of operating expenses during
liquidation. Also assumed no change in transaction expenses. |
|
|
|
(3) |
An extended liquidation while continuing to develop the
companys broadband videophone assumes an increase from an
extended liquidation to 90% of the value of inventories and the
incurrence of an additional $1.95 million of operating
expenses related to development. |
|
|
|
(4) |
Considers the effect of a $5.0 million note receivable held
by the company but written off in 2002 due to significant
uncertainty as to its collectibility. This note receivable was
subsequently collected on April 28, 2005. |
|
In December 2004, Vialtas management and Needham
determined that the preliminary liquidation value estimate of
Vialta underestimated the transaction expenses associated with
liquidation and did not include the expenses required to
liquidate the company over a one to two year period. In the
revised analysis, transaction expenses were increased to take
into account the estimated length of time and the relative
complexity of the liquidation. Additional costs were included,
such as estimated premiums for directors and officers insurance,
warranty expenses, legal costs and contingency cost reserves.
The balance sheet assumptions were also updated to reflect
estimated fourth quarter results for 2004 and the inclusion of
additional inventory previously reserved against. Otherwise, the
liquidation analysis was based on the same available information
and assumptions as the preliminary analysis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Immediate | |
|
Extended | |
|
Extended Liquidation | |
|
|
Liquidation(1) | |
|
Liquidation(2) | |
|
and Development(3) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Assuming No Collection of Receivable
|
|
$ |
0.24 |
|
|
$ |
0.27 |
|
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
Assuming Collection of Receivable
|
|
$ |
0.30 |
|
|
$ |
0.33 |
|
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Assumes an increase of transaction expenses to $0.9 million
relating to legal, tax, accounting and other professional
services and additional transaction expenses of
$1.07 million relating primarily to warranty and
contingency reserves. |
|
|
|
(2) |
Assumes an increase of transaction expenses to $1.0 million
and an increase of additional transaction expenses to
$1.17 million assuming an increase in stay bonuses. |
|
|
|
(3) |
Assumes an increase of transaction expenses to $1.2 million
and a decrease of additional transaction expenses to
$1.07 million, assuming no need for stay bonuses as a
result of the ongoing development. Also, assumes an increase of
operating expenses to $6.23 million due to the ongoing
development. |
|
Needham relied upon information from management of the company
in connection with the preparation of the liquidation analyses.
Needhams assistance was provided for the use and benefit
of the board of directors in consideration of a possible sale of
the company to potential purchasers not affiliated with the
company. Needham did not provide any accounting, tax or legal
advice in connection with its financial assistance.
26
Needham noted that the actual results in the event the company
were liquidated could vary materially from the liquidation
analyses based on facts and circumstances at the time. Needham
did not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness
of the information obtained from management and did not make a
separate appraisal of the assets of the company.
Needham was selected by Vialta to assist in the evaluation of
alternatives because Needham had assisted in the spin-off of the
company in August 2001 and, as a result, was familiar with
the company. The board of directors felt that this existing
familiarity would allow Needham to assist in the solicitation of
third-party offers in a time and cost efficient manner. Needham
is a privately held, full-service investment bank, that
specializes in technology and biotechnology/life sciences. In
2003, Needham advised ESS Technology, Inc., Vialtas
former parent and for which Mr. Chan serves as Chairman, on
its acquisitions of Pictos Technologies, Inc. and Divio, Inc.
Otherwise, Needham has not had a material relationship during
the past two years, nor is one contemplated, with Vialta or
Mr. Chan or Victory.
Opinion of the Financial Advisor to the Special Committee
Salem Partners was engaged to provide financial advisory
services, including providing a financial opinion letter (the
Salem Partners Opinion), in connection with the
merger. Salem Partners was selected by the special committee to
act as the special committees financial advisor based on
Salem Partners reputation and their experience and
expertise relating to transactions similar to the contemplated
merger. In addition, the special committee considered the fact
that Salem Partners did not have any prior relationship with
Vialta, Mr. Chan or the other participating stockholders.
On March 28, 2005 Salem Partners rendered its oral opinion
to Vialtas special committee that, as of such date and
based upon and subject to the various considerations set forth
in its opinion, the consideration to be received by the holders
of Vialta common stock (other than the participating
stockholders) pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a
financial point of view to such holders. Salem Partners
confirmed its opinion in writing by delivery to the special
committee and the board of directors of a written opinion dated
March 28, 2005.
The full text of the written Salem Partners Opinion, dated
March 28, 2005, which sets forth, among other things, the
assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and
limitations on the scope of the review undertaken, is attached
as Annex F to this proxy statement. The Salem Partners
Opinion is directed to Vialtas special committee and board
of directors and addresses only the fairness of the
consideration from a financial point of view to holders of
Vialta common stock (other than the participating stockholders)
as of the date of such opinion and does not address any other
aspect of the merger. The Salem Partners Opinion is not a
recommendation to any Vialta stockholder as to how any
stockholder should vote with respect to the proposed transaction
or any other matter and should not be relied upon by
Vialtas stockholders as such. In addition to reading this
summary, the full text of the Salem Partners Opinion attached as
Annex F hereto should be read carefully and in its
entirety.
In addition to information included in the written opinion and
described below, Salem Partners answered questions raised by
counsel at the meeting concerning the value of the broadband
product under development. In response, Salem Partners noted
that development is in a preliminary stage and that there is no
guarantee that it will ever be viable, no reliable estimate of
the cost of its development, no current market for the product
and no sales activity on which to base an estimate of revenues.
As a result, Salem Partners could not determine whether the
broadband product would ultimately result in a net gain or a net
loss to the company.
In arriving at its opinion, Salem Partners, among other things,
examined:
|
|
|
|
|
the proposed merger agreement dated as of March 28, 2005; |
|
|
|
certain audited historical financial statements of Vialta for
the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2001,
December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2003; |
|
|
|
the unaudited financial statements of Vialta for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2004; |
27
|
|
|
|
|
certain internal business, operating and financial information
and forecasts of Vialta prepared and provided by senior
management of Vialta; |
|
|
|
the financial terms of the merger compared with publicly
available information regarding the financial terms of certain
other business combinations Salem Partners deemed relevant; |
|
|
|
the financial position and operating results of Vialta compared
with those of certain other publicly traded companies Salem
Partners deemed relevant; |
|
|
|
current and historical market prices and trading volumes of the
common stock of Vialta; |
|
|
|
presentations by Needham to the board of directors of Vialta, as
well as certain other materials prepared by Needham regarding
various strategic alternatives, including the potential for sale
of Vialta; and |
|
|
|
certain other publicly available information about Vialta. |
Salem Partners also held discussions with members of the senior
management of Vialta to discuss the foregoing, considered other
matters which it deemed relevant to its inquiry and took into
account such accepted financial and investment banking
procedures and considerations as it deemed relevant. Salem
Partners was not requested or authorized to approach, nor did it
hold any discussions with, any third parties to solicit offers
or indications of interest to acquire all or any part of Vialta,
nor did Salem Partners evaluate potential alternative
transactions.
In arriving at its opinion, Salem Partners assumed and relied
upon without independent verification the accuracy and
completeness of the information supplied or otherwise made
available by Vialta for the purposes of its opinion. With
respect to the financial forecasts, Salem Partners assumed that
they were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best
currently available estimates and judgments of the future
financial performance of Vialta. Salem Partners was not
requested to, and did not, participate in the negotiation or
structuring of the merger nor was it asked to consider the
relative merits of the merger as compared to any alternative
business strategies that might exist for Vialta or the effect of
any other transaction in which Vialta might engage. Salem
Partners also assumed that the merger would be consummated in
accordance with the terms set forth in the merger agreement. The
Salem Partners Opinion was necessarily based on financial,
economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the
information made available to it as of, the date of its opinion.
The following is a brief summary of the material analyses
performed by Salem Partners in connection with its oral opinion
and the Salem Partners Opinion. Certain of these summaries of
financial analyses include information presented in tabular
format. In order to fully understand the financial analyses used
by Salem Partners, the tables must be read together with the
text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a
complete description of the financial analyses.
|
|
|
Implied Transactional Statistics |
Salem Partners calculated several values implied by the merger
consideration of $0.36 per share of Vialta common stock
(excluding shares owned by Victory and the participating
stockholders) in cash, including Vialtas implied
fully-diluted equity value and enterprise value. The following
table summarizes the results of this analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Values Implied by | |
|
|
|
|
Price per Vialta Share | |
|
Values Implied by | |
|
|
as of March 24, 2005 | |
|
Merger Consideration | |
|
|
of $0.23 | |
|
of $0.36 per share | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Vialta fully-diluted equity value
|
|
$ |
20.1 million |
|
|
$ |
32.2 million |
|
Vialta fully-diluted enterprise value
|
|
$ |
(3.3 million |
) |
|
$ |
8.8 million |
|
28
Salem Partners also calculated the premium of the merger
consideration of $0.36 per share of Vialta common stock
(excluding shares owned by Victory and the participating
stockholders) in cash over the closing trading price of Vialta
common stock on March 24, 2005 and over the closing trading
prices of Vialtas stock on various dates over the period
from March 24, 2004 to March 24, 2005. The following
table summarizes the results of this analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium of Merger | |
|
|
Consideration over | |
|
|
Closing Trading Prices | |
|
|
| |
March 24, 2005 price of $0.23 per share
|
|
|
60.0% |
|
February 24, 2005 price of $0.24 per share
|
|
|
50.0% |
|
December 23, 2004 price of $0.25 per share
|
|
|
44.0% |
|
September 24, 2004 price of $0.25 per share
|
|
|
44.0% |
|
March 24, 2004 price of $0.34 per share
|
|
|
5.9% |
|
Salem Partners also calculated certain trading multiples implied
by (i) the closing trading price of Vialta common stock on
March 24, 2005 ($0.23) and (ii) by the merger
consideration ($0.36). For each of these values, Salem Partners
calculated the multiples of Vialtas implied enterprise
value to Vialtas revenue or estimated revenue for calendar
years 2004 and 2005 using revenue estimates prepared by
Vialtas management. The following table summarizes the
results of these analyses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fully-diluted Enterprise Value | |
|
|
to Revenue Multiple Implied | |
|
|
by Merger Consideration of | |
|
|
$0.36 per share | |
|
|
| |
2004 Revenue
|
|
|
0.69x |
|
Estimated 2005 Revenue
|
|
|
0.73x |
|
|
|
|
Review of Previous Sale Discussions |
Salem Partners reviewed materials presented to the board of
directors by Needham, as well as materials prepared by Needham
in connection with Vialtas exploration of strategic
alternatives, including a potential sale of the company. Salem
Partners reviewed Needhams list of contacted parties as
well as the presentation to the board of directors of Vialta
dated October 26, 2004 in which Needham summarized the
interest it had received from potential acquirors since
announcing the companys interest in exploring strategic
alternatives. Salem Partners noted that of the three parties who
submitted indications of interest, one party declined to submit
an offer and the other two parties proposed transactions, each
of which would have involved significant stock components, of
$0.34 and $0.36 per share, respectively, in the aggregate.
Vialta indicated that one of the interested parties later
increased its offer to $0.42 per share, which continued to
involve a significant stock component. Subsequently, of the two
potential acquirors who entered into discussions with Vialta,
one withdrew its offer and Vialta discontinued discussions with
the other. A complete summary of these discussions regarding a
potential sale of the company is included in SPECIAL
FACTORS Background of the Merger.
|
|
|
Comparable Companies Analysis |
Salem Partners compared certain of Vialtas financial
information with that of other publicly-traded companies that
Salem Partners deemed to be comparable to Vialta in various
comparable technology industry sectors, including:
(i) diversified consumer electronics, including Samsung,
Sony, Matsushita, NEC, Sharp, LG Philips, Sanyo, Thomson and
Pioneer, and (ii) specialty consumer electronics, including
Research in Motion, Logitech, Polycom, PalmOne, Creative
Technologies, Tivo, WorldGate Communications, Viseon and
Avistar. Salem Partners reviewed fully-diluted enterprise
values, calculated as equity value plus net debt, as multiples
of actual revenue for the latest twelve months and of the
companies projected revenue for calendar year 2005. Salem
Partners also reviewed current share price as multiples of
earnings-per-share for the latest twelve months and for the
projected calendar year 2005. Estimated financial data for the
selected companies were based on publicly available research
analyst estimates. Estimated data for Vialta were based on
internal estimates prepared by Vialtas management. All
multiples were based on closing stock prices on March 24,
2005.
29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Median Fully-diluted | |
|
|
|
|
Enterprise Value/ | |
|
Median Fully-diluted | |
|
|
Actual Revenue for | |
|
Enterprise Value/ | |
|
|
the Latest | |
|
2005 Projected | |
|
|
Twelve Months | |
|
Revenue | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Specialty Consumer Electronics
|
|
|
0.58x |
|
|
|
0.62x |
|
Diversified Consumer Electronics
|
|
|
2.22x |
|
|
|
1.97x |
|
From the range of multiples calculated for the selected
comparable companies, Salem Partners derived and applied a range
of multiples of enterprise value to the latest twelve months
revenue of 0.50x to 2.25x. This analysis indicated a range of
implied fully-diluted equity values.
|
Implied Fully-diluted Equity Value of Vialta |
|
$29.8 million - $54.1 million
|
This analysis also indicated a range of implied prices per share
of Vialta common stock.
|
Implied Price per Vialta Share |
|
$0.33 - $0.57
|
Stockholders should be aware that no company used as a
comparison in this analysis is identical to Vialta. In addition,
mathematical analysis is not in itself a meaningful method of
using comparable market trading data.
|
|
|
Precedent Transactions Analysis |
Salem Partners reviewed several financial metrics from the
following selected transactions. Salem Partners selected these
transactions by choosing recent transactions involving
publicly-traded target companies in the technology industry with
a transaction value of less than $100 million and which
Salem Partners deemed generally relevant to Vialta. These
selected transactions were:
|
|
|
Acquiror |
|
Target |
|
|
|
Tut Systems
|
|
CoSine Communications |
Black Box
|
|
Nortan |
Selectica
|
|
I Many |
Fair Isaac
|
|
Braun Consulting |
Art Technology Group
|
|
Primus Knowledge Solutions |
Zhone Technologies
|
|
Sorrento Networks |
SAFLINK
|
|
SSP Solutions |
Stellent
|
|
Optika |
Cisco Systems
|
|
Latitude Communications |
Quovadx
|
|
Rogue Wave Software |
Symantec
|
|
On Technology |
Cubic
|
|
ECC International |
GEAC Computer
|
|
Comshare |
P-Com
|
|
SPEEDCOM Wireless |
Vitesse Semiconductor
|
|
Multilink Technology |
Audiovox
|
|
Recoton |
Group 1 Software
|
|
Sagent Technology |
Tumbleweed Communications
|
|
ValiCert |
Symantec
|
|
Nexland |
Electronics for Imaging
|
|
PrintCafe Software |
30
Salem Partners compared the fully-diluted enterprise values in
the selected precedent transactions as multiples of the latest
twelve months revenue and share price as a multiple of the
latest twelve months earnings per share for the target company
in each transaction.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Median Fully-diluted | |
|
|
Enterprise Value/ | |
|
|
Actual Revenue for | |
|
|
the Latest | |
|
|
Twelve Months | |
|
|
| |
Precedent Transactions
|
|
|
1.05x |
|
From the multiples calculated from these precedent transactions,
Salem Partners derived and applied a range of multiples of
enterprise value to revenue of 0.75x to 1.25x, indicating a
range of implied fully-diluted equity values.
|
Implied Fully-diluted Equity Value of Vialta |
|
$33.0 million - $39.3 million
|
This analysis also indicated a range of implied prices per share
of Vialta common stock.
|
Implied Price per Vialta Share |
|
$0.37 - $0.44
|
Many of these precedent transactions consisted of common stock
of the acquired target companies either exclusively or partially
which can affect the valuation of the consideration to the
target company and its stockholders. While the merger
consideration of $0.36 is $0.01 below this stated implied range
of prices per share, Salem Partners believes that no single
analysis should alone be used as a basis to determine fairness.
Stockholders should be aware that no transaction used as a
comparison in this or any other comparable transaction analysis
is identical to this transaction. In addition, mathematical
analysis is not in itself a meaningful method of using
comparable transaction data.
In addition, Salem Partners reviewed several financial metrics
from the following six precedent going-private transactions in
which the acquirors paid cash. Salem Partners selected these
transactions by choosing recent transactions involving
publicly-traded sellers with a transaction value of less than
$100 million and which Salem Partners deemed generally
relevant to Vialta. These selected transactions were:
|
|
|
Acquiror |
|
Target |
|
|
|
Golden Gate Capital
|
|
Blue Martini |
HIG Capital Management
|
|
T-Netix |
Snowbird Holdings
|
|
Cysive |
Dirk, Inc.
|
|
Troy Group |
PartsBase, Inc. (Hammond)
|
|
PartsBase, Inc. |
DF Merger Co.
|
|
Deltek Systems |
Salem Partners compared the fully-diluted enterprise values in
the selected precedent transactions as multiples of the latest
twelve months revenue and share price as a multiple of the
latest twelve months earnings per share for the target company
in each transaction.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Median Fully-diluted | |
|
|
Enterprise Value/ | |
|
|
Actual Revenue for | |
|
|
the Latest | |
|
|
Twelve Months | |
|
|
| |
Going-Private Precedent Transactions
|
|
|
0.82x |
|
31
From the multiples calculated in these transactions, Salem
Partners derived and applied a range of multiples of enterprise
value to revenue of 0.50x to 1.00x, indicating a range of
implied fully-diluted equity values.
|
Implied Fully-diluted Equity Value of Vialta |
|
$29.8 million - $36.2 million
|
This analysis also indicated a range of implied prices per share
of Vialta common stock.
|
Implied Price per Vialta Share |
|
$0.33 - $0.40
|
Salem Partners considered the premiums paid above the
targets share price in order to determine the additional
value that acquirors, when compared to public stockholders, have
historically been willing to pay for companies in a particular
market segment. In order to perform this analysis, Salem
Partners calculated the implied premiums paid in the following
selected transactions: (i) 63 transactions since
January 1, 2002 in which the transaction value was of
comparable size involving target companies which Salem Partners
deemed generally relevant to Vialta,
(ii) 20 transactions since January 1, 2003 in the
technology sector in which the transaction value was of
comparable size involving target companies which Salem Partners
deemed generally relevant to Vialta, and
(iii) six going-private transactions since
January 1, 2003 in which the transaction value was of
comparable size involving target companies which Salem Partners
deemed generally relevant to Vialta. All premiums calculated for
the selected transactions were based on the target
companys stock price one day prior to announcement of the
relevant transaction and on information available at the time of
announcement of the relevant transaction. Salem Partners derived
the following information from data observed for the selected
precedent transactions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Premium | |
|
Median Premium | |
|
|
Over Target Share | |
|
Over Target Share | |
|
|
Price One Day Prior | |
|
Price One Day Prior | |
|
|
to Announcement | |
|
to Announcement | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
63 Transactions since January 1, 2002, consisting of:
|
|
|
58.8 |
% |
|
|
38.7 |
% |
|
4 Transactions in 2005
|
|
|
11.2 |
% |
|
|
9.7 |
% |
|
16 Transactions in 2004
|
|
|
29.3 |
% |
|
|
28.6 |
% |
|
26 Transactions in 2003
|
|
|
55.9 |
% |
|
|
37.7 |
% |
|
17 Transactions in 2002
|
|
|
102.3 |
% |
|
|
106.9 |
% |
20 Technology Transactions since January 1, 2003
|
|
|
61.2 |
% |
|
|
29.5 |
% |
6 Going-Private Transactions since January 1, 2003
|
|
|
36.6 |
% |
|
|
29.9 |
% |
From the implied premiums paid in these transactions, Salem
Partners derived and applied a range of premiums paid of
(i) 30.0% to 40.0% for the 63 transactions since
January 1, 2002 in which the transaction value was of
comparable size, which implied a range of fully diluted equity
values.
|
Implied Fully-diluted Equity Value of Vialta |
|
$26.1 million $28.1 million
|
This analysis also indicated a range of implied prices per share
of Vialta common stock:
|
Implied Price per Vialta Share |
|
$0.29 to $0.44
|
(ii) 30.0% to 60.0% for the 20 transactions since
January 1, 2003 in the technology sector in which the
transaction value was of comparable size, which implied a range
of fully diluted equity values.
|
Implied Fully-diluted Equity Value of Vialta |
|
$26.1 million $32.2 million
|
32
This analysis also indicated a range of implied prices per share
of Vialta Common Stock:
|
Implied Price per Vialta Share |
|
$0.29 $0.36
|
and (iii) 25.0% to 40.0% for the six going-private
transactions since January 1, 2003 in which the transaction
value was of comparable size, which implied a range of fully
diluted equity values:
|
Implied Fully-diluted Equity Value of Vialta |
|
$25.1 million $28.1 million
|
This analysis also indicated a range of implied prices per share
of Vialta Common Stock:
|
Implied Price per Vialta Share |
|
$0.28 $0.32
|
|
|
|
Historical Stock Price Performance |
Salem Partners analyzed the prices at which Vialta common stock
traded from March 24, 2004 to March 24, 2005. Salem
Partners noted that the high closing price of Vialta common
stock during this period was $0.39 on June 9, 2004, and the
low closing price of Vialta common stock during this period was
$0.16 on December 6, 2004. The merger consideration of
$0.36 per share is within the range of prices per share
implied by this analysis. Salem Partners also noted the closing
prices of Vialta common stock for various dates as summarized in
the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Closing Price | |
|
|
| |
March 24, 2005
|
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
30 days prior (February 24, 2005)
|
|
$ |
0.24 |
|
90 days prior (December 23, 2005)
|
|
$ |
0.25 |
|
180 days prior (September 24, 2004)
|
|
$ |
0.25 |
|
360 days prior (March 24, 2004)
|
|
$ |
0.34 |
|
In addition, Salem Partners analyzed the historical performance
of Vialta common stock from March 24, 2004 to
March 24, 2005 and compared that performance to the stock
price performance of the S&P 500 index, the NASDAQ composite
and the aggregate stock price performance of companies deemed by
Salem Partners to be generally relevant in various sectors,
including: (i) diversified consumer electronics, including
Samsung, Sony, Matsushita, NEC, Sharp, LG Philips, Sanyo,
Thomson and Pioneer, and (ii) specialty consumer
electronics, including Research in Motion, Logitech, Polycom,
PalmOne, Creative Technologies, Tivo, WorldGate Communications,
Viseon and Avistar, as summarized in the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Price Performance | |
|
|
From March 24, 2004 to | |
|
|
March 24, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
Specialty Consumer Electronics
|
|
|
37.5 |
% |
S&P 500 Index
|
|
|
7.3 |
% |
NASDAQ Composite
|
|
|
4.3 |
% |
Diversified Consumer Electronics
|
|
|
(0.7 |
%) |
Vialta
|
|
|
(33.8 |
%) |
|
|
|
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis |
Using a discounted cash flow analysis, Salem Partners calculated
an implied equity value per share of Vialta based on
Vialtas financial plans provided to Salem Partners by
management. Salem Partners based its discounted cash flow
analysis on various operating assumptions provided by
management, including assumptions relating to, among other
items, revenue, operating costs, taxes, working capital, capital
expenditures and depreciation. Salem Partners analysis
used a discount rate of 25.0% which reflects the weighted
average cost of capital analysis of selected specialty consumer
electronics companies generally deemed relevant by Salem
33
Partners, and assumed no future operations of Vialta after 2009.
Vialtas financial plans do not assume that the company
will generate positive cash flow by 2009. The following
summarizes the results of this analysis:
|
Implied Fully-diluted Equity Value of Vialta |
|
$13.6 million
|
|
Implied Price per Vialta Share |
|
$0.15
|
The merger consideration of $0.36 per share is in excess of the
price per share implied by this analysis.
|
|
|
Salem Liquidation Analysis |
Salem Partners calculated an implied cash value per share of
Vialta based on a liquidation analysis prepared by management in
March 2005 and provided to Salem Partners by Vialta which
assumed that the company would begin the process of liquidation
on March 31, 2005 and would cease operations on
December 31, 2005. Salem Partners based its implied cash
value per share calculation on various liquidation assumptions
provided by management, including assumptions relating to, among
other items, operating expenses, transaction costs and other
expenses and projected assets less projected liabilities. This
liquidation analysis was based on the extended liquidation
analysis assuming collection of the note that was presented to
the board of directors by Needham on December 14, 2004. See
SPECIAL FACTORS Liquidation Analysis and
Selection of Needham. In this analysis, the balance sheet
assumptions were updated to reflect fourth quarter results for
2004, estimated first quarter results for 2005, an increase in
operating expenses of $364,000, the inclusion of additional
inventory in the amount of $564,000 and decreases in accounts
receivable and liabilities of $1.1 million and
$4.0 million, respectively. Liabilities were reduced
primarily to eliminate non-cash accruals and deferred profit.
Based on these assumptions, Salem Partners estimated the cash
available for distribution to Vialta stockholders on
December 31, 2005 might be approximately
$28.7 million, or approximately $0.32 per share on a
fully diluted basis. The merger consideration of $0.36 per share
is in excess of the price per share implied by this analysis.
The preparation of a financial opinion is a complex process and
is not necessarily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary
description. In arriving at its opinion, Salem Partners
considered the results of all of its analyses as a whole and did
not attribute any particular weight to any particular analysis
or factor considered by it. Furthermore, Salem Partners believes
that selecting any portion of Salem Partners analyses,
without considering all of its analyses, would create an
incomplete view of the process underlying Salem Partners
analysis and opinion. In addition, Salem Partners may have
deemed various assumptions more or less probable than other
assumptions, so that the ranges of valuations resulting from any
particular analysis described above should not be taken to be
Salem Partners view of the actual value of Vialta.
In performing its analysis, Salem Partners made numerous
assumptions with respect to industry performance, general
business and economic conditions and other matters, many of
which are beyond the control of Vialta. Any estimates contained
in the analyses performed by Salem Partners are not necessarily
indicative of actual values, which may be significantly more or
less favorable than those suggested by such analyses. Such
analyses were prepared solely as a part of Salem Partners
analysis of the fairness from a financial point of view of the
consideration to be received by the holders of Vialta common
stock (other than the participating stockholders) pursuant to
the merger agreement and were provided to the Vialta special
committee in connection with the delivery of the Salem Partners
Opinion to the special committee. The analyses do not purport to
be appraisals of value or to reflect the prices at which Vialta
might actually be sold.
In addition, as described above, the Salem Partners Opinion was
one of the many factors taken into consideration by the special
committee in making its determination to recommend the merger to
the board of directors and by the board of directors in
approving the merger agreement. Consequently, the Salem
Partners analyses as described above should not be viewed
as determinative of the opinion of the special committee or
board of directors with respect to the value of Vialta or of
whether the special committee or board of directors would have
been willing to agree to different consideration.
34
Salem Partners, as part of its investment banking business, is
regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and their
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions,
negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary
distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private
placements and valuations for corporate, estate and other
purposes. Salem Partners may continue to provide investment
banking services to the surviving corporation in the future. In
the ordinary course of its trading, brokerage, investment
management and financing activities, Salem Partners and its
affiliates may, at any time, have a long or short position in,
and buy and sell the securities of Vialta for its account or the
account of its customers.
Pursuant to an engagement letter dated as of March 3, 2005,
Salem Partners provided financial advisory services and a
financial fairness opinion in connection with the merger. In
connection with the special committees engagement of Salem
Partners as its financial advisor, Vialta agreed to pay Salem
Partners a fee of $150,000, none of which is contingent on
completion of the merger. Vialta also agreed to reimburse Salem
Partners for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred with
its engagement as the special committees financial
advisor, which expenses are not to exceed $5,000 without the
special committees approval. In addition, on behalf of
Vialta, the special committee also agreed that Vialta will
indemnify Salem Partners against certain liabilities and
expenses, including liabilities under the federal securities
laws, related to or arising out of Salem Partners
engagement and any related transactions.
Position of the Participating Stockholders and Victory
Acquisition Corp. as to the Purpose and Reasons for the
Merger
Fred S.L. Chan and the other participating stockholders intend
to effect the merger to acquire all of the outstanding shares of
common stock of Vialta not already owned by Victory. The merger
will allow the participating stockholders to take Vialta private
to continue developing of broadband products, which they believe
must be undertaken by Vialta, if at all, as a private company.
Fred S.L. Chan and the other participating stockholders have
decided to pursue the merger at this time and believe that it is
best for Vialta to operate as a privately-held company for
several reasons.
First, operating as a public company entails substantial
expense, which have been significantly increased by requirements
arising from the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, enacted
July 30, 2002. By eliminating Vialtas cost
attributable solely to its status as a public company, including
certain legal costs, certain insurance costs, the costs of
certain accounting and auditing activities and internal
controls, the cost of annual meetings, the cost of preparing,
printing and mailing corporate reports and proxy statements, the
expense of a transfer agent and the cost of investor relations
activities, the participating stockholders expect to reduce
Vialtas expenses by approximately $1,800,000 in the first
full fiscal year following the merger. Fred S.L. Chan and the
other participating stockholders believe that in light of
Vialtas history of ongoing losses, the historically small
public float and low trading volume for the shares of Vialta
common stock, the benefits to Vialta of having publicly-traded
securities do not outweigh the expenses and other requirements
imposed on Vialta as a public company.
Regardless of the cost savings, Mr. Chan does not believe
the company can continue to operate indefinitely as a public
company. Didier Pietri, its chief executive officer, has
expressed a desire to leave and other members of management have
also indicated an interest in pursuing other opportunities.
While it has not resigned or declined to stand for
re-appointment, the companys outside auditors have
indicated that they might decide not to continue as such after
the 2005 fiscal year because the additional requirements of
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have stretched their
resources. Mr. Chan believes that it would be easier to
locate management to continue the companys current
development efforts if the company were privately held rather
than publicly traded.
Furthermore, Mr. Chan believes that the broadband
videophone in development has value that was not reflected in
the initial interest from third parties and would not be
realized in a liquidation. Mr. Chan believes that as a
private company, Vialta could streamline management, release the
companys auditors, reduce operating costs and focus
research and development of broadband, free of the market
pressures imposed on a publicly traded company with regard to
operating results. Mr. Chan and the participating
stockholders are willing to forego the current return that they
might receive in an immediate liquidation of Vialta in exchange
35
for the long-term development risks to attempt development and
bringing to market the broadband products, about the success of
which there is substantial uncertainty. See CERTAIN FINANCIAL
MODELS RELATING TO POTENTIAL BROADBAND PRODUCTS. At the same
time, the merger would also offer stockholders (other than the
participating stockholders) a higher price for their Vialta
common stock than was offered by any other third party or could
be realized in a liquidation (including distribution in such
liquidation to the participating stockholders owning
approximately 39% of Vialtas common stock), based on
analyses prepared with the assistance of management.
In addition to the foregoing factors, Mr. Chan and the
other participating stockholders considered the following
positive factors:
|
|
|
|
|
as the sole stockholders of Vialta immediately after the merger,
the participating stockholders will benefit from future growth,
if any, of Vialta after it ceases to be publicly traded; and |
|
|
|
information concerning Vialta and its operations, financial
results and directors and officers will no longer be available
to competitors and potential competitors. |
Mr. Chan and the other participating stockholders also
considered the following negative factors:
|
|
|
|
|
as a result of the merger and related transactions, the
participating stockholders investment in Vialta will
become an illiquid investment in the stock of a private company; |
|
|
|
payment of the merger consideration will significantly reduce
the companys cash resources; and |
|
|
|
following the merger, the participating stockholders will bear
the sole burden for any future losses or decrease in enterprise
value. |
Mr. Chan and the other participating stockholders
ultimately concluded that the potential detriments of the merger
to them were outweighed by the potential benefits of the merger
to them.
Position of Participating Stockholders and Victory
Acquisition Corp. as to the Fairness of the Merger to
Vialtas Stockholders
The rules and regulations of the SEC require that the
participating stockholders express their opinion as to the
fairness of the merger agreement and the merger to the other
stockholders of Vialta. Victory, Fred S.L. Chan and the other
participating stockholders believe that the terms and conditions
of the merger are substantively and procedurally fair to the
stockholders other than the participating stockholders, and
relied on the following factors in reaching this determination:
|
|
|
|
|
|
the merger consideration of $0.36 per share for
Vialtas common stock was 160% of the closing price of
$0.225 per share on March 24, 2005, the date before
the announcement of the merger, which pre-announcement price was
consistent with closing prices of Vialtas common stock for
an extended period of time before the announcement; |
|
|
|
|
|
the companys continuing operation, or extended
liquidation, was likely to lead to a significantly lower return
to stockholders, in light of the companys history of
ongoing losses and declining sales for its existing products,
the unproven nature of its broadband products in development,
and the substantially increased cost of continuing to operate as
a public company taking into account expected Sarbanes-Oxley
compliance costs; |
|
|
|
|
|
the fact that the board of directors extended effort to
sell the company with the assistance of Needham, including
contacts with 47 potential acquirers, netted only three offers,
two of which were withdrawn and the remaining one of which had a
large securities component and was unacceptable to the board; |
|
|
|
|
|
the purchase price and other terms of the merger agreement were
negotiated at the direction of, and approved unanimously by, a
special committee of the board of directors whose members were
independent and which was represented by its own Delaware
counsel; |
|
36
|
|
|
|
|
|
the unanimous approval (with Mr. Chan abstaining) of the
merger agreement and the merger by the board of directors on the
recommendation of the special committee; |
|
|
|
|
|
the fact that the merger agreement permits the company to
terminate the agreement if it receives an offer it believes in
the exercise of its fiduciary duty is better for stockholders,
but despite the public announcement of the signing of the merger
agreement on March 28, 2005, no potential acquirers have
initiated discussions of an alternative proposal for the
company; and |
|
|
|
|
|
the purchase price is payable in cash and does not involve
investment or market risk. |
|
Victory and the participating stockholders considered each of
the foregoing factors in reaching their determination that the
merger is fair to the stockholders other than the participating
stockholders, and did not attempt to quantify, rank or otherwise
assign particular weight to the factors. Their belief as to
fairness should not, however, be construed as a recommendation
to stockholders on how they should vote on the merger agreement
and the merger.
Alternatives to the Merger
Before Mr. Chan made his proposal, the board of directors
considered various alternatives for the company, including a
liquidation of Vialta by a sale of its assets and a distribution
of the net after-tax proceeds to stockholders. The board decided
against such alternative, in favor of a sale of the company,
because of the length of time, transaction costs, loss in value
generally suffered by assets when sold in a liquidation, tax
effects, regulatory risks and uncertainty involved. The board of
directors also considered continuing to operate Vialta as a
public company and effecting a reverse split (which would
provide cash to only smaller holders of Vialta stock).
Ultimately, the board of directors engaged Needham to explore a
range of strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of
the company. See SPECIAL FACTORS Background of
the Merger for a complete description of alternatives
considered. Prior to the execution of the merger agreement, no
third party had come forward with what the special committee and
the board of directors considered to be an acceptable
transaction proposal despite an extensive search for strategic
alternatives conducted by Needham on behalf of Vialta.
As a member of the board of directors, Mr. Chan was
included in the discussions of these alternatives and their
advantages and disadvantages. When he made his proposal,
Mr. Chan chose the merger structure because it was the most
efficient means to acquire the entire equity interest in Vialta
and provide cash to the Vialta stockholders other than the
participating stockholders. Mr. Chan briefly considered a
tender offer transaction, but rejected that alternative because
it would not be as efficient and viable a method for the
participating stockholders to acquire all of the outstanding
common stock of Vialta.
Certain Effects of the Merger
|
|
|
Conversion of Outstanding Vialta Common Stock and Stock
Options |
If the merger agreement and the merger are approved by Vialta
stockholders and the other conditions to the closing of the
merger are either satisfied or waived, Victory will be merged
with and into Vialta, which will be the surviving corporation in
the merger. After the merger, the participating stockholders
will beneficially own all of the outstanding capital stock of
Vialta.
All shares of common stock of Vialta outstanding immediately
prior to the effective time of the merger and held by Victory or
the participating stockholders will be cancelled without
consideration. All other shares of common stock of Vialta
outstanding at such time (other than the shares held by Victory
or the participating stockholders and shares as to which a
dissenting stockholder has perfected or not lost the benefit of
appraisal or dissenters rights under Delaware or
California law) will be converted into the right to receive
$0.36 per share in cash. When the merger is completed, each
share of Victory common stock will be converted into a share of
Vialta, as the surviving corporation in the merger.
As a result of the completion of the merger, each holder of a
vested stock option issued under a Vialta stock option plan,
other than stock options held by Mr. Chan, will have the
right to receive cash in respect of
37
such stock option in an amount equal to the product of
(1) the excess, if any, of the per-share merger
consideration of $0.36 over the per-share exercise price of such
stock option, multiplied by (2) the number of shares
subject to such stock option. As a result of the transaction,
unvested options held by Didier Pietri will accelerate in
accordance with his stay bonus agreement and unvested options
issued to directors will accelerate in accordance with the terms
of the 2000 Directors Stock Option Plan. Cash payments in
respect of stock options will be made without interest and net
of any withholding taxes. All unvested options will terminate.
Before receiving cash with respect to stock or vested options,
stockholders and option holders will be required to execute and
deliver a duly executed copy of the letter of transmittal (and
such other documents as may be reasonably required by the paying
agent) before receiving the merger consideration. The letter of
transmittal will require stockholders to waive any claim to
dissenters or appraisal rights.
|
|
|
Effect on Ownership Structure of Vialta |
At the effective time of the merger, the current Vialta
stockholders, other than the participating stockholders, will
cease to have ownership interests in Vialta or rights as Vialta
stockholders. Therefore, current stockholders of Vialta, other
than the participating stockholders, would not participate in
any earnings or growth of Vialta following the merger and would
not benefit from any increase in the value of Vialta following
the merger.
|
|
|
Effect on Listing, Registration and Status of Vialta
Common Stock |
Vialta common stock is currently registered under the Exchange
Act and is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the
symbol VLTA. As a result of the merger, all
currently outstanding shares of Vialta common stock will be
cancelled and the holders (other than the participating
stockholders and Victory) will receive in exchange for these
shares the right to obtain either cash merger consideration or
the right to obtain such consideration as they may obtain
through exercise of their appraisal or dissenters rights.
When the merger becomes effective, the outstanding shares of
Victory common stock held by the participating shareholders will
be converted into shares of Vialta common stock as the surviving
corporation. There will be no public market for these shares;
Vialtas common stock will cease to be quoted on the OTC
Bulletin Board, and Vialta will apply for termination of
its registration of common stock under the Exchange Act. As a
result, Vialta will no longer comply with the provisions of the
Exchange Act applicable to public companies, including the proxy
solicitation provisions and the requirements of filing periodic
and other reports which presently provide publicly available
information to its stockholders.
|
|
|
Effect on Organization and Management of Vialta |
At the effective time of the merger, Fred S.L. Chan, the sole
officer and director of Victory, will become the sole officer
and director of the surviving corporation in the merger. It is
expected that the directors and executive officers of Vialta
will resign immediately prior to the effective time of the
merger. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
Mr. Pietri is expected to resign as Chief Executive Officer
and Mr. Scharninghausen is expected to resign as Chief
Financial Officer of the company. At the effective time of the
merger, the certificate of incorporation of the surviving
corporation will be amended and restated in its entirety to read
as set forth in Exhibit D to the merger agreement.
It is expected that, upon consummation of the merger, the
operations of Vialta will be conducted substantially as they
currently are being conducted; however, Vialta will not be
subject to the obligations and constraints, and the related
direct and indirect costs and personnel requirements, associated
with being a public company. Mr. Chan has advised Vialta
that he does not have any present plans or proposals that relate
to, or would result in, an extraordinary corporate transaction
following completion of the merger involving Vialtas
corporate structure or business, such as a merger,
reorganization, liquidation, relocation of any operations or
sale or transfer of a material amount of assets. It is expected,
however, that following the merger, Mr. Chan will
streamline management, continuously evaluate and review
Vialtas business and operations, and may develop new plans
and proposals that he considers appropriate to maximize the
value of Vialta. Victory
38
Acquisition Corp., Mr. Chan and the other participating
stockholders reserve the right to make any changes deemed
appropriate in light of their evaluation and review or in light
of future developments.
|
|
|
Beneficial and Detrimental Effects |
A benefit of the merger to the participating stockholders is
that Vialta will be taken private and operated as a private
company. As a privately-held company, information concerning
Vialta and its operations, financial results and directors and
officers will no longer be available to competitors. Future
earnings and growth will be solely for the benefit of the
participating stockholders and not for the benefit of
Vialtas other current stockholders. The anticipated cost
savings of approximately $750,000 of annual expenses in the
first full fiscal year following Vialtas becoming a
private company plus an anticipated $1,050,000 in new costs
related to compliance with recent regulations relating to
accounting procedures and internal controls will benefit the
stockholders at that time and not the current public
stockholders. Following the merger, Vialta management and
certain other employees will be able to eliminate the time
devoted to matters that relate exclusively to Vialta being a
public company and will be able to focus on the business and
operations of the company. Detrimental effects of the merger to
the participating stockholders include the lack of liquidity for
Vialta common stock following the merger, the risk that Vialta
will decrease in value following the merger, and the payment by
Vialta and Victory Acquisition Corp. of an aggregate of
approximately $1.5 million in transaction costs and
estimated fees and expenses related to the merger. See
SPECIAL FACTORS Position of Vialta as to the
Fairness of the Merger to Vialtas Stockholders; Reasons
for Recommending the Approval of the Merger Agreement and the
Merger, SPECIAL FACTORS Position of
Victory Acquisition Corp., Fred S.L. Chan and the other
Participating Stockholders as to the Purpose and Reasons for the
Merger and SPECIAL FACTORS Estimated
Fees and Expenses of the Merger.
A benefit of the merger to Vialtas stockholders, other
than the participating stockholders, is the right to receive the
all-cash merger consideration of $0.36 per share for their
shares of Vialta common stock. The merger will enable the public
stockholders to dispose of their shares at a price the special
committee has determined to be a fair price, in spite of the
fact that Vialta common stock has generally experienced low
trading volumes and limited liquidity. The cash merger
consideration for the shares represents a 50% premium over the
average closing price of the common stock for the 30 days
prior to the March 28, 2005 announcement of
Mr. Chans proposal. The public stockholders will
additionally be able to sell their shares without paying the
usual transaction costs associated with open market sales and
will no longer have to bear the risk of any future losses or
decrease in Vialtas enterprise value. The detriments of
the merger to such stockholders are that they will cease to
participate in Vialtas future earnings and growth, if any,
and that the receipt of the payment for their shares in the
merger will be a taxable for federal income tax purposes. See
SPECIAL FACTORS Federal Income Tax
Consequences.
|
|
|
Effect on Participating Stockholders Interest in Net
Book Value and Net Earnings |
After consummation of the merger, the participating stockholders
will own all of the outstanding common stock of the surviving
corporation and will benefit from any future earnings or growth
of Vialta. After consummation of the merger, the participating
stockholders interest in the net book value and net
earnings of Vialta will be 100% based on their holdings of
Vialta outstanding capital stock. Vialtas stockholders,
other than the participating stockholders, will no longer hold
any direct or indirect equity interest in Vialta and therefore
will no longer own any interest in its net book value or net
earnings.
A tabular presentation of Victorys interest in
Vialtas net book value and net losses is set forth below.
The information in the table is based on the following:
(i) Victorys ownership of Vialta common stock as of
March 31, 2005 and its interest in the net book value and
net income of Vialta as of and for the three months ended
March 31, 2005; and (ii) Victorys beneficial
ownership of the capital stock of the surviving corporation and
its interest in the net book value and net income of Vialta as
of and for the three months ended March 31, 2005, after
giving pro forma effect to the merger. Amounts in the table are
unaudited and are not necessarily
39
indicative of the results that would have actually occurred if
the merger had been consummated as of March 31, 2005, or
results that may be obtained in the future.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of and for the Three Months Ended | |
|
Pro Forma as of and for the Three Months Ended | |
|
|
March 31, 2005 | |
|
March 31, 2005(1) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Ownership | |
|
Interest in Net | |
|
Interest in | |
|
Ownership | |
|
Interest in Net | |
|
Interest in Net | |
|
|
Interest | |
|
Book Value | |
|
Net Loss | |
|
Interest | |
|
Book Value | |
|
Loss | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Victory Acquisition Corp.
|
|
|
39% |
(2) |
|
$ |
9,587,000 |
|
|
$ |
(418,000 |
) |
|
|
100% |
|
|
$ |
9,682,000 |
(3) |
|
$ |
(1,071,000 |
) |
|
|
|
(1) |
Gives effect to the merger as if it was completed on
March 31, 2005 for the purpose of calculating (i) net
book value as of that date and (ii) net income for the
three months ended March 31, 2005. |
|
|
|
(2) |
As of March 31, 2005. |
|
|
|
(3) |
Net book value after the merger as of March 31, 2005
reflects, on a pro forma basis for the merger, an increase in
net assets of $5.0 million for receipt of a note receivable
on April 28, 2005 and a reduction in Vialtas assets
of (i) approximately $18.4 million to be used by
Victory to pay the merger consideration to Vialta stockholders
and (ii) approximately $1.5 million to satisfy
estimated transaction expenses. |
|
The Participating Stockholders Plans for Vialta
It is expected that, upon consummation of the merger, the
operations of Vialta will be conducted substantially as they
currently are being conducted; however, Vialta will not be
subject to the obligations and constraints, and the related
direct and indirect costs and personnel requirements, associated
with being a public company. Mr. Chan has advised Vialta
that he does not have any present plans or proposals that relate
to, or would result in, an extraordinary corporate transaction
following completion of the merger involving Vialtas
corporate structure or business, such as a merger,
reorganization, liquidation, relocation of any operations or
sale or transfer of a material amount of assets. It is expected,
however, that following the merger, Mr. Chan will
streamline management, continuously evaluate and review
Vialtas business and operations, and may develop new plans
and proposals that he considers appropriate to maximize the
value of Vialta. Mr. Chan and the other participating
stockholders reserve the right to make any changes deemed
appropriate in light of their evaluation and review or in light
of future developments.
Merger Financing
Based on the number of shares of Vialta common stock outstanding
on March 31, 2005 (other than shares held by the
participating stockholders) and vested options with an exercise
price less than $0.36 per share, Vialta believes that
$18,418,643 will be required to pay the merger consideration
(assuming no appraisal or dissenters rights are
exercised). It is expected that Vialta will use its cash on hand
to pay the merger consideration. It is a condition to
Victorys obligation to complete the merger that Vialta
have no less than $14.5 million in cash and cash
equivalents as of midnight on the day prior to the closing of
the merger. The participating stockholders are not required to
complete the merger if the minimum cash requirement is not met
by Vialta. However, if Vialta does not have adequate cash at the
effective time of the merger to fund the merger consideration,
Victory has agreed to fund the shortfall, up to a maximum of
$4 million. Because Victory does not have any assets other
than the shares of Vialta common stock contributed pursuant to
the contribution agreement, Fred S.L. Chan has committed to fund
the shortfall in accordance with the terms of the additional
contribution agreement. See TRANSACTION
AGREEMENTS Additional Contribution Agreement.
As of May 30, 2005, the company had approximately
$25.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. On
April 28, 2005, the Company collected a note receivable of
$5.0 million that was previously full reserved due to
uncertainties regarding its collection.
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger
In considering the recommendations of the board of directors,
you should be aware that certain of Vialtas executive
officers and directors have interests in the transaction that
are different from, or are in addition to, the interests of
Vialtas stockholders generally. The special committee and
the board of directors were aware of these potential or actual
conflicts of interest and considered them along with other
matters when they determined to recommend the merger. See
SPECIAL FACTORS Background of the Merger.
40
|
|
|
Victory Acquisition Corp. and the Participating
Stockholders; Equity Ownership in the Surviving Corporation
Following the Merger |
Mr. Chan is Vialtas Chairman and is the President,
Treasurer and Secretary of Victory Acquisition Corp. Upon
consummation of the merger, it is anticipated that Mr. Chan
will continue in the position of President, Treasurer and
Secretary of Vialta, the surviving corporation in the merger.
Mr. Chan and the other participating stockholders have
delivered 32,039,840 shares of Vialta common stock to
Victory in exchange for an equal number of shares of common
stock of Victory. See TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS
Stock Contribution Agreement. Upon consummation of the
merger, stock options held by Mr. Chan and any other
participating stockholder will be cancelled and Victory and the
participating stockholders will not receive any merger
consideration for their Vialta shares.
As of March 28, 2005, just prior to contributing their
Vialta shares to Victory in exchange for an equal number of
shares of Victory, the participating stockholders held of record
the number of shares of Vialta common stock set forth in the
table below. The percentages below represent the percentage
interest each participating stockholder will have of record in
Vialta after the merger.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of | |
|
Expected | |
|
|
Vialta Shares | |
|
Percentage | |
|
|
Held of Record | |
|
Interest of | |
|
|
Prior to | |
|
Record in | |
|
|
Contribution | |
|
Vialta After | |
|
|
to Victory | |
|
Merger | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Fred S.L. Chan
|
|
|
5,044,744 |
|
|
|
16 |
% |
Annie M.H. Chan
|
|
|
5,748,960 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Annie M. H. Chan TR UA 07-25-95, The Annie M. H. Chan Living
Trust
|
|
|
8,042,932 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
Mee Sim Lee & Sung Kook Kim & Myong Shin Kim
TR UA DTD 12-21-87, The David Y. W. Chan Trust
|
|
|
974,410 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Mee Sim Lee & Sung Kook Kim & Myong Shin Kim
TR UA DTD 12-21-87, The Edward Y. C. Chan Trust
|
|
|
974,408 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Mee Sim Lee & Sung Kook Kim & Myong Shin Kim
TR UA DTD 3- 16-92, The Michael Y. J. Chan Trust
|
|
|
334,939 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Shiu Leung Chan & Annie M. H. Chan Gift
Trust Dated 11/20/92
|
|
|
2,119,447 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Evershine XVI, L.P.
|
|
|
8,800,000 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS:
|
|
|
32,039,840 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The record ownership set forth in the preceding table does not
reflect beneficial ownership of the participating stockholders.
The participating stockholders have acted as a group in
contributing their Vialta shares to Victory in connection with
the proposed merger and may therefore be deemed as a group to
have beneficial ownership of the entire 32,039,840 shares
of Vialta stock held by Victory.
|
|
|
Merger Consideration to be Received by Certain Directors
and Officers of Vialta Other than Mr. Chan |
Pursuant to the terms of the 2000 Directors Stock Option
Plan, the vesting of all options granted pursuant to the plan
will accelerate and the options will become exercisable in full
as of the date 10 days prior to the consummation of the
merger. In accordance with the terms of the merger agreement,
these options will then be cancelled and converted into the
right to receive an amount in cash equal to (1) the excess,
if any, of (x) the per share merger consideration of $0.36
over (y) the applicable exercise price per share of Vialta
common stock subject to such Vialta stock option, multiplied by
(2) the number of shares of Vialta common stock subject to
such Vialta stock option (and for which such Vialta stock option
shall not theretofor have been exercised). See THE MERGER
AGREEMENT Treatment of Stock Options. Only
non-executive directors were entitled to receive option grants
under the plan.
41
In the summer of 2004, in connection with the announcement that
the company was exploring strategic alternatives, Vialta entered
into stay bonus agreements with its executive officers, Didier
Pietri, William Scharninghausen and Yin-Wu Chen. In accordance
with the agreement entered into with Mr. Pietri, all stock
options granted to him will accelerate and become fully vested
and immediately exercisable upon the effective date of the
merger. As referenced in the preceding paragraph, in accordance
with the terms of the merger agreement, these options will then
be cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount
in cash equal to (1) the excess, if any, of (x) the
per share merger consideration of $0.36 over (y) the
applicable exercise price per share of Vialta common stock
subject to such Vialta stock option, multiplied by (2) the
number of shares of Vialta common stock subject to such Vialta
stock option (and for which such Vialta stock option shall not
theretofor have been exercised). In addition, the dates
specified in both agreements have passed and the stay bonuses
have been paid. Neither Mr. Pietri nor
Mr. Scharninghausen will be entitled to any additional
bonus payments in connection with the merger and may leave at
any time. Yin-Wu Chen did not receive a bonus, but rather a
raise in salary by $25,000 per year.
The following table reflects the total amount of cash that
Didier Pietri and the non-employee directors of Vialta (as
defined in Item 402(a)(3) of Regulation S-K), other
than Mr. Chan, will receive as merger consideration as of
March 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares | |
|
Total Merger | |
Name |
|
Position |
|
Beneficially Owned | |
|
Consideration | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Didier Pietri(1)
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
4,059,436 |
|
|
$ |
61,397 |
|
George Cain(2)
|
|
Director |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,400 |
|
Michael Dubester(3)
|
|
Director |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,400 |
|
Matthew Fong(4)
|
|
Director |
|
|
120,974 |
|
|
$ |
31,151 |
|
Herbert Chang(5)
|
|
Director |
|
|
56,000 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes options to acquire 4,000,000 shares of common
stock, of which all 916,667 unvested options will accelerate in
connection with the merger. Based on the merger consideration of
$0.36 per share, options to purchase 2,000,000 of
these shares are in the money. |
|
(2) |
Represents options to acquire 60,000 shares of common
stock, of which all 45,000 unvested options will accelerate in
connection with the merger. Based on the merger consideration of
$0.36 per share, options to purchase 20,000 of these
shares are in the money. |
|
(3) |
Represents options to acquire 60,000 shares of common
stock, of which all 45,000 unvested options will accelerate in
connection with the merger. Based on the merger consideration of
$0.36 per share, options to purchase 20,000 of these
shares are in the money. |
|
(4) |
Includes options to acquire 40,000 shares of common stock,
of which all 35,000 unvested options will accelerate in
connection with the merger. Based on the merger consideration of
$0.36 per share, options to purchase 40,000 of these
shares are in the money. |
|
(5) |
Includes options to acquire 56,000 shares of common stock,
of which all 9,000 unvested options will accelerate in
connection with the merger. Based on the merger consideration of
$0.36 per share, options to purchase none of these shares
are in the money. |
|
|
|
Indemnification and Insurance |
Pursuant to the merger agreement, Vialta, as the surviving
corporation in the merger, has agreed to indemnify, and advance
reasonable expenses to, the current and former directors and
officers of Vialta and its subsidiaries, referred to as the
indemnified parties, against all costs or expenses, judgments,
fines, losses, claims, damages, penalties or liabilities
incurred in connection with any acts or omissions occurring at
or prior to the time of the merger. All rights to
indemnification and exculpation from liability existing in favor
of any indemnified parties as provided under any contract,
applicable laws and/or the charters and bylaws of Vialta and its
subsidiaries as of the effective time of the merger are to
survive the merger with respect to events occurring up to the
time of the merger.
42
Vialta will purchase and the surviving corporation will maintain
(and not cancel or allow to lapse) directors and
officers liability insurance for not less than six years
following the merger covering all persons who are directors and
officers of Vialta and its subsidiaries covered by Vialtas
current directors and officers liability insurance
policies as of the effective time of the merger. It is expected
that such liability insurance will be obtained by Vialta in
advance of the effective time, at an anticipated cost of
approximately $400,000.
|
|
|
Compensation of the Special Committee |
In consideration of the expected time and other commitments that
would be required of special committee members generally and the
chairman of the special committee in particular, the board of
directors determined that the chairman of the special committee
would receive an annual fee of $25,000, payable quarterly at the
end of each fiscal quarter, which will accelerate on
consummation of the merger or an alternative acquisition
proposal (including a liquidation or dissolution). In addition,
each member of the special committee, including the chairman,
will receive $2,000 per meeting attended in person or
$1,000 per meeting attended via telephone as compensation
for their service on the special committee, up to a maximum of
$20,000 for the chairman and $18,000 for the other member, in
each case without regard to whether the special committee were
to recommend approval of the merger agreement or whether the
merger was consummated. Accordingly, Mr. Cain, chairman of
the special committee, will receive $45,000, and
Mr. Dubester, the other member of the special committee,
will receive $18,000 as compensation for their services on the
special committee. The members of the special committee are also
entitled to receive reimbursement for the expenses incurred in
connection with their service on the special committee. To date,
the chairman has received $26,250 and the other member has
received $18,000.
Certain Fraudulent Transfer Risks
If Vialta is deemed to be insolvent at the effective time of the
merger (i.e. is unable to pay its debts as they become due, is
left with unreasonably small capital, or its liabilities exceed
its assets at the time) or becomes insolvent as a result of the
merger, or if the transaction deemed to have been entered into
with an intent to evade creditors the transfer of funds
representing the $0.36 per share price payable to
stockholders upon completion of the merger may be deemed to be a
fraudulent conveyance under applicable law and
therefore may be subject to claims of creditors of Vialta. If
such a claim is asserted by the creditors of Vialta following
the merger, there is a risk that the entire transaction could be
unwound and that persons who were stockholders at the effective
time of the merger will be ordered by a court to return to
Vialta all or a portion of the $0.36 per share in cash they
received following the completion of the merger.
Based upon the projected capitalization of Vialta at the time of
the merger and projected results of operations and cash flow
following the merger, and managements discussions with the
board of directors relating to such matters, the board of
directors of Vialta believes that Vialta and its subsidiaries,
on a consolidated basis, will not be insolvent or otherwise left
with unreasonably small capital immediately after giving effect
to the merger and that there is not a substantial risk that the
merger could be successfully challenged as a fraudulent
conveyance.
Plans for Vialta if the Merger is Not Completed
It is expected that, if the merger is not completed, the current
management of Vialta, other than Didier Pietri (who has
indicated his desire to resign from Vialta to pursue other
business opportunities) and possibly William Scharninghausen,
under the direction of such members of the board of directors
who decide to remain in office, will manage Vialta as an ongoing
business while continuing to explore strategic alternatives to
maximize stockholder value. It is likely under such
circumstances that the company will engage a new independent
accounting firm. The company may determine to effectuate a
reverse stock split which would require stockholder approval
under applicable law, or to liquidate the company. If the merger
agreement is not approved by stockholders, or if the merger is
not consummated for any other reason, there can be no assurance
that any other transaction acceptable to Vialta will be offered
or that Vialtas business and operations will not be
adversely affected. In addition, if the merger is not completed,
depending upon the circumstances, Vialta
43
may be required to reimburse certain expenses of Victory. See
SPECIAL FACTORS Estimated Fees and Expenses of
the Merger.
Estimated Fees and Expenses of the Merger
The fees and expenses that Vialta and Victory expect to incur in
connection with the consummation of the merger and the related
transactions are set forth in the tables below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees and Expenses of Vialta |
|
Estimated Amount | |
|
|
| |
Financial advisory fees and expenses
|
|
$ |
210,000 |
|
Legal and accounting fees and expenses
|
|
|
[ ] |
|
Special committee fees and expenses
|
|
|
63,000 |
|
Printing and mailing fees and expenses
|
|
|
[ ] |
|
SEC filing fees
|
|
|
2,168 |
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
|
[ ] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees and Expenses of Victory Acquisition Corp. |
|
Estimated Amount | |
|
|
| |
Legal and accounting fees and expenses
|
|
$ |
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Approvals and Requirements
In connection with the merger, Vialta will be required to make
certain filings with, and comply with certain laws of, various
federal and state governmental agencies, including filing a
certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State
of Delaware in accordance with Delaware law after the approval
and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger by
Vialtas stockholders.
It is currently expected that no regulatory approvals will be
required in order to complete the merger.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion summarizes the material
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger that are
generally applicable to United States holders (as defined below)
of Vialta common stock other than Victory and the participating
stockholders. This discussion is based on currently existing
provisions of the Code, existing and proposed Treasury
Regulations promulgated under the Code, and current
administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are
subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This
discussion does not address state, local or foreign tax
consequences that may be applicable to the parties specified in
the first sentence of this paragraph, and such parties should
consult their own tax advisors with respect to such consequences.
|
|
|
United States Holders Other than the Participating
Stockholders |
For purposes of this discussion, a United States
holder means a holder that is (1) a citizen or
resident of the United States for federal income tax purposes;
(2) a corporation (or other entity treated as an
association taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal
income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws
of the United States or any state; (3) an estate, the
income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation
regardless of its source; or (4) a trust if (a) a
U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the
administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons
have authority to control all substantial decisions of the
trust, or (b) the trust has a valid election in effect
under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a
U.S. person.
44
The following discussion applies only to United States holders
of Vialta common stock who hold such shares as capital assets
and did not acquire shares of Vialta common stock pursuant to
the exercise of employee stock options or other compensation
arrangements (and does not, except as specifically set forth
below, apply to the exchange or cancellation of employee stock
options, including the receipt of cash therefor).
Non-U.S. holders are advised to consult their own tax
advisors regarding the tax consequences of the proposed merger.
This discussion does not address tax issues relevant to certain
classes of United States holders who may be subject to special
treatment under the Code, such as banks, other financial
institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt investors,
regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts,
persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, persons who hold
their Vialta common stock as part of a position in a
straddle or as part of a hedging or
conversion transaction, persons who are deemed to
sell their Vialta common stock under the constructive sale
provisions of the Code, traders in securities that elect to use
a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities
holdings, persons that have a functional currency other than the
U.S. dollar, expatriates, S corporations, entities
classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax
purposes or stockholders who hold Vialta common stock as
dealers. This discussion also does not address tax issues
relevant to United States holders who are not considered to have
disposed of all shares of Vialta because of the application of
the attribution rules of Section 318 of the Code. All such
United States holders should consult their own tax advisors
concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the
merger to their particular situations. Furthermore, if a
partnership holds Vialta common stock, the tax treatment of a
partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and
the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner of a partnership
holding Vialta common stock should consult its tax advisors. The
federal income tax treatment of a stockholder who exercises
statutory dissenters or appraisal rights is not discussed
in this section. Any stockholder considering exercising
statutory dissenters or appraisal rights should consult
with his or her own tax advisor.
Tax matters are very complex and the tax consequences of the
merger to you will depend on the facts of your particular
situation. You should consult your tax advisor for a full
understanding of the tax consequences of the merger to you,
including the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences
of the merger.
For federal income tax purposes, the cash received by a United
States holder as a result of the merger (including any cash
received in connection with the exercise of dissenters or
appraisal rights) should be deemed to be received from Vialta
pursuant to a redemption of the shares held by such United
States holder. If the deemed redemption of the shares held by a
particular United States holder qualifies as an
exchange under section 302(b) of the Code (as
described below), the United States holder will recognize gain
or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to the
difference, if any, between the holders adjusted tax basis
in the shares and the amount of cash received. If the United
States holder holds Vialta common stock as a capital asset, any
gain or loss should generally be a capital gain or loss. If the
United States holder has held the shares for more than
1 year, any gain or loss should generally be a long-term
gain or loss. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to
limitations.
If the deemed redemption of the shares held by a particular
United States holder does not qualify as an exchange
under section 302(b) of the Code (as described below), then
the cash received by the holder will be treated as a dividend,
provided that Vialta has sufficient accumulated or current
earnings and profits. Any such dividend income received by a
United States holder will be treated as ordinary income for
federal income tax purposes, and the entire amount of the cash
received (and not merely the excess of the cash received over
the holders adjusted tax basis in the shares) will be
subject to tax. To the extent this portion of the redemption
proceeds constitutes qualified dividend income under
Section 1(h)(11) of the Code, it will be taxable to the
stockholder at special 5% and 15% tax rates applicable to such
income. If the redemption proceeds do not constitute
qualified dividend income then such dividend income
will be taxable to the stockholder as regular ordinary income
(at federal tax rates as high as 35%). In order to constitute
qualified dividend income eligible for the reduced
tax rates, a number of requirements must be met, including that
the stockholders holding period for his or her shares must
be at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning
60 days before the ex-dividend date (the first date on
which the stockholder is not entitled to receive the
45
dividend). Stockholders are urged to consult their tax advisors
regarding the applicability of the reduced tax rates to the
portion of the redemption proceeds that is treated as a dividend.
A United States holders disposition of shares pursuant to
the merger will qualify as an exchange under
section 302(b) of the Code if the disposition qualifies as
a complete redemption of the United States
holders shares. A United States holders disposition
of shares pursuant to the merger will result in a complete
redemption if either: (i) the holder does not own,
directly or constructively, any shares of Vialta stock after the
merger; or (ii) the holder does not own directly any shares
of Vialta stock after the merger and, with respect to any
constructively owned shares, the holder is eligible to (and does
in fact) waive (pursuant to section 302(c)(2) of the Code)
the attribution of such shares to the holder. For the purpose of
determining whether a redemption qualifies as an
exchange under section 302(b) of the Code, a
United States holder must take into account not only the shares
that the holder actually owns but also any shares that the
holder is deemed to own constructively under the attribution
rules of section 318 of the Code. For example, under these
attribution rules, an individual is deemed to own constructively
any shares held by his or her spouse, parents, children and
grandchildren, and is deemed to own constructively shares held
by certain entities (such as corporations, partnerships,
estates, and trusts) in which he or she has an equity interest.
Furthermore, an individual is deemed to own any shares that he
or she has the right to acquire by the exercise of an option,
regardless of when the option may be exercised.
If Victory contributes funds to cover a shortfall, a portion of
the consideration received may be considered proceeds from the
sale of shares as opposed to a redemption. In such an instance,
the United States holder will recognize gain or loss for
U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to the difference,
if any, between the holders adjusted tax basis in the
shares considered sold and the cash considered to have been
received with respect to such sale. If the United States holder
holds Vialta common stock as a capital asset, any gain or loss
should generally be a capital gain or loss. If the United States
holder has held the shares for more than 1 year, any gain
or loss should generally be a long-term gain or loss. The
deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
United States holders of Vialta common stock may be subject to
backup withholding on cash payments received in exchange for
shares in the merger or received upon the exercise of
dissenters rights. Backup withholding generally will apply
only if the stockholder fails to furnish a correct social
security number or other taxpayer identification number, or
otherwise fails to comply with applicable backup withholding
rules and requirements. Corporations generally are exempt from
backup withholding. Stockholders should complete and sign the
substitute Form W-9 that will be part of the letter of
transmittal to be returned to the paying agent to provide the
information and certification necessary to avoid backup
withholding.
|
|
|
Participating Stockholders |
Participating stockholders generally should not recognize gain
or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of
the deemed redemption of Vialta common stock from the United
States holders described above. Upon completion of the merger
and deemed redemption, participating stockholders generally will
hold shares of Vialta common stock with an aggregate tax basis
equal to the participating stockholders aggregate tax
basis in the shares of Victory common stock that will be
converted into Vialta common stock as a result of the merger.
The deemed redemption of Vialta common stock from United States
holders other than the participating stockholders in exchange
for cash generally should not result in gain or loss to Vialta
for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the deemed
redemption of shares of Vialta common stock results in an
ownership change within the meaning of
section 382(g) of the Code, Vialtas ability to use
net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax
attributes (if any) may be limited.
46
Anticipated Accounting Treatment of the Merger
The merger will be accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting, under which the total consideration paid in the
merger will be allocated among Vialtas consolidated assets
and liabilities based on the fair values of the assets acquired
and liabilities assumed.
Appraisal and Dissenters Rights
Assuming the consummation of the merger, stockholders who do not
vote their shares of Vialta common stock in favor of the merger
may, under certain conditions, become entitled to be paid the
fair value of their shares of common stock in lieu of receiving
the merger consideration of $0.36 per share. Stock option
holders will not be entitled to any such rights in connection
with the merger by virtue of holding such stock options.
The merger agreement provides that shares of Vialta common stock
outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the
merger that have not been voted in favor of the merger will not
be converted into the right to receive $0.36 per share
pursuant to the merger agreement if the holder of such shares
validly exercises and perfects or does not lose or waive the
benefit of statutory appraisal rights with respect to such
shares. Holders of such shares may waive dissenters rights
and receive $0.36 per share merger consideration.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, such shares will be automatically
converted into the right to receive $0.36 per share
pursuant to the merger agreement on the same basis as all other
shares of Vialta common stock are converted in the merger when
and if the stockholder withdraws his or her demand for appraisal
and waives his or her dissenters rights or otherwise
become legally ineligible to exercise appraisal or
dissenters rights.
Because Vialta is a Delaware corporation, the availability of
dissenting stockholders appraisal rights is determined by
Delaware law, which is summarized below. However, because Vialta
transacts a substantial amount of its business in California,
stockholders also may have rights as dissenting stockholders
under California law as a result of the merger. Because of the
potential applicability of California law, summaries for both
Delaware and California law regarding dissenting stockholders or
stockholder rights are provided below.
Under both Delaware and California law, stockholders who vote
in favor of the merger will have waived their rights to seek
judicial appraisal of their shares. You are urged to consult
your legal advisor if you are considering exercising appraisal
rights or dissenters rights.
If stockholders do not vote in favor of approval of the merger
agreement and they fulfill certain other procedural requirements
in a timely manner, whether under California or Delaware law, as
applicable, they will be entitled to a judicial appraisal of the
fair value of their shares. Under Delaware law, such fair value
is determined, exclusive of any element of value arising from
the accomplishment or expectation of the merger and as of the
date on which the merger is completed, through appraisal
rights, with any interest thereon calculated at a fair
rate of interest as determined by the court.
Dissenters rights, under California law, are
similar to Delawares appraisal rights, though the judicial
determination of fair value, which is exclusive of any value
resulting from the transaction, would be made as of
March 28, 2005, the date before the announcement of the
terms of the merger, with any interest thereon calculated at the
legal rate, which is fixed at 10%.
The methods for perfecting Delaware appraisal rights and
California dissenters rights also differ somewhat. In
either case, a stockholder must not vote in favor of the merger
and must submit a written demand for appraisal to Vialta. To
preserve appraisal rights under Delaware law, this demand must
be received before the taking of the vote on the proposed
merger. To preserve dissenters rights under California
law, this demand must be received within 30 days after the
mailing of notice of approval of the merger by Vialta and must
contain a statement of what such stockholder claims to be the
fair market value of such shares as of the day before the
announcement of the proposed merger. This statement of fair
value constitutes an offer to sell such stockholders
shares at the named price, which Vialta may accept or reject.
Additionally, such stockholder must submit his or her share
certificates (or submit written notice of the number of shares
for which appraisal rights are demanded, if such shares are
uncertificated) for endorsement to Vialta within 30 days
after the mailing of notice of approval of the merger by Vialta.
A stockholder who has demanded appraisal under Delaware law may
withdraw his or her request for appraisal anytime within
60 days after the effective date of the merger. A
stockholder who has exercised dissenters rights under
California law may not
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withdraw his or her request for appraisal without the consent of
Vialta. Within 120 days after the effective date of the
merger, a stockholder who has demanded appraisal under Delaware
law may file a petition in the Delaware Chancery Court demanding
a determination of the fair value of all shares held by
stockholders who have asserted appraisal rights, while a
stockholder who has exercised dissenters rights under
California law may, within six months after the notice of
approval of the merger is mailed, file a complaint in the
California Superior Court of the proper county or,
alternatively, may intervene in any pending action brought by
another stockholder to enforce dissenters rights. If a
stockholder institutes any action to attack the validity of the
merger, or to have the merger set aside or rescinded (assuming
such an action may be maintained under applicable law), the
stockholder shall not thereafter have any right to demand
payment of cash for his or her shares pursuant to
Chapter 13 of the CGCL. In any action to attack the
validity of the merger, or to have the merger set aside or
rescinded under California law (assuming such an action may be
maintained under California law), if it is determined that
Victory controls Vialta or that the parties to the merger are
under common control, the participating stockholders may have
the burden of proving that the transaction is just and
reasonable as to the stockholders of Vialta.
The above discussion is not a complete statement of the law
pertaining to rights to demand judicial appraisal of shares
under the DGCL or to exercise dissenters rights under the
CGCL. Stockholders are referenced to the full text of
Section 262 of the DGCL and the full text of
Chapter 13 of the CGCL, which are attached as
Appendix G and H, respectively, to this Proxy.
Additionally, more detailed summaries of appraisal rights under
Delaware law and dissenters rights under California law
appear below.
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Appraisal rights under Delaware law |
Under Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
(DGCL), stockholders who do not vote in favor of or
consent to the approval and adoption of the merger agreement
will be entitled to elect to have the fair value of their shares
judicially determined as of the date on which the proposed
merger is completed.
Stockholders must follow the required procedures set forth in
Section 262 of the DGCL exactly or any appraisal rights may
be lost.
The following discussion is not a complete statement of the law
pertaining to appraisal rights under the DGCL and is qualified
in its entirety by the full text of Section 262, which is
provided as Appendix E to this proxy statement. All
references in Section 262 and in this summary to a
stockholder are to the record holder of the shares
of Vialta common stock as to which appraisal rights are
asserted. Stockholders who have a beneficial interest in shares
of Vialta common stock held of record in the name of another
person, such as a broker or nominee, must act promptly to cause
the record holder to follow properly the steps summarized below
in a timely manner to perfect their appraisal rights.
Under Section 262, where a proposed merger is to be
submitted for approval at a meeting of stockholders, as in the
case of the special meeting, the company must notify each of its
stockholders entitled to appraisal rights that such appraisal
rights are available and include in such notice a copy of
Section 262, not less than 20 days prior to the
meeting. This proxy statement is that notice, and the applicable
statutory provisions of the DGCL are attached to this proxy
statement as Appendix E. Please note that the 20-day time
period begins on the date the notice was mailed, not on the date
it is received. Stockholders who wish to exercise appraisal
rights or wish to preserve the right to do so, should review
carefully Section 262 and are urged to consider seeking
advice of legal counsel, since failure to comply fully with the
procedures of that Section will result in the loss of appraisal
rights.
General requirements. Stockholders who wish to exercise
the right to dissent from the merger and demand appraisal under
Section 262 of the DGCL, must be satisfy each of the
following conditions:
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Written demand for appraisal. Stockholders must deliver
to Vialta at 48461 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont, California 94538
a written demand for appraisal of their shares before the vote
on the merger at the special meeting (scheduled to be held
on ,
2005), which demand will be sufficient if it includes the
stockholders name, mailing address, number of shares of
Vialta common stock covered by the demand and notice that he or
she intends to demand the appraisal. |
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Refrain from voting for the merger. Stockholders must not
vote in favor of the merger agreement. Because a proxy that does
not contain voting instructions will, unless revoked, be voted
in favor of the merger agreement, stockholders who vote by proxy
and wish to exercise appraisal rights must mark their proxy to
include their vote against the merger agreement or abstention
from voting on the merger agreement. You are not required to
vote against the merger to preserve dissenters rights. |
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Continuous ownership of Vialta shares. Stockholders must
continuously hold their shares from the date of making their
demand through the effective time of the merger. Stockholders
who hold shares of common stock on the date the written demand
for appraisal is made but thereafter sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of their shares prior to the effective time of the
merger, will lose any right to appraisal in respect of such
shares. |
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Notice. Within 10 days after the effective time of
the merger, Vialta must notify each stockholder who is entitled
to appraisal rights of the date that the merger became effective. |
Neither voting in person or by proxy against, abstaining from
voting on nor failing to vote on the proposal to approve and
adopt the merger agreement will constitute a written demand for
appraisal within the meaning of Section 262. The written
demand for appraisal must be in addition to and separate from
any such proxy or vote.
Only a holder of record of shares of Vialta common stock is
entitled to assert appraisal rights for the shares of common
stock registered in that holders name. A demand for
appraisal should be executed by or on behalf of the stockholder
of record, fully and correctly, as that stockholders name
appears on such stock certificates, should specify the
stockholders name and mailing address, the number of
shares of common stock owned and that the stockholder intends
thereby to demand appraisal of the stockholders common
stock.
If shares are owned of record in a fiduciary capacity, such as
by a trustee, guardian or custodian, execution of the demand
must be made by or on behalf of the record owner. If shares are
owned of record by more than one person as in a joint tenancy or
tenancy in common, the demand must be executed by or on behalf
of all owners. An authorized agent, including an agent for one
or more joint owners, may execute a demand for appraisal on
behalf of a stockholder of record; however, the agent must
identify the record owner or owners and expressly disclose the
fact that, in executing the demand, the agent is acting as agent
for the record owner or owners.
A record holder such as a broker who holds shares as nominee for
several beneficial owners may exercise appraisal rights with
respect to the shares held for one or more beneficial owners
while not exercising those rights with respect to the shares
held for one or more other beneficial owners; in such case, the
written demand should set forth the number of shares as to which
appraisal is sought. Where no number of shares is expressly
mentioned, the demand will be presumed to cover all shares held
in the name of the record owner. Stockholders who hold shares in
brokerage accounts or other nominee forms and wish to exercise
appraisal rights, are urged to consult with their broker to
determine the appropriate procedures for the making of a demand
for appraisal by such a nominee.
Stockholders should address the written demand to Vialta, Inc.,
48461 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont, California 94538, Attention:
Director of Finance.
Within 120 days after the effective time of the merger, but
not thereafter, either Vialta or any stockholder who has
complied with the requirements of Section 262 may file a
petition in the Delaware Chancery Court demanding a
determination of the fair value of all shares held by
stockholders who have asserted appraisal rights. Vialta is under
no obligation to and has no present intent to file a petition
for appraisal, and stockholders should not assume that the
company will file such a petition or will initiate any
negotiations with respect to the fair value of the shares.
Within 120 days after the effective time of the merger, any
stockholder who has complied with the provisions of
Section 262 to that point in time will be entitled to
receive from Vialta, as the company surviving the merger, upon
written request, a statement setting forth the aggregate number
of shares of common stock not voted in favor of the merger
agreement and with respect to which demands for appraisal have
been
49
received by Vialta and the aggregate number of holders of such
shares. Vialta must mail this statement to the stockholder
within 10 days after receipt of the request or within
10 days after expiration of the period for delivery of
demands for appraisal under Section 262, whichever is later.
A stockholder timely filing a petition for appraisal with the
Delaware Court of Chancery must deliver a copy to Vialta, who
will then be obligated within 20 days to file in the
Delaware Court of Chancery a duly verified list containing the
names and addresses of all stockholders who have demanded
appraisal of their shares. After notice to the stockholders, the
Delaware Court of Chancery is empowered to conduct a hearing on
the petition to determine which stockholders are entitled to
appraisal rights. The Delaware Court of Chancery may require
stockholders who have demanded an appraisal for their shares and
who hold stock represented by certificates to submit their
certificates to the Register in Chancery for notation thereon of
the pendency of the appraisal proceedings, and if any
stockholder fails to comply with the requirement, the Delaware
Court of Chancery may dismiss the proceedings as to that
stockholder.
After determining the stockholders entitled to an appraisal, the
Delaware Court of Chancery will appraise the fair value of their
shares, exclusive of any element of value arising from the
accomplishment or expectation of the merger, together with a
fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid upon the amount
determined to be the fair value. The costs of the action may be
determined by the Delaware Chancery Court and taxed upon the
parties as the Delaware Chancery Court deems equitable. Upon
application of a stockholder asserting appraisal rights, the
Delaware Chancery Court may also order that all or a portion of
the expenses incurred by any stockholder in connection with the
appraisal proceeding, including, without limitation, reasonable
attorneys fees and the fees and expenses of experts, be
charged pro rata against the value of all of the shares entitled
to appraisal.
Stockholders who are considering seeking appraisal should be
aware that the fair value of their shares as determined under
Section 262 could be more than, the same as or less than
the $0.36 per share they would receive pursuant to the
merger agreement if they did not seek appraisal of your shares.
Stockholders should also be aware that investment banking
opinions are not opinions as to fair value under
Section 262. Moreover, Vialta does not anticipate offering
more than the merger consideration to any stockholder exercising
appraisal rights and reserves the right to assert, in any
appraisal proceeding, that, for purposes of Section 262,
the fair value of a share of its common stock is less than the
merger consideration. In determining fair value and, if
applicable, a fair rate of interest, the Delaware Chancery Court
is permitted to take into account all relevant factors,
including market value, asset value, dividends, earnings
prospects, the nature of the enterprise and any other facts that
could be ascertained as of the date of the merger that throw any
light on future prospects of the merged corporation.
All shares of Vialta common stock will be cancelled on
consummation of the merger, including shares held by dissenting
stockholders. Any stockholder who has duly demanded an appraisal
in compliance with Section 262 will not, from and after the
effective time of the merger, be entitled to vote such
stockholders shares of common stock subject to such demand
for any purpose or to receive payment of dividends or other
distributions on those shares (except dividends or other
distributions payable to holders of record of shares as of a
record date prior to the effective time of the merger), or
receive payment of any consideration provided for in the merger
agreement.
Stockholders may withdraw their demand for appraisal and accept
the $0.36 per share merger consideration by delivering to
Vialta a written withdrawal of demand for appraisal and an
acceptance of the merger consideration, except that:
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any attempt to withdraw such demand made more than 60 days
after the effective time of the merger will require
Vialtas written approval, and |
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no appraisal proceeding in the Delaware Chancery Court will be
dismissed as to any stockholder without the approval of the
Delaware Chancery Court, and that approval may be conditioned
upon such terms as the Delaware Chancery Court deems just. |
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Dissenters rights under California law |
A stockholders dissent of the merger may also be governed
by specific legal provisions contained in Chapter 13 of the
California General Corporation Law (CGCL). The
following summary of the provisions of Chapter 13 of the
CGCL is not intended to be a complete statement of such
provisions and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
full text of Chapter 13 of the CGCL, a copy of which is
attached as Appendix F to this proxy statement and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Stockholders must follow the required procedures set forth in
Chapter 13 of the CGCL exactly or any dissenters
rights may be lost.
Under Chapter 13 of the CGCL, if the merger is consummated,
and a stockholder properly exercises dissenters rights,
his or her shares of common stock will not be converted into the
right to receive merger consideration of $0.36 per share,
but instead, will be converted into the right to receive in cash
the fair value of those shares determined as of March 28,
2005, the day before the announcement of the terms of the merger
and excluding any appreciation or depreciation in consequence of
the merger.
General requirements. Stockholders who wish to exercise
the right to dissent from the merger under Chapter 13 of
the CGCL must satisfy each of the following conditions:
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Refrain from voting for the merger. Stockholders must not
vote in favor of the merger agreement and the merger. Because a
proxy that does not contain voting instructions will, unless
revoked, be voted in favor of the merger agreement, stockholders
who vote by proxy and wish to exercise appraisal rights must
vote against the merger agreement and the merger or abstain from
voting on the merger agreement and the merger. You are not
required to vote against the merger to preserve dissenters
rights. |
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Notice and declaration of fair value. If the merger
agreement and the merger are approved by a sufficient number of
votes, in person or by proxy, Vialta will, within 10 days
after such approval, mail to any stockholder who may have a
right to require the company to purchase such stockholders
shares of Vialta common stock for fair value under
Chapter 13 of the CGCL, or the Dissenting
Stockholders, a notice that the required stockholder
approval of the merger agreement was obtained, accompanied by a
copy of Chapter 13 of the CGCL. The notice of approval will
set forth the price that Vialta has determined represents the
fair value of any dissenting shares (which shall constitute an
offer to purchase such dissenting shares at such stated price)
and will set forth a brief description of the procedures to be
followed by the Dissenting Stockholders who wish to exercise
their dissenters rights. |
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Written demand of appraisal. Within 30 days after
the date on which the notice of approval was mailed, Dissenting
Stockholders are required to make a written demand to Vialta to
purchase dissenting shares for a cash payment of their fair
value. Written demand is required by law to contain a statement
concerning the number of shares of Vialta common stock held by
the Dissenting Stockholder and the amount that he or she claims
to be the fair value of these shares as of March 28, 2005.
The statement of fair value in the Dissenting Stockholders
written demand will constitute such stockholders offer to
sell these shares at the price identified in the demand. Such
demand must be addressed to Vialta, Inc., 48461 Fremont
Boulevard, Fremont, California 94538, Attention: Secretary. If
the price contained in the notice of approval is acceptable to
the stockholder, he or she may demand that price. This would
constitute an acceptance of Vialtas offer to purchase the
stock at the price stated in the notice of approval.
Stockholders may not withdraw their dissent or demand for
payment unless Vialta consents to such withdrawal. |
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Surrender of stock certificate(s). Within 30 days
after the notice of approval was mailed, Dissenting Stockholders
also must submit the certificates representing their dissenting
shares (or if their dissenting shares are uncertificated, a
written notice of the number of shares, which the shareholder
demands that Vialta purchase) to Vialta, Inc., 48461 Fremont
Boulevard, Fremont, California 94538, Attention: Secretary. The
certificates representing dissenting shares will be stamped or
endorsed with a statement that the shares are dissenting shares
of common stock. |
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If Vialta and a stockholder agree upon the price to be paid for
dissenting shares, upon surrender of the certificates
representing the dissenting shares, that price (together with
interest thereon at the legal rate on judgments from the date of
the agreement between Vialta and such stockholder) is required
by law to be paid to you within 30 days after such
agreement or within 30 days after any statutory or
contractual conditions to the merger are satisfied, whichever is
later, subject to surrender of stock certificates representing
the dissenting shares.
If Vialta and a stockholder disagree as to the price for
dissenting shares or disagree as to whether these shares are
entitled to be classified as dissenting shares, a Dissenting
Stockholder may, within six months after the notice of approval
is mailed, file a complaint in the California Superior Court of
the proper county requesting the court to make such
determination or, alternatively, he or she may intervene in any
pending action brought by another Dissenting Stockholder. Costs
of such an action (including compensation of appraisers) are
required to be assessed as the court considers equitable but
must be assessed against Vialta if the appraised value
determined by the court exceeds the price offered.
The court action to determine the fair value of dissenting
shares will be suspended if litigation is instituted to test the
sufficiency or regularity of the votes of the stockholders in
approving the merger (assuming such an action may be maintained
under California law). Furthermore, no Dissenting Stockholder
who has demanded payment of cash for his or her shares under
Chapter 13 of the CGCL shall have any right to attack the
validity of the merger, or to have the merger set aside or
rescinded, except in an action to test whether the votes
required to authorize or approve the merger have been legally
and validly obtained in favor of the merger (assuming such an
action may be maintained under California law). If a stockholder
institutes any action to attack the validity of the merger, or
to have the merger set aside or rescinded (assuming such an
action may be maintained under California law), the stockholder
shall not thereafter have any right to demand payment of cash
for his or her shares pursuant to Chapter 13 of the CGCL.
In any action to attack the validity of the merger, or to have
the merger set aside or rescinded (assuming such an action may
be maintained under California law), if it is determined that
Victory controls Vialta or that the parties to the merger are
under common control, the participating stockholders may have
the burden of proving that the transaction is just and
reasonable as to the stockholders of Vialta.
Dissenting shares may lose their status and a Dissenting
Stockholders right to demand payment will terminate, among
other reasons, if:
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the merger is abandoned; |
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a stockholder transfers his or her shares of common stock before
submitting them for endorsement; |
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Vialta and the Dissenting Stockholder do not agree on the status
of the shares as dissenting shares or on the price of such
shares and the Dissenting Stockholder fails to file suit against
Vialta or intervene in a pending action within six months
following the date on which the notice of approval was mailed; |
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a stockholder withdraws his or her demand for the purchase of
the dissenting shares of common stock with Vialtas
consent; or |
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a stockholder fails to comply with the procedures for written
demand of appraisal and surrender of stock certificates set
forth in Chapter 13 of the CGCL. |
Stockholders who fail to comply strictly with these
procedures will lose their dissenters rights.
Consequently, stockholders who wish to exercise dissenters
rights are strongly urged to consult a legal advisor.
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THE SPECIAL MEETING
Date, Time and Place
The special meeting will be held
on ,
2005 at a.m., local time, at
the Fremont Marriott, 46100 Landing Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538.
Matters to be Considered
At the special meeting, stockholders will be asked to:
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consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the
merger agreement and approve the merger; |
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consider and vote upon a proposal to adjourn the special meeting
if necessary to permit further solicitation of proxies in the
event there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special
meeting to approve the merger agreement and the merger; and |
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transact such other business as may properly come before the
special meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the
special meeting. |
Record Date; Voting Rights
Vialta has
fixed ,
2005 as the record date for the special meeting. Only holders of
record of Vialta common stock as of the close of business on the
record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
special meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. As
of the close of business on the record date, there
were shares
of Vialta common stock issued and outstanding held by
approximately holders
of record.
Quorum
The presence in person or by proxy of a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast by the common stock will constitute a quorum
at the special meeting.
Any shares of Vialta common stock held in treasury by Vialta or
by any of its subsidiaries are not considered to be outstanding
on the record date or otherwise entitled to vote at the special
meeting for purposes of determining a quorum.
Shares represented by proxies reflecting abstentions and
properly executed broker non-votes will be counted as present
and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. A
broker non-vote arises when a bank, broker or other nominee
holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a
particular proposal because the nominee does not have
discretionary voting power with respect to that proposal and has
not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner.
Required Vote
Stockholder approval of the merger and approval and adoption of
the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of at least a
majority of the shares outstanding as of the record date for the
special meeting. It is not required that a majority of
stockholders other than the participating stockholders vote for
the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger.
Subject to the terms of a voting agreement, Victory committed to
vote in favor of the merger agreement shares beneficially owned
by it representing approximately 39% of the votes entitled to be
cast. See SPECIAL FACTORS Voting
Agreement for a description of the voting agreement.
Vialtas directors and executive officers other than
Mr. Chan own approximately 5% of Vialtas outstanding
common stock, and have indicated to Vialta their intention to
vote in favor of approval of the merger agreement and the merger.
The vote required in order for stockholders to approve the
proposal to adjourn the special meeting if necessary to permit
further solicitation of proxies in the event there are not
sufficient votes at the time of the
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special meeting to approve the merger agreement is the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of stock present or
represented at the meeting and entitled to vote, even if less
than a quorum.
In the case of the proposal to approve and adopt the merger
agreement, a failure to vote, an abstention or a broker non-vote
will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST the proposal.
In the case of the proposal to adjourn the special meeting if
necessary to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event
there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special
meeting to approve the merger agreement, a failure to vote or a
broker non-vote will have no effect on the outcome of the voting
but an abstention will have the same effect as a
vote AGAINST adjournment.
If the special meeting is adjourned or postponed for any reason,
at any subsequent reconvening of the special meeting, all
proxies will be voted in the same manner as they would have been
voted at the original convening of the meeting (except for any
proxies that have been revoked or withdrawn).
Stockholder approval of the merger by a majority of the
outstanding shares of Victory Acquisition Corp. was required and
has already been obtained.
How Shares are Voted; Proxies; Revocation of Proxies
You may vote by attending the special meeting and voting in
person by ballot, by completing the enclosed proxy card and then
signing, dating and returning it in the postage pre-paid
envelope provided. Submitting a proxy now will not limit your
right to vote at the special meeting if you decide to attend in
person. If your shares are held of record in street
name by a broker, nominee, fiduciary or other custodian
and you wish to vote in person at the special meeting, you must
obtain from the record holder a proxy issued in your name.
Shares represented by a properly executed proxy will be voted at
the special meeting and, when instructions have been given by
the stockholder, will be voted in accordance with those
instructions. If you submit a proxy without giving voting
instructions, the persons named as proxies on the proxy card
will vote your shares FOR the approval and adoption of the
merger agreement and the merger and FOR the proposal to adjourn
the special meeting if necessary to permit further solicitation
of proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the
time of the special meeting to approve the merger agreement and
the merger.
As of the date of this proxy statement, Vialta does not expect a
vote to be taken on any matters at the special meeting other
than the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement and
the merger and the proposal to adjourn the special meeting if
necessary to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event
there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special
meeting to approve the merger agreement and the merger. A
properly executed proxy gives the persons named as proxies on
the proxy card authority to vote in their discretion with
respect to any other matters that properly come before the
special meeting.
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is actually
voted by submitting to the Secretary of the company a written
notice of revocation, by delivering a duly executed proxy
bearing a later date or by attending the special meeting and
voting in person. Please note, however, that if your shares are
held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish
to vote at the special meeting, you must bring to the meeting a
proxy from the broker, bank or other nominee authorizing you to
vote the shares. Attendance at the special meeting will not, by
itself, revoke a proxy. If you have given voting instructions to
a broker, nominee, fiduciary or other custodian that holds your
shares in street name, you may revoke those
instructions by following the directions given by the broker,
nominee, fiduciary or other custodian.
Solicitation Of Proxies
This proxy statement is being furnished in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by Vialtas board of directors.
Vialta will bear the costs of soliciting proxies. These costs
include the preparation, assembly and mailing of the proxy
statement, the notice of the special meeting of stockholders and
the enclosed proxy, as well as the cost of forwarding these
materials to the beneficial owners of Vialta common stock.
Vialtas directors, officers and regular employees may,
without compensation other than their regular compensation,
solicit proxies by mail, e-mail or telephone, in person or via
the Internet. Vialta will also reimburse brokerage
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firms, custodians, nominees, fiduciaries and others for expenses
incurred in forwarding proxy material to the beneficial owners
of Vialta common stock.
Appraisal or Dissenters Rights
Stockholders who do not vote in favor of approval of the merger
agreement and who otherwise comply with the procedures for
perfecting dissenters or appraisal rights under the
applicable statutory provisions of Delaware or California law,
as applicable, summarized elsewhere in this proxy statement may
demand payment of the fair value of their shares in
cash in connection with the consummation of the merger. See
SPECIAL FACTORS Appraisal and Dissenters
Rights.
Adjournment
If the special meeting is adjourned to a different place, date
or time, Vialta need not give notice of the new place, date or
time if the meeting is not adjourned for more than 30 days
and if the new place, date or time is announced at the meeting,
unless a new record date is or must be set for the adjourned
meeting.
Attending the Special Meeting
In order to attend the special meeting in person, you must be a
stockholder of record on the record date, hold a valid proxy
from a record holder or be an invited guest of Vialta. You will
be asked to provide proper identification at the registration
desk on the day of the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting.
PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION
Information about Vialta
Vialta is a Delaware corporation engaged in the business of
designing and marketing consumer electronics products. The
address and telephone number of the principal executive offices
of Vialta are 48461 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont, California
94538, Telephone: (510) 870-3088.
Additional information about Vialta is contained in its Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004, which is attached hereto as Annex I
and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly
period ended March 31, 2005, which is attached hereto as
Annex J.
Information as of March 31, 2005 respecting Vialtas
executive officers (other than Mr. Chan, about whom
information is provided below under
Information about Victory and the
Participating Stockholders) and directors is set forth
below. All of the executive officers and directors identified
below are citizens of the United States. During the last five
years, none of the executive officers and directors identified
below has been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding
traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or was party to any
judicial or administrative proceeding (except for matters that
were dismissed without sanction or settlement) that resulted in
a judgment, decree or final order enjoining the person from
future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to,
federal or state securities laws, or a finding of any violation
of federal or state securities laws. The address for each of the
executive officers and directors is the principal address for
Vialta.
Didier Pietri, 42, has been a member of Vialtas
board of directors since September 2001. Mr. Pietri joined
Vialta in April 2001 as its President and in August 2001 also
became its Chief Executive Officer. In July 2004 he resigned his
position as President. Prior to joining Vialta, Mr. Pietri
served as President and Chief Executive Officer of TVA/Motion
International, a global entertainment production and
distribution company from August 1999 to March 2001. From June
1995 to July 1999, Mr. Pietri was Senior Vice President of
the ABC Television Network Group, as well as President of ABC
Pictures, a division of The Walt Disney Company.
Yin-Wu Chen, 46, has been President of Vialta since July
2004. He joined Vialta in 2001 as Vice President of Engineering.
Prior to Vialta, he was cofounder, president, and chief
executive officer of PROTON Communications, a Taiwan-based
company, developing videophones, network computers, CCD cameras,
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CCTV monitors, and digital recorders. He also served as
executive vice president of the parent company, PROTON
Electronic Industrial, a brand-name manufacturer of consumer
electronics, and was responsible for the overall operations of
the 650-person company with production and sales channels in
Taiwan and overseas. Earlier in his career, Mr. Chen was
with AT&T Bell Laboratories in New Jersey and worked on
various networking projects.
William M. Scharninghausen, 47, has been Chief Financial
Officer of Vialta since October 2002. Prior to joining Vialta,
he was the Chief Financial Officer of Diva Systems, Inc., a
video on demand technology company, from January 1999 to
September 2002. He also served as the Senior Vice President of
Finance and Administration of Diva Systems, Inc. from June 1997
to September 2002. As part of Gemstar-TV Guide International,
Inc.s proposed purchase of Divas assets, Diva filed
a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition and pre-negotiated plan of
reorganization on May 29, 2002 in the Northern District of
California.
George M. Cain, 61, has been a member of Vialtas
board of directors since February 2003. Mr. Cain is the
founder and President of C3 Media & Marketing Group,
LLC, a media marketing consulting company. He has held that
position since 1995. Mr. Cain is also the founder and CEO
of Greenwich Consulting Partners, LLC (formerly Strategic
Media & Marketing Group, LLC), a marketing and sales
company which has assisted a German enterprise software company
with the introduction of its products in North America. He has
held that position since 2001.
Herbert Chang, 42, has been a member of Vialtas
board of directors since November 1999. Mr. Chang is the
President of InveStar Capital, Inc., a venture capital firm. He
has held that position since August 1996. In addition,
Mr. Chang is the managing member of Forefront Associates,
LLC, which is the general partner of Forefront Venture Partners,
L.P., a position he has held since February 1998. Mr. Chang
currently serves as a director of Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
and Oplink Communications, Inc.
Michael S. Dubester, 58, has been a member of
Vialtas board of directors since February 2003.
Mr. Dubester is the Senior Vice President of Business
Development of Vulcan Sports Media, Inc., a U.S. sports
media company whose principal business is The Sporting News. He
has held that position since 2000. Prior to that,
Mr. Dubester served as the President of Times Mirror
Interzines, the online network of Internet sites affiliated with
Times Mirror Magazine titles, the previous owner of The Sporting
News, from 1998 until 2000. He was the founder and President of
The Sporting News Online, from 1996 until 1998.
Matthew K. Fong, 51, has been a member of Vialtas
board of directors since April 1999. Mr. Fong was employed
by Vialta from September 2001 through January 31, 2003, as
an Advisor to the Chairman of the Board. In addition, since
February 1999, Mr. Fong has been an attorney with the law
firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP and
the Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Advisory Group, a
financial and high technology consulting group that he founded.
In January 2005, Mr. Fong joined Zero Stage Capital, a
venture capital firm that invests in emerging growth companies
in selected technology sectors, as special general partner.
Prior to that, Mr. Fong served as California State
Treasurer from January 1995 to January 1999.
Information about Victory, the Participating Stockholders and
Certain Other Persons
The information concerning Victory, the participating
stockholders and certain persons controlling certain of the
participating stockholders has been furnished by Victory. Vialta
does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness
of the information concerning Victory, the participating
stockholders or such controlling persons.
Information is provided as of June 30, 2005 respecting
Victory, the participating stockholders and each person
identified below who may be considered to be in control of a
participating stockholder. None of Victory, the participating
stockholders, the directors and executive officers of any
participating stockholder or the persons identified below who
may be considered to be in control of any participating
stockholder has been convicted in a criminal proceeding
(excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or was
party to any judicial or administrative proceeding (except for
matters that were dismissed without sanction or settlement) that
resulted in a judgment, decree or final order enjoining the
person from future violations of,
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or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state
securities laws, or a finding of any violation of federal or
state securities laws.
Victory
Victory Acquisition Corp. is a Delaware corporation
formed by Fred S.L. Chan, solely for the purpose of acquiring
through the merger all of the outstanding shares of Vialta
common stock not already owned or controlled by the
participating stockholders. Mr. Chan is the sole executive
officer of Victory, as its President, Treasurer and Secretary,
and is its sole director. The address and telephone number of
the principal executive offices of Victory are 19770 Stevens
Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014, Telephone: (408) 863-7332.
Participating Stockholders
The participating stockholders consist of Fred S.L. Chan, his
wife Annie M. H. Chan, the trusts listed below which were
established by one or both of them for the benefit of their
children, and Evershine XVI, L.P. Each participating shareholder
has contributed his, hers or its shares of Vialta common stock
to Victory. The trusts identified below do not engage in
business. The address and telephone number for each of the
participating stockholders is the principal address and
telephone number for Victory set forth above.
Fred S. L. (Shiu Leung) Chan, 58, has served as
Vialtas Chairman of the Board of Directors since
Vialtas inception in 1999. He also served as Vialtas
President from its inception through April 2001 and as Chief
Executive Officer from its inception through August 2001. Prior
to joining Vialta, Mr. Chan founded and held various
executive positions at ESS Technology, Inc., a designer,
developer and marketer of highly integrated digital system
processor chips, since 1986, as well as being Chairman of the
Board, in which capacity he still serves. Mr. Chan is a
citizen of the United States.
Annie M. H. Chan has beneficial ownership of 70.5% of the
outstanding shares of Victory (including shares held in her
name, in the name of the Annie M. H. Chan Trust and in the name
of Evershine, of which she is one of two managing members of the
general partner). Since March 1996, Ms. Chans
principal occupation has been President of the Everlasting
Private Foundation, a charitable organization located at the
principal address of Victory set forth above. Ms. Chan is a
citizen of the United States.
The Annie M. H. Chan Living Trust, Annie M. H. Chan TR UA
07-25-95, is a trust organized under the laws of the State of
California. Annie M. H. Chan is the trustee of this trust.
The David Y. W. Chan Trust, Mee Sim Lee & Sung
Kook Kim & Myong Shin Kim TR UA DTD 12/21/87,
is a trust organized under the laws of the State of California.
The Edward Y. C. Chan Trust, Mee Sim Lee & Sung
Kook Kim & Myong Shin Kim TR UA DTD 12/21/87,
is a trust organized under the laws of the State of California.
The Michael Y. J. Chan Trust, Mee Sim Lee & Sung
Kook Kim & Myong Shin Kim TR UA DTD 3/16/92,
is a trust organized under the laws of the State of California.
Shiu Leung Chan & Annie M. H. Chan Gift Trust,
dated 11/20/92, is a trust organized under the laws of the State
of California.
Evershine XVI, L.P. is a California limited partnership
that operates as an investment fund principally engaged in the
business of making venture capital and other investments. Its
general partner is Everbright II, LLC.
Certain Controlling Persons of
Participating Stockholders
Each of the controlling persons identified below has the same
purpose with regard to the merger agreement and the merger as
the participating stockholders. See SPECIAL
FACTORS Position of Participating Stockholders and
Victory Acquisition Corp. as to the Purpose and Reasons for the
Merger.
Mee Sim Lee is a trustee of each of The David
Y. W. Chan Trust, The Edward Y. C. Chan
Trust and The Michael Y. J. Chan Trust, and is
co-trustee of the Shiu Leung Chan & Annie M. H. Chan
Gift Trust.
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For approximately the last 30 years, Ms. Lees
principal occupation has been as an information technology
manager for the State of South Carolina, Department of
Correction. Her address is c/o Division of Resource and
Information Management, South Carolina Department of
Corrections, 4444 Broad River Road, Columbia, South
Carolina 29210. Ms. Lee is a citizen of the United States.
Sung Kook Kim is a trustee of each of The
David Y. W. Chan Trust, The Edward Y. C.
Chan Trust and The Michael Y. J. Chan Trust and a
co-trustee of the Shiu Leung Chan & Annie M. H. Chan
Gift Trust. From July 2000 through January 2004, Mr. Kim was
Pastor of the Korean Baptist Church of San Jose, in San Jose,
California. Since February 2004, Mr. Kims principal
occupation has been as the Pastor of the Living Word Korean
Baptist Church in San Jose, California. His business address is
1494 California Circle, Milpitas, CA 95035. Mr. Kim is
a citizen of the United States.
Myong Shin Kim is a trustee of each of The
David Y. W. Chan Trust, The Edward Y. C.
Chan Trust and The Michael Y. J. Chan Trust. For
approximately the last ten years, Ms. Kims principal
occupation has been as the Secretary for the Everlasting Private
Foundation. Her business address is 19770 Stevens Creek
Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014. Ms. Kim is a citizen of the
United States.
Everbright II, LLC is a California limited liability
company whose managers and beneficial owners are Fred S.L.
Chan and Annie M. H. Chan. Everbright is principally
engaged in the business of making investments for, and acting as
a general partner or other authorized person of, investment
funds engaged in venture capital and other investments.
Everbright is the general partner of Evershine XVI, L.P.
Everbrights business address is 19770 Stevens Creek
Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014.
THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following summary of the material terms of the merger
agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
merger agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to
this proxy statement.
Structure of the Merger
At the effective time of the merger, Victory will merge with and
into Vialta and the separate corporate existence of Victory will
end. Vialta will be the surviving corporation in the merger and
will continue to be a Delaware corporation after the merger.
The certificate of incorporation of Vialta, Inc. will be amended
in the merger to read as set forth in Exhibit B to the
merger agreement. The bylaws of Victory, as in effect
immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, will be
the bylaws of Vialta, as the surviving corporation. Fred S.L.
Chan, the sole officer and director of Victory, will, from and
after the effective time of the merger, be the initial director
and officer of Vialta, as the surviving corporation, until his
successor is duly elected and qualified or until his earlier
resignation or removal.
When the Merger Becomes Effective
Vialta and Victory will file a certificate of merger with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware one business day
after the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions to
the merger (other than the conditions that can only be satisfied
at the closing) or at such other time as Victory and Vialta may
agree. The merger will become effective upon the filing of the
certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State
of Delaware or at such other time as may be agreed by Vialta and
Victory and specified in the certificate of merger.
Effect of the Merger on the Capital Stock of Vialta and
Victory Acquisition Corp.
At the effective time of the merger:
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all shares of Vialta common stock that are held (1) in the
treasury of Vialta, (2) by any wholly-owned subsidiary of
Vialta, (3) by Victory or (4) by any of the
participating stockholders will be canceled and retired and will
cease to exist without any consideration payable therefor; |
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each other share of Vialta common stock issued and outstanding
immediately before the merger becomes effective (other than any
share as to which a dissenting stockholder has perfected or not
lost the benefit of dissenters or appraisal rights under
California or Delaware law, as applicable) will be converted
into the right to receive $0.36 in cash without
interest; and |
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each share of Victory common stock will be converted into one
share of common stock of Vialta, as the surviving corporation in
the merger. |
Payment for Vialta Common Stock in the Merger
Victory Acquisition Corp. has designated Mellon Investor
Services to act as paying agent in connection with the merger.
At the effective time of the merger, Vialta will deliver to the
paying agent, for the benefit of the Vialta stockholders
entitled to receive the merger consideration, the amount of the
aggregate merger consideration that Vialta stockholders are
entitled to receive under the merger agreement; provided that
Victory will pay any shortfall, up to a maximum of
$4 million. The stock transfer books of Vialta will be
closed, and there will be no further registration of transfers
of the shares of Vialta common stock that were outstanding
immediately prior to the effective time of the merger.
As soon as reasonably practicable after the effective time of
the merger, the paying agent will mail to each record holder of
Vialta common stock whose stock certificates were converted into
the right to receive merger consideration or who has not
announced an intention to exercise dissenters or appraisal
rights, a letter of transmittal and instructions for use in
effecting the surrender of stock certificates in exchange for
the applicable merger consideration of $0.36 per share,
without interest, less any withholding taxes required by law.
Stockholders will be required to execute and deliver a duly
executed copy of the letter of transmittal (and such other
documents as may be reasonably required by the paying agent)
before receiving the merger consideration. The letter of
transmittal will require stockholders to waive any claim to
dissenters or appraisal rights.
If payment is to be made to a person other than the person in
whose name the Vialta common stock certificate surrendered is
registered, it will be a condition of payment that the
certificate so surrendered be properly endorsed or otherwise in
proper form for transfer and that the person requesting such
payment pay any transfer or other taxes required by reason of
the payment to a person other than the registered holder of the
certificate surrendered or that such person establish to the
satisfaction of the surviving corporation that such tax has been
paid or is not applicable.
Any portion of the payment fund held by the paying agent that
remains unclaimed by the stockholders of Vialta 180 days
after the effective time of the merger may be repaid to Vialta,
as the surviving corporation, and any stockholders of Vialta who
have not properly surrendered their stock certificates will
thereafter look only to Vialta, as the surviving corporation,
for payment of their claim for the amount due to them (without
interest) under the merger agreement for their shares of Vialta
common stock.
Any shares of Vialta common stock that are issued and
outstanding as of the effective time of the merger and are held
by a holder who has not voted in favor of the merger or
consented thereto in writing and who has properly exercised his
or her appraisal or dissenters rights under the DGCL or
the CGCL will not be converted into the right to receive the
merger consideration, but will instead become the right to
receive such consideration as may be determined to be due with
respect to such dissenting shares pursuant to and subject to the
requirements of the DGCL, as applicable. If, after the effective
time of the merger, any such holder has failed to perfect or has
effectively withdrawn or lost his or her dissenters
rights, each share of such holders Vialta common stock
will thereupon be deemed to have been converted into and to have
become, as of the effective time of the merger, the right to
receive, without interest or dividends, the applicable merger
consideration.
If, prior to the effective time of the merger, the outstanding
shares of Vialta common stock are changed into a different
number of shares or shares of a different class as a result of a
stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, subdivision,
reclassification, split, combination, exchange, recapitalization
or other similar transaction, the merger consideration will be
appropriately adjusted in order to take into account such change.
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Treatment of Stock Options
Vested Vialta stock options outstanding immediately prior to the
effective time of the merger will be cancelled and converted
into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to
(1) the excess, if any, of (x) the per share merger
consideration of $0.36 over (y) the applicable exercise
price per share of Vialta common stock subject to such Vialta
stock option, multiplied by (2) the number of shares of
Vialta common stock subject to such Vialta stock option (and for
which such Vialta stock option shall not theretofore have been
exercised). As a result of the transaction, unvested options
held by Didier Pietri will accelerate in accordance with his
stay bonus agreement and unvested options issued to directors
will accelerate in accordance with the terms of the
2000 Directors Stock Option Plan. In paying any such cash
amount in respect of a Vialta stock option, the surviving
corporation will be entitled to deduct and withhold such amounts
as are required to be deducted and withheld under applicable tax
law. All other unvested options will be cancelled and terminated.
As part of the spin-off from ESS Technology, Vialta adopted the
2001 nonstatutory stock option plan and granted options to
purchase Vialta stock to all ESS Technology employees,
consultants and outside directors with outstanding ESS
Technology options. Each Vialta option granted under the plan is
exercisable at the same time (and to the same extent) as an
exercise of the corresponding ESS Technology option to which it
is stapled. The options are exercisable for the
exercise price of the corresponding ESS Technology option, which
is paid to ESS Technology. As a result, the corresponding Vialta
option has an exercise price of $0. The Vialta options vest, are
exercisable, expire and otherwise essentially mirror the
provisions of the corresponding ESS Technology option held by
the ESS Technology employee. Since the spin-off, ESS Technology
has not notified Vialta of the expiration of any ESS Technology
options pursuant to which the Vialta options are stapled. As a
result, Vialta does not know how many options are outstanding
under the 2001 nonstatutory stock option plan. However, Vialta
believes that a significant number of options have expired. In
addition, based on the average strike price of ESS Technology
options at the time of the spin-off relative to the current
price of ESS Technology common stock, to the best of its
knowledge, Vialta does not believe that any ESS Technology
options to which Vialta options are stapled will be exercised.
The closing price for ESS Technology stock on March 31,
2005 was $5.27. As of December 31, 2001, the year stapled
options were granted, the average exercise price for outstanding
ESS Technology stock options was $8.34 according to the 10-K
filed by ESS Technology for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2001.
Representations and Warranties
The merger agreement contains representations and warranties of
each of Vialta and Victory as to, among other things:
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due organization, valid existence and good standing of itself
and its subsidiaries; |
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power and authority to enter into the merger agreement, and,
subject to stockholder approval, to consummate the transactions
contemplated thereby; |
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capitalization; |
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the absence of conflicts with law, organizational documents,
contracts and orders; |
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the absence of any required governmental filings, authorizations
or approvals other than those specified in the merger agreement; |
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the absence of any fees owed to brokers or finders in connection
with the merger except as specified in the merger
agreement; and |
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no violation of existing agreements. |
The merger agreement also contains representations and
warranties of Vialta as to, among other things:
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binding obligation; |
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subsidiaries; |
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litigation; |
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tax matters; |
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properties and leases; |
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contracts and commitments; |
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intellectual property; |
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compliance with applicable laws; |
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employee benefit plans and other agreements with employees; |
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insurance; |
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SEC filings and financial statements; and |
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balance sheet items. |
The merger agreement also contains representations and
warranties of Victory as to, among other things:
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entry into the contribution agreement, additional contribution
agreement and voting agreement; |
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information in SEC filings; |
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vote required; and |
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limited operations. |
None of the representations and warranties in the merger
agreement will survive the effective time of the merger or the
termination of the merger agreement.
Except as expressly contemplated by the provisions of the merger
agreement relating to termination of the merger agreement and
expense reimbursement, none of Vialta, its subsidiaries, or any
of their respective affiliates, directors or officers will have
any liability or obligation whatsoever to Victory or any of its
respective affiliates or any participating stockholder for any
breach or inaccuracy of any representation or warranty made in
the merger agreement, other than for an intentional breach or
misrepresentation.
Material Adverse Effect
It is a condition to Victorys obligation to consummate the
merger that all representations and warranties of Vialta are
true and correct except where the failure, alone or with
aggregate would not have a material adverse effect. Material
adverse effect means, subject to certain limited exceptions, any
change, event, circumstance or effect that is reasonably likely
to be materially adverse to the business, assets (including
intangible assets), financial condition, operations or results
of operations of such entity, taken as a whole with its
subsidiaries.
Conduct of Business Prior to the Effective Time of the
Merger
The merger agreement provides that, during the period from the
date of the merger agreement until the earlier of the
termination of the merger agreement pursuant to its terms or the
effective time of the merger, Vialta and each of its
subsidiaries must, except to the extent permitted by the merger
agreement or to the extent that Victory otherwise consents in
writing, use reasonable efforts to carry on and preserve its
business and its relationships with customers, suppliers,
employees and others in substantially the same manner as it had
prior to the date of the merger agreement and will not
accelerate or delay the payment or collection of accounts. In
addition, during this period, Vialta must not do or agree in
writing to do or permit any of its subsidiaries to do or agree
in writing to do any of the following without the prior written
consent of Victory, except as otherwise permitted by the merger
agreement:
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incur any indebtedness for borrowed money except in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practices; |
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enter into any transaction not in the ordinary course of
business; |
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encumber or permit to be encumbered any of its assets except in
the ordinary course of its business consistent with past
practice and to an extent which is not material; |
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dispose of any of its assets except in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice; |
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enter into any material lease or contract for the purchase or
sale of any property, real or personal; |
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fail to maintain its equipment and other assets in good working
condition and repair, subject only to ordinary wear and tear; |
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pay any bonus, increased salary or special remuneration to any
officer, employee or consultant (except for normal salary
increases consistent with past practices not to exceed
10% per year and except pursuant to existing arrangements
previously disclosed) or enter into any new employment or
consulting agreement with any such person; |
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change accounting methods, except as required by GAAP or by a
governmental authority, or materially revalue any of its assets; |
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declare, set aside or pay any cash dividend or distribution in
respect of capital stock, or redeem or otherwise acquire any of
its capital stock; |
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amend or terminate any contract, agreement or license to which
it is a party except those amended or terminated in the ordinary
course of business, consistent with past practice, and which are
not material in amount or effect; |
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lend any amount to any person or entity, other than
(i) advances for travel and expenses which are incurred in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice,
not material in amount and documented by receipts for the
claimed amounts or (ii) any loans pursuant to the Vialta
401(k) Plan; |
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guarantee or act as a surety for any obligation except for the
endorsement of checks and other negotiable instruments in the
ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice,
which are not material in amount; |
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waive or release any material right or claim except in the
ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice; |
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issue or sell any shares of its capital stock of any class
(except upon the exercise of an option or warrant currently
outstanding), or any other of its securities, or issue or create
any warrants, obligations, subscriptions, options, convertible
securities, or other commitments to issue shares of capital
stock, or accelerate the vesting of any outstanding option or
other security; |
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split or combine the outstanding shares of its capital stock of
any class or enter into any recapitalization affecting the
number of outstanding shares of its capital stock of any class
or affecting any other of its securities; |
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merge, consolidate or reorganize with, or acquire any entity; |
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amend its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; |
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license any of its technology or intellectual property except on
a non-exclusive basis and in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice; |
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change any tax election, agree to any audit assessment by any
tax authority, settle any tax dispute or liability, or file any
federal or state income or franchise tax return outside of the
ordinary course of business; |
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change any insurance coverage or permit any coverage in force to
lapse, or issue any certificates of insurance; |
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take any action with the intention directly or indirectly to
adversely impact the merger; |
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commence any action at law or in equity or any arbitrations,
other than to enforce Vialtas rights and remedies under
the merger agreement, unless authorized by the board of
directors of Vialta; or |
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agree to do, or permit any subsidiary to do or agree to do, any
of the foregoing. |
Proxy Statement; Special Meeting
The parties to the merger agreement agreed to cooperate with
each other in preparing this proxy statement and filing it with
the SEC together with a Transaction Statement on
Schedule 13E-3 that contains additional information
regarding the merger agreement and the merger.
Changes to Recommendations of the Special Committee and the
Board of Directors
The board of directors or the special committee, as the case may
be, may, at any time prior to stockholder approval of the merger
agreement, withdraw, amend or modify a recommendation that
Vialta stockholders vote to approve and adopt the merger
agreement. In addition, the board of directors or the special
committee, as the case may be, at any time prior to stockholder
approval and adoption of the merger agreement, may terminate the
agreement if the board of directors or the special committee
determines in good faith, after consultation with legal counsel,
that the termination is necessary to comply with its fiduciary
duties under applicable laws.
Indemnification and Directors and Officers
Insurance
From and after the effective time of the merger, Vialta, as the
surviving corporation in the merger, must indemnify, and advance
reasonable expenses including attorneys fees to, the
current and former directors and officers of Vialta and its
subsidiaries, referred to as the indemnified parties, against
all costs or expenses (including attorneys fees),
judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, penalties or
liabilities incurred in connection with any acts or omissions
occurring at or prior to the effective time of the merger. All
rights to indemnification and exculpation from liability
existing in favor of any indemnified parties as provided under
any contract, applicable laws and/or the charters and bylaws of
Vialta and its subsidiaries as of the effective time of the
merger are to survive the merger with respect to events
occurring up to and including the time of the merger.
For a period of six years following the effective time of the
merger, the surviving corporation must cause to be maintained in
effect directors and officers liability insurance
covering all persons who are directors and officers of Vialta
and its subsidiaries covered by Vialtas directors
and officers liability insurance policies as of the
effective time of the merger. Vialta will purchase a six year
insurance policy for such officers and directors at a cost of
approximately $400,000 prior to the effective time of the merger.
Additional Agreements
The merger agreement provides that, during the period from the
signing of the merger agreement to the effective time of the
merger, Vialta will, among other things:
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promptly advise Victory in writing of any change which is
expected to have a material adverse effect on Vialta; |
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promptly deliver, when available, a monthly unaudited balance
sheet and statement of operations commencing with the month
ending March 31, 2005; |
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use reasonable efforts to conduct its business in the same
manner as prior to the date of the merger agreement; |
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notify Victory of any material litigation; |
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provide reasonable access to its files, books, records and
offices; and |
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use reasonable efforts to obtain the resignation of its officers
and directors effective immediately prior to the effect time of
the merger. |
63
The merger agreement provides that, during the period from the
signing of the merger agreement to the effective time of the
merger, Victory will, among other things:
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provide prompt notice to Vialta of any event occurring that
would render a representation or warranty of Victory untrue or
inaccurate in any material respect. |
The merger agreement provides that, during the period from the
signing of the merger agreement to the effective time of the
merger, each of Victory and Vialta will:
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cooperate and promptly prepare and file a proxy statement and
joint Schedule 13E-3 with the Securities and Exchange
Commission with respect to the merger; |
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use their reasonable efforts to obtain all authorizations,
approvals and consents of any governmental body which may be
reasonably required or requested in connection with the
completion of the merger and the related transactions; and |
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use its reasonable efforts to satisfy the conditions precedent
to the merger and to cause the merger to be consummated. |
Limitation of Liability for Breaches of Covenants by
Vialta
Except as expressly contemplated by the provisions of the merger
agreement relating to termination of the merger agreement and
expense reimbursement, after any termination of the merger
agreement, none of Vialta, its subsidiaries, or any of their
respective affiliates, directors or officers will have any
liability or obligation whatsoever to Victory or any of its
respective affiliates or any participating stockholder for any
breach of or failure to perform any covenant of Vialta, other
than with respect to a willful breach of the merger agreement.
Conditions to Completion of the Merger
The obligations of Vialta and Victory to complete the merger are
subject to the following conditions, unless waived by the
parties:
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the absence of any order, decree, or ruling by any court or
governmental agency, or threat thereof, or any other fact or
circumstance, which would prohibit, render illegal or enjoin the
consummation of the merger; and |
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approval of the merger agreement by a majority vote of Vialta
shares outstanding as of the record date. |
The obligation of Vialta to effect the merger is subject to the
satisfaction of the following additional conditions, unless
waived in writing by Vialta:
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the representations and warranties of Victory contained in the
merger agreement being true and correct as of the date of the
Agreement and on and as of the closing date of the merger except
where the failure of a representation or warranty to be true and
correct would not have a material adverse effect on Vialta, as
evidenced by receipt of a certificate to such effect executed by
Victorys President and Chief Financial Officer; and |
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Victorys performance in all material respects of all of
its obligations under the merger agreement that are required to
be performed by Victory at or prior to the closing date of the
merger, as evidenced by receipt of a certificate to such effect
executed by Victorys President and Chief Financial Officer. |
The obligation of Victory to effect the merger is subject to the
satisfaction of the following additional conditions, unless
waived by Victory in writing:
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the representations and warranties of Vialta contained in the
merger agreement being true and correct as of the date of the
Agreement and on and as of the closing date of the merger except
where the failure of a representation or warranty to be true and
correct would not have a company material adverse effect on
Victory, as evidenced by receipt of a certificate to such effect
executed by Vialtas President and Chief Financial Officer; |
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Vialtas performance in all material respects of all of its
obligations under the merger agreement that are required to be
performed by Vialta at or prior to the closing date of the
merger, as evidenced by receipt of a certificate to such effect
executed by Vialtas President and Chief Financial Officer; |
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the determination, in the reasonable judgment of the board of
directors of Victory that there has not been a material adverse
effect with respect to Vialta; |
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receipt of a legal opinion from counsel to Vialta as to the
companys due incorporation, power and authority to enter
into the merger agreement, due execution and delivery of the
agreement, and the merger agreement not violating the
certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the company; and |
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confirmation that Vialta has no less than $14,500,000 in cash
and cash equivalents as of midnight on the day before the
closing. |
The parties do not have any present intention to waive any of
the conditions to the merger and do not anticipate any
circumstances under which any of the conditions would be waived.
Termination of the Merger Agreement
The merger agreement may be terminated at any time and for any
reason prior to the effective time of the merger by the mutual
written consent duly authorized by the board of directors of
Vialta and Victory.
Either Vialta or Victory may terminate the merger agreement at
any time prior to the effective time of the merger if:
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the merger is not consummated by August 13, 2005, except
that the right to terminate the merger agreement for this reason
will not be available to any party whose action or failure to
act has been a principal cause of or resulted in the failure of
the merger to occur on or before August 13, 2005; |
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a governmental entity shall have issued an order, decree or
ruling or taken any other action, in any case having the effect
of permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting
the merger, which order, decree, ruling or other action is final
and nonappealable; or |
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stockholder approval of the merger agreement is not obtained at
the special meeting (including any adjournment or postponement
thereof), except that the right to terminate the merger
agreement for this reason will not be available to Vialta where
the failure to obtain stockholder approval shall have been
caused by Vialtas failure to fulfill its obligations with
respect to preparing and filing a proxy statement and joint
Schedule 13E-3 with the SEC or calling and holding a
meeting of its stockholders and such failure constitutes a
material breach by Vialta of this Agreement. |
In addition, Victory may terminate the merger agreement at any
time prior to the effective time of the merger if:
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the special committee withdraws or amends or modifies in a
manner adverse to Victory its recommendation in favor of the
adoption and approval of the merger agreement or the approval of
the merger; |
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Vialta fails to include in the proxy statement the
recommendation of the special committee or the board of
directors in favor of the adoption and approval of the merger
agreement and the approval of the merger; |
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the special committee fails to reaffirm its recommendation in
favor of the adoption and approval of the merger agreement and
the approval of the merger within 10 business days after
Victorys requests in writing that such recommendation be
reaffirmed at any time following the public announcement of a
competing acquisition proposal; |
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the special committee approves or publicly recommends any
competing acquisition proposal other than a liquidation or
dissolution; |
65
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Vialta enters into any letter of intent or similar document or
any agreement, contract or commitment accepting any competing
acquisition proposal; |
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a tender or exchange offer is commenced by a person unaffiliated
with Victory, and Vialta has not sent to its securityholders a
statement disclosing that Vialta recommends rejection of such
tender or exchange offer within 10 business days after such
tender or exchange offer is first published, sent or
given; or |
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Vialta breaches any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Vialta
becomes untrue as a result of which, in either case, the
conditions to completion of the merger would not be satisfied,
and such breach is not curable through commercially reasonable
efforts or, if curable, is not cured within 30 days of
written notice from Victory. |
In addition, Vialta may terminate the merger agreement at any
time prior to the effective time of the merger if:
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Victory breaches any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Victory
becomes untrue as a result of which, in either case, the
conditions to completion of the merger would not be satisfied,
and such breach is not curable through commercially reasonable
efforts or, if curable, is not cured within 30 days of
written notice from Vialta; or |
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prior to approval of the merger at the stockholders
meeting, the board of directors or the special committee
determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal
counsel, that termination is necessary to comply with its
fiduciary duties under applicable law. |
No Limitation on Solicitation of Transactions or Termination
of Merger Agreement due to Fiduciary Obligations
The merger agreement does not contain restrictions on
Vialtas ability to solicit or initiate any inquiries,
proposals or offers with respect to any competing transaction or
ultimately to consummate any such competing transaction until
stockholders of Vialta approve the merger. The board of
directors or special committee may terminate the merger
agreement or withdraw, modify or change its approval or
recommendation of the merger agreement if it determines in good
faith that failure to take such action would be inconsistent
with its fiduciary obligations to stockholders of Vialta (other
than participating stockholders).
Expenses
Except as described below, if the merger is not consummated,
Vialta and Victory will each pay its own expenses incurred in
connection with the merger. If the merger is consummated,
Vialta, as the surviving corporation, will pay all of the
expenses incurred by or on behalf of either Vialta or Victory.
Vialta must pay the out-of-pocket expenses actually and
reasonably incurred by Victory and its affiliates in connection
with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby in an aggregate amount not to exceed $250,000 if:
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Vialta terminates the merger agreement prior to approval of the
merger at the stockholders meeting because the board of
directors or the special committee determines in good faith,
after consultation with outside legal counsel, that termination
of the agreement is necessary for the board of directors or the
special committee to comply with its fiduciary duties under
applicable law; |
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Victory terminates the merger agreement because (1) the
special committee withdraws or amends or modifies its
recommendation in a manner adverse to Victory; (2) Vialta
fails to include in the proxy statement the recommendation of
the special committee or the board of directors in favor of the
adoption and approval of the merger agreement and the approval
of the merger; (3) the special committee fails to reaffirm
its recommendation within 10 business days after written request
by Victory following the public announcement of a competing
acquisition proposal; (4) the special committee approves or
publicly recommends any competing acquisition proposal other
than a liquidation or dissolution; (5) Vialta enters into
any letter of intent or similar document or any agreement,
contract or |
66
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commitment accepting any competing acquisition proposal; or
(6) a tender or exchange offer is commenced by a person
unaffiliated with Victory, and Vialta has not sent to its
securityholders a statement disclosing that Vialta recommends
rejection of such tender or exchange offer within 10 business
days after such tender or exchange offer is first published,
sent or given; or |
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Victory terminates the merger agreement because a breach by
Vialta causes the conditions to completion of the merger to not
be satisfied and cured, if curable, within 30 days of
written notice from Victory and Vialta consummates an
Acquisition Proposal within six months following
such termination. An Acquisition Proposal includes:
(1) any acquisition or purchase of more than 50% of Vialta
common stock, including by means of a tender offer or exchange
offer, or any merger, consolidation, business combination or
similar transaction pursuant to which the stockholders of Vialta
immediately preceding such transaction hold less than 50% of the
equity interests in the surviving or resulting entity of such
transaction or its parent party; (2) any sale, lease,
exchange, transfer, license, acquisition, or disposition of all
or substantially all of the aggregate fair market value of
assets of Vialta; or (3) any liquidation or dissolution of
Vialta. |
Modification or Amendment of the Merger Agreement
Subject to applicable law, Victory and Vialta may amend the
merger agreement at any time prior to approval of the merger by
Vialtas stockholders. After stockholder approval, no
amendment will be made without stockholder approval if required
by applicable law.
TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS
Stock Contribution Agreement
The following summary of the material terms of the stock
contribution agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the stock contribution agreement, a copy of which is set
forth in Annex B to this proxy statement.
Victory Acquisition Corp. and the parties listed on the Schedule
of Investors attached thereto.
The stock contribution agreement provides for each participating
stockholder to contribute and deliver to Victory shares of
Vialta common stock beneficially owned by such participating
stockholder in consideration for the issuance by Victory of
shares of its common stock. The contribution of shares took
place effective as of March 28, 2005. Pursuant to the stock
contribution agreement, the participating stockholders
contributed an aggregate of 32,039,840 shares of Vialta
common stock to Victory.
Voting Agreement
The following summary of the material terms of the voting
agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
voting agreement, a copy of which is set forth in Annex C
to this proxy statement.
Victory Acquisition Corp. and Vialta, Inc.
The voting agreement requires that Victory, with respect to
shares of Vialta common stock it beneficially owns as of the
record date, referred to as subject shares, (1) appear at
any duly called annual, special or other stockholder meeting,
and any adjournment or postponement thereof, or to otherwise
cause the subject shares
67
to be counted as present for purposes of establishing a quorum;
(2) to vote or act by written consent with respect to the
subject shares in favor of the merger and the adoption of the
merger agreement and the approval of the other transactions
contemplated thereby, and any actions required in furtherance
thereof (including, without limitation, any proposal to adjourn
any such meeting if necessary to permit further solicitation of
proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time
of such meeting to approve the merger agreement); and
(3) to vote or act by written consent with respect to the
subject shares against any action or agreement that would result
in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any
other obligation of Vialta under the voting agreement or the
merger agreement. Any vote by Victory that is not in accordance
with voting requirements prescribed above will be considered
null and void. Victory may not enter into any agreement or
understanding with any person or entity prior to the termination
of the voting agreement to vote or give instructions in a manner
inconsistent with voting prescribed above.
Victory agrees not to:
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directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, pledge, encumber, assign
or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract, option or
other arrangement or understanding with respect to the sale,
transfer, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other disposition
of, the subject shares or any interest contained therein (other
than pursuant to the pledge agreement), except for transfers to
an affiliate of Victory that executes a counterpart of the
voting agreement and agrees to hold the subject shares subject
to all of the terms and provisions of the voting agreement; |
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grant any proxies or powers of attorney or enter into any other
voting agreement or other arrangement with respect to the
subject shares; |
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enter into, or deposit the subject shares into, a voting trust;
nor |
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commit or agree to take any of the foregoing actions. |
This voting agreement will automatically terminate and become
null and void and have no further effect, upon the earliest to
occur of: the written agreement of the parties, the effective
time of the merger, and the date of termination of the merger
agreement.
Additional Contribution Agreement
The following summary of the material terms of the additional
contribution agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the additional contribution agreement, a copy of which is set
forth in Annex D to this proxy statement.
Victory Acquisition Corp. and Fred S.L. Chan.
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Contribution Requirements |
The merger agreement requires Vialta to deposit the merger
consideration with the exchange agent at the effective time of
the merger. In the event Vialta does not have sufficient cash to
pay the entire merger consideration required, the merger
agreement provides that Victory will contribute the shortfall,
in cash, not to exceed $4 million (the
Shortfall). Because Victory does not have any cash
assets, it entered into the additional contribution agreement,
pursuant to which Fred Chan agrees to advance the Shortfall to
Victory. The advance will be made in the form of a loan to
Victory, within two business days following demand by Victory,
subject to the terms of a promissory note in the form attached
to the additional contribution agreement. The promissory note is
payable 24 months following the date the money is advanced
and provides for interest payable at a rate of 6% per year.
Vialta is a third party beneficiary to this agreement.
68
Pledge Agreement
The following summary of the material terms of the pledge
agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
additional contribution agreement, a copy of which is set forth
in Annex E to this proxy statement.
Victory Acquisition Corp. and Vialta, Inc.
The pledge agreement was entered into with respect to the
requirement contained in the merger agreement that Victory pay
any shortfall, up to $4 million, in the merger
consideration due in connection with the merger. Pursuant to the
terms of the pledge agreement, Victory granted to Vialta a
security interest in all Vialta common stock owned or later
acquired by Victory, to secure payment by Victory of the
shortfall requirement.
69
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
Set forth below is certain selected historical financial
information with respect to Vialta and its subsidiaries,
excerpted from the financial statements of Vialta audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent auditors, and set forth
in Vialtas Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2004, a copy of which is attached
as Annex I to this proxy statement. The Form 10-K was
previously filed by Vialta with the SEC. Also set forth below is
certain selected unaudited historical financial information with
respect to Vialta and its subsidiaries as set forth in
Vialtas Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended March 31, 2005, a copy of which is attached
as Annex J to this proxy statement. The Form 10-Q was
previously filed by Vialta with the SEC.
Additional financial information is included in the reports and
other documents filed by Vialta with the SEC. The following
summary information is qualified in its entirety by reference to
such reports and all of the financial information (including any
related notes) contained therein. The financial information
(including any related notes) contained in certain of such
reports and other documents is incorporated herein by reference
as described in more detail below. See WHERE YOU CAN FIND
MORE INFORMATION.
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Three Months | |
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Ended | |
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Years Ended December 31, | |
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March 31, | |
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2004 | |
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2003 | |
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2002 | |
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2001 | |
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2000 | |
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2005 | |
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2004 | |
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(In thousands, except per share amounts) | |
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
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Revenue, net
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$ |
12,747 |
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$ |
10,331 |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
2,958 |
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$ |
4,974 |
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Cost of good sold
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8,022 |
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2,941 |
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2,170 |
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1,396 |
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Gross profit
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4,725 |
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7,390 |
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788 |
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3,578 |
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Operating expenses:
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Product costs
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10,421 |
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Engineering and development
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|
1,247 |
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2,557 |
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13,264 |
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25,250 |
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19,558 |
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292 |
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336 |
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Sales and marketing
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2,011 |
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4,427 |
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3,100 |
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3,738 |
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2,927 |
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292 |
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605 |
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General and administrative
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4,573 |
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5,753 |
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5,643 |
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9,301 |
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6,699 |
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1,478 |
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1,360 |
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Amortization and impairment of content licenses
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11,395 |
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Total operating expenses
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7,831 |
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12,737 |
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43,823 |
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38,289 |
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29,184 |
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2,062 |
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2,301 |
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Operating loss
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(3,106 |
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(5,347 |
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(43,823 |
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(38,289 |
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(29,184 |
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(1,274 |
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1,277 |
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Interest income, net
|
|
|
717 |
|
|
|
733 |
|
|
|
1,244 |
|
|
|
3,606 |
|
|
|
7,688 |
|
|
|
203 |
|
|
|
209 |
|
Gain on investment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,266 |
) |
|
|
(1,682 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income tax benefit
|
|
|
(2,389 |
) |
|
|
(4,043 |
) |
|
|
(42,579 |
) |
|
|
(35,949 |
) |
|
|
(23,178 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,071 |
) |
|
$ |
1,486 |
|
Income tax benefit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
260 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(2,389 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,043 |
) |
|
$ |
(42,579 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,949 |
) |
|
$ |
(22,918 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,071 |
) |
|
$ |
1,486 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.51 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.83 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.68 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
82,930 |
|
|
|
82,285 |
|
|
|
83,578 |
|
|
|
43,248 |
|
|
|
6,222 |
|
|
|
83,077 |
|
|
|
82,803 |
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
82,930 |
|
|
|
82,285 |
|
|
|
83,578 |
|
|
|
43,248 |
|
|
|
6,222 |
|
|
|
83,077 |
|
|
|
88,552 |
|
70
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
March 31, | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2000 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(In thousands) | |
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments
|
|
$ |
18,402 |
|
|
$ |
24,308 |
|
|
$ |
32,701 |
|
|
$ |
67,428 |
|
|
$ |
136,490 |
|
|
$ |
18,379 |
|
Restricted cash
|
|
|
3,057 |
|
|
|
2,226 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,066 |
|
Working capital
|
|
|
22,261 |
|
|
|
25,365 |
|
|
|
30,201 |
|
|
|
66,830 |
|
|
|
109,870 |
|
|
|
24,288 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
29,402 |
|
|
|
37,114 |
|
|
|
40,327 |
|
|
|
83,866 |
|
|
|
153,691 |
|
|
|
27,016 |
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
3,753 |
|
|
|
9,061 |
|
|
|
7,949 |
|
|
|
3,587 |
|
|
|
33,594 |
|
|
|
2,434 |
|
Redeemable convertible preferred stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
142,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders equity (deficit)
|
|
|
25,649 |
|
|
|
28,053 |
|
|
|
32,378 |
|
|
|
80,279 |
|
|
|
(22,503 |
) |
|
|
24,582 |
|
Vialtas book value per share as of March 31, 2005 was
$0.30.
71
CERTAIN FINANCIAL MODELS RELATING TO POTENTIAL BROADBAND
PRODUCTS
Vialtas Beamer videophone products are compatible with
home phones over standard (analog) home phone lines. The current
analog videophone end-user market is relatively small, due in
part to functionality and quality limitations associated with
narrowband transmission. As a result, although the company has
received a number of awards and positive publicity for its
analog videophone products and enjoys a high market share, the
Beamer is a niche product and the companys overall sales
have been limited.
During 2004, Vialta announced that it had developed a broadband
version of Vialtas Beamer videophone and that
field-testing and public availability of a broadband Beamer
videophone would occur before the end of 2004. Vialta has since
delayed field-tests of its broadband videophone products while
it continues to refine and test prototypes of these products.
Vialta currently expects to field-test its broadband videophone
products with a few select broadband service providers in the
second half of 2005. Vialta expects commercial introduction of
broadband versions of its Beamer videophone products to occur in
2006. More recently, Vialta has been in preliminary discussions
with intermediaries that have relationships with an Asian based
cable company concerning representation of the company with
respect to potential customer sales in the Asian marketplace.
However, no assurances can be made that the company will
successfully develop a broadband product that will be accepted
in the marketplace.
In March 2005, at the request of Salem Partners, the company
prepared three different financial case scenarios with respect
to its broadband products, based on the following different
assumptions: (1) a business plan of analog products only,
(2) a business plan of actively developing its broadband
products and pursuing broadband sales, but no actual sales and
(3) a business plan of pursuing broadband sales, with sales
of 100,000 units in 2006. The three scenarios were then
incorporated into its overall financial projections for 2005 and
2006. The resulting projections were provided to the special
committee and Salem Partners for use in reviewing the merger
agreement. These models and the resulting projections were not
provided to Mr. Chan or his advisors although as a board
member, Mr. Chan has had access to scenario 1 below.
Unlike retail sales of its analog products, it is anticipated
that broadband videophones will be sold by manufacturers such as
Vialta to a limited number of cable companies and telephone
companies who would provide its end-users with a videophone as
an ancillary product to their broadband service. Since the
number of potential wholesale customers is relatively small, it
is further anticipated that the gross margins for such sales
will be compressed over time. There is no assurance as to the
market acceptance of broadband videophones by consumer
end-users, or as to the time frame of any roll-out of broadband
videophones by broadband service providers.
This prospective financial information was not prepared with a
view toward compliance with published guidelines of the
Securities and Exchange Commission or the guidelines established
by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for
preparation and presentation of prospective financial
information. While presented with numerical specificity, the
models and resulting projections are based upon a variety of
hypothetical assumptions at the time they were prepared. The
prospective financial information, including the assumptions,
were not necessarily prepared on a reasonable basis. Such
assumptions are subject to significant economic and competitive
uncertainties and contingencies, most of which are beyond
Vialtas control. Accordingly, Vialta cannot predict
whether the assumptions made in preparing such models and
resulting projections will prove accurate. Such projections are
inherently imprecise, and there can be no assurances that the
results presented in the actual results will not differ
materially from the results presented in the models and
resulting projections.
The prospective financial information included in this proxy
statement has been prepared by, and is the responsibility of,
the Companys management. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm,
has neither examined nor compiled the accompanying prospective
financial information and, accordingly, PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance
with respect thereto. The PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP report
included in this proxy statement
72
relates to the Companys historical financial information.
It does not extend to the prospective financial information and
should not be read to do so.
The models and resulting projections were not prepared with a
view to public disclosure. The information concerning the models
and resulting projections is included in this proxy statement
solely because such information was furnished to the special
committee and its advisors and in part to Mr. Chan. The
inclusion of the models and resulting projections herein should
not be regarded as a representation by Vialta or any other
entity or person that the projected results will be achieved,
and none of Vialta, Victory or Mr. Chan assumes any
responsibility for the accuracy of such information or any
responsibility to update the models and resulting projections in
light of changed circumstances or additional information.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this data.
73
VIALTA, INC.
PROJECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
ANALOG BUSINESS ONLY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2006 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(In thousands) | |
Revenue, net
|
|
$ |
12,166 |
|
|
$ |
14,600 |
|
Cost of goods sold
|
|
|
8,966 |
|
|
|
10,759 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
3,201 |
|
|
|
3,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Engineering and development
|
|
|
1,309 |
|
|
|
1,375 |
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
2,112 |
|
|
|
2,217 |
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
4,802 |
|
|
|
5,042 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
8,223 |
|
|
|
8,634 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss
|
|
|
(5,022 |
) |
|
|
(4,793 |
) |
Interest income and other:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income, net
|
|
|
697 |
|
|
|
700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest income and other
|
|
|
697 |
|
|
|
700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(4,325 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,093 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basis of preparation of projected 2005 and 2006 statements of
operations, ANALOG BUSINESS ONLY
Key material hypothetical assumptions on which basis the above
projected statements of operations were prepared from the
historical statement of operations for the year ended
December 31, 2004 are:
|
|
|
a) There will be no sales to CEC. CEC was one of the major
Companys Chinese customers which notified the Company in
Q3 2004 that it no longer would purchase any Beamer product. |
|
|
b) All product lines unit sales increase 20% for each of
2005 and 2006 years from historical 2004 unit sales
(excluding sales to CEC). |
|
|
c) There are no changes in product mix and there are no new
types of products sold compared to the historical 2004 product
mix. |
|
|
d) Sold units are valued using standard costs (that
approximate actual cost) as of December 31, 2004. There are
no inventory reserve releases in COGS in relation to sold or
disposed inventory previously written off. |
|
|
e) The retail price for the BMTV and BM80 products
decreases by $25 and for the VistaFrame products by $50 compared
to historical average prices during the year ended
December 31, 2004. |
|
|
f) Operating expenses increase by 5% for each of 2005 and
2006 years from historical 2004 operating expenses. |
|
|
g) Interest income, net primarily represents interest
income on cash equivalents and short-term investments, and no
collection of the $5.0 million note receivable which
matured April 2005. |
None of these assumptions may be realized and they are
inherently subject to significant business economic and
competitive uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are
difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the
Companys control. Accordingly, the assumptions made in
preparation of above projection may not prove accurate, and
actual results may materially differ. In addition, the
projections do not take into account of the transaction
contemplated by the proposed acquisition of the Company. Readers
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this data.
74
VIALTA, INC.
PROJECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
ANALOG BUSINESS PLUS DEVELOPMENT COSTS, BUT NO SALES, OF
BROADBAND
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2006 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(In thousands) | |
Revenue, net
|
|
$ |
12,166 |
|
|
$ |
14,600 |
|
Cost of goods sold
|
|
|
8,966 |
|
|
|
10,759 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
3,201 |
|
|
|
3,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Engineering and development
|
|
|
1,309 |
|
|
|
1,375 |
|
|
BroadBand Development
|
|
|
333 |
|
|
|
667 |
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
2,262 |
|
|
|
2,675 |
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
4,802 |
|
|
|
5,042 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
8,706 |
|
|
|
9,758 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss
|
|
|
(5,505 |
) |
|
|
(5,917 |
) |
Interest income and other:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income, net
|
|
|
697 |
|
|
|
692 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest income and other
|
|
|
697 |
|
|
|
692 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(4,808 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,225 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basis of preparation of projected 2005 and 2006 statements of
operations, ANALOG BUSINESS PLUS DEVELOPMENT COSTS, BUT NO
SALES, OF BROADBAND
Key material hypothetical assumptions on which basis the above
statement was prepared from historical statement of operations
for the year ended December 31, 2004 are:
|
|
|
a) There will be no sales to CEC. CEC was one of the major
Companys Chinese customers which notified the Company in
Q3 2004 that it no longer would purchase any Beamer product. |
|
|
b) All product lines unit sales increase 20% for each of
2005 and 2006 years from historical 2004 unit sales
(excluding sales to CEC). |
|
|
c) There are no changes in product mix and there are no new
types of products sold compared to the historical 2004 product
mix. |
|
|
d) Sold units are valued using standard costs (that
approximate actual cost) as of December 31, 2004. There are
no inventory reserve releases in COGS in relation to sold or
disposed inventory previously written off. |
|
|
e) The retail price for the BMTV and BM80 products
decreases by $25 and for the VistaFrame products by $50 compared
to historical average prices during the year ended
December 31, 2004. |
|
|
f) Operating expenses increase by 5% for each of 2005 and
2006 years from historical 2004 operating expenses.
Additionally, sales and marketing costs increase by $150,000 for
each of 2005 and 2006 years. |
|
|
g) Broadband development starts in 2005 at overall
incremental development cost $1 million with one-third of
the cost incurred in 2005 and two-thirds of the cost incurred in
2006. |
75
|
|
|
h) Interest income, net primarily represents interest
income on cash equivalents and short-term investments, and no
collection of the $5.0 million note receivable which
matured during April 2005. |
None of these assumptions may be realized and they are
inherently subject to significant business economic and
competitive uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are
difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the
Companys control. Accordingly, the assumptions made in
preparation of above projection may not prove accurate, and
actual results may materially differ. In addition, the
projections do not take into account of the transaction
contemplated by the proposed acquisition of the Company. Readers
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this data.
76
VIALTA, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
ANALOG AND BROADBAND SALES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005E | |
|
2006E | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(In thousands) | |
Revenue, net
|
|
$ |
12,166 |
|
|
$ |
26,600 |
|
Cost of goods sold
|
|
|
8,966 |
|
|
|
20,759 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
3,201 |
|
|
|
5,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Engineering and development
|
|
|
1,309 |
|
|
|
1,375 |
|
|
BroadBand Development
|
|
|
333 |
|
|
|
667 |
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
2,262 |
|
|
|
2,675 |
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
4,802 |
|
|
|
5,042 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
8,706 |
|
|
|
9,758 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss
|
|
|
(5,505 |
) |
|
|
(3,917 |
) |
Interest income and other:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income, net
|
|
|
697 |
|
|
|
725 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest income and other
|
|
|
697 |
|
|
|
725 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(4,808 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,192 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
77
MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
Vialta common stock is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under
the symbol VLTA. On March 7, 2005, there were
approximately 329 stockholders of record of Vialta common stock.
The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for
the common stock as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board during
the periods indicated. Such prices reflect inter-dealer prices,
without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not
necessarily represent actual transactions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High | |
|
Low | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Fiscal 2003:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter ended March 31, 2003
|
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
$ |
0.30 |
|
|
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2003
|
|
$ |
0.51 |
|
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
|
Third Quarter ended September 30, 2003
|
|
$ |
0.49 |
|
|
$ |
0.33 |
|
|
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2003
|
|
$ |
0.81 |
|
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
Fiscal 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter ended March 31, 2004
|
|
$ |
0.70 |
|
|
$ |
0.32 |
|
|
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2004
|
|
$ |
0.39 |
|
|
$ |
0.32 |
|
|
Third Quarter ended September 30, 2004
|
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
|
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2004
|
|
$ |
0.25 |
|
|
$ |
0.16 |
|
Fiscal 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter ended March 31, 2005
|
|
$ |
0.34 |
|
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
Second Quarter (through April 21, 2005)
|
|
$ |
0.34 |
|
|
$ |
0.34 |
|
The closing sale price for shares of the common stock on the OTC
Bulletin Board on March 28, 2005, the last trading day
before Vialta announced the proposal by the participating
stockholders, was $0.22 per share. Stockholders should
obtain a current market quotation for the common stock before
making any decision with respect to the merger.
Vialta has never declared or paid a cash dividend on its common
stock and does not plan to pay any cash dividends on its common
stock in the foreseeable future. Under the merger agreement,
Vialta has agreed not to pay dividends on its common stock
before the effective time of the merger.
RECENT TRANSACTIONS AND PRIOR STOCK PURCHASES
There have been no transactions in the common stock of Vialta
effected within 60 days of the date of this proxy statement
by Vialta, or, to Vialtas knowledge, any of the executive
officers or directors of Vialta (other than Mr. Chan). To
Vialtas knowledge, the only transaction in Vialta common
stock effected by the participating stockholders within
60 days of the date of this proxy statement was the
contribution of their shares to Victory and their commitment to
contribute any shares acquired before the effective time of the
merger in accordance with the terms of the contribution
agreement. None of the participating stockholders has purchased
common stock of Vialta during the past two years, to
Vialtas knowledge, nor has Vialta repurchased any of its
common stock during the past two years.
Vialta has not made an underwritten offering of its common stock
for cash at any time prior to the date of this proxy statement.
78
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth certain information at
May 10, 2005 regarding the beneficial ownership of Vialta
common stock by each director, each person known by Vialta to
own beneficially more than 5% of Vialta common stock (including
any group as set forth in Section 13(d)(3) of
the Exchange Act), each named executive officer (as defined in
Item 402(a)(3) of Regulation S-K), and all directors
and current executive officers as a group based upon information
furnished by such persons. Except as indicated in the footnotes,
the persons listed have sole voting and investment power over
the shares beneficially owned.
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|
|
Percentage of | |
Name and Address(1) |
|
Number of Shares | |
|
Class Outstanding | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Knight Equity Markets, L.P.(2)
|
|
|
8,992,418 |
|
|
|
11 |
% |
|
545 Washington Blvd., 3rd Floor
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
Jersey City, NJ 07310
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Victory Acquisition Corp.(3)
|
|
|
32,039,840 |
|
|
|
39 |
% |
Fred S.L. Chan(4)
|
|
|
33,658,420 |
|
|
|
40 |
% |
Didier Pietri(5)
|
|
|
3,496,936 |
|
|
|
4 |
% |
George M. Cain(6)
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Herbert Chang(7)
|
|
|
49,666 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Matthew K. Fong(8)
|
|
|
95,974 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Michael S. Dubester(9)
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
William Scharninghausen(10)
|
|
|
165,208 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Yin-Wu Chen(11)
|
|
|
180,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All executive officers and directors as a group (8 persons)
|
|
|
37,676,204 |
|
|
|
43 |
% |
|
|
|
|
* |
The amount shown is less than 1% of the outstanding shares of
such class. |
|
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|
|
(1) |
Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each beneficial
owner is c/o Vialta, Inc., 48461 Fremont Boulevard,
Fremont, CA 94538. |
|
|
(2) |
Based on a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
May 10, 2005 indicating beneficial ownership as of
May 10, 2005. |
|
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(3) |
The address for Victory Acquisition Corp. is 19770 Stevens
Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014. The participating stockholders
have acted as a group in contributing their Vialta shares to
Victory in connection with the proposed merger and may therefore
be deemed as a group to have beneficial ownership of the entire
32,039,840 shares of Vialta stock held by Victory. See
SPECIAL FACTORS Interests of Certain Persons
in the Merger. |
|
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(4) |
Includes all shares held by Victory Acquisition Corp., an entity
controlled by Mr. Chan, and 1,618,580 shares which
Mr. Chan has the right to acquire on or within 60 days
of May 10, 2005 through the exercise of options. All of the
options will be cancelled in connection with the merger. |
|
|
(5) |
Includes 3,437,500 shares which Mr. Pietri has the
right to acquire on or within 60 days of May 10, 2005
through the exercise of options. |
|
|
(6) |
Includes 15,000 shares which Mr. Cain has the right to
acquire on or within 60 days of May 10, 2005 through
the exercise of options. |
|
|
(7) |
Includes 49,666 shares which Mr. Chang has the right
to acquire on or within 60 days of May 10, 2005
through the exercise of options. |
|
|
(8) |
Includes 15,000 shares which Mr. Fong has the right to
acquire on or within 60 days of May 10, 2005 through
the exercise of options. |
|
|
(9) |
Includes 15,000 shares which Mr. Dubester has the
right to acquire on or within 60 days of May 10, 2005
through the exercise of options. |
|
|
|
|
(10) |
Includes 165,208 shares which Mr. Scharninghausen has
the right to acquire on or within 60 days of May 10,
2005 through the exercise of options. |
79
|
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(11) |
Includes 180,000 shares which Mr. Chen has the right
to acquire on or within 60 days of May 10, 2005
through the exercise of options. |
The sole director and executive officer of Victory Acquisition
Corp. is Fred S.L. Chan. His ownership of Vialta common stock is
set forth above.
FUTURE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Under Vialtas bylaws, no business may be brought before an
annual meeting unless it is specified in the notice of the
meeting or is otherwise properly brought before the meeting by
or at the direction of the board of directors or by an eligible
stockholder who has delivered written notice to Vialtas
Corporate Secretary not less than 120 days prior to the
date that Vialtas proxy statement was released to
stockholders in connection with the previous years annual
meeting of stockholders.
If the merger is completed, there will be no public
participation in any future meetings of stockholders of Vialta.
However, if the merger is not completed, Vialtas
stockholders will continue to be entitled to attend and
participate in Vialta stockholders meetings. If the merger
is not completed, Vialtas 2006 annual meeting will be
delayed. Vialta will inform its stockholders, by press release
or other means determined reasonable by Vialta, of the date by
which stockholder proposals must be received by Vialta for
inclusion in the proxy materials relating to the annual meeting,
which proposals must comply with the rules and regulations of
the SEC then in effect.
STOCKHOLDERS SHARING THE SAME ADDRESS
Some banks, brokers and other nominees are participating in the
practice of householding proxy statements and annual
reports. This means that only one proxy statement and set of
accompanying materials is being delivered to multiple security
holders sharing an address. Vialta will deliver, promptly upon
written or oral request, a separate copy of this proxy statement
and accompanying materials to a security holder at a shared
address to which a single copy of the documents was delivered. A
security holder who wishes to receive a separate copy of the
proxy statement and accompanying materials now or in the future,
or security holders sharing an address who are receiving
multiple copies of proxy materials and wish to receive a single
copy of such materials, should submit a written request to
Director of Finance, Vialta, Inc., 48461 Fremont Boulevard,
Fremont, CA 94538 or call 510-870-3068.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Vialta files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy
statements and other documents with the SEC under the Exchange
Act. Vialtas SEC filings made electronically through the
SECs EDGAR system are available to the public at the
SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and
copy any document Vialta files with the SEC at the SECs
public reference room located at 450 Fifth Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330
for further information on the operation of the public reference
room.
Vialta and Victory Acquisition Corp. have filed with the SEC a
Schedule 13E-3 with respect to the proposed merger. The
Schedule 13E-3, including any amendments and exhibits filed
or incorporated by reference as a part of it, is available for
inspection as set forth above.
In some cases, the SEC allows Vialta to incorporate by
reference information that it files with the SEC in other
documents into this proxy statement. This means that Vialta can
disclose important information to you, where permitted, by
referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC.
The information incorporated by reference is considered to be
part of this proxy statement.
80
Vialta incorporates by reference into this proxy statement the
following documents that it filed with the SEC under the
Exchange Act:
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Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended
December 31, 2004, a copy of which is attached to this
proxy statement as Annex I |
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Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2005, a copy of which is attached to this proxy
statement as Annex J. |
Vialta undertakes to provide without charge to each person to
whom a copy of this proxy statement has been delivered, upon
request, by first class mail or other equally prompt means,
within one business day of receipt of such request, a copy of
any or all of the documents incorporated by reference into this
proxy statement, other than the exhibits to these documents,
unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference
into the information that this proxy statement incorporates. You
may obtain copies of documents incorporated by reference by
requesting them in writing or by telephone from
Finance Department
Vialta, Inc.
48461 Fremont Boulevard
Fremont, California 94538
Telephone: (510) 870-3088
Vialta will deliver such requested documents to you by first
class mail or equally prompt means within one business day of
receipt of such request.
This proxy statement does not constitute an offer to sell, or
a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the
solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction to or from any
person to whom it is not lawful to make any offer or
solicitation in that jurisdiction. The delivery of this proxy
statement should not create an implication that there has been
no change in the affairs of Vialta since the date of this proxy
statement or that the information herein is correct as of any
later date.
Victory Acquisition Corp., Fred S.L. Chan and the other
participating stockholders have supplied, and Vialta has not
independently verified, the information in this proxy statement
related to Victory Acquisition Corp., Fred S.L. Chan and the
other participating stockholders.
Stockholders should not rely on information other than that
contained or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement.
Vialta has not authorized anyone to provide information that is
different from that contained in this proxy statement. This
proxy statement is
dated ,
2005. No assumption should be made that the information
contained in this proxy statement is accurate as of any date
other than that date, and the mailing of this proxy statement
will not create any implication to the contrary. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the event of any material change in any of the
information previously disclosed, Vialta will, where relevant
and if required by applicable law, (1) update such
information through a supplement to this proxy statement and
(2) amend the Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3
filed in connection with the merger, in each case, to the extent
necessary.
81
Execution Copy
Annex A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the
Agreement) is entered into as of this
28th day of March, 2005 by and between, Victory Acquisition
Corp., a Delaware corporation (Newco),
and Vialta, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(Target). Capitalized terms not
defined in the body of this Agreement shall have the meaning
ascribed to them on Exhibit A.
RECITALS
A. The parties intend that, subject to the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth, Newco will merge with and into
Target in a statutory merger (the
Merger), with Target to be the
surviving corporation, all pursuant to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement and a Certificate of Merger substantially in
the form of Exhibit B (the Certificate
of Merger) and the applicable provisions of the
laws of the State of Delaware. Upon the effectiveness of the
Merger, all outstanding capital stock of Newco
(Newco Stock) will be converted into
capital stock of Target as the surviving corporation of the
Merger.
B. All outstanding shares of Newco are owned by
Fred S.L. Chan and certain family members and trusts for
the benefit of Mr. Chan and his family. Newco has been
formed solely to facilitate and effect this Merger with Target,
with the existence of Newco to be transitory and discontinued
upon the consummation of the Merger. Newco will conduct no
business prior to the Merger. Newco has pledged to Target, to
secure Newcos obligations under this Agreement, all shares
of Targets common stock owned or controlled by Newco
pursuant to the Pledge Agreement dated as of an even date hereof
and attached as Exhibit C hereto (the
Pledge Agreement).
C. The Merger is intended for federal income tax purposes
to be treated as a redemption of the shares of Target Common
Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other
than Target shares held by Newco contributed to Newco shortly
prior to the Closing Date by those stockholders of Target who
will continue as stockholders of Target after the Merger),
pursuant to Section 302 of the Code.
D. Following the Merger, Target will no longer be a
reporting company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange
Act.
E. The Board of Directors of Target and the Special
Committee appointed by the Board of Directors of Target (the
Special Committee): (i) has
determined that the Merger is advisable and fair to, and in the
best interests of, Target and its stockholders, (ii) has
approved this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and (iii) has determined to
recommend that the stockholders of Target adopt and approve this
Agreement and approve the Merger. In addition, the Special
Committee has received the opinion of Salem Partners LLC that
the Merger is fair from a financial point of view to Target and
its stockholders (other than Mr. Chan and his Affiliates).
In consideration of the foregoing and the representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this
Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
1. PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
1.1 The Merger. Subject to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time, Newco
will be merged with and into Target, with Target as the
Surviving Corporation in the Merger, pursuant to this Agreement
and the Certificate of Merger and in accordance with applicable
provisions of the laws of the State of Delaware, and the effect
of the Merger shall be as provided in this Agreement and the
applicable provisions of Delaware Law. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, at the Effective Time, all the
property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of Newco and
Target shall vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts,
liabilities and duties of Newco and Target shall become the
debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation.
A-1
1.2 Effect on Capital Stock. Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective
Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part
of Newco, Target or the holders of any of the following
securities:
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1.2.1 Certain Defined Terms. The term
Merger Consideration shall mean
$0.36 per share of Target Common Stock in cash. |
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1.2.2 Conversion of Newco Stock. Each
share of Newco capital stock immediately prior to the Effective
Time (the Newco Stock) will be
cancelled and extinguished and automatically converted into the
right to receive one share of Common Stock of the Surviving
Corporation. |
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1.2.3 Cancellation of Newco Stock.
Each share of Target Common Stock held by Newco or its officers,
directors, stockholders or Affiliates immediately prior to the
Effective Time (the Newco Target
Stock) shall automatically be cancelled and
retired and shall cease to exist, and no cash or other stock
consideration shall be delivered or deliverable in exchange
therefor. |
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1.2.4 Cancellation of Treasury Stock.
Each share of Target Common Stock held by Target or any
Subsidiary (as defined below) of Target (Treasury
Stock) shall automatically be cancelled and
retired and shall cease to exist, and no cash or other stock
consideration shall be delivered or deliverable in exchange
therefor. |
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1.2.5 Conversion of Other Shares.
Subject to Section 1.3, each share of Target Common Stock
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time,
other than shares of Newco Target Stock and shares of
Treasury Stock, will be cancelled and extinguished and
automatically converted into the right to receive the Merger
Consideration in cash upon compliance with the procedures
contemplated in Section 6.2 hereof. |
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1.2.6 Options. At the Effective Time,
each holder of a then outstanding vested option which is then
exercisable to purchase shares of Target Common Stock
(Target Options) (other than options
held by Newco, its officers, directors, stockholders or
Affiliates immediately prior to the Effective Time
(Newco Options) which shall be
cancelled) shall automatically be cancelled and converted into
the right to receive in settlement thereof and net of applicable
withholding taxes, cash in an amount equal to the product of
(i) the Merger Consideration minus the applicable exercise
price per share of such Target Options multiplied by
(ii) the number of vested shares of Target Common Stock
that such option may purchase upon exercise. If and to the
extent required by the terms of the plans governing such options
or the option granted thereunder, Target shall use its
reasonable efforts to obtain the consent of each holder of
outstanding options to the foregoing treatment of such options.
At the Effective Time, each unvested Target Option shall
automatically be terminated without further rights. |
1.3 Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding
any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any shares of
Target Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time and held by a holder who has not voted in favor
of the Merger or consented thereto in writing and who has
demanded appraisal for such shares in accordance with Delaware
Law or California Law, as applicable, shall not be converted
into or represent a right to receive the Merger Consideration as
provided in Section 1.2.5 but instead at the Effective Time
(or at such later time) shall be converted into the right to
receive only such consideration as may be determined to be due
with respect to such Dissenting Shares under Section 262 of
the Delaware Law or Chapter 13 of the California Law, as
applicable. From and after the Effective Time, a holder of
Target Common Stock that becomes a holder of Dissenting Shares
shall not be entitled to exercise any of the voting rights or
other rights of a stockholder of the Surviving Corporation. If
any holder of shares of Target Common Stock who demands
appraisal under Delaware Law and/or the California Law, as
applicable, shall effectively withdraw or lose (through failure
to perfect or otherwise) the right to appraisal, then, as of the
later of (i) the Effective Time and (ii) the
occurrence of such withdrawal or loss, such holders shares
shall no longer be Dissenting Shares and shall automatically be
converted into and represent only the right to receive its
portion of the Merger Consideration as provided in
Section 1.2.5 without interest thereon, upon surrender of
the certificate representing such shares pursuant to
Section 6.2(b).
A-2
1.4 Other Effects of the Merger.
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the
Effective Time (a) the Certificate of Incorporation of
Target shall be amended in its entirety to read as set forth in
Exhibit D hereto, (b) the Bylaws of Newco will
be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, and
(c) the Board of Directors and officers of Newco will
become the Board of Directors and officers of the Surviving
Corporation.
1.5 Further Assurances. Target agrees
that if, at any time after the Effective Time, the Surviving
Corporation considers or is advised that any further deeds,
assignments or assurances are reasonably necessary or desirable
to vest, perfect or confirm in the Surviving Corporation title
to any property or rights of Target or Newco, the Surviving
Corporation and its proper officers and directors may execute
and deliver all such proper deeds, assignments and assurances
and do all other things necessary or desirable to vest, perfect
or confirm title to such property or rights in the Surviving
Corporation and otherwise to carry out the purpose of this
Agreement, in the name of Target or Newco.
1.6 Tax Treatment. The Merger is
intended to be treated for federal income tax purposes as a
redemption of the shares of Target Common Stock (other than
Newco Stock), pursuant to Section 302 of the Code. Cash
payable to stockholders of Target, other than Newco, will be
subject to taxable treatment under the Code. Shares of Newco
held by stockholders of Newco (received by them in exchange for
the contribution of an equal number of Target shares) will be
exchanged for shares of Target in the Merger, and will be
treated as continuing interests in Target.
1.7 Proxy Statement and
Schedule 13E-3.
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1.7.1 As promptly as practicable after the execution
of this Agreement, Target and Newco shall cooperate and promptly
prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) a proxy statement relating to
the meeting of Targets stockholders to be held in
connection with the Merger (together with any amendments thereof
or supplements thereto, the Proxy
Statement), a joint Rule 13e-3 Transaction
Statement on Schedule 13E-3 (the
Schedule 13E-3) with respect to
the Merger and any other filings made by or required to be made
by Target with the SEC other than the Proxy Statement and
Schedule 13E-3 (the Other
Filings), if any. The respective parties shall
cause the Proxy Statement, the Schedule 13E-3 and any Other
Filings to comply as to form in all material respects with the
applicable provisions of the Exchange Act, including
Regulation 14A and Rule 13e-3 thereunder, and any
other applicable laws. The respective parties, after
consultation with the other, will use all reasonable efforts to
respond to any comments made by the SEC with respect to the
Proxy Statement, the Schedule 13E-3 and any Other Filings.
Target and Newco shall furnish to each other all information
concerning it and the holders of its capital stock as the other
may reasonably request in connection with such actions and the
preparation of the Proxy Statement, the Schedule 13E-3 and
any Other Filings. |
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As promptly as practicable after the clearance of the Proxy
Statement and the Schedule 13E-3 by the SEC, Target shall
mail the Proxy Statement to its stockholders (or, if the SEC
chooses not to review the Proxy Statement and the
Schedule 13E-3, within 10 days after the date that the
SEC notifies Target that it will not review the Proxy
Statement). The Proxy Statement shall include the recommendation
of the Target Board of Directors and the Special Committee that
adoption of the Merger Agreement by Targets stockholders
is advisable and that Target Board of Directors and the Special
Committee has determined that the Merger is fair to, and in the
best interests of, Target Stockholders other than Mr. Chan,
Newco and their Affiliates, subject to Target Board of Directors
or the Special Committees right to withdraw, modify or
amend such recommendation if Target Board of Directors or the
Special Committee, as applicable, determines in good faith,
after receipt of the advice of its outside counsel, that such
action is necessary for Target Board of Directors and the
Special Committee to comply with their fiduciary duties under
applicable law. |
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No amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement, the
Schedule 13E-3 or any Other Filings will be made by Target
without the approval of Newco, which shall not be unreasonably
delayed or withheld. Target will advise Newco promptly after it
receives notice thereof, of any request by the SEC for |
A-3
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amendment of the Proxy Statement or any Other Filings or
comments thereon and responses thereto or requests by the SEC
for additional information. |
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1.7.2 Each of the parties agrees to use its
reasonable efforts to cooperate and to provide each other with
such information as any of such parties may reasonably request
in connection with the preparation of the Proxy Statement, the
Schedule 13E-3 and the Other Filings. Each party agrees
promptly to supplement, update and correct any information
provided by it for use in the Proxy Statement, the
Schedule 13E-3 and the Other Filings to the extent that it
is or shall have become incomplete, false or misleading. If at
any time prior to the Effective Time, any event or circumstance
relating to Newco or its officers and directors, should be
discovered by Newco which should be set forth in an amendment to
the Proxy Statement, the Schedule 13E-3 or Other Filings,
Newco shall promptly inform Target. If at any time prior to the
Effective Time, any event or circumstance relating to Target, or
its officers or directors, should be discovered by Target which
should be set forth in an amendment or a supplement to the Proxy
Statement, any Other Filing or the Schedule 13E-3, Target
shall promptly inform Newco. |
1.8 Stockholders Meeting.
Subject to Section 1.7 hereof, in accordance with
Targets certificate of incorporation and by-laws, Target
shall call and hold a meeting of its stockholders (including any
adjournment thereof, the Target Stockholders
Meeting) as promptly as practicable for the
purpose of voting upon the approval of the Merger, and Target
shall use its reasonable efforts to hold Target
Stockholders Meeting as promptly as practicable after the
date on which the Proxy Statement is cleared by the SEC.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Target may adjourn, delay, cancel
or not call or hold the Target Stockholders Meeting at any
time before the vote of stockholders at the Target
Stockholders Meeting is taken with regard to the Merger
and this Agreement, if Targets Board of Directors or the
Special Committee withdraws, modifies or amends its
recommendation in accordance with Section 1.7.1 hereof or
determines in accordance with Section 1.7.1 that it is
required by its fiduciary duties or applicable law to notify the
Target Stockholders of any Acquisition Proposal prior to the
taking of such vote.
2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
TARGET
Target hereby represents and warrants that, except as set forth
on the Target Disclosure Letter delivered to Newco herewith:
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2.1 Organization and Good Standing.
Target and each of its Subsidiaries is an entity duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its organization, has the corporate or other
power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted,
and is qualified as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction
listed on Section 2.1 of the Target Disclosure Letter.
Except as listed on Section 2.1 of the Target Disclosure
Letter, Target does not own or lease any real property, has no
employees in, and does not maintain a place of business in any
foreign country or in any state of the United States other than
California. |
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2.2 Power, Authorization and Validity. |
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2.2.1 Power and Capacity. Target has
the corporate power and authority to enter into and, subject to
the approval of this Agreement by the requisite holders of the
issued and outstanding shares of Target Common Stock as required
by applicable law and this Agreement, perform its obligations
under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement have been duly and validly approved and
authorized by Targets Board of Directors as required by
applicable law and Targets certificate of incorporation
and bylaws. |
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2.2.2 No Filings. No filing,
authorization or approval, governmental or otherwise, by Target
is necessary to enable Target to enter into, and to perform its
obligations under, this Agreement, except for (a) the
filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Delaware Secretary
of State, and the filing of appropriate documents with the
relevant authorities of other states in which Target is
qualified to do business, if any, (b) such filings as may
be required to comply with federal and state securities laws,
(c) compliance with Section 1203 of California Law and
(d) the approval of the holders of a majority of the issued
and outstanding shares of Target Common Stock of the
transactions contemplated hereby. |
A-4
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2.2.3 Binding Obligation. Subject to
approval of this Agreement and the Merger by the requisite vote
of the stockholders of Target, this Agreement is, assuming this
Agreement constitutes valid and binding obligations of Newco,
valid and binding obligations of Target enforceable in
accordance with its terms, except as to the effect, if any, of
(a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar
laws affecting the rights of creditors generally, (b) rules
of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief and
other equitable remedies, and (c) the enforceability of
provisions requiring indemnification in connection with the
offering, issuance or sale of securities. |
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2.3 Capitalization. |
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2.3.1 Authorized and Outstanding Capital
Stock. The authorized capital stock of Target consists
of 400,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par
value, of which 83,052,852 shares are issued and
outstanding, as of March 7, 2005. All issued and
outstanding shares of Target Common Stock have been duly
authorized and were validly issued, are fully paid and
nonassessable, are not subject to any right of rescission, are
not subject to preemptive rights by statute, the Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws of Target, or any agreement or document
to which Target is a party or by which it is bound and have been
offered, issued, sold and delivered by Target in compliance with
all registration or qualification requirements (or applicable
exemptions therefrom) of applicable federal and state securities
laws. There is no liability for dividends accrued but unpaid
with respect to Targets outstanding securities. |
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2.3.2 Options/Rights. Except as
disclosed in Section 2.3.2 of the Target Disclosure Letter,
there are no shares of preferred stock, stock appreciation
rights, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments,
conversion privileges or preemptive or other rights or
agreements outstanding to purchase or otherwise acquire any of
Targets capital stock or any securities or debt
convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Target capital
stock or obligating Target to grant, extend or enter into such
option, warrant, call, commitment, conversion privileges or
preemptive or other right or agreement. Section 2.3.2 of
the Target Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list
of each outstanding option to acquire shares of Target Common
Stock, the exercise price thereof, the vesting schedule therefor. |
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2.4 Subsidiaries. Except for the
Subsidiaries of Target listed on Section 2.4 of the Target
Disclosure Letter (collectively the
Subsidiaries and each a
Subsidiary), each of which is
wholly-owned by Target, Target does not have any subsidiaries or
any interest, direct or indirect, in any corporation,
partnership, joint venture or other business entity. |
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2.5 No Violation of Existing
Agreements. Neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby will conflict with, or (with or without notice or lapse
of time, or both) result in a termination, breach, impairment or
violation of (a) any provision of the Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws of Target or any Subsidiary, as
currently in effect, (b) in any material respect, any
material instrument or contract to which Target or any
Subsidiary is a party or by which Target or any Subsidiary is
bound or (c) subject to the filings or other compliance
contemplated by Section 2.2.2 any federal, state, local or
foreign judgment, writ, decree, order, statute, rule or
regulation applicable to Target or any Subsidiary or their
respective assets or properties. |
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2.6 Litigation. As of the date hereof
and except as disclosed on Section 2.6 of the Target
Disclosure Letter, to the knowledge of Target, there is no
action, proceeding, claim or investigation pending against
Target or any Subsidiary before any court or administrative
agency. As of the date hereof, there is not outstanding against
Target or any of it Subsidiaries or any of their properties any
judgment, writ or decree. |
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2.7 Taxes. Except as disclosed on
Section 2.7 of the Target Disclosure Letter, Target and
each of its Subsidiaries has filed all federal, state, local and
foreign tax returns required to be filed, has paid all taxes
required to be paid in respect of all periods for which returns
have been filed, has established an adequate accrual or reserve
for the payment of all taxes payable in respect of the periods
subsequent to the periods covered by the most recent applicable
tax returns, has made all necessary estimated tax payments.
Neither Target nor any Subsidiary is delinquent in the payment
of any tax or is delinquent in the filing of any tax returns,
and no deficiencies for any tax have been threatened, claimed,
proposed or |
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assessed in writing which have not been paid. No tax return of
Target or any Subsidiary is currently being audited by the
Internal Revenue Service or any state taxing agency or
authority. For the purposes of this Section, the terms
tax and
taxes include all federal, state,
local and foreign income, gains, franchise, excise, property,
sales, use, employment, license, payroll, occupation, recording,
value added or transfer taxes, governmental charges, fees,
levies or assessments (whether payable directly or by
withholding), and, with respect to such taxes, any estimated
tax, interest and penalties or additions to tax and interest on
such penalties and additions to tax. |
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2.8 Title to Properties. Target has
good and marketable title to all of its assets as shown on the
balance sheet filed with its most recent periodic filing with
the SEC under the Exchange Act (the Balance
Sheet), free and clear of all liens, charges,
restrictions or encumbrances (other than for taxes not yet due
and payable). All machinery and equipment included in such
properties is in good condition and repair, normal wear and tear
excepted, and all leases of real or personal property to which
Target or any Subsidiary is a party are fully effective and
afford Target or the Subsidiary peaceful and undisturbed
possession of the subject matter of the lease. |
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2.9 Contracts and Commitments. Neither
Target nor any Subsidiary is in default in any material respect
under any contract that is material to the business of Target or
a Subsidiary. |
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2.10 Intellectual Property. Target and
the Target Subsidiaries own, or have the right to use, all
material Intellectual Property Rights (as defined below)
required for the conduct of their respective businesses as
presently conducted (such Intellectual Property Rights being
hereinafter collectively referred to as the Target
IP Rights). There are no material royalties,
honoraria, fees or other payments payable by Target to any
person by reason of the ownership, use, license, sale or
disposition of the Target IP Rights (other than as set forth in
Section 2.10 of the Target Disclosure Letter). To the
Knowledge of Target, neither the manufacture, marketing,
license, sale or intended use of any product currently licensed
or sold by Target or any of the Target Subsidiaries violates any
license or agreement between Target or any of the Target
Subsidiaries and any third party or infringes any Intellectual
Property Right of any other party. Target has taken reasonable
and practicable steps designed to safeguard and maintain the
secrecy and confidentiality of, and its proprietary rights in,
all material Target IP Rights. All current officers, employees
and consultants of Target and each Subsidiary have executed and
delivered to Target or the Subsidiary an agreement regarding the
protection of proprietary information and the assignment to
Target or the Subsidiary of all Intellectual Property Rights
arising from the services performed for Target or the Subsidiary
by such persons. Exhibit 2.10 to the Target Disclosure
Letter sets forth a true and complete list of each material
(i) patent and patent application, (ii) copyright
registration and copyrights registration application;
(iii) each trademark registration and trademark
registration application and (iv) each domain name, in each
case pursuant to federal, state and foreign laws owned or filed
on behalf of Target or any of its Subsidiaries. To the Knowledge
of Target, as of the date hereof, no person is infringing
Targets Intellectual Property Rights. As used herein, the
term Intellectual Property Rights
shall mean all worldwide industrial and intellectual property
rights, including patents, patent applications, patent rights,
trademarks, trademark applications, trade names, service marks,
service mark applications, domain names, copyright, copyright
applications, franchises, licenses, inventories, know-how, trade
secrets, customer lists, proprietary processes and formulae, all
source and object code, algorithms, architecture, structure,
display screens, layouts, inventions, development tools and all
documentation and media constituting, describing or relating to
the above, including manuals, memoranda and records. |
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2.11 Compliance with Laws. Target and
each of its Subsidiaries has complied in all material respects
with all applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and rules,
and all orders, writs, injunctions, awards, judgments, and
decrees applicable to it or to the assets, properties, and
business thereof (the violation of which would have a material
adverse effect upon its business), including: (a) all
applicable federal and state securities laws and regulations,
(b) all applicable federal, state, and local laws,
ordinances, regulations, and all orders, writs, injunctions,
awards, judgments, and decrees pertaining to (i) the sale,
licensing, leasing, ownership, or management of its owned,
leased or licensed real or personal property, products and
technical data, (ii) employment and employment practices,
terms and conditions of employment, and wages and hours and
(iii) safety, health, fire prevention, environmental
protection, |
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toxic waste disposal, building standards, zoning and other
similar matters, (c) the Export Administration Act and
regulations promulgated thereunder and all other laws,
regulations, rules, orders, writs, injunctions, judgments and
decrees applicable to the export or re-export of controlled
commodities or technical data, (d) the Immigration Reform
and Control Act, and (e) the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Each of Target and the Subsidiaries has received all material
permits and approvals from, and has made all filings with,
government agencies and authorities that are necessary in
connection with its business as currently conducted. |
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2.12 Employees, ERISA and Other
Compliance. |
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2.12.1 Neither Target nor any Subsidiary has any
employment contracts or consulting agreements currently in
effect that are not terminable at will (other than agreements
with the sole purpose of providing for the confidentiality of
proprietary information or assignment of inventions). |
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2.12.2 Copies of all Target Employee Plans (and, if
applicable, related trust agreements) and all amendments thereto
and written interpretations thereof (including summary plan
descriptions) have been filed in a timely manner, together with
the three most recent annual reports (Form 5500, including,
if applicable, Schedule B thereto) prepared in connection
with any such Target Employee Plan. All contributions due from
Target or any Subsidiary with respect to any of the Target
Employee Plans have been made as required under ERISA or have
been accrued on Targets or any such Target
Subsidiarys financial statements as of the date of the
Balance Sheet. Each Target Employee Plan has been maintained
substantially in compliance with its terms and with the
requirements prescribed by any and all statutes, orders, rules
and regulations, including ERISA and the Code, which are
applicable to such Target Employee Plans. Target has no Target
Pension Plans. |
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2.12.3 No benefit payable or which may become
payable by Target or any Subsidiary pursuant to any Target
Employee Plan or as a result of or arising under this Agreement
shall constitute an excess parachute payment (as
defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code) which is subject
to the imposition of an excise Tax under Section 4999 of
the Code or which would not be deductible by reason of
Section 280G of the Code. |
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2.13 No Brokers. Except for the fees
and expenses payable by Target to Salem Partners LLC in
accordance with that certain letter agreement dated
March 3, 2005 and expenses payable by Target to
Needham & Co., Inc., neither Target nor any of the
Target Stockholders is obligated for the payment of fees or
expenses of any investment banker, broker or finder in
connection with the origin, negotiation or execution of this
Agreement or the Certificate of Merger or in connection with any
transaction contemplated hereby or thereby. |
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2.14 Insurance. Target and its
Subsidiaries maintain and at all times during the prior three
years have maintained fire and casualty, general liability
insurance which it believes to be reasonably prudent for
similarly sized and similarly situated businesses. Target and
its Subsidiaries have in full force and effect workers
compensation insurance required in each jurisdiction where any
of them is required to maintain such insurance because of its
business operations. Target has not received any notification
from any carrier issuing any policy under which it is currently
the insured a notice of cancellation or of limitation of
coverage. Target does not have any claim pending under any
insurance policy of Target, and Target has not been denied
coverage under any such policy for any claim, asserted in
connection with any pending or threatened litigation against
Target or for any material claim asserted by Target under any
insurance policy in the last year. |
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2.15 SEC Documents. |
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2.15.1 SEC Reports. Since
January 1, 2003, as of their respective filing dates, or,
with respect to registration statements as of their effective
dates, and prior to the date of this Agreement, in each case as
amended or supplemented, Targets reports, filings,
registration statements and other documents required to be filed
by it with the SEC (Target SEC
Documents) were filed and complied in all material
respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act or the
Securities Act, as applicable, and none of the Target SEC
Documents contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state a material |
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fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements made therein, in light of the circumstances in which
they were made, not misleading, except to the extent corrected,
modified or superseded by a subsequently filed Target SEC
Document. |
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2.15.2 Disclosure Statements.
(a) The Proxy Statement, as supplemented or amended, if
applicable, at the time such Proxy Statement or any amendment or
supplement thereto is first mailed to stockholders of Target, at
the time such stockholders vote on adoption of this Agreement
and at the Effective Time and (b) the Schedule 13E-3
and any Other Filings or any supplement or amendment thereto, at
the time of the filing thereof and at the time of any
distribution or dissemination thereof, in each case, will not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are
made, not misleading. The representations and warranties
contained in this Section 2.15.2 will not apply to
statements or omissions included in the Proxy Statement,
Schedule 13E-3 or any Other Filings based upon information
furnished in writing to Target by or on behalf of Newco or its
Affiliates. |
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2.16 Certain Balance Sheet Items.
Section 2.16 of the Target Disclosure Letter sets forth, as
of February 28, 2005, Targets (i) cash and cash
equivalents, as defined by GAAP, and (ii) inventory changes
through such date from December 31, 2004 (the date of
Targets last physical inventory). Such information is
prepared from Targets books and records in accordance with
GAAP. |
3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
NEWCO
Newco hereby represents and warrants that, except as set forth
on the Newco Disclosure Letter delivered to Target:
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3.1 Organization and Good Standing.
Newco is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has
the corporate power and authority to own, operate and lease its
properties. Newco has not and will not conduct any business
prior to the Effective Time. |
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3.2 Power, Authorization and Validity. |
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3.2.1 Newco has the right, power, legal capacity and
authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this
Agreement, and all agreements to which Newco is or will be a
party that are required to be executed pursuant to this
Agreement (the Newco Ancillary
Agreements). The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the Newco Ancillary Agreements
have been duly and validly approved and authorized by
Newcos Board of Directors in compliance with applicable
law and the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Newco. |
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3.2.2 No filing, authorization or approval,
governmental or otherwise, is necessary to enable Newco to enter
into, and to perform it obligations under, this Agreement and
the Newco Ancillary Agreements, except for the filing of the
Certificate of Merger with the Delaware Secretary of State. |
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3.2.3 This Agreement and the Newco Ancillary
Agreements are, or when executed by Newco will be, valid and
binding obligations of Newco enforceable in accordance with
their respective terms, except as to the effect, if any, of
(a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar
laws affecting the rights of creditors generally, (b) rules
of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief and
other equitable remedies and (c) the enforceability of
provisions requiring indemnification in connection with the
offering, issuance or sale of securities; provided, however,
that the Certificate of Merger will not be effective until filed
with the Delaware Secretary of State. |
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3.3 No Violation of Existing
Agreements. Neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement nor any Newco Ancillary Agreement, nor the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will
conflict with, or (with or without notice or lapse of time, or
both) result in a termination, breach, impairment or violation
of (a) any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or
Bylaws of Newco, as currently in effect, (b) in any
material respect, any material instrument or contract to which
Newco is a party or by which Newco is bound, or (c) any
federal, state, local or foreign judgment, writ, decree, order,
statute, rule or regulation applicable to Newco or its assets or
properties. |
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3.4 Vote Required. All votes or
consents of the holders of any of the outstanding shares of
capital stock or any other securities of Newco necessary to
approve this Agreement or the Merger have been obtained. |
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3.5 Finders Fees. There is no
investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary who
might be entitled to any fee or commission from Newco or any of
its Affiliates upon consummation of the Merger. |
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3.6 Additional Contribution. Newco has
entered into an Additional Contribution Agreement with
Mr. Chan. True and correct copies of the Additional
Contribution Agreement have been provided to Target. |
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3.7 Capitalization. The authorized
capital stock of Newco consists of 50,000,000 shares of
common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of which
32,039,840 shares are issued and outstanding as of the date
hereof. On the date hereof, Newco and the parties listed on
Section 3.7 of the Newco Disclosure letter have entered
into the Contribution Agreement, a true and correct copy of
which is attached as Exhibit 3.7 hereto, whereby each party
thereto contributes all of the Target Common Stock owned,
legally or beneficially, by them, as of the date hereof or
hereafter through the Effective Time, to Newco. The parties to
the Contribution Agreement represent and, as of the Closing Date
will represent, all of the legal and beneficial owners of common
stock of Newco. Except as set forth on Section 3.7 of the
Newco Disclosure Letter, Newco has no liabilities. Newco has
good and marketable title to all of its assets, free and clear
of all liens, charges, restrictions or encumbrances (other than
for taxes not yet due and payable or the pledge of the Newco
Target Stock pursuant to the Pledge Agreement). |
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3.8 Voting. Newco has entered into the
Voting Agreement dated as of the date hereof among Newco and
Target attached hereto as Exhibit E. |
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3.9 Information in Securities Filings.
All documents required to be filed by Newco or its Affiliates
with the SEC in connection with the Merger, and any information
supplied by Newco or their Affiliates for inclusion or
incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement, the
Schedule 13E-3 and any Other Filings, or any supplement or
amendment to any such filings, will not at the respective times
when such are filed with the SEC and/or are first published,
given or mailed to Targets stockholders, as the case may
be, and at the Effective Time, in each case, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light
of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.
The representations and warranties contained in this
Section 3.9 will not apply to statements or omissions
included in any such filings based upon information furnished in
writing by or on behalf of Target. |
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3.10 Limited Operations of Newco.
Newco was formed in 2005 solely for the purpose of engaging in
the Merger. Newco has not engaged in any other business
activities. Except for (i) obligations or liabilities
incurred in connection with its organization and the Merger and
(ii) this Agreement and any other agreements and
arrangements contemplated hereby or entered into in furtherance
hereof, Newco has not incurred any obligations or liabilities or
engaged in any business activities. |
4. TARGET PRECLOSING COVENANTS
During the period from the date of this Agreement until the
earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this
Agreement as permitted in Section 9.1, Target covenants and
agrees as follows:
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4.1 Advice of Changes. Target will
promptly advise Newco in writing of any change which is expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect on Target. Target shall also
deliver, promptly when available, to Newco a monthly unaudited
balance sheet and statement of operations commencing with the
month ending March 31, 2005, which financial statements
shall be prepared in the ordinary course of business, in
accordance with Targets books and records and GAAP. |
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4.2 Maintenance of Business. Except as
disclosed in the Target Disclosure Letter, as contemplated by
this Agreement or as consented to by Newco, which consent will
not be unreasonably delayed or withheld, Target will use
reasonable efforts to conduct its business and its relationships
with customers, |
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suppliers, employees and others in substantially the same manner
as it has prior to the date hereof and will not accelerate or
delay the payment or collection of accounts. Without limiting
the foregoing, until the Effective Time or earlier termination
of this Agreement, except as disclosed in the Target Disclosure
Letter or as contemplated by this Agreement, Target will not,
and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to do any of the
following, without the prior written consent of the President of
Newco, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed: |
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(a) Incur any indebtedness for borrowed money except
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practices; |
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(b) enter into any transaction not in the ordinary
course of business; |
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(c) encumber or permit to be encumbered any of its
assets except in the ordinary course of its business consistent
with past practice and to an extent which is not material; |
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(d) dispose of any of its assets except in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; |
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(e) enter into any material lease or contract for
the purchase or sale of any property, real or personal; |
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(f) fail to maintain its equipment and other assets
in good working condition and repair according to the standards
it has maintained to the date of this Agreement, subject only to
ordinary wear and tear; |
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(g) pay any bonus, increased salary or special
remuneration to any officer, employee or consultant (except for
normal salary increases consistent with past practices not to
exceed 10% per year and except pursuant to existing
arrangements previously disclosed to Newco) or enter into any
new employment or consulting agreement with any such person; |
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(h) change accounting methods, except as required by
GAAP or by a governmental authority, or materially revalue any
of its assets; |
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(i) declare, set aside or pay any cash dividend or
distribution in respect of capital stock, or redeem or otherwise
acquire any of its capital stock; |
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(j) amend or terminate any contract, agreement or
license to which it is a party except those amended or
terminated in the ordinary course of business, consistent with
past practice, and which are not material in amount or effect; |
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(k) lend any amount to any person or entity, other
than (i) advances for travel and expenses which are
incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, not material in amount and documented by receipts for
the claimed amounts or (ii) any loans pursuant to the
Target 401(k) Plan; |
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(l) guarantee or act as a surety for any obligation
except for the endorsement of checks and other negotiable
instruments in the ordinary course of business, consistent with
past practice, which are not material in amount; |
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(m) waive or release any material right or claim
except in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past
practice; |
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(n) issue or sell any shares of its capital stock of
any class (except upon the exercise of an option or warrant
currently outstanding), or any other of its securities, or issue
or create any warrants, obligations, subscriptions, options,
convertible securities, or other commitments to issue shares of
capital stock, or accelerate the vesting of any outstanding
option or other security; |
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(o) split or combine the outstanding shares of its
capital stock of any class or enter into any recapitalization
affecting the number of outstanding shares of its capital stock
of any class or affecting any other of its securities; |
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(p) merge, consolidate or reorganize with, or
acquire any entity; |
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(q) amend its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; |
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(r) license any of its technology or intellectual
property except on a non-exclusive basis and in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice; |
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(s) change any tax election, agree to any audit
assessment by any tax authority, settle any tax dispute or
liability, or file any federal or state income or franchise tax
return outside of the ordinary course of business; |
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(t) change any insurance coverage or permit any
coverage in force to lapse, or issue any certificates of
insurance; |
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(u) take any action with the intention directly or
indirectly to adversely impact any transaction contemplated by
this Agreement; |
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(v) unless authorized by the Board of Directors of
Target, commence any action at law or in equity or any
arbitrations, other than to enforce Targets rights and
remedies under this Agreement; or |
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(w) agree to do, or permit any Subsidiary to do or
agree to do, any of the things described in the preceding
clauses 4.3(a) through 4.3(v). |
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4.3 Regulatory Approvals. Target will
execute and file, or join in the execution and filing, of any
application or other document that may be necessary in order to
obtain the authorization, approval or consent of any
governmental body, federal, state, local or foreign which may be
reasonably required, or which Newco may reasonably request (at
Newcos sole cost and expense, except with regard to the
preparation and distribution of the Proxy Statement and the
conduct of the Target special meeting of stockholders to
consider the Merger and this Agreement), in connection with the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Target will use its reasonable efforts to obtain all such
authorizations, approvals and consents. |
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4.4 Necessary Consents. Target will
use its reasonable efforts to obtain such written consents and
take such other actions as may be necessary to allow the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. |
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4.5 Litigation. Target will notify
Newco in writing promptly after learning of any material
actions, suits, proceedings or investigations by or before any
court, board or governmental agency, initiated against it or any
Subsidiary, or to the Knowledge of Target threatened against it
or any Subsidiary after the date of this Agreement. |
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4.6 Access to Information. Target will
allow Newco and its agents reasonable access the files, books,
records and offices of Target and each Subsidiary, including,
any and all information relating to Targets taxes,
commitments, contracts, leases, licenses, and real, personal and
intangible property and financial condition. Target will cause
its accountants to cooperate with Newco and its agents in making
available all financial information reasonably requested,
including the right to examine all working papers pertaining to
all financial statements prepared or audited by such accountants. |
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4.7 Target Dissenting Shares. As
promptly as practicable after the date of the Target
Stockholders Meeting and prior to the Closing Date, Target
shall furnish Newco with the name and address of each holder of
Dissenting Shares and the number of Dissenting Shares owned by
such Target Dissenting Stockholder. Surviving Corporation shall
take all steps required pursuant to Chapter 13 of the
California Law, to mail to each stockholder of Target, as
required, in a timely manner, a notice of the approval of the
Merger and containing such additional information as required
pursuant to Chapter 13 of the California Law. |
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4.8 Satisfaction of Conditions
Precedent. Subject to the fiduciary obligations of
Target, the Board of Directors and the Special Committee, Target
will use its reasonable efforts to satisfy or cause to be |
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satisfied all the conditions precedent which are set forth in
Section 8, and Target will use its reasonable efforts to
cause the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be
consummated, and, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, to obtain all consents and authorizations of third
parties and to make all filings with, and give all notices to,
third parties that may be necessary on its part in order to
effect the transactions contemplated hereby. |
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4.9 Section 16 Matters. Prior to
the Effective Time, Target shall take action (in accordance with
that certain no-action letter, dated January 12, 1999,
issued by the SEC to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom) designed to provide that the treatment of Target Options
will qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3(d) or (e), as
applicable, under the Exchange Act. |
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4.10 Other Proposals. Prior to Target
Board of Directors or Special Committee, after receiving an
Acquisition Proposal, withdrawing or modifying its approval or
recommendation of this Agreement or the Merger or adjourning or
canceling any scheduled meeting of stockholders of Target to
consider this Agreement or the Merger, approving or recommending
an Acquisition Proposal, or entering into an agreement with
respect to an Acquisition Proposal, Target shall provide Newco
with a written notice (a Notice of Acquisition
Proposal) advising Newco of the Acquisition
Proposal, specifying the material terms and conditions of such
Acquisition Proposal and identifying the person making such
Acquisition Proposal, and neither Target nor any Subsidiary
shall enter into an agreement with respect to an Acquisition
Proposal until two business days after the first Notice of
Acquisition Proposal with respect to a given third party was
given to Newco. |
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4.11 Available Cash. Target shall
deliver to Newco, two business days prior to the Closing Date,
Targets written good faith estimate of Targets cash
and cash equivalents as of midnight on the day prior to the
Closing Date. |
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4.12 Resignation of Directors and
Officers. Target shall use reasonable efforts to obtain
the resignation, as of the Effective Time, of the directors and
officers of Target in office immediately prior to the Effective
Time as directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation. |
5. NEWCO COVENANTS
During the period from the date of this Agreement until the
Effective Time, Newco covenants and agrees as follows:
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5.1 Advice of Changes. Newco will
promptly advise Target in writing of any event occurring
subsequent to the date of this Agreement that would render any
representation or warranty of Newco contained in this Agreement,
if made on or as of the date of such event or the Closing Date,
untrue or inaccurate in any material respect. |
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5.2 Regulatory Approvals. Newco will
execute and file, or join in the execution and filing, of any
application or other document that may be necessary in order to
obtain the authorization, approval or consent of any
governmental body, federal, state, local or foreign, which may
be reasonably required, or which Target may reasonably request,
in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. Newco will use its reasonable
efforts to obtain all such authorizations, approvals and
consents. |
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5.3 Satisfaction of Conditions
Precedent. Newco will use its reasonable efforts to
satisfy or cause to be satisfied all the conditions precedent
which are set forth in Section 7, and Newco will use its
reasonable efforts to cause the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement to be consummated, and, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, to obtain all consents and
authorizations of third parties and to make all filings with,
and give all notices to, third parties that may be necessary or
reasonably required on its part in order to effect the
transactions contemplated hereby. |
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5.4 Indemnification; Insurance. At all
times following the Merger, the Surviving Corporation shall
indemnify all present and former directors or officers of Target
and its Subsidiaries (Indemnified Parties)
against any costs or expenses (including reasonable
attorneys fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims,
damages, penalties or liabilities (collectively,
Costs) incurred in connection with any claim, |
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action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or
pertaining to matters, existing or occurring at or prior to the
Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or
after the Effective Time, by reason of the fact of such
Indemnified Partys service as a director or officer of
Target or any of its Subsidiaries, except to the extent it is
determined in a final, non-appealable determination by a court
of competent jurisdiction that such indemnification is
prohibited by applicable law, to the extent such Costs have not
been paid for by insurance and shall, in connection with
defending against any action for which indemnification is
available hereunder, promptly advance to such Indemnified
Parties any reasonable costs and expenses as incurred by or on
behalf of such Indemnified Parties; provided that such advance
shall be conditioned upon such Indemnified Parties
agreement promptly to return such amounts if a court of
competent jurisdiction shall ultimately determine that
indemnification of such Indemnified Parties is prohibited by
applicable law. The foregoing rights shall be in addition to any
rights to which any Indemnified Party may be entitled by reason
of the by-laws or certificate of incorporation of Target or any
of its Subsidiaries, any contract and/or any applicable law.
Target shall acquire and the Surviving Corporation will maintain
(and not cancel or allow to lapse) for a period of not less than
six years from the Effective Time Targets current
directors and officers liability insurance and
indemnification policy (or a policy providing substantially
similar coverage) (the D&O Insurance) for
all persons who are directors and officers of Target and its
Subsidiaries covered by Targets D&O Insurance as of
the Effective Time. The provisions of this Section are intended
for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each
Indemnified Party and his or her heirs and representatives. |
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5.5 Section 16 Matters. Prior to
the Effective Time, Newco shall take action (in accordance with
that certain no-action letter, dated January 12, 1999,
issued by the SEC to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom) designed to provide that the treatment of Target Options
will qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3(d) or (e), as
applicable, under the Exchange Act. |
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5.6 Target Common Stock. Newco will,
until the Effective Time or the earlier termination of this
Agreement, legally and beneficially own all of the shares of
Target Common Stock contributed pursuant to the Contribution
Agreement. No shareholder of Newco will legally or beneficially
own any shares of Target Common Stock other than indirectly
through the ownership of Newco Stock. |
6. CLOSING MATTERS
6.1 The Closing. Subject to
termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 9
below, the Closing will take place at the offices of Kaye
Scholer LLP, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1700, Los
Angeles, CA 90067-6048, at 10:00 a.m., Pacific Time on the
date that is one business day following receipt of the required
Target stockholder approval, or, if all conditions to closing
have not been satisfied or waived by such date, one business day
after all conditions to closing have been satisfied or waived
(such date on which the Closing occurs, the Closing
Date). Concurrently with the Closing, the
Certificate of Merger will be filed in the office of the
Delaware Secretary of State. The Certificate of Merger will
provide that the Merger shall become effective upon filing or at
such later time as may be mutually agreed by Newco and Target.
6.2 Exchange of Certificates.
(a) Exchange Agent. Mellon Shareholder
Services, or other mutually acceptable entity, shall act as
exchange agent (the Exchange Agent) in
the Merger. Concurrent with the Effective Time, Target shall
irrevocably deposit with the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of
the holders of shares of Target Common Stock and vested Target
Options, and for exchange in accordance with this Agreement and
the Certificate of Merger, cash in an amount sufficient to pay
the Merger Consideration (such cash being hereinafter referred
to as the Exchange Fund) payable
pursuant to this Agreement and the Certificate of Merger, in
exchange for outstanding shares of Target Common Stock and
vested Target Options; provided, however, that if Target shall
not have sufficient cash to pay the entire Merger Consideration
at the Effective Time, then Newco shall, at the Effective Time,
deposit into the Exchange Fund an amount of cash equal to the
shortfall of such Merger Consideration
(Shortfall), not to exceed Four
Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00). In order to facilitate the
deposit by Newco of any such Shortfall, no later than two
(2) business days before the projected Closing Date, Target
shall deliver to Newco a written statement, signed by its Chief
Financial Officer, evidencing the
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amount of cash and cash equivalents which it then has on hand
and the amount of any projected Shortfall. Prior to the
Effective Time, Target shall provide to the Exchange Agent a
list of all holders of vested Target Options, including mailing
addresses for such holders contained in Targets books and
records.
(b) Exchange Procedures. As soon as
practicable after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation
shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder (other
than Newco, its Affiliates, Target, any Target Subsidiary or any
holder claiming to hold Dissenting Shares) of record of vested
Target Options or a certificate or certificates which
immediately prior to the Effective Time represented issued and
outstanding shares of Target Common Stock (collectively, the
Certificates), (i) a letter of
transmittal (which 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 and shall be in such customary form and have such other
customary provisions as Target and Newco may agree upon prior to
the Closing, including whereby any shares of Target Common Stock
surrendered in exchange for the Merger Consideration shall waive
any claim as Dissenting Shares) and (ii) instructions for
use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange
for the Merger Consideration. Upon surrender of a Certificate
for cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with a duly
executed letter of transmittal and such other documents as may
be reasonably required by the Exchange Agent, the holder of such
Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor
the Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of shares of
Target Common Stock represented by such Certificate pursuant to
the provisions of this Agreement and the Certificate of Merger,
and the Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be canceled.
In the event of a transfer of ownership of shares of Target
Common Stock which is not registered on the transfer records of
Target, the Merger Consideration may be issued to a transferee
if the Certificate representing such Target Common Stock is
presented to the Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents
required to evidence and effect such transfer and by evidence
that any applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid. Until
surrendered as contemplated by this Section 6.2(b), each
Certificate (other than Certificates held by Newco, its
Affiliates, Target, any Target Subsidiary or any holder claiming
to hold Dissenting Shares) shall be deemed, on and after the
Effective Time, to evidence only the right to receive Merger
Consideration as contemplated by this Agreement and the Delaware
Law, or to the extent the shares represented thereby constitute
Dissenting Shares, only the right to receive consideration as
set forth in Section 1.2. Upon delivery of a duly executed
letter of transmittal and such other documents as may be
reasonably requested by the Exchange Agent, the holder of Target
Options shall be entitled to receive, in cash, the amount
determined pursuant to Section 1.2.6 with respect to such
holders vested Target Options. No interest will accrue on
any Merger Consideration payable under this Agreement.
(c) No Further Ownership Rights in Target
Common Stock. All Merger Consideration paid upon the
surrender for exchange of shares of Target Common Stock and
Target Options in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
and the Certificate of Merger shall be deemed to have been
issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such
shares of Target Common Stock and Target Options, respectively.
After the Effective Time there shall be no further registration
of transfers on the stock transfer books of the Surviving
Corporation or Target of the shares of Target Stock or Target
Options, which were outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates or
Target Options are presented to the Surviving Corporation for
any reason, they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in
this Section 6.2 and the Certificate of Merger.
(d) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any
portion of the Exchange Fund (including the proceeds of any
investments thereof) that remains undistributed to the
stockholders of Target twelve months after the Effective Time
shall be delivered to Surviving Corporation. Any former
stockholders or optionholders of Target who have not theretofore
complied with this Section 6.2 and the Certificate of
Merger shall thereafter look only to the Surviving Corporation
for payment of their claim for Merger Consideration, as
determined pursuant to this Agreement.
(e) No Liability. Neither the Exchange
Agent, Newco or Target shall be liable to any holder of shares
of Target Common Stock for any amount delivered to a public
official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat
or similar law.
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(f) Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event
any Certificates shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the
Exchange Agent shall issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or
destroyed Certificates, upon the making of an affidavit of that
fact by the holder thereof and the posting of reasonable bond
therefor, the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate shall be
deemed presented for exchange pursuant to Section 6.2(b).
7. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF TARGET
Targets obligations hereunder are subject to the
fulfillment or satisfaction, on and as of the Closing, of each
of the following conditions (any one or more of which may be
waived by Target, but only in a writing signed by Target):
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7.1 Accuracy of Representations and
Warranties. Except where the failure of a representation
or warranty to be true and correct would not have a Material
Adverse Effect, the representations and warranties of Newco set
forth in Section 3 (as qualified by the Newco Disclosure
Letter) shall be true and accurate in all respects as of the
date of this Agreement, and on and as of the Closing, with the
same force and effect as if they had been made at the Closing,
and except for those representations and warranties that address
matters only as of a particular date (which shall remain true
and correct as of such particular date), with the same force and
effect as if they had been made at the Closing, and Target shall
receive a certificate to such effect executed by Newcos
President and Chief Financial Officer. |
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7.2 Covenants. Newco shall have
performed and complied in all material respects with all of its
covenants contained in Section 5 on or before the Closing,
and Target shall receive a certificate to such effect signed by
Newcos President and Chief Financial Officer. |
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7.3 Compliance with Law. There shall
be no order, decree, or ruling by any court or governmental
agency or threat thereof, or any other fact or circumstance,
which would prohibit, render illegal or enjoin the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. |
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7.4 Stockholder Approval. This
Agreement shall have been validly approved and adopted by the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of
Target Common Stock outstanding as of the record date for the
Target Stockholders Meeting. |
8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF NEWCO
The obligations of Newco hereunder are subject to the
fulfillment or satisfaction on, and as of the Closing, of each
of the following conditions (any one or more of which may be
waived by Newco, but only in a writing signed by Newco):
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8.1 Accuracy of Representations and
Warranties. Except where the failure of a representation
or warranty to be true and correct would not have, alone or in
the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the representations
and warranties of Target set forth in Section 3 (as
qualified by the Target Disclosure Letter) shall be true and
accurate in all respects as of the date of this Agreement, and
on and as of the Closing, with the same force and effect as if
they had been made at the Closing, and except for those
representations and warranties that address matters only as of a
particular date (which shall remain true and correct as of such
particular date), with the same force and effect as if they had
been made at the Closing, and Newco shall receive a certificate
to such effect executed by Targets President and Chief
Financial Officer. |
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8.2 Covenants. Target shall have
performed and complied in all material respects with all of its
covenants contained in Section 4 on or before the Closing,
and Newco shall receive a certificate to such effect signed by
Targets President and Chief Financial Officer. |
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8.3 Absence of Material Adverse
Change. Since the date of this Agreement, there shall
not have been, in the reasonable judgment of the Board of
Directors of Newco, any Material Adverse Effect with respect to
Target. |
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8.4 Compliance with Law. There shall
be no order, decree, or ruling by any court or governmental
agency which would prohibit, render illegal or enjoin the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. |
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8.5 Legal Opinion. Newco shall have
received from counsel to Target an opinion substantially in the
form of Exhibit 8.5. |
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8.6 Available Cash. Target shall not
have less than fourteen million five hundred thousand dollars
($14,500,000) in cash and cash equivalents as of midnight on the
day prior to the Closing Date. |
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8.7 Stockholder Approvals. This
Agreement shall have been approved and adopted by the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of
Target Common Stock outstanding as of the record date for the
Target Stockholders Meeting. |
9. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
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9.1 Termination. This Agreement may be
terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, and except
as set forth below, whether before or after the requisite
approvals of the stockholders of Target or Newco: |
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(a) by mutual written consent duly authorized by the
Boards of Directors of Newco and Target; |
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(b) by either Target or Newco if the Merger shall
not have been consummated by August 13, 2005 for any
reason; provided, however, that the right to terminate
this Agreement under this Section 9.1(b) shall not be
available to any party whose action or failure to act has been a
principal cause of or resulted in the failure of the Merger to
occur on or before such date; |
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(c) by either Target or Newco if a governmental
entity shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any
other action, in any case having the effect of permanently
restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger,
which order, decree, ruling or other action is final and
nonappealable; |
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(d) by either Target or Newco, if the approval and
adoption of this Agreement, and the approval of the Merger, by
the stockholders of Target shall not have been obtained by
reason of the failure to obtain the required vote at a meeting
of Target stockholders duly convened therefor or at any
adjournment thereof at which a vote thereon was taken;
provided, however, that the right to terminate this
Agreement under this Section 9.1(d) shall not be available
to Target where the failure to obtain the Target stockholder
approval shall have been caused by the failure of Target to
fulfill its obligations under Sections 1.7 or 1.8 and such
failure constitutes a material breach by Target of this
Agreement; |
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(e) by Newco (at any time prior to the adoption and
approval of this Agreement and the Merger by the required vote
of the stockholders of Target) if a Triggering Event shall have
occurred; |
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(f) by Target, upon a breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Newco set forth
in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Newco
shall have become untrue, in either case such that the
conditions set forth in Section 7.1 or Section 7.2
would not be satisfied as of the time of such breach or as of
the time such representation or warranty shall have become
untrue, provided that if such inaccuracy in Newcos
representations and warranties or breach by Newco is curable by
Newco through the exercise of its commercially reasonable
efforts, then Target may not terminate this Agreement under this
Section 9.1(f) for 30 days after delivery of written
notice from Target to Newco of such breach, provided Newco
continues to exercise commercially reasonable efforts to cure
such breach (it being understood that Target may not terminate
this Agreement pursuant to this paragraph (f) if such
breach by Newco is cured during such 30-day period, or if Target
shall have materially breached this Agreement); |
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(g) by Newco, upon a breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Target set forth
in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of
Target shall have become untrue, in either case such that the
conditions set forth in Section 8.1 or Section 8.2
would not be satisfied as of the time of such breach or as of
the time such representation or warranty shall have become
untrue, provided that if such inaccuracy in Targets
representations and warranties or breach by Target is curable by
Target through the exercise of its commercially reasonable
efforts, then Newco may not terminate this Agreement under this
Section 9.1(g) for 30 days after delivery of written
notice from Newco to Target of such breach, provided Target
continues to exercise commercially reasonable efforts to cure
such breach |
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(it being understood that Newco may not terminate this Agreement
pursuant to this paragraph (g) if such breach by
Target is cured during such 30-day period, or if Newco shall
have materially breached this Agreement); or |
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(h) by Target before approval of this Agreement and
the Merger by Target Stockholders, if the Board of Directors of
Target or the Special Committee determines in good faith, after
consultation with outside legal counsel, that failure to
terminate the Agreement is necessary for the Board of Directors
of Target or the Special Committee to comply with their
fiduciary duties under applicable law. |
9.2 Effect of Termination. Any proper
termination of this Agreement under Section 9.1 above will
be effective immediately upon the delivery of written notice of
the terminating party to the other parties hereto. In the event
of the termination of this Agreement as provided in
Section 9.1, this Agreement shall be of no further force or
effect, except (i) as set forth in this Sections 9.2,
9.3, and 11, each of which shall survive the termination of
this Agreement, and (ii) nothing herein shall relieve any
party from liability for any willful breach of this Agreement.
No termination of this Agreement shall affect the obligations of
the parties contained in the Confidentiality Agreement, all of
which obligations shall survive termination of this Agreement in
accordance with their terms.
9.3 Fees and Expenses.
(a) General. Except as set forth in
this Section 9.3, all fees and expenses incurred in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses
whether or not the Merger is consummated.
(b) Target Payments. In the event that
this Agreement is terminated by Newco pursuant to
Section 9.1(e) or by Target pursuant to Section 9.1(h)
then Target shall promptly, but in no event later than two days
after such termination, pay to Newco the reasonable attorney
fees and other actual out of pocket expenses incurred by Newco
in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this
Agreement and related matters, not to exceed $250,000 in the
aggregate. In the event this Agreement is terminated by Newco
under Section 9.1(g), and within six (6) months
following such termination, the Target consummates an
Acquisition Proposal (other than with Newco), the Target shall
promptly, but in no event later than two days after the
consummation of such Acquisition Proposal, pay to Newco the
reasonable attorney fees and other actual out of pocket expenses
incurred by Newco in connection with the negotiation and
preparation of this Agreement and related matters, not to exceed
$250,000 in the aggregate. Target acknowledges that the
agreements contained in this Section 9.3(b) are an integral
part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and
that, without these agreements, Newco would not enter into this
Agreement. Accordingly, if the Target fails to pay in a timely
manner the amounts due pursuant to this Section 9.3(b),
and, in order to obtain such payment, Newco makes a claim that
results in a judgment against the Target for the amounts set
forth in this Section 9.3(b), Target shall pay to Newco its
reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable
attorneys fees and expenses) in connection with such suit.
10. EFFECT OF CLOSING ON REPRESENTATIONS AND
COVENANTS
10.1 No Survival of Representations.
All representations, warranties and covenants of the parties
contained in this Agreement will remain operative and in full
force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on
behalf of the parties to this Agreement after the date hereof,
until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement or the
Closing, whereupon such representations, warranties and
covenants will expire (except for covenants that by their terms
survive for a longer period).
11. MISCELLANEOUS
11.1 Governing Law. The internal laws
of the State of Delaware (irrespective of its choice of law
principles) will govern the validity of this Agreement, the
construction of its terms, and the interpretation and
enforcement of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
11.2 Assignment; Binding Upon Successors and
Assigns. Neither party hereto may assign any of its
rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written
consent of the other party hereto. This Agreement
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will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
11.3 Severability. If any provision of
this Agreement, or the application thereof, will for any reason
and to any extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of
this Agreement and application of such provision to other
persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably to
effect the intent of the parties hereto. The parties further
agree to replace such void or unenforceable provision of this
Agreement with a valid and enforceable provision that will
achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business and
other purposes of the void or unenforceable provision.
11.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may
be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be
an original as regards any party whose signature appears thereon
and all of which together will constitute one and the same
instrument. This Agreement will become binding when one or more
counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, will bear
the signatures of both parties reflected hereon as signatories.
This Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile and
upon such delivery the facsimile signature will be deemed to
have the same effect as if the original signature had been
delivered to the other party.
11.5 Other Remedies. Except as
otherwise provided herein, any and all remedies herein expressly
conferred upon a party will be deemed cumulative with and not
exclusive of any other remedy conferred hereby or by law on such
party, and the exercise of any one remedy will not preclude the
exercise of any other.
11.6 Amendment and Waivers. Any term
or provision of this Agreement may be amended, and the
observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either
generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively
or prospectively) only by a writing signed by the party to be
bound thereby. The waiver by a party of any breach hereof or
default in the performance hereof will not be deemed to
constitute a waiver of any other default or any succeeding
breach or default. The Agreement may be amended by the parties
hereto at any time before or after approval of the Target
Stockholders, but, after such approval, no amendment will be
made which by applicable law requires the further approval of
the Target Stockholders without obtaining such further approval.
11.7 No Waiver. The failure of any
party to enforce any of the provisions hereof will not be
construed to be a waiver of the right of such party thereafter
to enforce such provisions.
11.8 Attorneys Fees. Should suit
be brought by either party to this Agreement to enforce or
interpret any part of this Agreement, the prevailing party will
be entitled to recover, as an element of the costs of suit and
not as damages, reasonable attorneys fees to be fixed by
the court (including costs, expenses and fees on any appeal).
11.9 Notices. Any notice or other
communication required or permitted to be given under this
Agreement will be in writing, will be delivered personally,
facsimile or by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid
and will be deemed given upon delivery, if delivered personally,
or three days after deposit in the mails, if mailed, to the
following addresses:
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If to Newco:
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Victory Acquisition Corporation |
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19770 Stevens Creek Blvd. |
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Cupertino, CA 95014 |
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Attention: President |
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Facsimile: (408) 343-1018 |
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with a copy to:
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Fenwick & West LLP |
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275 Battery Street, 15th Floor |
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San Francisco, CA 94111 |
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Attention: Robert Dellenbach |
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Facsimile: (415) 281-1350 |
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If to Target:
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Vialta, Inc. |
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48461 Fremont Blvd. |
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Fremont, CA 94538 |
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Attention: Didier Pietri |
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Facsimile: (510) 870-3099 |
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with a copy to:
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Kaye Scholer LLP |
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1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1700 |
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Los Angeles, CA 90067 |
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Attn: Barry L. Dastin |
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Facsimile: (310) 788-1200 |
or to such other address as a party may have furnished to the
other parties in writing pursuant to this Section 11.9.
11.10 Construction of Agreement. This
Agreement has been negotiated by the respective parties hereto
and their attorneys and the language hereof will not be
construed for or against either party solely by reason that such
party is the claimed drafter thereof. A reference to a Section
or an exhibit will mean a Section in, or exhibit to, this
Agreement unless otherwise explicitly set forth. The titles and
headings herein are for reference purposes only and will not in
any manner limit the construction of this Agreement that will be
considered as a whole. The term includes or
including are not limiting.
11.11 No Joint Venture. Nothing
contained in this Agreement will be deemed or construed as
creating a joint venture or partnership between any of the
parties hereto. No party is by virtue of this Agreement
authorized as an agent, employee or legal representative of any
other party. No party will have the power to control the
activities and operations of any other and their status is, and
at all times, will continue to be, that of independent
contractors with respect to each other. No party will have any
power or authority to bind or commit any other. No party will
hold itself out as having any authority or relationship in
contravention of this Section.
11.12 Further Assurances. Each party
agrees to cooperate fully with the other parties and to execute
such further instruments, documents and agreements and to give
such further written assurances as may be reasonably requested
by any other party to evidence and reflect the transactions
described herein and contemplated hereby and to carry into
effect the intents and purposes of this Agreement.
11.13 Absence of Third Party Beneficiary
Rights. No provisions of this Agreement are intended,
nor will be interpreted, to provide or create any third party
beneficiary rights or any other rights or remedies of any kind
in any client, customer, affiliate, stockholder, partner or any
party hereto or any other person or entity unless specifically
provided otherwise herein, and, except as so provided, all
provisions hereof will be personal solely between the parties
that are signatories to this Agreement.
11.14 Public Announcement. Upon
execution of this Agreement Newco and Target will issue a press
release approved by both parties announcing the Merger.
Thereafter, Newco and Target may issue such press releases, and
make such other disclosures regarding the Merger, as either
determines are required under applicable securities laws or
regulatory rules.
11.15 Confidentiality. Target and
Newco each recognize that they have received and will receive
confidential information concerning the other during the course
of the Merger negotiations and preparations. Accordingly, Newco
and Target each agrees (a) to use its respective reasonable
efforts to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of any
confidential information concerning the other that was or is
disclosed during the course of such negotiations and
preparations, and is clearly designated in writing as
confidential at the time of disclosure, and (b) to not make
use of or permit to be used any such confidential information
other than for the purpose of effectuating the Merger and
related transactions. The obligations of this section will not
apply to information that (i) is or becomes part of the
public domain, (ii) is disclosed by the disclosing party to
third parties without restrictions on disclosure, (iii) is
received by the receiving party from a third party without
A-19
breach of a nondisclosure obligation to the other party or
(iv) is required to be disclosed by law. If this Agreement
is terminated, all copies of documents containing confidential
information shall be returned by the receiving party to the
disclosing party.
11.16 Entire Agreement. This Agreement
and the exhibits hereto constitute the entire understanding and
agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all prior and contemporaneous
agreements or understandings, inducements or conditions, express
or implied, written or oral, between the parties with respect
hereto other than the Confidentiality Agreement between Target
and Fred S.L. Chan dated February 9, 2005, which Newco
expressly agrees hereby to be bound on the same basis as
Mr. Chan. The express terms hereof control and supersede
any course of performance or usage of the trade inconsistent
with any of the terms hereof.
[End of page; signatures follow on next page]
A-20
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization as of the date first above
written.
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Newco
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Target |
VICTORY ACQUISITION CORP
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VIALTA, INC. |
By:
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By: |
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Its:
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Its: |
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[Signature Page to Merger Agreement]
A-21
EXHIBIT A
DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement, each of the following terms has the
meaning ascribed to it in this Exhibit A
Acquisition Proposal shall mean with
respect to Target, any of the following (other than the Merger):
(A) any acquisition or purchase from the Target by any
person or group (as defined under Section 13(d)
of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder) of
more than a 50% interest in the total outstanding voting
securities of the Target or any of its Subsidiaries or any
tender offer or exchange offer that if consummated would result
in any person or group (as defined under
Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder) beneficially owning 50% or more of the
total outstanding voting securities of the Target or any of its
Subsidiaries or any merger, consolidation, business combination
or similar transaction involving the Target pursuant to which
the stockholders of the Target immediately preceding such
transaction hold less than 50% of the equity interests in the
surviving or resulting entity of such transaction or its parent
party; (B) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer, license,
acquisition, or disposition of all or substantially all of the
aggregate fair market value of assets of the Target; or
(C) any liquidation or dissolution of Target.
Affiliates shall mean an affiliate as
such term is defined under Section 13(d) of the Exchange
Act, provided however, it shall not include any officer or
director of Target, other than Mr. Chan, in the case of
either Mr. Chan or Newco.
California Law shall mean California
Corporations Code, as amended.
Certificate of Merger shall have the
meaning given to it in Recital A.
Code shall mean the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended.
Delaware Law shall mean Delaware
General Corporation Law, as amended.
Dissenting Shares shall mean shares of
Target capital stock held as of the Effective Time by a Target
stockholder (other than Newco Target Stock) who has not voted
such Target capital stock in favor of the adoption of this
Agreement and with respect to which appraisal shall have been
duly demanded and perfected in accordance with either
(i) Section 262 of the Delaware Law or
(ii) Section 1300 et seq. of the California Law,
and such perfected right was not effectively withdrawn or
forfeited.
Effective Time shall mean the filing
of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of
Delaware.
ERISA shall mean the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
ERISA Affiliate shall mean any entity
which is a member of (A) a controlled group of
corporations, as defined in Section 414(b) of the
Code, (B) a group of entities under common
control, as defined in Section 414(c) of the Code, or
(C) an affiliated service group, as defined in
Section 414(m) of the Code, or treasury regulations
promulgated under Section 414(o) of the Code, any of which
includes Target or any Subsidiary.
Exchange Act shall mean the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.
GAAP shall mean United States
generally accepted accounting principles, as applied by Target
consistent with past practice.
Knowledge shall mean, with respect to
a party hereto and with respect to any matter in question, that
any of the executive officers (consisting solely of Didier
Pietri and William Scharninghausen with respect to Target) of
such party has actual knowledge of such matter, after reasonable
inquiry of such matter (including inquiry of Targets
employee, Yin-Wu Chen, by Mr. Pietri).
A-22
Material Adverse Effect shall mean,
when used in connection with an entity, any change, event,
circumstance or effect whether or not such change, event,
circumstance or effect is caused by or arises in connection with
a breach of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of
such entity in this Agreement that is or is reasonably likely to
be materially adverse to the business, assets (including
intangible assets), financial condition, operations or results
of operations of such entity taken as a whole with its
subsidiaries, except in the case of Target any change, event,
circumstance or effect resulting from general changes in
economic and financial market conditions, considered alone
without regard to any other change, circumstance or effect,
(i) changes in conditions (including as a result of changes
in laws, including common law, tariffs, export and import laws,
rules, and regulations or the interpretations thereof) generally
applicable to the telecommunications equipment, consumer
electronics, internet telephony or industries that are not
unique to Target and its Subsidiaries, (ii) changes
resulting from the announcement of the transactions described in
this Agreement or the identity of Newco or its Affiliates or
from the performance of this Agreement and compliance with the
covenants set forth herein, (iii) any change in the trading
prices of the Target Common Stock between the date hereof and
the Effective Time, (iv) any change in any law or GAAP,
which affect entities generally such as Target, (v) any
actions taken by Mr. Chan, Newco or any of their Affiliates
and (vi) any matters listed on Schedule A of the
Target Disclosure Letter, and which, in the cases of
clause (i) do not have a disproportionate impact on Target.
Merger shall have the meaning given to
it in Recital A.
Merger Consideration shall have the
meaning given to it in Section 1.2.1.
Newco Stock shall have the meaning
given to it in Recital A.
Proxy Statement shall mean a proxy
statement prepared in accordance with the Exchange Act and
applicable rules and regulations.
Securities Act shall mean the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including the rules and
regulations thereunder.
Surviving Corporation shall mean the
Target as the surviving corporation of the Merger.
Target Common Stock shall mean Common
Stock of Target at $0.001 par value.
Target Director Plan shall mean
Targets 2000 Directors Stock Option Plan, as amended
and restated.
Target Employee Plans shall mean
(i) employee benefit plan, as defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA, and (ii) all other written or
formal plans or agreements involving direct or indirect
compensation or benefits (including any employment agreements
entered into between Target or any Subsidiary and any employee
of Target or any Subsidiary, but excluding workers
compensation, unemployment compensation and other
government-mandated programs) currently or previously
maintained, contributed to or entered into by Target or any
Subsidiary under which Target or any Subsidiary or any ERISA
Affiliate thereof has any present or future obligation or
liability.
Target Incentive Plan shall mean
Targets 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended.
Target Options shall mean the
outstanding options to purchase Target Common Stock granted
under Target Plans.
Target Option Plan shall mean
Targets 2001 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan, as amended.
Target Pension Plans shall mean all
Target Employee Plans that individually or collectively would
constitute an employee pension benefit plan, as
defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA.
Target Plans shall mean, collectively,
Target Incentive Plan, Target Option Plan, and Target Director
Plan.
Triggering Event shall be mean, and be
deemed to have occurred, if: (i) the Special Committee
shall for any reason have withdrawn or shall have amended or
modified in a manner adverse to Newco its recommendation in
favor of the adoption and approval of the Agreement or the
approval of the Merger;
A-23
(ii) Target shall have failed to include in the Proxy
Statement the recommendation of the Special Committee or the
Board of Directors of Target in favor of the adoption and
approval of the Agreement and the approval of the Merger;
(iii) the Special Committee fails to reaffirm its
recommendation in favor of the adoption and approval of the
Agreement and the approval of the Merger within 10 business days
after Newco requests in writing that such recommendation be
reaffirmed at any time following the public announcement of an
Acquisition Proposal; (iv) the Special Committee shall have
approved or publicly recommended any Acquisition Proposal other
than a liquidation or dissolution; (v) Target shall have
entered into any letter of intent or similar document or any
agreement, contract or commitment accepting any Acquisition
Proposal; or (vi) a tender or exchange offer for all of the
outstanding securities of Target shall have been commenced by a
person unaffiliated with Newco, and Target shall not have sent
to its securityholders pursuant to Rule 14e-2 promulgated
under the Exchange Act, within 10 business days after such
tender or exchange offer is first published sent or given, a
statement disclosing that Target recommends rejection of such
tender or exchange offer.
A-24
Annex B
STOCK CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
This Stock Contribution Agreement (this
Agreement) is made and entered into as
of March 28, 2005 by and among Victory Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation (the Company),
and the parties listed on the Schedule of Investors attached to
this Agreement as Exhibit A (each hereinafter
individually referred to as an
Investor and collectively referred to
as the Investors).
A. The Company has been formed solely to facilitate
and effect a statutory merger (the
Merger) with Vialta, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (Vialta), under which
Vialta will be the surviving corporation, pursuant to the terms
and conditions of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of March 28, 2005 (Merger
Agreement). The existence of the Company is
transitory and will be discontinued upon the consummation of the
Merger. The Company will conduct no business prior to the Merger.
B. The Investors are holders of the outstanding
shares of stock of Vialta set forth on Exhibit A
(the Vialta Shares). Pursuant to this
Agreement, the Investors intend to contribute their Vialta
Shares to the Company in exchange for shares of the
Companys Common Stock as set forth on
Exhibit A (the Company
Shares), after which the Investors will hold all
of the outstanding shares of the Companys stock.
C. The contribution of stock under this Agreement
and the Merger are part of an integrated plan for Vialta to
redeem the Vialta stock (other than the Vialta Shares). The
contribution of stock under this Agreement and the Merger are
intended to be treated for tax purposes as a redemption of the
shares of Vialta stock outstanding immediately prior to the
effective time of the Merger (other than the Vialta Shares),
pursuant to Section 302 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the Code).
NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:
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1. CONTRIBUTION. As part of an
integrated plan with the Merger, each Investor hereby
contributes such Investors Vialta Shares to the Company in
exchange for, and in consideration of the issuance of, the
Company Shares, as specified on Exhibit A. Each
Investor hereby delivers to the Company: (a) the original
stock certificate representing such Investors Vialta
Shares together; and (b) a duly executed Stock Transfer
Power and Assignment in the form of Exhibit B. The
Company agrees to issue to each Investor a stock certificate
representing the number of Company Shares set forth opposite
such Investors name on Exhibit A. Until the earlier
of (i) the Effective Time of the Merger or (ii) the
Termination of the Merger Agreement, each Investor agrees that
it will contribute to the Company as an additional contribution
to capital all Vialta Shares which it acquires (if any) during
such period. |
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2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE
COMPANY. The Company hereby represents and warrants to
each Investor that the statements in the following paragraphs of
this Section 2 are all true and complete: |
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2.1 Organization, Good Standing, Corporate
Power and Qualification. The Company has been duly
incorporated and organized, and is validly existing in good
standing, under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Company
has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into
and perform this Agreement. |
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2.2 Due Authorization. All corporate
action on the part of the Company necessary for (i) the
authorization, execution, delivery of, and the performance of
all obligations of the Company under, this Agreement and;
(ii) the authorization, issuance, reservation for issuance
and delivery of all of the Company Shares under this Agreement. |
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2.3 Valid Issuance. The Company Shares
issued under this Agreement will be validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable. |
B-1
3. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND CERTAIN
AGREEMENTS OF INVESTORS. Each Investor hereby represents
and warrants to, and agrees with, the Company, severally and not
jointly, that:
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3.1 Authorization. This Agreement
constitutes such Investors valid and legally binding
obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms except as
may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or other laws of general application relating to
or affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally
and (ii) the effect of rules of law governing the
availability of equitable remedies. Each Investor represents
that such Investor has full power and authority to enter into
this Agreement. |
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3.2 Acquisition for Own Account. The
Company Shares to be acquired by such Investor hereunder will be
acquired for investment for such Investors own account,
not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the public
resale or distribution thereof within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
1933 Act), and such Investor has
no present intention of selling, granting any participation in,
or otherwise distributing the same. |
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3.3 No Solicitation. At no time was
the Investor presented with or solicited by any publicly issued
or circulated newspaper, mail, radio, television or other form
of general advertising or solicitation in connection with the
offer, sale and purchase of the Company Shares. |
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3.4 Investment Experience. Such
Investor understands that the acquisition of the Company Shares
involves substantial risk. Such Investor is an accredited
investor within the meaning of Regulation D
promulgated under the 1933 Act and: (i) has experience
as an investor in securities of companies in the development
stage and acknowledges that such Investor is able to fend for
itself, can bear the economic risk of such Investors
investment in the Company Shares and has such knowledge and
experience in financial or business matters that such Investor
is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of this investment
in the Company Shares and protecting its own interests in
connection with this investment and/or (ii) has a
preexisting personal or business relationship with the Company
and certain of its officers, directors or controlling persons of
a nature and duration that enables such Investor to be aware of
the character, business acumen and financial circumstances of
such persons. |
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3.5 Restricted Securities. Such
Investor understands that the Company Shares are characterized
as restricted securities under the 1933 Act
inasmuch as they are being acquired from the Company in a
transaction not involving a public offering and that under the
1933 Act and applicable regulations thereunder such
securities may be resold without registration under the
1933 Act only in certain limited circumstances. In this
connection, such Investor represents that such Investor is
familiar with Rule 144 of the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (the SEC), as
presently in effect, and understands the resale limitations
imposed thereby and by the 1933 Act. Such Investor
understands that the Company is under no obligation to register
any of the securities sold hereunder. Such Investor understands
that no public market now exists for any of the Company Shares
and that it is uncertain whether a public market will ever exist
for the Company Shares. |
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3.6 Further Limitations on
Disposition. Without in any way limiting the
representations set forth above, such Investor further agrees
not to make any disposition of all or any portion of the Company
Shares unless and until there is then in effect a registration
statement under the 1933 Act covering such proposed
disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with such
registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such
registration statement shall be required: (i) for any
transfer of any Company Shares in compliance with SEC
Rule 144 or Rule 144A, or (ii) for any transfer
of any Company Shares by an Investor that is a partnership or a
corporation without payment of consideration to (A) a
partner of such partnership or stockholder of such corporation,
(B) a controlled affiliate of such partnership or
corporation, (C) a retired partner of such partnership who
retires after the date hereof, (D) the estate of any such
partner or stockholder, or (iii) for the transfer by gift,
will or intestate succession by any Investor to his or her
spouse or lineal descendants or ancestors or any trust for any
of the foregoing; provided that in each of the foregoing
cases the transferee agrees in writing to be subject to the
terms of this Section 3 (other than Section 3.4) to
the same extent as if the transferee were an original Investor
hereunder. |
B-2
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3.8 Legends. It is understood that the
certificates evidencing the Company Shares and the Conversion
Shares will bear the legends set forth below: |
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(a) THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
ACT), OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY OTHER
JURISDICTIONS. THESE SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON
TRANSFERABILITY AND RESALE AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OR RESOLD
EXCEPT AS PERMITTED UNDER THE ACT AND THE APPLICABLE STATE
SECURITIES LAWS, PURSUANT TO REGISTRATION OR EXEMPTION
THEREFROM. INVESTORS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THEY MAY BE REQUIRED
TO BEAR THE FINANCIAL RISKS OF THIS INVESTMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE
PERIOD OF TIME. THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES MAY REQUIRE AN
OPINION OF COUNSEL IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE
ISSUER TO THE EFFECT THAT ANY PROPOSED TRANSFER OR RESALE IS IN
COMPLIANCE WITH THE ACT AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES
LAWS. |
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(b) Any legend required by the laws of the State of
California, including any legend required by the California
Department of Corporations and Sections 417 and 418 of the
California Corporations Code or any other state securities laws. |
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The legend set forth in (a) above shall be removed by the
Company from any certificate evidencing Company Shares upon
delivery to the Company of an opinion by counsel, reasonably
satisfactory to the Company, that a registration statement under
the 1933 Act is at that time in effect with respect to the
legended security or that such security can be freely
transferred in a public sale without such a registration
statement being in effect and that such transfer will not
jeopardize the exemption or exemptions from registration
pursuant to which the Company issued the Company Shares. |
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3.9 Title to Vialta Shares. Investor
has valid marketable title to the Vialta Shares to be
contributed under this Agreement, free and clear of any pledge,
lien, security interest, encumbrance, claim or equitable
interest. The Vialta Shares constitute all of the shares of
Vialta stock owned or controlled by the Investor. |
4. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
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4.1 Successors and Assigns. Except as
otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement, and the
rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, will be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of their respective successors,
assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal
representatives. |
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4.2 Governing Law. This Agreement will
be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of California, without giving effect to that body of laws
pertaining to conflict of laws. |
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4.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may
be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so
executed and delivered will be deemed an original, and all of
which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. |
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4.4 Notices. Any and all notices
required or permitted to be given to a party pursuant to the
provisions of this Agreement will be in writing. |
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4.5 Amendments and Waivers. Any term
of this Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term
of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a
particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively),
only with the written consent of the Company and the holders of
a majority of the outstanding Company Shares issuable hereunder.
Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this Section
shall be binding upon each holder of any Company Shares at the
time outstanding, each future holder of such securities, and the
Company. No delay or failure to require performance of any
provision of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of that
provision as to that or any other instance. No waiver granted
under this Agreement as to any one provision herein shall
constitute a subsequent waiver of such provision or of any other
provision herein, nor shall it constitute the waiver of any
performance other than the actual performance specifically
waived. |
B-3
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4.6 Severability. If any provision of
this Agreement is determined by any court or arbitrator of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable
in any respect, such provision will be enforced to the maximum
extent possible given the intent of the parties hereto. |
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4.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement,
together with all the Exhibits hereto, constitutes the entire
agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement, and supersede any and all
prior understandings and agreements, whether oral or written,
between or among the parties hereto with respect to the specific
subject matter hereof. |
B-4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this
Stock Contribution Agreement as of the date first written above.
VICTORY ACQUISITION CORPORATION:
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By: |
/s/ Fred Shiu Leung Chan |
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Name: Fred Shiu Leung Chan
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Title: President
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/s/ Fred S. L. Chan
Fred S. L. Chan
/s/ Annie M.H. Chan
Annie M.H. Chan
For TR UA 07-25-95, The Annie M.H. Chan Living Trust:
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/s/ Annie M.H. Chan |
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Annie M.H. Chan, Trustee |
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For The David Y.W. Chan Trust, UA DTD 12-21-87; The Edward
Y.C. Chan Trust, UA DTD 12-21-87; The Michael Y.J. Chan Trust,
UA DTD 3-16-92:
/s/ Mee Sim Lee
Mee Sim Lee, Trustee
/s/ Sung Kook Kim
Sung Kook Kim, Trustee
/s/ Myong Shin Kim
Myong Shin Kim, Trustee
For Shiu Leung Chan & Annie M.H. Chan Gift Trust
11/20/92:
/s/ Mee Sim Lee
Mee Sim Lee, Trustee
/s/ Sung Kook Kim
Sung Kook Kim, Trustee
B-5
For Evershine XVI, L.P.:
By: Everbright II, LLC
/s/ Fred Shiu Leung Chan
By: Fred Shiu Leung Chan, Manager
/s/ Annie M.H. Chan
By: Annie M.H. Chan, Manager
B-6
EXHIBIT A
Schedule of Investors
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Number of Vialta | |
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Number of Company | |
Investor |
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Shares | |
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Shares | |
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Fred Shiu Leung Chan
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5,044,744 |
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5,044,744 |
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Annie M.H. Chan
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5,748,960 |
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5,748,960 |
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Annie M. H. Chan TR UA 07-25-95, The Annie M. H. Chan Living
Trust
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8,042,932 |
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8,042,932 |
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Mee Sim Lee & Sung Kook Kim & Myong Shin Kim
TR UA DTD 12-21-87, The David Y. W. Chan Trust
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974,410 |
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974,410 |
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Mee Sim Lee & Sung Kook Kim & Myong Shin Kim
TR UA DTD 12-21-87, The Edward Y. C. Chan Trust
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974,408 |
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974,408 |
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Mee Sim Lee & Sung Kook Kim & Myong Shin Kim
TR UA DTD 3-16-92, The Michael Y. J. Chan Trust:
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334,939 |
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334,939 |
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Shiu Leung Chan & Annie M. H. Chan Gift
Trust Dated 11/20/92
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2,119,447 |
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2,119,447 |
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Evershine XVI, L.P.
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8,800,000 |
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8,800,000 |
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TOTALS:
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32,039,840 |
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32,039,840 |
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B-7
EXHIBIT B
Stock Power And Assignment
Separate From Stock Certificate
FOR VALUE RECEIVED and pursuant to that certain Stock
Contribution Agreement dated as of March 28, 2005, (the
Agreement), the undersigned hereby
sells, assigns and transfers unto Victory Acquisition
Corporation (the
Transferee), shares
of the Common Stock of Vialta, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
Company), standing in the
undersigneds name on the books of the Company represented
by Certificate
No(s). delivered
herewith, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint the
Secretary of the Company as the undersigneds
attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, to transfer
said stock on the books of the Company.
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Dated: |
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(Signature)
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(Please Print Name)
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(Spouses Signature, if any)
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(Please Print Spouses Name)
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B-8
Annex C
VOTING AGREEMENT
This VOTING AGREEMENT (the Agreement)
is entered into as of March 28, 2005, by and between
Vialta, Inc, a Delaware corporation (the
Company), and Victory Acquisition
Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
Stockholder).
RECITALS
A. Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the
Company an Stockholder are entering into an Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization (as may be amended or supplemented from time
to time, the Merger Agreement),
pursuant to which the parties thereto have agreed, upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, to merge
Stockholder with and into the Company (the
Merger).
B. Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the
Company and Stockholder are entering in to a Pledge Agreement
(as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the
Pledge Agreement).
C. As of the date hereof, Stockholder beneficially owns (as
such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder (the Exchange
Act)), and has the sole right to vote and dispose
of, the number of shares (the Shares)
of common stock, par value $.001 per share, of the Company
(the Company Common Stock), set forth
opposite Stockholders name on Schedule I attached
hereto, (such Shares, together with any other shares of capital
stock of the Company acquired by Stockholder after the date
hereof and during the term of this Agreement (including through
the exercise of any stock options, warrants, convertible
securities or similar instruments), being collectively referred
to herein as the Subject Shares).
D. As a condition to its willingness to enter into the
Merger Agreement, the Company has required that Stockholder
agree, and Stockholder is willing to agree, to the matters set
forth herein. Capitalized terms used and not defined herein have
the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.
E. In consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
1. Voting of Shares.
1.1 Voting Agreement.
For so long as this Agreement is in effect, Stockholder hereby
agrees at any duly called annual, special or other meeting of
the shareholders of the Company, and in any action by written
consent of the shareholders of the Company, with respect to
Subject Shares it beneficially owns as of the applicable record
date, (a) to appear at the meeting, if a meeting is held,
and any adjournment or postponement thereof, in person or by
proxy, or to otherwise cause such Subject Shares over which
Stockholder has sole voting power (and use reasonably commercial
efforts to cause such Subject Shares over which Stockholder has
joint voting power) to be counted as present thereat for
purposes of establishing a quorum; (b) to vote or consent
such Subject Shares over which Stockholder has sole voting power
(and cause to be voted or consented such Subject Shares over
which Stockholder has joint voting power), in person or by
proxy, in favor of the Merger and the adoption of the Merger
Agreement and the approval of the other transactions
contemplated thereby, and any actions required in furtherance
thereof (including, without limitation, any proposal to adjourn
any such meeting if necessary to permit further solicitation of
proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time
of such meeting to approve the Merger Agreement); and
(c) to vote or consent such Subject Shares over which
Stockholder has sole voting power (and cause to be voted or
consented such Subject Shares over which Stockholder has joint
voting power), in person or by proxy, against any action or
agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation of the
Company under this Agreement or the Merger Agreement. Any vote
by Stockholder that is not in accordance with this
Section 1.1 shall be considered null and void. Stockholder
shall not enter into any agreement or understanding with any
person or entity prior to the termination of this Agreement to
vote or give instructions in a manner inconsistent with this
Section 1.1.
C-1
1.2 Fiduciary
Responsibilities. Each shareholder of Stockholder who is
or becomes during the term hereof a director or officer of the
Company does not make (and shall not be deemed to have made) any
agreement or understanding herein, or by virtue of contributing
his or her Shares to Stockholder, in his or her capacity as such
director or officer. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, each shareholder of Stockholder has contributed his
or her Shares to Stockholder solely in his, her or its capacity
as the record and/or beneficial owner, as applicable, of such
persons or entitys Shares and nothing herein shall
limit or affect any actions taken by such shareholder (or a
designee of such shareholder) in his or her capacity as an
officer or director of the Company in exercising his or her or
the Companys or the Company Board of Directors
rights in connection with the Merger Agreement or otherwise.
2. Representations and
Warranties of Stockholder. Stockholder represents and
warrants to the Company as follows:
2.1 Corporate Existence;
Authorization. Stockholder is duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware and has all requisite power and authority to enter
into, deliver and perform all of its obligations under this
Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Stockholder, the performance by Stockholder of its obligations
hereunder and the consummation by Stockholder of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by
all requisite action on the part of Stockholder. This Agreement
has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Stockholder
and, assuming due execution and delivery by each of the other
parties hereto, this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and
binding obligation of Stockholder enforceable against
Stockholder in accordance with its terms, except as such
enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws affecting
creditors rights generally and by general equitable
principles (regardless of whether enforceability is considered
in a proceeding in equity or at law).
2.2 No Conflict. Neither the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Stockholder, the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the performance by
Stockholder of its obligations hereunder will, (a) conflict
with or result in a breach of any provision of its Certificate
of Incorporation or By-laws, (b) require any consent,
approval, authorization or permit of, registration, declaration
or filing (except for such filings as may be required under the
federal securities laws) with, or notification to, any
governmental entity, (c) result in a violation or breach
of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation, or acceleration) under any contract, agreement,
instrument, commitment, arrangement or understanding applicable
to Stockholder or Stockholders Subject Shares, or result
in the creation of a security interest, lien, charge,
encumbrance, equity or claim with respect to any of
Stockholders Subject Shares, (d) require any material
consent, authorization or approval of any person other than a
governmental entity, or (e) violate or conflict with any
order, writ, injunction, decree, rule, regulation or law
applicable to Stockholder or Stockholders Shares, except
for such exceptions to the foregoing as will not have an adverse
effect on the valid performance by Stockholder of its
obligations hereunder.
2.3 Ownership of Shares. Stockholder is the
record and beneficial owner of the number of Shares set forth
opposite Stockholders name on Schedule I attached
hereto free and clear of any security interests, liens, charges,
encumbrances, equities, claims, options or limitations of
whatever nature and free of any other limitation or restriction
(including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or
otherwise dispose of such shares), other than interests granted
pursuant to the Pledge Agreement. There are no outstanding
options or other rights to acquire from Stockholder, or
obligations of Stockholder to sell or to dispose of, any shares
of Company Common Stock. Stockholder holds exclusive power to
vote the Shares set forth opposite Stockholders name on
Schedule I attached hereto, subject to the limitations set
forth in Section 1 of this Agreement. As of the date of
this Agreement, the Shares set forth opposite Stockholders
name on Schedule I attached hereto represent all of the
shares of capital stock of the Company beneficially owned by
Stockholder and by each shareholder of Stockholder.
2.4 Absence of Litigation. As of the date
hereof, there is no suit, action, investigation or proceeding
pending or, to the knowledge of Stockholder, threatened against
Stockholder before or by any governmental
C-2
entity that could impair the ability of Stockholder to perform
its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby on a timely basis.
3. Representations and Warranties of the
Company. The Company represents and warrants to
Stockholder as follows:
3.1 Corporate Authorization. The Company is
duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State
of Delaware and has all requisite power and authority to enter
into, deliver and perform all of its obligations under this
Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by
the Company, the performance by the Company of its obligations
hereunder and the consummation by the Company of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by
all requisite action on the part of the Company. This Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and,
assuming the due and valid authorization, execution and delivery
hereof by the other parties hereto, this Agreement constitutes
the valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable
against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy and other similar
Laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and general
principles of equity.
3.2 No Conflict. Neither the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, the consummation by the Company of
the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the compliance by the
Company with any of the provisions hereof will (a) conflict
with or result in a breach of any provision of its Certificate
of Incorporation or By-laws, (b) require any consent,
approval, authorization or permit of, registration, declaration
or filing (except for such filings as may be required under the
federal securities laws) with, or notification to, any
governmental entity, (c) result in a violation or breach
of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation, or acceleration) under any contract, agreement,
instrument, commitment, arrangement or understanding applicable
to the Company, (d) require any material consent,
authorization or approval of any person other than a
governmental entity, or (e) violate or conflict with any
order, writ, injunction, decree or law applicable to the
Company, except for such exceptions to the foregoing as are not
reasonably likely to have an adverse effect on the valid
performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder.
4. Transfer and Other Restrictions.
For so long as the Merger Agreement has not been terminated in
accordance with its terms:
4.1 Certain Prohibited Transfers. Stockholder
agrees not to (a) directly or indirectly, sell, transfer,
pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into
any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding with
respect to the sale, transfer, pledge, encumbrance, assignment
or other disposition of, Stockholders Subject Shares or
any interest contained therein other than pursuant to the Pledge
Agreement (any of the foregoing, a
Transfer), other than to an affiliate
of Stockholder, provided in the case of a Transfer to an
affiliate, such affiliate shall have: (i) executed a
counterpart of this Agreement; and (i) agreed to hold such
Subject Shares (or interest in such Subject Shares) subject to
all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement;
(b) grant any proxies or powers of attorney or enter into a
voting agreement or other arrangement with respect to
Stockholders Subject Shares, other than this Agreement;
(c) enter into, or deposit Stockholders Subject
Shares into, a voting trust; nor (d) commit or agree to
take any of the foregoing actions.
4.2 Efforts. Stockholder agrees not to take
any action which would make any representation or warranty of
Stockholder herein untrue or incorrect in any material respect
or take any action that would have the effect of preventing or
disabling Stockholder from performing its obligations under this
Agreement.
4.3 Additional Shares. Without limiting the
provisions of the Merger Agreement, in the event (i) of any
stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, reclassification,
combination or exchange of shares of capital stock of the
Company on, of or affecting Stockholders Subject Shares or
(ii) Stockholder shall become the beneficial owner of any
additional shares of Company Common Stock or other securities
entitling the holder thereof to vote or give consent with
respect to the matters set forth in Section 1 hereof, then
the terms of this Agreement shall apply to the shares of capital
stock or other securities of the Company held by Stockholder
immediately following the effectiveness of the events described
in clause (i) or Stockholder becoming the
C-3
beneficial owner thereof, as described in clause (ii), as
though they were Subject Shares of Stockholder hereunder.
Stockholder hereby agrees, while this Agreement is in effect, to
notify the Company of the number of any new shares of Company
Common Stock acquired by Stockholder, if any, after the date
hereof.
4.4 Certain Events. Stockholder agrees that
this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall attach to the
Subject Shares and shall be binding upon any person or entity to
which legal or beneficial ownership of the Subject Shares shall
pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including
without limitation the Stockholders administrators,
successors or receivers.
5. Stop Transfer Order. In furtherance
of this Agreement, Stockholder shall and does hereby authorize
and request that the Company instruct its transfer agent to
enter a stop transfer order, consistent with the terms of this
Agreement and subject to such transfers as may be permitted by
the express terms hereof, with respect to all of the Subject
Shares beneficially owned by Stockholder.
6. Specific Enforcement. The parties
hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event
that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed
in accordance with the terms hereof or were otherwise breached
and that each party shall be entitled to specific performance of
the terms hereof in addition to any other remedy which may be
available at law or in equity. It is accordingly agreed that the
parties will be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to
prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any state or
federal located in the State of Delaware, the foregoing being in
addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law
or in equity. In addition, each of the parties hereto
(i) consents to submit itself to the personal jurisdiction
of any such state or federal court in the event any dispute
arises out of this Agreement or any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) agrees that it will
not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by
motion or other request for leave from any such court, and
(iii) agrees that it will not bring any action relating to
this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement in any court other than a state or federal located in
the State of Delaware.
7. Termination. This Agreement shall
automatically terminate, and neither the Company nor Stockholder
shall have any rights or obligations hereunder and this
Agreement shall become null and void and have no further effect,
upon the earliest to occur of (a) the written agreement of
the parties hereto to terminate this Agreement, (b) the
Effective Time of the Merger and (c) the date of
termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms.
8. Survival. The representations and
warranties of the parties contained in this Agreement shall
terminate upon the termination of this Agreement.
9. Notices. Any notice or other communication
required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be
in writing and shall be deemed given upon
(a) transmitters confirmation of a receipt of a
facsimile transmission, (b) confirmed delivery by a
standard overnight carrier or when delivered by hand or
(c) the expiration of three business days after the day
when mailed by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid,
addressed at the following addresses (or at such other address
for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
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If to the Company, to: |
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Vialta, Inc. |
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48461 Fremont Blvd. |
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Fremont, CA 94583 |
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Attn: Special Committee of the Board of Directors |
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Tel: (510) 870-3088 |
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Fax: (510) 870-3060 |
C-4
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with a copy to: |
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Kaye Scholer LLP |
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1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1700 |
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Los Angeles, CA 90064 |
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Attn: Barry Dastin, Esq. |
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Tel: (310) 788-1000 |
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Fax: (310) 788-1200 |
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and a copy to: |
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Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP |
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Hercules Plaza, 6th Floor |
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1313 N. Market Street |
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Wilmington DE 19801 |
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Attn: John Grossbauer, Esq. |
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Tel: (302) 984-6000 |
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Fax: (302) 658-1192 |
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If to Stockholder, to: |
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Victory Acquisition Corp. |
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19770 Stevens Creek Blvd. |
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Cupertino, CA 95014 |
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Attn: Fred S.L. Chan |
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Tel: (408) 863-7332 |
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Fax: (408) 343-1018 |
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with a copy to: |
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Fenwick & West LLP |
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275 Battery Street, Suite 1500 |
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San Francisco, CA 94111 |
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Attn: Robert Dellenbach, Esq. |
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Tel: (415) 875-2323 |
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Fax: (415) 875-2350 |
10. Consideration. This Agreement is
granted in consideration of the execution and delivery of the
Merger Agreement by the Company.
11. Governing Law. The internal laws
of the State of Delaware (irrespective of its choice of law
principles) will govern the validity of this Agreement, the
construction of its terms, and the interpretation and
enforcement of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
12. Assignment; Binding Upon Successors and
Assigns. Neither party hereto may assign any of its
rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written
consent of the other party hereto. This Agreement will be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and
their respective successors and permitted assigns. Stockholder
agrees that this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall
attach to Stockholders Subject Shares and shall be binding
upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership
of such Subject Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law
or otherwise, including Stockholders successors and
permitted assigns.
13. Counterparts. This Agreement may
be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be
executed and delivered by facsimile and upon such delivery the
facsimile signature will be deemed to have the same effect as if
the original signature had been delivered to the other party.
C-5
14. Severability. If any provision of
this Agreement, or the application thereof, will for any reason
and to any extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of
this Agreement and application of such provision to other
persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably to
effect the intent of the parties hereto. The parties further
agree to replace such void or unenforceable provision of this
Agreement with a valid and enforceable provision that will
achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business and
other purposes of the void or unenforceable provision.
15. Amendment. Any term or provision
of this Agreement may be amended, and the observance of any term
of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a
particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively)
only by a writing signed by the party to be bound thereby;
provided that, no amendment or waiver by the Company shall be
effective unless first approved in writing by the Special
Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. The waiver
by a party of any breach hereof or default in the performance
hereof will not be deemed to constitute a waiver of any other
default or any succeeding breach or default. The Agreement may
be amended by the parties hereto at any time before or after
approval of the Target Stockholders, but, after such approval,
no amendment will be made which by applicable law requires the
further approval of the Target Stockholders without obtaining
such further approval.
16. No Waiver. The failure of any
party to enforce any of the provisions hereof will not be
construed to be a waiver of the right of such party thereafter
to enforce such provisions.
17. Construction of Agreement. This
Agreement has been negotiated by the respective parties hereto
and their attorneys and the language hereof will not be
construed for or against either party solely by reason that such
party is the claimed drafter thereof. A reference to a Section
or an exhibit will mean a Section in, or exhibit to, this
Agreement unless otherwise explicitly set forth. The titles and
headings herein are for reference purposes only and will not in
any manner limit the construction of this Agreement that will be
considered as a whole. The term includes or
including are not limiting. Capitalized terms used
in this Agreement without definition shall have the meanings
assigned to them in the Merger Agreement.
18. Entire Agreement. This Agreement
constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the
parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements or
understandings, inducements or conditions, express or implied,
written or oral, between the parties with respect hereto. The
express terms hereof control and supersede any course of
performance or usage of the trade inconsistent with any of the
terms hereof.
C-6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Voting Agreement has been duly executed
and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Stockholder
and a duly authorized officer of the Company on the day and year
first written above.
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VIALTA, INC. |
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/s/ Didier Pietri |
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Name: Didier Pietri |
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Its: Chief Executive Officer |
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VICTORY ACQUISITION CORP. |
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/s/ Fred Shiu Leung Chan |
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Name: Fred Shiu Leung Chan |
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Its: President |
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C-7
SCHEDULE I TO
VOTING AGREEMENT
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Name of Stockholder |
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Number of Shares | |
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Number of Options | |
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Victory Acquisition Corp.
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32,039,840 |
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0 |
(1) |
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(1) |
Fred S. L. Chan holds options to acquire 1,000,000 shares
of Company Common Stock. If Mr. Chan elects to exercise
such options, he is obligated to contribute any shares acquired
upon such exercise to the Stockholder pursuant to that certain
Stock Contribution Agreement of even date herewith. |
C-8
Annex D
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
This Additional Contribution Agreement (this
Agreement) is made and entered into as
of March 28, 2005 by and among Victory Acquisition
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
Company), and Fred S. L. Chan
(Investor).
A. The Company has been formed solely to facilitate
and effect a statutory merger (the
Merger) with Vialta, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (Vialta), under which
Vialta will be the surviving corporation, pursuant to the terms
and conditions of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of March 28, 2005 (Merger
Agreement). The existence of the Company is
transitory and will be discontinued upon the consummation of the
Merger. The Company will conduct no business prior to the Merger.
B. The Investor and certain of his affiliates
(collectively, Investors) are holders
of the certain shares of stock of Vialta (the Vialta
Shares). Pursuant to that certain Stock
Contribution Agreement, dated as of even date herewith
(Contribution Agreement), the
Investors intend to contribute their Vialta Shares to the
Company in exchange for shares of the Companys Common
Stock (the Company Shares), after
which the Investors will hold all of the outstanding shares of
the Companys stock.
C. The contribution of stock under the Contribution
Agreement and the Merger are part of an integrated plan for
Vialta to redeem the Vialta stock (other than the Vialta
Shares), and are intended to be treated for tax purposes as a
redemption of the shares of Vialta stock outstanding immediately
prior to the effective time of the Merger (other than the Vialta
Shares), pursuant to Section 302 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the Code).
D. Section 6.2 of the Merger Agreement provides
that if after Vialta shall have deposited in the Exchange Fund
(as defined in the Merger Agreement) all cash and cash
equivalents available to Vialta immediately prior to the Closing
and the Exchange Fund still does not have sufficient cash to pay
the entire Merger Consideration (as defined in the Merger
Agreement), then the Company shall, within two (2) business
days, deposit into the Exchange Fund an amount of cash equal to
the shortfall of such Merger Consideration
(Shortfall), not to exceed Four
Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00).
E. The Company has no cash assets, and the Vialta
Shares to be held by the Company following the consummation of
the transactions set forth in the Contribution Agreement may not
be liquidated; accordingly, the Company would require outside
funding in order to meet its obligations under Section 6.2
of the Merger Agreement.
F. Investor has agreed to advance to the Company the
Shortfall, if needed, on the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
D-1
NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:
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1. LOAN. As part of an integrated plan
with the Merger, Investor hereby agrees that in the event of a
Shortfall, as determined by the Company, the Company shall make
a written demand (Demand) on Investor
requiring Investor to deliver to the Company (or to the Exchange
Fund on behalf of the Company) the amount of the Shortfall, in
cash in immediately available funds, up to a maximum of
$4 million (Loan Amount).
Investor hereby agrees to advance the Loan Amount to the
Company or to the Exchange Fund on behalf of the Company, as
requested by the Company pursuant to a Demand, as of the
Effective Time. The advance of the Loan Amount will be
considered a loan to the Company and the Companys
obligation to repay the Loan Amount will be evidenced by a
promissory note in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto
(Note). |
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2. GENERAL PROVISIONS. |
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2.1 Successors and Assigns. Except as
otherwise provided in this Agreement, this Agreement, and the
rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, will be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of their respective successors,
assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal
representatives. |
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2.2 Governing Law. This Agreement and
the Note will be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to
that body of laws pertaining to conflict of laws. |
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2.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may
be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so
executed and delivered will be deemed an original, and all of
which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. This
Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile and upon
such delivery the facsimile signature will be deemed to have the
same effect as if the original signature had been delivered to
the other party. |
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2.4 Notices. Any and all notices
required or permitted to be given to a party pursuant to the
provisions of this Agreement will be in writing. |
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2.5 Amendments and Waivers. Any term
of this Agreement or the Note may be amended and the observance
of any term of this Agreement or the Note may be waived (either
generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively
or prospectively), only with the written consent of the Company
and the Investor. No delay or failure to require performance of
any provision of this Agreement or the Note shall constitute a
waiver of that provision as to that or any other instance. No
waiver granted under this Agreement or the Note as to any one
provision herein or therein shall constitute a subsequent waiver
of such provision or of any other provision herein or therein,
nor shall it constitute the waiver of any performance other than
the actual performance specifically waived. Vialta shall be a
third party beneficiary hereof with respect to the deposit into
the Exchange Fund of the shortfall. |
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2.6 Severability. If any provision of
this Agreement or the Note is determined by any court or
arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, such provision will be enforced to
the maximum extent possible given the intent of the parties
hereto. |
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2.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement,
together with the Note, constitutes the entire agreement and
understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter
of this Agreement, and supersedes any and all prior
understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between
or among the parties hereto with respect to the specific subject
matter hereof. |
D-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this
Additional Contribution Agreement as of the date first written
above.
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VICTORY ACQUISITION CORPORATION: |
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By: |
/s/ Fred Shiu Leung Chan |
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Name: |
Fred Shiu Leung Chan |
INVESTOR:
FRED S.L. CHAN
/s/ Fred S.L. Chan
PROMISSORY NOTE
OF
VICTORY ACQUISITION CORPORATION
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$ |
Made as of , 2005 Maturity Date: [24 months following the date hereof] |
For value received, Victory Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (the Company), hereby
promises to pay to Fred S. L. Chan
(Holder), or his registered assigns,
the principal sum of
$
(the Principal Amount), or such lesser
amount as shall then equal the outstanding principal amount
hereunder, together with simple interest on the unpaid principal
balance at a rate equal to 6% per annum, computed on the
basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a year of
365 days from the date of this Note, until the principal
amount and all interest accrued thereon and other amounts owed
hereunder are paid. Anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, if during any period for which interest is
computed hereunder, the amount of interest computed on the basis
provided for in this Note, together with all fees, charges and
other payments which are treated as interest under applicable
law, as provided for herein or in any other document executed in
connection herewith, would exceed the amount of such interest
computed on the basis of the Highest Lawful Rate, the Company
shall not be obligated to pay, and the Holder shall not be
entitled to charge, collect, receive, reserve or take, interest
in excess of the Highest Lawful Rate, and during any such period
the interest payable hereunder shall be computed on the basis of
the Highest Lawful Rate. As used herein, Highest
Lawful Rate means the maximum non-usurious rate of
interest, as in effect from time to time, which may be charged,
contracted for, reserved, received or collected by the Holder in
connection with this Note under applicable law. The unpaid
Principal Amount, together with any then unpaid accrued interest
and all other amounts owed hereunder, shall be due and payable
on the date 24 months following the date hereof (the
Maturity Date) or earlier when such
amounts are made automatically due and payable upon or after the
occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined below), at the
principal offices of the Company or by mail to the address of
the registered holder of this Note in lawful money of the United
States. Any payment
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made by the Company under this Note will be applied first to
interest accrued and second to outstanding principal. This Note
may be prepaid at any time without penalty.
This Note is issued pursuant to that certain Additional
Contribution Agreement dated as of March [28], 2005, by and
among the Company and the original holder of this Note, and is
subject to the provisions thereof, and incorporates the
provisions thereof by reference.
An Event of Default will occur if any of the
following happens and such default is not cured within a five
(5) day period after the Holder has given the Company
written notice of such default:
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the Company fails to make any payment when due hereunder; |
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the Company breaches any material obligation to the Holder under
this Note or the Additional Contribution Agreement, or the
Company fails to perform promptly at the time and strictly in
the manner provided in this Note; or |
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a receiver is appointed for any material part of the
Companys property, the Company makes an assignment for the
benefit of creditors, or the Company becomes a debtor or alleged
debtor in a case under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or becomes
the subject of any other bankruptcy or similar proceeding for
the general adjustment of its debts. |
Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, all accrued but
unpaid expenses, accrued but unpaid interest, all principal and
any other amounts outstanding under this Note shall become
immediately due and payable in full without further notice or
demand.
The Company and all endorsers of this Note hereby waive notice,
presentment, protest and notice of dishonor.
In the event any party is required to engage the services of any
attorneys for the purpose of enforcing this Note, or any
provision thereof, the prevailing party shall be entitled to
recover its reasonable expenses and costs in enforcing this
Note, including attorneys fees.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to
be signed in its name as of the date first above written.
VICTORY ACQUISITION CORPORATION:
INVESTOR:
FRED S.L. CHAN
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Annex E
PLEDGE AGREEMENT
THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this Agreement) dated
as of March 28, 2005, is made by Victory Acquisition Corp.
(the Pledgor) in favor of Vialta, Inc.
(Target). Capitalized terms used herein which
are not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the
Merger Agreement referred to below.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization dated as of March 28, 2005 between the
Pledgor and Target (the Merger Agreement)
Pledgor shall merge with and into Target (the
Merger);
WHEREAS, the Pledgor owns the capital stock of Target described
on Exhibit A (the Securities)
certain of which are held in or will be transferred to certain
securities accounts described on Exhibit A attached hereto
(together with any successor or replacement account and all
subaccounts therein, the Accounts);
WHEREAS, Target has required as a condition, among other things,
to entering into the Merger Agreement, and in order to secure
the prompt and complete payment by Pledgor of its obligations to
pay any Shortfall in the Merger Consideration to the Exchange
Agent as, when and to the extent provided in Section 6.2(a)
of the Merger Agreement (collectively, the Payment
Obligation) that the Pledgor execute and deliver this
Agreement to Target. As used in this Agreement, the term
Payment Default shall mean the failure of Pledgor to
pay when and as due such Payment Obligation as required under
the Merger Agreement;
WHEREAS, Target has also required that as a condition of the
Merger, Pledgor enter into that certain Voting Agreement of even
date herewith regarding the voting of Targets securities
held by Pledgor in connection with the Merger (the
Voting Agreement).
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing and
for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
1. Grant of Security Interest. The Pledgor
hereby grants to Target, for the benefit of Target, as security
for the prompt and complete satisfaction of the Payment
Obligation, a security interest in all of the Pledgors now
owned or hereafter acquired right, title and interest in the
Securities and all replacements, renewals, substitutions and
proceeds thereof, and the Accounts (together with all of the
Securities collectively referred to as the Pledged
Interests), all rights, privileges, authority and
powers as owner or holder of the Securities, including all
contract rights related thereto, all documents, instruments or
certificates representing or evidencing the Securities, and all
dividends, distributions, cash, instruments and other property
from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed
in respect of, or in exchange for, the Securities, and any and
all proceeds of any of the foregoing (collectively, the
Pledged Collateral).
2. Perfection of Security Interest. The
Pledgor agrees (i) to deliver, or cause to be delivered, to
Target or Targets nominee, all certificates evidencing any
of the Pledged Collateral together with appropriate transfer
powers executed in blank, (ii) Target is authorized to
record such financing statements as Target may deem necessary or
desirable to perfect the security interests granted herein,
(iii) to cause any securities intermediary with custody of
any Pledged Collateral to deliver an agreement in form and
substance satisfactory to Target, providing Target with
control (as defined in Section&n